UPSC EXAM QUIZ 04.12.2024

Explanation:

• Artisans from Kashmir and Central Asia reunited after nearly 500 years in Srinagar for a three-day craft exchange initiative, celebrating shared heritage and reviving cultural connections.The event celebrated Srinagar's recognition as a “World Craft City” by the World Crafts Council (WCC).

How did Central Asia Influence the Development of Crafts in Srinagar

• Historical Craft Connections: Zain-ul-Abidin, the 9th Sultan of Kashmir (15th century), introduced Central Asian craft techniques to Kashmir with the help of artisans from Samarkand, Bukhara, and Persia. Post his reign, these connections weakened and came to an end by 1947. Located on the historic Silk Route, Srinagar became a melting pot of cultural, economic, and artistic exchanges. This cross-cultural interaction played a vital role in the development of Kashmir’s distinctive crafts.

Explanation:

• India has been re-elected to the United Nations Peacekeeping Commission (PBC) for the year 2025-2026. India's current term in this commission was ending on 31 December. India has been a member of this commission for 19 consecutive years.

United Nations Peacekeeping Commission

• The United Nations Peacekeeping Commission (PBC) was established in 2005 by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. India has been a member of it since then.
• PBC is an advisory body, which works to try to establish peace in countries affected by war.
• History: The United Nations started peacekeeping in 1948, when military observers were sent to West Asia. The purpose of this mission was to monitor the ceasefire agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Explanation:

• Wadhawan Greenfield Port, under construction near Dahanu in Maharashtra, has the potential to double India's container trade from current levels. It is planned to be completed by 2034, and is projected to be among the top 10 ports in the world.

Wadhwa Greenfield Port

• Location and waterfront: Wadhawan Port is located along the Arabian Sea in Palghar district of Maharashtra.
• Project Operator: Wadhawan Port Project Limited (VPPL) and operated by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).
• Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti Program: The project is aligned with the objectives of strengthening the country's infrastructure under the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti Program.
• Greenfield Project: The port will be developed as a Greenfield project, incorporating modern technology and infrastructure from the very beginning.
• Public–private partnership (PPP): Public–private partnership will be used for the project's core infrastructure, terminals and commercial development, thereby promoting expertise and efficiency.

Explanation:

• India’s organic food product export reached $448 Mn.
• In the first eight months of this fiscal, India’s organic food product export reached $448 Mn.
• As of 25 November, 263,050 metric tonnes (MT) of organic food products have been exported from India.
• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) provides financial assistance to its member exporters for exporting organic food products.
• APEDA is implementing the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
• It involves the accreditation of certification bodies, the development of standards for organic production, and promotion of organic farming and marketing.
• Under this programme, India has 1,016 organic-certified processing units.
• APEDA has joined hands with LuLu Group International (LLC) to showcase Indian organic products in its stores across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• APEDA is also promoting Indian agro and processed food exports by organizing B2B exhibitions in various countries.

Explanation:

• An agreement signed between India and ISA for solar projects in four Indo-Pacific countries.
• The Ministry of External Affairs and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) signed a Project Implementation Agreement to execute new solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar and Seychelles.
• On September 21, the Wilmington Declaration issued at the Quad leaders' summit in Delaware, USA said that the Quad countries will work together through policy and public finance.
• This enables it to deliver on its commitment to catalyze complementary and high-standard private sector investment in collaborative and partner clean energy supply chains.
• For this purpose, India has committed to invest USD 2 million in new solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar and Seychelles.
• On November 26, a Project Implementation Agreement (PIA) was signed between the Ministry of External Affairs and ISA to implement the projects in these Indo-Pacific countries.
• As the project implementing agency, ISA will provide programmatic assistance to Comoros, Fiji, Madagascar and Seychelles with financial assistance from India.
• The successful implementation of these projects is expected to increase energy access, create employment and provide reliable and quality power supply in these Indo-Pacific countries.