Current Affairs search results for tag: national
By admin: Sept. 22, 2023

1. Parliament passes the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023

Tags: National News

Parliament successfully passed the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, which provides for the reservation of one-third of the total seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state legislatures, and the Delhi Assembly.

An Overview of the News

  • The Women's Reservation Bill called the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, got approval in the Rajya Sabha with an overwhelming majority on September 21, 2023, as 214 members voted in favor of it, while none opposed it.

  • The Lok Sabha already passed the Women's Reservation Bill with overwhelming support as 454 MPs voted in favor, while only two MPs opposed it. Speaker Om Birla had formally announced the passage of the bill in the lower house.

Major Provisions and Effects

  • The Women's Reservation Bill aims to reserve one-third of the seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and the Delhi Assembly.

  • It includes provisions for 33 percent reservation for women in Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) within the existing quota based on census and delimitation.

About Article 243(D)

  • Article 243(D) of Part IX of the Constitution mandates the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in all three levels of Panchayats.

  • State legislatures are responsible for establishing provisions that reserve the posts of chairpersons in Panchayats for persons belonging to SC and ST communities.

  • Article 243(D) also provides that at least one-third of the seats in Panchayats should be reserved for women.

  • Additionally, State Legislatures have the power to provide for reservation in favor of backward classes in terms of seats or the post of Speakers.

Additional Information:-

  • Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the 128th Amendment Bill, 2023 to achieve 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

  • Arjun Ram Meghwal, while introducing the bill, had said that if it is passed, the number of seats reserved for women in the Lok Sabha will increase from 82 to 181.

Chairman of Rajya Sabha - Jagdeep Dhankar

By admin: Sept. 21, 2023

2. India Global Forum and World Governments Summit signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Tags: International News

Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of India Global Forum and Mohammed Al Sharhan, Managing Director of the World Governments Summit signed the MoU to set up the Emerging Economies Programme.

An Overview of the News

  • The event will bring together government officials, business leaders, economists, and experts.

  • It will facilitate discussion on sustainable economic development, geo-economic perspective, and innovative solutions.

  • The objective of this partnership is to promote thought leadership in the region.

  • Emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities related to the Global South will be researched.

  • The program will also improve field data for the benefit of future governments.

Importance of Emerging Economies Programme:

  • This program is an important initiative that aims to promote sustainable economic development in the Global South.

  • It reflects the commitment of the India Global Forum and the World Government Summit to build a better future for all.

About India Global Forum:

  • India Global Forum serves as a gateway for businesses and nations wishing to engage with contemporary India.

  • It provides insight into India's political, economic, and cultural landscape for those entering the Indian market or looking for global opportunities.

About the World Governments Summit:

  • The World Government Summit Organization is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to shaping the future of governments.

  • It focuses on innovation and technology to address global challenges facing governments and humanity as a whole.

About the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

  • Location: It is located in Western Asia.

  • Geographical boundaries: It shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia.

  • Maritime Borders: It also has maritime borders with Qatar and Iran in the Persian Gulf.

Capital - Abu Dhabi

Official language - Arabic

President/Crown Prince - Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Prime Minister - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy and Vice President of the World Government Summit Organization - Omar Sultan Al Olama

By admin: Sept. 21, 2023

3. The Prime Minister will inaugurate 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in Uttar Pradesh

Tags: State News National News

16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in Uttar Pradesh will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.

An Overview of the News

  • Built at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore, these schools aim to provide quality education to laborers, children of construction workers, and orphans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Each school is spread over 10 to 15 acres and has classrooms, sports facilities, recreational areas, a mini auditorium, hostels, mess halls, and staff accommodation.

  • The ultimate goal of each of these Awasiya Vidyalayas is to accommodate 1,000 students.

The foundation stone of the International Cricket Stadium:

  • The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the international cricket stadium in Varanasi.

  • Located in Ganjri, Rajatalab, Varanasi, this cricket stadium will cover a vast area of 30 acres and is estimated to cost around Rs 450 crore.

  • It is designed to seat 30,000 spectators.

Closing Ceremony of Kashi Sansad Cultural Mahotsav 2023:

  • The Prime Minister will also attend the closing ceremony of the Kashi Sansad Cultural Festival 2023.

  • This cultural festival saw the participation of over 37,000 persons representing 17 different disciplines including singing, musical instrument playing, street theater (nukkad natak), and various dance forms.

By admin: Sept. 21, 2023

4. Women's Reservation Bill passed in Lok Sabha

Tags: National News

The Lok Sabha has given its assent to the Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill, commonly known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhinyam.

An Overview of the News

  • The Women's Reservation Bill has a provision to reserve one-third of the total seats for women in the Lower House and State Legislative Assemblies.

  • The bill was passed with overwhelming support, as 454 Members of Parliament voted in favor of it, while only two MPs opposed it. Speaker Om Birla formally announced the passage of the bill in the lower house.

  • The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on the first day of proceedings in the new parliamentary building. Additionally, the old Parliament House in the Lok Sabha was renamed the Samvidhan Sadan.

About Article 243(D)

  • Article 243(D) of Part IX of the Constitution mandates the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in all three levels of Panchayats.

  • State legislatures are responsible for establishing provisions that reserve the posts of chairpersons in Panchayats for persons belonging to SC and ST communities.

  • Article 243(D) also provides that at least one-third of the seats in Panchayats should be reserved for women.

  • Additionally, State Legislatures have the power to provide for reservation in favor of backward classes in terms of seats or the post of Speakers.

Additional Information:-

  • Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the 128th Amendment Bill, 2023 to achieve 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

  • Arjun Ram Meghwal, while introducing the bill, had said that if it is passed, the number of seats reserved for women in the Lok Sabha will increase from 82 to 181.

By admin: Sept. 20, 2023

5. Government of India launches three transformative initiatives for farmers, focusing on credit and insurance

Tags: National

The Government of India launched three transformational initiatives namely Kisan Rin Portal (KRP), Door-to-Door KCC Campaign and Weather Information Network Data System (WINDS) Manual aimed at revolutionizing agriculture in the country.

An Overview of the News

  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar are responsible for launching these initiatives.

  • These initiatives are designed to increase financial inclusion, streamline data usage, harness technology and enhance the livelihood of the farming community.

  • They mainly focus on improving access to agricultural credit and crop insurance while keeping in mind the welfare of farmers.

Kisan Rin Portal (KRP):

  • KRP is a digital platform developed in collaboration with multiple government departments.

  • It aims to revolutionize access to credit services under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.

  • It provides a comprehensive view of farmer data, loan disbursement specifications, interest subvention claims and efficient agricultural loans.

Door to Door KCC Campaign:

  • This campaign, known as Ghar-Ghar Kisan Credit Card (KCC) campaign, aims to extend the benefits of the KCC scheme to every farmer in India.

  • It aims to achieve universal financial inclusion, ensuring that every farmer has uninterrupted access to credit facilities.

  • As of March 2023, there were 7.35 crore active KCC accounts with a total sanctioned limit of Rs 8.85 lakh crore.

Weather Information Network Data System (WINDS):

  • The initiative leverages advanced weather data analytics to provide stakeholders with actionable insights on weather conditions.

By admin: Sept. 20, 2023

6. Apurva Chandra unveils 'People's G20' eBook on India's G20 Presidency

Tags: National News

Apurva Chandra, serving as Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, presented the eBook titled "People's G20" in New Delhi on September 18, 2023.

An Overview of the News

  • The eBook launch event was attended by Manish Desai, Principal Director General, of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and several senior officials of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and PIB.

  • The "People's G20" eBook is a comprehensive resource highlighting India's G20 Presidency.

It is structured into three main sections, each focusing on different aspects:

Part 1: G20 Summit:

  • This section gives details of the mega G20 summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9-10, 2023.

  • It clarifies the structure and functioning of the G20 and provides information on the initiatives taken during India's Chairmanship of this international grouping.

Part 2: Working Groups and Meetings:

  • The second part presents a brief summary of the meetings held by the various working groups under the Sherpa and Finance tracks.

  • Additionally, it includes engagement group gatherings held across the country during the year after India became the G20 Chair.

Part 3: Public Participation Photo Essay:

  • The concluding part of the eBook consists of a visual narrative through a photo essay.

  • It reflects the mass participation events that took place across the country over the past year, effectively turning India's G20 Presidency into a people-powered movement.

By admin: Sept. 19, 2023

7. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha

Tags: National News

The Women's Reservation Bill, known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

An Overview of the News

  • Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the 128th Amendment Bill, 2023 to achieve 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

  • Arjun Ram Meghwal, while introducing the bill, said that if it is passed, the number of seats reserved for women in the Lok Sabha will increase from 82 to 181.

  • Additionally, the old Parliament House in the Lok Sabha was renamed the Samvidhan Sadan.

About Article 243(D)

  • Article 243(D) of Part IX of the Constitution mandates the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in all three levels of Panchayats.

  • State legislatures are responsible for establishing provisions that reserve the posts of chairpersons in Panchayats for persons belonging to SC and ST communities.

  • Article 243(D) also provides that at least one-third of the seats in Panchayats should be reserved for women.

  • Additionally, State Legislatures have the power to provide for reservation in favor of backward classes in terms of seats or the post of Speakers.

By admin: Sept. 12, 2023

8. President Draupadi Murmu will inaugurate the Ayushman Bhava campaign

Tags: National

President Draupadi Murmu will inaugurate the Ayushman Bhava campaign on September 13, 2023, for universal healthcare access.

An Overview of the News 

  • Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced the initiative at a media briefing in New Delhi.

  • The Ayushman Bhava campaign aims to provide comprehensive health services by ensuring coverage for every village and town across India.

  • Its objective is to ensure that no person is deprived of access to health services.

  • The campaign is a collaborative effort led by Gram Panchayats in coordination with the Health Department, other government departments, and local elected bodies in both rural and urban areas.

The Ayushman Bhava campaign consists of three primary components:

  1. Ayushman - Apke Dwar 3.0:  Bringing health services directly to people's homes.

  2. Ayushman Melas: Health fairs at health and wellness centers and community health centers.

  3. Ayushman Sabhas: Community assemblies in each village and panchayat focused on healthcare-related discussions and initiatives.

Implementation Timeline:

  • The Ayushman Bhava campaign will be implemented during Seva Pakhwada (Service Fortnight) from September 17 (Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday) to October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti).

By admin: Sept. 10, 2023

9. Parliament of Vanuatu elects Sato Kilman as the new Prime Minister

Tags: Person in news International News

Vanuatu Parliament elects Sato Kilman as Prime Minister amid political change. 

An Overview of the News

  • The decision came after a court upheld a no-confidence motion against Kilman's predecessor.

  • Former Prime Minister and People's Progressive Party leader Sato Kilman took the position with 27 votes in favor.

  • In the secret ballot, his rival Kalsakau got 23 votes.

  • Kilman, 65, held the post of deputy prime minister in Kalasakau's government before he was ousted in May.

About Vanuatu

  • It is an archipelago consisting of 83 islands, 16 of which are inhabited.

  • Its largest islands include Espiritu Santo, Malacula, Efate, Eromango, Ambrym, Tanna, Pentecost, Apé, Ambe (also known as Aoba), Gaua, Vanua Lava, Maevo, Malo, and Anitium (or Anatome).

  • Its capital is Port Vila, located on the island of Efate.

  • Its other important cities include Luganville on Espiritu Santo and Isangel on Tanna.

  • Vanuatu has three official languages: Bislama, English and French.

  • Bislama is a Creole language spoken by the majority of the population of Vanuatu.

  • The official currency used in Vanuatu is the vatu (VUV), which is pegged to the Australian dollar, resulting in a relatively stable exchange rate.

By admin: Sept. 8, 2023

10. Kerala to host the inaugural Zayed Charity Marathon in 2024

Tags: International News

The inaugural Zayed Charity Marathon in India is scheduled for 2024 and will be organized by the Higher Organizing Committee.

An Overview of the News

  • With the cooperation of both the Kerala state authorities and the Indian community living in the UAE, Kerala has been selected as the host state for this important event.

  • The primary objective of the Zayed Charity Marathon is to raise funds for charitable causes, and the proceeds from the Kerala-based marathon will be directed to supporting healthcare initiatives within the state.

  • The event has sponsorship and support from various entities including the UAE Government, Government of Kerala, and the Indian community in the UAE.

  • The registration fee for the marathon will be contributed to charity.

Zayed Charity Marathon

  • The Zayed Charity Marathon is a prestigious event honoring the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, former President of the UAE.

  • It was launched in Abu Dhabi in 2001 to promote humanitarian and charitable messages in line with Sheikh Zayed's philanthropic legacy.

  • The event is expanding its reach to India in collaboration with the Kerala state authorities and the Indian community in the UAE.

Charitable purpose

  • Proceeds from the marathon will be directed to innovative cancer research and treatments.

  • The monetary prize for the marathon winners will amount to AED1 million.

Inclusiveness

  • The marathon is open to runners of all skill levels, with several race distances offered including full marathon, half marathon and 10 km.