DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: March 18, 2023

Pennaiyar River Dispute

Tags: State News

The Supreme Court in December directed the Center to set up a Pennaiyar River Water Disputes Tribunal within three months to resolve the dispute over sharing of water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

As the three-month deadline set by the Supreme Court for setting up an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal for the Pennaiyar river has expired, Tamil Nadu is awaiting further action from the Centre.

An overview of the news

  • The Supreme Court in December directed the Center to set up a Pennaiyar River Water Disputes Tribunal within three months to resolve the dispute over sharing of water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

  • In 2018, Tamil Nadu filed a lawsuit against Karnataka for building check-dams and diversion structures on the river.

  • On November 30, 2019, Tamil Nadu formally requested the central government to set up a tribunal to settle disputes over the waters of the river.

  • In mid-December 2022, the Supreme Court gave the Center three months to set up a tribunal to resolve the dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Interstate River Water Dispute

  • Interstate river water disputes are currently one of the most contentious issues in Indian federalism.

  • The Cauvery water dispute and Sutlej-Yamuna link canal cases are some examples.

  • Various Inter-State Water Disputes Tribunals have been constituted so far.

  • According to Article 131 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court, in its original jurisdiction, decides a dispute between the Government of India and one or more States or between the Government of India and any State or States or between two or more States on river water disputes.

About Pennaiyar River

  • It originates in the Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

  • The major tributaries are Chinnar, Markanda, Vaniyar and Pamban.

  • It is the second longest river in Tamil Nadu after Cauvery with a length of 497 km.

  • It is the second largest interstate east-flowing river basin among the 12 basins located between the Pennar and Cauvery basins.

  • It covers a large area in the state of Tamil Nadu apart from areas included in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

  • Important cities on the banks of Pennaiyar River – Bangalore, Hosur, Tiruvannamalai and Cuddalore South.


Flu cases rising in India, Two suspected H3N2 deaths

Tags: Science and Technology National News

one death each in Haryana and Karnataka due to H3N2 subtype of flu virus

The Union Health Ministry has confirmed one death each in Haryana and Karnataka due to H3N2 subtype of flu virus in March.

An overview of the news

  • Figures from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program show that at least nine people died of the flu in January.

What is the H3N2 virus?

  • Influenza virus, which causes the infectious disease called flu, is of four different types – A, B, C and D.

  • Influenza A is classified into different subtypes and one of them is H3N2.

  • Influenza A is an RNA virus. It is classified into subtypes based on the type of two proteins found on its surface.

  • Influenza D virus is found in cattle and pigs.

  • According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H3N2 caused the flu pandemic of 1968, which caused the death of about one million people worldwide and about 100,000 in the US alone.

Symptoms of H3N2

  • Symptoms are similar to that of any other flu.

  • Cough, fever, body ache and headache, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and extreme fatigue are common symptoms.

  • In some cases, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are also seen.

Transmission

  • H3N2 influenza is highly contagious and can spread from person to person when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.

  • It can also spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching someone's mouth or nose.

  • People at higher risk of complications from the flu include pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions.

Treatment

  • Getting proper rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and using pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever are all parts of H3N2 influenza treatment.

  • Doctors may also recommend antiviral drugs like oseltamivir and zanamivir if a patient has severe symptoms.


Cabinet approves listing of IREDA on Stock Exchanges

Tags: Economy/Finance National News

Cabinet approves listing of IREDA on Stock Exchanges

The Union Government on 18 March approved the listing of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) on the stock exchanges.

An overview of the news

  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) decided to approve an Initial Public Offer (IPO) by way of partial sale of the government's stake in CPSEs to raise funds by issuing fresh equity shares.

  • The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) will carry out the listing process.

  • Earlier in the year 2017 also IREDA was given approval to bring IPO.

  • According to the government, in March 2022, it was decided to invest Rs 1500 crore in IREDA.

  • This has changed the capital structure of the company, due to which it has become necessary to bring an IPO.

Significance of the move

  • The approval will help the IPO unlock the value of the government's investment and provide an opportunity to the public to own a stake in national assets and earn from it.

  • This will help IREDA to raise a part of its capital requirement for carrying out development plans without depending on the exchequer.

  • The move will improve governance through greater market discipline and transparency arising out of listing requirements and disclosures.

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) 

  • It was incorporated as a Public Limited Company in the year 1987 as a 'Non-Banking Financial Institution'.

  • It is a Miniratna (Category 1) type company functioning under the administrative control of 'Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.

  • Its function is to encourage projects related to new and renewable energy sources and to provide them financial assistance for their development.

  • It has been notified as a 'Public Financial Institution' under section 4'A' of the 'Companies Act, 1956'.

  • Chairman and Managing Director - Pradip Kumar Das 

Jharkhand govt launches job portal to ensure 75% local quota in pvt sector

Tags: State News

The Jharkhand government on 17 March launched ‘Jharniyojan’ portal where all private establishments have to register themselves.

The Jharkhand government on 17 March launched ‘Jharniyojan’ portal where all private establishments have to register themselves.

An overview of the news

  • Its objective is to fulfill the state government's promise of ensuring 75 percent employment to local candidates in the private sector of the state.

  • The portal will act as a platform for employers to share information related to occupations and manpower and for candidates looking for jobs.

  • Employers using the portal will have to comply with the 'Jharkhand State Employment of Local Candidates in Private Sector Act, 2021'.

  • Local companies and employers are expected to voluntarily comply and provide employment opportunities to local youth/women.

Jharkhand State Employment of Local Candidates in Private Sector Act, 2021

  • It was passed with the objective to provide employment opportunities to the unemployed youth of the state at the local level.

  • In 2022, the rules related to the implementation of the Act were notified.

  • As per the Act, 75% of jobs in the private sector with a salary of up to Rs 40,000 will be reserved for "locals" in the state.

  • It is applicable to all establishments which are in the private sector and where 10 or more persons are employed.

  • In case local companies face problems in getting skilled manpower locally, a provision has been made under the Act to provide necessary training to eligible youth.

  • Central or state government undertakings will not be covered under the Act.

  • However, the provisions of the Act shall apply to all organizations outsourcing services to Central Government or State Government establishments/undertakings.


Global Millets Conference to be inaugurated by PM Modi in New Delhi

Tags: Summits National News

Global Millets Conference

The Global Millets Conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 19, 2023 in New Delhi

An Overview of the News 

  • Agriculture ministers from six countries, international scientists, nutritionists, health experts, start-up leaders and other stakeholders from over 100 countries will participate in the conference.

  • The Prime Minister will unveil a customised postage stamp and currency coin on the International Year of Millets (IYM) - 2023 during the event.

  • The two-day conference will have sessions on a wide range of issues related to millets, including publicity and awareness, value chain development, health and nutrition, market linkages and research and development.

  • An exhibition-cum-buyer-seller meet will also be organised with a focus on millets with the participation of over 50 domestic and international buyers, importers, exporters and processors.

  • The exhibition will showcase millet and millet-based ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products, by millet-based startups and exporters, and live cooking sessions by various international and national chefs.

  • Based on India's proposal, the year 2023 was declared by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Millet Year.

  • Engaged all Ministries and Departments of the Central Government, States and Union Territories, farmers, start-ups, exporters, retail businesses and other stakeholders to promote and spread awareness about the benefits of millets to the farmer, consumer and the climate.

About Millet

  • India is the largest producer of millets in the world and the second largest exporter of these grains.

  • Millets have been an integral part of India's food culture for centuries, and several types of millets are grown in the country, including jowar, ragi, bajra, kuttu, ramdana, kangni, kutki, kodo, china, and sama.

  • Millets are known for their many health benefits, including being a good source of protein, fibre and micronutrients.

  • Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttarakhand being the top 10 states in terms of millet production. 

  • Together, these 10 states account for almost 98% of millet production in India during the 2020-21 period. 


Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav elected Nepal's third Vice President

Tags: Person in news International News

Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav elected Nepal's third Vice President

Ram Sahai Prasad Yadav has been elected as the third Vice President of Nepal and is the leader of the Janata Samajwadi Party.

An Overview of the News

  • In the voting, Yadav defeated Astalakshmi Shakya of CPN (UML) and Mamta Jha of Janmat Party.

  • Yadav received support from the ruling coalition, including the Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist Centre), and CPN (Unified Socialist).

  • A total of 311 federal MPs and 518 provincial assembly members participated in the vote.

  • The polling station for the election was located in the Federal Parliament Building at New Baneshwar in Kathmandu.

  • According to the Constitution of Nepal, the Vice President can perform the duties of the President during the absence of the President.

  • The term of the Vice President is five years from the date of his election.

  • Yadav was a former Minister of Forest and Environment and a member of Nepal's first federal parliament.

About Nepal

  • The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.

  • It is a landlocked country in South Asia.

President - Ram Chandra Paudel

Prime Minister - Pushpa Kamal Dahal

Capital - Kathmandu

Currency - Nepalese Rupee

Tamil writer Sivashankari honoured with Saraswathi Samman for acclaimed work "Surya Vamsam"

Tags: Awards

The award is for his book "Surya Vamsam", a memoir published in Tamil in 2019.

Noted Tamil writer Sivasankari has been conferred with the prestigious Saraswati Samman for the year 2022.

The award is for his book "Surya Vamsam", a memoir published in Tamil in 2019.

An Overview of the News

  • Sivasankari is a prolific writer who has made significant contributions to Tamil literature, and the award is a recognition of his talent and dedication.

  • Sivasankari's recognition with the Saraswati Samman will help bring greater visibility to Tamil literature and inspire new generations of writers in the language.

About Saraswati Samman

  • It is given annually to an outstanding literary work written in any Indian language and published during the last 10 years.

  • The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh, a citation and a plaque.

  • The award has been received by some of India's most prominent writers, including Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Mahasweta Devi, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and S.L. Bhairappa.

  • The Saraswati Samman has played an important role in promoting Indian literature and recognizing the contribution of Indian authors to the global literary scene.


India's G-20 Presidency: Startup-20 Group holds second meeting in Sikkim

Tags: Summits State News

Startup 20 Engagement Group

The Startup 20 Engagement Group under India's G-20 Presidency began a two-day meeting in Gangtok, Sikkim.

The group aims to bring together the global startup system and give each country the freedom to develop its own unique ecosystem.

An Overview of the News

  • Chief Minister Tamang also acknowledged the significant scope for aggregators in developing end-to-end chains of organic farm and livestock products as well as medicinal plants and tourism in Sikkim.

  • The state government has set up an incubation center under the Atal Innovation Mission at Sikkim Manipal University and launched schemes like One Family, One Entrepreneur in Sikkim to address the challenges faced by startups in the state.

  • Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Prakash reiterated the commitment of the Union Government to strengthen the startup ecosystem of the Northeast.

  • The meetup aims to connect large businesses under B20 with small entrepreneurs from Startup20.

About Sikkim

Located - Eastern part of the country

Establishment - 16 May 1975 as the 22nd state of India

Capital - Gangtok

Chief Minister - PS Tamang

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry - Som Prakash

Borders - China, Bhutan, West Bengal and Tibetan region of Nepal

Highest peak of India and third highest peak of the world - Mount Kanchenjunga is located in Sikkim

Rivers - River Teesta and its tributaries like Rangit, Lhonak, Talung and Lachung

Lowest literacy rate in India found in Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan: Ministry of Education

Tags: Reports

Ministry of Education, Bihar has the lowest literacy rate in India at 61.8%, while Kerala has the highest at 94%.

According to the Ministry of Education, Bihar has the lowest literacy rate in India at 61.8%, while Kerala has the highest at 94%.

An Overview of the News

  • Apart from Bihar, other states with low literacy rates are Arunachal Pradesh at 65.3% and Rajasthan at 66.1%, while Lakshadweep with 91.85% and Mizoram with 91.33% follow Kerala.

  • The literacy rate in rural India is 67.77%, while the literacy rate in urban areas is 84.11%.

About Saakshar Bharat Scheme

  • Saakshar Bharat Yojana was implemented in rural areas of 404 districts of 26 states and one union territory to improve the adult literacy rate. The program targets areas with a female literacy rate of 50% or less as per the 2001 census.

  • The objective of the plan was to raise the country's overall literacy rate to 80% and reduce the gender gap to 10% by the end of the Twelfth Five Year Plan. The program was extended till March 31, 2018.

  • The objective of the Samagra Shiksha scheme is to provide universal access and retention in education, bridge gender and social category gaps, and enhance learning levels from pre-school to senior secondary level.

  • The Central Government assists the States and Union Territories in implementing the Samagra Shiksha Yojana as a programme.

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