RAJASTHAN
Rajasthan floats panel to study impact of liquor ban in Bihar
The state government has formed a committee of senior officials, mostly from the finance department, to visit Bihar and study the impact of liquor ban in the state.
Sources in the finance department denied that the move is a prelude to prohibition of liquor in Rajasthan and said the purpose of the ‘study tour’ is to how better they can regulate the trade.
Tourism in Rajasthan contributes 15% to its gross domestic production (GDP). In 2017-18, revenues of excise department rose to Rs 7,275.85 crore.
The survey found that liquor ban was one of the main reasons behind the decline in foreign tourist arrivals to Kerala. Once the ban was eased, foreign tourist arrival growth bounced back to 10.9% and hotel occupancy, which had dropped to 64% between 2014 and 2016, returned to its earlier trend, at 77.6%, the survey had revealed.
Bihar, which imposed prohibition in 2016, has seen a 25-30% decline in its F&B sector, including hotels and restaurants, the survey had said.
Besides tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and wedding industry, estimated at over Rs 5000 crore, would be severely hit if there is a ban on liquor, said stakeholders in the industry.
INTERNATIONAL
India, Japan hold first ‘two-plus-two’ dialogue
India and Japan held their inaugural ‘two-plus-two’ foreign and defence ministerial dialogue with an aim to give further momentum to their special strategic partnership, particularly in the maritime domain.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led the Indian delegation while the Japanese side was headed by Foreign Minister Toshi-mitsu Motegi and Minister of Defence Taro Kono.
The talks under the new framework are taking place following a decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during the 13th India-Japan annual summit last year.
The 2+2 dialogue reflects the synergy between India’s Act East Policy and Japan’s vision for free, open Indo-Pacific vision.
Indo Sri Lanka joint exercise MITRA SHAKTI commences
The 17th edition of exercise MITRA SHAKTI aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational efficiency amongst the armies of India and Sri Lanka commenced at Aundh Military Station, Pune.
The objective of the exercise is to build and promote positive relations between armies of both countries through a focus on sub-unit-level training on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the urban and rural environment.
The joint training exercise also signifies the strength of India-Sri Lanka relations in the field of military cooperation and engagement.
The exercise is designed for incorporating the current dynamics of United Nations peacekeeping operations through practical and comprehensive discussions and tactical exercises.
UNEP gas emissions reports say achieving 1.5 deg C is almost impossible
UN Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 2019 Emissions Gap Report. The reported stated that even if the current climate commitments are met, the world is on course to exceed 3°C in global temperature rise. The report assesses the emissions gap. The report focuses on energy transition. The report was released in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP-25).
The report said that in order to limit temperature rise, annual emissions in 2030 should be maintained at 15 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent lower than current unconditional Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) imply for the 2°C goal.
It stated that Green House Gas (GHG) emissions continue to rise, despite scientific warnings and political commitments.
13th South Asian Games formally begins in Kathmandu
13th South Asian Games have formally begun in Kathmandu, Nepal.
President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari declared games open in a glittering ceremony at Dasaratha Rangshala in Kathmandu this evening.
Over 2700 athletes from seven South Asian Countries participated in the march past.
A cultural presentation showcasing the rich traditional heritage of Nepal was also made.
During 10 days biggest sporting event of South Asia, 2715 athletes compete for 1119 medals including 319 Gold in 26 game categories.
India is represented by 487 athletes.
NATIONAL
National Pollution Control Day was observed on 2 December
The National Pollution Control Day is observed on 2 December. It is celebrated every year. The day is observed in order to honor the lives that were lost because of the Bhopal gas calamity. On this day, the Pollution Control Department will organize several programs in this regard in the education institutions.
The day aims to spread awareness among the people about pollution and its control measures. The day also creates awareness about the problem caused by increasing pollution.
The Bhopal gas tragedy happened on the night of 2nd and 3rd December of 1984. The tragedy occurred because of the unintentional discharge of the poisonous Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) and some other chemicals released from the Union Carbide Chemical Plant in Bhopal.
The Madhya Pradesh State government reported that 8,000 to 10,000 people died in that accident and 25,000 people died later due to the gas-related diseases. The Bhopal gas tragedy was identified as the biggest industrial pollution disaster in world history.
New Delhi to host 2020 National Sikh Games
New Delhi is to host the National Sikh Games (NSG) 2020. The game will be held from 9-11 January 2020 across various venues in New Delhi. NSG is a modelled replica of Australian Sikh Games. The announcement was made by Manjinder Singh Sirsa, President Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Committee. NSG is dedicated to the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
NSG aims to bring sports to the heart of the Sikh community and tap in a unique sporting talents of Sikh Youths. The game aims to tackle the problem of obesity, drug menace among Sikh children through sports and physical activities.
