1. Controversy over BBC documentary "India: The Modi Question"
Tags: National News
The government has condemned theBBC documentary "India: The Modi Question" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, terming it a propaganda and an attempt to defame.
An overview of the news
This documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) questions his leadership as the state's chief minister during theGujarat riots.
In 2002, violence broke out after a train carrying Hindu pilgrims caught fire in Godhra, Gujarat, killing more than 1,000 people, most of them Muslims.
The BBC documentary has been criticised since its release. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also lodged a deep objection to this.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has termed it as a mere propaganda gimmick and a product of colonial mentality.
A Supreme Court-appointed inquiry found no evidence of any wrongdoing by PM Modi, who was the chief minister of Gujarat when the riots broke out in February 2002.
What is ‘India: The Modi Question’?
It is a TV series on 2002 riots in Gujarat which occurred during PM Modi’s time as Chief Minister of the state.
It is a two-part series broadcast on BBC Two.
The series explores how "the office of Narendra Modi has been affected by persistent allegations about his government's attitude towards India's Muslim population".
2. India produces record over 5,000 lakh metric tons of sugarcane in sugar season 2021-22
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution a record more than 5,000 Lakh Metric Tons (LMT) sugarcane was produced during the 2021-22 sugar season.
An overview of the news
About 394 LMT sugar was produced from about 3,574 LMT sugarcane. Out of this, 36 LMT sugar was diverted for ethanol production.
During 2021-22, sugar mills received revenue of more than 20 thousand crore rupees from the sale of ethanol.
During the sugar season between October and September 2021-22, India has emerged as the world's largest producer and consumer of sugar.
India has also become the second largest sugar exporter in the world after Brazil.
Cane dues for sugar season 2021-22 are less than Rs 2,300 crore indicating that 98% of cane dues have already been cleared.
For Sugar Season 2020-21, about 99.98% cane dues are cleared.
Despite the record high international sugar prices, the domestic sugar prices are stable and are in the range of Rs 32-35 per kg.
The average retail price of sugar in the country is around Rs 41.50/kg and is likely to remain in the range of Rs 37-43/kg in the coming months.
The largest producer of sugarcane in the world
Brazil is the largest producer of sugarcane in the world. India is the second largest producer of sugarcane.
Brazil produced about 32 million tons of sugar in 2021-22.
Major sugarcane-producing states in India
Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka account for nearly 80 percent of the total sugar production in the country.
The other major sugarcane-producing states are Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Haryana, and Punjab.
Since 2010-11, India has consistently produced surplus sugar, comfortably exceeding the domestic requirements.
3. Union Ministry of Tourism participates in FITUR, the world's largest International Travel Exhibition in Madrid
Tags: Summits International News
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is participating in FITUR, the world's largest international travel exhibition in Madrid.
An overview of the news
Feria Internacional del Turismo or FITUR is being hosted in Spain from January 18-22.
India's participation in FITUR is important for promoting tourism.
The Ministry of Tourism has taken up 253 square metres of space, with over 30 participants exhibiting along with the India Pavilion, to participate in the exhibition.
The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Dinesh K Patnaik, Indian Ambassador to Spain.
The Indian delegation, led by Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary in the Tourism Ministry, participated in key business meetings with the senior leadership of Melia Hotels International, Palladium Hotel Group, Expedia Group, World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The first Global Tourism Investors Summit will be organised by the Ministry of Tourism in New Delhi from 10 to 12 April.
4. Inauguration of International Science Literature Festival – Vigyanika
Tags: Festivals National News
The Science Literature Festival 'Vigyanika' is being organized at the Indian International Science Festival (IISF), Bhopal during the period 22 - 23 January, 2023.
An overview of the news
The "Science Literature Festival" is being organized as a part of the 8th India International Science Festival (IISF).
The 8th IISF is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Science and Technology and Vigyan Bharati.
The theme of this edition of IISF is “Moving towards Amrit Kaal with Science, Technology and Innovation”.
Vigyanika is being organized with the objective of promoting science through science poetry, multilingual scientific literature, science drama and folk art and showcasing the rich heritage of India by inculcating scientific temper among the masses.
Around 300 science writers, artists, journalists, young and budding writers, researchers, college students, children, science enthusiasts, science policy makers and citizens are expected to participate in the event.
IISF is being organized annually since 2015.
5. 8th Annual General Body Meeting of Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE)
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
Union Minister for Tourism, Culture G Kishan Reddy and Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan co-chaired the 18th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati on 19 January.
An overview of the news
The Ministers reviewed the functioning of the Institute and discussed the way forward.
During the meeting, a holistic approach of the government for skill development in the North Eastern region was suggested.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan suggested that the focus should be on future skills and IIEs should work in tandem with multiple ministries at the grassroots level.
The institute should tie up with major centres of excellence like IITs and IIMs and provide degree courses for students in cutting edge courses like data analytics etc.
Both the ministers also co-chaired a meeting to review the preparedness of several activities under 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'.
Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE)
It was established in the year 1993 at Guwahati by the then Ministry of Industry (now Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), Government of India.
It is an autonomous national institute that conducts training, research and consultancy activities in small and micro enterprises with a focus on entrepreneurship development.
It aims to promote entrepreneurship and provide research and consultancy for entrepreneurship development.
6. Ministry of Shipping, Waterways and Ports launches 'Bharat Pravah' initiative
Tags: National News
Shipping, Waterways and Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has launched the initiative ‘Bharat Pravah-India along its Shores’.
An overview of the news
Bharat Pravah:
The objective of this initiative is to highlight the importance of rivers-ports-shipping in the everyday life of the common man through literature, dialogue and communication.
It will also highlight the challenges, policy issues and future goals related to the maritime sector.
Importance of Ports in India:
India has 7,500 km of coastline, 14,500 km of navigable potential waterways and strategic locations along major international maritime trade routes.
About 95% of India's trade by volume and 65% by value is done through sea transport facilitated by ports.
India does about 35% containerization, while other developing countries do 62% to 65% containerization.
Currently, India does more bulk shipping than using containers, although we are making rapid progress towards containerization.
India's share in global trade is only 2%. The trade balance is in favor of imports. India ranks 44th in the Logistics Performance Index.
7. Constitution of Judicial Board for Major Ports notified
Tags: National News
The Major Ports Judicial Board Rules, 2023 have been notified in the Gazette by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on 17 January 2023.
An overview of the news
The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 was enacted on 03 January 2021.
Section 54 of the Act envisaged the constitution of a Judicial Board, which would carry out the functions prescribed under Section 58 of the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021.
This judicial board will consist of 3 members, including a presiding officer and two members.
The presiding officer included in the Judicial Board shall be a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court.
The other two members shall be a retired Chief Secretary or equivalent to the State Government or a retired Secretary to the Government of India or equivalent.
The presiding officer and members of this judicial board will be appointed on the basis of the recommendation of a selection committee.
After the formation of this judicial board, the tariff authority for major ports will cease to exist.
8. Manoj Ahuja, Secretary (Agriculture) inaugurates one-day India Cold Chain Conclave
Tags: National National News
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in association with PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) and National Center for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) organised a one day exhibition and conference as “Cold Chain Conclave” on 19th January in New Delhi.
An overview of the news
The conclave and exhibition was inaugurated by Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The conference was organised with an aim to bring all the stakeholders together on a common platform where they can develop the industry in a sustainable manner and explore ways to reduce post-harvest losses with relevant technologies.
An exhibition was also organised by industry leaders to showcase innovations and excellence in the cold chain sector.
Technological innovation is critical for the growth and development of the Indian cold chain industry.
During the Conclave, approval of the product specific horticulture clusters in various parts of the country under the Horticulture Cluster Development Programme of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare was accorded.
During the conclave, product specific horticulture clusters were approved in different parts of the country under the Horticulture Cluster Development Program of the Ministry of Agriculture.
9. Manoj Ahuja, Secretary (Agriculture) inaugurates one-day India Cold Chain Conclave
Tags: National National News
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in association with PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) and National Center for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) organised a one day exhibition and conference as “Cold Chain Conclave” on 19th January in New Delhi.
An overview of the news
The conclave and exhibition was inaugurated by Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The conference was organised with an aim to bring all the stakeholders together on a common platform where they can develop the industry in a sustainable manner and explore ways to reduce post-harvest losses with relevant technologies.
An exhibition was also organised by industry leaders to showcase innovations and excellence in the cold chain sector.
Technological innovation is critical for the growth and development of the Indian cold chain industry.
During the Conclave, approval of the product specific horticulture clusters in various parts of the country under the Horticulture Cluster Development Programme of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare was accorded.
During the conclave, product specific horticulture clusters were approved in different parts of the country under the Horticulture Cluster Development Program of the Ministry of Agriculture.
10. Hyderabad selected to host WEF Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Tags: National News
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has chosen Hyderabad to set up its Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution focused on healthcare and life sciences.
An overview of the news
The announcement was made after the Telangana government and the World Economic Forum signed a cooperation agreement during the Forum's annual meeting in Davos recently.
The collaboration agreement was signed by Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director, WEF and Sakthi Nagappan, Chief Executive Officer, Telangana Life Sciences Foundation.
Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Telangana will be an autonomous, non-profit organisation that will focus on healthcare and life sciences.
C4IR is the 18th centre to join the 4th Industrial Revolution Network of Telangana Forum, which is spread across four continents.
What is the fourth industrial revolution?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a fundamental change in the way we live, work and connect with each other.
It is a new chapter in human development, enabled by an extraordinary technological advance commensurate with the First, Second and Third Industrial Revolutions.
The key technologies involved are cloud computing, big data, cyber security, simulation, additive manufacturing and Internet of Things (IoT).
Other industrial revolution
First Industrial Revolution (in the 1800s): Water and steam power were used to mechanize production. An example of this is the steam engine.
Second Industrial Revolution (early 1900s): It used electricity for mass production. Electricity is an example of this.
Third Industrial Revolution (late 1900s): Electronics and information technology were used to automate production. Computers and the Internet are examples of this.
