India becomes Chair of International Sugar Organisation (ISO) for 2024 (GS Paper 3, Economy)
Why in news?
- In its 63rd council meeting, International Sugar Organisation (ISO), headquartered in London, has announced India to be the Chair of the organisation for 2024.
Details:
- India has been the largest consumer and second largest producer of sugar in the world.
- With about 15% share in global sugar consumption and about 20% production of sugar, Indian sugar trends affects the global markets profusely.
- This leading position makes India as the most suitable nation to lead International Sugar Organisation (ISO) which is the apex international body on sugar and relating products having about 90 countries as members.
Indian sugar industry:
- With Brazil in the Western Hemisphere, India is the market leader in Eastern Hemisphere for sugar market.
- Now, being the 3rd largest country in the world in ethanol production after USA and Brazil, India has shown commitment towards green energy and its capability to twist the challenges of surplus sugar in domestic market to solution of fossil fuels imports and a tool to meet COP 26 targets for India.
- It is remarkable that ethanol blending percentage in India has increased from 5% in 2019-20 to 12% in 2022-23 while the production has increased from 173 crore litres to more than 500 crore litres during the same period.
- National Sugar Institute, Kanpur has spread its wings and is collaborating with many countries including Indonesia, Nigeria, Egypt, Fiji etc. for sharing the latest technologies in the sector and best practices.
Surya Kiran XVII
(GS Paper 3, Defence)
Why in news?
- The 17th edition of Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran will be conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from 24th November to 07th December 2023.
Details:
- It is an annual event and conducted alternatively in the two countries.
- The Indian Army contingent comprising of 354 personnel is being led by a Battalion from the KUMAON Regiment. The Nepal Army contingent is represented by Tara Dal Battalion.
Focus:
- Aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under United Nations Charter on peace keeping operations.
- The exercise will focus on employment of drones and counter drone measures, medical training, aviation aspects and also environment conservation.
- Through these activities, the troops will enhance their operational capabilities, refine their combat skills and strengthen their coordination in challenging situations.
Way Forward:
- The exercise will provide a platform for soldiers from India and Nepal to exchange ideas and experiences; share best practices and foster a deeper understanding of each other’s operational procedures.
- The exercise aims to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly neighbours.
Generic drugs for 4 rare diseases made available in India
(GS Paper 3, Science and Technology)
Why in news?
- Providing relief to patients with rare diseases across India, the Union Health Ministry has made available generic drugs to support the care and treatment of four ailments:
- Tyrosinemia-Type 1,
- Gauchers Disease,
- Wilson’s Disease, and
- the Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.
- This means that the cost of these drugs will be slashed by between 60 and 100 times of their current market value.
Rare disease:
- A rare disease is a health condition of particularly low prevalence that affects a small number of people.
- It collectively afflicts 6% to 8% of the population in any country at any given time, so India could have 8.4 crore to 10 crore such cases.
- Nearly 80% of these diseases are genetic in nature.
What’s next?
- The Ministry is in the process of making available drugs for more rare diseases, including Phenylketonuria and Hyperammonemia, over the next few months.
