05-04-23 Daily-Kerala-KPSC Current Affairs

Even whenwaste managementin various places across the state is turning out to be a serious Health and environmental hazard, records show that there is no dearth of funds available for setting up effective Waste Management projects. Crores of rupees are left unused due to the government’s inability in implementing projects.

The AMRUT fund to the tune of Rs 600 crore to Rs 700 crore said to be unutilized for the current year stands as testimony to the low profile of functioning of the LSGIs as far as waste management is concerned,” said the minutes of the review meeting. As per records, there are 19 projects proposed under theAMRUT schemealone, of which 12 have not even started.

These projects are proposed to be undertaken by various agencies -KeralaWater Authority, AMRUT, IMPACT Kerala (special purpose vehicle for KIIFB projects in local self-government institutions) and Suchitwa Mission. These projects are worth Rs 633.65 crore, of which the implementing agencies have received Rs 198.23 crore. Of this, Rs 50.23 crore only has been utilized so far, data shows.

The Benarasi Paan, known for its distinct taste and unique blend of ingredients, has been awarded the GI tag along with three other Varanasi-based products: Banarasi Langda Mango, Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal), and Adamchini Rice. The expert Rajinikant, who is a Padma Awardee in GI, has confirmed the designation of these products

GI status helps in promoting and protecting the unique identity and quality of traditional products from a specific region, and can also help in boosting the local economy by increasing the demand for these products. Its good to see that the government and organizations like are working towards promoting and protecting traditional products from different parts of India.

Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a form of intellectual property protection that is used to recognize products originating from a particular geographical area, and which possess qualities or a reputation that are unique to that area.

TheMetropolitan Museumof Art inNew Yorkhas announced that it will return 15 antiquities to India, following the revelation that the artefacts were illegally taken from the country.

The works range in date from the 1st century BCE to the 11th century CE and include terracotta, copper, and stone. Among the artefacts are a ceramic pot from Chandraketugarh, a terracotta Yakshi holding a crowned child with visiting parrot from Chandraketugarh, Rattle in form of Crouching Yaksha from Chandraketugarh, and a stone bust of Kamadeva.

In India, the National Maritime Week begins on March 30 and culminates in the celebration of National Maritime Day on April 5. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the event, which aims to recognize Indias significant contribution to the maritime and its HISTORY as a seafaring nation.

National Maritime Day plays a crucial role in promoting awareness about Indias maritime heritage and current role in supporting the countrys economy. The day is an opportunity to express gratitude to the sailors who work tirelessly at sea, often spending months away from their families, to ensure the smooth functioning of the industry.

The 10th edition of IN-SLN bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-23 is scheduled at Colombo from 03 – 08 April 2023. The exercise is being conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase from 03-05 April 2023, followed by a Sea Phase from 06-08 April 2023. INDIAN NAVY is being represented by INS Kiltan, an indigenous Kamorta class ASW corvette and INS Savitri, an Offshore Patrol Vessel.

SLINEX aims at enhancing interoperability, improving mutual understanding and exchanging best practices while jointly undertaking multi-faceted maritime operations. Professional, cultural and sporting events, as also social exchanges are planned during the harbour phase to further bolster the of friendship and camaraderie between both the navies.

Israel successfully launched a new spy satellite, named Ofek-13, into orbit. The satellite, Ofek-13, launched from the Palmachim Airbase in central Israel, is intended to provide advanced intelligence capabilities to the Israeli military and intelligence agencies

The Ofek-13 satellite is the latest addition to Israels Ofek series of spy satellites, which have been in operation since 1988. The satellite is said to have advanced capabilities, including high-resolution imaging and the ability to transmit real-time intelligence to ground stations