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Writer's pictureSmriti IASxp

Today's Brief 7/01/2024



1 .Narayan Guru:

(GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.)

(1856-1928) was a prominent Indian social reformer, philosopher, and spiritual leader. Born into the Ezhava community in Kerala, which was considered a lower caste in the Hindu social hierarchy, he dedicated his life to challenging social, religious, and caste-based inequalities.

One Caste, One Religion, One God for Humanity: This famous saying of Narayana Guru encapsulates his belief in the equality of all human beings, regardless of caste or religion. He advocated for a society where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.


2 .Northeastern States Meet on Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

The northeastern states of India have convened under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with the goal of advancing their fisheries sector and enhancing the livelihoods of fishermen. This scheme prioritizes the introduction of modern technology within the fishing industry, the provision of training to fishermen, and the expansion of markets for fishery products.


Objectives of the Meeting:


The primary objectives of this meeting are:


  • Reviewing Scheme Progress: To assess the progress of projects already undertaken in the northeastern states under the PMMSY and address any encountered challenges.

  • Discussion of Future Projects: To deliberate on potential future projects and implement the necessary measures for their execution.

  • Enhancing Cooperation: To foster increased collaboration among various states and facilitate the sharing of best practices.

  • Addressing Fishermen's Concerns: To identify solutions to the problems faced by fishermen and improve their living standards.

Fisheries sector in India play a significant role in the Indian economy and provide livelihood to millions of fisher folk. India is the 3rd largest fish producing and 2nd largest aquaculture producing nation in the world. The Blue Revolution in India demonstrated importance of Fisheries and Aquaculture sector.


To improve the quality of life and economic well-being of people in rural areas and to create more livelihood opportunities, a holistic approach has been adopted by the Government of India to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


“SagarParikrama” is an evolutionary journey envisaged in the sea across the coastal belt demonstrating solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders as a spirit of 75th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav saluting our great freedom fighters, sailors and fishers. It is an initiative by Government of India, aiming to resolve the issues of the fishers and other stakeholders and facilitate their economic upliftment through various fisheries schemes and programs being implemented by the Government of India such as PMMSY& KCC.

The journey of “Sagar Parikrama” has started with the theme of “KRANTI se SHANTI” on 5th March 2022 from Mandvi, Gujarat covering 3 locations Mandavi, Okha-Dwarka and Porbandar. Followed by Phase-II program covered 7 locations from Mangrol, Veraval, Diu, Jafrabad, Surat, Daman &Valsad. 


Later, Phase-III ‘SagarParikrama’ covered the 5 locations in coastal areas of northern Maharashtra namely Satpati (District Palghar), Vasai, Versova, New Ferry Wharf (BhauchaDhakka) & Sasson Dock, and other areas of Mumbai.

Phase IV ‘SagarParikrama’ in Karnataka covered main locations viz.Udupi and Dakshina Kannada& Uttar Kannada. 50,000 people physically attended the event and the program was live-streamed on various social media platforms and around 30,000 people watched the event.


Successfully completed Sagar Parikrama in four phases covering 19 locations in Gujarat, Damen & Diu,  Maharashtra and Karnataka. SagarParikrama song has been launched in Gujarati, Marathi& Kannada.



3 .358th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh:

(GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.)

The 358th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and final Sikh Guru, was celebrated on January 6, 2025. Sikhs worldwide commemorated this occasion with fervor, marked by prayers, devotional songs, community meals (Langar), and processions (Nagar Kirtans).


Guru Gobind Singh Ji is revered for his courage, his teachings of equality, and his establishment of the Khalsa, a warrior brotherhood dedicated to defending the weak and upholding justice.


4 .Export Inspection Council: Commerce Ministry to Bolster Food Testing Infrastructure for Export Growth

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

The Export Inspection Council (EIC), under the commerce ministry, is taking steps to enhance food testing infrastructure to support export growth, according to a senior official. A detailed study is underway to identify deficiencies in current food testing systems for exports. "We anticipate completing the study within two to three months, after which we will present a comprehensive plan to expand infrastructure more effectively," said Nitin Kumar Yadav, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce.


The EIC, an advisory body to the central government, oversees the quality control and inspection of commodities before export. It sets quality standards and determines the necessary inspection methods. To streamline operations, the council is also launching an integrated traceability module for testing, inspection, and certification.


As part of its initiatives, new laboratories are being developed in Ahmedabad, Faridabad, and Mangalore. Advanced technologies such as IoT-based sampling are being incorporated to improve efficiency. Furthermore, the council is establishing mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with other nations to achieve global recognition of its processes.



The EIC's certification system is widely recognized by regulatory bodies in regions like the European Union, USA, Australia, Turkey, Korea, and Japan, underscoring its adherence to international quality benchmarks. Over the past decade, the number of export certificates accepted globally has doubled, rising from 61,000 in 2013-14 to over 120,000 in 2023-24.


India has significantly enhanced its testing facilities, with 78 accredited labs now operational across the country. The number of export establishments approved through the EIC system has grown from 794 to 1,446 in the last decade.


5 .Alchol health harms Labelling:

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

On Friday, the U.S. surgeon general said in an advisory that alcoholic drinks should carry a label warning consumers about their cancer risks.


The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory recommending that alcoholic beverages carry warning labels informing consumers of their cancer risks. This aligns with a similar initiative in Canada, where Senator Patrick Brazeau introduced Bill S-254 in 2022. This bill proposes mandatory health warnings on all alcohol bottles, aiming to increase public awareness of the potential health consequences of alcohol consumption.

Physical Health Risks:


  • Liver Damage: Alcohol is a major contributor to liver diseases, including fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.   

  • Heart Problems: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, weaken the heart muscle, and raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heartbeats.   

  • Cancer: Alcohol is linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and bowel cancer.   

  • Brain Damage: Heavy drinking can damage brain cells, leading to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and an increased risk of dementia.   

  • Weakened Immune System: Alcohol can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.   

  • Digestive Problems: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

Alcohol warning labels on bottles can play a crucial role in increasing public awareness of the potential health risks associated with alcohol consumption.    


  • Increased Awareness:

    • Visibility: Prominently placed labels ensure consumers are constantly reminded of the potential health consequences.   

    • Accessibility: The information is readily available at the point of purchase, allowing consumers to make more informed decisions.   

  • Improved Understanding:

    • Clear and Concise Messages: Effective labels use straightforward language to communicate the risks clearly and concisely.

    • Graphic Depictions: Visual aids, such as images of diseased organs, can have a powerful impact in conveying the severity of the risks.   

  • Influencing Behavior:

    • Reducing Consumption: By highlighting the potential dangers, labels can encourage some individuals to moderate their alcohol intake or choose to abstain altogether.   

    • Promoting Safer Drinking: Labels can remind consumers of low-risk drinking guidelines and encourage them to prioritize their health.   

  • Empowering Consumers:

    • Informed Decision-Making: Labels provide crucial information that empowers consumers to make more informed choices about their alcohol consumption.   

Important Considerations

  • Labeling is just one part of a comprehensive strategy: It's essential to combine labeling with other public health initiatives, such as public education campaigns and restrictions on alcohol marketing.   

  • The effectiveness of labels depends on their design: Clear, concise, and impactful messaging is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of warning labels.

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