1. India ranks 67th on WEF's Energy Transition Index
Tags: Reports
On 28 June, the World Economic Forum (WEF) published a report titled 'Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2023' which ranked 120 countries on the basis of energy transition.
An Overview of the news:
India in ETI Report:
- In this ranking, WEF has placed India at 67th position (a jump of 20 places) globally in the Energy Transition Index (ETI). Because in the year 2021, India was at 87th position among 115 countries.
- According to WEF, India is the only major economy where the pace of energy transition is accelerating in all dimensions.
- Despite sustained economic growth, India has successfully reduced the energy intensity of its economy and the carbon intensity of its energy mix, achieved universal energy access and managed electricity affordability effectively.
- The ETI benchmarks countries based on the performance of their energy systems and their readiness to secure sustainable energy systems.
- In a report published in collaboration with Accenture, the WEF noted that the global energy transition has stagnated amid the global energy crisis and geopolitical instability, but India is among the countries that have made significant improvements in the energy transition.
- According to ETI the top five countries in the world are Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Switzerland respectively.
World Economic Forum (WEF):
- Establishment : 1971 in Geneva (Switzerland)
- Headquarters: Cologny, Switzerland
- Founder : Klaus Schwab
- Chairman : Borge Brende
Major reports published by WEF:
- Global Gender Gap Report
- Energy Transition Index (published jointly by Accenture and WEF).
- Global Competitiveness Report
- Global Risk Report
- Global Travel & Tourism Report
- Global Information Technology Report (The report is published by WEF in association with INSEAD and Cornell University).
2. Global Gender Gap Index 2023
Tags: INDEX
India ranks 127 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index 2023.
An Overview of the News
The Global Gender Gap Index was established in 2006 and this is its 17th edition.
It is published annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
It measures gender equality in 146 countries and enables cross-country analysis.
Global Gender Gap Score:
The global gender gap score for 2023 is 68.4%, showing an improvement of 0.3 percentage points from last year.
None of the countries included in the index have achieved full gender equality.
The top 9 countries including Iceland, Norway, Finland and New Zealand have reduced the gender gap by 80%.
Iceland: The most gender-equal country:
Iceland has been ranked first as the most gender-equal country in the world for the 14th consecutive year with a score of 91.2%.
Iceland is the only country that has reduced the gender gap by more than 90%.
Progress of South Asia:
In South Asia, the gender gap score has increased by 1.1 percentage points since the last edition.
Among India's neighbouring countries, Pakistan is at 142, Bangladesh at 59, China at 107, Nepal at 116, Sri Lanka at 115 and Bhutan at 103.
India's ranking and progress:
India has moved up 8 places to rank 127 out of 146 countries in the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index.
India has shown an improvement of 1.4 percentage points from the 2022 figures.
Education and Economic Participation:
India has achieved parity in enrollment at all levels of education, reducing the overall gender gap by 64.3%.
However, India has reached only 36.7% equality in economic participation.
India was ranked 135 in the 2022 edition.
Representation in senior positions and technical roles:
Despite increases in pay and income equality, the representation of women in senior positions and technical roles in India has decreased slightly since the last edition.
Political Empowerment:
India recorded 25.3% equality in terms of political empowerment.
Women represent 15.1% of parliamentarians, the highest figure for the country since 2006.
Women's representation in local government:
Of the 117 countries with available data from 2017, 18 have achieved more than 40% female representation in local governance, including Bolivia, India and France.
Improvement in sex ratio at birth:
The report highlights India's progress with an improvement in the sex ratio at birth by 1.9 percentage points, bringing equality after a decade of slow progress.
Global Gender Gap Index 2023 Ranking
1. Iceland - 0.912
2. Norway - 0.879
3. Finland - 0.863
4. New Zealand - 0.856
5. Sweden - 0.815
6. Germany - 0.815
7. Nicaragua - 0.811
8. Namibia - 0.802
9. Lithuania - 0.800
10. Belgium - 0.796
3. First Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav
Tags: Festivals
Recently, the first Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav was organized at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar, in a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, the Odisha Government, and KIIT University.
An overview of the news
The event brought together 5,000 tribal athletes and 1,000 officials from 26 states, showcasing the diversity and richness of indigenous sports in India.
By organizing such events and supporting the promotion of indigenous sports, the government aims to preserve and revive these traditional games, ensuring their continued relevance and encouraging the younger generation to participate and excel in them.
About Indigenous Sports
The promotion and development of indigenous sports primarily lie with the respective State/Union Territory Governments, as 'Sports' is a state subject.
However, the Union Government supports their efforts through initiatives such as the 'Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports' Scheme.
This scheme includes a specific component dedicated to the development and promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games across the country.
It provided an opportunity for athletes from different states to come together, compete, and exchange their experiences, thereby promoting cultural exchange and unity.
Under this scheme, certain indigenous games have been identified for promotion, such as Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta, Yogasana, and Silambam.
4. 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' as a ‘God Bharai' ceremony in Rajasthan
Tags: State News
According to Jaskaur Meena, MP from Dausa, Rajasthan, people in Dausa, Rajasthan celebrate 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' as a ‘God Bharai' (Baby Shower) ceremony.
An Overview of the News:
- In this ceremony all the pregnant women of the area come together and they are provided with 'nutritional kits' for the health of their babies.
- According to MP Jaskaur Meena, about 3.5 lakh women have benefited from this scheme during 2022-23 only in Rajasthan.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appreciated the new initiative of celebrating 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' as a 'baby shower' ceremony in Dausa, Rajasthan.
- This unique initiative of Dausa will give new energy to 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana'. This initiative will ensure the health security of not only the mothers but also the babies.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY):
- PMMVY was launched on January 1, 2017 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- This scheme, run by the Union Ministry of Child Development, was done for the welfare of pregnant and lactating women across the country.
- Under this, cash benefits are provided to pregnant women directly into their bank accounts to meet increased nutritional requirements and partially compensate for wage loss.
- All pregnant women and lactating mothers who are in regular employment under the Central Government or State Governments or Public Undertakings or who are in receipt of similar benefits under any law.
- Under this, five thousand rupees are given to all the eligible beneficiaries in three installments and the remaining amount of one thousand rupees is given after institutional delivery as per the conditions of maternity benefit under Janani Suraksha Yojana.
- Thus on an average a woman is given Rs.6000.
Rajasthan:
- Capital: Jaipur
- Governor: Kalraj Mishra
- Chief Minister: Ashok Gehlot
- Number of seats in the Legislative Assembly: 200
- Number of seats in Lok Sabha: 25
- Number of seats in Rajya Sabha: 10
5. US court approved extradition of 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India
Tags: International News
A US court has approved the extradition of26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Pakistani-origin Canadian Tahawwur Rana to India.
An overview of the news
California District Court Judge Jacqueline Chooljian has approved the Indian government's request for Rana's extradition.
Rana was arrested in the US on an extradition request by India for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed over 160 people, including six Americans.
India has charged Rana with offenses including conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, waging war, murder and forgery.
Rana was convicted in Chicago in 2011 of providing material support to the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which planned the Mumbai terror attacks.
India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing his role in the 26/11 attacks carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in 2008.
What is Extradition?
Extradition is the formal process of surrendering a person from one state to another.
The purpose of this process is the prosecution or punishment for offences committed by a person within the jurisdiction of the requesting country.
The extradition of a fugitive criminal to India is regulated under the Indian Extradition Act, 1962.
The Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division, Ministry of External Affairs is the central/nodal authority to administer the Extradition Act.
Extradition process can be initiated in case of under-investigation, under-trial and convicted criminals.
6. JP Nadda launches book 'Modi: Shaping a Global order in flux'
Tags: Books and Authors
BJP national president J P Nadda on 22 February launched a book "Modi: Shaping a Global Order in Flux" in Chanakyapuri, Delhi.
An overview of the news
In this book, an attempt has been made to tell how PM Modi has taken such decisions which have changed the image of India around the world.
It is important to understand what was the image of India before Modiji came to power.
The book has been forwarded by Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
The editors are Sujan Chinoy, Vijay Chauthaiwala and Uttam Kumar Sinha.
7. MEA's annual flagship event Asia Economic Dialogue begins in Pune
Tags: National National News
External Affairs Ministry’s annual flagship event on Geoeconomics, Asia Economic Dialogue began on 23 February in Pune, Maharashtra.
An overview of the news
It is being hosted in association with the Pune International Center from February 23-25.
The main theme of the dialogue is 'Asia and the Emerging World Order'.
The dialogue will also discuss topics such as Global Growth Prospects, How the Global South Will Shape the G20 Agenda and the Metaverse.
The inaugural session began with talks between External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, H.E. Leonpo Namgye Tshering, Minister of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan and H.E. Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of Finance of Maldives.
More than 44 speakers from different countries including Brazil, USA, UK, South Africa, Bhutan, Maldives, Switzerland, Singapore and Mexico are participating in this dialogue.
Asia Economic Dialogue (AED)
The Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) is the External Affairs ministry's annual event and is hosted in collaboration with the Pune International Centre.
It is the flagship geo-economics conference.
The dialogue focuses on the dynamics of trade and finance in Asia and its neighbouring countries.
8. University of Auckland, Tata Memorial Hospital sign MoU for cancer care
Tags: National National News
Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai and Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 February to engage in long-term cooperation in cancer care.
An overview of the news
Tata Memorial Hospital is the largest and the most renowned cancer care hospital and research centre in India.
The University's Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Professor Frank Bloomfield met TMH representatives led by TMH Director Dr Rajendra Badwe and Professor Dr Vanita Noronha.
The MoU aims to explore ways to enhance cancer care using digital health.
The two countries have a long history of cooperation in healthcare and this partnership builds on an already strong relationship.
The University of Auckland is strongly committed to finding solutions to some of the most pressing global health issues in partnership with leading institutions.
9. Sansad Ratna award, 2023
Tags: Awards
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names for the Sansad Ratna Awards 2023 were released on 21 February.
An overview of the news
A total of thirteen Members of Parliament and two Parliamentary Committees have been honoured with this award.
The Jury Committee of eminent Parliamentarians and civil society, chaired by Arjun Ram Meghwal (State Minister of Parliamentary Affairs) and Co-Chaired by T S Krishnamurthy (Former Chief Election Commissioner of India) has nominated eight MPs from Lok Sabha and five from Rajya Sabha for the Sansad Ratna Awards 2023.
Prominent CPI-M leader T K Rangarajan nominated for the lifetime achievement award.
These nominations are based on cumulative performance in questions, private members' bills and members' debates from the beginning of the 17th Lok Sabha till the end of the Winter Session 2022.
Sansad Ratna Awards 2023 from Lok Sabha
Bidyut Baran Mahato (BJP, Jharkhand),
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (BJP, West Bengal),
Kuldeep Rai Sharma (INC, Andaman Nicobar Islands),
Dr Heena Vijayakumar Gavit (BJP, Maharashtra),
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (INC, West Bengal),
Gopal Chinayya Shetty (BJP, Maharashtra),
Sudhir Gupta (BJP, Madhya Pradesh) and
Dr. Amol Ramsing Kolhe (NCP, Maharashtra)
Sansad Ratna Awards 2023 from Rajya Sabha
Dr. John Brittas (CPI-M, Kerala),
Dr. Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD, Bihar),
Smt Fauzia Tahseen Ahmed Khan (NCP, Maharashtra) Vishambhar Prasad Nishad (Samajwadi Party, UP) and
Smt Chhaya Verma (INC, Chhattisgarh)
Two Parliamentary Committees of Lok Sabha nominated for Sansad Ratna Award 2023
Lok Sabha's Parliamentary Committee on Finance, chaired by Jayant Sinha
Rajya Sabha's Standing Committee on Tourism, Transport, and Culture, chaired by Vijay Sai Reddy
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Lifetime Achievement Award - T K Rangarajan, (Former Rajya Sabha MP for two terms and a Senior CPIM Leader).
About Sansad Ratna Award
Sansad Ratna Awards were instituted on the suggestion of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam to honour top performing Parliamentarians.
He himself inaugurated the first edition of the award ceremony in 2010 in Chennai.
So far, 90 top performing parliamentarians have been honoured and all of them have received the award individually.
The 13th edition of the award ceremony will be held on 25 March 2023 in New Delhi.
K. Srinivasan is the Founder Chairman of the Sansad Ratna Award Committee and Ms. Priyadarshini Rahul is the Chairman.
10. Cabinet approves the extension of the term of the Twenty-second Law Commission of India
Tags: committee National National News
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The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the tenure of the 22nd Law Commission of India which has been extended till August 31, 2024.
22nd Law Commission
The Union ministry of Law and Justice constituted the 22nd Law Commission on 7 November 2022 and appointed former Karnataka High court chief justice Rituraj Awasthi as the chairperson of the Law Commission.
The five member 22nd Law Commission will have a term of three years.
Justice BS Chauhan was the chairman of the 21st Law Commission whose term expired in August 2018.
Other members
Former Kerala High Court judge Justice KT Sankaran, Prof. Anand Paliwal, Prof. DP Verma, Prof.(Dr) Raka Arya and M Karunanithi have been appointed members of the Law Commission.
Law Commission of India
Law commission is a non-statutory body which is set up by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice for suggesting reform in laws in India.
Its recommendations are not binding on the government.
The provision for the Law commission was made in the Charter act 1833 and the first Law commission was set up in 1834 under the chairmanship of Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay.
The Indian Penal Code 1860 is based on the recommendation of the Macaulay commission.
The First Law commission in Independent India was set up in 1955 and M.C Setalvad who was also the first Attorney General of India was the chairman of the Law Commission.
