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Daily News Analysis- 17/10/2023

PM Modi launches maritime projects worth Rs 23,000 crore; Unveils long-term vision document for blue economy 

News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated a series of maritime projects worth a staggering Rs 23,000 crore (approximately $3.1 billion), demonstrating India’s commitment to harnessing its vast coastline and maritime resources.

• These initiatives span diverse areas, including port infrastructure development, connectivity enhancement, and sustainable resource utilization.
• One of the notable highlights of the event was the unveiling of a long-term vision document for the blue economy, emphasizing the sustainable and responsible utilization of ocean resources.
• This document outlines a strategic roadmap to harness the potential of India’s extensive coastline, boost trade, create job opportunities, and promote environmental conservation.
• The maritime projects are poised to transform India’s coastal regions by improving infrastructure, connectivity, and enhancing the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the sea.
• Additionally, the focus on the blue economy aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable development, making India a prominent player in responsible maritime growth and contributing to both economic prosperity and environmental preservation.

India-UK 2 plus 2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue held in New Delhi

News: Monday’s India-UK 2 plus 2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue took place in New Delhi. The two parties deliberated on ways to enhance cooperation, specifically in the domains of commerce and investment, defense, vital and developing technologies, civil aviation, health, energy, culture, and fostering interpersonal relationships.

• The External Affairs Ministry reports that both nations have expressed satisfaction with the frequent high-level political exchanges and encounters that have given the multifarious ties between India and the UK direction and impetus.
• They conveyed their satisfaction with the advancements achieved in a number of sectors related to the India-UK Roadmap 2030, such as people-to-people connections, economic and defense cooperation, political exchanges, and regional and multilateral cooperation.
• Their common vision for peace, stability, and prosperity, as well as for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, led them to share assessments of recent world developments, including those in the Indo-Pacific region. They also talked about how cooperation may be improved in marine security and counterterrorism.

President Murmu to confer 69th National Film Awards on Tuesday

News: Tuesday in New Delhi will see the 69th National Film Awards presented by President Droupadi Murmu.

• ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ star Allu Arjun has received the Best Actor Award. Kriti Sanon and Alia Bhatt will split the Best Actress prize for their roles in “Mimi” and “Gangubai Kathiawadi.” 
• “Rocketry: The Nambi Effect” has been selected as the Best Feature Film of 2021.

About National Film Awards

• The 69th National Film Awards ceremony was an event during which the National Film Development Corporation of India presented its annual National Film Awards to honour the best films of 2021 in Indian cinema.

Daniel Noboa to become Ecuador’s youngest-ever President 

News: After winning the runoff elections, Daniel Noboa will become the youngest president of Ecuador in history. Against Luisa Gonzalez, who garnered 47.71% of the total votes, Noboa received 52.29%.

Geography of Ecuador

• Ecuador, located in South America, straddles the equator, which gives it its name. The country’s geography is incredibly diverse, with the Amazon Rainforest covering the eastern lowlands, the Andes Mountains running through the center, and the Pacific coastline to the west.
• These three regions create distinct ecosystems and climates. The Andes offer stunning mountain landscapes, including volcanoes and high plateaus.
• The Amazon rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with unique flora and fauna. The coastal region enjoys a tropical climate with beautiful beaches.
• This geographical diversity makes Ecuador a remarkable country, offering everything from snow-capped peaks to dense rainforests and sandy shores, all within its relatively small territory.

Arindam Bagchi India’s permanent ambassador to UN 

News: Arindam Bagchi is India’s Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, a significant diplomatic role representing India at the global stage. He plays a crucial role in articulating and advancing India’s interests, positions, and concerns within the United Nations and its various bodies.

United Nations

• The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 with the primary mission of promoting international peace and cooperation. It is composed of 193 member states and serves as a forum for countries to address global issues collectively.
• The UN works on numerous fronts, including peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, human rights, and sustainable development. It hosts various specialized agencies, such as UNICEF, WHO, and UNESCO, to address specific global challenges.
• Additionally, the General Assembly and the Security Council are key bodies where member states discuss and make decisions on crucial international matters.
• The UN plays a pivotal role in shaping global governance, conflict resolution, and human development efforts worldwide.