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By admin: March 3, 2023

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated International Dharma-Dhamma Conference in Bhopal

Tags: Summits National News

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 7th International Dharma-Dhamma Conference at Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh on 3 March.

An overview of the news

• The three-day International Dharma-Dhamma conference will conclude on March 5.

• It is being organized by India Foundation in association with Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies.

• The theme of the conference is 'Eastern Humanism for the New Era'.

• Its aim is to bring together religious, political and thought leaders from Dharma-Dhamma traditions to ponder over building a philosophical framework for the emerging new world order.

• More than 350 scholars from 15 countries are participating in this conference, which provides a platform for global views of Dharma-Dhamma.

• Delegates from Bhutan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal, South Korea, Mauritius, Russia, Spain, France, USA and UK are participating in the conference.

About International Dharma-Dhamma Conference

• It is an annual platform to revive the dharma-dhamma traditions and make them relevant in finding solutions and forming policies for the state in the 21st century. 

• The Dharma-Dhamma traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as other religious doctrines of the East, clearly have a holistic and inclusive answer to the challenges of world order.

5th Jan Aushadhi Jan Chetna Abhiyan

Tags: National National News

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the 5th Jan Aushadhi Jan Chetna Abhiyan across the country on 1st March.

An overview of the news

• The Department of Pharmaceuticals has planned to organize several events in different cities from 1st to 7th March 2023 with focus on spreading awareness about Jan Aushadhi Scheme.

• The theme of Jan Aushadhi Diwas, 2023 was “Jan Aushadhi Sasti Bhi – Achhi Bhi” as well as the quiz was organized by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Device Bureau of India (PMBI), Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.

• PMBI (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India) and MyGov organized a quiz competition to raise awareness about Jan Aushadhi generic drugs.

• The objective of this quiz is to raise awareness among all children (13-16 years) about the quality of generic medicines.

About Jan Aushadhi Scheme

• The Jan aushadhi scheme was launched in 2008 by the UPA government.

• This scheme was relaunched in the year 2015, by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.

• This campaign was started across the country by selling generic medicines through “Jan Aushadhi Medical Stores”.

• In 2015, the name of 'Jan Aushadhi Yojana' was changed to 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana' (PMJAY), but it was changed to "Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Yojana" in November 2016.

• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India with the objective of providing quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all.

World Wildlife Day

Tags: Important Days

World Wildlife Day is observed annually on 3 March.

• The theme for 2023 is "Partnerships for wildlife conservation".

• The theme for World Wildlife Day in the year 2022 was "Reintroducing Keystone Species for Ecosystem Restoration".

Background of the day

• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 20 December 2013, in its 68th session, observed 3 March as World Wildlife Day to protect wildlife and raise awareness of endangered species of flora around the world.

• World Wildlife Day was celebrated for the first time on 3 March 2014.

• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was adopted on this day in 1973.

• CITES plays an important role in ensuring that international trade does not threaten the survival of species.

• The Wild Elephant Preservation Act was passed in the year 1872 to prevent the extinction of wild animals.

Hekani Jakhalu became the first female MLA of Nagaland Assembly

Tags: State News

On March 2, Hakani Jakhalu of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) became the first female MLA to be elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

An overview of the news

• Jakhu won the Dimapur III seat by defeating Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Azheto Jhimomi by 1,536 votes.

• Another NDPP female candidate, Salhunuonu Cruce defeated her independent rival by just seven votes in the Western Angami constituency. Both became the first female MLA from Nagaland.

About Hekani Jakhalu

• She studied in Lady Shri Ram College for Women and Law Faculty of Delhi University and has done LLM from the University of San Francisco.

• He later worked in a law firm in Delhi.

• In 2005, she returned to Nagaland to start an NGO called Youthnet, with "Youth Empowerment".

• In 2019, she won the Nari Shakti Puruskar from the Ministry of Child and Women Development.

Nagaland State 

• Nagaland was formally recognized as a separate state on December 1, 1963, with Kohima declared as its capital.

• It is bounded by Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast, Manipur in the south and Assam in the west and northwest and Myanmar (Burma) in the east.

• Mithun (Gyal) is the state animal of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

• Blyth's Tragopan is the state bird of Nagaland.

• The Konyaks are the largest tribe, followed by the Aos, Tangkhul, Semas and Angami.

• Other tribes include the Lotha, Sangtam, Phom, Chang, Khim Hungama, Yimchungar, Zeliang, Chakhesang (chokri) and Rengma.

Jishanu Barua was appointed as the new chairperson of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

Tags: Person in news

Jishanu Barua has been appointed as the new chairman of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).

An overview of the news

• Union Minister for Power R K Singh administered the oath of office and secrecy to Jishnu Barua in New Delhi on 3 March.

• Barua has been the Chief Secretary of Assam from October 2020 to August 2022.

• Earlier, he also served as Additional Chief Secretary of Assam to take care of various departments of the state from August 2017 to October 2020.

• After retirement, Barua took charge as the Chairman of Assam Power Distribution Company Limited.

• Barua has obtained M. Phil degree in defense and strategic studies, he is also a post graduate in history and graduation in Philosophy.

Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)

• It has been established by the Government of India under the provisions of the Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, 1998.

• It is a regulator of the power sector in India.

• The commission consists of a chairperson and four other members, including the chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority.

• Its main functions are -regulating the tariffs of power generation of companies owned by the government, regulating tariffs of other power generation companies, regulating electricity inter -state transmission and determining tariffs for such transmission of electricity, Etc.

National Conference on Economics of Competition law held in New Delhi

Tags: Summits National News

On March 3, the 8th edition of the National Conference on Economics of Competition law was held in New Delhi.

An overview of the news

• This conference has been organized every year by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) since 2016.

• Dr. V Anant Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor of the Finance Ministry, gave the main speech in the inaugural session.

• The conference brings scholars, doctors, academics and experts working in the field of economics of Competition law.

• The conference includes a complete session and two technical sessions.

• The theme of this year's conference is 'Antitust and Regulation: Interface and Synergy'.

The objectives of the conference

• To encourage research and debate on contemporary issues in the field of economics of competition law.

• Develop better understanding of relevant competition issues for the Indian context.

• Consult for enforcement of competition law in India.

Competition Commission of India (CCI) 

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

• It was set up under the Competition Act, 2002

• It comes under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

• It promotes healthy market competition and prevents activities that have an adverse effect on competition in India. 

• CCI also approves combinations under the act so that two merging entities do not overtake the market.

• Headquarter - New Delhi

• Current Chairman - Ashok Kumar Gupta

Health Ministry gets Porter Prize 2023 for Government's strategy in managing COVID-19

Tags: Awards

The Union Health Ministry has been awarded the Porter Prize 2023 for successfully combating the COVID-19 crisis.

An overview of the news

• The award recognized the Government of India's strategy, approach and involvement of various stakeholders in the management of COVID-19, especially ASHA workers in the industry for making PPE kits.

• The prize was announced at “The India Dialog”, organized by Institute for Competitiveness (IFC) and US Asia Technology Management Center (USATMC) at Stanford University on February 23-24.

• The award was presented to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Secretary of the Ministry, Rajesh Bhushan.

• The theme of the two-day conference was “The Indian Economy 2023: Innovation, Competitiveness and Social Progress”.

• Experts appreciated the three pillars of India's strategy for COVID-19 management - prevention, relief package and vaccine administration.

About Porter Prize 

• The award is named after American citizen Michael E Porter - economist, researcher, author, consultant, speaker and teacher.

• He conceptualized economic theory and strategy to address challenging problems in the areas of market competition and company strategy, economic development, the environment and healthcare.

• His research has received many awards and he is currently one of the most cited scholars in economics and business.

Jesvin Aldrin creates new national record in men's long jump event at Indian Open Jump Competition 2023

Tags: Sports Sports News

Jesvin Aldrin created a new national record by winning the gold medal in the men's long jump event at the Indian Open Jump Competition 2023 held in Bellary, Karnataka.

Overview of the news

• Jesvin Aldrin, competing at the Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS), broke the national record of 8.36m set by Murali Sreesankar in April last year at the Federation Cup 2022, with a jump of 8.42m.

• Jaswin Aldrin has also qualified for the Asian Games.

• At the Asian Indoor Championships 2023, Jesvin Aldrin set a new national indoor record with a long jump of 7.97m.

Long Jump Medal Winners of Indian Open Jump Competition 2023

Men's Winner:

1. Jesvin Aldrin (8.42m) - Gold Medal

2. Muhammad Anis Yahiya (7.85m) - Silver medal

3. Rishabh Rishishwar (7.77m) - Bronze medal

Women's Winner:

1. Shrutilakshmi (6.11 m) - Gold Medal

2. Manisha Meral (5.96m) - Silver Medal

3. R Punita (5.85m) – Bronze medal

NADA bans Indian athletes Aishwarya Babu, MV Jilana for doping

Tags: Sports Sports News

India's triple jumper Aishwarya Babu and sprinter MV Jilna have been banned by India's National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) respectively after they tested positive for banned drugs by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Overview of the news

• Aishwarya won a gold medal in the triple jump during the National Inter-State Championships in June 2022, with a leap of 14.14 m establishing a new national record. 

• Aishwarya has been suspended for four yearsby the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)after she tested positive for a banned substance, anabolic steroids.

• Aishwarya's sample tested positive for a steroid included in the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), due to which she was ruled out of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.

• Aishwarya had tested positive for Ostarinewhich is a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SRAM) during the National Inter State Championships on 13th and 14th June 2022 in Chennai.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

• The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established in 1999 as an international independent agency composed and funded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and governments of the world.

• Its main aim is to fight against the unauthorized use of performance enhancing drugs (Dope) by the athletes in sports. 

• WADA’s primary role is to develop, harmonize and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries.

• WADA is an international organization. It delegates work in individual countries to Regional and National Anti-Doping Organizations.

• Headquarters: Lausanne,Switzerland.

Vo Van Thuong elected as new President of Vietnam

Tags: Person in news International News

Vo Van Thuong, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), was elected as the country's new President by the National Assembly of Vietnam.

Overview of the news

• Thuong's election came after the sudden resignation of the previous president, Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

• Thuong is the youngest member of the party's Politburo, the country's top decision-making body.

About Vo Van Thuong

• Thuong began his political career in 1993.

• In 2003, Thuong became secretary of the Communist Youth Union of Ho Chi Minh City.

• Thuong was elected as a member of the SPV Central Committee for the third time in 2021 and became a member of the Politburo for the second time.

About Vietnam 

• It lies in South East Asia and it is a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN)

• Capital: Hanoi

• Currency: Dong

• President: Vo Van Thuong

India and Australia sign a framework mechanism for mutual recognition of qualifications

Tags: International News

India and Australia on March 2 signed a framework mechanism for mutual recognition of qualifications that will help ease the movement of students and professionals between the two countries.

An overview of the news

• The agreement was signed after a bilateral meeting between India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Australian Education Minister Jason Clare in New Delhi.

• The agreement is part of the commitment shown by the Prime Ministers of both the countries at the 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit to be held on 21 March 2022.

• Under this, the two leaders agreed to set up a joint task force for mutual recognition of qualifications.

• Accordingly, a task force was constituted consisting of senior officials from the Ministries of Education and Skills and regulatory bodies from both sides.

About Australia 

• Head of State: British Monarch, King Charles III

• Prime Minister: Anthony Albanese

• Currency: Australian Dollar

• Capital: Canberra

Deakin University becomes first foreign university to set up its International Branch Campus in India

Tags: National National News

Deakin University, a leading university in Australia, has become the first foreign university to receive the approval of the International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA) to set up an International Branch Campus (IBC) at GIFT City, Gujarat. 

An overview of the news

• Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 that “world class foreign universities and institutions will be allowed to open campuses in GIFT City.

• The IFSCA approval means that the Deakin University branch in GIFT City will be able to undertake courses offered in Australia to Indian and foreign students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and financial management.

About International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)

• IFSCA was established on April 27, 2020, under the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019.

• It is headquartered in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

• It is a unified authority for the development and regulation of financial products, financial services and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Center (IFSC) in India.

• It is currently the maiden international financial services centre in India.

• Prior to the establishment of IFSCA, trading in IFSC was regulated by the domestic financial regulators, RBI, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

• IFSCA Chairperson  -  Injeti Srinivas