1. 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
2. 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
‘Role of Diaspora Youth in Innovations and new Technologies’, chaired by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur.
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'.
‘Leveraging the soft power of India - Goodwill through craft, cuisine & creativity’, chaired by Minister of State for External Affairs, Meenakashi Lekhi.
‘Enabling global mobility of Indian workforce – Role of Indian Diaspora’, chaired by Minister of Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan.
‘Harnessing the potential of diaspora entrepreneurs towards an inclusive approach to nation building’, chaired by Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman.
3. Anurag Thakur launches the themes of the Y20 summit, logo, and website
Tags: National National News
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur launches the themes of the Youth 20 summit, logo, and website in New Delhi on 6 January in the curtain raiser event of Y20 Summit India.
An overview of the news
India is hosting the Y20 summit for the first time.
In the Youth 20 Engagement Group, India's main focus is to bring together young leaders from around the world to discuss ideas for a better tomorrow and create an agenda for action.
Activities to be undertaken by Y20 during India's presidency will focus on global youth leadership and partnerships.
About Youth 20 (Y20)
Youth 20 (Y20) is the official youth engagement group of the G20.
It provides a platform for youth to express their vision and views on G20 priorities.
It is a process that brings together young leaders from around the world to discuss and debate global challenges.
The list of policy recommendations is known as a communiqué, which is publicly announced at the Y20 summit and presented to world leaders as part of the official G20 summit.
4. India deploys a platoon of women peacekeepers to the UN Mission in Sudan
Tags: International News
India deployed a platoon of women peacekeepers in the Abyei region of Sudan on 6 January as part of the Indian battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force (UNISFA).
An overview of the news
It is India's largest single contingent of women peacekeepers in a UN mission since it deployed its first all-women contingent to Liberia in 2007.
In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an entirely women contingent for a UN peacekeeping mission.
Police units formed in Liberia provided 24-hour guard duty, night patrols in the capital Monrovia, and helped increase the capacity of the Liberian Police.
The Indian contingent, comprising two officers and 25 other ranks, will form part of an engagement platoon and specialise in community outreach; they will also undertake extensive security work.
United Nations Interim Security Force (UNISFA)
The United Nations Security Council responded immediately to the deteriorating situation in the Abyei region of Sudan by establishing UNISFA by its resolution 1990 of 27 June 2011.
The UN Security Council was deeply concerned by the violence, rising tensions and population displacement.
UNISFA was established after the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) reached an agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
About UN Peacekeeping
UN peacekeeping began in 1948 when the UN Security Council authorised the deployment of UN military observers in the Middle East.
It helps to bring countries from conflict to a difficult path of peace.
It deploys soldiers and police from all over the world for peacekeeping.
India is one of the largest military and police contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.
There are currently more than 5,700 Indian peacekeepers deployed in nine of the 12 UN peacekeeping missions.
5. Government declares The Resistance Front, TRF as a terrorist organisation
Tags: National National News
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
An overview of the news
The Home Ministry's notification states that "the activities of the TRF are prejudicial to the national security and sovereignty of India."
As per the Home Ministry notification, The Resistance Front (TRF) is recruiting youth through online medium for furthering terrorist activities, recruiting terrorists, infiltrating terrorists and smuggling arms and narcotics from Pakistan into J&K.
The ministry also designated Sheikh Sajjad Gul, a commander of the TRF, as a terrorist under the Fourth Schedule of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967.
The government also designated Mohammad Amin alias Abu Khubaib, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir but currently lives in Pakistan as a terrorist.
For some years TRF was behind most of the attacks on civilians including Kashmiri Pandits and migrant workers as well as security forces in Kashmir.
The Resistance Front (TRF)
TRF came into existence in the year 2019 as a proxy organisation of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
It is a banned terrorist organisation listed at serial number 5 of the first schedule under UAPA.
The TRF, an offshoot of the Lashkar led by Hafiz Saeed, was formed with the support of the Pakistan Army and the ISI.
It was formed in response to the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir by India.
It is headed by TRF Commander Sheikh Sajjad Gul.
A large number of cases have been registered against members/associates of TRF related to planning to kill security force personnel and innocent civilians of J&K.
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, (UAPA) 1967
It is a preventive detention Act aimed at preventing activities directed against the integrity and sovereignty of India.
It was enacted by the Parliament in 1967.
Unlawful activity refers to any action taken by a person or association with the aim of disrupting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India.
6. India’s ‘2023 Science Vision’
Tags: Science and Technology National News
Briefing the media about the '2023 Science Vision', Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said, "The future belongs to those who have innovative ideas and out-of-the-box goals, and the conviction and courage to achieve them." He said this on the occasion of the Indian Science Congress.
108th Indian Science Congress
The 108th Indian Science Congress is being held on January 3-7, 2023 at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj (RTM) Nagpur University in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Indian Science Congress on January 3.
He talked about the achievements India has acquired in Science and Tech.
The theme of this year’s Indian Science Congress is “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment.”
2023 Science Vision
The development of science, technology and innovation is the only way for sustainable development.
The Prime Minister said in ISC 2023, in 2015 India was ranked 81st in the Global Innovation Index of 130 countries, but has reached 40th position in 2022.
Most of the major S&T companies around the world are being headed by people from India.
India has been a staunch supporter of promoting scientific temper in daily life. "Science, technology and innovation will define India@100 in 2047.
7. Ghaziabad-Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay section becomes the longest fully automatic block signalling section of Indian Railways
Tags: National News
Ghaziabad-Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay section (762 KM) becomes the longest fully automatic block signalling section of Indian Railways.
An overview of the news
After commissioning of automatic signalling system in Satanraini-Rasulabad-Faizullapur section of Prayagraj division, 762 kilometre long Ghaziabad-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay section has become fully automated.
With this it has also become the longest Automatic Block Signalling section of Indian Railways.
Indian Railways is introducing Automatic Block Signalling on a mission mode.
ABS has been commissioned on 268 RKM during 2022-23.
ABS has been provided on 3706 route kms of Indian Railways till 31st December 2022.
With the implementation of automatic signalling, there will be an increase in capacity resulting in the introduction of more train services.
Electronic interlocking is being adopted on a large scale to take advantage of digital technologies in train operations and to enhance safety.
What is Automatic Block Signalling (ABS)?
It is automatic and works in conjunction with track circuiting or other means to detect the presence of a train in a block section.
To increase line capacity to run more trains on existing high density routes of Indian Railways, Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) is a cost effective solution.
Electronic interlocking systems have been introduced at 347 stations during 2022-23.
Electronic interlocking has been provided to 2888 stations covering 45.5% IR by 31st December 2022.
8. India & France hold 36th Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi
Tags: International Relations National News
India and France held the 36th Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on 5 January. The two sides discussed a wide range of bilateral and global issues.
An overview of the news
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval led the Indian delegation while the French delegation was led by Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President.
The last edition of the Strategic Dialogue was to be held in Paris in November 2021.
India, France bilateral relations
France is the first country with which India started a strategic dialogue after its 1998 nuclear tests.
Bilateral trade with France has reached US$ 10.75 billion in the last decade and is showing a steady increase.
Both sides recognized the importance of discussing the India-EU Trade and Investment Agreement.
There are around 1,000 French companies present in India while over a hundred Indian businesses have established a presence in France.
In 2005, an agreement was signed to build six Scorpene submarines in India with the help of France.
There has been an agreement between the Government of France and India for 36 Rafale aircraft.
About France
President: Emmanuel Macron
Prime minister: Élisabeth Borne
Capital: Paris
Currency : euro
9. Dharmendra Pradhan chairs the 3rd meeting of the steering committee of National Skill Development Mission
Tags: Government Schemes National News
Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, chaired the third meeting of the Steering Committee of the National Skill Development Mission in New Delhi on 4 January.
An overview of the news
The progress made in the skill development efforts and the road map ahead were discussed in the meeting.
The minister also discussed various issues such as convergence of skill development schemes, skill gap analysis and skill mapping, connecting Indian youth to global opportunities, developing a curriculum to reflect emerging trends, etc.
He also called for greater convergence between skill development schemes of all ministries and spending on skill development by all stakeholders.
National Skill Development Mission
It was launched in 2015 to provide a strong institutional framework to implement skill development efforts across the country and provide training to one crore youth every year.
It has been developed to create convergence across regions and states in terms of skill training activities.
Objective - To provide a strong institutional framework at the Center and in all States for the implementation of skilling activities in the country.
Ministry : Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
10. Health Minister chairs a high level meeting to eliminate Kala-azar from the country by 2023
Tags: National National News
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on 4 January chaired a high-level meeting with four states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal governments to review the elimination of Kala-Azar from the country by the year 2023.
An overview of the news
Health ministers of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and senior officials of West Bengal were present during the meeting.
India is committed to eliminate Kala-azar from the country by 2023.
632 endemic blocks have already achieved elimination status with less than one case of Kala-azar per ten thousand population.
Only one block (Littipara) in Pakur district of Jharkhand is in the endemic category with 1.23 cases per 10,000 population.
The Central Government is working holistically with the State Government and other stakeholders for the eradication of Kala-azar in Jharkhand.
Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have achieved the Kala-azar elimination targets at the block level.
Global status of Kala-Azar
About 90 percent of global cases of kala-azar in the year 2021 were found in eight countries – Brazil, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan.
India accounts for 11.5 per cent of the total cases reported globally.
Bihar and Jharkhand currently account for more than 90 percent of Kala-azar cases.
What is Kala-azar?
It is also known as Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), black fever and Dumdum fever.
The disease is the second largest parasite killer in the world after Malaria.
It is a Neglected Tropical Disease affecting about 100 countries including India.
Symptoms
Fever, weight loss, fatigue, anaemia, and swelling of the liver and spleen.
Transmission
It is caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus.
It migrates to the internal organs such as the liver, spleen and bone marrow.
The study warns that kala-azar patients can infect others even after treatment.
National Kala-azar Eradication Program
India's National Health Policy, 2002, set a target of eliminating Kala-azar by 2010, which was revised in 2015.
Under Kala-azar eradication in India, a target of 1 case per 10,000 population was set at the sub-district level.
All the activities related to this program are being implemented through the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program.
India signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh and Nepal to eliminate Kala-azar from the South-East Asia region.
