National
News 1.
Union Minister Smriti Irani inaugurates W20 inception meeting today at Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar
In the 2 days inception meeting, around 150 women dignitaries from G 20 member countries will be participating.
Current Affairs: Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Women & Child Development and Minority Affairs inaugurated a 2 day Women 20 (W 20) inception meeting at Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra.
About Women 20
- It is an official engagement group under the Indian presidency of G20.
- Dr. Bhagat Kishanrao Karad, Union Minister of State for Finance was also present in the opening ceremony.
- India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, Founder chair of W20, Dr. Gulden Turktan, Chair of W20 Indonesia 2022, Ms Uli Silalahi were also present during the opening ceremony.
- In the 2 days inception meeting, around 150 women dignitaries from G20 member countries will be participating.
- The representatives have been divided into 5 groups and each group will discuss priority areas in 2 days.
Statement of the Chairperson of W20
Dr. Sandhya Purecha, the chairperson of W20 and chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi has said that-
“The Inception meeting five-panel discussions and two special sessions of discussion will deliberate.”
“The stories of unconventional women in India breaking barriers in different fields including in the Indian Navy, in grassroots entrepreneurship will also be shared with delegates.”
5 points being discussed in the 2 days meeting
- Women’s Empowerment.
- Climate resilience.
- How women will play an important role in the changes that will take place.
- How to create an enabling environment for grassroots women leaders.
- Infrastructure and skills wings.
About Today’s Meeting
A Seminar will be conducted on women empowerment in-
- Nano, micro and start up industries
- Women led development of India
- Success stories of Women
News 2.
President inaugurated the 14th Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav
The Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav has been started on February 25 and will continue till march 5
Current Affairs: The President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 14th edition of Sanskriti Mahotsav. The latest edition is being held in Bikaner, Rajasthan at Dr. Karni Singh Stadium. Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot among other cabinet ministers were present on the occasion. The festival, which started on February 25, will continue till March 5. The 9-days long festival is being organized for the first time in Rajasthan.
The objective of the festival is to preserve, promote and popularize the rich cultural heritage of the country. The festival will witness performances of about one thousand well-known artists from across the country based on folk dance, folk music, drama, and Sufi music. In addition to it, sand sculpture, an exhibition based on crafts, and other arts are also being organized. Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav is a significant event of the Ministry of Culture, which it started organizing in 2015.
More than 50,000 people are expected to reach the festival every day. It will not only showcase Indian Art and Culture but will also promote local tourism. Kaladarshanam and Desert Symphony are some of the noted art that would grace the festival.
President of India
The President of India is the head of state of the Republic of India. He/she is the nominal head and commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces. Droupadi Murmu is the 15th and current president, having taken office on 25 July 2022. The President is indirectly elected by an electoral college. Article 53 of the Constitution of India states that the president can exercise their powers directly or by subordinate authority.
Droupadi Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu was born on 20 June, 1958 to a Santhali family in Odisha. She is an Indian politician who is serving as the 15th president of India. She is the first person belonging to the tribal community becoming the youngest person to occupy the post and the first President born in Independent India.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan, is a state in northern India. Capital – Jaipur. It is the largest Indian state by area and the seventh largest by population. It comprises most of the wide Thar Desert and shares a border with the Pakistani provinces of Punjab to the northwest and Sindh to the west, along the Sutlej-Indus River valley, with the Tropic of Cancer passing through its southernmost tip.
Its major features include Rajasthan’s hill station, Mount Abu, in the ancient Aravalli mountain range and eastern Rajasthan, and the Keoladeo National Park of Bharatpur, a World Heritage Site.
Present Union Minister of Culture is G. Kishan Reddy
News 3.
PM Modi to release over Rs 16,800 crore to more than 8 cr farmers under PM-KISAN scheme from Belagavi in Karnataka
He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation of multiple development projects worth over 6000 crore rupees in Karnataka
Current Affairs: Under the income support scheme- PM-Kisan, PM Modi will release the 13th instalment amount of more than Rs 16,800 crore to over eight crore beneficiary farmers at Belagavi, Karnataka. On a one day visit to Karnataka, he will also inaugurate and lay the foundation of multiple development projects worth over 6000 crore rupees in Karnataka and will be holding a roadshow in Belagavi.
About the PM-Kisan Scheme
- Rs 6,000 is annually released directly into each of the eligible landholder farmers’ bank accounts in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000.
- Over Rs 2.2 lakh crore has been disbursed to more than 11 crore landholder farmer families across the country.
- The 11th and 12th instalments of funds during the current financial year were released in May and October 2022.
- The PM-Kisan Scheme or the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme was launched in the year 2019 at Gorakhpur,Uttar Pradesh.
Other Government Schemes for Farmers In India
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- Gramin Bhandaran Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)
- Micro Irrigation Fund scheme
- E-NAM
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
- National Mission For Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
Statement of the Agriculture Ministry
“The PM-Kisan scheme has already provided significant benefits to farmers across the country, and this latest instalment will further boost their incomes and contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector.”
“It has also increased farmers’ risk-taking capacity, leading to more productive investments. According to IFPRI, PM-Kisan funds are helping recipients meet their agricultural needs and other expenses like education, medical care and marriage.”
About the Beneficiaries of the Scheme
- All landholding farmer families in the country are eligible under the scheme, subject to certain exclusion criteria.
- The scheme has also benefited over three crore women beneficiaries who have collectively received over Rs 53,600 crore in funds in the past four years.
Effect of this Scheme
As per the ministry, the PM-Kisan’s funds have-
- Increased rural economic growth,
- Eased credit constraints for farmers and
- Boosted agricultural investments.
Other Projects PM Modi will inaugurate
- He will inaugurate Shivamogga airport developed at a cost of around 450 crore rupees.
- Under the Jal Jeevan Mission- He will lay the foundation stone of multi village schemes worth over 950 crore rupees.
- He will lay the foundation stone for six multi-village schemes under Jal Jeevan mission at a cumulative cost of 1585 crore rupees that will benefit 8.8 lakh people in over 315 villages.
- To benefit eight crore farmers, PM will release the 13th instalment amount of 16 thousand and eight hundred crore rupees under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sammaan Yojana.
About Ministry of Agriculture
Minister- Kailash Choudhary
Secretary- Sanjay Agarwal
About Karnataka
Chief Minister- Basavaraj Bommai
Capital- Bangalore
International
News 1.
Pakistan’s budget deficit projections revised to history’s highest at Rs 6.22 trillion
The revised estimate is Rs 1.7 trillion, or 37 per cent, more than that approved by the National Assembly
Pakistan’s federal budget deficit projection has been revised to history’s highest at Rs 6.22 trillion, despite putting a burden of Rs 735 billion on people on account of higher gas, electricity tariffs and additional taxes. The country has been pushed into a debt trap due to the unending fiscal woes.
About the Budget Deficit Report
After the recent talks with the International Monetary Fund, the revision has been made which exposed the massive underreporting of expenditures at the time of budget presentation by the finance minister. Details as per the federal budget deficit are-
- The federal government’s expenses and the income have a gap of around Rs 6.22 trillion for 2022-23.
- The revised deficit is equal to 7.4% of gross domestic product.
- The revised deficit is Rs 1.7 trillion or 37% more than than the National Assembly has approved in 2022-23.
- In June 2022, the federal budget deficit was at Rs. 45 trillion.
- In December 2022, the budget was more than the government has communicated to the IMF which is around Rs. 690 billion.
- As per the reports the size of the budget in June will also rise by 17% from Rs 9.6 trillion to Rs.11.2 trillion.
Actions required to take to bridge the gap
- The gap of around Rs 6.22 trillion deficit will be bridged by taking more loans from domestic and external sources.
- Due to the economic distress and meltdown, the government is unable to take this step to cover the gap of rs.6.22 trillion.
Reasons for the record budget deficit are
- In June, unprecedented debt servicing cost Rs 5.2 trillion. This cost is 32% more than the approved budget.
- In June the subsidies, estimated at Rs 699 billion were increased by 68% which is around Rs 12 trillion.
Statement of Rothschild in his paper
“Debt stabilisation was unlikely in the short term given the need to address the flood consequences and finance the current account deficit.”
“In view of the low level of available FX reserves, the debt management strategy of Pakistan may have to be revisited, to ensure the stability of Pakistani rupee and restoration of international capital markets’ confidence in the economy of Pakistan.”
About International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund monitors the international monetary systems and global economic developments to identify risks and recommend policies for growth and financial stability. The Fund also undertakes a regular health check of the economic and financial policies of its 190 member countries. Its headquarter is in Washington D.C., United States and its current managing director is Kristalina Georgieva.
India-Pakistan Relationship
Both the countries have a complex and largely hostile relationship due to the multitude of historical and political events, most notably the partition in 1947. The India and Pakistan border is one of the most militarized international boundaries in the world.
About Pakistan
Prime Minister- Shehbaz Sharif
Capital- Islamabad
Currency- Pakistani Rupee
News 2.
UAE to send its second astronaut to space on a long haul mission to ISS
UAE will only be the 11th country to send an astronaut on a long-term mission to space with this mission
Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE’s second astronaut is set to embark on the historic space mission, today. Sultan is a mission specialist, Primary Crew, Crew-6 and the mission is scheduled at 10:45 am, from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA.
About the ISS Mission
Sultan Al Neyadi will be undertaking various science experiments over the period of 6 months-
- Learning about the cardiovascular system,
- Epigenetics,
- Immune system,
- Fluid science,
- Plant biology,
- Sleep analysis and
- Radiation.
Other members of the SpaceX crew-6
- Nasa commander Stephen Bowen,
- Pilot William Hoburg, and
- Russian cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev.
About Sultan Al Neyadi
- He is a member of the UAE Astronaut Program and an Emirati astronaut.
- He was born in the UAE in 1987 and has a PhD in Information Technology from Griffith University in Australia.
- He was chosen from over 4,000 applicants in 2018 to be one of two UAE astronauts on a mission to the International Space Station.
About SpaceX Crew-6
It is the sixth crewed operational NASA ‘Commercial Crew flight’ of a Crew Dragon spacecraft, and the ninth overall crewed orbital flight.
About UAE
President- Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Capital- Abu Dhabi
Currency- United Arab Emirates Dirham
Click here to read more on the Astronauts on the Mission of ISS
News 3.
Zelensky fires top military commander engaged in fight against Russian troops
Zelensky fires top military commander engaged in fight against Russian troops
without citing any reason
Zelensky announced the dismissal of Eduard Moskalyov as commander of the Joint Forces of Ukraine, which are engaged in battles in the Donbas region.
What actually happened:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday fired a senior military commander helping lead the fight against Russian troops in the country’s embattled east but gave no reason for the move.
History of Russia and Ukraine:
In 2003, Russia attempted to integrate Ukraine into a new Russian-led Single Economic Space with Russia. However, with president Viktor Yushchenko in power, several problems resurfaced, including the Russia–Ukraine gas disputes due to Ukraine’s growing cooperation with the EU and bid to join NATO.
Relations between Russia and Ukraine:
There are no diplomatic or bilateral relations between Ukraine and Russia. The two countries have been in a State of War.
When did war happen:
Relations between the two countries became hostile after the Ukrainian revolution, which was followed by Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, and the war in Donbas, in which Russia backed the separatist fighters of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic. The conflicts had killed more people by early 2020, and brought Western sanctions on Russia. Numerous bilateral agreements have been terminated and economic ties severed.
Russian military build-up on the border of Ukraine escalated tensions between the two countries and strained their bilateral relations, eventually leading to Russia initiating a full-scale invasion of the country. Ukraine broke diplomatic relations with Moscow in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Streets bearing the names of Russian figures and monuments symbolising Russian and Ukrainian friendship were removed from various locations across Ukraine.
About war:
Started: in 2014
Countries: Russia and Ukraine
Russia currency: Russian Ruble
Russia capital:Moscow
Russia President: Vladimir Putin
Ukraine currency: Hryvnia
Ukraine capital:Kyiv
Ukraine President: Volodymyr Zelenskyy
News 4.
One of the first Tagore Memorial Grove unveiled in US
The Tagore Grove Memorial has a life-size bronze statue of Tagore, unveiled in 2013, which is the only sixth full figure statue of the poet
To spread the message of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s borderless world, the Tagore Memorial Grove and Walking Museum has been inaugurated in Texas. It was inaugurated at the Ray Miller Park in Houston in the presence of the enthusiastic diaspora, complete with Vedic chants, presentation and recitation of Tagore’s musical compositions.
About Tagore Grove
It is a free and open-air, permanent memorial of the poet’s words and thoughts, depicting
- His message of love,
- Universalism and
- A borderless world.
About the inauguration of memorial
Many public officials has attended the inauguration including-
- The Consul General of India, Aseem Mahajan
- Fort bend County Judge KP George
- Fort bend Commissioner Andy Myers
- Retired professor of American History at Rice University, Jon Boles
- Congressional Staffers of US Rep. Al Green
- US Rep. Lizzie Fletcher
- Officials representing Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner
The memorial is a collaboration between the Tagore Society of Houston (TSH) and the City of Houston Parks Department.
Statement of President of the Tagore Society of Houston
The President of the Tagore Society of Houston Gopendu Chakrbarti has said that-
“The Tagore Grove Memorial has a life-size bronze statue of Tagore, unveiled in 2013, which is the only sixth full figure statue of the poet erected outside his birthplace, Kolkata, India, and the first in the US.”
“This iconic Tagore Grove memorial seeks to be a permanent place for ‘peace and introspection’ for individuals and the community at large, comparable in potential impact as the Lincoln Memorial or the Statue of Liberty, and it is hoped that it will inspire visitors to make the world a better place for themselves and the coming generations.”
Statement of the Counsel General of India
The Counsel General of India Aseem Mahajan said that-
“I’m sure it will promote its objective of promoting cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.”
“India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership which touches all areas of human endeavour, like energy security, Defence, trade and investment and growing people-to-people ties.”
“The timing of the inauguration is significant as it coincides with India’s celebration of 75 years of independence (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav) and marks 102 years of the opening of Viswa Bharati, the world university founded by Tagore.”
Statement of Fort Bend County Judge George
“His writings are still relevant and impact lives in this time and age.”
About the Tagore Society of Houston
- Tagore Society of Houston was established in 1974.
- It was established to spread humanistic philosophy and the universal message of Tagore as its primary and only mission, is a non-religious and non-sectarian organisation.
- It completed the first phase of Tagore Grove at Ray Miller Park in the year 2013.
- In 2020, it initiated the second phase of the Grove, a USD 300,000 upgrade, to convert the Grove into a free open-air memorial.
News 5.
US Energy Dept concludes lab leak caused Covid-19 pandemic
US Energy Dept concludes lab leak caused Covid-19 pandemic
The Energy Department now joins the Federal Bureau of Investigation in saying the virus likely spread via a mishap at a Chinese laboratory.
What is the Investigation says:
Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) previously came to the conclusion that the pandemic was likely the result of a lab leak in 2021 with “moderate confidence” and still holds this view.
Lawmakers, particularly House and Senate Republicans, are pursuing their own investigations into the origins of the pandemic and are pressing the Biden administration and the intelligence community for more information.
What are Energy department’s Insights :
The Energy Department’s conclusion is the result of new intelligence and is significant because the agency has considerable scientific expertise and oversees a network of US national laboratories, some of which conduct advanced biological research.
Energy Department’s insights comes as
conduct biological research, rather than more traditional forms of intelligence like spy networks or communications intercepts.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says:
“President Biden specifically requested that the national labs, which are part of the Energy Department, be brought into this assessment because he wants to put every tool at use to be able to figure out what happened here.”
What is the Conclusion:
The Central Intelligence Agency and another agency that officials wouldn’t name remain undecided between the lab-leak and natural-transmission theories,
FBI previously came to the conclusion that the pandemic was likely the result of a lab leak in 2021 with “moderate confidence” and still holds this view.
US officials added that while the Energy Department and the FBI each say an unintended lab leak is the most likely cause of the pandemic, they arrived at those conclusions for different reasons.
External resources:
Legal
News 1.
Delhi HC upholds validity of Centre’s Agnipath Scheme, dismisses all pleas
A bench of Hon’ble Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad also dismissed the pleas seeking resumption and enrolment as per the previous recruitment scheme in defence services.
On Monday, the Delhi High Court upheld the validity of the Agnipath Scheme. The court dismissed all petitions challenging the Centre’s recruitment scheme for the Indian Forces. The bench dismissed the pleas seeking resumption and enrolment as per the previous recruitment scheme in Defence services.
About the Bench
The bench comprises of-
- Hon’ble Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma
- Hon’ble Justice Subramonium Prasad
Court’s Statement
“This court does not find any reason to interfere with the scheme.”
Reason for the issues
After the launch of the scheme, the protest started in several parts of the country for-
- The short length of service,
- No pension provisions for those released early, and
- The 17.5 to 21 years age restriction.
- The scheme makes it difficult for current aspirants and makes them ineligible to serve in the Indian armed forces.
Court Proceedings
- The Government extended the upper age limit to 23 years for recruitment.
- On July 19, 2022 the Supreme Court had transferred the petitions challenging the scheme to the Delhi High Court.
- The High Court has also asked the High Courts of Kerala, Punjab and Haryana, Patna and Uttarakhand to transfer the PILs against the Agnipath Scheme.
- In August, 2022, a division bench declined to halt the scheme and granted them time to file its reply.
- In October, 2022, the Centre gave the statement in the Delhi High Court that- the recruitment in the army is an essential sovereign function carried out by the government keeping national security in mind.
- On December 15, 2022, the court reserved its order and asked the parties to file their written statements by December 23, 2022.
Center’s Statement
“The structural changes in the army were necessitated in the context of the “sea change” in global military warfare, “to evolve a youthful, modern and futuristic fighting force” and to infuse young blood into the Army, who are mentally and physically fit.”
“Agnipath is a “tailor-made scheme” which has been formulated after comprehensive discussions by experts to serve the needs of our nation and change warfare.”
Statement of the Additional Solicitor General
Aishwariya Bhati, the Additional Solicitor General has said that-
“The court that the policy is an evolution from our start as a part of the British Army.”
About Agnipath Scheme
- The scheme was launched on June 14, 2022.
- It lays out rules for the recruitment of youths in the armed forces.
- As per the scheme students between 17-and-a-half and 21 years of age are eligible to apply and they would be inducted for a four-year tenure.
- It allows 25% of them to be granted regular service subsequently.
News 2.
Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea by doctors to postpone NEET-PG 2023
The petitioners argued that the exam should be scheduled closer to the counselling date because there was a six-month gap between the exam on March 5 and the internship cut-off date of August 11.
The Supreme Court has refused to postpone the NEET-PG 2023 exam, scheduled for March 5, 2023. A Bench of Justices S. Ravindra Bhat and Dipankar Datta declined to entertain petitions filed by 20 doctors seeking a postponement of the exam date. The Court’s decision came after a nearly hour-long hearing.
Importance of NEET-PG Exam Date for Medical Interns
- The Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, filed a status report on Friday.
- According to the report, 2.09 lakh doctors have registered for the exam. Of these, 1,76,427 will complete their internship by March 31, 2023, the initial cut-off date for completing the mandatory internship programme.
- Another 27, 232 candidates will complete their internship by June 30, 2023, and only 5,370 candidates will be left to complete their internship by August 11, the current cut-off date for completion of the internship.
Mandatory Internship Programme
- A 365-day medical internship is a prerequisite to qualify for PG seats. The doctors seeking a postponement of the NEET-PG 2023 exam had argued that there was a six-month gap between the exam on March 5 and the internship cut-off date of August 11.
- They had contended that the exam should be held closer to the counselling date, which would give them more time to study.
- They also questioned the need to have the exam in March when many of them, especially candidates from States like Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, would complete their internship only in July.
Government’s Stand
- Ms Bhati, representing the Centre, submitted that the exam was usually held in January and the government and the National Board of Examinations were trying to bring its schedule back on track.
- She argued that the schedule for holding NEET-PG 2023 was notified in September 2022, almost six months before the actual conduct of the exam.
- Any delay in the conduct of the exam would cause “unwanted inconvenience” to other candidates.
- Admit cards had already been issued, and there were no alternative dates available in the future if the exam was delayed.
- The examination is scheduled to be held in 277 cities at 902 test centres across the country.
Counselling and Participation
- Ms Bhati also submitted that the counselling for the 2023-2024 session would commence on July 15.
- Approximately 98% of the participating doctors would have completed their internship by the time the counselling begins on July 15, 2023.
- The remaining candidates who would complete their internship after July 15 and be eligible to participate in the counselling process would be allowed provisionally to participate in the counselling and would be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Conclusion
- The NEET-PG exam is crucial for medical interns, and its date is significant for those who wish to apply for PG seats.
- The Court’s decision to refuse the postponement of the exam date may have come as a disappointment to some.
- However, the government’s stand that the schedule for holding NEET-PG 2023 was notified six months before the actual conduct of the exam seems reasonable, given the number of candidates involved and the various logistics required for conducting the exam.
News 3.
Please maintain the Sanctity of Order: SC to MoD
The apex court came down heavily on the Ministry Of Defense over OROP
Supreme Court quenched Ministry of Defense over January 20 communication regarding payment of arrears of One Rank-One Pension (OROP) in installments to eligible pensioners of the armed forces. The apex Court gave the verdict last year on the plea moved by Indian Ex-servicemen. It now directed the Ministry of Defence to maintain the sanctity of Judicial Order.
Hon’ble Chief Justice D. Y Chandrachud taking the exception to the letter given by the Secretary of Defense, directed him to file a personal affidavit explaining his position. The Ministry can either withdraw the application or Court would issue a contempt notice.
Additional Solicitor General N Venkataraman told the court that the Ministry should be given time to carry out the exercise as per the court’s order. The Apex Court has put the matter on hearing after the Holi Vacation.
One Rank One Pension
One Rank One Pension (OROP), or “same pension, for same rank, for the same length of service, irrespective of the date of retirement”, is a longstanding demand of the Indian armed forces and veterans. The Government on the face of mounting protest and resentment among veterans announced, during September 2015, that it would implement the new pension scheme, commonly referred to as One rank One Pension or OROP.
Contempt of Court
Contempt of court, often referred to simply as “contempt”, is the crime of being disobedient to or disrespectful towards the court of law and its officers in the form of behavior that opposes or defies the authority, justice, and dignity of the court. Civil and Criminal are two types of Contempt.
About Chief Justice D. Y Chandrachud
The Chief Justice of India is the chief judge of the Supreme Court of India as well as the highest-ranking officer of the Indian Judiciary. Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud is an Indian judge serving as the 50th and current Chief Justice of India. He was educated at Delhi University and Harvard University before practising for Sullivan & Cromwell and in the Bombay High Court. He became a Judge at the Bombay High Court and then the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court.
Ministry of Defense
The Ministry of Defence is charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to national security and the Indian Armed Forces. Presently, Mr. Rajnath Singh is the Minister of Defense.
Appointment and Resignations
News 1.
Khushbu Sundar nominated as member of National Commission for Women
The actor turned politician is presently a member of the BJP’s national executive committee
Khushbu Sundar, a former actress and current member of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s National Executive, has been nominated as a member of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
According to a notification issued by the Union Ministry Of Women And Child Development on February 24, Khushbu will serve as an NCW member for three years from the date of assumption of charge. The NCW is a statutory body of the Government of India that advises the government on all policy matters affecting women.
Annamalai congratulates Khushbu on her appointment to NCW
- K. Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, took to Twitter to congratulate Khushbu Sundar on her appointment to the NCW.
- He said that it was a recognition of her relentless pursuit and fight for women’s rights.
- Khushbu has been an outspoken advocate for the safety and welfare of women, and her appointment to the NCW reflects her commitment to these issues.
Khushbu’s background and career in politics
- Khushbu Sundar’s rise to fame in the Tamil movie industry led to a successful career in politics.
- Her 2005 remarks on premarital sex caused controversy and were cleared by the Supreme Court in 2010.
- Khushbu joined the DMK in 2010 but faced criticism during her tenure.
- She switched to Congress in 2014 and campaigned for the party in the 2016 Assembly polls.
Khushbu’s advocacy for women’s rights
- Despite her frequent shifts in political allegiance, Khushbu Sundar has remained an advocate for the safety and welfare of women.
- She has been known for her outspoken views on a range of issues affecting women and has often courted controversy as a result.
- Her appointment to the National Commission for Women is a reflection of her commitment to these issues, and she is expected to use her platform to further advance the cause of women’s rights in India.
Empowering Women: The Role and Powers of India’s National Commission for Women
- In 1992, the National Commission for Women was established as a statutory body under the National Commission Act 1990.
- Its primary mandate is to review constitutional safeguards for women in the country and recommend measures to address inequalities through redressal mechanisms and legislative action.
- The commission advises the government on policies and laws to safeguard women’s rights, and it has the authority of a civil court.
- The first commission, chaired by Jayanti Patnaik, was formed on January 31, 1992, and Alok Rawat IAS was the first male member to join the NCW.
Important Days
News 1.
World NGO Day 2023: Celebrating the Significant Role of Non-Governmental Organizations
February 27 is marked as World NGO Day, celebrated to recognise and honour the objective of contributing to society and these organisations
NGOs, short for Non-governmental organisations, play a critical role in supporting various causes to contribute to society, especially for underprivileged people. To acknowledge and honour the significant role of NGOs, World NGO Day is globally observed on February 27 every year. The day recognises the selfless acts and sacrifices of NGO employees and their contributions to making the world a better place.
The History of World NGO Day 2023
- The observation of World NGO Day started in 2009 by Marcis Liors Skadmanis, who ran a social business.
- The 12 countries of the Baltic Sea NGO Forum proposed and recognised World NGO Day as an official holiday in 2010.
- International NGO Day was first observed on February 27, 2014, and later received recognition from the European Union, the United Nations, and other international organisations.
What is an NGO and Its Significance?
- NGOs are voluntary, non-profit citizens’ groups established at international, national, and local levels to address various issues and promote the welfare of people.
- They are also known as non-profit organisations (NPOs), civil society organisations (CSOs), charitable organisations, membership organisations, charities, or the third sector.
The Relevance of World NGO Day 2023
- World NGO Day 2023 aims to:
- raise public awareness of NGOs globally,
- recognise their contributions, and
- encourage others to join the cause.
- It provides an opportunity to honour charitable people who assist NGO success worldwide and to showcase interests from the founding members to staff, volunteers, and regular donors.
- This day is also a chance to raise awareness of worthy causes, particularly humanitarian ones, and make it easier for others to participate in fundraising or volunteering.
How do NGOs Fund Their Operations?
NGOs manage to fund their organisations through product sales, grants, membership fees, private donations, and occasionally voluntarily given donations from the government. The government is not part of NGOs’ operations.
The Theme of World NGO Day 2023
- The theme of World NGO Day 2023 is “the role and influence of NGOs in advancing human rights, addressing social and environmental challenges, and achieving sustainable development goals.”
- The day brings together volunteers and supporters worldwide to honour and celebrate the goals and contributions of non-profit organisations around the world.
The Importance of NGO Internships for Law Students
- NGOs offer invaluable opportunities for every law student to gain insight into the realities of society, particularly the aspects that are often overlooked by government agencies. This is why it is highly recommended to pursue an NGO internship as your first internship.
- NGOs are typically involved in various initiatives such as awareness programs, surveys, and media demonstrations, which can help develop your leadership skills and shape you into a future leader.
- However, it’s important to note that working with NGOs may not lead to significant financial gain, unlike other sectors of law that provide an easier route to earning money.
- Nonetheless, the sense of fulfilment you will experience is priceless, making interning at an NGO a rewarding experience.
- By interning at NGOs, you become an active participant in society, driven to make a difference in the current scenario.
Awards and Recognitions
News 1.
SAG Awards 2023: Ke Huy Quan becomes first Asian male to win film acting SAG
These awards were held to honour the year’s best acting performances.
On Sunday, 29th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. These awards were held to honor the year’s best acting performances. In these awards, actor Ke Huy Quan has won the Best Supporting actor award for his role as Waymond Wang in the film “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
About Ke Huy Quan
- His win at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards makes him the first Asian male to win a film acting award at the annual guild ceremony since its inception in 1994.
- He is also the second Asian actor to win any individual SAG prize in either film or television one year after Squid Game‘s Lee Jung-jae won for male actor in a drama series.
Speech of Ke Huy Quan
“This is a really emotional moment for me. Recently, I was told that if I would win tonight, I would become the very first Asian actor to win in this category. When I heard this, I quickly realised that this moment no longer belongs to just me. It also belongs to everyone who has asked for change. When I stepped away from acting, it’s because there were so few opportunities.”