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By admin: Sept. 21, 2023

Swati Nayak selected for the 2023 Borlaug Field Award

Tags: Awards

Odia scientist Swati Nayak selected as the recipient of the Borlaug Field Award 2023.

An Overview of the News

• Swati Nayak is currently working as a Scientist and South Asia Head for Seed System and Product Management at the Philippines-based CGIAR-International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

• Swati Nayak received the award for her innovative approach to engaging farmers in demand-driven rice seed systems, testing, deploying, and promoting access and adoption of climate-resilient and nutritious rice varieties.

• The award was presented to him by the prestigious selection jury of the World Food Prize, highlighting his significant contributions to global food production and combating hunger and malnutrition.

Swati Nayak's Career and Achievements

• Throughout her 13-year career, Swati Nayak has organized over 10,000 on-farm and comparative testings, leading to the dissemination of more than 20 climate-resilient, high-yielding, bio-fortified, and healthier rice varieties through seed systems in multiple countries.

• She was instrumental in introducing the drought-tolerant rice variety Shahbhagi paddy in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, which is highly popular in Odisha and other parts of India even after eight years.

• Swati Nayak contributed to the establishment of Seeds Without Borders, an international seed policy agreement that facilitates the distribution of modern varieties of rice in South and Southeast Asia.

• She actively contributed to empowering women in agriculture through her work with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) led by the Government of India and the World Bank.

Official Awards Presentation

• Swati Nayak will officially receive the Borlaug Field Award during the Borlaug Dialogue event on October 24 in Des Moines, Iowa.

• The Borlaug Field Prize, named for agricultural scientist and Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug, consists of a $10,000 prize and an award diploma.

G20 Infrastructure Working Group meeting started in Madhya Pradesh

Tags: Summits

The 4th International Infrastructure Working Group meeting under India's G20 chairmanship began on 21 September 2023 at the Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Center in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

An Overview of the News

• More than 50 delegates representing different countries participated in the two-day meeting.

• The primary agenda of the meeting revolves around several aspects of infrastructure investment, such as:

  • To develop infrastructure as an asset class.

  • To promote the development of high-quality urban infrastructure.

  • Exploration of Infratech (Technology in Infrastructure).

  • To identify innovative financial instruments to mobilize funds to invest in resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban infrastructure.

• The Ministry of Finance is hosting and chairing the meeting with co-chair support from Australia and Brazil.

About G20

• It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.

• Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.

• The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.

ICC releases Men's Cricket World Cup official anthem 'Dil Jashn Bole'

Tags: Sports

The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently released 'Dil Jashan Bole', the official anthem for the upcoming Men's Cricket World Cup, which will begin on the 5th of next month.

An Overview of the News

• It features popular Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh as well as many famous social media influencers.

• The ICC made the announcement via a tweet on its official social media accounts, inviting fans to experience the anthem on "Platform 2023" and join in the excitement of the One Day Express, marking the upcoming event as the biggest cricket event in the world. It was said that it was a celebration.

• The music of this anthem is composed by Pritam, and the vocals are performed by talented artists including Pritam, Nakash Aziz, Shriram Chandra, Amit Mishra, Jonita Gandhi, Akasa, and Charan.

Upcoming Cricket World Cup:-

• After a gap of 12 years, the Cricket World Cup is returning to India and will be held in 10 different cities.

• The opening match on October 5 will be between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

• India's first match will be against Australia in Chennai.

About the International Cricket Council (ICC)

• It is the global governing body for cricket.

• It was founded in 1909 as the Imperial Cricket Conference by representatives of England, Australia, and South Africa.

• In 1989 its name was changed to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Established - 15 June 1909

Headquarters - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Chairman - Greg Barclay

CEO - Geoff Allardyce

General Manager - Wasim Khan

Assistant - Asian Cricket Council

ICC General Manager of Marketing and Communications - Claire Furlong

India Global Forum and World Governments Summit signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Tags: International News

Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of India Global Forum and Mohammed Al Sharhan, Managing Director of the World Governments Summit signed the MoU to set up the Emerging Economies Programme.

An Overview of the News

• The event will bring together government officials, business leaders, economists, and experts.

• It will facilitate discussion on sustainable economic development, geo-economic perspective, and innovative solutions.

• The objective of this partnership is to promote thought leadership in the region.

• Emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities related to the Global South will be researched.

• The program will also improve field data for the benefit of future governments.

Importance of Emerging Economies Programme:

• This program is an important initiative that aims to promote sustainable economic development in the Global South.

• It reflects the commitment of the India Global Forum and the World Government Summit to build a better future for all.

About India Global Forum:

• India Global Forum serves as a gateway for businesses and nations wishing to engage with contemporary India.

• It provides insight into India's political, economic, and cultural landscape for those entering the Indian market or looking for global opportunities.

About the World Governments Summit:

• The World Government Summit Organization is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to shaping the future of governments.

• It focuses on innovation and technology to address global challenges facing governments and humanity as a whole.

About the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Location: It is located in Western Asia.

• Geographical boundaries: It shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia.

• Maritime Borders: It also has maritime borders with Qatar and Iran in the Persian Gulf.

Capital - Abu Dhabi

Official language - Arabic

President/Crown Prince - Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Prime Minister - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy and Vice President of the World Government Summit Organization - Omar Sultan Al Olama

The Prime Minister will inaugurate 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in Uttar Pradesh

Tags: State News National News

16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in Uttar Pradesh will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.

An Overview of the News

• Built at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore, these schools aim to provide quality education to laborers, children of construction workers, and orphans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Each school is spread over 10 to 15 acres and has classrooms, sports facilities, recreational areas, a mini auditorium, hostels, mess halls, and staff accommodation.

• The ultimate goal of each of these Awasiya Vidyalayas is to accommodate 1,000 students.

The foundation stone of the International Cricket Stadium:

• The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the international cricket stadium in Varanasi.

• Located in Ganjri, Rajatalab, Varanasi, this cricket stadium will cover a vast area of 30 acres and is estimated to cost around Rs 450 crore.

• It is designed to seat 30,000 spectators.

Closing Ceremony of Kashi Sansad Cultural Mahotsav 2023:

• The Prime Minister will also attend the closing ceremony of the Kashi Sansad Cultural Festival 2023.

• This cultural festival saw the participation of over 37,000 persons representing 17 different disciplines including singing, musical instrument playing, street theater (nukkad natak), and various dance forms.

Women's Reservation Bill passed in Lok Sabha

Tags: National News

The Lok Sabha has given its assent to the Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill, commonly known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhinyam.

An Overview of the News

• The Women's Reservation Bill has a provision to reserve one-third of the total seats for women in the Lower House and State Legislative Assemblies.

• The bill was passed with overwhelming support, as 454 Members of Parliament voted in favor of it, while only two MPs opposed it. Speaker Om Birla formally announced the passage of the bill in the lower house.

• The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on the first day of proceedings in the new parliamentary building. Additionally, the old Parliament House in the Lok Sabha was renamed the Samvidhan Sadan.

About Article 243(D)

• Article 243(D) of Part IX of the Constitution mandates the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in all three levels of Panchayats.

• State legislatures are responsible for establishing provisions that reserve the posts of chairpersons in Panchayats for persons belonging to SC and ST communities.

• Article 243(D) also provides that at least one-third of the seats in Panchayats should be reserved for women.

• Additionally, State Legislatures have the power to provide for reservation in favor of backward classes in terms of seats or the post of Speakers.

Additional Information:-

• Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the 128th Amendment Bill, 2023 to achieve 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

• Arjun Ram Meghwal, while introducing the bill, had said that if it is passed, the number of seats reserved for women in the Lok Sabha will increase from 82 to 181.

President inaugurates first Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show

Tags: Economics/Business State News

President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the first Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show at the India Expo Center and Mart in Greater Noida on September 21, 2023.

An Overview of the News

• Prominent personalities including Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Industries Minister Nand Gopal Nandi attended the inauguration ceremony.

• The trade show will run from September 21 to 25 and will include over 2000 exhibitors from various sectors such as automobile, handicrafts, healthcare, food processing, pharmaceuticals, dairy, electronics and e-commerce.

• State government departments, institutions, and Mumbai Dabbawala Services will organize informative sessions on business activities.

• The event will showcase 108 new startups.

• It is expected to attract more than five lakh visitors, including international attendees.

Event location and global participation:

• The trade show will be held at India Expo Mart in Knowledge Park, Greater Noida.

• The event aims to provide a platform to showcase the products, specialties, cuisine, and culture of Uttar Pradesh to gain international exposure and explore market opportunities.

• Over 400 participants from over 60 countries have registered for the event, highlighting its international appeal. EEntry to the show is free for the general public.

Nuakhai Festival 2023

Tags: Festivals

The Nuakhai festival was celebrated on September 20, 2023.

An Overview of the News

• Nuakhai festival is traditionally celebrated on the next day of Ganesh Chaturthi.

• Nuakhai is celebrated throughout the state of Odisha.

• This festival holds special significance in western Odisha and neighboring areas like Simdega of Jharkhand.

Origin of the word Nuakhai:

• The word 'Nuakhai' is taken from the Oriya language.

• 'Nua' means new, and 'khai' means food.

• This festival marks the celebration of the new rice harvest, symbolizing the possession of new rice in the granary.

About Odisha

• Formation - 1 April 1936

• Capital - Bhubaneswar

• Governor - Ganeshi Lal

• Chief Minister - Naveen Patnaik

• Rajya Sabha - 10 seats

• Lok Sabha - 21 seats

International Day of Peace - 21 September

Tags: Important Days

The International Day of Peace (IDP) is observed every year on 21 September.

An Overview of the News

• The IDP was established by the United Nations (UN) to emphasize the global commitment to peace, non-violence, and conflict resolution.

The theme for 2023:

• The theme of the 2023 IDP is "Action for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals".

• This theme emphasizes both individual and collective responsibilities in promoting peace.

• To ensure the success of these goals, it calls for the participation of various actors, including the world's 1.2 billion youth.

The topic focuses on three key areas:

• Fighting inequality

• Taking action on climate change

• Promote and protect human rights

History of International Peace Day:-

• United Nations Resolution 36/67 (1981): The International Day of Peace began with the adoption of United Nations Resolution 36/67 on September 30, 1981.

• Selection of the third Tuesday of September: Following a United Nations resolution, it was decided that the International Day of Peace would be celebrated annually on the third Tuesday of September.

• Inaugural Ceremony (1982): The first official observance of the International Day of Peace took place on 21 September 1982.

• Official designation of September 21 (2001): An important development in the history of this day occurred in 2001 when September 21 was officially established as the International Day of Peace.