News in Shorts: 10 October 2024

Humsafar Policy

About Humsafar Policy:

• Aim: To enhance the travel experience on National Highways in India.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Key Features of the Humsafar Policy

• Sanitation Facilities: Clean and well-maintained toilets will be installed at regular intervals for travelers’ convenience.
• Baby Care Rooms: Special rooms equipped with baby care essentials will be available for families with young children.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair provisions will be made to ensure highways are accessible for differently-abled travelers.
• EV Charging Stations: Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be installed to support eco-friendly travel.
• Parking Facilities: Ample parking spaces will be provided at fuel stations and rest stops for a smooth flow of traffic.
• Fuel Stations: More fuel stations will be set up along highways to ensure easy access to petrol, diesel, and other essential services.
• Restaurants and Food Courts: Travellers can enjoy quality food at restaurants and food courts set up at regular intervals.
• Dormitories for Drivers: Short-term accommodations will be provided at fuel stations for truck drivers and travellers needing rest during long journeys.

Benefits of the Policy

• Boost to Local Economy: The policy will create employment opportunities at petrol pumps, restaurants, and rest stops, benefiting local businesses.
• Enhanced Safety: By offering rest areas and clean facilities, the policy reduces driver fatigue, contributing to safer travel on highways.
• Sustainable Travel: The inclusion of EV charging stations supports India’s transition to eco-friendly transport.

Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory

About MACE

• MACE is the highest imaging Cherenkov telescope in the world.
• It is a facility to detect Cherenkov radiation produced by high energy particles like gamma rays and cosmic rays. 
• Scientific Goals: The telescope will study high-energy gamma rays, providing valuable insights into the most energetic phenomena in the universe.
• Indigenous Development: MACE was built by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from ECIL and other Indian industry partners, showcasing India’s technological capabilities.
• Community Engagement: The project emphasizes community involvement and the socio-economic development of Ladakh.
• Inspiration for Future Generations: MACE aims to inspire young scientists and astronomers to explore new frontiers in astrophysics.

The Significance of MACE

• Scientific Breakthroughs: MACE will contribute to global efforts to understand the most energetic phenomena in the universe, such as supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts.
• International Collaboration: The project aims to foster international collaborations, strengthening India’s position in the global scientific community.
• Technological Advancement: MACE showcases India’s technological capabilities in the field of astronomy and astrophysics.

Malabar Exercise

About Malabar Exercise:

• Malabar is a quadrilateral naval exercise between India, the United States, Australia and Japan.
• It was initiated in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the US, gained further traction as a significant maritime engagement, with Japan (2015) and Australia (2020) joining in subsequently.
• The exercise focuses on enhancing maritime security, interoperability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The exercise is aligned with the Indian Government’s vision of Security & Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and reflects India’s growing engagement with like-minded nations.

About Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR):

• SAGAR is India’s foreign policy doctrine for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. 
• The term was first used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 at Port Louis. 
• The goals of SAGAR are to: 
  • Increase cooperation: Strengthen ties with neighboring countries, especially in the Indian Ocean region 
  • Promote development: Support sustainable development and economic growth 
  • Ensure maritime security: Safeguard national interests and ensure maritime security and safety 
  • Build trust: Create a climate of trust and openness 
  • Resolve issues peacefully: Address regional concerns and resolve maritime issues peacefully 
  • Follow international rules: Ensure all countries in the Indian Ocean Region adhere to international maritime rules and norms