16th February 2023

National

1. Inauguration Of national Aadi mahotsav by PM

Current Affairs: Today, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, PM Modi will inaugurate the mega National Tribal Festival- Aadi Mahotsav. In the festival, one thousand tribal artists from 28 States and Union Territories will take part.

About Aadi Mahotsav

• This festival is scheduled from 16th- 27th February.

• This festival is organized by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED), which falls under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs

• During this festival the tribal spirit including its culture, crafts, cuisine, commerce and traditional art will be celebrated.

• This programme is organized to showcase the rich and diverse heritage of tribes from across the country in over 200 stalls at the venue.
• Around 1000 tribal artists from 28 States and Union Territories will take part in the festival. 

Aim of the Aadi Mahotsav Festival

• The Tribal Affairs Ministry is making all efforts to ensure full participation and involvement of the tribal communities and promote the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat within the tribal communities.
• PM Modi has been taking steps to improve the well-being of the country’s tribal population and to acknowledge their role in the country’s growth and development.

International Year of Millets

2023 is also being celebrated as the International Year of Millets, along with usual attractions like handicrafts, handloom, pottery, jewelry etc. A special focus in the Mahotsav will be on showcasing Shree Anna grown by tribals.

Statement of the Tribal Affairs Minister

Arjun Munda, the tribal affairs minister has said that- 

“The festival would include the participation of over 1,000 tribal artisans and artists from 28 states and Union Territories. For the occasion of the celebration of the International Year of Millets, which was declared by the United Nations at the request of India, tribal cooks from 19 States and Union Territories will showcase their best at 20 food stalls, with a special focus on “millets grown by tribals.”

About The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED)

• TRIFED was established in August 1987 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984 by the Government of India.
• It was established as a National level Cooperative body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Welfare of India.
• Its aim is to bring about socio-economic development of tribals of the country by institutionalizing the trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) & Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP) collected/ cultivated by them.

2. India, Fiji sign MoU on visa exemption for diplomatic, official passport holders

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed in between India and Fiji. This MoU is on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports. As per this agreement, diplomatic and official passport holders will be able to enter, transit and stay in each other’s countries without a visa for a period of 90 days and not exceeding it. The MoU has been signed in the presence of Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister of Fiji and external Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar.

Statement of the External Affairs Minister

The External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar has said that-

“India and Fiji have close and long-standing ties and a large part of that is built on our people-to-people linkages. We have been privileged to partner with Fiji in its nation-building efforts across various sectors.”

“India and Fiji have inaugurated the solarization of the State House in Suva and this is the first of a series that India is supporting in the Pacific Islands. He said this reflects India’s commitment towards climate action.” 

“I just signed and exchanged the visa waiver agreement. It will be helpful in encouraging greater travel between our two countries.”

“I would like to take this occasion to really publically and sincerely thank the government of Fiji for partnering with us on this very important cultural, heritage exercise we do regularly. The arrangements which were made were truly exceptional.”

Statement of the Prime Minister of Fiji

The Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka has appreciated PM Modi’s support in co-hosting the 12th World Hindi Conference in Fiji and in providing vaccines and humanitarian assistance. He said-

“The people of Fiji will benefit with this agreement as a lot of Fiji travelers visit India for medical treatment and education purposes.”

“On behalf of the government of Fiji, I thank the government of India for realizing this important cooperation. I’m confident that we will witness many more such initiatives unfolding through the deepening of our cooperation.”

Effect of the Visa exemption MoU

The exemption in the Visa will allow-

• Diplomatic and official passport holders in India and Fiji will now be able to enter, transit through, stay and leave each other’s territories without a visa for a period not exceeding 90 days.
• This will also allow both countries easier access to opportunities for collaboration, discussions and meetings at all levels.

India and Fiji Relationship

Both the countries have a link since 1879 when Indian laborers were brought here under an indenture system to work on sugarcane plantations. Between 1879 and 1961 around 60,000 Indians were brought to Fiji. Beginning with the early 20th century, Indian traders and others also started arriving in Fiji.

About Fiji

President- Wiliame Katonivere

Capital- Suva

Currency- Fijian Dollar.

Click here to read more on India and Fiji.

3. President of India inaugurates International Engineering and Technology Fair 2023

Today, Droupadi Murmu, the President of India inaugurated the International Engineering and Technology Fair (IETF) 2023 in New Delhi. The IETF is organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Statements of the Indian President

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu has said that-

“This event is a testimony to the nation’s collaboration with the best in the world in advanced technologies.”

“Rapid digitization of the economy and its acceptance at the social level has unleashed a new potential which has created new pathways for high growth.”

“India is on a mission to expand its global engagement taking advantage of its excellent manufacturing experience, high-quality talent and cutting-edge advanced technology attainments.”

“India has significant potential to engage with the international markets. Our commitment to clean energy has been driving our green growth. India has been marching ahead steadfastly to attain the net zero emission target in 2070.”

Impact of IETF

• The IETF covers the 11 areas of emerging technologies which will impact on our economy and society.
• The technologies are an essential part of healthcare and it cannot be overestimated. The emerging technologies will prove to be of utmost importance as the world is seemingly coming out of a great crisis.
• To promote technologies that can bring about positive changes in people’s lives.

About the IETF- 2023

In IETF 2023, CII has showcased feats of engineering and technologies that promote harmony between nature and science. 

About Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

The CII is a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group. It is headquartered in New Delhi, India. It was founded in the Year 1895. CII engages business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. It is a membership-based organization.

4. Mumbai overtakes Delhi as most polluted city in India- IQAIR

As per the global Air Quality Index (AQI), Mumbai has become the world’s second-most polluted city, after overtaken Delhi. As per the Switzerland-based air quality monitoring tech company IqAir, Mumbai has an AQI of 163, which falls under the unhealthy category.

Statistics from Air Quality Index on the IqAir Website

• For the period of January 29 to February 8, Sarajevo in Bosnia has been ranked as the world’s most polluted city.
• From February 2, Mumbai has an AQI of 163 which falls under the unhealthy category.
• On AQI, Lahore is in the third position.
• Delhi is in the sixth spot with 155 US AQI
• Kolkata is in the 17th position with a US AQI of 135.

About IQAIR

• IQAIR is a swill air quality technology company, specializing in protection against airborne pollutants, developing air quality monitoring and air cleaning products.
• IQAir also operated AirVisual, a real time air quality information platform.
• IQAIR is working together with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Greenpeace to measure the air quality in India.
• Under this programme IQAIR studies the data form from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Reasons for falling air quality of Mumbai

• Dust due to roads and construction activities.
• Smoke from vehicles for high pollution levels in Mumbai.
• Industrial and power units, airports, and garbage dumps.
• Lowered wind speed across the west coast due to the La Nina effect.

Effects of the La Nina phenomenon

• La Nina is a weather phenomena characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in the Equatorial Pacific which causes increased numbers of tropical storms in the Pacific Ocean.
• This phenomenon has affected the natural cleansing mechanism of the city
• There was more concentration of particulate matter due to high-flying dust emissions.
• The import of transboundary pollution from more polluted regions due to wind pattern changes has added to Mumbai’s falling air quality. 

Solutions for reducing the Air Pollution in Mumbai

• Replenish the forces for a level playing field.
• Air quality monitoring needs to become robust and regular, with real-time updates about the critical air pockets and sources of pollution along with health information.
• Data dissemination should be quick, sorted, and effective so that analysis becomes easier for mitigation and policymaking. 
• Higher manpower will also ensure that there are more awareness campaigns across the city, from popular squares to the more difficult-to-navigate slums.
• Emission norms for industrial sectors should be tightened. 
• Factory smoke should be treated before it is discharged into the air. 
• Both factories and vehicles should aim towards using low-emission fuel.

About Mumbai

Mumbai is a densely populated city on India’s West Coast in Maharashtra. It is a financial center and India’s largest city. On the Mumbai Harbor waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924. The city’s also famous as the heart of the Bollywood film industry. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra is Uddhav Thackeray.

About Delhi

Delhi is India’s Capital territory and is a massive metropolitan area in the country’s north. In Old Delhi, a neighborhood dating to the 1600s, stands the imposing Mughal-era Red Fort, a symbol of India, and the sprawling Jama Masjid mosque, whose courtyard accommodates 25,000 people. The Chief Minister of Delhi is Arvind Kejriwal.

5. Ministry of Tourism Selected Four Pilgrim Centres Under PRASHAD Scheme

Iranna Kabadi, Member of Rajya Sabha has said that the Union Government has identified four pilgrim centers for development under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme.

The Four Pilgrim Centers

The four Pilgrim Centers selected for the PRASHAD Scheme are:

• Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru, 
• Sri Madhwa Vana in Kunjaragiri in Udupi district, 
• Papnash temple in Bidar district and 
• Sri Renuka Yallamma Temple in Saundatti in Belagavi district.

Statement of Union Tourism Minister

The Union Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy has said that- 

“Tourism development is the responsibility of the State governments, but the Union government will support such efforts by releasing money under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes.”

About PRASHAD Scheme

• This Scheme was launched by the Government of India in the year 2014-2015 under the Ministry of Tourism.
• The full form of the PRASAD scheme is the ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive’.
• It focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching the religious tourism experience.
• This Scheme aims towards integration of the pilgrimage destinations in a prioritized, planned, and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience.

Ministry of Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism is a branch of the Government of India. It is the apex body for formulation and administration of the rules, regulations and laws relating to the development and promotion of tourism in India. It facilitates the Indian department of tourism. It is headquartered in New Delhi, India.

6. Inauguration of “Aadi Mahotsav” in New Delhi

Today, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, PM Modi inaugurated the mega National Tribal Festival- Aadi Mahotsav. In the festival, one thousand tribal artists from 28 States and Union Territories have taken part. During the inauguration he also paid a floral tribute to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.

About Aadi Mahotsav

• This festival is scheduled from 16th- 27th February.

• This festival is organized by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED), which falls under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs

• During this festival the tribal spirit including its culture, crafts, cuisine, commerce and traditional art will be celebrated.

• This programme is organized to showcase the rich and diverse heritage of tribes from across the country in over 200 stalls at the venue.
• Around 1000 tribal artists from 28 States and Union Territories will take part in the festival. 

Statements of Prime Minister

During the inauguration, PM Modi has said that- 

“When diversities are woven into a thread of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, India’s grandness emerges before the world. This Aadi Mahotsav signifies this spirit.”

“I was delighted to see different arts, artifacts, music, and cultural displays through their products. I feel India’s diversity and its grandness have come together and are standing tall today, highlighting its tradition.”

“New India of the 21st century is working on the philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’. The government is making efforts to reach out to the people who have been unreached for a long time.”

“Whenever we talk about sustainable development, I always tell the world to witness the tribal lifestyle in India which has answers to climate change and global warming. Tribal artifacts are always selected by me as gifts to foreign dignitaries.” 

About The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED)

• TRIFED was established in August 1987 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984 by the Government of India.
• It was established as a National level Cooperative body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Welfare of India.
• Its aim is to bring about socio-economic development of tribals of the country by institutionalizing the trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) & Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP) collected/ cultivated by them.

Click here to read more on Aadi Mahotsav.

7. Union Minister inauguratred 2 IIFCO Nano urea liquid plants at UP

the youth edge current affairs 2023

IFFCO Ltd.(IFFCO-MC) is a joint venture between Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited and Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan.It is wholly owned by Cooperative Societies of India. IFFCO is headquartered in New Delhi, India. Started in 1967 with 57 member cooperatives, it is today the biggest co-op in the world by turnover on GDP per capita (as per World Cooperative Monitor 2021), with around 35,000 member cooperatives reaching over 50 million Indian farmers.The cooperative was ranked 66th on the Fortune India 500 list of India’s biggest corporations as of 2017 with a net worth of $2.6 billion as on March, 2021.

 It was registered as a multi-unit Co-operative society on 3rd November 1967. Over the past 53 years, IFFCO emerged as one of the most successful co-operative societies of India while staying true to its objective of empowering rural communities of India. Recently new plants of IFFCO nano urea liquid were inaugurated.

Objectives of IFFCO

To stand as a global leader in fertilizers production

Implement strategies for sustainable development by reducing energy consumption and better resource management

To help the cooperative societies become economically strong, professionally managed and to equip the farming community with advanced agriculture practices

Enhancing presence in international markets through strategic joint venture and synergistic acquisitions 

History and background of IFFCO

1960 – seeds of IFFCO were used to grow crops and make India self reliant in food grain production

1970 – became a significant part of the industrial revolution in India by founding two state-of-the-art fertilizers in Kandha and Kalol.

1980 – consolidates its leadership in the Indian fertilizer industry by setting up two more urea plants in Phulpur and Anola.

2000 – became an autonomous cooperative, diversifies its product offerings and expands its presence in local and international markets through targeted acquisitions and joint ventures.

2010 – introduced new initiatives in the areas of micro-finance, agri-insurance products to develop the agricultural sector of India.

Recent progress

• On Tuesday, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers inaugurated Nano Urea Liquid plants of Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO-IFFCO) at Aonla and Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh.
• Addressing the programme on the occasion, Dr. Mandaviya said that nano urea will ensure the progress of farmers in the coming time as well as increase their income.
• Highlighting the benefits of Nano Urea, the Union Minister said that it is the best green technology that provides a solution to pollution. It protects the soil from spoilage as well as increases production.
• He further said that the government’s expert committee has approved nano dye ammonium phosphate (DAP) and soon it will replace normal (DAP). Nano-DAP will immensely benefit farmers and will be available at half the price than DAP.
• Dr. Mandaviya said it is an alternative fertilizer. When normal urea is used, only 35% nitrogen (of urea) is used by the yield and unused urea adversely affects the soil. This is reducing soil productivity and crop production has stabilized, so it was necessary to choose alternative fertilizers.

 Benefits of IFFCO Nano urea fertilizers

IFFCO nano urea is the only nano fertilizer approved by the government of India. It is developed and patented by IFFCO.

Application of one bottle of nano urea can effectively replace at least one bag of urea.

It has been tested on more than 90 crops across 11,000 locations in collaboration with ICAR-KVKs, Research Institutes, State Agriculture Universities and progressive farmers of india.

When sprayed on leaves, it easily enters through the stomata and other openings and is assimilated by the plant cells more effectively. Utilized nitrogen is stored in the plant and is slowly released for proper growth and development of the plant.

The small size of nano urea (20-50 nm) increases its availability to crops by 80%.

Read more: https://theyouthedge.com/inauguration-of-aadi-mahotsav-in-new-delhi/latest-current-affairs/

8. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.(HAL)  gets Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) nod for indigenously developed ‘black boxes’.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.(HAL)gets Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) nod for indigenously developed ‘black boxes’.

CVR and FDR are ‘black boxes’

Tag : Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

From Bengaluru news.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) said in February, it has received the Indian Technical Standard Order (ITSO) authorisation from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its indigenously developed Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR).

What is CVR & FDR:

Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) are popularly known as ‘black boxes’.These recorders are painted in orange color to help in their recovery following an aircraft accident.

CVR and FDR are used to record critical flight parameters and audio environment in a crash proof memory which is later used for investigation of aircraft incident or accident, it was noted.

What HAL noted in statement:

The ITSO is a minimum performance standard for specified materials, parts, processes, and appliances used on civil aircraft, the Bengaluru-headquartered company. It’s important to have CVR and FDR in the view of later investigation of aircraft incidents.

About HAL:

existence on 1st October 1964.

Director: Shri C.B. Ananthakrishnan, Dr. D. K. Sunil (Engg and R&D)

HR: Shri Jayadeva E. P

9. Be careful to miss project deadlines: Govt to Renewable Firms

Companies dealing in renewable energy would be on the verge of getting blacklisted if they don’t fulfill the targets within the set deadline. The blacklist can last for three-five years if companies are found violating deadlines. This was reported in a government document witnessed by Reuters. The order is in accordance with all General Financial Rules and would apply to all tenders.

What does the ruling say?

“If any renewable energy project is not completed by the prescribed date of completion, then its bank guarantee should be encashed and the developer blacklisted after asking to show cause.”

India has set the target to achieve 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030. This would require the installation of 40 gigawatts of energy capacity annually. Several extensions were allowed during the pandemic, which created a time lag between industrial capacity. The non-fossil fuel capacity currently stands at 121.55 gigawatts. The country’s thermal capacity – which includes coal and gas-fired generators which is 57.4% of total installations.

What is blacklisting?

The term blacklist refers to a list of people, organizations, or countries shunned or excluded by others because they are alleged to have engaged in unacceptable or unethical behavior or activities. The blacklisted entity would be barred from getting the benefits or funds or any superior positions that it enjoyed before. 

Renewable Energy 

The energy that is generated from resources that have got the ability to replenish themselves. For instance, Solar energy, Wind Energy, Geothermal Energy, etc. The country’s installed Renewable Energy capacity stands at 150.54 GW (solar: 48.55 GW, wind: 40.03 GW, Small hydro Power: 4.83, Bio-power: 10.62, Large Hydro: 46.51 GW) as of 30th Nov. 2021 while its nuclear energy based installed electricity capacity stands at 6.78 GW.

Source: Reuters

10. KAVACH-2023 was launched jointly by MoE’s innovation Cell, AICTE, BPRD and I4C

A Unique kind of National level Hackathon was launched today jointly by the Ministry of Education AICTE, the Ministry of Home Affairs (BPRD), and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. This is launched to boost cyber-preparedness in the country.  It would identify innovative ideas and technological solutions for addressing the cyber security and cybercrime challenges of the 21st century. This will help not only our Law enforcement Agency but also the common citizens.

It would be inviting students from educational institutions across the country and registered startups. According to officials, this would find robust, secure, and effective technological solutions for cyber security by using technical expertise & innovative skills.

Hackathon would be:

• 36 hours long 
• Two phases- problem statement and digital solutions
• Submission on the KAVACH portal 
• Total prize money worth Rs. 20 Lakh will be awarded to the winning teams.

The ideas and concepts that would be submitted by participants will be evaluated by a group of domain experts.  The most innovative ideas will be selected during the second phase participants will be expected to demonstrate their solutions for technical feasibility and implementability of their solution. The best ideas will be declared winners by the jury. 

Problems include issues such as Fake News/social media, Dark web, Women’s safety, Phishing Detection, Video analytics/CCTV, Obscene Content Detection, Spam Alert, and Malware Analysis/Digital Forensics. Participants are expected to provide solutions using robust technologies like Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, etc.

ACITE

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is a statutory body, and a national-level council for technical education, under the Department of Higher Education.  It was established in 1945 its headquarters are in New Delhi.  Presently, it is chaired by T. S Sitharam.

BPRD 

 Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, to promote speedy and systematic study the Police Problems. It is headed by the Director General of Police, who is an IPS-level officer.

Source: PIB

Legal

1. Politically neutral Color can’t be forced upon: Kerala HC

The Police or Administration cannot force that politically neutral-colored decorative materials would only be used for temple festivals. This was ruled by the Kerala High court today. It is essential to understand what these colors are. Political colors are colors used to represent any particular political ideology, movement, or party. 

A petition was filed by the Major Vellayani Devi Temple Advisory Committee in Thiruvananthapuram seeking necessary steps to ensure the use of saffron/orange colored decorative materials at the temple premises and festival ground during the Kaliyoottu festival. The writ petition alleged that when the decoration work in the temple premises commenced, the Inspector of Police orally directed the petitioners to stop the decoration work with saffron colors, without any provocation, and demanded to provide multi-colored decorations in the temple premises. The counter affidavit by the Police mentioned that  “During previous years there were disputes between rival groups of devotees supported by political parties regarding putting up arches, flags, decorations, festoons, etc.” 

What did the Court Observe?

Division Bench of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice PG Ajithkumar sought to restrain the Inspector of Police, Nemom Police Station from interfering with the affairs of the Temple Advisory Committee and the devotees during the Kaliyoottu festival. The judgments come while the Police stopped the temple authorities from using only saffron-colored decorative materials as part of the Kaliyoottu festival. Major Vellayani Bhadrakali Devi Temple is a temple under the management of the Travancore Devaswom Board. The court observed that Politics has no role to play in daily custom and worship. The festival has to be conducted as per the custom, rituals, and practices of that temple. 

About Major Vellayani Devi Temple

It is a highly respected shrine in Kerala, India, dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali. The temple structure has a bronze roof with traditional artwork and carries Dravidian architecture. Vellayani Devi Temple is renowned for celebrating the longest non-Pilgrimage festival in South India and the duration of the festival is around 56 to 65 days. This festival is held every three years.

Kaliyoottu Festival 

A ceremonial art form known as Kaliyoottu festival is celebrated in Southern Kerala, particularly in the Thiruvananthapuram district, in honor of the goddess Bhadrakali. The sacred battle between the goddess Kali and the demon Darika is commemorated at the festival. The Thottam Pattu is one of Kaliyoottu’s principal rituals.

2. Justice Gokani sworn in as Chief Justice of Gujarat HC

Gujarat High court got its new Chief Justice – Justice Sonia Gokani. She became the first woman judge to be appointed at this position just before few days to her retirement. It is learnt that she would retire on February 25 which make her tenure the shortest. She was administered oath by Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat at Rajbhavan in Gandhinagar. She is the 27th Chief Justice of the state High court.  Gujarat Assembly Speaker, Judge of Supreme Court Justice Bela Trivedi, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and state Law and Justice Minister Rishikesh Patel graced the occasion with their presence.

Justice Gokani’s appointment was approved by Centre on February 12, since then she has been serving as Chief Justice (designate). She was first deputed to the Gujarat High Court in March 2008 as registrar (recruitment) for the recruitment of judicial officers up to the cadre of district judges. 

Know your Judge:-

Justice Sonia was born on 26 February 1961 in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district. She studied B. Sc. in Microbiology and later completed LLB and LLM. She became the permanent judge of Gujarat High Court in 2013. She has presided on many civil and criminal matters since in the state. Justice Gokani also worked as a judge for the special court set up under anti-terror laws, and conducted important matters from 2003 to 2008. She also worked as a special judge for cases investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Judge of High Court

Article 217 of the Constitution states that the Judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Governor of the State.  The judges are recommended by a Collegium comprising the CJI and two senior-most judges. The process of removal of High court judge is similar to that of Supreme Court Judge in India. 

Gujarat High Court

The High court of Gujarat was established in the year 1960 after the state split from Bombay. The present seat of court is in Ahmedabad. It has jurisdiction over entire state of Gujarat. 

17th February 2023

National

1. India and Japan will kickstart a two-week mega military wargame from Friday

From Friday, a two-week mega military wargame will kickstart in between the armies of India and Japan. It will be held in Japanese province of Shinga to share best practices and develop interoperability

Statement of Indian Army Official

“The exercise, ‘Dharma Guardian’, is “crucial and significant” in terms of security challenges faced by both nations in the backdrop of the current global situation.”

“The scope of this exercise covers platoon-level joint training on operations in jungle and semi-urban, urban terrain.”

About the Mega Military Wargame

• This is the fourth edition of the exercise.
• This exercise between the armies of both India and Japan will take place from February 17 to March 2 at Camp Imazu in Shiga province.
• The Indian Army contingent has already arrived at the exercise location on February 12.

About the Troops taking part in the drill

• Troops of the Garhwal Rifles regiment of the Indian Army and 
• The Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) is participating in the exercise.

Statements from the Indian Army

“The joint exercise will enable the two armies to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting tactical operations under a UN Mandate, in addition to developing interoperability, bonhomie, camaraderie and friendship between.” 

“The joint exercise will facilitate both armies to know each other better, share their wide experiences and enhance their situational awareness.”

Aim and Focus of this drill

• The training will focus primarily on a high degree of physical fitness and sharing of drills at the tactical level.

• ‘Dharma Guardian’ drills will further enhance the level of defense cooperation between both the armies.
• These drills will help furthering the bilateral relations between both the nations. 

About the Joint Exercises

The troops will be engaged in a variety of missions such as-

• Joint planning, 
• Joint tactical drills and 
• Employment of aerial assets.

It said ‘Dharma Guardian’ drills will further enhance the level of defense cooperation between the Indian Army and Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces, furthering the bilateral relations between the two nations.

India- Japan Relationship

The friendship between both the countries have a long history related to spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilizational ties. Both the countries share a global vision of peace, stability and shared prosperity, based on sustainable development. Both India and Japan shared democratic values and commitment to human rights, pluralism, open society, and the rule of law underpin the global partnership between the two countries.

About Japan

Prime Minister- Fumio Kishida

Capital- Tokyo

Currency- The Japanese Yen

2. India and Spain agreed to cooperate in digital infrastructure, climate action, clean energy

PM Modi had held a conversation with Pedro Sanchez, Spanish PM and both the leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the growing relationship between both countries. 

Official Statement

“Both the leaders have discussed a number of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest.”

“They have also reviewed ongoing bilateral initiatives and expressed satisfaction at the recent high-level exchanges and growing cooperation in defense, economic and commercial sectors.” 

“Both the leaders have agreed to collaborate on issues such as digital infrastructure, climate action, clean energy transition and sustainable development”

“Prime Minister Sánchez extended full support to India’s initiatives under its G-20 Presidency.”

Issues on which both the leaders have agreed to Collaborate on

• Digital Infrastructure.
• Climate action
• Clean Energy transition
• Sustainable development.

Recent engagement between India and Spain

• They review ongoing bilateral initiatives.
• They expressed satisfaction at the recent high-level exchanges and growing cooperation in defense, economic and commercial sectors.
• Both the leaders agreed for collaboration on issues such as digital infrastructure, climate action, clean energy transition and sustainable development.

India’s take on G-20 Summit

During the conversation held between PM Modi and Spanish PM Pedro, PM Modi has briefed about the priorities of India for the G-20 Presidency oriented towards working to promote oneness based on the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam means One Earth, One Family, One Future.

India and Spain Relationship

Both the countries have been cordial since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956. A Mission headed by a CdA was opened in Madrid in 1958. The first resident Ambassador of India was appointed in 1965.

About Spain

Prime Minister- Pedro Sanchez

Capital- Madrid

Currency- Euro

3. IAF develops Vayulink, an indigenously built Platform

Indian Air force has inducted an indigenously built “Vayulink” platform for pilots into the system. It is an innovative idea that has come to reality now. Vayulink would provide jammer-proof uninterrupted communication with the base station. Vayulink is the advanced solution that would help pilots stay connected and in touch even in bad weather. 

The data link would use IRNSS, an Indian regional Navigation Satellite System which is also known as NAVIC. It will send radio communication to the base station when the signals are low. The important aspect of the technological solution is that it prevents friendly fire. In military terminology, friendly fire or fratricide is an attack by neutral forces on friendly troops while attempting to attack targets. 

Advantages of Vayulink:

• Prevent Aircraft Collision
• Better combat teaming 
• Highly secure system
• Helps in planning on a real-time basis

This solution developed by Airforce would be helpful for all the forces be it the Indian Army or Indian Navy.  Moreover, these kinds of technologies make the defense sector robust and self-reliant. It is a milestone achievement for the Indian armed forces. 

NAVIC

Navigation in Indian Constellation (NavIC) is an Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). IRNSS consists of eight satellites, three satellites in geostationary orbit, and five satellites in geosynchronous orbit. The main objective is to provide reliable position, navigation, and timing services over India and its neighborhood.

ISRO 

Indian Space Research Organization is the national space agency. It is headquartered in Bangalore. Presently headed by Sreedhara Somanath. It operates under the Department of Space, which is directly supervised by the Prime Minister of India. 

4. Srinagar to host first international (G- 20) summit since abrogation of Article 370

Srinagar to host first international (G- 20) summit since abrogation of Article 370.

Subheading: Providing a platform for Civil Society

Tag: G- 20 summit

University of Kashmir has already held a C-20 working group meeting on the theme of ‘Gender Equality and Disability’.C-20 working group at the University campus in Srinagar, the experts called for greater awareness of gender equality and inclusion of specially-abled persons in policies concerning their welfare

What is Summit:

C-20 is an official engagement group of G-20 providing a platform for Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and government representatives to engage important stakeholders for a discussion on selected themes.

What is summit Agenda

Among the 15 institutions in the country chosen to host events which are being organised in connection with India’s G-20 Presidency, the University of Kashmir (KU) is one.

First time J&K would be hosting an international event like G20.Official engagement group of G-20 providing a platform for Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and government representatives to engage important stakeholders for a discussion on selected themes.

These events are being held in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that calls the country to present its experiences, learning and models as possible templates for others, particularly the developing world, during India’s G-20 Presidency.

Ministry of Youth Affairs on summit:

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has decided to hold various seminars in universities across the country to disseminate the country’s G-20 agenda to the wider public at grassroots

“The Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Kashmir for organising pre-summit events as a main Youth-20 Summit. Delegates from G20 countries will be participating in the Youth-20 event at KU,”

Why Hosting in Srinagar:

Hosting the G-20 summit in Srinagar is also an opportunity for the government to showcase the development which Jammu and Kashmir witnessed after the abrogation of Article 370, a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution, three years ago. Its claim that Jammu and Kashmir is a “disputed territory”. None of the countries objected to J & K being chosen as a venue for one of the scheduled G-20 summits. 

About summit:

Host first time in: Srinagar in 2023

5. From 15 days to 5 days, MEA introduces mPassport Police App

Ministry of External Affairs has finally introduced “mPassport Police App”. It is much-awaited version of the incumbent police verification step in passport issuance. It would not only make the verification online but also make it convenient. This would be a paperless process which will bring down the verification days from 15 to 5. Moreover, it would make the passport issuance procedure much easier. 

This is a step to speed up the verification process in the issuance of a passport. The Home Minister distributed mobile tablets to personnel of the Delhi Police Special Branch, on the occasion of the force’s Raising Day. Home Minister emphasized that it would bring transparency to the verification process. 

As an essential component of Digital India, the Passport Seva has brought out an online passport police verification process to fast-track passport applications. mPassport is one of the tools the Passport Seva has launched, which is a digital, tablet, and computer-based application for police verification of passport applications. Digital India is a campaign launched by Union Government to ensure that the Government’s services are made available to citizens electronically.  It helps in improving online infrastructure and by increasing Internet connectivity or making the country digitally empowered in the field of technology.

MEA, Ministry of External Affairs:

It is responsible for implementing the Indian Foreign Policy. It is headed by Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, an Indian diplomat and politician. The Ministry represents the Government of India through embassies and is also responsible for India’s representation at the United Nations and other international organizations. 

6. Union Minister launches Training Programme for Science Administrators at ASCI in Hyderabad

Union Minster Dr Jitendra Singh Launched a training programme

Established in the year 1956 at the initiative of the government and the corporate sector, the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI ), Hyderabad, has pioneered post-experience management education in India. ASCI equips corporate managers, administrators, entrepreneurs and academicians with the skills to synthesize managerial theory and practice; and respond to the ever-increasing complexity of managerial issues confronting government, industrial enterprises and non-government organizations.

 Recent news

• Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh launched training programme for Science Administrators at Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI),on Friday.
• Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that science and technology are essential to increase resilience and address the challenges of our time such as pandemics, sustainability, and climate change. Therefore, technology governance itself assumes a critical role.
• On the occasion, the Union Minister also launched a governance course module through iGOT platform.

 Some key insights given by the Union Minister

• Dr. Singh says, private sector is also an important contributor in Indian R&D story and science administrators play a key role in it
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has created a conducive environment for the public and private partnership to grow in all sectors for greater public good
• Science and technology are essential to increase resilience and address the challenges of our time such as pandemics, sustainability, and climate change, says Dr. Singh

About ASCI

The Administrative Staff College of India is an institution of excellence and national importance. ASCI is a registered society by the constitution. It is an autonomous, self-supporting, public-purpose institution with the objectives of a think-tank for policy inputs and to build the capacities of practicing professionals in the management of government and business enterprises.

At the apex of its governance structure is a policy-setting, oversight body, the Court of Governors (CoG). It is a virtual who’s who of eminent professionals, public figures and industry leaders who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of specialization in education, enterprise, administration, management and governance spanning a wide variety of sectors like agriculture, banking, engineering, economics, judiciary, law, manufacturing, science and technology and public administration.

Research & Consultancy conducted by ASCI

• ASCI is the chosen advisory and research destination for about 110 international and national organizations, year on year. 
• Apart from several Ministries of the Government of India and Departments of State Governments, several bilateral and multilateral institutions choose ASCI as their knowledge-partner for their applied/action research projects and consultancy projects. 
• These include the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Children’s Fund, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific, the United States Agency for International Development, the Department for International Development (UK), Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (Germany), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, among others.

Read more: https://theyouthedge.com/be-careful-to-miss-project-deadlines-govt-to-renewable-firms/latest-current-affairs/

7. MHA declares one more individual as a terrorist along with 2 organizations

Taking the country’s national security one step further, the Ministry of Home Affairs under the presidentship of Amit Shah has declared an individual as a terrorist and two more organizations as “terrorist organizations”. This action is done under the power given to Government in UAPA.  Prior to the 2019 amendment, it was the only organization that can be declared a terrorist organization but now, even individuals can be designated as terrorists. This would strengthen the commitment of the Prime Minister.  

One more individual –Harwinder Singh Sandhu@Rinda declared a terrorist. He has been associated with the terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Based under the patronage of cross-border agencies and has been found involved in various terrorist activities, particularly in Punjab. With this declaration, now there are 54 designated terrorists in the IVth Schedule of UAPA. 

The following two organizations are declared as terrorist organizations under the provisions of the UAPA:

Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF): It is a militant outfit whose aim is reviving terrorism in Punjab. It challenges the territorial integrity, unity, national security, and sovereignty of India.  KTF promotes various acts of terrorism, including targeted killings in Punjab.

Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF): This outfit is engaged in infiltration bids, narcotics, and weapon smuggling, and carrying out terror attacks in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. 

What is the new schedule IV of UAPA say?

Amendment to Schedule 4 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act will allow the National Investigating Agency to declare an individual suspected to have terror links as a terrorist. 

National Investigating Agency 

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is a statutory body under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008. It’s headquartered in New Delhi. It acts as the Central Counter-Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency. Its objective is also to combat terror in India.

Source: PIB

Appointments and Resignations

1. Neal Mohan, the new Indian American CEO of YouTube

Neal Mohan will be the new YouTube CEO. On Thursday Chief Executive Susan Wojcick stepped down from her position. Google, YouTube’s parent company, first began in Wojcicki’s garage.

Statement of Neal Mohan

“It’s been amazing to work with you over the years. You’ve built YouTube into an extraordinary home for creators and viewers. I’m excited to continue this awesome and important mission. Looking forward to what lies ahead.”

About Neal Mohan

• He is a Stanford graduate, in 2008 he joined Google and is the chief product officer at YouTube, involved with YouTube Shorts and Music. 
• He has also worked with Microsoft and sits on the board of Stitch Fix. Stitch Fix is a personal styling company, and the genomics and biotechnology company 23andMe.
• He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, an independent US think tank.

Early years of Neal Mohan

• He did a four year Bachelor of Science degree in which he studied Electrical Engineering at Stanford University.
• After that he enrolled in the University’s Graduate School of Business for MBA in the year 2000.
• He later worked in an internet advertising company named Double Click.
• He became part of Google in the year 2007 and later became senior Vice President of Display and Video Ads.

Statement of Susan Wojcik

“He has a wonderful sense for our product, our business, our creator and user communities, and our employees. Neal will be a terrific leader for YouTube.”

Statements on his role in YouTube

Report of the Fast Company

“Mohan has played a role in overseeing and launching YouTube’s other biggest products since he became chief product officer in 2015.”

“The best analogy that comes to mind for me is really just thinking about YouTube as a stage.”

“Viewers need “the best views possible of the creators that they’re most excited about.”

Report from Business Insider

“In 2013, he was once offered a Chief Product Officer position at Twitter, but Google spent close to $100 million to make him stay. It also had a former boss describe him as finding him to be a “rare” combination, “an insatiable technologist who also had enough business savvy” to interact with customers on a strategic level.”

Other Indian Origin Global Tech Giants CEOs

 –  Neal Mohan is now listed among other Indian origin CEOs who are leading global tech giants. The list of Indian origin global tech giant CEOs are:

• Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, 
• Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen and 
• Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. 

 – Other Indian-Origin CEOs who are spearheading other iconic US companies are:

• Laxman Narasimhan is set to take over the reins of coffee chain Starbucks, and 
• Raj Subramaniam, the CEO of FedEx, one of the world’s biggest transportation services companies.

2. Chetan Sharma resigns from post of National Selection Committee chairman

Today, Chetan Sharma, the Chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s National Selection Committee (BCCI) has resigned from his post. His resignation was sent to the BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and it was accepted.

Reasons for the resignation of Chetan Sharma

• He was alleged for disclosing the confidential talks and information regarding team selection
• He also made startling allegations on batter skipper Virat Kohli’s alleged feud with former Board President Sourav Ganguly during the Zee News sting operation.
• He alleged that the players in the Indian men’s national cricket team use injections to speed up their return to international cricket and often call up doctors on their own to get injections.

Statements from a senior BCCI sources

“Yes, Chetan has tendered his resignation to BCCI secretary Jay Shah and his resignation has been accepted. His position had become untenable after the sting operation. He resigned voluntarily and wasn’t asked to resign.”

“Coach Rahul Dravid, captains Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have completely lost faith in him. He couldn’t have possibly sat across the table along with them for selection committee meetings as he had lost all respect. He paid the price for being a big mouth.”

About Chetan Sharma

• Chetan, was a pace bowler, who played when Kapil Dev was at the helm of Indian cricket, is India’s first hat-trick man in ODI World Cup. 
• Chetan is best remembered for Pakistan’s Javed Miandad hitting him for a last-ball six during the 1986 Asia Cup final in Sharjah.

About BCCI

• The Board of Control for Cricket in India is the country’s cricket governing body.
• It is headquartered at the Cricket centre at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
• The BCCI is an autonomous, private organisation that does not fall under the purview of the National Sports Federation of India.
•  The BCCI is influential in international cricket. As such, it does not receive any grants or funds from the Ministry of Sports.

3. Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra appointed as chief justice of Jharkhand HC

Born on 29.12.1961 to Shri Markanda Mishra and Smt. Jyotirmayee Mishra in Bolangir justice Sanjay Kumar Mishra started his schooling at Tikra Upper Primary School.

Passed out Higher Secondary Certificate Examination from Prithviraj High School, Bolangir in the year 1977.Completed B.Com.(Hons.) from Rajendra College, Bolangir in 1982.

In News

Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra was on Friday appointed as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand high court.

“Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra, Judge in Uttarakhand High Court has been appointed as Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court.

“I extend my best wishes to him,”Union Law Minister Rijiju said in his tweet.

 He succeeded Hon’ble Mrs.Chief Justice Gyan Sudha Misra 

Achievements of justice Mishra 

Conducted several sessions cases, civil suits, civil appeals independently.

Acted as Honorary Law Lecturer of Bolangir Law College.

Secured the 1st position in the Recruitment Examination for District Judges from Bar and on 16.2.1999 joined as Additional District & Sessions Judge, Jeypore.

Worked as District & Sessions Judge, Sundergarh, Dhenkanal, Special Judge (CBI), Bhubaneswar and joined as Registrar General of Orissa High Court.

Elevated as Judge of the Orissa High Court on 07.10.2009.

Justice Sanjay Kumar Mishra’s Early Life

• He completed his LL.B from Law Faculty, Delhi University in 1987.
• From March, 1988, he started practice in Bolangir District Courts under the guidance of his father Markand Mishra.
• He also worked as District and Sessions Judge, Sundergarh, Denkanal, Special Judge(CBI), Bhubaneswar and joined as Registrar General of Orissa High Court.
• He was transferred to HC of Uttarakhand on 11.10.2021 as the acting Chief Justice and held office till 28.6.2022.

Powers of High Courts:

The High Court stands at the head of a State’s judicial administration. There are 25 High Courts in the country, three having jurisdiction over more than one State.  The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the State. 

Each High Court has power to issue to any person within its jurisdiction directions, orders, or writs including writs which are in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari for enforcement of Fundamental Rights and for any other purpose. This power may also be exercised by any High Court exercising jurisdiction in relation to territories within which the cause of action, wholly or in part, arises for exercise of such power, notwithstanding that the seat of such Government or authority or residence of such person is not within those territories.

Each High Court has powers of superintendence over all Courts within its jurisdiction. It can call for returns from such Courts, make and issue general rules and prescribe forms to regulate their practice and proceedings and determine the manner and form in which book entries and accounts shall be kept. 

Read more: https://theyouthedge.com/category/latest-current-affairs/

Science and Technology

1. An Indo-German team of researchers has discovered a new species of catfish in Kerala

An Indo-German team of researchers has discovered a new species of catfish in Kerala measuring no more than 32 millimeters, with no eyes and a blood-red body. 

The researchers studied the genus Horaglanis of catfish — a diverse group of ray-finned fish. The tiny members of this genus, only about three centimetres in length, live in local aquifers without light.

Gathering Information

• The study that was published in the journal Vertebrate Zoology was able to compile data on the geographic distribution of the creatures, their genetics, and their evolutionary background as part of a large-scale Citizen Science project.
• “Currently, 289 fish species are known from subterranean aquatic habitats worldwide — less than 10 per cent of them live in aquifers,” said Ralf Britz of the Senckenberg Natural History Collections.
• “In order to obtain information from this almost unknown biotope, we conducted a six-year study of water-bearing laterite rock layers and their fascinating fish fauna in the southern Indian state of Kerala,” Britz said.
• Horaglanis fishes live exclusively in aquifers, are very small, blind, and they lack pigments.
• “There are very few documented occurrences of these species — as a rule, these elusive little fish only come to the surface when a domestic well is being dug or cleaned,” Britz explained.

The Horaglanis Project

• The biologist enlisted the aid of neighbourhood citizen scientists together with his Indian colleagues Rajeev Raghavan from the University of Kochi in Kerala and Neelesh Dahanukar from the Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence in Delhi-NCR.
• They held a series of seminars, focus group discussions, and casual chats with locals at various locations over a six-year period, including the type localities of the three Horaglanis species that are currently recognised.
• The researchers complemented this citizen science approach with targeted collection efforts in wells and above-ground storage tanks, with scoop nets in shallow wetlands, water channels, home gardens, and plantations, and with the use of baited traps in excavated wells on farmsteads, in ponds, and caves.

Techniques for study

• The six-year scientific study was conducted using advanced techniques such as demographics, anatomical analysis, and micro-CT.
•  During the survey, the researchers had scoured the lateritic regions of the State while sampling sites included dug-out wells, borewells, natural wetlands adjacent to lateritic zones, home gardens, plantations and lateritic caves. 
• Villagers were made aware of the importance of the study and asked to collect and share information. 
• The species was named Horaglanis populi in honour of the public who cooperated with the researchers during the study.
• “In Latin, populi means the people and this would not have been possible without their support as the habitat of the species is mainly restricted to wells,” he adds. 

Physical features

• Horaglanis populi is blind with a blood-red body and transparent skin.
•  It has a highly reduced pectoral fin and a shortened spine while the dorsal and anal fins are long, extending to the tail.

Awards and Recognition

1. Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2019, 2020 and 2021 presented to 102 artists

On 15th February, G. Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DONER presented the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (UBKYP) 2019, 2020 and 2021, at Meghdoot Theatre Complex, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi. Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi presided over the event.

Selection of the Winners for the Ustad Bismillah khan awards

• On 8th November 2022 in New Delhi, Sangeet Natak Akademi held the General Council meeting and selected 102 artists of India.
• The council has selected the artists who have made a mark as young talents in their respective fields of performing arts.
• The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar has been presented for the year 2019, 2020 and 2021.
• It is a four-day festival of music, dance and drama and will be held from February 14 to 17. 

Statements of G Kishan Reddy

The Union Minister for Culture, G. Kishan Reddy congratulated all the artists on being honoured with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar and said that-

“It has been the country’s tradition to encourage and promote arts.  He said that art cannot be separated from India. The Union Minister also added that artists do a great job of taking their art to the next generation.”

“19 artists from the North East region of the country have won the award which shows the changed circumstances of the region.” 

“Apart from encouraging all the artists, this award will attract the youth of the country towards traditional history and arts.”

About The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

• The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar was introduced in the year 2006.
• Objective- To identify and encourage the outstanding young talents in diverse fields of the performing arts.
• To give the young talents national recognition early in their life, so that they may work with greater commitment and dedication in their chosen fields.
• The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar carries a purse of Rs 25,000/- (Rupees twenty-five thousand only), an Angavastram and a plaque.

About Sangeet Natak Akademi

It is the national academy of Music, Dance and Drama, and the apex body of the performing arts in the country. It was set up by the Government of India in 1953. Its chairman is Sandhya Purecha and its parent organisation is the Ministry of Culture.

Sports

1. Ravindra Jadeja becomes second fastest player to bring up 250 wickets, 2500 Test runs milestone

India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja on Friday became the second fastest player and fastest Indian to bring 250 wickets, 2500 Test runs milestone.

Jadeja was able to reach the milestone in his 62nd Test match – three matches ahead of India legend Kapil Dev who did it in 65 games. Overall, Jadeja bagged the second spot just behind England’s legendary all-rounder Ian Botham who achieved this milestone feat in just 55 matches.

The 34-year-old is the fourth Indian to reach the dual statistic milestone, joining Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev on the list. He ranks as the 14th player overall with 250 Test wickets and more than 2500 Test runs.

When, Where and How ?

• Jadeja achieved this feat in the 46th over of Australia’s innings during the second Test match on Friday, 17 February.
• Coming to the second Test, India bowlers put on a disciplined show as the hosts earned a commanding position against visitors at the end of the second.
• Jadeja took three vital wickets to put India on the front foot in the game.
• This included the big dismissal of Usman Khawaja,  who was batting on 81 and looked set to take Australia to a big total. 
• The dismissal was a historic one as it saw Jadeja complete 250 wickets. 
• This also made Jadeja the second-fastest player in the world and the quickest Indian to reach the historic milestone of scoring 2500 runs in Test cricket.

Ravindra Jadeja eclipses Imran, Kapil, Hadlee, Pollock.

• The wicket helped Jadeja complete 250 Test wickets and go past legends like Kapil Dev, Richard Hadlee and Shaun Pollock. 
• Jadeja eclipsed Imran Khan (64 matches), Kapil (in 65 matches), Hadlee (in 70 matches), Pollock (in 71 Tests) and Ashwin (in 75 Tests). 
• The all-rounder currently has 2593 runs at an average of 37 while his bowling average is only 24.

Ravindra Jadeja Makes History as Second-Fastest Player to Reach 250 Wickets and 2500 Runs in Test Cricket

Here are some details about Ravindra Jadeja’s 250 wickets and 2500 runs in Test cricket:

• Second fastest: Ravindra Jadeja is the second-fastest player to achieve the double of 250 wickets and 2500 runs in Test cricket. He achieved this feat in his 62nd Test match, which is second only to England’s Ian Botham, who achieved it in his 55th Test.
• Fastest Asian: Jadeja is the fastest Asian player to reach the milestone of 250 wickets and 2500 runs in Test cricket, beating the previous record holder, Kapil Dev, who achieved it in 65 Tests.
• 4th Indian: Jadeja is the fourth Indian player to achieve this double after Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh.
• 13th player: Overall, Jadeja is the 13th player in the history of Test cricket to achieve the double of 250 wickets and 2500 runs.
• 3rd Indian spinner: Jadeja is the third Indian spinner to achieve this double after Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. 

Awards and Achievements

• Jadeja is the first Indian player and 8th overall to score 3 first class triple centuries in his career.
• Jadeja is the 3rd cricketer for India to score 2,000 runs and take 150 wickets in ODIs.
• He was part of the ICC World ODI XI in 2013 and 2016.
• He ranked 2nd among ICC Top 10 Test all-rounders in 2018.
• He was named in the Test XI of the Year by Cricbuzz in 2013.
• He was ranked No.1 bowler in ODIs by the ICC in August 2013.
• In March 2017, Jadeja became the top ranked Test bowler in the world.
• He ranked 2nd among ICC Top 10 Test all-rounders in 2018.
• He was the recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award in the year 2019.

https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1626493241276391425?s=20

Important Days

1. Global Tourism Resilience Day is observed on 17th February

The first-ever Global Tourism Resilience Day is observed on 17th February 2023. The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution from Jamaica to declare 17th February 2023 as a Global Tourism Resilience Day. It is an effort of the United Nations to future-proof the sustainability of tourism. 

History of the Global Tourism Resilience Day

Global Tourism Resilience Day proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/77/269.

Its aims are:

To emphasize the need to foster resilient tourism development to deal with shocks.

It is also a call for action for Member States to develop national strategies for rehabilitation after disruptions, including through private-public cooperation and the diversification of activities and products.

Resilience in Tourism

• It is a way to improve sustainability after an ecological or environmental disaster.
• It offers an alternative to sustainable development as a possible recovery from tourism induces stress.
•  For countries like small island developing states, countries in Africa and middle-income countries, tourism is a major source of income, foreign currency earnings, tax revenue and employment.

Sustainable Tourism

• It is a cross-cutting activity that can contribute to the three dimensions of sustainable development.
• The Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved by 

Fostering economic growth, 

Alleviating poverty, 

Creating full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Role of Sustainable Development in society

• It can help in bringing the change to more sustainable consumption and production patterns.
• It can help promoting the sustainable use of oceans,  seas and marine resources,  promoting local culture.
• It helps in Improving the quality of life and the economic empowerment of women and the new generation, indigenous peoples and local communities and promoting rural development.
• It helps improve the living conditions for rural populations, including small-holder and family farmers.

About Global Tourism Resilience Day

• It is an effort made by the United Nations to future-proof the sustainability of tourism.
• 90 Countries have supported the move to mark the day annually.
• The UNGA has invited everyone to observe February 17 as a day to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable tourism, in accordance with local, regional and national priorities and through education, activities and events.
• The first conference of the Global Tourism Resilience will be held in Jamaica on February 15.

18th February 2023

National

1. Govt approves Rs 30.40 cr ‘Sensor-based Smart Agriculture’ project for J-K farmers

A 30.40 Crore project related to the “Sensor-based Smart Agriculture” has been approved by the Jammu and Kashmir Government. This project will work on envisaging integration of agriculture with technology driven by Artificial insemination. It will help in the automation of practices, enhanced resource use efficiency and profitability.

Official Statement

“The project would enable the use of Hi-tech poly houses for the cultivation of cash crops around the year with the application of IoT and automation for monitoring the microclimatic parameters of plants.”

“The greenhouse technology will result in increased yields and make possible off-season availability of vegetables.”

“The incorporation of technology into agriculture has the potential to address challenges such as low efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness.”

“The use of AI-based detection of pests and diseases using handheld sensor devices can significantly reduce the drudgery and cost of cultivation by 20 per cent.”

“The project also aims to develop algorithms for big data analytics for remote operations of IoTs and create a startup ecosystem in smart agriculture by networking with IITs and industries.”

Statement of the Additional Chief Secretary

The Additional Chief Secretary of Agriculture Production Department, Atal Dulloo has said that-

“The outcome of the project will be a 50-80 per cent increase in resource use efficiency.”

“The real-time detection and variable rate spray using robotics and drones will reduce the production cost by 80 per cent. The proposal also aims to build a sensor corridor for livestock and phenotyping and yield prediction.”

Aim of the Project

• To establish a ‘Sensor-Based smart agriculture ecosystem’ which can be helpful for the agri-economy of the region.
• To make agriculture alluring, professional and competitive.
• To increase input use efficiency, production, productivity and profitability.
• To increase the use of resources and improve efficiency by up to 80 per cent and automate agricultural operations with precision in HDPs of Apple, vegetables, and livestock.

About the ‘Sensor-based Smart Agriculture’ Project

Under the ‘Sensor-based Smart Agriculture’ Project a sensor-based pilot study will be conducted on high-density apple orchards, protected cultivation and smart livestock farming.

About Jammu and Kashmir

J&K is a region administered by India and is a Union Territory of India. It consists of the southern portion of the larger Kashmir region, which has been the major subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947. Its administrative capitals are Srinagar in summer and Jammu in winters. 

2. The UN Commission for Social Development has elected India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj as its chair for the 62nd session

For the 62nd session, Ruchira Kamboj has been elected as the chair for the UN Commission for Social Development. Ruchira is a Permanent Representative of India in the United Nations.

Other elected Vice Chairs of the 62nd Session

• Jon Ivanovski from North Macedonia
• Carla Maria Carlson from Dominican Republic
• Thomas Lammar from Luxembourg 

Adoption of Drafts by the UN Economic and Social Council

• The commission for social development has forwarded the four drafts of resolution to the UN Economic and Social Council for Adoption on the last of the 61st session.
• The UN has adopted the drafts by consensus.
• One of the drafts focuses on creating full employment and decent work for all to overcome inequalities and accelerate the recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic.

Statements from the Draft resolution

“Creating full and productive employment and decent work for all as a way of overcoming inequalities to accelerate the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”

“It stressed on the need to address challenges faced by those working in informal or vulnerable jobs, by investing in the creation of more decent work opportunities.”

Text and Theme approved by the commission for social development

Text- 

“Future organisation and methods of work of the Commission for Social Development”

Theme for 62nd Session

“Fostering social development and social justice through social policies to accelerate progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve the overarching goal of poverty eradication”.

Other decisions adopted by the Commission are

The priority theme for its 63rd session shall be adopted. It should be in accordance with the provisions of the present resolution.

About UN Economic and Social Council

The United Nations Economic and Social Council is one of the six organs of the United Nations responsible for coordinating the economic and social fields of the organisation, specifically in regards to the fifteen specialised agencies, the eight functional commissions and the five regional commissions under its jurisdiction.

About the Commission for Social Development

The Commission for Social Development is one of the eight functional commissions established by the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 1946 to advise and assist it in carrying out its work. The Commission for Social Development consists of 46 members elected by ECOSOC.

3. Delhi Metro launches India’s first-ever indigenously developed signalling system i-ATS on Red Line

India’s first ever Indigenous Automatic Train Supervision (i-ATS) has been developed by a joint team of DMRC and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

Automatic train control (ATC) is a general class of train protection systems for railways that involves a speed control mechanism in response to external inputs.The system could affect an emergency brake application if the driver does not react to a signal at danger. ATC systems tend to integrate various cab signalling technologies and they use more granular deceleration patterns in lieu of the rigid stops encountered with the older automatic train stop (ATS) technology. ATC can also be used with automatic train operation (ATO) and is usually considered to be the safety-critical part of a railway system.

In news

• India’s first ever Indigenous Automatic Train Supervision (i-ATS) has been developed by a joint team of DMRC and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), under the government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative for metro rail transit system.
• The i-ATS system was formally launched on the red line from the Operations Control Centre (OCC) in Shastri Park by Manoj Joshi, the Secretary of Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, who is also the chairman of DMRC.
• With this milestone, India is the sixth country to now join the elite list of few countries in the world which have their own ATS products.
• The development of i-ATS will significantly reduce the dependence of Indian metros on foreign vendors dealing with such technologies.

About Delhi Metro

The Delhi Metro has been instrumental in ushering in a new era in the sphere of mass urban transportation in India. The swanky and modern Metro system introduced comfortable, air conditioned and eco-friendly services for the first time in India and completely revolutionised the mass transportation scenario not only in the National Capital Region but the entire country.

Having constructed a massive network of about 390.14 Km with 286 stations (including NOIDA-Greater NOIDA Corridor and Rapid Metro, Gurugram) in record time in Delhi, NCR, the DMRC today stands out as a shining example of how a mammoth technically complex infrastructure project can be completed before time and within budgeted cost by a Government agency.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) was registered on 3rd May 1995 under the Companies Act, 1956 with equal equity participation of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) and the Central Government to implement the dream of construction and operation of a world- class Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS).

Presently, the Delhi Metro network consists of about 390.14 Km with 286 stations. The network has now crossed the boundaries of Delhi to reach NOIDA and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Bahadurgarh and Ballabgarh in Haryana.

Read more: https://theyouthedge.com/supreme-court-to-set-up-panel-on-its-own-in-the-hindenburg-report-into-the-adani-group/latest-current-affairs/

International

1. One Year of India-UAE CEPA Commemorated at Dubai

To commemorate the successful year of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Signing (CEPA), a special event has been organized in the Consulate General of India, Dubai and Dubai Chambers. This event is organized by the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi in association with the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).

Statements from the Officials

The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi has said that-

“The gathering at the special business event talked about the enormous opportunities and benefits provided by CEPA.”

Ambassador Sunday Sudhir mentioned that-

“The businesses from India and the United Arab Emirates have already begun taking advantage of the duty waivers and enhanced market access provided by the CEPA.”

The Vice Chairman, Dubai Gold & Jewelry Group, Chandu Siroya has said that

“The enthusiasm shown by the two governments in setting up the CEPA has opened the doors wider for the Gold and Jewelry Industry.”

Deputy Secretary General FICCI, Nirankar Saxena in his vote of thanks has said that

“FICCI has taken a pledge to showcase the strengths of different states of India in Dubai till 2030, starting from April 2023.”

About Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

• The President of UAE, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi were present during the virtual summit.
• The UAE-India Comprehensive, Economic Partnership Agreement was signed on 18th February 2022.
• It is the first bilateral trade accord concluded by the UAE.
• It is also India’s first bilateral trade agreement in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region.

Scope of CEPA

1. This agreement covers all aspects of India’s economic engagement with the UAE. It includes trade, investments, healthcare, digital Trade, government procurement, IPR, etc.
2. The CEPA is expected to increase the bilateral trade in goods to US 100$ bn within five years and trade in services to US 15$ bn.

Effect of the CEPA

• There is an overall growth in the bilateral trade or early gains accruing from the agreement.
• The bilateral trade between the two countries has grown to US$ 57.8 bn from US $ 45.3.
• India’s exports to the UAE have seen a remarkable growth of 19.32%,  reaching US $ 20.8 bn from US $ 17.45 bn.
• Several other significant partnerships have been launched since May 2022 related to energy, food security, education and healthcare. 

India- UAE relationship

The India and UAE relations flourished in the year 1971 after the creation of the federation. Both the countries share political, economical and cultural links. There are over a million Indians in the UAE and it is the largest migrant group in the country.

About UAE

President- Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Capital- Abu Dhabi

Currency- United Arab Emirates Dirham

2. North Korea Fires Unspecified Ballistic Missile, Says South Korea

North Korea has fired a ballistic missile that appears to have landed in Japan’s economic exclusion zone, according to Japanese and South Korean officials.

Saturday’s move by North Korea comes ahead of upcoming US-South Korea table-top exercises in Washington next week, against which North Korea threatened to take serious action.

The launch came a day after North Korea’s Foreign Ministry threatened to take “unprecedently” strong action against its rivals after South Korea announced a series of planned military exercises with the United States aimed at sharpening their response to the North’s growing threats.

Speculations

• The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea reported that North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea, popularly known as the Sea of Japan.
• Hirokazu Matsuno, a spokesperson for the Japanese government, later informed reporters that North Korea had shot an “ICBM-class ballistic missile” to the east, alluding to the increasingly tested long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles Pyongyang has been developing. 
• According to him, the missile covered around 900 kilometres (560 miles) and ascended to a height of 5,700 kilometres.
• Fumio Kishida, the prime minister of Japan, told reporters that the missile appeared to have landed “inside Japan’s EEZ (exclusive economic zone), west of Hokkaido.”
• According to Japanese officials, there have been no immediate reports of damaged aircraft or ships.

North Korea’s nuclear threats

• In the previous year, North Korea set a record in terms of weapons demonstrations, having launched over 70 ballistic missiles, some of which were intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States mainland. 
• Additionally, the country carried out a series of launches that it claimed were simulated nuclear attacks against targets in South Korea and the United States. 
• This was done in response to the allies’ resumption of large-scale joint military exercises, which had been scaled down in previous years.
• In a statement released on Friday, North Korea said that Seoul and Washington had planned more than 20 military exercises, including massive field drills, and it referred to its adversaries as “the arch-criminals deliberately disturbing regional peace and stability.”

South Korea’s Response

• The increased activity from Pyongyang has been met with ramped-up joint military drills from South Korea and key allies.
• According to South Korea’s Defense Ministry, the planned tabletop exercise by the US, which is scheduled for Wednesday, will present possible situations where North Korea employs nuclear weapons. 
• The exercise will aim to explore military responses and develop crisis management strategies to deal with such scenarios.
• “With a focus on North Korea’s nuclear threats, both sides will have in-depth discussions on various measures to strengthen US extended deterrence, including information sharing and consultation procedures,” the ministry said in a statement.

Decades-long Rivalry: South and North Korea

• South Korea and North Korea have been bitter rivals since the Korean War in the 1950s, which ended in a truce but no peace treaty. 
• The two countries have vastly different political systems, with South Korea being a democratic society and North Korea is a communist regime. 
• Over the years, there have been numerous conflicts and tensions between the two countries, including military standoffs, nuclear weapons testing, and border incidents. 
• Despite occasional attempts at reconciliation, the relationship between the two countries remains strained.

South Korea: A Thriving Democracy with Rich Cultural Heritage and a Strong Military

• South Korea is a democratic country located in East Asia with a population of over 51 million people and its capital in Seoul. 
• It has a mixed economy that has become one of the world’s leading economies. 
• South Korea is also known for its rich cultural heritage and famous cultural exports like K-pop and Korean dramas.
• South Korea has a large and technologically advanced military that is focused on defending against North Korea’s much larger military. 
• The military is equipped with modern weaponry including fighter jets, submarines, and tanks, as well as a strong cyber defence capability. 
• South Korea also has a close military alliance with the United States and conducts joint military exercises with American forces.

Inside North Korea: The Secretive State with Nuclear Ambitions

• North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is a country located in East Asia. 
• It is a secretive, authoritarian state with a one-party government, and its leader, Kim Jong-un, has absolute control over the country’s political and military affairs. 
• North Korea is one of the most isolated and impoverished countries in the world and has been subject to numerous international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program and human rights abuses. 
• The country’s economy is largely state-controlled and its citizens face severe restrictions on their freedom of movement, speech, and access to information.

South Korea and US Strengthen Military Alliance Through Joint Exercises

• South Korea and the US have a longstanding military alliance and conduct regular joint military exercises. 
• These exercises are aimed at enhancing the readiness and capabilities of their armed forces to respond to potential threats in the region, particularly from North Korea. 
• The exercises involve a range of activities, including drills in land, sea, and air operations, as well as cyber and missile defence. 
• While these exercises have been a source of tension with North Korea, they are seen as critical to maintaining stability and deterrence in the region.

Obituaries

1. Shahanawaz Pradhan, a fantastic actor is no more

Shahanawaz Pradhan, a versatile actor passes away due to a cardiac attack. This news was confirmed by Yashpal Sharma, an actor. He was rushed to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He was attending the function along with other actors when the incident happened. The news of his demise was shared via social media handle. 

Who was Shahnawaz Pradhan

Shahnawaz Pradhan was born in the Raipur district in 1966. He was an Indian television and film actor, best known for his portrayal of Sindbad the Sailor in the popular fantasy series, Alif Laila, Nand Baba In Ramanand Sagar Epic TV serial Shree Krishan, and playing Hafiz Saeed in Phantom. He has also acted in the Marathi serial Kahe Diya Pardes, aired on Zee Marathi. The actor has played varied roles in cinema, Indian Television, and even on OTT platforms. 

Actor Rajesh Tailang, who has shared the screen with Shahnawaz in Mirzapur also paid tribute to the late actor. It is disheartening to know that Late Shahanawaz Pradhan is not with us anymore. He would be remembered for his fantastic role in the web series “Mirzapur” along with other films like “Raees”. 

Legal

1. Nabam Rebia case : Sc to consider referring it after hearing Sena factions

On Friday, the Supreme Court said that a decision on whether to refer its 2016 judgement in the Nabam Rebia case. It is related to a speaker’s power to adjudicate on the disqualification of an assembly member to a larger bench of seven judges. The question to refer to the 2016 judgement will only arise after considering the petitions of rival Shiv Sena factions.

Supreme Court 2016’s Verdict

In the Supreme Court ‘s 2016 verdict, the court said a speaker could not adjudicate on such disqualification when there is a notice seeking his own removal. The then speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly is being involved in this ruling.

Statement of the 5 judge bench

The 5 judge bench presided by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has said that-

“It will hear the petitions filed by the camps led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his predecessor Uddhav Thackeray on February 21.”

“Whether it (judgement in Nabam Rebia vs Deputy Speaker) should be referred to seven judges cannot be considered in the abstract, isolated or divorced from the facts of the case. Whether the… principle which has been formulated in Nabam Rebia has an impact upon the facts of the present case needs deliberation. In the above backdrop, the issue whether reference of the decision in Nabam Rebia to a larger bench is warranted will be determined together with the merits of the case.”

“The Shiv Sena factions have put up a constitutional question that has serious consequences for the polity. The question weighed the options of referring the 2016 decision to the larger bench.”

Supreme Court’s Judgement on the Nabam Rebia case

“The Speaker of a House cannot decide on a disqualification petition filed under the anti-defection law while a notice under Article 179(c) for the Speaker’s removal is pending.”

Statement of the CJI Chandrachud

“We have kept the issue open but we do not have a complete view of it now. We must look at the overall layers of the matter. Therefore we have not decided whether reference can be made. We may take a call after we hear arguments on merits as well. We are not going into the merits only for the purpose of reference but we are going to hear the overall matter.”

About the case between Shiv Sena factions and Eknath Shinde led factions

• Sunil Prabhu, the chief whip of Shiv Sena has sought the reference of the 2016 decision.
• He claimed that the decision taken by the Supreme court in the year 2016 has influenced the top court in June 2022, to grant extension of time to the 16 Shiv Sena lawmakers facing a notice of disqualification to file their replies before the then deputy speaker.
•  Eknath Shinde led party submitted that “A reference was unnecessary and purely “academic” as the 16 Shiv Sena lawmakers never  got to vote as Thackeray resigned as the chief minister a day before a proposed floor test ordered on June 30,2022.”
• Eknath Shinde approached the top court after the rebels were served a disqualification notice. After the court’s June 27 ruling, the governor ordered the floor test.
• On Friday the CJI said that- “The reference cannot be considered in an abstract and isolated manner and divorced from the facts of the case.”

About the 5 Judge Bench

The 5 Judge bench is consists of the 

• CJI Chandrachud
• Justices MR Shah, 
• Krishna Murari, 
• Hima Kohli, and 
• PS Narasimha.

Arguments given by the Advocates of Uddhav Thackeray

Kapil Sibal and A M Singhvi (Senior Advocates) has urged the court and said that-

“To refer the case to a seven-judge bench. Sibal contended that the matter had not become academic and that it has ramifications for the country’s democratic future.”

“This is not about today. This is about tomorrow,” 

“Don’t thwart the issue by saying it does not arise. It will arise time and again. Elected governments will be toppled. And no democracy in the world allows this to happen.”

“Distinguishing Nabam Rebia will generate future litigation rather than solving any problem. In a binary sense, either this Court agrees or refers to it.”

2. Supreme Court to set up panel on its own in the hindenburg report into the adani Group

Supreme Court to set up panel on its own in the hindenburg report into the adani Group

Founded by Nate Anderson, CFA, CAIA, Hindenburg Research specialises in forensic financial research.Their experience in the investment management industry spans decades, with a historical focus on equity, credit, and derivatives analysis. In layman’s terms, it looks for corruption or fraud in the business world, such as accounting irregularities, bad actors in management or key service provider roles,Undisclosed related-party transactions, Illegal/unethical business or financial reporting practices, Undisclosed regulatory, product, or financial issues.

In news

The Supreme court on Friday refused to take a “sealed cover suggestion” from the centre,containing names of Experts for inclusion on the committee to be set up to examine the Hindenburg report, which resulted in the crashing of Adani group’s share prices and caused huge losses to investors. 

The bench headed by CJI Chandrachud and also comprising justices P.S.Narasimha and J. B. Pardiwala said “We will select the expert and maintain full transparency” , the bench said on Friday. “If we take names from the government, it would amount to a government-constituted committee.”

Hindenburg Research on Adani Group 

• In January 2023, Hindenburg Research published the findings of a two-year investigation alleging that Adani had engaged in market manipulation and accounting malpractices. The report accused Adani of pulling “the largest con in corporate history” and “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades”. Hindenburg also disclosed that it was holding short positions on Adani Group companies.
• Bonds and shares of companies associated with Adani experienced a decline of more than $104 billion in market value after the accusations, representing approximately half of the market value. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman said Hindenburg’s Adani Report was “highly credible and extremely well researched.” Adani denied the fraud allegations as without merit.
• On 13 February 2023, India’s markets regulator – the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) – confirmed that it is investigating allegations made by Hindenburg Research against companies owned by Gautam Adani.

Adani Group’s response 

• On 29 January, Adani released a 413 page response to the Hindenburg report, calling Hindenburg’s conduct a “calculated securities fraud” and the report a “calculated attack on India, the independence, integrity and quality of Indian institutions, and the growth story and ambition of India.” 
•  Hindenburg characterised the response as failing to engage with the issues raised by its initial report, and an exercise in obfuscation under the garb of nationalism. On 1 February, Adani cancelled its planned $2.5 billion (Rs 20,000 crore) Follow-on Public Offer (FPO) citing market volatility, and announced that it would return the FPO money to investors. Reserve Bank of India sought details from banks on exposure to Adani firms.

What is Adani Group

• Adani Group is a diversified organisation in India comprising 7 publicly traded companies. It has created a world class transport and utility infrastructure portfolio that has a pan-India presence. Adani Group is headquartered in Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat, India. Over the years, Adani Group has positioned itself to be the market leader in its transport logistics and energy utility portfolio businesses focusing on large scale infrastructure development in India with O & M practices benchmarked to global standards. With four IG rated businesses, it is the only Infrastructure Investment Grade issuer in India.
• Since the Company’s listing in 1994, it has maximised value for stakeholders, while contributing to nation building. Adani Enterprises Limited is presently focused on businesses related to airports, roads, water management, data centres, solar manufacturing, defence and aerospace, edible oils and foods, mining, integrated resource solutions and integrated agri product

Read more: https://theyouthedge.com/nabam-rebia-case-sc-to-consider-referring-it-after-hearing-sena-factions/latest-current-affairs/

Inauguration

1. Manish Sisodia inaugurates 35th Garden Tourism Festival

On Friday, Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated the 35th Garden Tourism Festival. The festival is organised in the Garden of Five senses by the Delhi Government. It is a three day festival that will continue till February 19.

Statement of the Deputy Chief Minister

Manish Sisodia has said that-

 “This is a very prestigious annual garden festival for the people of Delhi. The beauty of Garden of Five Senses is further enhanced during this annual garden festival when plants from the world over are showcased here.”

“After a break of two years, this festival is being organised with high fervour again. If one is a nature lover or an environment enthusiast, then this is a place to be for them during the spring season. The government will be adding more features to the Garden of Five Senses and will make it an international festival.”

Objective of the festival

• To make Delhi green
• To spread awareness about the environment among the people.

About the Garden Tourism Festival

• This is a festival to celebrate Mother Nature and the fervour of the Spring season. 
• Delhi Tourism in association with Government of Delhi has been organising ‘Garden Tourism Festival’ in the city for more than three decades.

• Manish Sisodia interacted with the environment enthusiasts at the fest.
• He visited the stalls that showcased a variety of plants from India and abroad.
• There will be many flowers from India and abroad such as

           – Maple Leaf from Canada, 

           – Iris from France, 

           – Cornflower from Germany, 

           -Tulip from Turkey, 

           – Chamomile from Russia, 

            – Lily from Italy.

• The festival has been held every year for the past 33 years. 
• By the Delhi Government’s Tourism Department, the Garden of Five Senses has been decorated as the ‘Garden of Unity’ for G20.
• This festival is hosted to create an interactive platform for environmentalists and citizens.
• In this festival a variety of competitions will be hosted.
• There will be food stalls from different states of the country long with the cultural programme.

Major Specialty of this year’s Garden Tourism Festival

• About 300 Varieties of plants and flowers from abroad will be Displayed.
• Terrariums, topiary, potted plants, leaves, medicinal and herbal plants, hanging baskets, cut flowers, and nursery stalls will be displayed.

Official Statement

“It is to be noted that this year, to attract visitors and instill interest in nature, various topiary shapes of birds and animals have been put on display. Spread over 20 acres of lush green area, with hundreds of species of plants and flowers present; this garden will become a centre of attraction for a large number of people.”

About Delhi

Delhi is India’s Capital territory and is a massive metropolitan area in the country’s north. On 12th December 1911, at the historic Delhi Durbar, George V, the Emperor of the British Empire proclaimed the shifting of the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi. In Old Delhi, a neighborhood dating to the 1600s, stands the imposing Mughal-era Red Fort, a symbol of India, and the sprawling Jama Masjid mosque, whose courtyard accommodates 25,000 people. The Chief Minister of Delhi is Arvind Kejriwal.

Appointment and Resignation

1. Indian-origin female medic named CEO of Oxford University Hospitals

One of the major teaching hospitals in the UK, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has named Professor Meghana Pandit as its next CEO. Professor Pandit is a prominent physician of Indian descent.

In addition to being the first person of Indian descent to be nominated CEO of any National Health Service (NHS) trust in the Shelford Group, which includes some of the largest teaching hospitals in the nation, Ms Pandit becomes the trust’s first female chief.

Rigorous and Competitive Process

• Ms Pandit, who was serving as the interim CEO at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) since July 2022, was permanently appointed to the post following a “rigorous and competitive process,” which concluded after what OUH described as an extensive national and international recruitment search.
• “I am proud to have the opportunity to continue leading with compassion and respect for others, with a desire for excellence,” said Ms Pandit.

Professor Pandit’s Credentials

• Ms Pandit trained in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Oxford Deanery and was Visiting Lecturer in Urogynaecology at the University of Michigan in the U.S.
• She has served as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) within the NHS trusts and led the development of a clinical strategy with overseeing hundreds of doctors.
• She is an Honorary Professor at Warwick University and an Associate Fellow at Green Templeton College, University of Oxford.

Panel’s Decision

• According to OUH, all members of the interview panel unanimously agreed that she was the preferred candidate for appointment and this recommendation was approved at a meeting of the Council of Governors earlier this week.
• The interview panel included the Trust’s Chair, Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, two other non-executive directors and lead governor, and also the chair of the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) and the Regional Director for NHS England’s South East region.
• “I am delighted that Meghana has now been appointed to the CEO role permanently and I am looking forward to working with her in what promises to be an exciting new era under her leadership,” said Mr Montgomery.
• “She gave an outstanding interview which demonstrated her preparation, passion, and desire to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer permanently,” he added.

Responsibilities of the CEO

• The CEO of the NHS trust, along with the NHS Chief Executive, is responsible for serving as the accountable parliamentary officer to ensure that the organization operates efficiently in line with national policies and public service values while maintaining proper financial management. 
• In addition, the CEO also has personal responsibility for clinical governance and building effective partnerships.

Oxford University Hospitals: Leading Healthcare & Research

• Oxford University Hospitals is a world-renowned academic health science centre located in Oxford, England. 
• It comprises four hospitals: the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, and Horton General Hospital. 
• The hospitals provide a wide range of healthcare services, including specialist treatments and surgeries, cancer care, and emergency care. 
• They also play a vital role in medical education and research, with close ties to the University of Oxford. 
• Overall, Oxford University Hospitals is a leading institution in the field of healthcare, research, and education.

2. Chetan Sharma resigns as BCCI chief selector

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Chief Selector Chetan Sharma has handed in his resignation after a sting operation caught him speaking several objectionable things against Indian cricketers. The news of Sharma’s resignation was tweeted by the news agency ANI. Sharma sent his resignation to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who accepted it, tweeted ANI.

https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1626450850460876800?s=20

Expected Fallout

Considering Sharma’s controversial comments that were made public through a sting operation, it was anticipated that action would be taken against him, especially given the potential for his remarks to upset the BCCI. 

• The former cricketer made candid and potentially damaging comments, including revealing sensitive information about the Indian cricket team, the feud between Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli, and the friction between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
• He took the names of Indian cricketers like Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah.
• He also said that Indian cricketers take injections to declare themselves fit ahead of international tours. 
• Additionally, Sharma claimed that only five selectors, including himself, had control over the direction of Indian cricket. He said that they are the ones who decide the present and the future of Indian cricket.

1. ‘Ganguly never liked Kohli’

• Sharma commented on the Ganguly-Kohli conflict that started in December 2021, revealing that Ganguly was not fond of Kohli and Rohit Sharma. 
• The conflict between the two arose when Kohli was informed he would no longer be the white ball cricket captain. 
• Sharma added that Ganguly had suggested Kohli consider relinquishing the T20I captaincy as the BCCI preferred a single captain for both ODI and T20I formats.

1. ‘Kohli considered himself above the game’

• Sharma accused Kohli of considering himself “above the game” and said that his indirect attack on Ganguly in a December 2021 press conference was unnecessary. 
• According to Sharma, the conflict between the two was a personal matter that remained unresolved, arising from a disagreement between them during a conversation.

1. ‘Ego clash between Kohli and Rohit’

• Chetan Sharma discussed the dynamic between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating that the issue between them is not a rivalry, but rather a clash of egos. 
• He added that the Indian team is divided into two groups, each led by Rohit and Kohli. 
• Sharma likened the situation to that of two famous Bollywood actors, Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra.

1. ‘Players take injections to declare themselves fit’

• Sharma alleged that certain players secretly consult doctors and receive injections that are undetectable by doping tests, allowing them to be declared fit to play international matches. 
• He also questioned why these players had to resort to such methods, speculating that it was due to ego or fear of losing their place in the team. 
• Sharma also claimed that players are willing to play with less than optimal fitness, even if medical professionals advise against it, citing the example of Jasprit Bumrah who is reportedly struggling with a physical issue.

1. ‘Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan Have Put The Careers Of Sanju Samson, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan In Jeopardy’

• The BCCI chief selector revealed that the performances of Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill have put the careers of Sanju Samson, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan in jeopardy.
• He particularly mentioned the remarkable double century of Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill’s extraordinary white-ball form. 
• Notably, Kishan played a sensational knock and smashed a double century in the third ODI against Bangladesh last December.
• Talking about Sanju Samson, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter Samson has failed to become a regular member of the Indian setup despite his consistent performances. 
• Rahul, who was recently removed from the vice-captaincy role in white-ball cricket, has struggled with his form. Also, Dhawan is out of India’s scheme of things in all three formats.

Course of actions

• Chetan Sharma, the former Indian cricketer and national selector, was caught in a sting operation by a Hindi news channel in February 2022 conducted by a reporter posing as a business person, who recorded Sharma’s comments during a meeting. 
• After the video was released, Sharma resigned from his post as a national selector, citing personal reasons.
• The BCCI condemned Sharma’s comments, calling them “baseless and malicious”, and issued a statement saying that “appropriate action will be taken against him”.

Science and Technology 

1. North India to get its ‘Maiden’ Nuclear Power Plant

North India to get its First Nuclear Power Plant informed by Union Minister Jitendra Singh. The Power Plant would be installed in Gorakhpur, Haryana.  Earlier, the country has seen Nuclear Power plants mostly in the South Indian States such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and west Maharashtra.  

According to the Department of Atomic Energy, Gorakhpur will have two units each of 700MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor(PHWR) under Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana(GHAVP). Its indigenous design is under implementation in the Fatehabad district in Haryana. To date, an amount of ₹4,906 crore has been spent out of total allocated funds of 20,594 crores. Construction of other main parts is in progress while Ground improvement in Turbine Building -1 & 2, 220 kV Switchyard, and IDCT-1A is completed.

Construction of a Water Channel from Tohana to GHVAP for meeting cooling requirements has been taken up through Haryana Irrigation & Water Resources Department (HI&WRD) as deposit work and progressing well.

PHWR 

A pressurized heavy-water reactor (PHWR) is a nuclear reactor that uses heavy water (deuterium oxide D2O) as its coolant and neutron moderator.  Coolant helps remove the reactor’s heat and transfer it to the generator and environment. Moderator on the other hand reduces the speed of the neutron thus propagating nuclear chain reactions. 

Nuclear Energy 

Nuclear Energy is the energy in the nucleus or the core of the atom. It is obtained by splitting the atom via a process called Nuclear Fission. It is a clean and renewable form of energy. 

Nuclear Power Plant 

A nuclear reactor, or power plant, is a series of machines that can control nuclear fission to produce electricity. The fuel that nuclear reactors use to produce nuclear fission is pellets of the element uranium. Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant and Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant are among the largest power plants in the world.  The main aim of establishing a Nuclear power plant is that its heat generated is used to produce steam for electricity generation.

Sports

1. Himachal’s Samarth Thakur tops preliminary round of the Fit India Quiz

A senior SAI official has said that in the preliminary round of the second edition of the Fit India Quiz, a student of Auckland House School, Shimla has topped the country.

Statement of Assistant Director, Centre of Excellence, Sports Authority of India (SAI)

Manoj Awati, an  Assistant Director, Centre of Excellence, Sports Authority of India (SAI)-

“Samarth Thakur topped the quiz beating about 62,000 students.” 

“As many as 61,981 students from 16,702 schools in 702 districts from all across the country participated in the preliminary rounds of the quiz conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on December 8 and 9 last year.”

About Fit India Quiz-

• It is a quiz for the students with an interest in sports and fitness to participate.
• It is a State and National level quiz.
• It is a quiz based on a series of questions about fitness and sports.
• There are around 75 multiple choice questions in the quiz which a student is required to answer.

About the second edition of Fit India National Fitness and Sports Quiz

• The second edition of the Quiz will be held on August 29.
• Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, Dharmendra Pradhan and Nishith Pramanik will be a part of the event.
• Under this quiz, students and schools will get the opportunity to win cash prizes of over Rs 3.35 crore.

About Sport Authority of India

The Sports Authority of India is the apex national sports body of India. It was established in 1982 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of Government of India for the development of sports in India.

2. Harmanpreet Kaur surpasses Rohit Sharma to become most capped T20I player

On Saturday, Indian Women’s Team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur overtook Rohit Sharma, Skipper Indian Team and became the most capped player in Twenty20 internationals. Harmanpreet achieved this during the 3rd T20I featuring India and Australia on Wednesday.

About Harmanpreet Kaur

• In the current women’s T20 World Cup, Harmanpreet played her 149th T20I.
• Harmanpreet, an all-rounder, made her debut for India on June 11, 2009.
• She is known for her massive sixes and aggressive strokeplay down the ground.
• She has batted in 125 innings, and has accumulated 2,736 runs at an average of 27.36 while also scalping 32 wickets. 
• She has one century and eight half-centuries and a solitary century. 
• She was the first Indian woman to score a T20I century. 
• Her 51-ball innings included eight enormous sixes and seven boundaries that propelled India to a 34-run triumph over the Kiwis.

Most Matches Played in T20I (Men/Women)

• New Zealand’s Suzie Bates (142), 
• Danielle Wyatt (140), 
• Danni Wyatt (England, 136 T20Is), 
• Alyssa Healy (Australia, 135 T20Is), and 
• Ellyse Perry (Australia, 129 T20Is).
• Rohit Sharma (India, 148 T20Is)

WPL auction of Harmanpreet Kaur

• She was signed by Mumbai Indian for Rs 1.80 cr. in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction on Monday.
• Starting from a base price of INR 50 lakh, Harmanpreet was involved in a three-way bidding race between Mumbai, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals.
• She was the second player to be signed in the auction after Smriti Mandhana.

Records and achievements of Harmanpreet

• She broke another record when she walked out for the toss ahead of this very game. 
• She featured for the Mumbai Indians in the maiden iteration of the Women’s Premier League.
• She has played the second-most matches as captain.
• In 2017 she received the Arjuna Award for Cricket.
• She has become the First Indian Woman To Be Named ICC Player Of The Month.

Click here to read more on the Women’s Cricket.

19th February 2023

National

1. APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission-2023 launched from Tamil Nadu

APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission 2023 was launched today by Martin Foundation in association with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone India.  It was launched from the Pattipolam village of Chengalpattu district in Tamil Nadu. 

This is the first hybrid rocket. It was launched with one hybrid rocket and 150 PicoSAT satellites. According to the statement, more than 5,000 students from grades 6 to 12 were enabled to design and develop 150 PICO satellites that were launched through the rocket.  This mission would provide an opportunity for the students to learn more about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This will also help students explore more career opportunities in this field. 

Through virtual classes, students were taught about satellite technology to help them explore the project domain. As per the statement released a total of 2000 students from more than 100 government schools have been a part of this rocket project. 

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation (AKIF) was launched on 11th October 2015 in his loving memory by the House of Kalam. The foundation would work to fulfill the dreams and progress of the ideas of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

Space Zone India

The Space Zone India performs innovative research on various leading-edge technologies of Satellite, Robotics, Glider, UAV, and FCS. The key areas of interest are Robotic and Autonomous Systems Flight simulator modeling, digital image processing, etc. 

Martin Foundation

This organisation works at the intersection of philanthropy, technology, and advocacy, using various strategies to achieve progress across all our initiatives. Their main vision is to reach out to each and every person who is dwindling in poverty and help them emerge out of the poverty cycle by reducing poverty and injustice.

APJ Abdul Kalam

He was a legendary who excelled in the field of space and technology. Abdul Kalam was famously known as the “Missile Man of India”. He was an aerospace scientist and statesman. He played a pivotal role in maneuvering India’s defense and technology. 

2. Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organises NOTTO Scientific Dialogue 2023

The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare organised the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) Scientific Dialogue 2023 today. The dialogue was organised to bring all the stakeholders under one roof to brainstorm ideas about interventions and best practices in the organ and tissue transplant field that can be taken up for saving lives. 

https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1627220816952950790?s=20

Positive Outlook for Organ and Tissue Transplant in India

• The Union Health Secretary, Shri Rajesh Bhushan, expressed his congratulations on the growing number of organ and tissue transplants in India. 
• He noted that despite the impact of COVID-19, the country has seen a fast resurgence in transplant activities. 
• For the first time in 2022, India achieved more than 15,000 transplants in a year, with an annual increase of 27% in transplant numbers.

Priority Areas for Programmatic Restructuring

• Shri Bhushan highlighted three priority areas for programmatic restructuring in organ and tissue transplants in India. 
• These areas include: 
  • communication strategy, 
  • skilling of professionals, and 
  • updating existing structures and guidelines. 
• He emphasised the importance of ensuring that existing structures at various governance levels, such as NOTTO at the national level, SOTTOs at state levels, and ROTTOs at regional levels, work efficiently together.

Embracing Changes

• Shri Bhushan welcomed the changes that have taken place in organ and tissue transplants, such as the updated guidelines and the removal of the domicile requirement. 
• He emphasized the importance of the rational use of technical manpower in the country and the training and channelizing of professionals.
• Additionally, he called for optimal utilization of physical infrastructure and equipment in tertiary care facilities. 

Communication and Awareness Strategy

• Shri Bhushan noted the changing demography of the country and the growing senior population. 
• He emphasized the importance of updating the communication and awareness strategy for potential organ donors to come forward. 
• He suggested comprehensive orientation and re-orientation through
  • training programs, 
  • newly designed courses, and 
  • digital interventions for healthcare professionals and domain knowledge experts. 
• He further added that multi-stakeholder exercises, including engagement with local stakeholders and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), can be taken up for effective communication. 

Capacity Building in Health Sector

• Shri Rajesh Bhushan underlined the need for capacity building of medical institutions to expand the number of institutions where surgeries and transplants are undertaken. 
• He suggested 
  • sensitisation and training for healthcare professionals, 
  • optimal utilization of physical infrastructure, and 
  • the identification of high case load institutions to bring them under the network NOTT program. 
• Consultations and discussions can lead to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the creation of a Center of Excellence at state and regional levels to provide specialized services to the needy.

NOTP boosts capabilities and facilities for organ transplants

• The participants were informed by Ms V Hekali Zhimomi, AS MoHFW, about the improved capabilities under the National Organ Transplant Program (NOTP) and the facilities that citizens can use, such as: 
  • a 24-hour toll-free helpline, 
  • the National organ and tissue transplant registry, and 
  • a website for easy information access.
• The meeting was attended by senior ministry officials, experts from the medical community, healthcare professionals, and industry representatives in addition to Dr Rajneesh Sehai, Director NOTTO, Dr BL Sherwal, and MS Safdarjung Hospital.

3. Month-long safety drive launched by Indian Railways

A month-long safety drive has been launched by Indian Railways to prevent derailments and other types of potential accidents. The special drive started today.

Railway Board and Zonal Railways to conduct safety inspections and enforce protocols

In a recent release, the Railway Board has instructed senior officers from Zonal Railways, Railway Board, and Divisions to carry out a comprehensive review of working practices. The focus of this review is to enforce safe operation and maintenance practices to prevent accidents and unusual incidents.

Thorough review of working practices

As part of the instructions given by the Railway Board, officers will be required to visit various sections, lobbies, maintenance centres, and work sites. These visits will enable officers to carry out a thorough review of working practices.

Emphasis on safe practices

The release also stated that emphasis will be given to safe practices. 

• Officers will check and enforce safe operation and maintenance practices.
• The observance of signalling aspects and braking practices by Assistant Loco Pilots/Loco Pilots will also be reviewed. 
• The observance of 
  • speed restrictions, 
  • work site protection, and 
  • prevention of shortcuts will also be given due importance.

Interaction with staff and problem-solving

• Officers have been instructed to spend sufficient time on the ground to observe operational, maintenance, and working practices. 
• They will also interact with staff to understand the problems being faced by field staff and provide solutions. 
• This will ensure that officers get an accurate understanding of the challenges faced by staff on the ground.

In conclusion, the Railway Board’s instructions to senior officers will help to reinforce the importance of safe working practices. This will go a long way in preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of passengers and staff.

Overview: Indian Railways

• Indian Railways (IR) is the state-owned railway company of India. Indian Railways had, until very recently, a monopoly on the country’s rail transport. 
• It is one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the world, transporting just over six billion passengers and almost 750 million tonnes of freight annually. 
• IR is the world’s largest commercial or utility employer, with more than 1.6 million employees.
• The railways traverse the length and width of the country; the routes cover a total length of 63,940  km (39,230  miles). As of 2005 IR owns a total of 216,717 wagons, 39,936 coaches and 7,339 locomotives and runs a total of 14,244 trains daily, including about 8,002 passenger trains .
• Railways were first introduced to India in 1853. 
• By 1947, the year of India’s independence, there were forty-two rail systems. 
• In 1951 the systems were nationalised as one unit, becoming one of the largest networks in the world. 
• Indian Railways operates both long-distance and suburban rail systems.

Sports

1. A New record: Kohli completes 25K runs in international cricket

Infront of the Home Crowd at Arun Jaitely Stadium, today, Virat Kohli achieved completed 25000 runs in International cricket. Thus, he became the fastest player to achieve this mark, only sixth in the world. This landmark was achieved during Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia today. 

Virat has played 106 Tests so far, in which he has 8,195 runs at an average of 48.77 with 27 tons and 28 fifties. His best score in the format is 254 not out. In One Day Internationals, he has scored 12,809 in 271 matches at an average of 57.69. He has 46 tons and 64 half-centuries in the format with the best score of 183.

The Star marker has also scored 4,008 T20I runs at an average of 52.73. He has a century and 37 fifties in the format. The top-five runs in the history of sports are

• India’s Sachin Tendulkar (34,357), 
• Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara (28,016),
•  Australian batting legend Ricky Ponting (27,483), 
• SL’s Mahela Jayawardene (25,957) 
• South African all-round great Jacques Kallis (25,534)

Thus, this also makes Virat the second batter in India to do so. In today’s match, India has set a target of 115 runs to take a series lead of 2-0. The Aussies were gradually bundled out for 113 runs in just 31.1 overs. Only Head and Labuschagne could reach double digits. 

Virat Kohli

He is an Indian international cricketer and former captain of the Indian national team who plays as a right-handed batsman. Widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. At the national level, Kohli was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2013, the Padma Shri under the sports category in 2017, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India’s highest sporting honour, in 2018.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The Border–Gavaskar Trophy is a Test cricket series played between India and Australia. It is played via the International Cricket Council’s future tours. The series is named after eminent former captains, Australia’s Allan Border and India’s Sunil Gavaskar.

2. Varun wins a medal in the Shooting World cup

The 19-year-old Varun Tomar bagged a bronze medal in a 10m air pistol competition in Cairo, Egypt. This Teen has opened India’s account at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Rifle/Pistol. Varun shot 583 in qualification to make the second-place ranking round. This was Tomar’s first senior ISSF World Cup stage medal. 

He got the better of a teammate Sarabjit Singh in a shoot-off after both tied for the third spot with a score of 250.6 in the rankings. Slovakian shooter Juraj Tuzinsky bagged the gold medal and Italian shooter Paolo Monna took the silver home. 

About Varun Tomar 

Varun was born in the year 2003 in a small village of district Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. Earlier, he had won a medal in Asian Air Championship 2022 replacing Sarabjit Singh.  Last year also in ISSF championship he bagged Bronze Medal in the junior men’s category. 

International Shooting Federation

It was founded in 1907 as International Shooting Union. The International Shooting Sport Federation is the governing body of the Olympic shooting events in rifle, pistol, and shotgun (clay target) disciplines, and of several non-Olympic shooting sports events. It includes regulation of the sport, Olympic qualifications, and organization of international competitions such as the ISSF World Cup Series, the ISSF World Cup Finals, the ISSF Separate World Championship in Shotgun events, and the ISSF World Championship in all events. It is headquartered in Munich, Germany. 

20th February 2023

National

1. India’s lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 achieves another milestone; Clears key test on functioning of satellite in space

Another milestone has been achieved by India’s Lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3 has successfully undergone Electro-Magnetic Interference/Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMI-EMC). This test was conducted between January 31 and February 2 at U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru.

Statement of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

“The Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO, said it is a major milestone in the realization of the satellites.”

“During the Chandrayaan-3 lander EMI/EC test, Launcher compatibility, Antenna Polarization of all Radio-Frequency (RF) systems, Standalone auto compatibility tests for orbital and powered descent mission phases, and Lander & Rover compatibility tests for post-landing mission phase were ensured. The performance of the systems was satisfactory.”

About Chandrayaan 3 Mission

This is a interplanetary mission and it has 3 major modules:

• The Propulsion module
• Lander Module
• Rover

The mission’s complexity calls for establishing radio-frequency (RF) communication links between the modules.

About the EMI-EMC Test

These tests are conducted for satellite missions to ensure the functionality of the subsystems in the space environment and their compatibility with the expected electromagnetic levels.

About Indian Space Research Organisation

ISRO is a national space agency of India, headquartered in Bangalore. It operates under the Department of Space which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India, while the Chairman of ISRO acts as the executive of DOS as well. 

Click here to read more on Chandrayaan Mission.

2. India-Uzbekistan biennial military training Exercise DUSTLIK 2023 to begin in Uttarakhand today

Today, the fourth edition of biennial training Exercise DUSTLIK 2023, will be conducted. These exercises are a part of a military to military exchange programme between the 2 armies. These exercises will be conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.

About the Military Contingents of both the Armies

India

• The 14th Battalion, GARHWAL RIFLES, a unit under Western Command will be representing the Indian Contingent.

Uzbekistan

• The Uzbekistan Army will be represented by troops of the North Western Military District of Uzbekistan Army.

About India-Uzbekistan 4th Joint Military Exercise ‘DUSTLIK’

• It is an iteration of the annual bilateral military drill “Dustlik” with the Uzbekistan Army.
• This combined military drill would start on February 20 and end on March 5.
• The exercise’s initial iteration took place in Uzbekistan in November 2019.
• The second round was conducted in India from March 10 to March 19 of 2021 at the Foreign Training Node Chaubatia, Ranikhet.
• The Yangiarik district of Uzbekistan hosted the third iteration of Exercise Dustlik from March 22 to March 29 of that year.

Objective of the DUSTLIK

The main objective of Exercise DUSTLIK is

• To enhance military capabilities to undertake multi-domain operations in a Sub Conventional scenario under United Nations Mandate.
• To provide the training in accordance with a United Nations mandate particularly in hilly, urban or rural environments.
• These exercises will also act in order to strengthen their bilateral military and political ties.

About first India-Uzbekistan exercise ‘DUSTLIK’

• India and Uzbekistan held the first joint exercise ‘DUSTLIK’ in November, 2019 for a period of 10 days.
• The first joint exercise was held at Uzbekistan’s Chirchik Training Area.
• The first joint exercise was based on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations (CI/CT Ops) in an urban setting as well as the sharing of knowledge about firearms proficiency.
• These exercises provide the militaries a chance to improve cross-cultural understanding and boost trust and collaboration between both the armies.

India-Uzbekistan Relationship

Both the countries have relations that go back in history. India was one of the first countries to recognize the state sovereignty of Uzbekistan after its independence. The protocol on establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Uzbekistan was signed in Tashkent on 18 March 1992.

About Uzbekistan

President- Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Capital- Tashkent

Currency- Uzbekistani Som

3. Govt forms cabinet secretary-led panel to monitor Mission Karmayogi

programme for training of government employee

Tags: Mission Karmayogi

The government has recently approved setting up a Cabinet Secretariat Coordination Unit or CSCU as part of the institutional framework under the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) or Mission Karmayogi, officials said on Monday, citing an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in this regard.

What is the the mission Karmayogi: 

Mission Karmayogi aims to create a competent civil service rooted in India with a shared understanding of the country’s priorities, and working in harmonisation for effective and efficient public service delivery.

What is cabinet secretary led to:

Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba will head a top panel comprising a senior official from the Prime Minister’s Office, seven secretaries, among others, to monitor the implementation of the government’s ambitious programme.

What cabinet secretary monitor:

CSCU will monitor the implementation of NPCSCB and undertake activities like:

overseeing the formulation of the National Capacity Building Plan (NCBP)

place it for approval of the Prime Minister’s Human Resource Council (PMHRC)

to periodically monitor the implementation of Annual Capacity Building Plans, among others

review the monitoring and evaluation framework reports and place them before the PMHRC, “function as the secretariat for the PMHRC” to align all the stakeholders, in order.

Who are the members

Cabinet Secretariat Coordination Unit have members as nominee of Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), secretary (Coordination), cabinet secretariat, DoPT secretary, home secretary, expenditure secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change secretary, Higher Education secretary and revenue secretary. 

About Missing Karmayogi 

iGOT Karmayogi is an online learning platform being developed as an integral part of the Digital India stack for capacity building of all government employees. It will provide ‘anytime-anywhere-any device’ learning to train around 2.0 crores users which was so far unachievable through traditional measures.

A ‘Karmayogi Talks Series’ was also launched by Karmayogi Bharat last month,to engage and interact with renowned experts/professionals across the government, industry and private entities.

4. 18th International Union of Railways World Security Congress to be held in Jaipur

India is all set to host 18th World Security Congress for International Union of Railways in Jaipur. It will be organized from 20-23 February by Railway Protection Force(RPF) on behalf of Indian Railways. The 18th International Conference would revolve around the topic “Railway Security Safety: Responses and Vision for Future”. It would involve a discussion on challenges faced by railway security across the world.  

Technical cooperation, education, and training are the areas on which several organizations will collaborate at the conference. As the RPF(Railway Protection Force) stated it is the quest to protect Railway Assets and Passengers, the two most pivotal points in the system. 

In the year when India celebrated its Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and took up the presidency of G20, it is a great pride for the nation to showcase its rich heritage, soft power, and culture. This will help India progress at International Forums. 

The main focus of RPF would fall upon “human trafficking” as it is the menace that has disrupted all the significant borders connecting nations. In the years 2006 and 2015 also RPF successfully organized the international UIC World security congress in New Delhi. 

Congress of International Union of Railways (UIC)

It is recognized by the United Nations for bringing Railways and all major rail sectors together. It consists of 107 member nations and is headquartered in Paris. It was established in the year 1922 to meet the challenges of mobility and sustainable development in the railway sector. 

Railway Protection Force

Railway Protection Force (RPF) is a security force under the ownership of Indian Railways, Ministry of Railways, Government of India. It was established by the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957 enacted by the Indian Parliament. Its main aim is to provide for better protection and security of railway property and passenger areas.  [1] 

Jaipur 

Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Formerly it was known as Jeypore. The city had a population of 4.5 million, making it the tenth most populous city in the country. Jaipur is also known as the Pink City, due to the dominant color scheme of its buildings. It is also known as the Paris of India, and C. V. Raman called it the Island of Glory. It is a significant tourist destination in India. 

For more updates on G-20

5. China, US, India top list of countries most vulnerable to climate change

China, the US, and India are home to 80 per cent of the top 50 at-risk states from climate change in 2050. The latest assessment has been released by XDI Cross Dependency Initiative which is a climate risk specialist.

China is in the lead with 16 of the 20 places in the world that are most susceptible to climate change, which might have significant global repercussions. Some of the major manufacturing centres in the world are located in China’s at-risk regions, which are vulnerable to extreme weather and rising sea levels.

XDI Analysis

Cross Dependency Initiative (XDI), part of a group of companies committed to quantifying and communicating the costs of climate change, calculated the physical climate risk to the built environment in over 2,600 states and provinces around the world in 2050.

Assessment of Economic Damage

• The analysis used climate models and weather and environmental data to project the potential damage to the built environment from extreme weather and climate change. 
• The assessment included factors such as flooding, forest fires, and sea level rise.

Focus on Built Environment

• The XDI analysis is the first of its kind to focus exclusively on the built environment, comparing every state, province, and territory in the world.
• The built infrastructure, which generally overlaps with high levels of economic activity and capital value, is of particular importance to understand and price appropriately in terms of physical climate risk.

XDI CEO Statement

• In a statement, XDI CEO Rohan Hamden emphasised the importance of this analysis, stating that it is imperative to understand and price the physical risk of climate change to the built environment. 
• The findings of this analysis could have significant implications for governments, businesses, and individuals around the world, as they seek to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Findings of the Report:

1. Vulnerability Ranking

• A report has shown that the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu and Shandong are the two most vulnerable sub-national economies in the world when it comes to climate change. 
• The US has 18 states in the top 100 high-risk states.

2. Infrastructure Investment in Vulnerable Regions

• The shift of global manufacturing to Asia has led to significant infrastructure investment in regions that are already vulnerable to climate change, according to XDI CEO Rohan Hamden. 
• He notes that much of this investment has gone to areas that are traditionally high-risk, such as river deltas, coastal zones, and flat areas.

3. Climate’s Impact on Capital Flow

XDI co-founder Karl Mallon notes that climate is likely to play an increasingly important role in determining the flow of capital. However, it remains to be seen whether climate risks will deter investment in more vulnerable regions.

4. Adaptability and Defendability of Regions

• Mallon also suggests that there is a need to identify regions that are potentially adaptable and defendable in the face of climate change, as well as those that will likely be abandoned in the future. 
• This highlights the importance of assessing the physical risks of climate change and taking appropriate measures to mitigate these risks, both for economic and social reasons.

6. Bihar, UP among 9 Indian states on the list of the World’s top 50 facing climate risk

A new report titled ‘Gross Domestic Climate Risk’ published on Monday states that nine Indian states are among the world’s top 50 regions at risk of damage to the built environment due to climate change hazards. The states include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Punjab.

Climate Risk Projections for Specific Regions

• After China, India has the highest number of states (9) in the top 50 of the list, which includes Bihar (22nd spot), Uttar Pradesh (25th), Assam (28th), Rajasthan (32nd), Tamil Nadu (36th), Maharashtra (38th), Gujarat (48th), Punjab (50th) and Kerala (52nd).
• According to the report, Assam in India is projected to see the highest increase in climate risk to the built environment by 2050. 
• Highly developed economic hubs such as Beijing, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Taiwan, and Mumbai are also at high risk.

Multiple Countries in the Top 50

Apart from India, China, and the US, other countries with multiple provinces and states in the top 50 include Brazil, Pakistan, and Indonesia. In Europe, high-ranking states include cities like London, Milan, Munich, and Venice.

Not All High-Risk Regions Included in Top 50

The report notes that not being on the list does not mean a region is low-risk. Many states and provinces facing high risks from extreme weather and climate change hazards are not at the top of the ranking because of their low residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

7. Madhya Pradesh Government Orders Closure Of Bars

The New excise policy has been approved by the Madhya Pradesh cabinet. As per this new excise policy ‘Ahatas’, or areas for drinking attached to liquor outlets and shop bars will be closed.

Statement of the State Home Minister

Narottam Mishra, State Home Minister has said that-

“Since 2010, no new liquor shop has been closed in the State. Even during the Narmada Seva Yatra, several shops were closed. This year also the liquor policy has been brought to discourage liquor consumption.”

“The new excise policy is designed to discourage liquor consumption.”

“All ahatas and shop bars are being shut in the state. Now, only liquor will be sold at the shops and places of drinking will not be allowed.” 

“The distance of liquor shops from educational institutions, girls’ hostels and religious places is being increased from 50 metres to 100 metres.” 

“Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been working to discourage drinking liquor so no new shop has been opened in the state since 2010. On the contrary, shops were closed.”

“During the Narmada Seva Yatra, 64 shops were closed in the State.”

Reason for New Excise Policy

• Uma Bharti, senior leader of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded for a “controlled liquor policy” in Madhya Pradesh. 
• Amid the demand of the senior leader, the New excise policy has been approved by the Madhya Pradesh cabinet.
• Uma Bharti has started her campaign with the demand for total prohibition.
• Now, she has been seeking regularization of liquor sales in the state. The assembly polls on the same are due by the end of this year.

Revenue earned from liquor by the Madhya Pradesh Government

• The Madhya Pradesh Government has earned 26.14 percent higher revenue in the year 2020-21.
• The revenue collection from Value Added Tax (VAT) on liquor increased to Rs 1183.58 crore during 2020-21 from Rs 938.28 crore in 2019-20

About Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is a large state in central India. It retains landmarks from ears throughout Indian history. Begun in the 10th century, its Hindu and Jain temples at Khajuraho are renowned for their carvings of erotic scenes, most prominently Kandariya Mahadeva, a temple with more than 800 sculptures. The eastern Bandhavgarh and Kanha national parks, noted Bengal tiger sanctuaries, offer guided safaris. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh is Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

8. Drone delivers government pension to disabled man in remote Odisha village

To collect his Government Pension, Hetaram Satnami, a physically challenged man living in a remote village in Odisha’s Nuapada district has been travelling 2 km every month through a dense forest. However, this month he did not have to suffer from this issue, as a drone came to his house with the cash to drop his salary in Bhutkapada village in Bhaleswar panchayat area. 

Statement of the Hetaram Satnami

Hetaram Satnami is a beneficiary of the State’s Madhu Babu Pension Yojana and he said-

“The sarpanch sent the money with the help of a drone. It’s a big relief for me as the panchayat office is over 2 km away from the village, which is surrounded by a dense forest.” 

Statement of Sarpanch Saroj Agarwal

“She bought a drone online after getting to know about Satnami’s ordeal.”

“In our panchayat area, there is a village located in the forest, Bhutkapada. A physically-challenged man, Hetaram Satanami, lives in that village. He can’t move, since birth.”

“I enrolled him for the pension under the state scheme. I have seen how things are sent through drones in other countries. That’s why I placed the order for a drone and got the money delivered to his doorstep.”

Statement of the Subadar Pradhan, the Block Development Officer (BDO)

“It was made possible with Ms. Agarwal’s own initiative as the government does not have the provision to buy such devices to deliver services.”

About Madhu Babu Pension Yojana 

The Madhu Babu Pension Yojana is a pension scheme introduced in the Indian State of Odisha. Its objective is to provide financial assistance to destitute, elderly and disabled individuals in the state.

About Odisha

It is an eastern Indian state on the Bay of Bengal. It is known for its tribal cultures and its many ancient Hindu temples. The capital city of Odisha is Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar is a home to hundreds of temples, notably the intricately-carved Mukteshvara. The chief Minister of Odisha is Naveen Patnaik.

9. Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan launches learning-teaching material for foundational years: ‘Jaadui Pitara’

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today, February 20, 2023, launched a  Learning-Teaching Material (Jaadui Pitara) for the  Foundational Stage at Dr Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi. Viewers can watch the Foundational Stage Learning-Teaching Material (Jaadui Pitara) live on PMeVIDYA DTH TV Channels and the NCERT official YouTube page.

What is Jaadui Pitara Initiative?

Learning-Teaching Material, also known as the Jaadui Pitara initiative, is a  toy-based child-centred, and innovative educational approach that will help to prepare young children of age group 3-8 years for the journey of learning they will embark on for the rest of their lives and will also carry out one of the key recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Enriching the Learning-Teaching Environment

• The ‘Jadui Pitara’ is a giant leap towards enriching the learning-teaching environment and making it more child-centric, lively, and joyful, as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 
• The pitara is available in 13 Indian languages, making it accessible to learners across the country. 
• The pitara comprises playbooks, toys, puzzles, posters, flashcards, storybooks, and worksheets reflecting the local culture, social context, and languages. It is designed to pique curiosity and accommodate the diverse needs of learners.

Leveraging Technology for Expansion

• Pradhan called upon the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to leverage technology to translate the materials in the pitara into all Indian languages. 
• He also urged the NCERT to expand its reach and make it available to State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) for transforming early childhood care and the country’s education scenario.

Making Foundational Learning Material Digitally Available

• To ensure greater accessibility, the minister recommended that these resources should be made digitally available on the DIKSHA platform, a portal and a mobile app. 
• The minister added that all foundational learning material should be in the mother tongue.

Trainers’ Handbook for Future Training of Teachers

• The NCERT has developed a trainers’ handbook that maps the curriculum goals for future training of teachers at the foundational stage. 
• This handbook will serve as a guide to teachers who will be using the Jadui Pitara to teach foundational skills to young learners.

The National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage Learners

• The NEP 2020 envisages a ”5+3+3+4” curriculum pedagogical structure. 
• The Ministry of Education launched the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for the foundational stage (FS) last year. 
• According to the curriculum framework, the NCERT has developed and collected the learning-teaching material (LTM). Accordingly, the LTM for the foundational stage was launched on Monday, using the concept of ”Jaadui Pitara”.

Domains of Learning and Development

• The ‘Jaadui Pitara’ recommends learning and development in five domains: physical development, socio-emotional and ethical development, cognitive development, language and literacy development, and aesthetic and cultural development. 
• Positive learning habits have been included as another domain of development at this stage. The Jadui Pitara will help young learners to develop these domains in a fun and engaging way.

Yuva Sangam 

Also Recently, the Department for Development of North-East Region (DoNER), Home Affairs, IRCTC, Culture, Tourism, Youth Affairs & Sports, Information & Broadcasting, and Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan together launched the Yuva Sangam portal.

• The Yuva Sangam focuses on educating young people from North Eastern States, students and off-campus students, about other states and vice versa. 
• In addition, it will offer an immersive, multifaceted experience of numerous facets of the four main categories of tourism, traditions, development, and interpersonal relationships.

International

Several Injuries occurred across Durand Line

Fierce Cross border firing erupted at The Pakistan-Afghanistan border. This resulted after Afghanistan’s current ruler closed the Torkham border with Pakistan. A Pakistani soldier has been injured in the firing by Afghanistan across Durand border.

On Sunday, Afghan Taliban closed the border as Pakistani Authorities refused to allow Afghani patients and their caretakers to move ahead for medical needs across the border. It is alleged that Pakistani Authorities didn’t allow them as they didn’t carry proper travel documents. The Pakistan Army and the country’s foreign ministry made no immediate comments on the Torkham incident.

Cross-border firing is common along the Durand line. This border along with the Chaman border between these two countries had been blocked in the past as well. Pakistan has demanded that the Afghan Taliban must stop offering refuge in Afghanistan to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – or the Pakistani Taliban. Also, prevent cross-border attacks from across the Durand Line.

Taliban 

The Afghan Taliban recaptured power in Afghanistan in August 2021 when they seized Kabul following the withdrawal of US and NATO troops after 20 years of war. The Taliban also known as the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, is a Deobandi Islamic Fundamentalist and Pashtun Nationalist. Since the recapture, they have been criticized for violations of human rights and atrocities on women and girls. The Taliban are supported by several militant outfits which include the Haqqani network, Al-Qaeda and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. 

Pak-Afghan Relations

Pakistan has not recognized the Taliban regime of Afghanistan. Along with global communities, it has criticized the harsh measures imposed by the Afghan Taliban in Afghanistan. The relations have been deteriorating since the 1970s. The Durand Line is one of the main causes of degrading relations between the two countries. 

India- Afghan 

India has historic and strong bilateral ties with its neighbor, Afghanistan, and both are a part of several regional-level partnerships, like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). According to the MEA, the friendly relations can be traced back to January 1950 when a five-year Treaty of Friendship was signed by then Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru and Afghan’s then Ambassador to India Mohammad Najibullah.

India- Pak

The India-Pakistan relations are one of the most complicated associations that India shares with any of its neighboring countries. Despite, many contentious issues, India and Pakistan have made major strides in reducing the “trust deficit” over the past few years. Both share several platforms like SAARC, SCO, etc. 

Obituaries

1. Legendary Manga and Anime Creator Leiji Matsumoto Passes Away at 85

Leiji Matsumoto has died at the age of 85. He was a famous anime creator. He was known for Space Battleship Yamato and other classics using a fantastical style and antiwar themes. He died of acute heart failure in a Tokyo Hospital on February 13.

About Leiji Matsumoto

• His real name was Akira Matsumoto and he was borned in the southwestern city of Kurume.
• He started drawing at the age of 6 and rose to fame with Otoko Oidon. Some of his famous works are

        – Space Battleship Yamato

        – Galaxy Express 999

         – Space Pirate Captain Herlock

• His series Space Pirate Captain Herlock was also adapted into a television anime series in the 1970s which was a huge hit in and outside of Japan.

His Genre of writing

• His manga were based on “battlefield comics”.
• He has written more than 150 stories depicting the tragedy of war.
• His inspiration for the antiwar theme comes from his father. His father was an elite army pilot who returned from Southeast Asia and taught his son that war should never be fought.

Statements from his interview in the year 2018

In his interview in 2018 he said-

“Recalling seeing his father apologize to the mothers of his subordinates for not being able to bring them back alive. His father also told Matsumoto that one had to be a demon to not think an enemy has a family.”

“War destroys your future.” 

“The civilization of mankind was killed during war.”

“I was told by my father that any life is born in order to live, not to die,” Matsumoto said. “I think we should not be wasting time fighting on the Earth.”

Achievements and Awards

He  received several cultural and arts awards from the Japanese government, and the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters from France.

Statement of Matsumoto’s Daughter

Matsumoto’s Daughter Makiko Matsumoto has said-

“Manga artist Leiji Matsumoto set out on a journey to the sea of stars. I think he lived a happy life, thinking about continuing to draw stories as a manga artist.”

Appointment and Resignation

1. Upendra Kushwaha, the rebel JD(U) leader, resigns from both the party and Bihar Legislative Council as well as the forms a new political party.

After days of tussle with JDU leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Upendra Kushwaha on Monday resigned from all posts of the party as he announced the formation of a new party Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal, a move he described as “a new political inning”.

Who is Upendra Kushwaha?

Upendra Kushwaha is a prominent leader of the Kurmi-Koeri community and holds the position of Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) and National Parliamentary Board Chairman of the JD(U). He was previously regarded as the protégé and successor of Nitish Kumar in the party.

Why Kushwaha terminated ties?

• Kushwaha has been unhappy with Nitish Kumar since the latter broke off from the BJP to form an alliance with the RJD. He was hoping for a co-Deputy Chief Minister post, which was not granted to him. 
• Additionally, he was dissatisfied with Nitish’s announcement that Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav would lead the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in the upcoming 2025 state Assembly elections. As a result, Kushwaha has been sulking and engaged in a sharp exchange of remarks with the JD(U) chief.
• This is not the first time that Kushwaha has left the JD(U). He has quit the party twice before, in 2013 and 2018, respectively. He most recently merged RSLP with JD(U) in August 2021, after the latter broke its alliance with the BJP and re-entered the alliance with RJD and Congress.

Impact on Bihar Politics

The political landscape in Bihar may be significantly impacted by Kushwaha’s decision. Even if he stays apart from the BJP, his opposition to the Nitish-RJD Mahagathbandhan will help the BJP by division of opposition’s votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

Inauguration

1. PM Modi inaugurates Uttarakhand Rojgar Mela virtually; Says govt is heavily investing in infrastructure in state to make life easier for people   

PM Modi inaugurates Uttarakhand Rojgar Mela virtually; Says govt is heavily investing in infrastructure in state to make life easier for people

Creating Job opportunity

1. Image

Tag: virtual conference of PM Modi 

Today PM Modi inaugurated Uttarakhand Rojgar Mela Through video conferencing. Uttarakhand is getting fresh employment opportunities.Government is heavily investing in infrastructure in Uttarakhand to make life easier for people living in far-flung areas and create job opportunities.

What Prime Minister says: 

“both central and the state governments are trying to ensure all youngsters get new opportunities according to their interest and ability.”

“Be it workers for construction, engineering, or raw material businesses and small traders, job opportunities are growing. With a rise in demand in the transport sector, youth in Uttarakhand are getting fresh employment opportunities,” he further added,’improved digital and road connectivity in the hill-state will provide them with job opportunities, including in the domestic tourism sector, in their own locality’ 

‘the New Education Policy has been focussed towards preparing the youth well for the new century.Through your services, you are supposed to carry forward & further strengthen this mission.’ his words are-‘the government is heavily investing in infrastructure in Uttarakhand to make life easier for people living in far-flung areas and create job opportunities’. 

What is aim of the Rosgar Mela: 

Rojgar Mela Marked the beginning of the campaign to provide 10 lakh government jobs. Since then, PM Modi has addressed similar job fairs in several states, including Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, and Maharashtra.

Prime Minister Modi, on October 22, last year, launched the first phase of the ‘Rozgar Mela’, where appointment letters were handed over to more than 75,000 new recruits. 

Important Days

1. The Mizoram Statehood day is observed on February 20.

Today, the Mizoram Statehood day is observed and on this day, President of India Droupadi Murmu has greeted the people of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh and said that “These States represent India’s rich culture and diversity.” This day is celebrated because Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram got the status of State from Union Territory on this day in 1987.

Statement of the President of India

The President of India Droupadi Murmu has said on the occasion-

“Greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram on Statehood day. These states represent India’s rich culture and diversity. I was deeply touched by the warm reception in Mizoram during my recent visit. I look forward to Statehood day celebrations in Itanagar today.”

About Mizoram Statehood Day

• At the time of independence, the Mizo hills area became the Lushai Hills district within Assam.
• The Mizo Hills District of Assam was renamed in 1954.
• The Mizo leader, Laldenga started the movement for independence in 1959-1961 due to the Mautam Famine and growing discontent.
•  Under Laldenga’s leadership, the Mizo National Front (MNF) intensified the movement for secession from Assam when Nagaland was given separate status as a Central Government Administrative Agency in 1957 and statehood in 1963.
• After signing an accord with the moderates of the MNF the Union Government established Mizoram with the status of a Union Territory in 1972.
• A memorandum has been signed between the Central Government and the Mizo National Front providing the status of a full state to the Union Territory of Mizoram.
• Mizoram was granted statehood by the State of Mizoram Act, 1986.

About Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day

• The area of Arunachal Pradesh was integrated into Assam at the time of independence. But the presence of China with an unsettled border made the area militarily important for the government.
• The area was upgraded to the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh in 1972.
• It was granted statehood by the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986 in 1987.

About Mizoram

Mizoram is a state in Northeast India and capital city and the seat of the government is Aizawl. The name of the state is derived from “Mizo”, the self-described name of the native inhabitants, and “Ram”, which in the Mizo language means “land.” Thus “Mizo-ram” means “land of the Mizos.” The Chief Minister of Zoramthanga.

About Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is a state in Northeastern India. It was formed from the erstwhile North-East Frontier Agency region, and became a state on 20 February 1987. It borders the states of Assam and Nagaland to the south. The capital of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar and the Chief Minister is Pema Khandu.

2. World Day of Social Justice is observed on 20 February.

The World Day of Social Justice is observed on 20 February. This day is celebrated every year to elevate awareness about social inequality and to educate people about the importance of removing poverty, sexual identity and biological prejudice, religious bigotry, etc.

Significance of the World Day of Social Justice

This day is very important for the people and people should observe it. This day helps spreading the awareness and teach the peoples about that-

• The importance of Social Justice.
• Justice should not be denied to anyone in society.
• Justice should be fair and equal for all.

This day is celebrated to promote awareness towards the

• Inequality in society,
• Barriers and issues faced by the inequality on the basis of gender, age, color, region, religion, tradition or disabilities.

Effect of celebrating the World Day of Social Justice

• It helps to find solutions to poverty.
• It helps increasing the focus on economic growth
• Helps in the promotion of awareness towards social welfare and sexual equality.

History of the World Day of Social Justice

• The UN General Assembly declared that February 20 will be celebrated annually as the World Day of Social Justice on November 16, 2007.
• It is declared in the 63rd session of the General Assembly.
• The International Labour Organization (ILO) unanimously adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on 10 June 2008.
• This is the third major statement of principles and policies adopted by the International Labour Conference since the ILO’s Constitution of 1919. 
• It builds on the Philadelphia Declaration of 1944 and the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of 1998. 
• The 2008 Declaration expresses the contemporary vision of the ILO’s mandate in the era of globalization.

Theme of the World Day of Social Justice for the year 2023

• The theme for this year is “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice.”
• This theme focuses on the recommendations of Our Common Agenda to strengthen global solidarity and to rebuild trust in government.

About International Labour Organisation

The International Labour Organization is a United Nations agency. This organization is responsible for advancing social and economic justice by setting international labor standards. It was founded in October 1919 under the League of Nations and it is the first and oldest specialized agency of the UN. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and it was founded in 1919.

21st February 2023

National

1. Imported coal plants told to run at full capacity in peak summer

The directive comes into effect on March 16, giving plants the time to import coal ahead of the expected surge in consumption.

Current Affairs: As per the internal power ministry notice seen by Reuters, on Monday, an emergency law has been invoked to force power plants that run on imported coal to maximize output ahead of an expected record surge in power usage.

India’s Power Plants that uses imported coal

In India many power plants use imported coal that includes Adani power and Tata Power, located in the western state of Gujarat. Even these power plants have not been able to operate at full capacity recently because they found it difficult to compete with power generated from cheap domestic coal.

Statements from the notice sent by the Ministry

“It expects them to operate at full capacity and sell power to buyers on exchanges. India’s imported coal plants have a total capacity of 17 gigawatts.”

“The directive comes into effect on March 16, giving plants the time to import coal ahead of the expected surge in consumption. It will remain valid till June 15.”

“The variable tariff for these plants will be fixed by a panel appointed by the government.”

“The panel will use the index with lowest cost of imported coal for calculating the variable tariff for every plant.”

“The ministry expects a peak demand of 229 gigawatts in April and to address that India would need to operate a thermal capacity of 193 gigawatts that month”

Reason for invoking emergency

• It is expected from the power plants to burn about 8% more coal as the economic activities have been increased and the changing weather conditions which boost the demand for power in the country.
• This is the second time the emergency law has been invoked in the country.

2. PM Modi with his Singapore counterpart to witness launch of cross-border connectivity between UPI of India and PayNow of Singapore

Many experts are estimating that digital wallet transactions are going to soon overtake cash transactions

Current Affairs: On Tuesday, PM Modi and Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong launched a cross-border linkage between UPI and PayNow. In the virtual event, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore Ravi Menon were also present.

Statement of PM Modi

“Linkage of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and PayNow is a new milestone in India-Singapore relations.”

“The most preferred payment mechanism” in India as “74 billion transactions amounting to more than ₹126 trillion were done through UPI in 2022.”

“Many experts are estimating that digital wallet transactions are going to soon overtake cash transactions.”

“In today’s era, technology connects us to each other in several ways. Fintech is a sector which connects people to each other. Normally, it is confined within the boundaries of one country. But today’s launch has started a new chapter of cross-border Fintech connectivity.”

Effect of the linkage of the payment systems

This linkage of the payment systems will help the residents of both the countries-

• To transfer cross-border remittances faster.
• Transfer of payments will become more cost-efficient.
• It will be helpful for the Indian citizens in Singapore, especially migrant workers and students.
• Indian citizens, Migrants and students in Singapore will be able to make transfers of money instantaneously at a very low-cost and vice versa.

Prime Minister’s Vision

• India is one of the fastest-growing ecosystems for fintech innovations.
• PM Modi’s vision and leadership has been a key instrument in driving the globalization of India’s best-in-class digital payment infrastructure.
• PM Modi’s key emphasis has been on ensuring that the UPI shall benefit all the countries and it should not be limited to India itself.

India-Singapore Relationship

Both the countries share a close relationship and it is based on convergence of economic and political interests. The process of economic reforms in India since the early 1990s created a strong basis for cooperation with Singapore, opening up possibilities for significant presence in each other’s economies.

About Singapore

Prime Minister- Lee Hsien Loong

Capital- Singapore City

Currency- Singapore Dollar

3. Australia launches Maitri Cultural Partnerships to help its creative sector work with India’s cultural industries

On Tuesday, the Australian Government launched the inaugural Maitri Cultural Partnerships. This will encompass a series of partnerships and grants to help the island country’s creative sector collaborate with India’s cultural industries.

Statement of the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs

Penny Wong, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs said that-

“The Australian Government is launching inaugural Maitri Cultural Partnerships. Maitri-Friendship- will underpin a series of partnerships & grants to help our creative sector collaborate with India’s thriving cultural industries.”

Statement of the External Affairs Minister

S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister has said that-

“Welcome the launch of Maitri Cultural Partnerships. Another initiative that will deepen understanding and promote cooperation.”

Statements from Australia’s minister for Foreign Affairs

As per the Statements posted by the Australia’s minister for Foreign Affairs-

• The Maitri Cultural Partnerships inaugural grant round is now open.
• This partnership supports greater exchange and collaboration between Australian and Indian creative industries.
• The department will use the SmartyGrants online grant application platform and the applicants have to log on to dfat.smartygrants.com.au before commencing with the applications.
• These applications will close at 11 pm (Canberra time) on April 3, 2023.

About the Grant Round

The Grant Round is divided into three parts-

• The Maitri Cultural Partnerships Major Collaboration Grant- This grant is to support the major Australian Cultural organization collaboration to engage Indian parents with a funding up to USD 250, 000.
• Maitri Cultural Partnerships Visual and Performing Arts Grants- This grant is to support First Nations’ participation with the funding up to USD 250, 000.
• Maitri Cultural Partnerships Collaboration Grants- This grant is to support the small to medium-sized Australian cultural organizations and community groups collaboration with a funding of up to USD 70,000.

India and Australia Relationship

Both nations shared a well established “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” since both were part of the British Empire. Both the countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, and share political, economic, security, lingual and sporting ties. 

About Australia

Prime Minister- Anthony Albanese

Capital- Canberra

Currency- Australian Dollar

4. Ladakh sets Guinness world record for 21-km long frozen lake marathon at Pangong Tso

Ladakh sets Guinness world record for 21-km long frozen lake marathon at Pangong Tso

Event is world’s highest frozen lake half marathon which created history

Image:

Tags:. Pangong Tso,Lake in Ladakh

The Union Territory of Ladakh has created history by successfully conducting its maiden 21-km trail running event in sub-zero temperature at 13,862 feet high Pangong Tso Which was registered in the Guinness world record

The four-hour long marathon started from Lukung and ended at Maan village on Monday with no injury reported to any of the 75 participants 

Leh District Development Commissioner Shrikant Balasaheb Suse told : 

‘Last Run’ to remind the people about climate change and the need to save the Himalayas, the marathon was organised by the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL) in collaboration with Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh, Tourism Department.

“The first Pangong frozen lake half marathon is now officially registered in the Guinness book of world records,”

Suse added,’besides spreading the message of ecological awareness among the stakeholders through sports, the marathon was also aimed at promoting sustainable winter tourism in border villages of eastern Ladakh to generate livelihood opportunities for residents especially in winters which is part of ‘vibrant village programme’ announced by central government.’ 

Gyalson tweeted. ṁ 

“Congratulations, we have made it to the world record. Indeed a successful event inspired by Prime Minister @narendramodi’s #VibrantVillages Programme for border regions” 

What is event prize: 

After the successful conclusion of the event, the runners were felicitated with medals and certificates, while cash prizes were also given to first, second and third place finishers in both men’s and women’s categories. 

What safety measures & Medical support provided: 

Participants were allowed to run only after wearing safety equipment to avoid slipping on ice.All medical centres along the route were equipped with trained personnel and equipment to tackle any medical emergencies, the event saw active support from Indian Army and ITBP in terms of medical support and logistics. 

About event Guinness world record: 

The event was recorded as ‘Highest Altitude Frozen Half Marathon’ and a certificate was issued by Guinness officials on the occasion to LAHDC Leh and ASFL.

International

1. Abu Dhabi is to host I2U2 from February 21-22 this week

The Official statement says this will be held by Under secretary of state Jose W Fernandez

The United Arab Emirates is all set to host the first vice-ministerial meeting of the I2U2 in Abu Dhabi this week. It will be attended by senior officials from four countries – India, Israel, the United States, and the UAE. 

According to an official statement, under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W Fernandez will lead the US delegation at the meeting in Abu Dhabi on February 21-22. It is the first vice-ministerial meeting since the grouping was jointly announced by the USA, Israel, UAE, and India. In the grouping’s name, ‘I2’ stands for India and Israel, whereas ‘U2’ stands for the USA and the UAE

The countries will discuss various issues including

•  regional cooperation, 
• management of energy crisis, 
• food security
•  investment opportunities to build partnerships
• Bilateral Climate and Clean Energy

This comes to picture when UAE is preparing to host COP28 in 2023. Special Envoy for Global Food Security Dr. Cary Fowler will join Fernandez to advance US food security priorities. 

I2U2

The I2U2 Group is a grouping of India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The group’s first joint statement, released on July 14, 2022, states that the countries aim to cooperate on “joint investments and new initiatives in water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.”

The Advantage for India 

India will get the benefit of the Abraham Accords to strengthen engagement with Israel without risking its ties with the UAE and the other Arab states. India is a large consumer market. It’s a massive producer of high-tech and most sought-after goods as well. Economically, India will benefit from this grouping.

UAE 

United Arab Emirates is a country in The Middle East located at the end of Arabian Peninsula and shares a border with Oman and Saudi Arabia. The capital city is Abu Dhabi. It is a Federal Islamic parliamentary and semi-constitutional monarchy. 

Appointment and Resignation

1. B.V.R. Subrahmanyam is new CEO of Niti Aayog, Parameswaran Iyer to go to World Bank

On Monday, BVR Subrahmanyam, a former Union Commerce Secretary and retired civil servant, was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Niti Aayog by the Cabinet Secretary. BVR Subrahmanyam will replace Parameswaran Iyer, who will join World Bank as the Executive Director. BVR Subrahmanyam’s appointment is for two years from the date of assumption of the charge of the post.

Reason for the appointment of New CEO of Niti Aayog

• Parameswaran Iyer, a former CEO of Niti Aayog will be joining the World Bank as the Executive Director for a period of three years.
• BVR Subrahmanyam has been appointed for a period of 2 years replacing Parameswaran Iyer.

Statement under the order of the Cabinet Committee of Appointments

“Iyer, who was working as Niti Aayog CEO, has been appointed as Executive Director, World Bank headquarters, Washington DC, USA for a tenure of three years.”

“Iyer will replace Rajesh Khullar, a 1988 batch Indian Administrative Service officer. Mr. Khullar will go back to his parent cadre, Haryana.”

About BVR Subrahmanyam

• He was a 1987 batch IAS of Chhattisgarh Cadre and retired as commerce secretary in September 2022.
• He played a key role in strategising the road map to a record $422 billion merchandise exports.
• He was part of half a dozen free trade agreements (FTA) negotiations and under his supervision India has signed two trade deals with the UAE and Australia.
• He has also held the positions of Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, considered an internal security expert.

Statement of Parameswaran Iyer

“Honoured and humbled to have been given the incredible opportunity to serve the country again — this time as CEO, NITI Aayog. I am deeply grateful to Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi for another chance to work under his leadership towards a transformed India.”

About Parameswaran Iyer

• He was a 1981 IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh Cadre and was appointed as a CEO of Niti Aayog for three years in 2022.
• He has also served as secretary in the Ministry of Drinking water and Sanitation during 2016-20.
• He took voluntary retirement from the Indian Administrative Services in 2009 to join the World Bank.
• He has also become the part of the Swachh Bharat Mission in 2016 as secretary, drinking water and sanitation.

About Niti Aayog

The Niti Aayog is the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India. It is the nodal agency tasked with catalyzing economic development and fostering cooperative federalism through the involvement of State Governments of India in the economic policy-making process.

About World Bank

The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low- and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.

2. Dmitry Dmitruk appointed foreign coach of Indian boxing team

The 47-year-old Dmitruk will work with both elite men and women boxers alongside the Indian coaches, including men’s chief coach C.A. Kuttappa and women’s head coach Bhaskar Bhatt.

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has appointed Dmitry Dmitruk, a renowned coach, as the team’s foreign coach for the next two years. His appointment will assist Bernard Dunne, the high-performance director, to prepare Indian boxers for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Dmitruk’s role as the foreign coach

• Dmitruk will work with both elite men and women boxers alongside Indian coaches, including C.A. Kuttappa, the men’s chief coach, and Bhaskar Bhatt, the women’s head coach. 
• The 47-year-old Dmitruk had worked as a high-performance coach with Dunne for the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) as well as the Irish National junior and youth teams for 12 years. 
• His appointment was formalized following the Sports Authority of India’s clearance.

Dmitruk’s expertise and contribution to Irish boxing

• Dmitruk has played a key role in elevating Irish boxers’ performances and nurturing young talent. 
• He coached Joe Ward to World championships silver medals in 2015 and 2017, Grainne Walsh to a bronze at the 2019 European Games, and contributed significantly to Irish boxers’ qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

BFI President’s Statement

• BFI President Ajay Singh expressed full faith in Dmitruk’s abilities to mentor the talented boxers of India. 
• “Dmitruk has proven coaching credentials while working with the Irish Athletic Boxing Association. His appointment will certainly bolster our ambition to maximize India’s medal prospects at the Paris Olympics 2024.”

India’s successful boxing performance in recent years

• India has emerged as a prominent unit among the top teams in boxing, producing scintillating displays in recent times at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games. 
• The appointment of Dmitruk is expected to promote the development of Indian boxing, as his training has not only yielded success for senior professional boxers but also for the youth teams.

Dmitruk’s confidence in India’s boxing success

• “With the experience, I have garnered in my career, I am confident that we will continue to achieve similar glory in prestigious tournaments together,” Dmitruk was quoted as saying in a media release. 
• He believes that India has emerged as a boxing powerhouse in recent times, and with his expertise and knowledge, he is confident that Indian boxers will perform well in the Paris Olympics.

History of boxing in India: From a staggered start to a global powerhouse

• Boxing is gaining popularity in India with a surge of talented boxers emerging in recent years. 
• One of the best-known Indian boxers is Mary Kom, a six-time World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist. 
• Another well-known Indian boxer is Vijender Singh, an Olympic bronze medalist who became India’s first professional boxer. 
• Other famous Indian boxers include Shiva Thapa, a two-time Olympian and five-time Asian Championship medalist, and Amit Panghal, a silver medalist at the World Championships and Asian Games. 
• Indian boxers are making a name for themselves at the global level, and their success is a testament to the growing popularity of the sport in the country.

MoUs

1. AIIMS signs MoU with Mauritius PSC to assist in conducting examinations

The examination section of AIIMS New Delhi has a vast experience in the conduct of various entrance with the utmost confidentiality

An MoU has been signed between All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) with the Public Service Commission (PSC), Mauritius. This MoU has been signed to conduct examinations for Medical and Health officers, Senior Medical Officers, Dental Surgeons and Senior Dental Surgeons to join the Public Service in Mauritius.

Official Statements

“The Public Service Commission, Mauritius conducts examinations for Medical and Health Officers, Senior Medical Officers, Dental Surgeons and Senior Dental Surgeons to join the Public Service in the Republic of Mauritius. Assist in the conduction of the examinations for the various positions at Mauritius. After the examination, mark the scripts and prepare the final result.”

“The examination section of AIIMS New Delhi has a vast experience in the conduct of various entrance, exit and recruitment examinations at a large scale in the country and with the utmost confidentiality. It has successfully conducted entrance examinations even during the recent pandemic of Covid-19.”

Reasons for singing this MoU

• The Public Service Commission has approached the AIIMS examination section for assistance.
• PSC requires assistance in conduction of its examinations.
• The AIIMS examination section has an expertise in conducting various entrance and recruitment-level examinations.

Role of AIIMs as per the MoU

As per the MoU signed in between AIIMS and PCS, Mauritius, the AIIM, New Delhi will assist Mauritius-

• In preparing a pool of questions as per the requirement of the scheme of service for the posts in Mauritius.
• In conducting the examinations for the various positions in Mauritius. 
• To mark the scripts and preparation of the final result.

About AIIMS

The All India Institutes of Medical Sciences is a group of autonomous government public medical universities of higher education under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. These institutes have been declared by an Act of Parliament as Institutes of National Importance.

India and Mauritius Relationship

Both the countries have diplomatic relations established in 1948. Mauritius maintained contacts with India through successive Dutch, French and British occupation. From the 1820s, Indian workers started coming into Mauritius to work on sugar plantations.

About Mauritius

Prime Minister- Pravind Jugnauth

Capital- Port Louis

Currency- Mauritian Rupee

Legal

1. HC directs Delhi govt to consider representation highlighting inadequacies in Delhi Nursing Home Registration Act

The counsel has said before the court that the representation has been received and the same shall be considered by the state.

The Delhi Government and authorities have been directed by the High Court to consider the representation highlighting all the deficiencies or inadequacies in the Delhi Nursing Home Registration Act, 1953.

Reason for the directions of the High Court

Jyoti Nambiar, the petitioner has sought directions against respondents 

• To submit a report of progress status and action plan to amend the 1953 Act.
• To form guidelines for a more vigilant and affirmative role in registering and inspecting private nursing homes, maternity centers and hospitals in NCT of Delhi.
• To submit a report on what action is taken against the unregistered hospitals, nursing homes, and maternity centers and how many have been subsequently registered after the action is taken against them.
• To submit reports/data regarding negligence cases that took place and complaints received by them which are pending or decided or disposed of against registered and unregistered nursing homes, medical centers and hospitals operating in the National Capital Territory of Delhi and action taken by them, the plea read.

Response of the Counsel of Respondent in the High Court

Government of National Capital Territory New Delhi’s counsel has said before the court that the representation has been received and the same shall be considered by the state and will pass appropriate orders in accordance with the law.

Statement from the High Court

“The lawyer for GNCTD prayed for eight weeks’ time to dispose of the representation. He assured the court that all the genuine prayers made by the petitioner shall be looked into.”

About the Direction

The bench includes-

           – Justice Satish Chander Sharma

           – Justice Subramonium Prasad

The bench has directed the Respondents to consider the representation to highlight all the deficiencies or inadequacies in the Delhi Nursing Home Registration Act, 1953.

About Delhi High Court

The High Court of Delhi was established on 31 October 1966, through the Delhi High Court Act, 1966, with four judges, Chief Justice K. S. Hegde, Justice I. D. Dua, Justice H. R. Khanna and Justice S. K. Kapur. The High Court currently has a sanctioned strength of 45 permanent judges and 15 additional judges.

2. We are doing our duty not here to please anyone: Supreme Court

SC strikes lawyer discarded PIL seeking uniform age of marriage for men and women

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud presiding over a three-judge bench made the comments as the it was hearing a PIL by Advocate Ashwini Upadhyay requesting uniform age of marriage for men and women. The PIL advocated the court strike down the minimum marriageable age for women which is set at 18 years now so that it will be on par with that of men, which is 21 years.

The Supreme Court reminded that it is not the exclusive custodian of the Constitution and that the Parliament “is equally the custodian of the Constitution.” The bench decided that the matter is for the parliament to decide. 

The petitioner should seek a legislative amendment to increase the minimum age for marriage of women to 21 years. This court in exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 32 cannot issue a mandamus to Parliament or legislate a matter which is entrusted to Parliament or in the case may be the state legislatures. The court said that they, therefore, decline to entertain the petition, leaving it open to the petitioner to pursue such remedies as are available in the law.

CJI said “we don’t want your gratuitous comments about what you feel about us”

Article 32

Article 32 of the Indian Constitution gives the right to its citizens to move to the Supreme Court to seek justice when their fundamental rights are breached. The Supreme Court is given the authority to issue directions or orders for the execution of any of the rights bestowed by the constitution as it is considered ‘the protector and guarantor of Fundamental Rights’.

What is PIL?

PIL however, has not been defined in any Indian statute. The Courts have interpreted and defined PIL, it means a legal action started in a court of law for the enforcement of public interest where the public or a particular class of the public have some interest that affects their legal rights or liabilities.

D. Y Chandrachud

Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud (born 11 November 1959) is an Indian judge serving as India’s 50th and current Chief Justice. Son of India’s longest-serving Chief Justice, Y. V. Chandrachud, he was educated at Delhi University and Harvard University before practicing for Sullivan & Cromwell and in the Bombay High Court.

3. First-ever: Supreme Court starts live transcription of its hearings

The Supreme Court of India made history on Tuesday by launching live transcription of court hearings using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing technology. The transcription service, provided by TERES Legal Services, was introduced on an experimental basis during a hearing related to the Constitutional crisis of Maharashtra, held by a Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud.

Live Transcription Displayed in Courtroom

A screen was set up in Courtroom 1 to display the live transcription of court proceedings, enabling lawyers to view it. The Supreme Court plans to make transcripts of oral arguments available on its website.

Kerala High Court Publishes Judgments in Malayalam

• The Kerala High Court also made history by publishing some of its judgments in Malayalam. 
• This is the first time that judgments have been made available in a regional language, and it is expected to enhance access to justice for people who are not fluent in English.

Live Streaming of National Cases Suggested

• Senior Advocate Indira Jaising appeared before the Bench of CJI Chandrachud, Justice P.S. Narasimha, and Justice J.B. Pardiwala suggested that the live telecast of cases of national importance would increase access to the courts and minimize misreporting, errors, or second-hand information. 
• She proposed that issues of national importance, such as marital rape exception, could be live-streamed. 
• The CJI-led Bench agreed to consider making links available for live streaming on the cause list and providing a provision for live-streaming cases of national importance.

Audio Transcripts Accessible

• CJI Chandrachud also expressed the Apex Court’s willingness to consider providing access to audio transcripts of court proceedings. 
• While the plea was ultimately dismissed, the Bench gave Senior Counsel Indira Jaising the liberty to provide a comprehensive note of suggestions to the Secretary General of the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice of India experiments with live transcription during a court hearing

• During a hearing related to the Constitutional crisis of Maharashtra, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud headed a Constitution Bench and announced an experiment exploring the possibility of live transcription of court arguments. 
• A screen was placed in Courtroom 1, facing lawyers, to display the live transcription of court proceedings. 
• Justice P.S. Narasimha stated that the Supreme Court would be a true court of record because every word would be recorded.

The Benefits of Live Transcription

• CJI Chandrachud explained that the experiment was conducted to determine how well the live transcription of arguments works in Constitution Bench matters. 
• If successful, it could lead to a permanent record of arguments that could benefit lawyers, judges, and law colleges. 
• The record could be analysed to evaluate how matters are argued, which would be useful for future cases.

Recording Every Word

• Justice P.S. Narasimha reiterated that the Supreme Court would be a true court of record if every word is recorded. 
• The live transcription would be an excellent addition to the court’s system of record-keeping, as it would capture every word spoken during the hearing. 
• This would be beneficial for future reference and could provide lawyers and judges with a valuable resource to analyse arguments.

The Future of Live Transcription

The Supreme Court’s decision to experiment with live transcription is a significant development in the court’s use of technology. If it proves successful, it could lead to live transcription being used regularly in court hearings. The transcription would provide a comprehensive and accurate record of proceedings, ensuring that every word spoken in the courtroom is accurately recorded.

Awards and Recognition

1. The Kashmir Files adjudged Best Film at Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival Awards

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s directorial ‘The Kashmir Files’ was awarded the Best Film award at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards held in Mumbai on Monday. Expressing his joy and appreciation for the award, Vivek took to Twitter to thank all the victims of terrorism as well as the people of India for their blessings.

Congratulatory Responses

Netizens were quick to respond to his post, flooding his comment section with congratulatory messages. Social media users expressed their admiration for the award and appreciation for the hard work that must have gone into the making of the film.

‘The Kashmir Files’

• The Kashmir Files documents the alleged genocide and exile of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990, during the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. 
• The film features Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumaar, Chinmay Mandlekar, and Bhasha Sumbli. 
• The film has been well-received by the audience and has had a successful run at the box office.

Other Winners

• The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2023 also saw Alia Bhatt lifting the trophy for ‘Best Actress’. 
• Her husband Ranbir Kapoor collected the ‘Best Actor’ award for his performance in ‘Brahmastra’. 
• Veteran actor Rekha was also honoured with the award for her ‘Outstanding Contribution To The Film Industry’.

Here is the full winners’ list from the event:

• Best Film: The Kashmir Files
• Best Director: R Balki for Chup: Revenge of The Artist
• Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor for Brahmastra: Part 1
• Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
• Most Promising Actor: Rishab Shetty for Kantara
• Best Actor In A Supporting Role: Manish Paul for Jugjugg Jeeyo
• Outstanding Contribution In The Film Industry: Rekha
• Best Web Series: Rudra: The Edge of Darkness
• Critics Best Actor: Varun Dhawan for Bhediya
• Film of The Year: RRR
• Television Series of The Year: Anupamaa
• Most Versatile Actor Of The Year: Anupam Kher for The Kashmir Files
• Best Actor In A Television Series: Zain Imam for Fanaa- Ishq Mein Marjawaan
• Best Actress In A Television Series: Tejasswi Prakash for Naagin
• Best Male Singer: Sachet Tandon for Maiyya Mainu
• Best Female Singer: Neeti Mohan for Meri Jaan
• Best Cinematographer: PS Vinod for Vikram Vedha

Dadasaheb Phalke: The father of Indian Cinema

• Dadasaheb Phalke is credited as the father of Indian cinema and is remembered as a revolutionary figure who introduced Indian audiences to the beauty of the cinematic experience. In 1913, he produced India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra.
• In recognition of his accomplishments in the Indian film industry, a ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ was established in his name in 1969. 
• The ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Award’ is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony and is India’s highest honour in cinema. A committee consisting of esteemed members of the film industry is responsible for selecting the winner. 
• Presenting the award, the Directorate of Film Festivals was set up by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It honours the best of Indian cinema and is a testament to the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke and his groundbreaking contributions to the country’s film industry.

2. Indian-origin engineer wins top Nat Geo photography contest for picture of bald eagles

An Indian-Origin software engineer in the U.S. and a hobbyist photographer, Karthik Subramaniam, has won the prestigious ‘National Geographic’s Pictures of the Year’ award with his photograph titled “Dance of the Eagles.”

About the Award

• Karthik’s painting was selected from nearly 5000 entries and his picture won the grand prize.
• He also earned a feature in the magazine’s May issues and Nat Geo’s leading photographers.
• He also received a six-month digital subscription to the magazine.

About the award winning Photograph

He captured a bald eagle intimidating its peers to claim a prime log while salmon hunting in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in Alaska.

Statements of the Karthik Subramaniam

“Every year in November, hundreds of bald eagles gather at Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska, to feast on salmon. I visited there last two November to photograph them.”

“They (the eagles) also seemed to have some favorite spots to hang out, and usually, commotion ensues when an eagle wants an already occupied spot. This photo was taken during one such commotion.”

“Hours of observing their patterns and behavior helped me capture moments like these.”

About Karthik Subramaniam

• He is a California-based software engineer and he started experimenting with wildlife photography during the time of pandemic in 2020.
• Before the pandemic he used to capture landscapes and his travels.
• Moto-
  “Wherever there’s salmon there’s going to be chaos.”
• He paid homage to George R.R. Martin’s novel A Dance with Dragons and titles the winning photograph as “Dance of the Eagles.”

Important Days

1. International Mother Language Day is observed on 21st February

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved the idea of celebrating International Mother Language Day in the year 1999

The World International Mother Language Day is observed on 21st February. This day is celebrated to promote linguistic and cultural diversity as well as multilingualism on February 21. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved the idea of celebrating International Mother Language Day in the year 1999.

Reason for the celebration of this Day

This day is celebrated for-

• Societies to be sustainable, cultural and linguistic diversity and
• This day is also celebrated to honor and remember the historical language movement and the martyrs who gave their lives in Bangladesh in 1952. 
• This day is also known as ‘Matribhasha Diwas.’
• To encourage member states to take action to preserve and protect all languages spoken by people around the world in this resolution.

Theme of the International Mother Language Day

• For the year 2021, the theme for the International Mother Language Day was “Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society.”
• For the year 2022, the theme for the International Mother Language Day was “Using technology for multilingualism learning: Challenges and Opportunities.”
• For the Year 2023, the theme for International Mother Language Day has not yet been determined.

About UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations. It aims at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. It is headquartered in Paris and France.

22nd February 2023

National

1. U.P. Finance Minister tables Budget FY24 in State Assembly

Current Affairs: On Wednesday, Suresh Kumar Khanna, Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh, tabled the “development-oriented” Budget 2023-24 in the State Legislative Assembly with a focus on infrastructure. The Finance Minister has made the provisions of 1,050 crore under the “Chief Minister Kanya Sumangala Yojana”, ₹4,032 crore for destitute widows and Rs. 10 lakh crore and the creation of 20 thousand jobs in the next five years under the new Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2022, targeting the youth. 

The Budget FY24

The Budget made provisions of-

• Rs. 1,050 crore under the “Chief Minister Kanya Sumangala Yojana” and Rs. 4,032 crore for destitute widows.
• Rs. 3600 crore for providing tablets and smartphones to eligible students under Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme.
• Rs. 21,159 crore for construction of roads and bridges and Rs. 6,209 crore for their maintenance.
• Rs. 3,473 crore is proposed for the work of bridges and roads for agricultural marketing facilities and Rs. 1,525 crore for roads in rural areas.
• Rs. 1000 crore for the development of Dharmarth Marg.
• Rs. 3,000 crore for maintenance of roads and ₹2,500 crore for construction from the State Road Fund.
• Rs. 10 lakh crore and the creation of 20 thousand jobs in the next five years under the new Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2022 and Rs. 7,248 crore was also proposed for the old age/farmer pension scheme.
• Rs. 1,120 crore was set aside for Divyang Pension Yojana and Rs. 12,631 crore has been proposed for various programmes under the National Rural Health.

Statement of the Finance Minister

The Finance Minister of State of Uttar Pradesh, Suresh Kumar Khanna has said that

“It would be the biggest budget in the history of Uttar Pradesh.”

About the Budget for the year 2022-23

The state of Uttar Pradesh has presented an annual budget of Rs. 6.15 lakh crore and a supplementary budget for ₹33,769.55 crore was presented in December 2022, taking the total size of the budget to about ₹6.50 lakh crore.

About Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India. With over 200 million inhabitants, it is the most populated state in India as well as the most populous country subdivision in the world. It was established in 1950 after India had become a republic. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is Yogi Adityanath and the capital is Lucknow.

2. AAP’s Shelly Oberoi elected new Delhi mayor

AAP’s Shelly Oberoi elected new Delhi mayor

 The voting, which started in the morning 

Current Affairs: After three failed attempts by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to hold election to the mayoral post, Aam Aadmi Party’s Shelly Oberoi on Wednesday was elected new mayor of Delhi.The mayoral elections were held following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter.

How the voting started: 

The MCD held the voting process on Wednesday after three failed attempts. Three previous meetings of the MCD were adjourned without holding elections following a tussle between BJP and AAP councillors over the ‘voting rights of nominated councillors’.

apex court stepped in and ruled that the election to the mayor of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi shall be conducted first. The court had also ruled that the aldermen (nominated persons) would have no right to vote.

The voting, which started in the morning, went on for more than two hours. After the counting process was over,Oberoi’s name was announced as the new mayor of MCD, she thanked the people of Delhi, CM Arvind Kejriwal, L-G VK Saxena and the leaders and workers of the party.

Words of Shelly Oberoi: 

“All of you have elected me as the Mayor of Delhi. The people of the national capital have dreamt of making Delhi clean and beautiful, we all have to work together for this. We will run the House as per the Constitution and the DMC Act.”

Who is Shelly Oberoi: 

• Shelly Oberoi, a former Delhi University professor, is a first-time councillor who won the Delhi civic body election from East Patel Nagar ward in December last year. AAP won the Delhi Municipal Corporation election on December 8, ending the BJP’s 15-year dominance over the civic body.
• has studied management from IIM, Kozhikode.
• has been associated with aap since 2014 and named the vice president of the party’s mahila morcha in 2020.
• lifetime member of the Indian Commerce Association (ICA). She did her PhD from Indira Gandhi National Open University’s (IGNOU) School of Management Studies. She won several awards in different conferences.
• Her father Satish Kumar is a businessman and her mother Saroj is a homemaker. She also has a brother and a sister.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said in a tweet,

Gunde har gaye, janata jeet gayi (Goons lost, people won). Many congratulations to all the workers on becoming the Mayor of Aam Aadmi Party in Municipal Corporation of Delhi and once again wholehearted gratitude to the people of Delhi.” 

Who exactly The Mayor is: 

The mayor is the chief executive officer of the city. In this role, the mayor is responsible for the general welfare of the city. This responsibility is exercised in the two roles of the mayor. The mayor takes on a policy-making role by recommending policies to the council, breaking tie votes, and vetoing legislation

How Mayor elected:

Municipal Law provides that the Mayor/the Municipal Chairperson/the Municipal President, as the case may be, shall be elected by the elected Councillors from among themselves.

the AAP members were seen celebrating the victory by raising slogans. Presiding officer Satya Sharma announced the name of Shelley Oberoi as the new mayor.

What is tenure of Mayor:

The tenure of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor is five years. However, in seven states: Haryana, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand; Mayors are directly elected by the people and thus hold the executive powers of the municipal corporations.

Municipal Act, identifies the Mayor’s responsibilities as follows: 

• To be head of the municipal council 
• To act as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. 
• To preside over council meetings. 
• To provide leadership to the council.

About election:

Total votes: 266

secured 150 votes by Shelly Oberoi

Won by 34 votes.

3. Malabar Naval exercise for the first time to be held in Australia

All the Quad countries will conduct the exercise in the strategic Indo-Pacific region

For the first time, the Indian and Australian Navy would be conducting the naval exercise. It will include participation from India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. It is considered to be the “Top-Notch” among the Quad country exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.  All four `Quad’ countries have openly declared their intent to deter any `coercion’ in the Indo-Pacific in the face of China’s aggressive and expansionist behavior in the entire region.

Australia has also invited India to take part in its largest biennial `Talisman Sabre’ tri-service exercise with the US and a few other countries. It will be conducted from July 21 to August 4. It is obvious development that the Malabar now heads to Australia, which was so far conducted either off India or Japan. The `Quad’ nations are open and rules-based international order across the entire Indo-Pacific. They are now equal stakeholders in the Malabar series of exercises. 

In the coming month Australian PM, Anthony Albanese will be visiting India on a four-day bilateral along with the G-20 summit. While PM Narendra Modi will be in Australia for the Quad leaders’ summit. India has participated in AUSINDEX series of bilateral naval exercises and multi-nation “Pitch Black” air combat exercise in Australia. 

QUAD

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, is a strategic security dialogue between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. It is maintained by dialogues between member countries. The dialogue was initiated in 2007 by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It was paralleled by joint military exercises of an unprecedented scale, titled Exercise Malabar.

Australia 

Australia is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is a Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Australia is the only country which is a continent. Australia is the oldest, driest inhabited continent with the least fertile soils.

International

1. Indian-American Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy announces 2024 US presidential bid

I think we need to put ‘merit’ back into ‘America’ in every spirit of our lives: Vivek

Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-American tech entrepreneur has launched his 2024 presidential bid with a promise to “put merit back”. He wanted to end dependence on China. After Nikki Haley, Vivek became the second community member to enter the Republican Party’s presidential primary. 

About Vivek Ramaswamy

• Vivek’s parents migrated to the US from Kerala and he worked at a General Electric plant in Ohio.
• He is the second Indian-American to enter the Republican presidential primary.
• He founded Roivant Sciences in 2014 and led the largest biotech IPOs of 2015 and 2016.
• He has also founded other successful healthcare and technology companies.
• He has launched a new firm focused on restoring the voices of everyday citizens in the American economy by leading companies to focus on excellence over politics in 2022.

Statements of Vivek Ramaswamy

He calls “wokeism” a national threat. “That’s why I am proud to say tonight that I am running for United States President to revive those ideals in this country.”

“I think we need to put ‘merit’ back into ‘America’ in every spirit of our lives.”

“He will end affirmative action in “every sphere of American life.”

“I’m all for putting America first, but in order to put America first, we have to first rediscover what America is. And to me, those are these basic rules of the road that set this nation into motion from meritocracy to free speech, to self-governance over aristocracy.”

“The people who we elect actually make them run the government rather than this cancerous federal bureaucracy. That’s gonna be the heart of my message” 

“It has got to be our top foreign policy threat that we’ve gotta respond to, not pointless wars somewhere else.” 

“That’s gonna require some sacrifice. It’s gonna require a declaration of independence from China and complete decoupling. And that’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna require some inconvenience.”

Announcements from other Ambassadors

Nikki Haley, a two-term former governor of South Carolina and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations has also announced her presidential campaign. Haley will also contest against ex-U.S. President Donald Trump for the Republican Party’s nomination.

Statements of the Democratic National Committee Chair

The Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison has said that

“The race for the Make America Great Again (MAGA) base is getting messier and more crowded by the day.”

“Over the next few months, Republicans are guaranteed to take exceedingly extreme positions on everything from banning abortion to cutting Social Security and Medicare and we look forward to continuing to ensure every American knows just how extreme the MAGA agenda is.”

Relationship between India and USA

Both the countries enjoy a close relationship and have often seen together on the issues such as counterterrorism, distrust of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program, Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.

About the USA

House of Speaker- Republican Kevin McCarthy

The 46th President- Joseph R. Baiden

Capital of the United States –  Washington D.C.

Currency- US Dollars

2. Seattle becomes first US city to ban caste discrimination

Seattle becomes first US city to ban caste discrimination

 Ordinance passed which have been introduced.

 The ordinance passed by Seattle on Tuesday bans cast bias that have been introduced on the campus of US universities in recent years.

Settle has become a first US city to ban Discrimination based on caste after a vote by the city council.

How does Seattle City Council work:

The Seattle City Council is the legislative body of the city of Seattle, Washington. The Council consists of nine members serving four-year terms, seven of which are elected by electoral districts and two of which are elected in citywide at-large positions; all elections are non-partisan.

What US Seattle city council says:

” The cast Discrimination doesn’t only take place in other countries,” said Ms Sawant who is the only Indian American Seattle city council.

“It is focused on South Asian American and other immigrant working people in their workplace, including in the tech sector in Seattle and in cities around the country .”

Ms Sawant, a socialist, has previously spoken of being raised in an upper-caste Hindu Brahmin household in India and witnessing such discrimination.

What is India’s caste system?

Why the West is reckoning with caste bias now

What Opposition’s opinion:

The measure has been opposed by some Hindu American groups, who argue a ban is not necessary as US law already prohibits such discrimination.

What Hindu American Federation said:

In an open letter, the Washington DC-based Hindu American Federation said that while the ordinance’s goals were praiseworthy, it “unfairly singles out and targets an entire community on the basis of their national origin and ancestry for disparate treatment”.

They added that Indian Americans made up less than 2% of Washington state’s population, and argued there was little evidence of any widespread discrimination based on caste. 

What the Migration Policy Institute think: 

According to the Migration Policy Institute think tank, the US is the second most popular destination for Indians living abroad.

About US Seattle council :

The City of Seattle is divided into 7 Council Districts, with a Councilmember representing each district.

There are also 2 citywide Councilmembers representing the entire city.

Legal

1. Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will “take a call” on listing a plea to allow girls to sit for exams in Karnataka government schools while wearing the hijab

A few girls have moved to private institutions because of the prohibition on wearing hijabs but have to take their exams in government institutions.

On Wednesday, Following the apex court’s split verdict, the Supreme Court has said that it will take a call on a plea to allow girls to sit for exams in Karnataka Government Schools while wearing the hijab.

Statement of the Lawyer Shadan Farasat

“They are wearing headscarves. If they are wearing a headscarf they are not allowed inside the examination hall. Only on that limited aspect, the court may consider listing it on Monday or Friday”

“A few girls have moved to private institutions because of the prohibition on wearing hijabs but have to take their exams in government institutions. They risk losing another year if not permitted.”

Statement of the Chief Justice of India

The CJI DY Chandrachud has said that- 

I will take a call.”

Updates on the Issue of the ban on wearing the hijab

• Due to the previous year’s October 13 split verdict, the high court’s judgement is still on hold.
• The court has held off a permanent resolution to the hijab row as both judges suggested placing the matter before a larger bench for adjudication.
• Last month, the court said that it would consider setting up a three-judge bench to adjudicate the case related to the ban on wearing hijabs.

Click here to read more on the hijab ban case.

2. Gujarat HC orders Oreva to double interim compensation to those killed and injured in the Morbi bridge collapse

In a significant development, the Gujarat High Court has ordered Oreva Group to match the compensation amount paid by the government to the families of the 135 people who lost their lives and the 56 who were injured in the Morbi suspension bridge collapse. This effectively means that the company’s interim compensation payout will now double.

Court Directs Oreva Group to Disburse Enhanced Compensation

• The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Sonia Gokani and Justice Sandeep Bhatt, has directed Oreva Group to pay Rs 10 lakh to each deceased person’s next of kin and Rs 2 lakh to each of the 56 injured victims. 
• The court has ordered for the enhanced compensation to be paid within a month, with half the amount to be disbursed within two weeks and the remaining half in the next 15 days.

Company Offer Falls Short of Court’s Ruling

• Senior counsel Nirupam Nanavaty, representing Oreva Group, had offered to pay Rs 5 lakh to each of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to each injured in the tragedy. 
• However, the court relied on precedents set by Supreme Court judgments, including that of Union Carbide in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, and ordered an enhanced compensation payout.

Company to Take Responsibility for Orphaned Children

• In addition to doubling the compensation amount for the Morbi Bridge Collapse victims, the Gujarat High Court has ordered Oreva Group to take responsibility for the seven children who were orphaned in the accident. 
• The company has assured the court that it will provide care for the children’s education, medical care, and residence, and even help them find employment when they complete their studies. 
• The court has also instructed the state to extend counselling services for the victims, particularly those who have undergone psychological trauma.
• The court has requested that the state make arrangements for the victims to receive counselling, especially for those who have lost both parents. 
• The court has suggested that NFSU Centre for Well-Being be used as one of the cells to take care of victims’ needs and counselling, as online counselling is available at the university and the centre.

Expedited Investigation and Final FSL Report

• The court has directed an expedited process for investigation and the criminal trial concerning Jaysukh Patel, Oreva Group Chairman and MD. 
• The court has also requested that the final Forensic Science Laboratory report be expedited as it was submitted that it may take up to two months to come out with the final report.

The Morbi Bridge Collapse Tragedy

On October 30, the British-era bridge on the Machchhu river in Morbi, Gujarat collapsed, killing over 140 people, including 47 children. The tragedy occurred just five days after the bridge had reopened, following extensive repairs and renovation. The bridge was overcrowded with people when it gave way at around 6.30 pm.

Compensation Paid by Gujarat Government

• The Gujarat government paid a compensation of ₹10 lahks to the kin of each of the deceased and a grant of ₹1 lakh to the injured in the bridge collapse incident. 
• However, a PIL petitioner and another litigant, who lost his two relatives in the incident, moved the high court with their pleas seeking an independent probe and award of dignified compensation to those who lost their family members.

Call for Independent Probe and Risk Assessment

• The plea argued that the incident at Morbi had exposed the utter lapse and negligence on the part of government authorities, along with the negligence and fault in duty by the private operator. 
• It further called for departments to enquire about the quality and safety of any public construction taking place. 
• The plea also highlighted that the authorities in Gujarat had failed to control tourists, and it had been reported that over 500 people were on the bridge at the time of the incident.

Assessment of Risk Needed

• The plea pointed out that several old bridges and monuments, which attract a large number of tourists, are there in the country, and their risk assessment needs to be looked into to avoid such public casualties. 
• It underscored the need to prevent severe violations of the people’s fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, and for government and private operators to be held accountable for such failures.

Exploring the Gujarat High Court

• The Gujarat High Court is the High Court of the state of Gujarat, located in Ahmedabad. It was established in 1960 after the state of Gujarat was formed from the Bombay State. 
• The High Court is known for its efficient functioning and speedy disposal of cases. 
• Over the years, the Gujarat High Court has delivered several landmark judgments on a wide range of issues, including civil rights, environmental protection, and social justice. 
• The court has also played a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens in the state of Gujarat.

MoUs and Agreements

1. Seychelles and India sign agreement on information sharing in maritime security

The RCOC and IFC-IOR signed an MoU on Tuesday. Seychelles will benefit from increased maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean. The MoU was signed by the director of RCOC, Sam Gonthier, and the director of IFC-IOR, Rohit Bajpai, virtually.

The Aim of the MoU

• The agreement will be in effect for two years and aims to promote:
  • maritime safety and 
  • security collaboration, as well as 
  • exchange cooperation of personnel, information, technology, and best practices.
• The parties will be able to share information and develop capabilities through: 
  • training in operational information-sharing, 
  • maritime domain awareness, and 
  • sharing of best practices through the conduct of seminars, workshops, and or tabletop exercises on maritime security, safety, and information sharing.

Benefits to Seychelles

• According to Gonthier, the collaboration will allow for more presence in the region, which will benefit Seychelles. 
• As pirates in the Indian Ocean have changed their operations from piracy to drug and human trafficking, the partnership can help to know where these illegal vessels are and respond. 
• The agreement will provide more information, allowing them to patrol more territories, which will be helpful since Seychelles has a vast territory of 1.4 million square kilometres.

IFC-IOR’s Acknowledgment and Challenges

• In his address at the virtual signing of the MoU, Bajpai acknowledged the pivotal role played by RCOC in coordination with the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre towards strengthening the regional maritime security architecture in the western Indian Ocean region. 
• He pointed out that as the Indian Ocean’s status as an international trade highway is becoming more significant than ever before, the number of challenges that accompany this is also increasing.

The Establishment of the RCOC and Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre

• Seven neighbouring states of the western Indian Ocean signed two agreements in 2018 to establish an architecture for maritime security to promote collaboration and improve maritime security in the region. 
• This led to the establishment of the RCOC and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre based in Madagascar. 
• The MAZE agreements make provision for partnership with the wider region. 
• In December 2021, the MAZE Agreement steering committee approved the signature of an MoU with the IFC-IOR. 
• Gonthier shared that countries such as Somalia, Yemen, Tanzania, Mozambique, Angola, and Namibia are also interested in entering the MAZE Programme.

Seychelles: A Gem in the Indian Ocean

• Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Africa. 
• With a population of around 100,000, Seychelles is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and unique biodiversity, including the world-famous giant tortoises. 
• The country’s mixed economy relies on tourism, fisheries, and offshore financial services. 
• Seychelles is also an active participant in regional and international organizations, such as the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations.
• Seychelles and India have friendly relations and cooperate on trade, tourism, and defence. 
• They have strengthened their maritime partnership in recent years to enhance security in the Indian Ocean, with India assisting Seychelles in developing its maritime infrastructure and conducting joint patrols. 
• The recent MoU between the RCOC and IFC-IOR is expected to further enhance their cooperation in maritime safety and security.

2. Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Guyana

This agreement will come into force after the exchange of diplomatic notes between both the countries

The Union Cabinet is chaired by PM Modi, in which he has approved the signing of the Air Services Agreement between India and Guyana. This agreement will come into force after the exchange of diplomatic notes between both the countries confirming that each country has completed the necessary internal procedures for entry into force of this Agreement.

Effect of the Air Services Agreement

• It will enable a framework for provisions of air services between India and Guyana.
• It will also enhance International Air connectivity.
• It will provide the legal framework for air operations between two countries which is based on the principles of sovereignty of nations, nationality of carriers and reciprocity in terms of commercial opportunities for the designated airlines of each side.
• It will provide an enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides.

About India and Guyana ICAO Air Services Negotiations

• Both the countries are the signatories to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).
• During the ICAO Air Services Negotiations event, the delegations from both the countries met in Nassau, Bahamas on 06 December 2016.
• During the event both the countries had initialled the text of an ASA for scheduled air services in terms of MoU dated 06 December 2016.

India and Guyana Relations

Both the countries have cordial relations since the independence of Guyana in May 1966. The cordiality in the relation remains unaffected with changes in governments either in India or in Guyana. Indians are the largest ethnic group in Guyana comprising about 40% of the population as per 2012 census.

About Guyana

Prime Minister- Mark Phillip

President- Irfaan Ali

Capital- Georgetown

Currency- Guyanaese Dollar

Inauguration

1. EAM Jaishankar inaugurates first international education fair of J-K

It is a collaborative effort of SKUAST Kashmir and ICCR.

Today, J&K’s first international Education Fair has been inaugurated at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. It was inaugurated by the Union Minister for External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in presence of Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha and President ICCR Vinay Sahasrabuddhe. It is a collaborative effort of SKUAST Kashmir and ICCR.

Statement of Union External Affairs Minister

The Union External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said that-

“For me it is not just an education event, it is a very integral part of ensuring that a very important region of India is connected to what is happening in the world.”

“So, if our relationships are so extensive, investments are so deep & networking is so good, we need to see that translated into a greater flow of international students to India.”

“In a globalized world, it’s absolutely essential that young people of India are fully aware of what’s happening in the world and there is no better way to do that than having international students among you.”

Statement of Union Minister for Education

The Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan has said that-

“J&K is witnessing a new dawn of development under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister. With the implementation of National Education Policy, we are internationalizing our education sector. The Education Ministry will support, encourage and facilitate globalization of SKUAST-Kashmir.”

Statement of Lieutenant Governor of J&K

Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha has expressed his gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that-

“Sincere efforts have been made to convert the knowledge dividends into wealth for the process of innovation & growth.” 

“Apart from campuses nestled in nature’s paradise, professional faculties, high standard of living, J&K is also offering a variety of courses starting from Artificial Intelligence, Robotics to Agri science, Yoga, Sanskrit & interface with the industries for research & innovation.” 

“With more than 150 higher education institutions, two central universities, seven state universities, two AIIMS, IIM, IIT, NIT, NIFT, IIMC and two Agriculture Science and Technology universities, Jammu Kashmir has emerged as a favourite destination for students in India.”

“The foreign student’s residential and exchange programmes, people-to-people contacts and institutional interactions with different institutions of Jammu Kashmir will enrich and strengthen global cultural synergies.”

About SKUAST

SKUAST is the establishment of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), agricultural education, research and extension training units were transferred to SKUAST from various development departments of Jammu and Kashmir State.

About ICCR

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), is an autonomous organisation of the Government of India, involved in India’s global cultural relations, through cultural exchange with other countries and their people.

Important Days

1. World Thinking Day is observed on 22 February.

This day was first established as a way to honour the birthday of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the scouting movement.

Current Affairs: World Thinking Day is observed on 22 February every year. This day is celebrated for friendship, sisterhood and empowerment. On February 22, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 150 countries celebrate this day, create awareness and stand up for causes that could improve the lives of girls around the globe.

Theme for World Thinking Day 2023

• The Theme for the World Thinking Day 2023 is “Our World, Our Peaceful Future.

Aim of the World Thinking Day 2023

• This day is celebrated to make the world a better place.
• To spread awareness towards the environmental problems and learn how you can work with nature to create a more peaceful and secure future for girls everywhere.

History of the World Thinking Day

• This day was first established as a way to honor the birthday of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the scouting movement.
• This day was meant to be a time for scouts around the world to pause and reflect on the meaning of their promise and the global nature of their movement. 
• The day was officially named as “World Thinking Day” in 1932.

Scouting Programmes

Some of the well known scouting programmes are:

• The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM)
• The WAGGGS
• the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) 
• Scouts Canada
• The Scout Association (UK) 
• Scouting Ireland.

About Scouting Organizations

• Scouting Organizations are international youth organizations that promote leadership, character development, and outdoor skills. 
• These organizations offer a wide range of programs and activities for young people, including camping, hiking, community service, and leadership development.

2. World Scout Day 2023 celebrated on 22nd February

Millions of Boy Scouts worldwide observe World Scout Day every year on February 22 to honour Lord Robert Baden-Powell, who founded the Boy Scout Movement on the day of his birthday. 

National Scout Organizations across the globe celebrate the day through events such as fundraising campaigns, food drives, and volunteer work. It is an opportunity for the scouting community to renew their commitment to promoting communal well-being through its daily operations.

Significance of World Scout Day: A Celebration of Community Wellbeing

• As per the official website of the Scout Movement, there are 172 National Scout Organizations with 57 million members worldwide as of 2022. 
• World Scout Day is of significant importance to these organizations and their members. Many Boy Scouts take this occasion to reflect on the principles of the organization and commit themselves to their cause. 
• The scouting community has a long history of making a positive impact on their communities through volunteer work and promoting social welfare.

World Scout Day 2023 Theme

Scout Day is one of the important days in February 2023. The theme of World Scout Day 2023 is “Our World: Our Equal Future: The Environment and Gender Equality”.

 History of the Scouting Movement: Lord Baden-Powell’s Legacy

• TLord Baden-Powell founded the Scouting movement in the United Kingdom in 1907  
• The first Boy Scout camp was organized by him with 20 children and was a huge success. The movement quickly spread, becoming a global phenomenon over the following years. 
• World Scout Day, also referred to as Founder’s Day is celebrated every year to mark Lord Baden-Powell’s birthday and his wife, Olave Baden-Powell’s, the World Chief Guide, birthday anniversary. 
• It is a day to celebrate the legacy of the Scout Movement and its ongoing efforts towards promoting social welfare and community service.

Sports

1. A 14-year-old brought home a medal at the ISSF world cup

Tilottama Sen started shooting during the lockdown and climbed on the Cairo podium.

It all started during the lockdown phase when kids would watch cartoons and play video games all day, Tilottama’s father got his daughter into shooting. On 21 February 14-year-old, Tilottama won the bronze medal in the women’s 10m Air Rifle event at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo with a score of 262.0 in the ranking match. 

Tilottama reached at the second spot just below Tokyo Olympian Seonaid Mcintosh of Great Britain in qualification. She scored 632.7 with two other Indians Ramita Jindal and Narmada Raju too qualifying for the ranking match. In the eight-shooter ranking series, she competed in a field of four Olympians, including the Tokyo Olympics 10m air rifle bronze medalist. She shot 16 of 10.5 or above two including 10.9. 

Coach Rakesh Manpat said that Tilottama quickly learned the basics of rifle shooting and she had all the basic techniques perfected in her mind in a very short time. She shot more than the final world record score of 252.2. She loves shooting and shoots 200-300 shots in a day. 

“I was competing against myself and whenever and wherever I shoot, I don’t think about whom I am competing against.”

Tilottama Sen 

She hails from Bengaluru. Her father Surjit Sen works with Tech Mahindra. In the year 2021 national she bagged a silver and three bronze medals. Also, she finished sixth in the senior women’s 10m air rifle event at last year’s nationals. She is a very focused girl. 

International Shooting Federation

It was founded in 1907 as International Shooting Union. The International Shooting Sport Federation is the governing body of the Olympic shooting events in rifle, pistol, and shotgun (clay target) disciplines, and of several non-Olympic shooting sports events. It includes regulation of the sport, Olympic qualifications, and organization of international competitions such as the ISSF World Cup Series, the ISSF World Cup Finals, the ISSF Separate World Championship in Shotgun events, and the ISSF World Championship in all events. It is headquartered in Munich, Germany. 

More about ISSF World Cup

2. Pat Cummins’ era is over as the new No.1 ranked Test bowler is ranked by ICC

Anderson’s lead at the top is very modest though, with Ashwin too taking a leap in the tally

James Anderson, English player has been crowned the No.1 Test bowler according to the  latest MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Rankings. Indian players didn’t slip out entirely on the latest rankings update either, with spinner Ravindra Jadeja moving up seven places to ninth on the updated list for Test bowlers. Teammate Axar Patel – who is the second leading run-scorer for the series thus far with 158 runs – is also rewarded by moving up two places to fifth. On the tally, Jadeja and Ashwin hold net slots of numbers 1 and 2 respectively. 

Anderson rises to the top on the back of his seven-wicket pull for England during their vehement 267-run victory over New Zealand in Mount Maunganui last week, with the evergreen 40-year-old ending Cummins’ four-year reign as the top-ranked Test bowler. 

It is the sixth time that Anderson has held the title of the leading bowler on the Test rankings. In May 2016 when he went past teammate Stuart Broad and Ashwin to hold top billing in a distinguished international career that commenced way back in 2003. 

Anderson has been a major part in most of the victories and the England legend now has collected a total of 682 Test scalps to be third on the all-time list for Test wickets behind 

• Muttiah Muralitharan (800) 
• Shane Warne (708)

James Anderson

James Michael Anderson OBE was born on 30 July 1982. He is an English international cricketer who plays for the England Test cricket team and previously played for England’s limited-overs cricket teams. In domestic cricket, he represents Lancashire County Cricket Club. He is regarded as one of the greatest swing bowlers in the history of cricket and has taken over 1000 first-class wickets.

Pat Cummins

Patrick James Cummins was on born 8 May 1993. He is an Australian international cricketer who captains the Australian cricket team in Test and ODI. He is currently regarded as a right-arm fast bowler among the best bowlers in Test cricket. Cummins grew up in Mount Riverview in the Blue Mountains with his two brothers and two sisters. He attended St Paul’s Grammar School.  As a child, he idolized Brett Lee, with whom he later briefly played domestic and international cricket.

ICC 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body of cricket. It was founded as the Imperial Cricket Conference in 1909 by representatives from Australia, England, and South Africa. It was renamed the International Cricket Conference in 1965 and took up its current name in 1987. The ICC has its headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

 

ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings	ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings (Bowling)	ICC Men’s Player Test Ranking (All-rounders)
Marnus Labuschagne – 912	James Anderson – 866	Ravindra Jadeja – 460
Steve Smith – 875	R Ashwin – 864	Ravichandran Ashwin – 376
Babar Azam – 862	Pat Cummins – 858	Shakib Al Hasan – 329
Travis Head – 826	Ollie Robinson – 820	Ben Stokes – 320
Joe Root – 814	Jasprit Bumrah – 795	Axar Patel – 283
Rishabh Pant – 781	Shaheen Afridi – 787	Mitchell Starc – 265
Rohit Sharma – 777	Kagiso Rabada – 776	Jason Holder – 264
Kane Williamson – 769	Kyle Jamieson – 765	Pat Cummins – 228
Dimuth Karunaratne – 748	Ravindra Jadeja – 763	Kyle Mayers – 225
Usman Khawaja – 746	Mitchell Starc – 735	Joe Root – 209

Source: ICC