1. Government grant power to 31 District Magistrate and 9 State Home Secretaries to grant citizenship to minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan
Tags: National
According to the annual report of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the District Magistrates of 31 districts and the Home Secretaries of nine states have been given powers to grant Indian citizenship to the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians coming to the country from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
According to the report of the Ministry from 1 April 2021 to December 31, 2021, a total of 1,414 foreigners belonging to the minority communities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan were given Indian citizenship by registration or naturalisation under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) yet to be implemented in India
The delegation of powers by the Union Home Ministry to the District Magistrates and the Home secretaries of States has not been granted under the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA).
The CAA also provides for granting Indian citizenship to these non-Muslims coming from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
However, the rules under the CAA have not been framed by the government yet and hence, no one so far has been granted Indian citizenship under it.
States which has been given the power by the Central Government
In 2021 the government gave the power to 13 more District Magistrates and Home Secretaries of two more States. Thus the total number of districts magistrates are now 31 and 9 States.
The nine states where Indian citizenship by registration or naturalisation is given under the Citizenship Act, 1955 to non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra.
Online facility for renunciation of Indian citizenship
- According to the report the government has also activated an online module under the “Immigration, Visa and Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) platform on August 22, 2021 to process the applications for renunciation of Indian citizenship.
- Through this module, an Indian citizen of full age and capacity may apply online for renunciation of Indian citizenship.
- Under the Citizenship Act, 1955, adult Indian citizens can voluntarily renounce citizenship but they have to inform the government.
- Since there is a provision for single citizenship in India, an Indian citizen who has taken citizenship of a foreign country is also expected to inform the government.
- All these persons can now use this online facility.
Indian Citizenship through Naturalisation and Registration Process
Under the Citizenship act 1955 citizenship can be granted to a foreigner through Naturalisation and Registration process also
Registration process
Who can apply?
- It is for Person of Indian Origin who is resident in India for at least 7 years.
- A foreigner married to an Indian citizen and who is a resident in India for at least 7 years.
- Person of full age who has been registered as an Overseas Indian Citizen for at least five years and resident in India for at least One year.
- These people have to apply for citizenship to the respective District Magistrate where they are residing.
Naturalisation process
A foreigner who does not come under the category of foreigner as defined in the Registration process has to be resident of India for at least 15 years before applying for the citizenship of India .
2. PM Gati Shakti Multimodal Waterways Summit to be held in Varanasi
Tags: place in news National National News
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will inaugurate the PM Gati Shakti Multimodal Waterways Summit in Varanasi on November 11.
Important facts
Sonowal will also inaugurate community ghats on National Waterway-1 (Ganga River) at Ravidas Ghat.
The Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, is organising the 'PM Gati Shakti Multimodal Waterways Summit' on November 11-12, 2022.
The summit will provide a networking platform for key stakeholders from the central government, state governments, industry and think tanks to share and discuss the National Master Plan.
About PM Gati Shakti Master Plan
In October 2021, the government announced the PM Gati Shakti programme.
It will bring 16 Ministries together for integrated planning and implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects.
It is multi-modal connectivity and will help in improving global competitiveness, boost manufacturing and modernise infrastructure in the country.
Its targets are to cut logistic costs, increase cargo handling capacity and reduce the turnaround time.
Economic zones like Textile Clusters, Pharmaceutical Clusters, Defence Corridor, Electronic Park, Industrial Corridor, Fishing Clusters, Agri Zone will be covered under this program to improve connectivity.
Significance
It will give a boost to the overall infrastructure of the country.
It will strive to build next generation infrastructure that improves ease of living as well as ease of doing business.
It will provide integrated and seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services as a mode of transport.
It will create many employment opportunities and boost the economy.
It will improve the global competitiveness of local products by cutting logistics costs and improving the supply chain.
3. PM Gati Shakti Multimodal Waterways Summit to be held in Varanasi
Tags: place in news National National News
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will inaugurate the PM Gati Shakti Multimodal Waterways Summit in Varanasi on November 11.
Important facts
Sonowal will also inaugurate community ghats on National Waterway-1 (Ganga River) at Ravidas Ghat.
The Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, is organising the 'PM Gati Shakti Multimodal Waterways Summit' on November 11-12, 2022.
The summit will provide a networking platform for key stakeholders from the central government, state governments, industry and think tanks to share and discuss the National Master Plan.
About PM Gati Shakti Master Plan
In October 2021, the government announced the PM Gati Shakti programme.
It will bring 16 Ministries together for integrated planning and implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects.
It is multi-modal connectivity and will help in improving global competitiveness, boost manufacturing and modernise infrastructure in the country.
Its targets are to cut logistic costs, increase cargo handling capacity and reduce the turnaround time.
Economic zones like Textile Clusters, Pharmaceutical Clusters, Defence Corridor, Electronic Park, Industrial Corridor, Fishing Clusters, Agri Zone will be covered under this program to improve connectivity.
Significance
It will give a boost to the overall infrastructure of the country.
It will strive to build next generation infrastructure that improves ease of living as well as ease of doing business.
It will provide integrated and seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services as a mode of transport.
It will create many employment opportunities and boost the economy.
It will improve the global competitiveness of local products by cutting logistics costs and improving the supply chain.
4. Justice D Y Chandrachud takes oath as 50th CJI
Tags: National Person in news National News
Justice D Y Chandrachud took oath as the new Chief Justice of India on November 9, 2022. President Draupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Chandrachud as the 50th Chief Justice of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He succeeded Justice U U Lalit, who retired on November 8, 2022.
Important facts
Justice Chandrachud's term will last till November 10, 2024.
Justice Chandrachud, born on November 11, 1959, was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court on May 13, 2016.
His father Justice Y V Chandrachud was the 16th Chief Justice of India from 2 February 1978 to 11 July 1985.
Justice Chandrachud was the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court before his appointment to the Supreme Court with effect from October 31, 2013.
He was a judge of the Bombay High Court prior to his appointment as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court with effect from March 29, 2000.
Justice Chandrachud also served as the Additional Solicitor General of India from 1998 until his appointment as a judge in the Bombay High Court.
He was nominated as a Senior Advocate by the Bombay High Court in June 1998.
Justice Chandrachud gave historic judgments in matters relating to Section 377 IPC, Aadhaar, Sabarimala etc.
Recently a bench headed by Justice Chandrachud had allowed medical termination of pregnancy to unmarried women.
Supreme Court and its Chief Justice
The Supreme Court of India came into existence on 26 January 1950. The Federal Court which was set up under the Government of India act 1935 was converted into the Supreme Court of India.
Its first sitting was held on 28 January 1950.
The first Chief Justice of India was Harilal J.Kania.
The 16th Chief Justice of India, Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud, is the longest-serving Chief Justice. He was Chief Justice of India for over 7 years (February 1978 – July 1985).
The 22nd Chief Justice of India, Kamal Narain Singh, is the shortest-serving Chief Justice. He was the Chief Justice of India for 17 days (25 November 1991 – 12 December 1991).
5. Justice D Y Chandrachud takes oath as 50th CJI
Tags: National Person in news National News
Justice D Y Chandrachud took oath as the new Chief Justice of India on November 9, 2022. President Draupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Chandrachud as the 50th Chief Justice of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He succeeded Justice U U Lalit, who retired on November 8, 2022.
Important facts
Justice Chandrachud's term will last till November 10, 2024.
Justice Chandrachud, born on November 11, 1959, was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court on May 13, 2016.
His father Justice Y V Chandrachud was the 16th Chief Justice of India from 2 February 1978 to 11 July 1985.
Justice Chandrachud was the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court before his appointment to the Supreme Court with effect from October 31, 2013.
He was a judge of the Bombay High Court prior to his appointment as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court with effect from March 29, 2000.
Justice Chandrachud also served as the Additional Solicitor General of India from 1998 until his appointment as a judge in the Bombay High Court.
He was nominated as a Senior Advocate by the Bombay High Court in June 1998.
Justice Chandrachud gave historic judgments in matters relating to Section 377 IPC, Aadhaar, Sabarimala etc.
Recently a bench headed by Justice Chandrachud had allowed medical termination of pregnancy to unmarried women.
Supreme Court and its Chief Justice
The Supreme Court of India came into existence on 26 January 1950. The Federal Court which was set up under the Government of India act 1935 was converted into the Supreme Court of India.
Its first sitting was held on 28 January 1950.
The first Chief Justice of India was Harilal J.Kania.
The 16th Chief Justice of India, Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud, is the longest-serving Chief Justice. He was Chief Justice of India for over 7 years (February 1978 – July 1985).
The 22nd Chief Justice of India, Kamal Narain Singh, is the shortest-serving Chief Justice. He was the Chief Justice of India for 17 days (25 November 1991 – 12 December 1991).
6. National Florence Nightingale Awards 2021
Tags: National Awards National News
On 7 November, 2022, the President of India presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards for the year 2021 to the Nursing professionals.
Important facts
The award was conferred by the President to two nurses Shashikala Pandey and Ganga Joshi from Kumaon, Uttarakhand.
Shashikala Pandey, posted at BD Pandey Hospital in Nainital, has been given this honour for her dedication and selfless service towards patients.
Ganga Joshi has been given this award for her awareness program, special contribution to Covid-19, training of ASHA workers, participation in several trainings at the state and national level.
About the National Florence Nightingale Awards
These awards were instituted in the year 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
The award is given to outstanding nursing personnel working in the Central, State/Union Territories, Private, Missionary and Voluntary Organizations.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 50000/-, a certificate and a medal.
7. National Florence Nightingale Awards 2021
Tags: National Awards National News
On 7 November, 2022, the President of India presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards for the year 2021 to the Nursing professionals.
Important facts
The award was conferred by the President to two nurses Shashikala Pandey and Ganga Joshi from Kumaon, Uttarakhand.
Shashikala Pandey, posted at BD Pandey Hospital in Nainital, has been given this honour for her dedication and selfless service towards patients.
Ganga Joshi has been given this award for her awareness program, special contribution to Covid-19, training of ASHA workers, participation in several trainings at the state and national level.
About the National Florence Nightingale Awards
These awards were instituted in the year 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
The award is given to outstanding nursing personnel working in the Central, State/Union Territories, Private, Missionary and Voluntary Organizations.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 50000/-, a certificate and a medal.
8. LS Speaker Om Birla inaugurated annual Convention of Central Information Commission
Tags: National Summits National News
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the annual convention of the Central Information Commission on 9 November, 2022 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Important facts
The Central Information Commission organises an annual conference every year during October-November.
The title of the convention is Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Citizen-centric Governance through RTI.
Transparency, governance, right to information and other important issues will be discussed in the convention.
This conference also contributes significantly in widening and deepening the RTI regime.
Right to information means participation of people in the process of governance and administration which becomes inevitable.
Right to Information Act, 2005
The Act makes it mandatory to respond to citizens' queries for government information in a timely manner.
Its main objective is to empower citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of government, prevent corruption and work for the people in a democracy.
Central Information Commission (CIC)
It was established by the Central Government in the year 2005 under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005. It is not a constitutional body.
It consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and a maximum of ten Information Commissioners.
The commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister as the Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
The Commission inquiries from the concerned person in case of complaints received on any subject under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
9. LS Speaker Om Birla inaugurated annual Convention of Central Information Commission
Tags: National Summits National News
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the annual convention of the Central Information Commission on 9 November, 2022 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Important facts
The Central Information Commission organises an annual conference every year during October-November.
The title of the convention is Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Citizen-centric Governance through RTI.
Transparency, governance, right to information and other important issues will be discussed in the convention.
This conference also contributes significantly in widening and deepening the RTI regime.
Right to information means participation of people in the process of governance and administration which becomes inevitable.
Right to Information Act, 2005
The Act makes it mandatory to respond to citizens' queries for government information in a timely manner.
Its main objective is to empower citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of government, prevent corruption and work for the people in a democracy.
Central Information Commission (CIC)
It was established by the Central Government in the year 2005 under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005. It is not a constitutional body.
It consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and a maximum of ten Information Commissioners.
The commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister as the Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
The Commission inquiries from the concerned person in case of complaints received on any subject under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
10. UN chief calls for a climate solidarity pact between developed and emerging economies
Tags: Environment International News
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a climate solidarity pact in which developed and emerging economies unite around a common strategy and mobilise resources to address the climate crisis.
Important facts
At the opening of the COP27 United Nations Climate Summit of the Parties in Egypt on 7 November, he said the proposed treaty would give all countries additional efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
He said the international financial system must be reformed to support low-income countries.
At the inaugural session of world leaders at COP27, he said all countries should make "extra effort" to cut emissions and end the construction of coal plants.
He said the two largest economies — the United States and China — have a particular responsibility to join efforts to make this pact a reality.
Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend COP27, although China has sent a delegation of negotiators.
Guterres also launched a plan for a global early warning system for extreme weather events, a project that would cost $3.1 billion over the first five years.
It will also deliver advance warnings about any extreme weather on the planet such as storms and heat waves.
COP27 is the 27th annual meeting of the United Nations on Climate. It is taking place in Sharm El Sheikh until 18 November.
