India’s First 3D-Printed Post Office Inaugurated
- India’s first 3D-printed post office was inaugurated in Bengaluru, Karnataka, using additive manufacturing technology.
- Constructed within 30 days at a cost of ₹23 lakh, it marks a significant step in modernizing infrastructure.
- 3D printing reduces construction waste and time, offering cost-effective solutions for public infrastructure.
- The project is aligned with India Post’s vision of integrating technology into postal services.
India Hosts ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise
- We are strengthening India’s maritime relations with ASEAN nations on anti-piracy efforts and ensuring regional stability.
- The exercise is conducted in the South China Sea, thus reaffirming India’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific framework and maritime security.
- Joint operations, capacity building, and best practice sharing in naval cooperation are its features.
- This aligns with India’s SAGAR initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
WHO Report Highlights Rising Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
- The report describes AMR as a global health crisis with over 1.2 million deaths every year being directly attributed to resistant infections.
- Even with initiatives such as the Red Line Initiative, there remains misuse of antibiotics and lack of proper infection control in India.
- GLASS under WHO puts forth strong regulatory structures and public awareness.
- Some policy suggestions would be rewarding antibiotic research, furthering the health care infrastructure.
Government Expands PLI Scheme to the Drone Sector
- The PLI scheme has been extended to include the drone industry, which has been given ₹120 crore over three years.
- It is likely to induce investments, create 10,000 jobs, and increase local manufacturing in the sector.
- Drones are increasingly being used for agriculture, logistics, disaster response, and defense.
- India’s drone market is likely to grow to $5 billion by 2030, with liberalized regulations and funding.
UNESCO Recognizes River Ganga as a Living Entity
- UNESCO has declared River Ganga as a living entity that has cultural and ecological significance.
- This will further empower the efforts in Namami Gange, India’s flagship river rejuvenation program.
- Legal recognition aims to enforce strict control and conservation of the river ecosystem through the enforcement of strict pollution control.
- Over 40% of the Indian population is supported by River Ganga, which gives importance to sustainable management.
India Advances in Hydrogen Technology
- MNRE initiated the Green Hydrogen Mission with a target to reach 5 MMT annually by 2030.
- Hydrogen is the biggest contributor in the quest of achieving net-zero emissions and can be used in sectors like steel, chemicals, and mobility.
- The export of hydrogen from India is expected to become one of the largest contributors in global clean energy supply chains.
- Incentives for the development of electrolyzer manufacturing as well as infrastructure are included.
Supreme Court Upholds Stricter Air Pollution Norms
- SC said to put stringent measures into NCR with diesel genset ban and controls for industrial emissions.
- India takes third place globally for the death due to air pollution and most cities surpass PM2.5 guidelines at WHO.
- The NCAP shall decrease the concentration of particles, to around 20-30 % for air, by 2024 with a city-specific action plan in the nation.
- Public transport development along with green technologies help to make the cities as sustainable.
Key Concepts and Policies
- 3D Printing – A construction technology using additive manufacturing to create structures layer by layer, reducing waste and time.
- SAGAR Initiative – India’s vision for regional maritime security and inclusive growth in the Indo-Pacific.
- Global AMR Surveillance System (GLASS) – A WHO program monitoring antimicrobial resistance trends worldwide.
- Namami Gange – India’s flagship program for cleaning and rejuvenating River Ganga.
- Green Hydrogen Mission – India aims to increase its green hydrogen production as part of the overall plan towards net-zero emission.