India jumps 6 places on World Bank’s Logistic Performance Index, ranks 38
India has made a significant leap on the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, moving up six places to 38th out of 139 countries in the 2023 ranking.
India has made a significant leap on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, moving up six places to 38th out of 139 countries in the 2023 ranking. This improvement is the result of the country’s substantial investments in both hard and soft infrastructure, as well as technology. In 2018, India was ranked 44th on the index, and its current position marks a considerable improvement from its 54th rank in 2014.
India has climbed five places in infrastructure score, moving from 52nd in 2018 to 47th in 2023.
The country has also improved its rank in international shipments, moving up from 44th in 2018 to 22nd in 2023.
India’s logistics competence and equality has also improved, with a climb of four places to the 48th spot in 2023.
In timelines, India has made significant progress, moving up 17 places in rankings.
The country has also improved its tracking and tracing capabilities, moving up three places to 38th in 2023.
The report attributes India’s progress to modernisation and digitalisation, which have enabled emerging economies like India to leapfrog advanced countries in the logistics sector.
Key Highlights of the World Bank’s Logistic Performance Index(LPI) 2023:
The LPI 2023 provides comparisons of logistics performance across 139 countries.
This year’s index, for the first time, includes indicators based on big datasets that track shipments to measure trade speed.
According to the LPI 2023, Singapore and Finland are the most efficient and highest-ranked countries in terms of logistics performance.
India has made a significant improvement in its logistics performance, ranking 38th out of 139 countries and climbing six places from the previous index.
International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2023 observed on 24 April
The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is celebrated annually on 24 April. The Day acknowledges the use of multilateral decision making and diplomacy in achieving peaceful.
International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2023
The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is celebrated annually on 24 April. The Day acknowledges the use of multilateral decision making and diplomacy in achieving peaceful resolutions to conflicts among nations. This day aims to promote the principles of multilateralism and diplomacy in resolving global challenges and conflicts. The observance also serves as a reminder of the importance of the United Nations and other multilateral organizations in facilitating cooperation and collective action among nations.
What is multilateralism?
Multilateralism is a philosophy or approach to international relations that emphasizes the need for cooperation and coordination among multiple countries and international organizations to address global issues and achieve common goals. It involves the idea that no single country can solve complex global problems such as climate change, international trade, or terrorism on its own, and that collective action and shared responsibility are necessary. Multilateralism is based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and diplomacy, and it seeks to foster a more inclusive and transparent global governance system that allows for broad-based participation and consensus-building. Multilateralism is often embodied through international agreements, treaties, and organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, or the International Monetary Fund, among others.
International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2023: History
The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is a relatively new observance. It was first proposed by the delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations in 2018 as a way to promote and reinforce the principles of multilateralism and diplomacy in international affairs. The proposal received support from a group of countries from different regions of the world, and on December 12, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/73/127) declaring April 24th as the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.
The establishment of this observance was seen as a response to the growing challenges to the international rules-based order and the principles of multilateralism and diplomacy, as well as to promote peaceful conflict resolution and cooperation among nations. The day aims to raise awareness of the importance of multilateralism and diplomacy in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development, human rights, and peace. It also recognizes the role of the United Nations and other multilateral institutions in advancing these objectives. The first International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace was celebrated on April 24, 2019.
Kerala launches ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ to revive sports culture
The 'One Panchayat, One Playground' project was launched by Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, at Kallikkad.
The Kerala government initiated a project aimed at reinvigorating the sports culture in the state by establishing high-quality playgrounds in every panchayat. The ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ project was launched by Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, at Kallikkad. During the inauguration, he emphasized the significance of a strong sports culture in fostering a robust and contented community.
More About The ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’:
The Chief Minister announced that the playgrounds will be constructed within three years, with a list of 113 panchayats identified for the initial phase of the project. Each playground is expected to cost around Rs. one crore. The Sports Department will cover half of the cost, while the remaining funds will be raised through various sources such as MLA and local body funds, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and public-private partnerships.
Objective of the ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ project:
According to the Chief Minister, the playgrounds will serve as a central point for community gatherings and social interactions, which is the primary objective of the ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ project. The initiative aims to tackle the lack of quality playgrounds in approximately 450 local bodies across the state.
First-ever waterbody census: West Bengal tops list among states, Sikkim at the bottom
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the first-ever Census of Water Bodies, which has revealed that West Bengal has the highest number of water bodies in India, while Sikkim has the lowest.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the first-ever Census of Water Bodies, which has revealed that West Bengal has the highest number of water bodies in India, while Sikkim has the lowest. This census has been conducted in convergence with the 6th Minor Irrigation Census under the Irrigation Census scheme launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
First-ever waterbody census: Key Details:
West Bengal has the highest number of water bodies in India, with 7.47 lakh water bodies, according to the Census of Water Bodies by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Sikkim has the least number of water bodies, with only 134.
Out of 24.24 lakh water bodies in the country, 97.1 percent or 23.55 lakh are in rural areas, and only 2.9 percent or 69,485 are in urban areas.
Ponds account for 59.5 percent of the water bodies, followed by tanks (15.7 percent), reservoirs (12.1 percent), water conservation schemes/percolation tanks/check dams (9.3 percent), lakes (0.9 percent), and others (2.5 percent).
Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of tanks, while Tamil Nadu has the highest number of lakes, as per the census.
Maharashtra is the leading state in implementing water conservation schemes, according to the census.
83.7 percent of water bodies are in use for purposes such as pisciculture, irrigation, groundwater recharge, and domestic/drinking purposes.
55.2 percent of water bodies are owned by private entities, while 44.8 percent are in the domain of public ownership.
The census also collected information on the encroachment of water bodies for the first time, revealing that 1.6 percent of water bodies are encroached, with 95.4 percent in rural areas and 4.6 percent in urban areas.
Shantanu Roy to become new CMD of BEML Limited
Shantanu Roy recommended as the next CMD of BEML Limited
Shantanu Roy has been recommended as the next Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BEML Limited, a Miniratna PSU under the Ministry of Defence. The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) panel selected him for the position from a list of three candidates, all of whom were from BEML Limited. Roy is presently serving as Director (Mining & Construction Business) in the same organization and has over 30 years of extensive experience in capital goods sectors for defense, mining & construction, transportation, transmission, renewable, and large power projects.
Roy’s experience and qualifications
Roy holds a graduate degree in electrical engineering from NIT-Raipur and an MBA in Financial Management. He has served as Executive Director of BEML Limited, responsible for the international business division, strategy & new initiatives, coordination, and northern region operations, before assuming his current position in February 2023. As a six sigma black belt certified professional, he is well-versed in various models of project financing, mechanisms and processes for financial closure of large projects, international laws, arbitration rules, international legal & arbitration cases, and statutory & legal compliances.
World Book and Copyright Day 2023: 23 April
World Book and Copyright Day is observed on April 23 every year to promote reading books, particularly among the younger generation.
World Book and Copyright Day 2023
World Book and Copyright Day is observed on April 23 every year to promote reading books, particularly among the younger generation. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) initiated this event with the aim of combating the reduced importance given to reading due to the excessive availability of information from various sources. The purpose of this day is to encourage people worldwide to cultivate a habit of reading books. The focus is on promoting reading as the primary source of information and entertainment.
World Book and Copyright Day 2023: Theme
The theme for World Book Day 2023 is ‘Indigenous Languages.’ It focuses on promoting the diversity in native languages of a country.
World Book and Copyright Day 2023: Significance
World Book and Copyright Day holds significant importance as it aims to promote reading and literacy, encourage the publishing and protection of books, and honor the contributions of authors and their works. By celebrating this day, UNESCO intends to promote reading as a fundamental human right, a source of education, and a tool for personal development and cultural understanding. Additionally, this day raises awareness of the importance of copyright laws in protecting the intellectual property rights of authors and publishers. Overall, World Book and Copyright Day serves as a reminder of the vital role that books, authors, and copyright laws play in enriching our lives and shaping society.
World Book and Copyright Day: History
The history of World Book and Copyright Day dates back to 1922 when Vicente Clavel, the director of the Cervantes publishing firm, proposed the idea of dedicating a day to Miguel de Cervantes. The first World Book Day was celebrated in Barcelona on October 7, 1926, which marked Cervantes’ birthday. However, in 1930, the date was changed to April 23, the day Cervantes passed away. This date was chosen because it also coincides with the birthdays and deaths of several prominent authors, including William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. UNESCO officially recognized and adopted April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day in 1995.
Kenya’s Kiptum Wins London Marathon in 2nd Fastest Time
Kelvin Kiptum, a 23-year-old Kenyan athlete, collapsed to the ground after achieving victory in the London Marathon and posting the second-best time in history for the distance.
Kelvin Kiptum, a 23-year-old Kenyan athlete, collapsed to the ground after achieving victory in the London Marathon and posting the second-best time in history for the distance. Kiptum broke the course record with an impressive time of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 25 seconds, falling short of Eliud Kipchoge’s world record by only 16 seconds.
Md Farah finished in ninth place:
Amos Kipruto, Tamirat Tola, and Mo Farah, the legendary long-distance runner, were among the elite men’s field that Kelvin Kiptum left behind in what was Farah’s final marathon. Farah, at the age of 40, finished in ninth place with a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 28 seconds.
Ethiopian-born Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan emerged victorious in Women’s Race
In the women’s elite race, Sifan Hassan emerged victorious in a thrilling race featuring possibly the strongest field ever. Despite falling off the pace and experiencing hip discomfort around the 15-mile mark, the 30-year-old Olympic champion in the 5,000 and 10,000-meter events caught up to the leaders with three miles to go.
About The London Marathon:
The London Marathon is an annual long-distance running event that takes place in London, United Kingdom. It was first held in 1981 and has since become one of the world’s most famous marathons, attracting elite athletes and amateur runners from all over the world.
In addition to the elite men’s and women’s races, there are also wheelchair races and a mass participation event for amateur runners. The London Marathon has raised millions of pounds for charity since its inception and is one of the biggest fundraising events in the world.