Current Affairs - National

The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ was launched from Mumbai on October 1, 2024, by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. This initiative aims to transform India into a global cruise tourism hub, with a target of doubling cruise passenger traffic by 2029. The mission emphasizes three key segments: ocean and harbour, river, inland, and island cruises. It will be implemented in three phases, focusing initially on studies, master planning, and modernization of existing cruise facilities. This mission is expected to significantly enhance the cruise sector in India and attract more international tourists.

Hygenco Green Energies has made a significant move in India's renewable energy sector by launching a massive 1.1 GW procurement tender for its Green Ammonia project. This tender invites bids for 625 MW from solar PV projects and 500 MW from wind power, showcasing Hygenco's commitment to sustainability. Notably, Hygenco has already commissioned India's first Green Hydrogen project in Hisar, demonstrating its pioneering efforts in the field ¹ ² ³ ⁴. This initiative will contribute to India's transition toward a low-carbon economy and support the National Green Hydrogen Mission's goal of making India a Green Hydrogen Hub by 2030.

India's rank in the International IP Index 2024 is 42nd, remaining unchanged since 2022. The index evaluates the intellectual property (IP) environment across various economies, providing a roadmap for nations to improve their innovation and creativity ecosystems. India's position at 42nd reflects its standing in the global intellectual property landscape, signalling the importance of fostering better IP practices to boost competitiveness and economic growth.

India has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the world's third-largest ethanol producer and consumer, as announced by Food Minister Pralhad Joshi at the India Sugar and Bio-Energy conference. This accomplishment is attributed to the government's policy changes and initiatives. The country has witnessed a 40% increase in sugarcane production over the past decade, contributing to this achievement. Additionally, the launch of National Green Hydrogen with an outlay of ₹19,744 crores aims to establish India as a global hub, further boosting its ethanol production and consumption capabilities.

India signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement at the UN General Assembly. The agreement, which took 20 years to negotiate, focuses on protecting marine biodiversity beyond national territorial waters, referred to as the high seas. It aims to regulate activities such as destructive fishing and pollution while ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of marine resources.