1. Vedanta-Foxconn selects Dholera SIR for first semiconductor facility in India
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
On 20 February Vedanta and manufacturing giant Foxconn announced that it is setting up a semiconductor and display manufacturing facility in the Dholera Special Investment Region near Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
An overview of the news
The Vedanta-Foxconn in September 2022 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government to invest ₹1,54,000 crore to set up semiconductor and display manufacturing plant.
It is the first semiconductor manufacturing facility in India.
The project is in the advanced stage of appraisal by the Government of India.
The Joint Venture would invest ₹1,54,000 crore to set up the facility in Gujarat, which would create one lakh job opportunities.
The Gujarat government will provide cooperation to set up the facility and to make it a success.
The project is likely to get huge subsidies and incentives, such as zero stamp duty on land purchase and subsidised water and electricity, under the 'Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-27' announced by the state government in July 2022.
Gujarat has become the first state in the country to have such a dedicated policy for the semiconductor and display fabrication sector.
Vedanta Group
It is a multinational company headquartered in London, England.
Vedanta Limited is an Indian subsidiary of Vedanta Resources, which is the holding company of Vedanta Group.
It is in the business of Zinc-Lead-Silver, Iron ore, Steel, Copper, Aluminum, Power, Oil and Gas.
The Chairman of Vedanta group: Anil Aggarwal
2. Seattle becomes first US city to ban caste discrimination
Tags: International News
Seattle City became the first US city to ban caste discrimination on February 21, and the first in the world to pass such a law outside South Asia.
An overview of the news
The anti-discrimination law, passed 6-1, states that caste-based discrimination transcends national and religious boundaries and without such a law, those who face caste discrimination would not be protected.
A proposal was introduced by a Hindu representative in Seattle's City Council (City Council), which sparked a debate among people of Indian origin.
There has also been a division among the South Asian community regarding this.
The people of this community are few in number, but they are seen as an influential group.
This step is being considered important in the direction of bringing social justice and equality.
On the other hand, some people are opposing it, alleging that the purpose of this proposal is to target the people of South Asia, especially Indian Americans.
3. 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.
4. Namami Gange Executive Committee approves 9 projects worth over 1,200 crore rupees
Tags: National Government Schemes National News
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) held the 47th meeting of the Executive Committee of NMCG on 22nd February under the chairmanship of G. Ashok Kumar, Director General, NMCG.
An overview of the news
Nine projects worth about Rs 1278 crore were approved in the meeting.
7 of them pertain to abatement of pollution in the Ganges basin and 2 pertain to development of ghats.
Project in West Bengal worth Rs 123 crore approved.
In Uttar Pradesh, three projects worth Rs 422 crore were approved.
In UP for rejuvenation of River Kali East by development of in-situ Constructed Wetland System at 8 locations in Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Hapur and Bulandshahar was approved costing Rs 95.47 crore.
In Bihar, one project for the development of Atal Ghat Manjhi, Saran was approved at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore.
In Madhya Pradesh a major project costing Rs 511 crore was approved.
For the monitoring of industrial pollution, a project titled ‘Pollution Inventorization, Assessment and Surveillance on River Ganga Basin was approved at an estimated cost of Rs 114.42 crore.
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
It was registered on 12 August, 2011 as a society under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
It serves as the implementing arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), which was constituted under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986.
It was established to address pollution challenges in the Ganga river.
The operational area of the project covers the Ganga basin and all the states through which the river flows, including Delhi.
The objective is to reduce pollution and ensure rejuvenation of the Ganga river.
5. Indian Council of Agricultural Research developed new variety of wheat named HD-3385
Tags: Science and Technology National News
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed a new variety of wheat which is 'HD-3385'.
An overview of the news
It is capable of meeting the challenges arising due to climate change and rising heat.
This new variety is suitable for early sowing. It can survive the wrath of heat and its crop can be harvested before the end of March.
The Central Government had recently announced setting up of a committee to monitor the situation arising out of rise in temperature and its impact on the current wheat crop.
ICAR has registered the news variety HD-3385 with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPVFRA).
ICAR has also granted a license to Bioseed owned by DCM Shriram Limited to conduct multi-location trials and seed multiplication.
About Indian Council of Agricultural Research
It is an autonomous body formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
Headquarters - New Delhi
Established - 1929
The Union Minister of Agriculture serves as its president. Presently its president is Narendra Singh Tomar.
ICAR is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Guyana
Tags: National National News
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Union Cabinet on 22 February approved the signing of the Air Services Agreement between the Government of India and Guyana.
An overview of the news
The Air Services Agreement will come into force after the exchange of Diplomacy Notes.
The Diplomacy Notes shall confirm that both sides have completed the necessary internal procedures for the entry into force of this Agreement.
The signing of the Air Services Agreement with Guyana will create a framework for the provision of air services between the two countries.
The agreement will give a boost to the aviation market and aviation sector in India.
To strengthen international air connectivity, India has so far signed air service agreements with many countries.
India and Guyana are signatories to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).
There is a significant Indian presence in Guyana and according to the 2012 census Indians constitute about 40% of the population.
What is an Air Services Agreement?
Air Services Agreement (ASA) provides the legal framework for air operations between two countries.
It is based on the sovereignty of the nations, the nationality of the carriers and the commercial opportunity for each side's designated airlines.
Prior to this there was no Air Services Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Guyana.
About Guyana
Prime Minister: Mark Phillips
President: Mohamed Irfaan Ali
Capital: Georgetown
Currency : Guyanese dollar (G$)
9. Nitin Gadkari lays Foundation Stone of the world's largest and unique Divyang Park
Tags: National National News
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on 20 February laid the Foundation Stone of the world's largest and unique Divyang Park - Anubhuti Inclusive Park in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
An overview of the news
This park is being developed keeping in mind the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build an inclusive society.
Instead of sympathy, this park will show empathy, hence this park has been named Anubhuti Divyang Park.
In 2016, the central government passed the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act for the rights of persons with disabilities.
This law gives the disabled the right to live with dignity.
About Anubhuti Inclusive Park
This park is being built for disabled children and common citizens in Pardi campus of Nagpur.
Its purpose is to give the message of inclusion in the country and the whole world.
It is the world's first inclusive disabled park.
Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
The park will have adapted facilities for all 21 types of disabilities, including touch and smell gardens, hydrotherapy units, water therapy, independent rooms for mentally challenged children, etc.
10. Govt forms cabinet secretary-led panel to monitor Mission Karmayogi
Tags: committee National News
Anapex panel comprising seven secretaries has been constituted under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba to oversee the implementation of the Karmayogi programme, the government's ambitious mission for training government employees.
An overview of the news
It is the coordination committee of the Cabinet Secretariat that will oversee Mission Karmayogi.
It will review the progress of the program and guide the government to train and upgrade the competencies of all civil servants to match the role.
A Cabinet Secretariat Coordination Unit (CSCU) was recently set up under the National Program for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) or Mission Karmayogi.
The CSCU will have nominees from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Secretary (Coordination), Cabinet Secretariat, Department of Personnel and Training Secretary, Home Secretary, Expenditure Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary, Higher Education Secretary and Revenue Secretary as members.
About Mission Karmayogi Scheme
Mission Karmayogi Yojana was launched on 2nd September 2020.
This scheme is operated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The main objective of the Mission Karmayogi scheme is to develop the capabilities of government employees.
Under the Mission Karmayogi scheme, a budget of Rs 510.86 crore has been set by the government for a period of 5 years for about 46 lakh central employees.
For the successful operation of the scheme iGOT Karmayogi platform has also been formed through which online contact is made available.
