ASEAN-India Fellowship for Higher Education in Agriculture and Allied Sciences

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The ASEAN-India Fellowship for Higher Education in Agriculture and Allied Sciences is an initiative launched to strengthen the partnership between India and ASEAN member countries. The program is designed to support postgraduate studies in agriculture and allied sciences, promoting mutual growth and collaboration in these fields.

Objectives

• Promote Higher Education: The fellowship aims to provide students from ASEAN countries with opportunities to pursue master's degrees in various emerging fields of agriculture and allied sciences at Indian agricultural universities.
• Capacity Building: The initiative focuses on building a pool of expert human resources in ASEAN, contributing to the development and growth of agriculture and allied sciences in the region.
• Fostering Collaboration: The program aims to strengthen the ties between India and ASEAN countries through educational and research collaborations, supporting India's 'Act East Policy' and the 'Indo-Pacific Vision.'

Program Structure

• Fellowships: Starting from the academic year 2024-25, a total of 50 fellowships (10 per year) will be awarded to students from ASEAN member countries. The fellowship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other incidental costs.
• Duration: The fellowship program is set to run for five years, funded under the ASEAN-India Fund.
• Research and Education: The program will expose students to cutting-edge research in Indian agricultural universities, preparing them for future innovations in agriculture and allied sciences.

Significance

• Strengthening ASEAN-India Relations: The fellowship program is a cornerstone in enhancing India-ASEAN relations, reflecting India's commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality.
• Addressing Food Security: By providing quality research-based education, the fellowship aims to address food security issues in ASEAN countries through collaborative efforts with India.
• Intercultural Exchange: The program fosters intercultural and international exchange of knowledge, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds to learn and innovate in the field of agriculture.

Implications for India

• Sustainable Development: The fellowship aligns with India's goals of sustainable development in the agricultural sector by ensuring the quality of agricultural education and research.
• Strategic Partnership: The initiative supports India's strategic partnership with ASEAN, enhancing collaboration in key areas like agriculture, education, and research.
• Global Influence: By hosting international students and fostering research collaboration, India strengthens its global influence in agricultural education and innovation.

Honors and Awards Conferred by the Ministry of Defence on Independence Day 2024

Honorary Ranks Awarded

On the occasion of Independence Day 2024, the Ministry of Defence announced the conferment of various honorary ranks. These ranks are awarded as a mark of recognition for exceptional service, both to serving personnel and those who have retired. The honorary ranks conferred include:

• Honorary Captain and Honorary Lieutenant:
  • Active List: A total of 450 honorary ranks were awarded.
  • Post-Retirement: A total of 1,352 honorary ranks were awarded after retirement.
  • Honorary Naib Subedar Ranks: 3,819 honorary ranks were conferred post-retirement.

Gallantry Awards

The President of India conferred several gallantry awards to Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel for their exceptional courage, leadership, and professionalism in handling life-threatening situations during various operations. These awards included the prestigious Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) and the Shaurya Chakra. Below are some notable recipients:

• Wing Commander Akshay Arun Mahale was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his exemplary courage and presence of mind during a critical in-flight emergency on September 26, 2023, where he successfully averted a catastrophic situation by skillfully maneuvering the aircraft away from populated areas and safely recovering it.
• Junior Warrant Officer Vikas Raghav was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his bravery during a humanitarian operation on August 15, 2023, in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. He led the rescue of 494 individuals during severe floods, demonstrating exceptional courage and professionalism.
• Sergeant Ashwani Kumar received the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his courageous actions during a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation on August 15, 2023. He played a crucial role in saving 510 lives, displaying remarkable bravery in adverse situations.
• Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his exceptional gallantry during a night sortie on August 25, 2023. He successfully force-landed a gravely stricken aircraft, showcasing extraordinary piloting skills and composure under life-threatening conditions.
• Squadron Leader Mahipal Singh Rathore received the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his bravery during a critical takeoff situation on January 4, 2024. His prompt and decisive actions averted a potential disaster, ensuring the safe recovery of the aircraft.
• Wing Commander Anand Vinayak Agashe was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his leadership during flood relief operations in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, on August 15, 2023. He coordinated the rescue of over 1,000 individuals, demonstrating meticulous planning and exceptional flying skills.
• Wing Commander Jaspreet Singh Sandhu received the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his actions during an aircraft emergency on January 25, 2024. His quick thinking and expertise ensured the safe recovery of the aircraft from an unprecedented control failure situation.
• Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his gallantry during a sortie on July 24, 2023. Despite a critical dual engine failure, he managed to safely recover the aircraft, preventing a potential disaster in a densely populated area.

These awards recognize the bravery and dedication of the Indian Air Force personnel in protecting national assets, saving lives, and executing their duties with the highest level of professionalism and courage.

Addition of Three New Ramsar Sites on Independence Day 2024

On the eve of Independence Day 2024, India has added three new wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites, bringing the total number of Ramsar sites in the country to 85. These new additions are part of India’s ongoing efforts to conserve and manage its wetlands, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting ecological balance.

New Ramsar Sites

The three newly designated Ramsar sites include:

1. Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): A large shallow wetland situated in the Tiruppur District, this sanctuary spans an area of 125.865 hectares. It is home to a diverse range of species, including 191 bird species, and plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge and agricultural water supply in the region.
2. Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): Covering 5,151.6 hectares, this brackish shallow lake is located on the Coromandel Coast. It serves as an important stopover site for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway and supports a rich biodiversity, including degraded mangrove patches and reed beds.
3. Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh): Spanning 20,050 hectares, this reservoir is situated near Itarsi town and is part of the Satpura Tiger Reserve. It supports a wide range of aquatic flora and fauna and serves as a critical habitat for both local and migratory birds.

Significance of the Addition

• Growth in Ramsar Sites: With the addition of these three sites, India’s total Ramsar site area now stands at 1,358,068 hectares. This expansion reflects the government’s commitment to wetland conservation and its role in global environmental efforts.
• Policy Push for Conservation: The increase in Ramsar sites is a testament to the significant policy push from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change for the conservation and management of wetlands in India. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of creating harmony with nature and promoting a "Green Bharat."

Historical Context and Progress

India has been a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since February 1, 1982. Between 1982 and 2013, the country designated 26 Ramsar sites. However, from 2014 to 2024, 59 new wetlands have been added, indicating a strong focus on environmental conservation over the past decade.

Leading States in Ramsar Sites

Tamil Nadu leads the country with the highest number of Ramsar sites (18), followed by Uttar Pradesh, which has 10 Ramsar sites.