National

News 1.

3.8 magnitude of earthquake jolts Odisha’s Koraput

The epicenter of the earthquake was located 5 kilometers below the ground

Current Affairs: An earthquake struck southern Koraput district of Odisha. As per the National Centre for Seismology, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 5 kilometers below the ground. The magnitude of the earthquake on the Richter scale measured as 3.8.

Statement from the National Centre for Seismology

“Earthquake of Magnitude:3.8, Occurred on 03-03-2023, 05:05:44 IST, Lat: 18.83 & Long: 83.21, Depth: 5 Km ,Location: Koraput Odisha for more information Download the BhooKamp App.” 

Damages and Casualties

• No damages or casualties were reported in the state as the intensity of the earthquake was mild.
• The epicenter of the earthquake was located 129 kms east of Jagdalpur in Chattisgarh.
• In Narayanpatna, the local peoples have felt the tremors and shocks which created panic in the locals.
• Due to the shocks and mild jolts, people have stepped out of their houses and the locals have stated that they have heard the roaring sound.

Earthquake prone areas

Some districts of Odisha have been identified as earthquake prone areas such as Angul district Talcher and its nearby areas. These districts were identified as Zone III, therefore they fall under the moderate damage risk zone.

About Odisha

Chief Minister- Naveen Patnaik

Capital- Bhubaneswar

Click here to read more on Turkey Earthquake.

Click here to read more on relief materials sent to Turkey.

Click here to read more on relief materials to Turkey.

News 2

India ranks 108th in V-Demographic index 2023

Once again in its anti-India rhetoric, the report has banged one of the world’s largest democracies for slipping into an electoral autocracy

Current Affairs: In its latest Electoral Democracy Index of the V-dem Democracy report 2023, India has been placed at 108th rank. India’s position has slipped to 8 steps below its previous ranking. Last year India was placed at 100th rank in the same report. This time India has been ranked way below countries such as Tanzania, Bolivia, Mexico, Singapore, and Nigeria.  In the Liberal Democracy index India has been placed at 97th position. 

The index captures electoral aspects of democracy based on 71 indicators such as free and fair elections, political and civil rights, and more. Denmark is the country that has been placed at the top rank with a score of 0.89 in the index. The ‘Defiance in the Face of Autocratization’ report reported that the current wave of “autocratization” stretches to almost all regions of the world. However, in Asia-Pacific the level of democracy has suffered a loss. Around 3.5 billion people in these regions now reside in “electoral autocracies”. India has been ranked at the top of them. 

It has been reported that India, being the largest democracy has fallen to electoral autocracy by curbing the freedom of speech involving repression of Civil society Organizations, and censorship of media. According to the report India has managed to secure a position that is just two spots above its neighbor Pakistan.  The report pointed out that the ongoing ‘third wave’ of autocratization is accelerating this trend so far as countries turn from democracies to autocracies.

V-dem Democracy Index

 The V-Dem Institute (Varieties of Democracy) is an independent research institute founded by Professor Staffan I. Lindberg in 2014 that studies the qualities of government. A number of government organizations, the World Bank, and several research institutions fund the institute. The headquarters of the project is based at the department of political science, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

News 3

S Jaishankar Explains How Government Functions Under “Captain Modi”

Using the cricket analogy, foreign minister S Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi trusts his bowler and asks them to take wickets.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar used a cricket analogy to describe the functioning of the Indian government. 

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, he likened Prime Minister Modi to a captain who expects his bowlers to perform and take wickets.

Captain Modi gives his bowlers freedom, says Jaishankar

• Mr Jaishankar added that the Prime Minister gives his ministers a certain amount of freedom to take decisions, but also closely watches the difficult decisions being taken. 
• He cited the decision to lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example.

Interest in India’s foreign policy rising

• The External Affairs Minister highlighted the increasing interest in India’s foreign policy, attributing it to the world’s difficult state and India’s globalization. 
• He stated that like a cricket team, India does not just aim to win at home, but also abroad.

Jaishankar discusses India’s economic and cricket dominance with Tony Blair

• During the event, the discussion turned towards India’s recent economic rise and its increasing dominance in the world of cricket. 
• With former UK PM Tony Blair present, Mr Jaishankar discussed India’s upward mobility and how it was rebalancing history. 
• He also referenced the popularity of the Indian film ‘RRR’, which alluded to the British era and the complexities of India’s history.

Apt Choice for India’s External Affairs Ministry: S. Jaishankar

• S. Jaishankar is India’s Minister of External Affairs since 2019, associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party. 
• He served as a diplomat, including as Indian Ambassador to the United States, China, and the Czech Republic. 
• He played a pivotal role in negotiating the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement. 
• Jaishankar is highly educated, with degrees from St. Stephen’s College and Jawaharlal Nehru University. 
• Jaishankar is the longest-serving Indian ambassador to China and played pivotal role in reinforcing economic, trade and cultural relations between the two countries.
• He was the second of six ambassadors to present credentials to Obama in a traditional ceremony.
• In 2015, Jaishankar became India’s Foreign Secretary, and in 2019, he was elected as a member of parliament from Gujarat state. 
• He received the Padma Shri in 2019.

News 4

Working group on Counter-Terrorism: QUAD

In a joint statement, leaders of these countries criticized terrorism and committed to promote accountability for terror attacks

Quad Group has formed a Working group on Counter Terrorism to explore cooperation among Quad and Indo-Pacific partners. This will lead to countering the emerging forms of terrorism, violence and violent extremism. 

What purpose will it serve?

• denounce the use of terrorist proxies
• promote accountability for terrorist attacks 
• Terrorism in all its form must be condemned 
• denying any logistical, financial, or military support to terrorist organizations

“We unequivocally condemn terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations”

In the attack of 26/11 citizens from all Quad members suffered heavily. The group ensured to take appropriate measures in its working capacity and planning. The group also welcomed the focused discussions on various themes at the Quad Counter-Terrorism Policy Meeting and tabletop exercise hosted by Australia the previous year. It is looking forward to its first meeting in the United States in March 2023 to continue discussions on this global issue.

QUAD 

Commonly known as the Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), is a strategic security dialogue between Australia, India, Japan and the United States. It is maintained by talks between member countries. It was initiated by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. The dialogue was paralleled by joint military exercises of an unprecedented scale, titled Exercise Malabar. One of the major objectives is to contain China in the Indo-Pacific. 

News 5

State Bank of India completes first commercial trade in Sri Lankan rupees

State Bank of India completes first commercial trade in Sri Lankan rupees

India looks to bring countries into INR ,the trade mechanism.

SBI, lending org. 

Indian lender State Bank of India said it completed its first non-dollar transaction with Sri Lanka.

Paying for exports in Sri Lankan rupees as India looks to bring countries that are short of U.S. dollars into the trade mechanism. 

What is Sri Lankan rupee:  

The Sri Lankan Rupee is the currency of Sri Lanka. It is subdivided into 100 cents, but cents are rarely seen in circulation due to its low value. It is issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The abbreviation Re and Rs is generally used, the World Bank suggests SL Rs as a fully disambiguating abbreviation for distinction from other currencies named “rupee”.  

What is India rupee: 

The Indian rupee is the official currency in the Republic of India. The rupee is subdivided into 100 paise, though as of 2023, coins of denomination of 1 rupee are the lowest value in use whereas 2000 rupees is the highest. The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India.  

What exactly State Bank of India Move: 

The State Bank of India move comes as Sri Lanka grapples with its worst economic crisis since its independence, triggered by a shortage of dollars. 

Why Sri Lanka wanted to trade in INR 

• INR as legal currency in Sri Lanka will provide the country with much needed liquidity support to help it’s economic crises of shortage of dollars.
• With foreign currency (in case of Sri Lanka it’s INR) the country’s economy is to prevent further economic crises. 

RBI announced to setting a mechanisms to carry out international trade in India rupees ṁ 

A mechanism allows all exports and imports to be denominated and invoiced in Indian currency while the exchange price between the trading partners is settled by the market. 

About Trade: 

Sri Lankan rupees – 1

Indian Rupee – 0.24 

The island nation’s forex reserves stood at $2.1 billion.

MoU Signed between: SBI and Sri Lanka

Transaction: paying for exports in Sri Lankan rupees

Awards and Recognitions

News 1

Deepika Padukone: among the celebrities presenting at the 95th Oscars

She took to her Instagram account to share the exciting news

On Thursday, Deepika Padukone made an announcement that she will be among the A-List celebrities presenting at the 95th Oscars. She took to her Instagram account to share the exciting news. The 95th Oscars awards will be held on March 12 at Los Angeles’ Dolly Theatre.

The List of A-List celebrities presenting the Oscars

• Riz Ahmed, 
• Emily Blunt, 
• Glenn Close, 
• Troy Kotsur, 
• Dwayne Johnson, 
• Jennifer Connelly, 
• Samuel L. Jackson, 
• Melissa McCarthy, 
• Zoe Saldana, 
• Donnie Yen, 
• Jonathan Majors and 
• Questlove. 

Sharing the news on Instagram, the actress wrote, “#Oscars #oscars95.”

Previous Endeavors

• Earlier this year, she unveiled a FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar.
• In 2022, she was one of the jury members at Cannes.

Other Nominations from India in 95th Oscars

In Oscars 2023, 1 song and 2 documentaries have been nominated in different categories:

• Naatu Naatu from SS Rajamouli’s RRR is nominated for the Best Original Song category.
• All That Breathes is nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film category.
• The Elephant Whisperers is nominated in the Best Documentary Short Film category.

Brands associated with Deepika Padukone

• Louis Vuitton
• Levi’s
• Asian Paints, 
• Adidas, 
• Lloyd, 
• Jio, 
• Pepsi, 
• Jaquar, 
• Nestle, 
• L’Oreal Paris, 
• Oppo, 
• Dabur, 
• Tissot, 
• Tanishq, 
• Britannia, 
• Nescafe, 
• Lux, 
• Axis Bank, 
• Coca Cola, 
• Pottery Barn, Etc.

Business and Finance

News 1

RBI cancels registration of Rhino Finance due to irregular lending practices

With cancellation of the CoR, Rhino Finance shall not transact the business of a non-banking financial institution.

On Thursday, the Reserve Bank of India said that it has cancelled the registration of Guwahati-based Rhino Finance Private Ltd. for irregular lending practices. A press release from the RBI has said that “The certificate of Registration (CoR) of Rhino Finance has been cancelled on account of violation of RBI guidelines on outsourcing and Fair Practices Code in its digital lending operations undertaken through third party apps which was considered detrimental to public interest.”

Statement of RBI

“The company was also not complying with the extant regulations pertaining to charging of excessive interest and had resorted to undue harassment of customers for loan recovery purposes.”

“With cancellation of the CoR, Rhino Finance shall not transact the business of a non-banking financial institution.”

Names of the services provider/mobile app associated with Rhino Finance Pvt. Ltd.

• Hello Loan, 
• Credit Hub, 
• KoKo Cash, 
• Flash Loan, 
• Bridge Loan, 
• Crazy Bee and 
• Rupee Bus.

Irregular Lending Practices

The irregular lending practices are the fraudulent, deceptive and unfair tactics some people use to dupe others into mortgage loans. Some of the predatory lending practices are:

• Equity Stripping,
• Bait and switch schemes
• Loan Flipping
• Hidden Balloon Payments etc.

Irregular Lending Practices

The irregular lending practices are the fraudulent, deceptive and unfair tactics some people use to dupe others into mortgage loans. Some of the predatory lending practices are:

• Equity Stripping,
• Bait and switch schemes
• Loan Flipping
• Hidden Balloon Payments etc.

Other Financial Companies where registration has been cancelled by the RBI

In October 2022, the RBI has cancelled the certificate of registration of four NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) are:

• SRM Properties And Finance Company (Rajasthan), 
• North East Region Finservices Limited (Manipur), 
• Sowjenvee Finance Limited (Karnataka) and 
• Opel Finance Limited (Patna).

About Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

The Reserve Bank of India, also  known as RBI, is India’s central bank and regulatory body responsible for regulation of the Indian banking system. It is under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. It is responsible for the control, issue and maintaining supply of the Indian rupee in the country. It was founded in 1935 and headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India is Shaktikanta Das.

News 2

iPhones to be Made in India for the world

Foxconn to invest 700 million dollars in Indian plants at Bengaluru.

Foxconn plans to invest in a factory in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones.  It is part of Apple’s quiet and gradual production shift away from China as it passes disengagements from a trade war between Beijing and Washington and the coronavirus crisis. 

A source with direct knowledge of the matter informed that there’s a strong request from Apple to its clients to move part of the iPhone production out of China. According to the report, the company plans to build a Plant to make iPhone parts at the new site in Bengaluru. The site selected spans the 300-acre area and is near the Bengaluru airport. The factory is expected to assemble iPhone handsets and some parts of its newly set up electric vehicle business. The move may also be viewed against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions between China and the US.

The investment is set to be Foxconn’s single most significant investment in India until now and would create over a lakh jobs. India has reportedly offered incentives to Foxconn and other Apple suppliers in what is being viewed as the Modi government’s bid to offer India as an alternate production hub to China. 

Foxconn 

It is a Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturer established in 1974 with headquarters in Tucheng, New Taipei City, Taiwan. 

Smartphone Market in India

The smartphone sector in India is rapidly changing. There is cutthroat competition among smartphone companies in capturing the market. Xiaomi was one of the leading smartphone shareholders in India. It is a fast-changing market with the potential to grow manifold. 

Production-linked incentive scheme

As a part of the National Electronic Policy IT sector attracts a big foreign investment sector, while also encouraging domestic mobile phone makers to expand their units and presence in India. It would give incentives of 4-6 percent to electronics companies that manufacture mobile phones and other electronic components.

USA 

Capital- Washington DC 

Currency – US Dollar

President – Joe Biden

News 3

World Bank to support India with $1 billion to boost public health infra

The Agreement was signed by Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and World Bank India country director Auguste Tano Kouame.

On Friday, the World Bank and India signed two complementary loans to USD 500 million. These loans have been signed to support and enhance the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Support from World Bank

The Agreement was signed by Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and World Bank India country director Auguste Tano Kouame. The World Bank has financed USD 1 billion (about Rs. 82000 crore) to India to support-

• India’s flagship Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM),
• To improve the public healthcare infrastructure across the country
• To prioritize health service delivery in seven states including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh.

Statement of the World Bank India country director Auguste Tano

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the fore the urgent need for pandemic preparedness and health system strengthening around the world and was a stark reminder that pandemic preparedness is a global public good.”

“The two projects are supporting India’s decision to increase the resilience and preparedness of the country’s health systems against future pandemics.”

“This will be of great benefit for the population of the states participating in the projects and will generate positive spillovers for other states.”

“Despite these advances in the health of the Indian population, COVID-19 has underscored the need for revitalizing, reforming, and developing capacity for core public health functions, as well as for improving the quality and comprehensiveness of health service delivery.”

About India’s performance in health infrastructure sector

• India’s life expectancy is at 69.8 in 2020 which is higher than the average for the country’s income level.
• The other mortality rates are 36 per 1,000 live births, infant mortality rate is 30 per 1,000 live births, and maternal mortality ratio is 103 per 100,000 live births are all close to the average for India’s income level. This reflects significant achievements in access to skilled birth attendance, immunizations, and other priority services.

About World Bank

The World Bank is an international financial institution founded in 1944, that provides loans and grants to the governments of low- and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects. Its headquarter is in Washington D.C., United States and its current president is David Malpass.

Sports

News 1

Australia booked a place into ICC World Test Championship Final

The Australian Team needed a single win to reach the World Test Championship final but were struggling in the first two Tests of the series.

On Friday, Australia qualified for the World Test Championship final at the Oval in England in June 2023 and won over India in the Indore Test with 9 wickets. The Australian Team needed a single win to reach the World Test Championship final but were struggling in the first two Tests of the series. In the Indore Test Australian Team dominated India as spinners Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann had the Indian batters in all sorts of trouble.

Indore Test- India vs Australia

• On Day three, the Australian team needed just 76 runs to win the Test but they lost Usman Khawaja for a duck.
• Marnus Labuschangne and Travis Head played together a 78 run partnership to get them home with 9 wickets to spare.
• Australia will now await either India or Sri Lanka in the final of the World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. It will be played at the Oval from 7-11 June, 2023.
• This victory has helped Australia to get an impressive 68.52 out of their possible WTC points.
• India holds a second spot in the WTC table with 60.29 of their possible WTC points.
• India needs to win in the Ahmedabad Test to seal the spot in the WTC final.

Twitter Statements for ICC

Remaining ICC World Test Championship Fixtures

• South Africa v West Indies (Second Test) – Johannesburg, South Africa, 8-12 March
• New Zealand v Sri Lanka (First Test) – Christchurch, New Zealand, 9-13 March
• India v Australia (Fourth Test) – Ahmedabad, India, 9-13 March
• New Zealand v Sri Lanka (Second Test) – Wellington, New Zealand, 17-21 March

ICC World Test Championship- 2021-2023

S. No.	Team	PCT (%)	PTS	W	L	D	SER	PEN
1	Australia	68.52	148	11	3	4	6	0
2	India	60.29	123	10	5	2	6	-5
3	Sri Lanka	53.33	64	5	4	1	5	0
4	South Africa	52.28	88	7	6	1	6	0
5	England	46.97	124	10	8	4	6	-12
6	Pakistan	38.1	64	4	6	4	6	0
7	West Indies	37.5	54	4	6	2	6	-2
8	New Zealand	27.27	36	2	6	3	5	0
9	Bangladesh	11.11	16	1	10	1	6	0

Table Key-

PCT (%)	Percentage
L	Number of Matches Lost
D	Number of Matches Drawn
PTS	Number of Points Awarded
SER	Number of Series Played
PEN	Number of Penalty Overs
W	Number of Matches Won

MOUs

News 1

NADA and NCERT sign MOU to strengthen sports education for school children and teachers.

The National Anti-Doping Agency and the National Council of Educational Research & Training have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance value-based sports education for school children and teachers.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen value-based sports education for school children and teachers. 

The signing took place at the Conference Hall, Ministry of Education, Government of India, Shastri Bhawan. In attendance were various government officials and representatives from both organizations.

Keynote address by the Secretary of the Department of Sports

• During the signing of the MoU, Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary (Department of Sports) delivered the keynote address. 
• She stressed the importance of promoting positive sports values from an early age, to ensure that young athletes practice clean sports later on. 
• She expressed optimism that the collaboration between NADA and NCERT will help create awareness at the grassroots.

Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy highlights the importance of sports education

• Sh. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary (Department of School Education & Literacy) emphasized the role of education in shaping the character of students and sports in instilling positive values. 
• He believes that this collaboration will go a long way in raising good citizens for the future.

India’s responsibility to promote clean sports efforts and value-based sports education

As a signatory to the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport, India has a responsibility to promote clean sports efforts and value-based sports education in the country. This collaboration between NADA and NCERT is a step towards fulfilling that responsibility.

Key activities under the MoU

• The MoU will leverage the digital infrastructure and outreach capacity of the Department of School Education & Literacy through PM e-Vidya for school students, parents, young & budding athletes, and physical education teachers. 
• The key activities under the MoU include developing e-content on sports values and ethics like integrity, diversity, equality, fair play, respect & teamwork, and promoting the UNESCO Value Based Sports Education toolkit in every classroom.

National Anti-Doping Agency

Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India

• National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) was set up as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 on November 24, 2005, with a mandate for Dope-free sports in India. 
• The primary objectives are: 
  • to implement anti-doping rules as per the WADA code, 
  • regulate dope control programmes, 
  • to promote education and research and 
  • creating awareness about doping and its ill effects.

Legal

News 1

National Conference on Economics of Competition Law by CCI

Competition Commission of India conducted a national conference after 6 years

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) organized the 8th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law here today. The Conference, which brings together scholars, practitioners, academicians and experts working in the area of economics of competition law, has been organized by the CCI every year since 2016.

What is CCI?

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is the chief national competition regulator in India.

CCI ensures enforcing the Competition Act, 2002 to promote competition and prevent activities that have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India.The Commission is also required to give opinion on competition issues.

CCI consists of a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by the Central Government. In the year 2021-2022 CCI disposed off 1965 cases, with the disposal rate of 94% 

National Conference

The Conference is an endeavour to develop and sustain interest in the Economics of Competition Law and create a critical mass of antitrust economists.

Dr. V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, delivered the Keynote Address in the Inaugural Session.

Objective

 (a) to stimulate research and debate on contemporary issues in the field of economics of competition law,

(b) to develop a better understanding of competition issues relevant to the Indian context and

(c) to draw inferences for enforcement of competition law in India

Keynote

• Dr V Anantha Nageswaran (Chief Economic Adviser (CEA), Ministry of Finance, Government of India)

Highlighted the importance of competition in ensuring    efficient markets and overall national prosperity.

He also elaborated on how regulation and competition rules must be aware of unintended consequences arising from their actions.

• Dr Sangeeta Verma (Acting Chairperson, CCI)

Addressed the crucial role of fair and competitive markets in the post-pandemic recovery phase for the Indian industry.

• Shri Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi (Member, CCI)

Emphasized that the growth of the Indian economy, which recently became the fifth-largest economy in the world, has also made the need for an efficient competition regulator more critical.

The National Conference concluded with a plenary session on ‘Antitrust and Regulation: Interfaces and Synergies’ which was moderated by Dr Arghya Sengupta, Founder and Research Director, Vidhi Legal.

Inaugurations

News 1

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates the International Dharma-Dhamma Conference in Bhopal

A 3 day conference was organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies.

On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 7th International Dharma-Dhamma Conference 2023 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies. 

The theme of the conference is ‘Eastern Humanism for the New Era’. Over 350 scholars from 15 countries are participating in the conference, which increases the global view of Dharma-Dhamma.

 Representatives from Bali, Mongolia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Mauritius, Russia, Spain, France, the USA, and the UK Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Royal Government of Bhutan are among the international delegates and speakers.

Aim of the conference: To bring together religious, political, and thought leaders from the Dharma-Dhamma traditions to consider building a philosophical framework for the emerging new world order.

Statement by Droupadi Murmu

• While addressing the conference, she said, “When realized souls decided to become compassionate teachers or gurus, their traditions came into existence. Many such traditions originated in India and have been flourishing across the world.”
• She said that the great banyan tree of Indian spirituality has its roots in India, and its branches and vines are spread all over the world.
• “The concept of Dharma-Dhamma has been the basic voice of Indian consciousness. Personal conduct and social order based on morality is the practical form of Eastern humanism.” the President said.
• President Murmu said, “The deep impact of Dharma-Dhamma is clearly visible in the democratic system we adopted after independence. Our national emblem is the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath. The wheel of Dharma is adorned in our national flag.”.

International Dharma-Dhamma conference

• The first International Dharma-Dhamma Conference was organized on 22-23 September 2012 at Sanchi University (Madhya Pradesh).
• The conference will be planned annually to revive the dharma-dhamma traditions.

About Draupadi Murmu

• The Presidency of Draupadi Murmu was administered by Chief Justice N. V. Ramana. She has been serving as the 15th President of India since July 25, 2022.
• She was born on June 20, 1958, in Uparbeda village, Odisha.

After Pratibha Patil, Murmu is the second woman to hold the office.

Important days

News 1

Important Days observed on March 3

World Wildlife Day

• It was celebrated on March 3, every year. This day is celebrated to commemorate the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in 1973.
• In the 68th session on 20th December 2013 of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed that 3 March will be celebrated as the World Wildlife Day.
• March 3rd is the day that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973.
• Importance: This day is celebrated to raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. People everywhere rely on wildlife and biodiversity-based resources to meet all our needs from food to fuel, medicines, housing and clothing. Not only for our needs, nature is essential for our mental health too.

• Theme: The Theme for 2023 is “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation.” This theme will allow us to celebrate all conservation efforts from intergovernmental to local scale. This theme focuses on two sub topics:

           – Marine Life and oceans

           – Business and Finance

About Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

• Today is a very special date for CITES as well. This day is marked as the 50th anniversary of CITES.
• This Convention has stood at the junction of trade and conservation, with Parties to the Convention working with the shared goal of ensuring sustainability of endangered species.
• CITES  has also worked towards building partnerships and reconciling differences between the groups that are guided and governed by its regulations.

World Hearing Day

• World Hearing Day is observed on March 3 every year. This day is celebrated to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.
• Theme: The theme for 2023 is “Ear and Hearing Care for all, Let’s Make it a Reality”. The objective of this theme is to:

         – Draw attention of decision makers in governments and civil society groups towards the WHO’s recommendations regarding integration of ear and hearing care into PHC.

         – Encourage governments to integrate primary ear and hearing care into training programmes for health care providers at primary level.

         – Call attention of primary level health care providers (health workers and physicians) towards the needs of people with hearing loss and ear disease.

          – Inform people about the importance of ear and hearing care and encourage them to seek services.

Steps taken by WHO

• Every year, WHO develops evidence-based advocacy materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, banners, infographics and presentations among others.
• WHO shares these materials with partners in government and civil societies all around the world.
• WHO also organizes an annual World Hearing Day event and hosts a range of activities to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss

About WHO

The World Health Organisation is a specialized agency of the United Nations. This agency is responsible for international public health. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and has 6 regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide. It was established on 7 April, 1948 and the Director General of the WHO is Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.