CONTENTS
- Green National Highway Corridors Project
- Maritime Partnership Exercise
- Price Monitoring System App
Green National Highway Corridors Project
Context:
The Government of India and the World Bank have recently finalized an agreement to launch the Green National Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP). This initiative, supported by a USD 500 million loan, aims to develop eco-friendly highway corridors in Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Relevance:
GS III: Infrastructure
Green National Highway Corridors Project Overview
- Project Goals and Eco-Friendly Initiatives:
- Aimed at demonstrating how highways can be both safe and eco-friendly by incorporating green technologies and focusing on climate resilience.
- Utilizes sustainable resources like cement-treated sub-base and reclaimed asphalt pavement.
- Encourages the use of local or marginal materials such as lime, fly ash, and waste plastic.
- Bio-Engineering for Environmental Protection:
- Implements bio-engineering measures for slope protection, including hydroseeding, shotcrete crib walls with vegetation, bamboo plantations, and hedge brush layers.
- Project Timeline:
- Completion of the GNHCP project is scheduled for May 2026.
Key Components of the GNHCP
- Green Highway Corridor Improvement and Maintenance:
- Focuses on the sustainability and ecological upkeep of highway infrastructures.
- Institutional Capacity Enhancement:
- Aims to bolster the capabilities of institutions involved to effectively manage and maintain green highway projects.
- Road Safety:
- Ensures the safety of the highways while integrating environmental considerations.
Benefits of the GNHCP
- Environmental and Economic Advantages:
- Significantly reduces carbon emissions and aids in the conservation of natural resources.
- Ensures smooth and motorable roads offering all-weather connectivity.
- Promotes socio-economic development and boosts trade and connectivity within the region.
Maritime Partnership Exercise
Context:
Recently, a maritime partnership exercise(MPX) was conducted between India and Russia in St. Petersburg.
Relevance:
GS III: Security Challenges
Overview of the Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX)
- Event Context:
- The exercise took place between Russian and Indian naval forces, commemorating the 328th Russian Navy Day.
- It featured the participation of the INS Tabar from India and the Soobrazitelny from Russia.
- Purpose and Impact:
- The exercise marked a significant milestone in maritime cooperation between India and Russia, aiming to reinforce peace, stability, and security in the region.
- It included complex naval maneuvers such as communication drills, search and rescue tactics, and replenishment at sea, showcasing high levels of professionalism and interoperability.
- Commitment to Global Naval Partnerships:
- The Indian Navy is dedicated to building and maintaining relationships with global naval forces, emphasizing the significance of this exercise in strengthening bilateral naval ties and enhancing cooperation in the maritime domain.
Key Facts About INS Tabar
- Design and Capabilities:
- INS Tabar is a stealth frigate constructed for the Indian Navy in Russia, classified as the third vessel of the Talwar-class frigates.
- Commissioned on 19 April 2004 in Kaliningrad, Russia, it possesses advanced capabilities for handling air, surface, and sub-surface missions. It can operate independently or as part of a larger naval task force.
- Operational Assignment:
- This frigate is an integral part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, headquartered in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command, contributing strategically to India’s maritime defense.
Price Monitoring System App
Context:
Recently, the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy launched the Version 4.0 of Price Monitoring System (PMS) Mobile app.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Overview of the Price Monitoring System App
- The Price Monitoring Division (PMD) within the Department of Consumer Affairs oversees the monitoring of essential commodity prices.
- In 2021, the department introduced a mobile application, the PMS App, designed to enhance the accuracy of daily price data collected from price reporting centers.
- Retail and wholesale prices are sourced daily from approximately 550 centers via state civil supplies departments, utilizing the department-developed mobile app.
Commodities Monitored
- Current Commodity List:
- Initially, 22 essential commodities were monitored including Rice, Wheat, Atta, various Dals (Gram, Tur, Urad, Moong, Masur), Sugar, Gur, several oils (Groundnut, Mustard, Vanaspati, Sunflower, Soya, Palm), Tea, Milk, Potato, Onion, Tomato, and Salt.
- Recent Additions:
- An additional 16 items were recently included: Bajra, Jowar, Ragi, Suji, Maida, Besan, Ghee, Butter, Brinjal, Egg, Black Pepper, Coriander, Cumin seed, Red chillies, Turmeric powder, and Banana.
- Coverage Impact:
- These 38 commodities now represent approximately 31% of the total CPI weights, an increase from the 26.5% coverage by the original 22 commodities.
Significance of the Monitoring System
- The data collected through this system provides crucial insights for policy-making, particularly in informing the government, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and economic analysts about trends in Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, aiding in more informed decision-making to address economic and consumer issues.
