DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: Jan. 7, 2023

Kevin McCarthy elected as new speaker of the US House of Representatives

Tags: Person in news International News

Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has been elected as the speaker of the US House of Representatives.

An overview of the news 

• He was serving as the House Minority Leader in the House.

• The US Parliament has elected Kevin McCarthy of the Republican Party as the speaker of the House of Representatives after 15 rounds of voting. McCarthy is the 55th speaker of the US House of Representatives.

• Kevin McCarthy, 57, has replaced Nancy Pelosi, 82, the leader of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives.

• After the midterm elections held on November 8, the number of members of former President Donald Trump's Republican Party has increased to 222 in the 435-member House of Representatives.

• With this, President Joe Biden's Democratic Party has come in the minority in the House of Representatives.

• Kevin McCarthy has become the third most senior US position after US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

About Kevin McCarthy

• Kevin McCarthy is a member of the Republican Party.

• He was elected as the House Minority Leader from 2019 to 2023.

• He previously served as the House Majority Leader from 2014 to 2019 under Speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan.

• McCarthy has been elected as a member of the US Parliament 9 times. He was born in Bakersfield, California.

Bihar Government begins caste survey in State

Tags: State News

The Bihar government has started caste surveys in different parts of the state on 7th January.

An overview of the news 

• Chief Minister Nitish Kumar clarified that castes will be listed along with the economic status of each family and not sub-castes.

• The economic condition of each family will be duly mentioned in the survey.

• This caste survey will help in taking the required measures for the upliftment of the deprived sections.

• In the first phase, the number of all the families of the state will be counted and recorded.

• In the second phase of the survey to be held from April 1 to 30, data will be collected regarding the people living in the houses, their caste and socio-economic status.

• The survey will end on 31 May 2023. About five lakh people have been employed to carry out this entire process.

• The state government will spend Rs 500 crore from its contingency fund for this exercise.

What is caste based census?

• In independent India, data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has been published in every census from 1951 to 2011, but no data on other castes has been published.

• Every census until 1931 contained caste figures.

• Although, in 1941, caste-based data was collected but not published.

• In the absence of such a census, there is no proper estimate of the population of OBC and others.

• The Mandal Commission estimated the OBC population at 52%. 

Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurates three-day ‘North East Krishi Kumbha-2023’ in Meghalaya

Tags: Festivals State News

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the three-day 'Northeast Krishi Kumbh-2023' at Umiam in Meghalaya.

An overview of the news 

• The three-day 'Northeast Krishi Kumbh-2023' was organised on January 5-7, 2023.

• He also participated in the 49th Foundation Day celebrations of NEH Region, ICAR Research Complex.

• The Minister also inaugurated the Administrative cum Academic Block Office and Girls Hostel of Agriculture College at Kyrdemkulai in Ri Bhoi district.

• The North East Krishi Kumbh-2023 included live exhibition of recent technologies through 102 stalls by all ICAR institutes along with the host institute and its regional centres.

• The Union Minister said that the North East is the paradise of the country and Meghalaya's topography is such that it can be developed if efforts are made.

About Meghalaya

Chief Minister - Conrad Sangma

Governor - B.D. Mishra

Capital - Shillong

Military Tattoo & Tribal Dance Festival to be held in New Delhi on 23rd & 24th January

Tags: Festivals Defence

As part of the Republic Day celebrations 2023 and to mark the 126th birth anniversary (Parakram Diwas) of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a military tattoo and tribal dance festival 'Adi Shaurya - Parv Parakram Ka' will organise at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. 

An overview of the news 

• The two-day festival will showcase the might of the Armed Forces and the ethnic beauty of India's tribal culture.

• The program included a military tattoo (paramotor gliding, hot air balloon, horse show, motorcycle display, air warrior drill, navy band) and an hour long traditional dance performance (khukri dance, gatka, mallakhamb, kalaripayattu, thangata) by tribal artistes.

• The grand finale includes a performance by renowned singer Kailash Kher.

• The festival aims to remember the sacrifices of the country's bravehearts and celebrate the rich cultural heritage that makes India unique and diverse.

• It aims to celebrate the bravery of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, embrace the true spirit of India and renew the commitment to build a strong and prosperous 'New India'.

• The Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs are jointly organising the event, with the Indian Coast Guard as the coordinating agency.

RBI to issue green bonds in two tranches of Rs 8,000 crore each

Tags: Economy/Finance National News

The Reserve Bank of India on 6 January said that maiden Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) would be issued in two tranches of Rs 8,000 crore each on January 25 and February 9.

An overview of the news 

• The central government is issuing these sovereign green bonds as part of its total market borrowing. These bonds are being issued to promote green infrastructure.

• The Central Government had released the framework of Sovereign Green Bond on 9 November 2022.

• Sovereign green bonds worth Rs 8000 crore will be issued on January 25, 2023. In this, green bonds worth Rs 4000 crore will be issued for 5 years and sovereign green bonds worth Rs 4000 crore will be issued for 10 years.

• Apart from this, Sovereign Green Bonds worth Rs 8000 crores will be issued as the next instalment on 9 February 2023. In which green bonds worth Rs 4000 crore will be issued for 5 years and sovereign green bonds worth Rs 4000 crore will be issued for 10 years.

What are Sovereign Green Bonds?

• These are bonds that are used by the government to finance projects that have a positive impact on the environment.

• The Green Bond was launched in 2007 by the European Investment Bank and the World Bank.

• A Green Bond is an instrument that helps in raising funds for green projects.

• Funds from these bonds will be invested in public sector projects that help reduce carbon intensity.

• These bonds fall into 9 broad categories. Some of these are projects like renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, green building.

• The government aims to attract foreign investors through these bonds.

• Being asset linked, it becomes easier for the government to raise money through these bonds.

Arjun Ram Meghwal inaugurates Astro Tourism – A Sky Gazing event at Delhi’s India Gate

Tags: National News

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) in association with Nehru Memorial Museum and Library organised Astro Tourism - A Sky Gazing event at Delhi's India Gate on 6 January. 

An overview of the news 

• The event was inaugurated by Minister of State for Culture, Arjun Ram Meghwal.

• The program will help in developing scientific temper among the people which is a fundamental duty as per our constitution.

• Astro tourism event includes the following activities - Astro talks by expert astronomers, Exhibition on Astronomy, Story related to celestial objects, Experience of using telescope to see craters of Moon, Astronomy related activities, Photographic panel exhibition, Astro-Photography.

• This 3 day event is a great learning experience for children of all age groups, as it is interactive and practical and the best way to present science in a popular way.

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) 

• It is an autonomous society under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and was formed on April 4, 1978. 

• It administers 25 Science Centres/Museums spread all over India. 

• Science City, Kolkata, Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Kolkata, Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai, Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Bangalore and National Science Centre, Delhi are the national level centres of NCSM.

• Headquarters - Kolkata, West Bengal

17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention to be organised from 8th to 10th January in Madhya Pradesh

Tags: National News

The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention is being organised in Indore from 8-10 January 2023 in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

An overview of the news 

• The theme of this PBD Convention is "Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”.

• Over 3,500 expatriate members from around 70 different countries have registered for the PBD Convention.

• The Yuva Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be inaugurated on 8 January 2023 in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

• Ms. Zaneta Mascarenhas, Member of Parliament of Australia will be the guest of honour at the Yuva Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

• On 9 January 2023, the PBD Convention will be inaugurated by Narendra Modi. 

• The convention will feature addresses by the Chief Guest, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of Republic of Guyana, and the Special Guest of Honour, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname.

• A commemorative postage stamp 'Go Safe, Go Trained' will be released to underline the importance of safe, legal, orderly and efficient migration.

• The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the first-ever digital Pravasi Bhartiya Divas exhibition on the theme “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – Contribution of Diaspora to the Indian Freedom Struggle” to highlight the contribution of our overseas freedom fighters to India's independence.

• On 10 January 2023, Hon’ble Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2023 and preside over the Valedictory Session. 

Five thematic Plenary sessions of PBD Convention 

1. ‘Role of Diaspora Youth in Innovations and new Technologies’, chaired by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur.

2. Chaired by Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and co-chaired by Minister of State for External Affairs Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh 'Role of Indian Diaspora in Promoting Indian Healthcare Ecosystem in AMRUT Kaal: Vision @ 2047'.

3. ‘Leveraging the soft power of India - Goodwill through craft, cuisine & creativity’, chaired by Minister of State for External Affairs, Meenakashi Lekhi.

4. ‘Enabling global mobility of Indian workforce – Role of Indian Diaspora’, chaired by Minister of Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan.

5. ‘Harnessing the potential of diaspora entrepreneurs towards an inclusive approach to nation building’, chaired by Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman.

Government Formed Committee to Protect Ladakh Culture, Language & Employment

Tags: committee

Recently a high-powered committee has been formed to discuss measures to protect Ladakh's unique culture, language & employment in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

An overview of the news 

• A 17 member committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai. 

• Members of the High powered committee - Ladakh Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur, MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Chairmans of Leh and Kargil Hill councils, representatives of Apex Body Leh, Kargil Democratic Alliance and nominee officials of Home ministry.

• The committee will discuss the preservation of culture and language in view of the geographical location and strategic importance of Ladakh.

• Apart from this, measures related to security of land and employment for people, inclusive growth, employment generation and empowerment of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils of Leh and Kargil will also be discussed.

Need for the committee

• There has been increasing demand for the inclusion of Ladakh under the 6th Schedule.

• Civil society groups in Ladakh have been demanding security of land, resources and employment for the last three years.

• The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has recommended that the Union Territory of Ladakh be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

• The main reason behind the demand is that more than 90% of Ladakh's population consists of tribals.

• Communities like the Drokpa, Balti and Changpa in the Ladakh region have many distinctive cultural heritages, which need to be preserved and promoted.

Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

• The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 of the Constitution protects the autonomy of tribal populations by creation of Autonomous Development Councils.

• It can legislate on land, public health and agriculture.

• Currently, ten autonomous councils exist in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

All 37 CSIR Labs in India to turn into Global Centers of Research & Innovation

Tags: Science and Technology

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said all 37 CSIR Labs in India will be turned into Global Centers of Research and Innovation in their fields of specialisation.

An overview of the news 

• He was speaking at the launch of  “One Week One Lab" campaign in New Delhi.

• On this occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh also released the logo of CSIR's One Week One Lab campaign.

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has 37 laboratories spread across the country dedicated to various specialised areas of work.

• Each of the 37 CSIR laboratories is unique in itself and specialises in diverse areas such as genomes to geology, food to fuels, minerals to materials etc.

• Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates workshop and exhibition on "Innovation and Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies" organised by CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CSIR-CBRI), Roorkee with the aim of moving towards Net Zero Emission and Zero Waste. 

About CSIR

• CSIR was established on 26 September 1942 and was registered as the CSIR Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

• The first meeting of the Governing Body was held on 09 March 1942 in which the bye-laws for the Council were framed.

• It is the largest public funded R&D organisation in India.

• Started with 5 laboratories in 1942, CSIR in its journey of eight decades has grown into an organisation consisting of 3521 scientists with 37 laboratories supported by 4162 technical staff.

India to host Voice of Global South Summit

Tags: Summits National News

India will host a special virtual Summit on 12th and 13th of January 2023 called 'Voice of Global South Summit'.

An overview of the news 

• The theme of the Summit is 'Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose.

• The summit is envisaged to bring together the countries of the South and share their perspectives and priorities on various issues.

• More than 120 countries have been invited for this summit.

• The initiative is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas and India's philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

• The summit is India's attempt to provide a common platform to discuss concerns affecting developing countries.

• India will work to ensure that the valuable inputs generated by participating countries in the Voice of the Global South deliberations receive due cognizance globally.