1. Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shahar' mega campaign launched by Union Minister Hardeep S Puri
Tags: Environment National National News
Union Minister Hardeep S Puri launched the campaign 'Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shahar' in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The campaign promotes the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (RRR) concept of waste management.
This campaign will strengthen the resolve of the citizens under SBM-U 2.0 and also promote the purpose of Mission Life.
RRR centres or one-stop collection centres were set up across the country on May 20.
The centres will accept unused or used plastic items, clothing, shoes, books and toys.
Citizens can donate used clothes, shoes, books, toys and plastic at RRR centres.
The collected items will be recycled for reuse or turned into new products.
The campaign will culminate with the resolution of LiFE on 5 June.
Mission LiFE:
The mission was launched by the Prime Minister on October 20, 2022 at Kevadia, Gujarat.
It aims to bring about behaviour change in individuals through simple, actionable steps.
It aims to discourage mindless and wasteful consumption patterns and promote conscious and planned usage.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal ministry responsible for national level coordination and implementation of Mission LiFE.
Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0)
It was launched on 1 October 2021 to achieve the vision of 'Garbage Free Cities'.
It aims to achieve safe sanitation in urban areas.
SBM-U 2.0 focuses on making all cities 'garbage free' and ensuring proper grey and black water management.
The mission emphasises source segregation of solid waste, 3R principles (reduce, reuse, recycle), scientific processing of municipal solid waste, and remediation of heritage dumpsites.
2. PM Modi conferred with highest civilian honours by Fiji, Papua New Guinea
Tags: Awards International News
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi was conferred with the highest honor by Fiji and Papua New Guinea on 21 May.
An overview of the news
PM Modi was honored with the island nation's highest civilian award during his visit to Papua New Guinea to attend the 3rd India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit.
PM Modi was awarded "The Companion of the Order of Fiji" by his Fijian counterpart Sitweni Rabuka for his global leadership, a rare honor for a non-Fijian.
Papua New Guinea conferred its highest civilian honour, Grand Companion of the Order of Loghu (GCL) on PM Modi for his efforts towards unity of the Pacific island nation.
Republic of Fiji
It is an archipelago consisting of around 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Capital: Suva
Currency: Fijian Dollar
Prime Minister: Sitiveni Rabuka
Papua New Guinea
Prime Minister: James Marape
Capital: Port Moresby
Currency: kina (K)
3. Supreme Court appointed Sapre Committee submits report on Adani-Hindenburg issue
Tags: committee National News
The Supreme Court on May 19 made public the report of the court-appointed expert panel in the Hindenburg-Adani row case.
An overview of the news
American short-selling firm Hindenburg issued a report on January 24, 2023, calling Adani Group companies overvalued and alleging manipulation of accounts.
However, Hindenburg's allegations were rejected by the Adani Group.
But the opposition created a ruckus about this issue and when the matter reached the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court had constituted a special committee to investigate.
Highlights of the report
The report states that the Adani group has disclosed all beneficial owners.
There is no allegation that SEBI is rejecting the declaration of beneficial owners of Adani.
Adani's retail stake has increased after the Hindenburg report.
The report clearly states that prima facie no violation of existing rules or laws has been found.
About Sapre Committee
Constituted - By Supreme court on 2nd March 2023
Chairman - Former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre (Retd).
Members of the Committee - O P Bhatt, Justice J P Devadhar (Retd), Nandan Nilekani, K V Kamath and Somasekhar Sundaresan
Purpose of the Committee - To investigate any violations of securties law by the Adani Group in the wake of the Hindenburg report.
Supreme Court made public the report - On 19 May
4. G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign
Tags: National National News
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav participated in G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign at Juhu Beach in Mumbai on 21st May.
An overview of the news
Juhu Beach is a popular tourist destination and an important coastal area facing the challenge of pollution caused by garbage and litter.
Bhupender Yadav, known for his commitment to environmental causes, takes an active role in the G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign.
His participation demonstrates his dedication to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.
The event highlighted the importance of individual efforts and community participation in mitigating this environmental challenge.
Internationally, the event saw an enthusiastic participation of 20 countries.
The Mega Beach Clean Up event kicked off the third meeting of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting which is taking place in Mumbai from 21st to 23rd of May, 2023.
About G20 Mega Beach Clean Up campaign
The G20 Mega Beach Clean Up Campaign is a global initiative that aims to address the issue of marine pollution and promote the cleanliness and sustainability of beaches.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the impact of marine litter on the environment and encourage people to take action to stop it.
The campaign stresses the importance of collective action and international cooperation in tackling environmental challenges.
5. Mahatma Gandhi Scholarships awarded to 300 students in Sri Lanka
Tags: Awards International News
Recently three hundred school students from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka have received the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship.
An overview of the news
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, Sri Lankan Education Minister Dr. Sushil Premjayantha and Minister of State for Education A.K. Arvind Kumar provided scholarships to the students.
The scholarship provides 2500 Sri Lankan Rupees per student per month to the top six students from each district based on merit.
This year, two batches of scholarships were awarded simultaneously to compensate for the disruptions caused by COVID-19 during the period 2021-2022.
During the ceremony, the High Commissioner emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation in the education sector for the bright future of the youth in Sri Lanka and India.
Drawing parallels between the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha, he said Gandhi's ideals remain relevant even in a rapidly changing world.
Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship
Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship plays a vital role in promoting educational opportunities for students in Sri Lanka.
By providing financial support, these scholarships enable students to pursue their academic aspirations and fulfill their potential.
In addition to the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship, the Government of India offers about 210 scholarships annually to Sri Lankan students in fields such as engineering, technology, arts, science and indigenous medicine.
The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Scheme offers over400 scholarships to Sri Lankan government officials to enhance their domain knowledge.
Furthermore, there are thousands of seats available for Sri Lankan students in India under the Study in India program.
6. Panel discussion on ‘Role of G20 in creating global economic stability’
Tags: Summits International News
A recent panel discussion held in Dubai highlighted the important role of the G20 in creating global economic stability.
An overview of the news
A panel discussion held in Dubai shed light on the vital role of the G20 in creating global economic stability.
The event took place on the sidelines of the International Conference jointly organized by the Indian Institute of Management Rohtak, Academy for Global Business Advancement, and Council for Strategic Affairs.
Importance of the G20
The panelists highlighted the significance of the G20 in the current international order.
The group plays a multifaceted role in creating global economic stability, fostering inclusive growth, ensuring financial stability, promoting balanced and sustainable growth, and effectively managing and preventing crises.
Panelists and insights
The panel consisted of Manjeev Singh Puri, former ambassador of India to Nepal, Prof Tatiana Karabchuk from UAE University, and Prof Mayssa Banat from Rafik Hariri University in Lebanon.
They provided valuable insights into the G20's role and its impact on global economic stability.
The discussion was moderated by Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, the Director of IIM Rohtak.
G20 as a platform for decision-making
Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri highlighted the G20's ability to bring together leaders from the world's largest economies and facilitate effective decision-making and implementation through national and multinational systems.
Despite lacking de jure power, the G20 possesses significant de facto power, making it influential in driving positive change globally.
Specific areas of impact
The panelists delved into specific areas where the G20 can make a significant impact.
Prof Tatiana Karabchuk emphasized the importance of public opinion polls for informed decision-making and suggested the G20's role in implementing necessary changes in online education.
Prof Mayssa Banat emphasized the power of language education in overcoming barriers and shaping global economic policies.
G20's contribution to global economic stability
The panel discussion showcased the diverse aspects of the G20's role in fostering cooperation among major economies and driving sustainable development.
The group's focus on inclusive growth, financial stability, crisis management, and balancing de jure and de facto power within global institutions is essential for global economic stability.
7. Centre promulgates ordinance to constitute National Capital Civil Services Authority
Tags: National National News
Centre on 19th May promulgated an ordinance to create a National Capital Civil Service Authority that will have the power to recommend the transfer and posting of all Group A officers serving in Delhi.
An overview of the news
The Ordinance, 2023 is being seen as an attempt to nullify last week's judgment by a constitution bench of the Supreme Court, which had handed over the reins of "services" to the Delhi government.
The court then underlined the importance of the mandate of the people in a democracy expressed through an elected government.
With a view to constitute this Authority for transfer of 'Group-A' officers of 'DANICS' (Delhi, Andaman-Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli (Civil) Services) Cadre, the Central Government has issued thisOrdinance.
The Authority will be headed by the Chief Minister of Delhi and will include the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary, Home.
All matters to be decided by the Authority shall be decided by a majority of the members present and voting.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that the Centre's ordinance on transfer of bureaucrats in Delhi is "unconstitutional" and a move to usurp the powers given to the Delhi government by the Supreme Court in service matters.
This, effectively, means two bureaucrats, appointed by the Centre, could over-rule the elected CM.
8. Department of Pharmaceuticals to organise International Conference on 'India Pharma and India Medical Devices'
Tags: Summits National News
Department of Pharmaceuticals, International Conference on 'India Pharma and India Medical Devices' will be organised on 26th May and the 8th edition of this conference will be inaugurated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
An Overview of the News
The Department of Pharmaceuticals is partnering with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for the event.
The aim of the conference is to showcase India as a manufacturing hub for high quality medical products in the pharmaceutical and medical devices sector.
During the conclave, Dr. Mandaviya will launch the National Medical Devices Policy-2023 and Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices.
A new scheme called 'Medical Device Clusters for Common Facilities (AMD-CF)' will also be launched, focusing on strengthening or setting up of common infrastructure and testing facilities for medical devices.
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI):
It is a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group based in India.
Subhrakant, Managing Director of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Limited has been appointed as the President of FICCI for 2022-2023.
He took over from Sanjiv Mehta during the 95th Annual Convention held in New Delhi.
Formation - 1927
Founder - Ghanshyam Das Birla, Purushottamdas Thakurdas
Headquarters - New Delhi
9. India Achieves 47 % growth in Coal Production during last Nine Years
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
During the last nine years, India's total coal production has increased by 47 percent to 893.08 million tonnes (MT) and supply has reached 877.74 million tonnes, registering a growth of 45.37 percent.
An overview of the news
In FY2023, the country has made a huge jump in the history of coal production with 893.08 MT.
As per the action plan for 2023-24 of the Ministry of Coal, there is a target of 1012 million tonnes of coal production in the financial year 2023-24 by increasing overall production, efficiency, stability and adoption of new technologies.
During the financial year 2022-23, the Ministry of Coal has signed agreements for a total of 23 coal mines with a cumulative peak rated capacity (PRC) of 33.224 MT per annum.
It is expected that 25 coal blocks will be allotted for commercial mining during the financial year 2023-24.
Mission 'Coking Coal'
Mission 'Coking Coal' has been launched by the government in August 2021 with a roadmap that will suggest ways to increase production and utilization of domestic coking coal in India by 2030.
In this mission, mainly recommendations related to new exploration, increasing production, increasing washing capacity, auction of new coking coal mines have been made.
Objective of Mission 'Coking Coal'
To increase coking coal production from 52 million tonnes (MT) in FY2022 to 140 MT in FY2030.
To increase coking coal washing capacity from 23 MT in FY2022 to 61 MT in FY2023.
Use of Coking Coal
It is mainly used in the manufacture of steel through the blast furnace route.
Domestic coking coal generates very high ash content (mostly between 18%-49%) which is not suitable for direct use in blast furnaces.
To reduce the ash percentage, the coking coal is washed and Indian prime and medium coking coal (<18% ash) is blended with imported coking coal (<9% ash) before use in the blast furnace.
10. Supreme Court gets two new judges
Tags: National National News
CJI DY Chandrachud administered the oath of office to Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and senior advocate Kalpathy Venkataraman Viswanathan as a judge of the Supreme Court on 19th May.
An overview of the news
With this, the total strength of judges in the Supreme Court has gone up to the sanctioned strength of 34.
However, the number of Supreme Court justices will remain at its highest level for only a short period as three judges are due to retire in June.
Justice KM Joseph, Justice Ajay Rastogi and Justice V Ramasubramanian are set to complete their tenure next month during the summer vacation.
Summer vacation of the apex court will run from May 22 to July 2.
Justice Vishwanathan, the newly appointed Supreme Court judge, will become the Chief Justice of India after the retirement of Justice JB Pardiwala on August 11, 2030, and will hold office till May 25, 2031.
The warrant of appointment of Justice Mishra and Justice Vishwanathan as judges of the apex court was issued by the office of President Draupadi Murmu on May 18.
Appointment of Judges : Collegium System
The collegium system in India refers to the process of appointment and transfer of judges in the higher judiciary, which includes the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
Under this system, a collegium of the Chief Justice of India and four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court recommend appointments and transfers to the President of India, who has the power to make the appointments.
The system was established by a 1993 judgement of the Supreme Court and has been the subject of controversy and criticism.
Some have criticized it for lack of transparency and accountability, while others have defended it as necessary to ensure the independence of the judiciary.
National Judicial Appointments Commission
The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was a proposed body in India that was intended to replace the existing collegium system for the appointment and transfer of judges to the higher judiciary.
The NJAC Act was passed by the Indian Parliament in 2014, but it was later struck down by the Supreme Court of India in 2015 on the grounds that it violated the basic structure of the Indian Constitution.
The court held that the NJAC Act sought to undermine the independence of the judiciary and the basic feature of separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary.
As a result, the collegium system was restored and continues to be used for the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary in India.
