2nd February 2023

International

1. No more Queen Elizabeth: Australia to honour its indigenous history on A$5 banknote

The Reserve Bank of Australia announced on February 2 that a new design would replace Queen 

Why is Queen Elizabeth in news? What is the debate regarding the same ?

Current Affairs: The death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022 has reignited debate in Australia about the country’s future as a constitutional monarchy. Voters narrowly decided to keep the British monarch as the country’s head of state in a referendum in 1999.

According to an official statement, the federal government, which supports the reform, was consulted before Australia’s Central Bank made its decision. According to the company, the Australian Parliament will still be visible on the reverse side of the note.

Australian $5 banknote ? Queen Elizabeth 

Despite the fact that the position is mostly ceremonial, King Charles III, who succeeded his mother as the monarch of the United Kingdom, also serves as the head of state of Australia, New Zealand, and 12 other Commonwealth nations other than the United Kingdom. 

• Australia announced in September 2022 that Queen Elizabeth would not necessarily replace King Charles on A$5 notes, but could be replaced by Australian figures.
• Authorities have stated that the Queen’s personality, rather than her position as monarch, influenced the decision to put her image on the A$5 Australian note. 

Decision to be undertaken ? Queen Elizabeth 

The decision to update the note comes as Australia’s center-left Labor government pushes for a referendum to amend the constitution in order to recognise Indigenous people in the text and require consultation with them when making decisions that affect their lives.

In response to calls to recognise its Indigenous people as the world’s first civilization, Australia formally changed its national anthem to remove the phrase “young and free” in 2021.

Conclusion 

The Reserve Bank promised to work with indigenous organization’s to create the A$5 notes. It will take several years to design and print the new currency. The current note will remain outstanding until paid in full.

Appointment and Resignation

1. Remarkable Feat Raja Krishnamoorthi, appointed as the ranking member of the House Committee on China(2023)

An Indian-American, Raja Krishnamoorthi appointed as ranking member of the House Committee on China.

Why is Indian-American Congressmen in new? Raja Krishnamoorthi

 

Washington: Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has been named Ranking Member of a newly formed House committee on China, which will investigate various aspects of Chinese behaviour and the threat it poses to the United States and the rest of the world.

US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Raja Krishnamoorthi’s appointment as Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party on Wednesday (CCP).

Another Remarkable Feat : Raja Krishnamoorthi appointed to House Committee on China.

Another Indian-American Congressman, Ro Khanna, has been appointed to this new committee, which was established in the 118th Congress by Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to investigate and develop policy to address the United States’ economic, technological, and security competition with the Chinese Communist Party.

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 20: U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) questions Gordon Sondland, the U.S ambassador to the European Union, during a hearing before the House Intelligence Committee in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill November 20, 2019 in Washington, DC. The committee heard testimony during the fourth day of open hearings in the impeachment inquiry against U.S. President Donald Trump, whom House Democrats say held back U.S. military aid for Ukraine while demanding it investigate his political rivals. (Photo by Samuel Corum – Pool/Getty Images)

Who is Mr Raja Krishnamoorthi, An Indian-American Congressman ? 

Mr Krishnamoorthi, 49, is a four-term Congressman representing Illinois’s eight congressional districts, while Ro Khanna, 46, is a four-term lawmaker representing California’s 17th congressional district.

• “I am grateful to Leader Jeffries for appointing me to the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party,” Mr Krishnamoorthi said.
• “The Chinese Communist Party poses serious economic and security threats to the United States, as well as to democracy and prosperity around the world,” he said, citing threats to Taiwan’s democracy, weaponization of TikTok, and theft of hundreds of billions of dollars in American intellectual property.

What does Mr Raja Krishnamoorthi  look forward too? 

“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues from both parties on this committee to counteract the CCP’s escalating aggression and ensure that our nation is prepared to overcome the economic and security challenges that the CCP poses to our country,” Mr Krishnamoorthi said.

“That said, at a time when anti-Asian hatred and violence are on the rise, it’s critical that this committee focus its vital work on protecting all Americans from the CCP threat, while avoiding dangerous rhetoric that fuels the types of xenophobia that have endangered members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” Krishnamoorthi said.

House Permanent Select Committee : China 

Mr. Krishnamoorthi also serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He is also the lead Democrat on the ANTI-SOCIAL CCP Act, which protects Americans by blocking and prohibiting all transactions from any social media company based in, or under the influence of, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and several other foreign adversaries.

In the 117th Congress, he led bipartisan legislation that was signed into law, known as the Gathering and Reporting Assessments Yielding Zero Overlooked Nefarious Efforts (GRAY ZONE) Act, which requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to produce a National Intelligence Estimate on various aspects of grey zone activities that the PRC employs. 

 

Revolutionary Leader: Indian-American Nikki Haley is expected to make a presidential bid announcement(2023)

Nikki Haley: An Indian American expected to make presidential bid of United States 

Why is Nikki Haley in the new ? An Indian-American 

As the presidential election in the United States approaches, Indian-American Republican leader Nikki Haley appears to be preparing to announce a leadership bid. The former UN Ambassador recently took to Twitter to announce a “special announcement” on February 15, sparking speculation about a presidential run in 2024. During an interview this week, she appeared to confirm the rumours.

“On February 15th, my family and I will make a big announcement to you!” And yes, it’s going to be a Great Day in South Carolina!” she tweeted, inviting supporters to a rally in Charleston.

Who is Nikki Haley ? Expected to make presidential bid of United States 

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has positioned herself as a younger, more energetic alternative to former President Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s sole official candidate thus far. 

The next presidential election in the United States will be held on November 5, 2024, and experts believe her entry will spark a stampede from rivals such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Trump’s vice president Mike Pence.

Reason for Nikki Haley to be elected ? Resolving Core Issue 

“Well, when considering a presidential run, you look at two things. Your first thought should be, ‘does the current situation call for something new?’ The second question is, “Am I the right person to be that new leader?” 

You know, when it comes to the first question, you can look at both domestic and foreign policy. You can see inflation rising, the economy contracting, the government expanding, and small business owners struggling to pay their rent. 

Conclusion 

“Big businesses getting bailouts, all of this justifies that, yes, we need to go in a different direction,” she recently told Fox News. Asserting that she ‘could be that leader’, the Indian-origin leader said that they were “still working through things”. “I’ve never finished last in a race. I said it then, and I still say it now. “I’m not going down without a fight,” she added.

Remarkable Feat : An Indian origin lawmaker Ami Bera appointed to US House Intelligence Committee(2023)

Ami Bera : An Indian-origin lawmaker appointed US House Intelligence Committee 

Why is Ami Bera in news ? Appointed as House Intelligence Committee

“I am honoured to be appointed to the House Intelligence Committee by Leader (Hakeem) Jeffries, which plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and national security of the United States,” he said.

Dr. Ami Bera, an Indian-American Congressman, has been appointed to a powerful US House committee dealing with intelligence issues.

House Permanent Select Committee ? Ami Bera

The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is in charge of overseeing the country’s intelligence operations, which include the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the National Security Agency (NSA), and military intelligence programmes.

“I am honoured to have been appointed by Leader (Hakeem) Jeffries to serve on the House Intelligence Committee, which is critical to ensuring the safety and national security of the United States,” Mr Bera said.

Reason for Ami Bera-: Appointed as House Intelligence Committee

Mr Bera, 57, is a six-term congressman from California’s sixth congressional district.

At a time of increased threats both at home and abroad, I take this new role and the responsibility entrusted to me to protect and defend American families very seriously,” he said.

“I look forward to working with Committee members from both sides of the aisle to ensure our intelligence agencies are operating effectively to keep our nation safe,” Mr Bera said.

Conclusions 

Mr Bera served as Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation during the 117th Congress, where he led Congressional efforts to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific allies and partners in order to advance US economic and security interests.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Indian-American congressman, served on the House Intelligence Committee during the 117th Congress. He is now the Ranking Member of the House China Committee.

M Subbarayudu appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Namibia

M Subbarayudu, currently serving as Ambassador of India to Peru, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to Namibia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced in a statement.

Subbarayudu is expected to take up the assignment shortly. According to the MEA, he joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1994.

What were the matters discussed at India-Namibia Foreign Office Consultations(FCS)?

Earlier in November, India and Namibia held the fourth round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs) in Windhoek, Namibia where the two sides carried out a comprehensive review of the existing bilateral ties.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed existing bilateral relations including enhancing cooperation in development partnership, trade and investment relations, energy, defence, agriculture, health, art and culture and education, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

During the meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on regional issues and cooperation in multilateral fora such as the United Nations, International Solar Alliance (ISA), and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

The Indian side was led by Puneet R Kundal, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (East & Southern Africa) while the Namibian side was led by Ambassador Sabine Bohlke Moller, Head of the Bilateral Relations and Cooperation Department, Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation. 

India-Namibia Relations

At the Non-Aligned Movement conference in 1986, in Zimbabwe, the ‘AFRICA Fund‘ was established to offer financial help to southern African liberation organisations. Namibia’s anti-colonial struggle gained from such efforts.

President Pranab Mukherjee visited Namibia in 2016. India signed two MoUs during the visit, on capacity-building for civil servants and establishing the India–Namibia Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (INCEIT), at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).

India’s continued commitment to capacity building through the ITEC (Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation) and other bilateral programmes in Namibia has been a solid pillar of cooperation, and more than 1,200 Namibian candidates have been trained in India so far.

India and Namibia signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to wildlife conservation, sustainable biodiversity utilisation and employment of diplomatic spouses or dependants. As part of the wildlife pact, India  got eight African cheetahs for captive breeding in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park in September 2022, making it the world’s first agreement for the transcontinental transfer of such a large number of carnivorous animals.

India–Namibia bilateral trade was worth US$ 251.88 million in 2021–22. The Namibia Trade Commission Office was established in Chennai in 2021 by the India Africa Trade Council (IATC) in partnership with the India Namibia Trade Forum (INTF). According to  the present Indian High Commissioner to Namibia, India is currently the second largest exporter to Namibia, after South Africa.

Remarkable Feat : Pramila Jayapal named as Ranking Member of the US Immigration Subcommittee(2023)

An Indian American : Pramila Jayapal named Ranking Member of the US Immigration Subcommittee.]

Why is Pramila Jayapal, an Indian-American in the news? 

Washington (US), Feb 2 (ANI): Indian-American Representative Pramila Jayapal has been named Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, making her the subcommittee’s first immigrant leader.

“I am honoured and humbled to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement,” Jayapal said in a press release.

Why is appointment of Pramila Jayapal in the US Immigration Subcommittee a remarkable feat ? 

According to the press release, Jayapal is the first immigrant in committee history to serve as either a Ranking Member or Chair of this Subcommittee.

• Jayapal described it as “extremely meaningful,” adding that she will now be able to “move the needle” and “recenter” the broken immigration system around dignity, humanity, and justice.
• “I came to this country when I was 16, alone, and with nothing in my pockets,” Jayapal recalled of her arrival in the United States. “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to live the American Dream after 17 years on an alphabet soup of visas to become a US citizen, a dream that is out of reach for far too many immigrants today.”
• Tom McClintock will chair the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, which has jurisdiction over immigration law and policy, naturalization, border security, refugee admissions, non-border immigration enforcement, and other issues.

What role does Pramila Jayapal see towards the protection of the values of Immigrants in the US ?

“In the minority, Democrats will have to be an opposition party that stands up to the most extreme ideas of the GOP and protects our values. However, in this role, I see opportunities for bipartisan collaboration with a number of more moderate Republicans who recognise the importance of restoring our country as a beacon of hope,” Jayapal said in a press release.

More about -: Indian-American, named Ranking Member of the US Immigration Subcommittee.

Pramila Jayapal was a long-time organizer and activist for immigrant rights before being elected to Congress. Following the September 11th attacks, Jayapal founded ‘One America,’ Washington’s largest immigrant rights organization, which filed a lawsuit against the Bush administration to prevent the deportation of over 4,000 Somalis.

• According to a press release, the Obama administration named Pramila Jayapal a Champion of Change for her work at OneAmerica
• She was also the founding co-chair of the We Belong Together campaign, which aimed to rally women in support of common-sense immigration reform that would keep families together and empower women. Jayapal was arrested during a civil obedience protest against the Trump administration’s zero-tolerance policy for family separation. (ANI)

Important Days

1. Relevance of World Wetlands Day observed everyear; February 2nd

Why is World Wetlands Day in news ? 

Every year on February 2nd, World Wetlands Day is observed. The day is observed to raise public awareness about the importance of wetlands and various methods for restoring their rapid loss and degradation.

Every year on February 2nd, World Wetlands Day is observed. The day is observed to raise public awareness about the importance of wetlands and various methods for restoring their rapid loss and degradation. The purpose of the day is to emphasize the critical role that wetlands play in maintaining biodiversity and supporting human well-being.

Why is Wetland important for the ecosystems? 

Wetlands are important ecosystems that provide many important services to people and the environment, such as water purification, flood control, habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, and support for local community livelihoods. 

• Degradation and loss of wetlands reduce their ability to support biodiversity. People are reminded of the importance of these ecosystems and the need to protect them by commemorating World Wetlands Day. 
• The day also gives governments, organisations, and individuals an opportunity to take action to conserve and restore wetlands, as well as raise public awareness about their importance.

Theme for World Wetlands Day 2023

This year’s World Wetlands Day theme is ‘It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration. The theme emphasises the importance of prioritising wetland restoration.

History of World Wetlands Day

In Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971, the Convention on Wetlands was ratified as an international treaty. The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 75/317 for World Wetlands Day on August 30, 2021.

The World Wetlands Day was established in 1997 by the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands to educate the general public about the importance of protecting wetlands. People were given posters, factsheets, documents, and other outreach materials about wetlands conservation. 

Importance of World Wetlands Day

Wetlands play an important role in sustaining a diverse range of biodiversity and many natural cycles. It is important for water purification and flood control, as well as providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species and supporting local livelihoods.

The day educates and raises public awareness about the global restoration of vital ecosystems such as wetlands.

2023 World Wetlands Day: A Celebration

Globally, numerous events, educational seminars, awareness campaigns, workshops, and conferences are held to ensure that wetland restoration measures are implemented in the future to preserve vital ecosystems and raise awareness.

Science and Technology

1. NASA, IBM team up to spur new discoveries about Earth

NASA and IBM have teamed up to develop artificial intelligence (AI)-based models that will make it easier to mine large datasets in order to advance scientific knowledge about Earth and assist the world in adapting to a changing environment.

Foundation Model Technology

According to NASA, the collaborative work will be the first to apply Al foundation model technology to NASA’s Earth-observing satellite data. Foundation models are classes of Al models that can be applied to a variety of tasks, are trained on a large amount of unlabeled data, and can transfer knowledge from one context to another.

“Building these foundation models cannot be tackled by small teams; you need teams across different organizations to bring their different perspectives, resources, and skill sets,” Rahul Ramachandran, a senior research scientist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. said in a statement.

According to the announcement, one study will employ NASA’s Harmonized Landsat Sentinel-2 (HLS) dataset, a record of changes in land cover and land use acquired by Earth-orbiting satellites, to train an IBM geospatial intelligence foundation model.

A natural language processing (NLP) model  and Other Uses

This model technology will assist researchers in providing critical analyses of our planet’s environmental systems by analyzing satellite data to identify variations in the global footprint of phenomena like natural disasters, cyclical crop yields, and wildlife habitats.

An easily accessible corpus of Earth science literature is another product that is anticipated from this partnership. According to the corporation, IBM organized the material and made it simpler to find new knowledge by using a natural language processing (NLP) model that was trained on roughly 300,000 Earth science journal articles.

The new language model for Earth science might be incorporated into NASA’s scientific data management and stewardship processes in addition to serving as a resource for researchers.

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and space research. It was founded in 1958 and has its headquarters in Washington, DC.

IBM

The International Business Machines Corporation, nicknamed Big Blue, is an American multinational technology corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, with operations in over 175 countries Current CEO of IBM is Sri Arvind Krishna. The company was founded in 1911 and has its headquarters in  Armonk, New York, United States

3rd February 2023

National

1. PACS to provide Common Service Centre services; Cooperation Ministry signs MoU(2023) 

Why is PACS in the news ? Will be provided similar services to CSC

Amit Shah described the agreement as a “win-win” situation for all parties, highlighting PACS role and contribution to rural and agricultural development.

Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) will soon begin offering services similar to those provided by Common Service Centres (CSC).

Which Ministry is concerned with PACS welfare ? 

The Ministry of Cooperation, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, NABARD, and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to that effect. Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home and Cooperation, and Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, both signed the MoU. The event was attended by BL Verma, Minister of State for Cooperation, Gyanesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, and other officials.

Why are PACS essential and be known as the soul of cooperatives ? 

On this occasion, Shah stated that PACS are the soul of cooperatives, and that making them multipurpose as providers of approximately 20 services will increase rural employment opportunities.

Shah described the agreement as a “win-win” situation for all parties, highlighting PACS’s role and contribution to rural and agricultural development.

What benefit will be provided to PACS ? essentially benefiting PM Scheme of ‘Sahkar Se Samridhi 

This will not only help to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of ‘Sahkar Se Samridhi,’ or making cooperatives the backbone of rural development, but will also strengthen cooperatives and farmers, according to Shah.

Shah also stated that this move will make it much easier to spread the concept of Common Service Centres (CSC) to the country’s smallest units.According to Shah, about half of the country’s population is involved with cooperatives in some way.

What is the future of PACS 

He stated that the most difficult problem confronting the cooperative sector was making PACS viable, and today a new beginning has been made by adding many new dimensions to the functioning of PACS.

The PACS will now be able to carry out 20 different activities, including water distribution, storage, and banking with Bank Mitra. The first and most important task, he stated, is to make the services provided by the Common Service Centres available to the rural population via PACS.

Conclusion 

“The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that as per the agreement signed today, PACS will now be able to function as Common Service Centres, and more than 300 services will be made available to the rural population, including 13 crore farmer members of PACS,” the Cooperative Ministry said in a statement. It will boost PACS’s business activities and assist them in becoming self-sustaining economic entities.” 

2. SAIL records best-ever monthly production in January 2023

Crude Steel production shows impressive growth over the previous best.

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Steel, achieved its highest monthly output in January 2023. Crude steel production of 1.72 million tonnes (MT) in January 2023 is the best monthly performance ever, representing a significant increase over the previous best in March 2022. 

SAIL also recorded its best-ever monthly output of hot metal and saleable steel during this month, at 1.8 MT and 1.61 MT, respectively, exceeding the previous best in March 2022.

SAIL

• Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is one of India’s largest steel producers and a Maharatna PSU.

• Five integrated facilities and three specific steel plants operated by SAIL, primarily in India’s eastern and central regions and near domestic raw material sources, produce iron and steel. SAIL produces and markets a variety of steel products.

• About 65% of SAIL’s equity is owned by the Indian government, which also maintains voting power over the business. However, SAIL has substantial operational and financial autonomy as a result of its “Maharatna” status.

What is a  “MAHARATNA” PUBLIC SECTOR UNIT

• The organization should hold a Navaratna status i.e. financial and administrative autonomy to make investments up to INR 1,000 crore without formal government approval.
• The company should have an annual turnover during the period of the last 3 years can of Rs 25,000 crore or more.
• The firm must hold the net profit after paying taxes must be of Rs 5,000 crores.
• The net worth of the company is Rs 15,000 crore or more of it.
• The company name must be mentioned in the Indian stock exchange and the company should have a Global presence.

MAHARATNAs of INDIA

There are 7 Maharatna PSUs in India. Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Coal India Limited (CIL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), National Thermal Power Corporation(NTPC), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation(ONGC), Gas Authority of India Limited(GAIL) are other MAHARATNA apart from Steel Authority of India Ltd.( SAIL). 

International

1. To counter China insurgency , the United States has opened an embassy in the Solomon Islands(2023)

Why is United States embassy in the news? In the Solomon Island 

On February 2, the United States opened an embassy in the Solomon Islands, the latest move to counter China’s push into the Pacific. The embassy in Honiara, the capital, is small at first, with a chargé d’affaires, a couple of State Department employees, and a handful of local employees. 

The United States had an embassy in the Solomon Islands for five years before closing it in 1993 as part of a global reduction in diplomatic posts following the Cold War’s end.

However, in response to China’s bold moves in the region, the United States is seeking to increase its engagement in a variety of ways, including donating COVID-19 vaccines, returning Peace Corps volunteers to several island nations, and investing in forestry and tourism projects.

Why is the embassy being opened by United States ? Again in the Solomon Island 

“The embassy’s opening builds on our efforts not only to place more diplomatic personnel throughout the region, but also to engage further with our Pacific neighbours, connect United States programmes and resources with needs on the ground, and strengthen people-to-people ties,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement.

Why has the China-Solomon Islands agreement become the latest point of contention between China and the United States?

The opportunity comes as Fiji’s new Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, appears to be reconsidering some aspects of his country’s relationship with China. Last week, Mr. Rabuka told The Fiji Times that he intended to terminate a police training and exchange agreement with China.

Early last year, the US State Department informed lawmakers that China’s growing influence in the region made reopening the Solomon Islands embassy a priority. Since then, the Solomon Islands have signed a security treaty with China, raising concerns about a military buildup in the region, and the United States has responded by sending several high-level delegations.

What led to US intervention in the Solomon Island ?

In 2019, the Solomon Islands switched its allegiance from the self-ruled island of Taiwan to Beijing, threatening the country’s long-standing ties with the United States.

“We are seeing this bond deteriorate as the People’s Republic of China aggressively seeks to engage the Solomon Islands’ political and business elites, employing a familiar pattern of extravagant promises, prospective costly infrastructure loans, and potentially dangerous debt levels,” the department stated in a December notice to Congress obtained by The Associated Press.

U.S. warns Solomon Islands of action over pact with China ? 

According to a senior State Department official who requested anonymity to brief the media, the United States was encouraged by the Solomon Islands’ commitment to continue working with traditional security partners such as Australia and the United States, but was concerned about the secrecy surrounding the security agreement with China. He expressed grave concern about China’s militarization of the Pacific.

According to the official, the US has yet to have in-depth discussions with the new Fijian leadership, so it is too early to tell if the move on policing signals a shift in Fiji’s stance toward China. The Fijian government did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

2. UNEP-managed CITES database reveals Red Sanders smuggling(2023)

Red sanders Smuggling reported by CITES database managed by UNEP 

According to the wildlife trade monitoring organisation TRAFFIC, there is a clear discrepancy in the reporting of trade in endangered species by exporting and importing countries.

Why is red sanders smuggling in new? As reported by CITES 

According to a factsheet prepared by TRAFFIC, a global wildlife trade monitoring organisation, the CITES trade database has recorded 28 incidents of Red Sanders confiscation, seizure, and specimen from the wild being exported from India. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments whose goal is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not endanger the species’ survival.

What is the CITES report regarding to red sander from 2016-2020 ? relating to smuggling issue 

“From 2016 to 2020, these consignments were exported to China (53.5%), Hong Kong (25.0%), Singapore (17.8%), and the United States of America (3.5%),” according to the factsheet. Pterocarpus santalinus, also known as red sandalwood, is an endemic tree species found only in India’s Eastern Ghats. 

The species, which grows to a height of 10 to 15 metres in Andhra Pradesh, is one of India’s most exploited tree species and is under severe threat from illegal logging and harvesting. The import of Red Sanders is prohibited under India’s foreign trade policy, while export is restricted.

Red Sander in India ? Issue faced in India as per the Factsheet 

“India reported a log export of more than 19,049 tonnes. In comparison, importing countries reported approximately 4,610 tonnes of logs, 127 tonnes of sawn wood, 20 tonnes of transformed wood, and 980 kg of wood products, clearly indicating a discrepancy in Red Sander trade reporting,” according to the factsheet.

According to a recent communiqué titled “RED SANDERS: Factsheet on India’s Red Sanders in the Illegal Wildlife Trade,” China remains the largest importer, with over 13,618 tonnes of the products imported, followed by Hong Kong (5,215 tonnes) and Singapore (216 tonnes).

What causes a strain on the Red Sanders ? 

“Illegal logging and harvesting are putting severe strain on Red Sanders. Its heartwood is in high demand in both domestic and international markets, where it is used to make furniture and handicrafts, and its red dye is used as a colouring agent in textiles and medicines. “There has been widespread illegal logging reported throughout its range state,” said Merwyn Fernandes, coordinator of TRAFFIC’s India office.

Why is Red Sanders now regarded in Endangered list of IUCN ? 

Red Sanders, which is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and Schedule IV of The Wildlife Protection Act, is a very slow-growing tree species that matures in natural forests after 25-40 years.

The document also highlighted the species’ conservation efforts and stated that in 2016, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Act was amended via A.P. Act No.15 of 2016, to grant Red Sanders special protection status. Red Sanders offences were made cognizable and non-bailable, and the penalties associated with them were increased.

Conclusion 

The publication advocated for the designation of Red Sanders’ habitat forests as ‘High Conservation Areas’ in order to provide an adequate legal framework for protecting the species and its habitat. “Enforcement agencies such as Forest Departments, Customs, Railways, Police, DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence), and Coast Guards must coordinate efforts to curb Red Sanders trafficking by sharing information on hotspots and transit routes, as well as real-time intelligence related to Red Sanders smuggling,” according to the factsheet.

3. Republicans in the United States have removed ‘anti-India’ Ilhan Omar from a key House committee(2023)

The Republican-led House voted Thursday to remove Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar citing her anti-Israel remarks.

The Republican-majority House of Representatives voted to remove Democratic Party Congresswoman Ilhan Omar from the powerful Foreign Affairs Committee, a move that was swiftly condemned by the White House

Why is Ilhan Omar in the news? Regarding her anti-Israel remarks.

Republicans in the US House of Representatives removed Omar from the high-profile committee after she made remarks widely condemned as anti-Semitic. This comes two years after Democrats removed two Republicans from committee assignments.

The House of Representatives voted 218-211 along party lines to remove Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee, citing her 2019 remarks for which she later apologised. One Republican cast a “present” vote. 

Who is Ilhan Omar ? 

Omar, who came to the US as a refugee from Somalia, is the only African-born member of Congress and one of the House’s only Muslim women. She was the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee’s Africa subcommittee.

Shortly after the vote, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries made a countermove, announcing that he intends to appoint Omar to a seat on the Budget Committee “where she will defend Democratic values against right-wing extremism”.

Why did the Republicans wanted to oust IIhan Omar 

Republicans, who won a narrow House majority in November after years in the minority, said they wanted Omar, a third-term House member, removed from the Foreign Affairs Committee for statements such as a 2019 tweet that read, “It’s all about the Benjamins baby,” implying that Israel’s supporters in US politics were motivated by money rather than principle.

The $100 bill depicts Benjamin Franklin, whose signature on the 1776 Declaration of Independence and the 1787 US Constitution earned him the title of founding father.

What debate was undertaken regarding to the same 

Republican Mike Lawler said during the debate, “Words and rhetoric are important. It is harmful. The congresswoman is being held accountable for her actions and words.”

Omar and other Democrats claimed that any such comments were made years ago, and that she deleted the posts and apologised at the time.

A defiant Omar said moments before the House expelled her from the committee, “My leadership and voice will not be diminished if I am not on this committee… my voice will become louder and stronger.”

Omar has previously stated that when US forces or those of other countries injure or kill civilians, they should be held to the same standards of accountability.

What was the Core Issue : IIhan Omar 

Greene compared the Covid-19 mask requirements and vaccinations in 2021 to the Nazi Holocaust, which killed 6 million Jews. She finally apologised. Prior to her election to Congress in 2020, she advanced unfounded conspiracy theories, including an anti-Semitic claim that a space laser was possibly used to intentionally start a California wildfire.

Gosar had shared a video on social media in which he appeared to murder another House member, Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Omar and Ocasio-Cortez were part of “The Squad,” a group of progressive House Democrats elected in 2018 that included Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib. Since then, the movement has grown

How did IIhan Omar try to rectify her mistake ? 

“Accountability has been established. Ilhan Omar has issued an apology. She has stated that she will “learn from her mistakes” and that she is “building bridges” with the Jewish community. This isn’t about responsibility. It’s all about political vengeance.”

McCarthy previously turned down appointments to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for Democrats Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell. Both played critical roles in impeaching Republican former President Donald Trump

4. Pak National Assembly divided over launching ‘another operation’ to eliminate terrorism

Following the horrific attack on the Peshawar mosque on January 30, which killed at least 101 people, the majority of whom were police officers, Pakistan’s National Assembly was starkly divided over the prospect of beginning a fresh military operation against terrorists. The explosion happened on Monday at about 1 p.m. in the mosque’s central hall when a suicide bomber blew himself up.

Divided Lawmakers 

On Wednesday, the National Assembly saw some fiery remarks in which legislators emphasized national unity in the fight against terrorism but provided differing opinions while holding to their party principles.

Notably, the Pakistan Army carried out Operation Zarb-e-Azb in 2014, which targeted various militant organizations in North Waziristan, a region in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border.

As per the leading daily Dawn, the majority of MPs were opposed to launching another anti-terrorism operation and questioned the effectiveness of previous operations.

JUI-F Minister for Religious Affairs Moulvi Abdul Shakoor is fiercely opposed to launching a new military operation against terrorists because it would wreak even more havoc in tribal areas. He said that ministers in the previous PTI government in KP paid militants extortion money.

National committee to take charge

Addressing the National Assembly, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the operation against terrorists will be decided by the country’s National Security Committee.

The Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, further alleged that members of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Pakistani Taliban who were serving death sentences had been released by former PM Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. The Same TTP claimed responsibility for the Peshawar attacks.

According to Geo News, Pakistan’s Interior Minister acknowledged the belief that the TTP, formally known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan, is an umbrella ororganization of various Islamist armed militant groups operating along the Afghan-Pakistani border, would lay down their arms and submit to the law was erroneous.

Legal

1. Changes to Competition Amendment Bill likely next week in Budget session

The government is likely to introduce changes to the Competition Amendment Bill in the ongoing Budget session of Parliament next week, incorporating some of the parliamentary panel’s recommendations, according to a senior official. 

Why is the new amendment bill opposed?

While the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has rejected the standing committee on finance’s proposal to allow intellectual property rights (IPR) as a defence against the abuse of dominant position, it has accepted the suggestion to allow cartels to avail of the settlement scheme under the Competition Amendment Bill. 

The panel had said that the MCA had not put forth a strong argument as to why IPR could not be used as a defence against the abuse of a dominant position.

It said, “… it would be more desirable for the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to specifically take into consideration the rights a party may have in relation to the reasonable exercise of its IPR when dealing with cases of abuse of dominance to avoid uncertainty.” 

The government has also not agreed to the Jayant Sinha-led panel’s proposal to introduce an effect-based analysis, asking CCI to instead study different factors, such as the impact on consumers, innovation, and the competition before adjudicating conduct as violative of the competition law.

What were the recommendations of the Standing Committee?

Other changes sought by the standing committee included a review of the deal value threshold every year – instead of every two years. The committee had also recommended against shortening merger review timelines that may be burdensome for an already understaffed commission. This is being reviewed by the antitrust watchdog.   

What were the changes brought through the bill?

Doubts had also been raised in the standing committee’s report about the provision concerning the hub-and-spoke model introduced in the Bill. The provision says that any party, even if it is not involved in an identical or similar trade, but “actively participates in the furtherance of such agreement”, would be liable. 

“It is seen that many associations provide a platform where parties reach an agreement to fix prices or allocate markets,” the CCI had said. 

The standing committee had flagged concerns that the Bill did not specify what constituted ‘active participation’ as it could also include entities providing intermediate services, such as digital platforms or an industry association organising meetings without agenda to share sensitive information.

The committee, therefore, suggested that the Bill insert “if it is proved that such person intended to actively participate” in the said clause. It is not known yet whether the government has accepted some of these suggestions of the parliamentary panel.

Highlights of the Bill

The Bill seeks to amend the Competition Act, 2002, to regulate mergers and acquisitions based on the value of transactions.  Deals with transaction value of more than Rs 2,000 crore will require CCI’s approval.  The Bill proposes to reduce the timeline for the CCI to pass an order on such transactions from 210 days to 150 days. 

The Bill expands the scope of entities that can be adjudged to be a part of anti-competitive agreements.  Currently, enterprises or persons engaged in similar businesses can be held to be a part of anti-competitive agreements.  The Bill expands this to also include enterprises or persons who are not engaged in similar businesses.

The Bill provides a framework for settlement and commitment for faster resolution of investigations of anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant position. 

The Bill decriminalises certain offences under the Act by changing the nature of punishment from imposition of fine to civil penalties.  These offences include failure to comply with orders of the CCI and directions of the Director General related to anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant position.

4th February 2023

National

1. RBI Says- Banking sector stable and resilient amid Adani rout

On Friday, in between the concerns related to the exposure of lenders to the embattled Adani Group, the country’s banking system is resilient and stable, said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Statement of Reserve Bank of India-

The Reserve Bank of India has said that- 

“Various parameters relating to capital adequacy, asset quality, liquidity, provision coverage and profitability are healthy. Banks are also in compliance with the Large Exposure Framework guidelines issued by the RBI.”

“It remains vigilant and continues to monitor the stability of the Indian banking sector.”

“There have been media reports expressing concern about the exposures of Indian banks to a business conglomerate. As the regulator and supervisor, the RBI maintains a constant vigil on the banking sector and on individual banks with a view to maintain financial stability,”

“As per the RBI’s current assessment, the banking sector remains resilient and stable. Various parameters relating to capital adequacy, asset quality, liquidity, provision coverage and profitability are healthy. Banks are also in compliance with the Large Exposure Framework (LEF) guidelines issued by the RBI,”

“As the regulator and supervisor, the RBI maintains a constant vigil on the banking sector and on individual banks with a view to maintain financial stability. The RBI has a Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC) database system where the banks report their exposure of Rs 5 crore and above which is used for monitoring purposes.”

About RBI-

• Established on April 1, 1935 in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• Established in Kolkata and then permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937.
• Owned by the Government of India

About Adani Group

• Adani Group is an Indian multinational conglomerate.
• Its headquarter is in Ahmedabad. 
• It was founded by Gautam Adani, in 1988 as a commodity trading business, with the flagship company Adani Enterprises.

2. IAF to acquire new transport aircraft under ‘Make in India’ initiative

For acquiring a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA), the Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated the process and it will be manufactured under the ‘Make In India’ initiative.

Aim for acquiring the Medium Transport (MTA)

• It will be used for transport aircraft.
• It will have a capacity of carrying cargo between 18-30 tonnes.
• Aim of acquiring the MTA is to embark on a transformation of the defense sector.
• It will be manufactured under the ‘make in India’ programme.

About other projects of the Indian Armed Forces

Manufacturing of various defense platforms to meet the defense modernization need of the Indian forces such as-

• missiles, 
• field guns, 
• tanks, 
• aircraft carriers, 
• drones, 
• fighter planes, 
• tanks, and 
• helicopters.

About Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force is a very important part of the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Air Force assets ranks as the third most powerful air force in the world. Its primary mission is to conduct aerial warfare during armed conflicts.

About Make in India

• It was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2014 and this initiative was part of a wider set of nation building initiatives.
• It represents a complete change of the government’s mindset – a shift from issuing authority to business partner, in keeping with Prime Minister’s tenet of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’.
• Make in India is an initiative by the Government of India and its aim is to encourage companies to develop, manufacture, assemble products made in India, incentivize, and improve investments into manufacturing.
• This campaign facilitates investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, protect intellectual property & build best in class manufacturing infrastructure.

3. NTPC to host G20 International Seminar on ‘Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage

This seminar is likely to be attended by industries, policymakers, scientists and academicians of different countries

In the presidency of India, the 1st. Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting is scheduled to be held from 5th February to 7th February 2023.

About G20 International Seminar on Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage

• On 5th February 2023 at Taj Westend, Bangalore, NTPC India’s largest integrated power utility will be hosting a side event, International Seminar on Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). 
• Many industries, policy makers, scientists and academicians of different countries will be attending the seminar.
• Focusing on underlining the importance of CCUS for achieving “clean energy transition” and moving it towards Net Zero.
• 150+ delegates from 19 countries, the European Union and 9 other guest countries will be part of the meeting.
• Leading International organizations, regional organizations and knowledge partners will be part of the meeting.
• This seminar will share, collaborate and build the sense of trusteeship among member countries.
• This seminar will help the member countries to build a sustainable future for all.

About National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)-

• NTPC is India’s largest power utility with an installed capacity of 71,544  MW (including JVs), 
• Established in 1975, NTPC aims to be the world’s largest and best power major.
• NTPC has comprehensive Rehabilitation & Resettlement and CSR policies well integrated with its core business of setting up power projects and generating electricity. 
• The company is committed to generating reliable power at competitive prices in a sustainable manner by optimizing the use of multiple energy sources with innovative eco-friendly technologies.
• NTPC is contributing to the economic development of the nation and upliftment of the society.

Click on the links to read more on G-20 Summit-

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Click to read more on G 20 summit

Important Days

1. World Cancer Day is observed on 4th January

As per the World Health Organisation Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide

On 4th February, World Cancer Day is observed all over the world. It was started in the year 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control with the aim to inform and encourage people on its prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. As per the reports there are more than 100 types of cancer that are affecting human lives.

About Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)

• In 1993 UICC was established in Geneva
• It is a society working towards the eradication of cancer around the world and supporting the advancement of medical research in the same field
• UICC celebrated the first Cancer Day in Geneva, Switzerland in the year 2000
• Other organizations supporting this initiative are cancer societies and treatment centers
•  At the first world Summit, World Cancer Day was made official in the year 2000

Awareness towards Cancer

• There are several types of cancer that can be cured by effective treatment if they are detected early
• Implementation of the prevention strategies and avoiding risk factors can help prevent 30-50 percent of cancers

Aim of the World Cancer Day

The aim of the World Cancer Day is to-

• Raise awareness towards the symptoms and detection of cancer
• Focuses on eradication, misinformation and myths of cancer
• Motivating neighbors to provide transport to cancer treatment 

Prevention of Cancer

• Avoid using tobacco
• Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet
• Avoid drinking alcohols
• Avoid using processed meats
• Keep a check on weight and indulge in physical activities
• Protect yourself from UV rays

Significance of the World Cancer Day

• For raising awareness towards cancer
• To reduce the social stigma towards the disease
• To promote the healthier and cancer free world
• To educate people about the cancer
• For raising attention of the developing countries towards the cancer treatment and prevention

6th February 2023

International

1. US moves to recover Chinese balloon as pressure mounts on President Biden

The USA has shot down a Chinese Balloon believing it as spy equipment. The US has now sent the divers to recover the parts of the Chinese Balloon due to the increasing pressure on President Joe Biden and he has hit back at China with the new export controls on sensitive technology.

Reasons for shooting the Chinese Balloon-

• The US Government expected it to be spy equipment and believed that the equipment was capable of taking detailed photographs and is equipped with other sensors.
• As per the US Government, the Chinese Balloon was equal to the size of the two school buses.
• Its sensors are lying in 50 feet of water and scattered over a seven-mile area off Myrtle Beach.
• As per the US Government it was part of a broader spying program by Beijing. 
• Divers and cranes were expected to haul the remains up soon and will provide the intelligence analysts crucial insight into Chinese spying capabilities.

Statements from China’s Vice Foreign Minister-

The Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng has said that- 

“The device was a climate-research “airship” that strayed off course.”

“The decision was a clear overreaction.” 

“China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the company concerned, and reserves the right to make further responses if necessary.”

Statement of Chief Economist for Greater China at ING Group NV-

The Chief Economist for Greater China at ING Group NV, Iris Pang has said that- 

“Both sides will likely impose more export bans on technology in different industries.”

Statement of US Senate-

The US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said that-

“The bottom line here is that shooting down the balloon over water wasn’t just the safest option, but it was the one that maximized our intel gain.”

About Recovering the remains of the Chinese Balloon-

• US Navy’s divers and Diving Unit 2 and cranes are expected to recover the remains of the balloon’s payload.
• The operation is managed by the commander of the USS Carter Hall, a dock landing vessel that normally carries US Marines and their equipment in an Amphibious Readiness Group.
• The Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the USS Oscar Austin, a guided missile destroyer, were guarding the operation along with the USCGC Venturous, USCGC Richard Snyder and USCGC Nathan Bruckenthal.

Relationship between India and China-

Both the countries have maintained peaceful relations for thousands of years as per the recorded history and the harmony of their relationship has varied, after the Chinese Communist Party’s victory in the Chinese Civil War in 1949.

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

About China-

President- Xi Jinping

Capital- Beijing

Currency- yuan

2. New long-range weapons will not target Russia: Ukraine defense minister

On Sunday, the Defense Minister of Oleksiy Reznikov said that Kyiv would not use new long-range weapons from the West to strike targets in Russia.

Statements of the Defense Minister of Ukraine-

“On Friday our partners decided to provide us with weapons capable of firing at a distance of 150 kilometers, or around 90 miles.”

“We always tell our partners that we take an obligation not to use the weapons of foreign partners against the territory of Russia, only against their units in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine for the purpose of de-occupying our land.”

“Kyiv expected a possible Russian offensive later this month.” 

“Not all Western weapons will arrive by the time of a possible Russian offensive this month.”

“We are ready to fight back.”

Effect of the Weapons received by Ukraine-

The New-Long range weapons received by Ukraine will help the country to-

• Double the strike range against the Russian forces
• Strike anywhere in the Russian-occupied Donbas, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson and the northern parts of occupied Crimea.

About the Weapons received by Ukraine-

• The US has announced a $2.2 billion package of arms and ammunition for Ukraine which includes a new rocket-propelled precision bomb.
• France and Italy are expected to deliver mobile surface-to-air missile systems.

India-Russia Relationship-

Both the countries consider their relationship as a “special and privileged strategic partnership.” Both the countries have aligned interest in creating a multipolar world order instead of bipolar world with the decline of the American led unipolar world order.

India-Ukraine Relationship-

Both the countries share a trade relation and economic co-operation which developed on the basis of long-standing friendship between the two countries. A treaty of friendship and cooperation was signed between India and Ukraine in March 1992, which boosted the trade relations between the two countries.

About Russia-

President- Vladimir Putin

Capital- Moscow

Currency- Russian Ruble

About Ukraine-

President- Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Capital- Kyiv

Currency- Ukrainian Hryvnia

3. Dubai receives 14.36 mn int’l visitors in 2022, close to pre-Covid levels

As per the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in 2022, Dubai has received 14.36 million international overnight visitors. The number of visitors has grown 97% from the visitors who arrived in 2021 i.e. 7.28 million tourists. With this Dubai has also witnessed one of the world’s highest average hotel occupancy rates of 73 percent in 2022.

Effects of the rise in the tourism in Dubai-

• Rise in tourism will contribute to the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Prime Minister).
• Dubai’s 2022 tourism raise further validated its ranking as the Number 1 global destination in the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2023.
• The rise in the visitors to Dubai has exceeded both global and regional barometers of recovery with visitors to the city in 2022.
• Dubai’s traditional key markets have spiked and have shown relative growth in the emerging markets.

Statement of the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai-

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai and the Executive Council of Dubai has said that- 

“The remarkable rise in international visitation in 2022 supports the ambitious goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033. The tourism and travel sector contributes significantly to the leadership’s aim of making the emirate a model for excellence in the global economy.”

Reasons for the growth and recovery in Dubai-

• Global campaigns conducted in collaboration with regional and international celebrities, opinion leaders, influencers and community personalities.
• Highlighting the city’s unique appeal and experiences.
• Short films featuring Hollywood stars like Jessica Alba and Zac Effron, shot against the city’s iconic landmarks and unique hidden locations.
• Global campaign ‘Where the World Celebrates’ featuring French football star Karim Benzema.
• Dubai’s mega global event which attracts millions of visitors.
• Dubai’s Expo 2020 is a global business and leisure event.
• Dubai also launched the inaugural Dubai Esports festival.
• Dubai’s annual global sports tournaments and events attract the sports icons, players and fans from all over the world.

India and UAE Relationship-

Both countries are in the I2U2 Group. India is UAE’s largest export destination and trading partner with bilateral trade turnover of US $68.4 billion in the year 2021. Indians also make up the largest ethnic group in the UAE, making up roughly 38% of UAE’s total residents. 

About UAE-

President- Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Capital- Abu Dhabi

Currency-  UAE Dirham

Awards and Recognition

1. Grammys 2023: Beyoncé makes history and Harry Styles wins album of the year

Billed as “music’s biggest night”, the Grammys are the industry’s most prestigious awards. At this year’s Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Beyoncé earned a record-breaking 32nd Grammy Award, while Harry Styles won album of the year.

Beyoncé’s Big Night

Beyoncé made history as she won the best dance/electronic album for Renaissance, her euphoric dance masterpiece. She surpassed Hungarian-British conductor George Solti, whose record of 31 Grammys had held for more than two decades. Overall, Beyoncé won four prizes at the ceremony.

“I’m trying not to be too emotional,” the star stated as she accepted her award. She went on to thank her family, particularly her late uncle Jonny, who assisted in the creation of her stage ensembles before she became popular.

Beyoncé has previously said his battle with HIV influenced her interest in dance music, and its historical ties to the LGBTQ community, on Renaissance.

Despite her success, Beyoncé was denied the coveted album of the year prize again. She has now lost the trophy four times, most recently in 2017 when Adele’s 25 defeated her confessional masterpiece Lemonade. Adele used her acceptance speech at the moment to declare that Beyoncé was the more worthy winner (although she held on to the trophy).

Harry Styles’ Big Win

This year, Harry Styles took the crown, with Grammy voters recognizing the slick, radio-friendly pop of his third record Harry’s House.

The British star downplayed the significance of the award in his address.”On nights like tonight, it’s obviously so important for us to remember that there is no such thing as best in music,” said the singer.

“I don’t think any of us sit in the studio, making decisions based on what is going to get us one of these.”

Earlier in the night, the star also won best pop album – receiving his award with a kiss from Jennifer Lopez.

“This album from start to finish has been the greatest experience of my life,” he said. “From making it with two of my best friends to playing for people has been the greatest joy I could have asked for.”

British artists triumph

Adele, Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, Shania Twain, and Stevie Wonder attended the show on Sunday, and Lizzo, Steve Lacy, and Brandi Carlile performed.

Indie band Wet Leg took home two awards, including best alternative album, and Sam Smith took home best pop duo/group performance for Unholy, a duet with Kim Petras.

Smith’s Grammy was their first since 2015, when they took home four awards, including the best new artist. However, the singer let Petras take the microphone to commemorate yet another historic feat.

“Sam graciously wanted me to accept this award because I’m the first transgender woman to win this award,” said the German-born singer. 

The 2023 Grammys came and went. Records were broken, jokes were made, and those the music world lost were remembered. From Beyoncé becoming the most awarded Grammy winner to the celebration of five decades of hip-hop.

7th February 2023

National

1. India will always be reliable: Om Birla to Bhutan National Assembly speaker

 OM Birla, Lok Sabha Speaker said that India would always be a reliable friend to Bhutan. During a meeting with a Bhutanese Parliamentary delegation, the amount of Rs 2,4000 crore has been allocated to the neighboring country in the year 2023 Union Budget.

About the aid granted to Bhutan-

• India allocated the amount of Rs 2,400 crore to Bhutan in the Union Budget for the year 2023.
• The aid constitutes 41.04 percent of the Ministry of External Affairs development assistance.

Statements of Lok Sabha Speaker-

The Lok Sabha speaker, Om Birla has said that-

“The ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given a new direction to India-Bhutan relations.”

“The Government of India has allocated Rs 2,400 crore from this year’s Union Budget to Bhutan and it will reflect the close ties between the two countries.”

“India will always be a reliable friend to Bhutan.”

Reasons for granting the aid to Bhutan-

• To expand the scope of bilateral cooperation with Bhutan.
• To prioritize the needs of the Bhutanese People.
• National assembly Speaker of Bhutan Wangchuk Namgyal and Om Birla have also signed a MoU aimed at cooperation between the two Parliaments.

India-Bhutan Relationship-

Both the countries share a unique bilateral relationship, characterized by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding. Both the countries have tried to sustain the relationship by a tradition of regular high level visits and dialogues between the two countries.

About Bhutan-

Prime Minister- Lotay Tshering

Capital- Thimphu

Currency- Bhutan Ngultrum.

2. Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for setting up digital forensic laboratories

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) on February 07, 2023 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today for the establishment of digital forensic laboratories, as well as the exchange of information and knowledge, technological advancement, and skill development in digital forensics. Shri Surjit Bhujabal, Pr. Director General, DGGI, and Dr. J. M. Vyas, Vice Chancellor, NFSU, Gandhinagar, signed the MoU.

GST Intelligence gets centre’s nod to set up five digital forensic labs to foil tax evaders

 In a bid to tighten the noose on tax evaders, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has approved to set up of five digital forensic laboratories in the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), the CBIC chairman has informed in a letter to GST officers.

Role of DGGI

Since it is the CBIC’s top investigation division:

• DGGI makes great use of data analysis techniques and state-of-the-art technology to uncover serious tax fraud and dismantle massive false invoice networks.
• It also apprehends several perpetrators in these situations. This MoU will strengthen the DGGI’s investigative and digital forensic capabilities and help the organization bring successful cases to trial and get guilty verdicts.
• In addition to protecting government revenues and plugging leaks, swift and successful convictions of significant tax offenders also support trade facilitation by guaranteeing a fair tax system to the honest taxpayer.
• For DGGI, this will be a crucial step in acquiring the necessary physical infrastructure, skill sets, and expertise in the field of digital forensics.

About DGGI and NFSU

In order to gather information, disseminate it, and take the required steps to prevent GST evasion, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has established DGGI as its top intelligence organization.

The Indian Parliament created the NFSU as an institution of national importance to advance forensic science education and research. The first and only forensic sciences institute, NFSU is equipped with cutting-edge digital forensics equipment and the capacity to examine and analyze digital evidence.

 It has established cooperation in the field of digital forensics with various national agencies like the Enforcement Directorate, DRDO, and Central Bureau of Investigation, etc. as well as several countries and their institutions.

The MoU will make it easier for DGGI and NFSU to set up digital forensic laboratories, collaborate on research and training programmes, and give technical support to each other.

Inauguration

1. Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates 2nd SCO Young Scientist Conclave in Bengaluru

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore is hosting the SCO Young Scientist Conclave from February 6-10, 2023. This is the 2nd edition and its theme revolves around 5 areas. Agriculture and food processing, environmental protection and natural resource management, artificial intelligence and big data research and application, sustainable energy and end energy storage, disease biology and healthcare.

What did he say in his Inaugural Address?

Dr Jitendra Singh, while delivering his inaugural address at the Second SCO Young Scientist Conclave in Bengaluru noted that India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, at the 19th Meeting of Council of Heads of State of SCO, had coined an acronym HEALTH (‘H’ for Health-care cooperation, ‘E’ for Economic cooperation, ‘A’ for Alternate Energy, ‘L’ for Literature and Culture ‘T’ for Terrorism free society, ‘H’ for Humanitarian Cooperation). 

He said that SCO brings together the colorful and distinctive cultures of Central and South Asia and it promotes mutual assistance and team spirit. The Minister added that the SCO consists of approximately 42% of the world’s population and has the demographic advantage of having a large number of young people.

Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted Food security as a major area of concern for SCO economies, as it accounts for a combined population of over three billion people. He said that technology will play a critical role in enhancing both the quality and quantity, across the agriculture value chain from the use of inputs at the pre-production stage to post-production to improve the income of farmers.

The Minister said that Environmental degradation has been a cause of concern in the SCO space , especially in the Central Asian region. Dr. Singh noted that providing every person with accessible, reliable, sustainable and modern energy sources is one of the major Goals of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda. He said that we must boost our science and technology cooperation in the field of energy innovations based on the principle of technology neutrality.

He added that India, today, has attained the 3rd position globally in terms of number of publications and also 3rd in number of Start-Ups. He said that from just 400 registered startups in 2014 to 85 thousand in 2022, India’s startup ecosystem has grown exponentially.

The Union Minister exhorted the young scientists, saying their motto should be – to Innovate, Patent, Produce and Prosper. He said, these four steps will lead our countries towards faster development.

Secretary General, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Mr. Ziang Ming hoped that work done by young scientists will promote research, education, science, technology. This collaborative research may help in bringing up the social and economic status of the member states.

Representatives of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation of SCO countries, Officials, experts, and scientists from India are attending the Conclave to share their experiences and learn from each other in the domain of science & technology.

What is SCO?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a permanent international intergovernmental organization. The creation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was announced in June 2001 in Shanghai (China) by the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Uzbekistan, The Russian Federation,  and the Republic of Tajikistan.

• In the historical meeting of the Heads of State Council of the SCO held in June 2017 in Astana, the status of a full member of the Organization was granted to the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in this meeting.

Members countries of SCO

There are 9 Member States:

1. China
2. India
3. Kazakhstan
4. Kyrgyzstan
5. Russia
6. Pakistan
7. Tajikistan
8. Uzbekistan
9. Iran

What is the role and significance of SCO?

Significance

• The SCO covers 40% of the global population, nearly 20% of the global GDP and 22% of the world’s land mass.
• The SCO has a strategically important role in Asia due to its geographical significance – this enables it to control Central Asia and limit the American influence in the region.
• SCO is seen as a counterweight to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Role

1. Strengthening mutual trust and neighborliness among the member states;
2. To promote their effective cooperation in trade, politics, research, the economy, technology, and culture.
3. Education, transport, energy, environmental protection, tourism, and other areas;
4. Making joint efforts to maintain and ensure security, stability, and peace in the region;
5. Moving toward the establishment of a democratic, rational, and fair new international economic and political order.
6. The organization pursues its internal policy based on the principles of mutual benefit, mutual trust, mutual consultations, equality, respect for cultural diversity, and a desire for common development, while the external policy is conducted under the principles of non-targeting and non-alignment.

International

1. World heading toward a wider war, fears UN chief Antonio Guterres

UN Chief warned and said that the world is facing a challenge and expressed fear of a wider war as the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches. 

Statement of Secretary General-

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General has said that- 

“Experts who surveyed the state of the world in 2023 set the Doomsday Clock at 90 seconds to midnight the closest ever to total global catastrophe.”

“This year’s 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should serve as a reminder that the foundation of the inalienable rights of all people is freedom, justice and peace.”

“The transformation needed today must start with peace, beginning in Ukraine where unfortunately, peace prospects keep diminishing and the chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing.”

“I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war. It is doing so with its eyes wide open.”

“The so-called ‘tactical’ use of nuclear weapons is absurd.”

Challenges Addressed by the Secretary General-

He also pointed out the other challenges such as-

• the war in Ukraine, 
• runaway climate catastrophe, 
• rising nuclear threats, 
• the widening gulf between the world’s haves and have-nots, and
• the epic geopolitical divisions undermining global solidarity and trust.
• Israeli-Palestinian conflict
• in Afghanistan where the rights of women and girls are being trampled and deadly terrorist attacks continue and in Africa’s Sahel region where security is deteriorating at an alarming rate
• Myanmar which is facing new violence and repression, in Haiti where gangs are holding the country hostage, and elsewhere around the world for the two billion people who live in countries affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.
• Rising poverty and hunger around the world.
• Developing countries are forced to pay five times more to borrow money than advanced economies.

Preventive measures suggested by the Secretary General-

• All the countries shall recommit to the UN Charter and call for a peaceful settlement of disputes and focus on conflict prevention and reconciliation.
• He also proposed a new UN Agenda for Peace. It calls for a new generation of peace enforcement missions and counter-terrorist operations, led by regional forces, with a UN Security Council mandate that can be enforced militarily and guaranteed funding.
•  The countries should reconsider the first use of all nuclear weapons which includes tactical nuclear weapons.
• The countries shall put the needs of developing countries at the center of every decision.
• The Secretary General urged the multilateral development banks to change their business model.

About United Nations-

The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization. Its purposes are:

• To maintain international peace and security,
• Develop friendly relations among nations,
• Achieve international cooperation
• Be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.

Chief Secretary- Antonio Guterres

Headquarters- NewYork City and other offices at Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi.

2. Turkey Earthquake: First Indian C17 flight reaches Adana with relief material, utilities

S Jaishankar said that the first Indian Air Force Plane carrying disaster relief and rescue materials and teams has reached Adana in Turkey.

Essentials supplied to Turkey-

• 50 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
• Specially trained dog squad along with necessary equipment
• Medical supplies
• Drilling machines
• And other necessary equipment required for the aid.

Statement of Turkey Embassy-

“First batch of earthquake relief material along with NDRF’s special search & rescue teams and trained dog squads just arrived in Turkiye. Thank you India for your support and solidarity.”

Statement from Ministry of External Affairs-

S Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs has said that- 

“First Indian C17 flight with more than 50 @NDRFHQ Search & Rescue personnel, specially trained dog squads, drilling machines, relief material, medicines and other necessary utilities & equipment reaches Adana, Turkiye.”

Statement of Deputy Commandant NDRF-

Deepak Talwar, Deputy Commandant NDRF has said that- 

“This team consists of 47 NDRF personnel and three senior officers to perform recovery and response work as per the United Nations guidelines.”

“We have received the orders for two teams. First team is about to move very soon and the second team will be leaving in the morning. We’re going for disaster response & after that, humanitarian aid will be provided as per Government of India guidelines,”

India-Turkey Relationship-

Diplomatic relations were established and Ambassadors exchanged in 1948. Since then the political and bilateral relations have been usually characterized by warmth and cordiality, although some sporadic tensions remain due to Turkey’s support for Pakistan.

About Turkey

President- Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Capital- Ankara

Currency- Turkish Lira

Click on the links below to read more on the recent earthquakes-

Click here to read about the Earthquake

3. India to send two more IAF planes with rescue personnel, relief materials to quake-hit Turkey

To assist in rescue and relief operations India will send two more C-17 Indian Air Force planes to Turkey with 60 Para Field Hospital and personnel.

About Medical Team and Aid-

The medical team includes critical care specialist teams-

• Orthopaedic Surgical Team
• General Surgical Specialist Team
• Medical specialist team
• Other medical necessities and teams.

Equipments includes-

• X-ray machines
• Ventilators
• Oxygen generation plant
• Cardiac monitors and 
• Related equipment to establish a 30 bedded medical facility.

Statements from Indian Officials-

Indian Air Force Tweets-

“A strategic transport aircraft C-17 has left for Turkey bearing search and rescue teams of the National Disaster Response Forum (NDRF).”

Arindam Bagchi spokesperson of Ministry of External affairs has said that-

“India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities were put into action. The 1st batch of earthquake relief materials leaves for Turkiye, along with NDRF search and rescue teams, specially trained dog squads, medical supplies, drilling machines & other necessary equipment.”

S Jaishankar from India’s Ministry of External Affairs has said that-

“Expressed Solidarity and conveyed our support including through supply of medicines.” 

India-Turkey Relationship-

Diplomatic relations were established and Ambassadors exchanged in 1948. Since then the political and bilateral relations have been usually characterized by warmth and cordiality, although some sporadic tensions remain due to Turkey’s support for Pakistan.

About Turkey

President- Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Capital- Ankara

Currency- Turkish Lira

Click on the links below to read more on the recent earthquakes-

Click here to read about the Earthquake

Awards and Recognition

1. Indian-American student named ‘world’s brightest’ by Johns Hopkins for second consecutive year

The US-based Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth has named Natasha Perianayagam an Indian-American schoolgirl as the “World’s brightest student.” The result was based on the above-grade-level tests of over 15,000 students across 76 countries.

About Natasha Pererianayagam

• She is a 13 year old student at Florence M Gaudineer Middle School, in New Jersey.
• She took the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) test when she was in Grade 5 in the year 2021.
• Her results in the verbal and quantitative sections are 90th percentile.
• She performed exceptionally on the SAT, ACT, school and college ability tests.
• Her parents hail from Chennai and she loves doodling and reading JRR Tolkien’s novels.
• She was among the 15,300 students from 76 countries who joined CTY in the year 21-22.

Statements of CTY’s Executive Director

The CTY’s Executive Director Dr. Amy Shelton has said that-

“This is not just recognition of our students’ success on one test, but a salute to their love of discovery and learning, and all the knowledge they have accumulated in their young lives so far.”

“It is exciting to think about all the ways in which they will use that potential to discover their passions, engage in rewarding and enriching experiences, and achieve remarkable things in their communities and in the world.” 

About CTY test

• Center of Talented Youth Test is an above-grade-level testing to identify advanced students from all over the world and provide clarity on their academic abilities.
• Less than 27% participants qualified for the CTY ceremony.
• The SCAT (School and College Ability Test) is a standardized test used by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) to identify 2nd – 12th graders for their program and it measures math and verbal reasoning abilities.

Legal

1. Gowri sworn in as Madras HC judge, SC dismisses plea against appointment

On Tuesday, while lawyer Victoria L Gowri was being sworn in as a Madras High Court judge, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging her appointment. Acting Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, T Raja, administered the oath of office to Gowri and four others.

Her appointment sparked outrage because lawyers alleged her to have given hate speeches against religious minorities and unsuccessfully petitioned the Supreme Court of India to have the appointment revoked.

Gowri’s appointment

On January 17, the collegium recommended Gowri’s elevation to the Madras High Court, sparking a debate in the legal fraternity about her purported ties to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Shortly after, her words against Islam and Christianity in a 2018 YouTube interview footage surfaced.”Like Islam is green terror, Christianity is white terror,” Gowri is said to have said during the interview.

“Bharatanatyam should not be danced for Christian songs,” Gowri added in another interview.

Following the release of such videos, three Madras High Court lawyers filed petitions against Gowri.

2. A new bench comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai took up the case.

A bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai ruled that the court could only evaluate Gowri’s eligibility to an additional judge, not her suitability.

“There is a difference between eligibility and suitability. On eligibility, there could be a challenge. But suitability? The courts should not get into suitability; the whole process will become haywire,” Khanna said at the Supreme Court. 

Arguments

Senior lawyer Raju Ramachandran, who appeared for a petitioner appealing against Gowri’s appointment, said a person taking oath as a judge should bear true faith to the Constitution. “This person has been rendered unfit to take the oath due to her public utterances,” he said.

Justice Khanna said there have been instances of persons with political backgrounds being appointed as judges.

Justice Gavai said, “I also have a political background, I have been a judge for many years and my political background has not come in the way.”

Ramachandran stated that political background is irrelevant in this situation. He also read aloud an informal list of Supreme Court judges with political ties. “It is hate speech. Hate speech which is antithetical to the Constitution. That makes her unfit to take the oath. It will only be a paper oath,” he said.

Manan Kumar Mishra, the head of the Bar Council of India, said the BCI has examined, and “there has been absolutely no complaints of misconduct against the person,” he added.

Petitions contesting her appointment were dismissed by the Supreme Court. “We are not entertaining the writ petitions. Reasons will follow,” the court said. 

Has Supreme Court Ever Quashed HC Judge’s Appointment Before Oath-Taking? Yes, Only Once

In the entire history of the Supreme Court, there is only a single precedent of it quashing an appointment of a High Court judge, after finding that the person recommended was ineligible. That extraordinary action happened in the 1992 case Kumar Padma Prasad vs Union Of India And Ors 1992 2 SCC 428, where the Supreme Court quashed the appointment of one K.N. Srivastava as a judge of the Gauhati High Court, before he took oath.

8th February 2023

National

1. No proposal to bring quota for transgender persons: Government in LS

 Social Justice Ministry responded to a question in the Lok Sabha and said that there is no proposal to bring in reservation for transgender persons in education or employment.

Question asked to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment-

• Whether it is planning to provide reservations to transgender persons? 
• How many trans people are employed in the government and private sectors? 
• How many trans people had registered on the National Portal for Transgender Persons?
• What is the policy to deal with discrimination against them? 

Response from Minister of State for Social Justice-

A Narayanaswamy, Minister of State for Social Justice has said that-

“The Ministry had no information on the number of trans people employed in the government and private sector, adding that so far, just 10,635 people had registered on the national portal.

“The law already prohibited discrimination against transgender persons and that there is no proposal to introduce reservation in jobs and education for trans people.” 

About the petition seeking reservation for trans people-

Delhi High Court has admitted a petition seeking reservation for trans people in jobs and education and issued a notice to the Union Government for the same.

About Lok Sabha-

The Lok Sabha is the lower house of India’s bicameral Parliament. Constitutionally known as the House of the People.

About the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment-

It is a ministry under Government of India and it is responsible for welfare, social justice and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society such as

• Scheduled castes (SC), 
• Other Backward Classes (OBC), 
• LGBT people, 
• The disabled, 
• The elderly, and 
• The victims of drug abuse.

2. RBI hikes repo rate by 25 basis points to control inflation; real GDP growth for FY24 projected at 6.4%

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided by a majority of 4 members out of 6 to raise the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.50% with immediate effect, based on an assessment of the macroeconomic situation and its outlook.

RBI MPC Meet 2023

• The RBI MPC met from February 6-8 for the final monetary policy review of FY23, with widely expected hikes of 25 basis points before hitting the pause button.
• Retail inflation has been falling for two months, with November and December readings falling below the RBI’s upper end of the tolerance band. It is expected to cool down even more in January.
• The Union Budget for 2023-24 outlined the economy’s fiscal roadmap and provided relief on the deficit front. Global commodity prices have leveled off, but risks remain, as a strong rebound in China could drive up energy prices.

The following are the key points of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das’ speech:

Repo hike

• The key interest rate was raised by the RBI MPC by 25 basis points, bringing it to 6.5 percent. As a result, the MSF increased to 6.75% and the SDF increased to 6.25%.
• The MPC also decided to continue with the withdrawal of accommodation stance.

Economic Growth

• The Economic Survey predicted that India’s economy would grow by 6.5 percent in FY24, but the RBI predicted 6.4 percent instead.
• According to the governor, high frequency indicators point to an increase in economic activity.
• There are indications that new capacity is being created in industries like cement, steel, mining, and chemical.
• The government’s push for capital expenditures, along with anticipated higher Rabi output and persistent demand in the sector of contact-based services, will support investment activity.

Inflation

• The RBI predicted a 6.5% inflation rate for FY23. The RBI anticipates retail inflation to ease to 5.3% in the upcoming fiscal, 2023–2024.
• Core inflation’s tendency to stick around is problematic.
• A good Rabi harvest will help the outlook for food inflation, the governor said.

Softening in CAD

• The current account deficit (CAD) situation has improved in the third quarter after worsening in the first half of the current fiscal year, according to the governor of the RBI.
• According to him, the CAD will moderate in H2 and remain easily controllable.

UPI expansion

• By enabling all incoming travellers to use the platform for merchant payments, the RBI also made a significant contribution to extending UPI’s reach.
• Travelers from G20 nations will initially have access to the facility.

G-sec

• The RBI has proposed allowing lending and borrowing of government bonds, which is a significant step.
• Government bond market hours have also been changed back to their pre-pandemic 9am to 5pm schedule.

Liquidity

• The RBI governor stated that the system liquidity is still in excess and that any growth in liquidity due to increased capex and foreign inflows will be restrained by scheduled the redemption of LTRO and TLTRO.

Coin vending machine

• “The Reserve Bank of India will launch a pilot project on QR-based coin vending machines in 12 cities.
•  These vending machines will dispense coins against debit to customer’s account using UPI instead of physical tendering of bank notes,” the Governor said in his speech.
• Additionally, he mentioned that this would make it simpler to access coins. “Based on the learnings from the pilot will be issued to banks to promote the distribution of coins using these machines.”

TReDS

• The Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) will soon be more widely accepted by the Reserve Bank of India.
• “It is now proposed to expand scope of TReDS by providing insurance facility for invoice financing, permitting all entities and institutions undertaking factoring business to participate as financiers in TReDS and permitting rediscounting of invoices,” Das said.

About RBI

The Preamble of the Reserve Bank of India describes the basic functions of the Reserve Bank as:

• “to regulate the issue of Bank notes and keeping of reserves with a view to securing monetary stability in India and generally to operate the currency and credit system of the country to its advantage;
• to have a modern monetary policy framework to meet the challenge of an increasingly complex economy, to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth.”

What is Repo Rate?

• Repo Rate full form is or the term ‘REPO’ stands for ‘Repurchasing Option’ Rate. It is also known as the ‘Repurchasing Agreement’.
• Repo Rate (RR) is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends money to commercial banks or financial institutions in India against government securities.

3. India to capitalize on demographic dividend, aims to become “skill” capital of world

As per the reports from the Asian Lite International- India boasts one of the world’s largest young population and 65% of the youth in India is in the working age group which offers the country significant opportunities to channelize the demographic dividend in becoming the “skill” capital of the world.

Statement from the World Bank-

“Global trends such as the rising role of technology, climate change, demographic shifts, urbanization, and the globalization of value chains are changing the nature of work and skills demands.”

About the Industrial revolution 4.0 IR-4-

IR-4 has integrated new technologies such as-

• The Internet of Things (IoT)
• Cloud computing & analytics
• Artificial intelligence & machine learning
• Ushering in a new era of ‘smart manufacturing.’

Steps taken by the Indian government for making India ‘Skill’ capital of World-

• Increased focus on vocational and practical skills, to decrease the gap between industry needs and education.
• Vision to make India the skills capital of the world.
• Launched projects to train 400 million Indians in different skills by 2022
• Launch of the scheme Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) which aims to recognise and provide skills to youths such as workers in the vast unorganized sector

• The digital skilling initiative FutureSkills PRIME aims to re-skill and up-skill over 400 thousand professionals in emerging technologies such as AI and IoT and Making India the ‘Digital Talent Nation’.
• A budget of Rs 34 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
• Invested in skilling the groups that can increase employment opportunities for them.

4. Fourth Indian Air Force plane carrying earthquake relief assistance lands in Turkey

A fourth C17 plane of the Indian Air Force carrying relief assistance for Turkey’s earthquake victims landed in Adana today. The plane landed at 4.30 IST (local time).

“The fourth IAF MCC aircraft leaves for Turkey with the remaining component of the field hospital. This includes 54 members of the Indian Army medical team as well as medical and other equipment to establish the facility,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

As part of its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief efforts, India had sent its fourth batch of supplies, which included 54 members of the Indian Army’s medical team. 

‘India stands forever for humanity’

In the meantime, India’s Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, declared that the country will always stand up for humanity and that it will not allow shifting geopolitical conditions to interfere with its stance of “Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.”

Geopolitical conditions fluctuate daily, but India’s relations with other nations are steady. When asked about India’s support for Turkey despite its differences with Ankara, EAM Jaishankar responded, “As per our policy of ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’ – India stands forever for humanity.

First C-17 with aid and personnel reaches Turkey

More than 50 members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), a team of specially trained dogs, and the tools required for the relief efforts, such as medical supplies, drilling machines, and other equipment, arrived in Turkey’s Adana early on Tuesday in the first C17 flight of the IAF.

Turkish Embassy in New Delhi tweeted “First batch of earthquake relief material along with NDRF’s special search & rescue teams and trained dog squads just arrived in Turkey. Thank you, India for your support and solidarity.”

NATO flags fly half-mast in solidarity with ally Turkey

Flags of all 30 member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) flew at half-mast at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels in honour of those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria earlier this week.

NATO has sent aid in the form of medical personnel to Turkey, a member of the 30-nation alliance, in the form of medical personnel and supplies. More than 1400 response personnel from more than 20 NATO allies have been deployed to quake-hit Turkey for rescue operations.

Several other countries have come forward to aid and assist Turkey after a massive earthquake shattered lives in the country. 

Destruction and Loss of Life in Turkey and Syria

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit before dawn in Istanbul on Monday and was followed by intense aftershocks, some still above a 7 in magnitude — the most powerful shake to hit the region in decades. Hundreds of buildings were downed, trapping many in the wreckage.

The death toll has already climbed rapidly in the hours after the quake, and the number is expected to continue rising as rescuers comb the rubble in the coming days. 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Tuesday, declared a three-month state of emergency in 10 southern provinces which were hit by massive quakes, Anadolu Agency reported.

International

1. Joe Biden says U.S. is ‘unbowed, unbroken’ in State of Union address

Joe Biden, President of the US, called on Republicans to work with him to “finish the job” of rebuilding the economy and uniting the nation while addressing the State of the Union. President seeks to overcome pessimism in the country and navigate political divisions in Washington.

Statements of President of US

The President of US, Joe Binden has said that-

“The story of America is a story of progress and resilience.”

America’s democracy was “unbowed and unbroken”.

“There is no reason we can’t work together and find consensus on important things in this new Congress as well.”

“The people sent us a clear message. Fighting for the sake of fighting, power for the sake of power, conflict for the sake of conflict, gets us nowhere.”

“And that’s always been my vision for the country: to restore the soul of the nation, to rebuild the backbone of America, the middle class to unite the country.

“You wonder whether a path even exists anymore for you and your children to get ahead without moving away, I get it.”

“That’s why we’re building an economy where no one is left behind. Jobs are coming back, pride is coming back because of the choices we made in the last two years.”

“We’ve been sent here to finish the job!”

President offered reassurance over ‘flashy police proposals’

• President Joe Binder offered a reassuring assessment of the nation’s condition rather than rolling out flashy policy proposals.

Statements of the United States House of Representatives-

United States House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy has said that-

“I won’t tear up the speech, I won’t play games.”

 “He vowed to be “respectful” during the address and in turn asked Biden to refrain from using the phrase “extreme MAGA Republicans.” 

“We must move towards a balanced budget and insist on genuine accountability for every dollar we spend.”

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. Despite economic crisis Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif busy stoking Kashmir issue

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has claimed that a plot has been conceived to freeze the Kashmir issue for 20 years which has given rise to a new conspiracy theory. Despite Pakistan’s economy is on the brink and Pakistan has been pushed into a corner due to the success of India’s global diplomacy, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s Prime Minister is busy stoking the Kashmir issue.

Statements of the Pakistan’s PM-

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that-

“Moments ago, some people shared with me in the (speaker’s) chamber that a plot was conceived to defer the plebiscite in Kashmir until the next 20 years. There cannot be any conspiracy and cruelty with the Kashmiris bigger than this.”

“We are faced with huge financial challenges. While I talk to you here, an IMF delegation in Islamabad is combing every book and subsidy of every single penny.”

“We have to live, but like the living nations do and not with a begging bowl. This continued to happen over the past 75 years, but someone somewhere has to stop it. And this will stop when the whole nation will unite to challenge poverty, hunger and dearness, and generate the country’s internal resources.”

India-Pakistan Relationship-

Both the countries have a complex and largely hostile relationship due to the multitude of historical and political events, most notably the partition in 1947. The India and Pakistan border is one of the most militarized international boundaries in the world.

About Pakistan-

Prime Minister- Shehbaz Sharif

Capital- Islamabad

Currency- Pakistani Rupee