1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launches digital portal to promote cooperative movement in Maharashtra
Tags: National News
Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the digital portal of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) office in Pune, Maharashtra.
An Overview of the News
Cooperative culture in India originated from Maharashtra, and the cooperative model of Maharashtra is driving the cooperative movement in the country.
The digital portal will enable all operations of cooperative societies, such as opening new branches, expanding to other states or auditing, to be conducted online.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Saharkar se Samriddhi" aims to provide basic amenities to lakhs of poor people of the country
The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2022 aims to increase transparency, accountability and eliminate nepotism in cooperatives, allowing young talent to join the movement.
The portal will benefit 1555 multi-state cooperatives, of which 42% are located in Maharashtra, highlighting the strength of the cooperative movement in the state.
The government is planning to computerise the offices of registrar of cooperatives in states to ease communication with 8 lakh cooperatives in the country.
The Modi government aims to make Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) viable and plans to form 3 lakh new PACS across the country in the next 5 years.
The government is building a cooperative university and a national cooperative database to enhance technical education in the cooperative sector.
Three new multi-state cooperatives have been set up to assist in marketing of organic produce and seed production, which will benefit over 10 crore farmers in the country.
The government's vision is to contribute towards making India a $5 trillion economy and the world's third largest economy with a significant contribution from the cooperative sector.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau.
Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde
Governor - Ramesh Bais
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) in 13 railway stations through video link
Tags: National News
On 6 July 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) through a video link from Delhi, which aims to revitalise 1,309 railway stations across India and turn them into world-class travel hubs.
An Overview of the News
ABSS will start its rejuvenation work at 508 railway stations in different states with an investment of ₹25,000 crore. In the state, 13 railway stations will be modernised with an investment of ₹303 crore.
List of Stations under ABSS in the State:
ABSS will focus on 13 railway stations in a specific state.
These selected stations will receive a modern makeover and substantial investment as part of ABSS.
The 13 railway stations selected for ABSS in the state are Ballari, Ghataprabha, Gokak Road, Bidar, Alnavar, Gadag, Koppal, Harihar, Arsikere, Mangaluru Junction, Wadi, Kalaburagi Junction (Gulbarga), and Shahabad.
Features of Revamped Stations:
The revamped railway stations will provide world class amenities.
Key features include rooftop plaza, shopping zone, food court, children's play area and separate entry and exit gates.
Multi-level parking, lifts and escalators, executive lounge, waiting area and travelators will also be included.
Facilities to meet the needs of the physically challenged shall be provided.
The integration of these facilities is expected to enhance the passenger experience and make the stations iconic landmarks in their respective cities.
Additionally, the stations will become hubs of socio-economic activities in their areas due to better multimodal connectivity.
Railway Minister of India - Ashwini Vaishnav
5. RBI slaps ₹2,000 crore fine on major Indian PSUs for delayed reporting of overseas investments
Tags: National News
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties on four major Indian public sector undertakings for delayed reporting of their overseas investments.
An Overview of the News
The companies that have been fined by RBI include ONGC Videsh Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, GAIL (India) Limited and Oil India Limited and the total amount of fine imposed by RBI is ₹2,000 crore.
Delayed reporting of overseas investments has led to restrictive measures by RBI, affecting further remittances and transfers till discrepancies are resolved.
One of the regulatory measures taken by RBI is to stop outward remittances. Authorised Dealer banks have been instructed not to facilitate any outward remittances or financial commitments by persons resident in India to foreign entities till the reporting issues are regularised.
Penalties for late submission have been imposed retrospectively, covering a significant number of overseas direct investment (ODI) remittances processed since 2000. The companies involved, including SBI, have reported all ODIs on the basis of documents provided by the remittance companies.
In an effort to prevent operational disruptions and comply with RBI regulations, the affected companies have sought an extension from the central bank. They aim to resolve late deposit charges with SBI ODI (Overseas Direct Investment) cell.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
The Reserve Bank of India was established under the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934. It started functioning from 1st April 1935
It was nationalised in 1949 and now the Government of India owns the RBI.
It has the power to regulate banks under the Banking Regulation Act 1949.
It has the power to regulate Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the RBI Act 1934.
RBI is also the regulator of digital payment systems under the Payment and Settlement Act 2007.
Headquarters: Mumbai
Governor: Shaktikanta Das
6. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Launches 'WorldCoin Crypto Project'
Tags: International News
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, along with co-founders Alex Blania and Max Novendstern, launched the 'WorldCoin Crypto Project'.
An Overview of the News
The primary objective of the WorldCoin crypto project is to establish a universal and decentralised digital identity that prioritises privacy and gives people access to various online services and benefits.
A notable aspect of the project is the vision of implementing WorldCoin as a means of distributing Universal Basic Income (UBI) to individuals around the world regardless of their location, income or social status.
The Tools for Humans organisation, headquartered in San Francisco and Berlin, provides support and assistance to the WorldCoin initiative.
An impressive 2 million users have already signed up for the beta version of the WorldCoin cryptocurrency project.
The project has ambitious plans to expand its reach to 35 cities in 20 countries.
To express gratitude to the early investors, WorldCoin cryptocurrency tokens will be given as rewards.
The initial supply of WorldCoin tokens is limited to 10 billion.
About WorldCoin crypto project:
The main goal of WorldCoin is to introduce a "World ID" system that authenticates a person's identity through iris scanning. This verification process helps to differentiate between humans and AI bots.
This project uses a device called 'Orb' to ensure the genuineness of the person. Once verified, a unique World ID is generated for the individual.
Interested persons can participate in the project by downloading the World App. They can receive their unique World ID by scanning their iris, verifying their human identity and using the 'Orb' to secure their digital passport.
7. Rajya Sabha passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023
Tags: National News
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023, was passed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with overwhelming support from various political parties. It aims to promote ease of living and ease of doing business.
An Overview of the News
The Bill proposes to amend 183 provisions in 42 Central Acts administered by 19 Ministries/Departments. The amendments aim to decriminalise certain offences.
Ministry/Department-wise list of Acts covered
Agriculture, Commerce, Consumer Affairs, Defence, Economic Affairs, Electronics and Information Technology, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Financial Services, Health and Family Welfare, Housing and Urban Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Posts, Promotion Industry and Internal Trade, Railways, Road Transport and Highways, Revenue, Statistics and Program Implementation
Types of Proposed Amendments
Removal of both imprisonment and/or fine in certain provisions
Removal of imprisonment and retention of fine in certain provisions
Removal of imprisonment and enhancement of fine in certain provisions
Conversion of imprisonment and fine into punishment in certain provisions
Introduction of compounding of offences in certain provisions
Benefits of Amendment Bill
Citizens and businesses operate without fear of imprisonment for minor, technical or procedural lapses
Justice system relieved from dealing with petty crimes, making justice delivery more efficient
Non-criminalisation provides relief to citizens and certain government employees
Illustrative Examples of Modifications
Specific cases of amendment of Acts to remove or modify the imprisonment provisions
benefiting citizens and reducing undue pressure on the judicial system
Effect of the Act on future amendments
To lay down a guiding principle for future amendments to various laws
Consolidate revisions with the common objective of saving time and cost
8. Ministry launches NAPDDR, National Action Plan to combat drug abuse
Tags: National News
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) to provide financial assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations and NGOs/VOs for various initiatives related to Drug Demand Reduction.
An Overview of the News
NAPDDR includes preventive education, awareness generation, capacity building, skill development, vocational training and livelihood support for ex-drug addicts, among other programmes.
Drug Free India Campaign (NMBA)
NMBA is a program launched in 2020 to tackle substance abuse in 372 vulnerable districts.
The focus is on raising awareness in educational institutions, schools and communities.
It aims to identify and help drug dependent people by providing them counselling and treatment facilities.
Effect of NMBA
More than 10.47 crore people including 3.34 crore youth and 2.22 crore women have been sensitised about drug abuse through various activities.
More than 3.23 lakh educational institutions have participated in spreading the message.
A corps of 8,000+ Master Volunteers (MVs) has been trained to support this cause.
Outreach through Social Media and Technology
NMBA uses social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to raise awareness.
A dedicated mobile application helps in collecting data on NMBA activities and provides a dashboard to track the progress.
The NMBA website (http://nmba.dosje.gov.in) provides detailed information, an online discussion forum and resources.
Encourage Drug-free Commitment
A national online pledge has seen participation of 1.67 crore students across 99,595 educational institutions.
Collaborating with spiritual/social service organisations
NMBA has signed MoUs with organisations such as The Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris and Sant Nirankari Mission for advocacy and public awareness activities.
9. Bengaluru becomes the first Indian city to join the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF)
Tags: place in news International News
Karnataka capital Bengaluru has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian city to join the prestigious World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF).
An Overview of the News
The World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF) is a global network of cities that collaboratively research and share intelligence to explore the important role of culture in shaping future prosperity.
Bengaluru is the 41st city to join WCCF, which already includes 40 cities across six continents such as New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Dubai.
In the past year, the cultural essence of Bengaluru has been showcased through multimedia assets by WCCF as part of a collaborative project called 'Unboxing Bangalore'.
The 'Unboxing BLR Foundation' established in April 2022 played a key role in this achievement. The Foundation is a non-profit initiative, founded by Prashant Prakash, founding partner of Accel India, and Malini Goyal, a philanthropist and journalist.
World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF):
WCCF was established in 2012.
Justin Simmons, the Deputy Mayor of London for Culture and Creative Industries, was instrumental in its setting up.
In 2015, Queen Elizabeth recognized Justin Simmons' significant contribution to culture in London.
As a token of appreciation, Justin Simmons was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
About Bengaluru
Known as the 'Silicon Valley of India', Bengaluru has more than 30 government and private museums. Notably, in 2019, India's first interactive music museum was inaugurated, and later in February 2020, the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) opened, becoming the first major private art museum in South India.
At the core of Bengaluru's vibrant intellectual and cultural exchange is the Bengaluru International Centre, established in 2019 within a 20,000 sq ft renovated industrial warehouse. Another hub of creativity is the Bangalore Creative Circus, which acts as an urban living laboratory.
Bengaluru serves as a major centre for film production, especially hosting the Kannada film industry which produces over 100 films annually. In addition, the city has a rich musical heritage, which includes North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Karnataka) classical music.
Living up to its title as the "Garden City of India", Bengaluru is adorned with many green spaces, notably the nationally acclaimed Botanic Garden, Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park. These green areas add to the natural charm and beauty of the city.
10. World's largest permafrost crater 'Batagaika' is expanding rapidly due to global warming in Russia
Tags: International News
Batagaika, the world's largest permafrost crater, is located in the Far East Siberian taiga and is expanding rapidly due to global warming in Russia.
An Overview of the News
This massive crater, also known as the "Gateway to the Underworld", initially appeared in the 1960s when the area was cleared for timber.
The crater is about one kilometre long and is classified as a 'mega-slump', indicating significant geological changes on Earth.
One of the primary factors contributing to the formation of permafrost craters is the thawing of permafrost, which is being caused by deforestation, land use change, and rising temperatures.
Russia's warming rate is at least 2.5 times faster than the global average, melting its long-frozen tundra and contributing to the expansion of the 'Batagaika' crater at a rate of about 10 metres per year.
Permafrost Crater:
Permafrost refers to land that is frozen at or below 0°C for at least two consecutive years.
It is mainly found in areas with high terrain and close to the Earth's poles, that is, the North and South Poles. Permafrost is made up of a mixture of soil, rock, and sand that is bound together by ice.
In particular, permafrost holds substantial amounts of organic carbon within its frozen layers.
When permafrost melts and the soil thaws, it releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, potentially increasing global warming.
