07.11.2024 Daily [Andhra Pradesh] APPSC Current Affairs

The Andhra Pradesh government is set to conduct a trial run of a 10-seater seaplane between Vijayawada and Srisailam on November 9th, 2024. The seaplane will land at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada, with the AP Airports Development Corporation (APADC) preparing floating platforms, seating arrangements, and other amenities for the landing and takeoff. The government is planning a grand event to welcome the seaplane, with the Vijayawada Municipal Commissioner focusing on logistical arrangements including seating, entry protocols, and public viewing via live streaming at key locations across the city. This trial run aims to explore the feasibility of seaplane operations between the two temple towns, potentially offering a unique and efficient mode of transportation for pilgrims and tourists.

The Central Government has finalized the bid for the Kondamodu-Perecherla National Highway (NH-167 AG) project, paving the way for enhanced infrastructure in Palnadu. Here are the key developments:

• Project Awarded: RRSM Infra Private Limited, Jaipur, has been awarded the contract to construct the four-lane national highway.

• Funding Secured: The project recently received funding from the Central Government.

• Bid Approved: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways approved the bid amounting to ₹506.88 crore.

• Construction to Commence: With the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) issued, the construction company can now begin building the highway.

• Boost to Connectivity and Development: The project is expected to significantly improve connectivity and promote development in the region.

• ** Gratitude to Union Minister:** MP Sri Krishna Devarayalu expressed his thanks to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for the government’s swift action in approving the project.

This crucial infrastructure project marks a significant step forward for Palnadu, promising enhanced transportation and economic opportunities for the region.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu led a high-level review of the Andhra Pradesh Drone Policy 2024-2029, aiming to establish the state as a national leader in the drone industry. Here are the key takeaways:

• Ambitious Goals: The policy seeks to make Andhra Pradesh a central hub for drone industries, attracting investments, boosting manufacturing, and generating employment.

• Kurnool as a Manufacturing Hub: Orvakal in Kurnool district has been identified as a prime location for setting up drone manufacturing units, fostering a conducive environment for production and services.

• Integration into Government Operations: Mr. Naidu stressed the need for integrating drone technology across government departments to enhance efficiency in surveying, monitoring, and inspections.

• Focus on R&D: The policy will support research and development initiatives in the drone sector, promoting innovation and technological advancement within the state.

• Amaravati as the “Drone Capital”: The vision is to position Amaravati as the “Drone Capital of India,” making it a central player in the national drone ecosystem.

• Incentivizing Investments: The policy will encourage companies to invest in the state’s drone sector by providing incentives and building supportive infrastructure.

This proactive approach by the Andhra Pradesh government signals its commitment to leveraging drone technology for economic growth and good governance, aligning with the national trend of digital transformation.

Sagar Defence Engineering’s autonomous surface vessel, “Sagarmala Parikrama,” has successfully completed a 1,500-km journey from Mumbai to Thoothukudi without human intervention, marking a significant milestone in India’s autonomous maritime technology development. Supported by the Indian Navy, the voyage showcases India’s growing expertise in unmanned systems for national security. The project, backed by the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC), and the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, highlights the country’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology. The success of the “Sagarmala Parikrama” paves the way for future deployment of autonomous vessels in critical sea lanes, coastal surveillance, and anti-piracy operations, enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational reach and capabilities.

The Indian government’s alleged notice to the Wikimedia Foundation regarding “bias and inaccuracies” on Wikipedia has sparked controversy. While the government claims to have sent a notice, the foundation denies receiving it. The controversy stems from a lawsuit filed by Asian News International (ANI), which alleges a biased description of the agency on Wikipedia. The government’s complaint focuses on Wikipedia’s decentralized editorial process, where unpaid volunteers contribute and control content. This raises concerns about the government’s attempt to regulate a platform that operates on a community-driven model, potentially jeopardizing its independence and neutrality. Digital rights groups argue that the government should recognize Wikipedia’s unique structure and avoid imposing arbitrary rules on a platform that relies on user contributions and editorial autonomy.

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the first Asian Buddhist Summit in New Delhi, emphasizing the role of Buddhism in fostering peace and countering sectarianism. Here are the main points from her address:

• Buddhism as an Antidote to Global Crises: In a world grappling with conflict and climate change, President Murmu highlighted the power of Buddhist teachings to combat narrow sectarianism and promote peace and non-violence.

• Compassion as a Guiding Principle: The President stressed that “karuna” or compassion lies at the heart of Buddha Dharma, offering a much-needed solution to the world’s current challenges.

• Promoting Peace Beyond Physical Non-Violence: Ms. Murmu called for a broader understanding of peace, encompassing not just the absence of physical violence but also freedom from greed and hatred, which she identified as the root causes of suffering.

• Preservation of Buddhist Teachings: The President lauded the Indian government’s efforts in preserving Buddhist teachings by granting classical language status to Pali and Prakrit, ensuring financial support for their revitalization.

• Strengthening Asian Bonds Through Buddhism: Ms. Murmu emphasized the importance of discussing the role of Buddha Dharma in strengthening Asia and bringing peace to the region and the world.

This summit aims to foster dialogue and collaboration amongst Buddhist nations, highlighting the enduring relevance of Buddhist principles in addressing contemporary global issues.

1. India-U.S. Relationship Set to Grow: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed confidence that India-U.S. relations, including collaboration within the Quad, will continue to strengthen regardless of the U.S. election outcome.
2. Support for Quad Stability: Highlighting the Quad’s strategic value, Jaishankar noted its revival under Trump’s previous term, underscoring its importance for India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan in maintaining regional security and cooperation.
3. India-Canada Diplomatic Strain: Jaishankar criticized recent violence by pro-Khalistan activists at an Indian consular camp in Canada, calling it “deeply concerning” and condemning the lack of adequate security.
4. Tensions Over Alleged Espionage: Canada’s allegations regarding India’s involvement in targeting Khalistani activists prompted strong rebuttals from Jaishankar, who dismissed the claims as baseless and called Canada’s surveillance of Indian diplomats “unacceptable.”
5. Violence at Indian Temples in Australia: Both Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong addressed attacks on Indian temples in Canberra, with Wong condemning the incidents as a violation of faith community safety.
6. Commitment to Rule of Law: Australia affirmed its support for the rule of law, stressing peaceful protest rights and condemning violence, vandalism, and incitement as unacceptable actions that should be met with legal consequences.

This diplomatic dialogue underscores India’s determination to bolster its strategic alliances, even as it navigates complex issues of international security and sovereignty with Canada and Australia.

• Declaration of Victory Amid Pending Results: Donald Trump claimed victory in the U.S. presidential race despite only Fox News officially calling the race in his favor. Trump pledged to “heal” the nation in his speech, resonating with cheering supporters in Florida.
• High Voter Turnout and Crucial Wins: Trump secured key swing states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina, putting him ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris, though final calls from major networks were still pending.
• Impact on U.S. and Global Politics: Trump’s potential return is expected to send shockwaves globally, particularly with his nationalist policies, affecting allies in Europe and Asia. Markets responded with a surge in the U.S. dollar and record highs for bitcoin.
• Republicans Regain Senate Control: In a significant shift, Republicans regained control of the Senate, flipping two seats and undermining the Democrats’ former narrow majority.
• Emotional Shift at Harris’s Campaign: The mood turned somber at Kamala Harris’s watch party as results rolled in, with supporters expressing disappointment and fear over the implications of a Trump comeback.
• Election Day Tensions: The election was marked by high tension, with bomb threats reported at polling stations in Georgia and Pennsylvania, though these threats were later deemed hoaxes by the FBI.
• Stark Policy Contrasts: Harris campaigned on protecting democratic values and opposing Trump’s immigration and abortion policies, while Trump promised stricter immigration enforcement and potential cuts to aid for Ukraine, framing his win as a mandate for change.

1. Firm Response to Misinformation: Indian MP Rajiv Shukla firmly responded to Pakistan’s continued allegations on Kashmir, calling Pakistan’s claims “lies and falsehoods” and noting their tendency to spread misinformation.
2. Defense of India’s Democratic Integrity: Shukla emphasized that as the world’s largest democracy, India operates with transparency and inclusivity. He highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir recently held free and fair elections, witnessing high voter turnouts.
3. Strong Voter Participation: The Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, held across three phases in September and October 2024, saw impressive voter turnouts of 61.38%, 57.31%, and 69.9%, reflecting public trust in India’s democratic processes.
4. Call for Constructive Engagement: Shukla urged Pakistan to engage constructively at the UN rather than using the forum for divisive agendas, promoting peace instead of conflict.
5. Support for UN Communications: Shukla reassured India’s support for the UN’s Department of Global Communications, advocating for accurate information dissemination and a shared fight against misinformation.
6. Commitment to Global Peace: India pledged to work alongside the UN to combat misinformation, fostering a reliable global narrative for peace and development.

Through his speech, Shukla reaffirmed India’s stance on Kashmir, showcasing the nation’s commitment to democracy and countering false narratives at an international level.

1. Guiding Principles of Justice: President Droupadi Murmu emphasized that the judiciary should be guided by principles of equal justice and the need to discard outdated colonial practices.
2. Supreme Court’s Role: While releasing three publications of the Supreme Court, including Justice for Nation: Reflections on 75 Years of the Supreme Court of India, Ms. Murmu highlighted the court’s critical role as the “conscience-keeper” of Independent India.
3. Indian Ethos in Jurisprudence: The President praised the Supreme Court’s development of jurisprudence rooted in India’s cultural and social realities, reflecting the nation’s ethos.
4. Historical Injustices and Social Revolution: Recalling historical injustices like the Ilbert Bill controversy and the Rowlatt Act, Ms. Murmu mentioned how these experiences influenced the Constituent Assembly’s vision of an equitable judicial system.
5. Focus on Legal Aid and Undertrial Prisoners: She addressed the judiciary’s responsibility towards undertrial prisoners and the importance of legal aid clinics, noting the newly released report on the prison system and its focus on reducing undertrial numbers.
6. Legacy of 75 Years: The publication Justice for the Nation captures pivotal moments in the Supreme Court’s 75-year journey, celebrating its transformative role in upholding justice and equality.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, reflecting the judiciary’s commitment to these ideals.