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By admin: Aug. 17, 2023

Anwarul Haq Kakar sworn in as the 8th Interim Prime Minister of Pakistan

Tags: International News

Ethnic Pashtun leader Anwarul Haq Kakar was sworn in as the 8th Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, becoming the youngest person to hold the role.

An Overview of the News

• President Arif Alvi administered the oath of office to Anwarul Haq Kakar in a simple ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Distinguished attendees include outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and prominent leaders.

• Kakar formally resigned from the Senate and the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), strengthening his commitment to the neutrality expected in his current position.

• The Senate Chairman has accepted Kakar's resignation as per Article 64, Clause (1) of the Constitution of Pakistan.

Anwar Ul Haq Kakar: Background and Political Journey

• Ethnic identity and party affiliation: Kakar, an ethnic Pashtun, is affiliated with the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).

• Birthplace and political entry: Hailing from the provincial capital Quetta, Kakar entered politics in the late 21st century.

• Experience as Spokesperson: In a previous role, he served as the spokesperson for the Balochistan Provincial Administration in 2013 and gained valuable insight into regional governance.

• Senate tenure and election: Anwar ul Haq Kakar assumed a position in the Pakistani Senate as a senator in March 2018.

• He secured this seat in the 2018 Pakistani Senate elections as an independent candidate representing Balochistan through a general seat.

Chief of the Army Staff of Pakistan - General Asim Munir

77th Indian Independence Day 2023

Tags: National News

India celebrated its 77th Independence Day on August 15, 2023, with the theme "Nation First, Always First".

An Overview of the News

• The theme "Nation First, Always First" emphasizes national integration and development, reflecting the government's priorities.

• This festival highlights the diverse culture and unity of India.

Programs on 77th Indian Independence Day:

• Independence Day celebrates the independence and unity of India.

• The Prime Minister hoists the flag at the Red Fort, which is followed by celebrations across the country.

• A military parade at Rajpath showcases the might of the Indian Armed Forces.

• Cultural programs showcase the rich heritage of India through music, dance, and drama.

• Commemorative events include postage stamps, coins, and religious ceremonies.

• Public celebrations include patriotic songs, dances, and the distribution of sweets.

History of Independence Day 2023:

• Indian Independence Day has its roots in the rise of the independence movement in the 19th century.

• Leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Bose led the movement against British rule.

• India gained independence on August 15, 1947, when the Indian Independence Act of 1947 came into effect.

• The first Independence Day was celebrated in 1947 with Nehru's iconic flag-hoisting speech.

• The date marks the culmination of the long struggle for independence and is a national holiday to honor the sacrifices.

Major events leading to India's independence:

• 1857-1858: The Indian Mutiny (Sepoy Mutiny) against British rule highlights discontent and a desire for change.

• 1885: Formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) to advocate for Indian representation in the government.

• 1905: Protests against the partition of Bengal reflect opposition to British policies.

• 1919: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre sparked outrage and strengthened nationalist sentiment.

• 1920-1922: Non-cooperation movement led by Gandhiji encouraged the boycott of British institutions.

• 1930-1934: The Civil Disobedience Movement challenges the Salt Laws and promotes nonviolent resistance.

• 1930s: Constitutional reforms for India were discussed at the Round Table Conference in London.

• 1942: The Quit India Movement led by Gandhiji demanded the end of British rule.

• 1942-1945: Participation in World War II and the formation of the Indian National Army (INA) ignited Indian aspirations.

• 1947: India was partitioned due to the Mountbatten plan and independence was achieved on 15 August.

• 1947: Partition resulted in communal violence and displacement.

Pibot: Humanoid Robot for Airplane Piloting

Tags: Science and Technology International News

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is making advances in aviation through the creation of the "Pibot".

An Overview of the News

• Pibot is a humanoid robot designed to autonomously fly aircraft using advanced AI capabilities and its own dexterity.

Revolutionizing Aviation and Beyond:

• Pibot aims to revolutionize aviation by enabling autonomous flight in existing aircraft, without the need for cockpit modifications.

• By mimicking human pilot actions and decisions, Pibot aims to usher in a new era of automated aviation.

Unrivaled Control Precision:

• The Pibot has state-of-the-art robotic arms and fingers with high-precision control mechanisms.

• It excels in handling flight instruments and managing cockpit switches even under challenging conditions like intense vibrations.

Advanced AI Capabilities:

• Pibot uses artificial intelligence to understand and retain complex flight manuals presented in everyday language.

• It surpasses even human pilots by memorizing extensive sets of Jeppesen aeronautical navigation charts, a feat well beyond human capability.

Union Cabinet approves “PM Vishwakarma” Central Sector Scheme

Tags: Government Schemes

Union Cabinet approves new Central Sector Scheme 'PM Vishwakarma' to support traditional artisans and craftsmen of rural and urban India

An Overview of the News

• The "PM Vishwakarma" scheme has a financial allocation of Rs 13,000 crore for a period of five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28).

• Its main objective is to support traditional artisans and craftsmen, both rural and urban, who work with manual skills and tools.

Preservation of Tradition:

• The objective of the scheme is to maintain the Guru-Shishya Parampara (guru-shishya parampara) of passing on traditional skills within the families of artisans and craftsmen.

Enhancing Quality and Access:

• One of the goals is to enhance the quality and expand the reach of artisan-made products and services.

• The scheme envisages the integration of these artisans into both the domestic and global value chains.

Benefits for Artisans:

• Artisans and craftsmen will get official recognition through a "PM Vishwakarma" certificate and an identity card.

• Financial assistance will be provided, with a credit available up to Rs. 1 lakh (1st installment) and Rs 2 lakh (2nd installment), which includes a concessional interest rate of 5%.

• Opportunities for skill improvement, toolkit incentives, incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support are also part of the plan.

Business Coverage:

• Initially, the scheme will cover eighteen traditional trades under the "PM Vishwakarma" umbrella.

• These trades include carpenter, boat builder, gunsmith, blacksmith, hammer and tool kit maker, repairman, hearse, potter, sculptor (sculptor, stone carver), stonecutter, cobbler (charmkar)/shoemaker/ Footwear Artisans, Masons, Basket/Mat/Broom Makers/Coir Weavers, Doll and Toy Makers (Traditional), Barbers, Malabars, Washermen, Tailors, Fishing Net Makers

Tamil Nadu government launches night street racing circuit in Chennai

Tags: State News

Tamil Nadu Government and Racing Promotion Pvt Ltd (RRPL) launched a new street circuit in Chennai.

An Overview of the News

• The 3.5 km track around the Island Ground is set to become the first street circuit in India and South Asia to host a night race.

Challenging Circuit Features:

• The circuit will have elevation changes and will feature 19 corners, including several straights.

• Its location will offer picturesque views of Marina Beach Road and the Bay of Bengal.

Scheduled Programs:

• The opening ceremony is planned to be held on December 9-10.

• It will showcase two important racing championships: the F4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League.

• The State Department of Art and Technology (SDAT) is ready to allocate a substantial amount of Rs 42 crore for successfully organizing this event.

Promoting Motorsports:

• The opening of this new street circuit marks substantial progress for motorsport in India.

• The unique features of the circuit are expected to enhance the prestige of the sport and attract more enthusiasts and sponsors.

About the new circuit:

• The circuit will encircle the Island Ground, a sprawling 100-acre area in the heart of Chennai.

• The track's design includes significant height variations, reaching heights of up to 10 meters.

IAF's 'Tarang Shakti' multinational exercise rescheduled

Tags: Defence

The 'Tarang Shakti' multinational military exercise originally planned for October has been postponed to mid-2024.

An Overview of the News

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) will host the 'Tarang Shakti' multinational military exercise.

• The rescheduling was due to several participating air forces being unable to attend this year's event.

Miscellaneous Partnership:

• 'Tarang Shakti' will include several major air forces such as France, the UK, Australia, the US, and Japan.

• These countries will contribute fighter jets, military transport aircraft, and mid-air refuellers to the exercise.

• In addition, six other countries have been invited as observers, highlighting the global importance of the exercise.

Objectives of 'Tarang Shakti':

• Expected to involve around 12 air forces, 'Tarang Shakti' aims to showcase international cooperation and military capabilities.

• The main goal of the exercise is to enhance military coordination and promote seamless interaction between the participating nations.

• The exercise is set to be India's most comprehensive air exercise, underscoring its growing role in global military cooperation.

Recent International Exercises of IAF:

• In April, the Indian Air Force sent four Rafale jets, two C-17 aircraft, and two IL-78 mid-air refueling aircraft for a multinational air exercise at the Mont-de-Marsan military base in France.

• Another notable incident involved four Rafale fighter jets carrying out a "strategic" mission over the Indian Ocean region lasting more than six hours.

• It showcased the combat capabilities of the advanced aircraft and showcased India's air power launch capabilities.

• Additionally, the Indian and US air forces conducted the Cope India exercise in locations such as Kalaikunda, Panagarh, and Agra, involving US assets such as B1 bomber jets and F-15 fighter aircraft. This highlighted the strong cooperation between the two countries.

Government of India launched 'Meri Mati Mera Desh Campaign'

Tags: Government Schemes

To mark the completion of 75 years of independence, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) was celebrated as a people-led initiative.

The Government of India launched the 'Meri Mati Mera Desh Campaign' to continue the AKAM festival.

An Overview of the News

• Various activities were organised in and around Delhi from 9th to 15th August 2023 in line with the campaign's theme.

• Establishment of Amrit Vatika: 'Amrit Vatika' was created at each station to revive the environment and rejuvenate the earth ('Vasudha Vandhan'), planted 75 saplings of native species to symbolise the nation's connection with nature.

• Panch Pran Pledge: All the participants took the 'Panch Pran pledge, emphasising the commitment to the environment and sustainable living.

Air Force Station Arjangarh:

• Establishment of 'Amrit Vatika' at Baba Mangal Das Park, Aya Nagar.

• Ved Pal (Consultant & Municipal President) cooperated with station authorities for a successful event.

Bovapur Village near Air Force Station Hindon:

• 'Amrit Vatika' was built around 'Amrit Sarovar' near Air Force Station Hindon.

• Joint Director of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan Prabhat Kumar assisted the station officials.

Air Force Station Palam:

• The drive was carried out at the Indo-Korean Friendship Park near the station.

• In association with Sunil Kataria, Delhi Cantonment Board.

• 'Veeron Ka Vandan' initiative on 15th August 2023 in honour of freedom fighters.

Felicitation Program:

• Participation of retired personnel from the Armed Forces, Central, and State Police.

• Highlighting the importance of the campaign, a felicitation program was organised.