26th JULY 2023 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS
The National Coal Index fell 33.8%
- The National Coal Index (NCI) stood at 157.7 points in May 2023. Compared to May 2022, it stood at 238.3 points. Currently it has experienced a significant decline of 33.8%. It is available to meet the growing needs. An adequate supply of coal in the market indicates a strong supply,
- Similarly, the NCI for non-coking coal stands at 147.5 points in May 2023, reflecting a decline of 34.3% compared to May 2022, while the coking coal index stands at 187.1 points in May 2023, a decline of 32.6%.
- The NCI's peak was seen in June 2022 when the index reached 238.8 points. However, the decline in the subsequent months indicates a higher availability of coal in the Indian market.
- The 8th India-Australia Defense Policy Dialogue (DPD) 2023 was held on July 24-25 in Canberra, Australia. The Defense Policy Talks were co-chaired by Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Special Secretary, Ministry of Defence, and Mr. Steven Moore, Acting Under-Secretary of Defense, Australia.
- During the defense policy talks, the two sides reviewed bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries and explored new initiatives to further strengthen and deepen bilateral defense engagements.
- Co-development of defense logistics and identification of ways to strengthen partnerships in co-production were also discussed. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership based on mutual trust and understanding, common interests and shared values of democracy and the rule of law.
- The Indian side highlighted the capability and capacity of the Indian Defense Department to collaborate with the Australian Armed Forces in shipbuilding and maintenance projects.
- India - Australia share a comprehensive strategic partnership since June 2020 and defense is a key pillar of this partnership. India and Australia's partnership is based on a shared vision of a free, transparent, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The two democracies share a common interest in the peace and prosperity of the entire region.
- Both countries have a 2+2 mechanism at the ministerial level. The 8th DPD reviewed the results of the first 2 + 2 held in September 2021. Both sides agreed to finalize the hydro deal soon. Both sides exchanged views on geopolitical situation, regional and global issues.
- The Indian-led G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRWG) concluded its third and final meeting in Chennai today. All G20 members agreed on relevant action items under five priority areas: global monitoring of early warning systems, disaster and climate resilience infrastructure, financial framework for disaster risk reduction, disaster relief system, ecosystem-based approach to disaster risk reduction.
- It reaffirms their commitment to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030), which builds consensus among countries to prevent new disaster risks and reduce existing disaster risks. The comprehensive discussions of the two-day meeting brought together G20 member states, invited countries, international organizations and intellectual participants.
- Members agreed to accelerate their efforts to increase the global focus of several hazard warning systems and make them an early step. These will encourage collaboration between different stakeholders to build capacities to support early action and promote pre-arranged financing. Thus early action can save lives and livelihoods.
