1. President of India inaugurates International Engineering and Technology Fair 2023
Tags: Festivals National News
President Droupadi Murmu on 16 February inaugurated the International Engineering and Technology Fair (IETF) 2023 in New Delhi.
An overview of the news
This event is being organised from 16 to 18 February at Pragati Maidan.
The International Engineering and Technology Fair is organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The event is not only a celebration of India's growth story in engineering and manufacturing sectors, but also a testimony to collaboration with other countries in the best advanced technologies in the world.
IETF-2023 covers 11 areas of emerging technologies that will have a profound impact on the economy and society.
IETF-2023 is a determined effort to showcase engineering and technologies that promote harmony between nature and science.
2. Spanish government passes law providing 'menstrual leave' for the first time in Europe
Tags: International News
Spain's government approved a law providing paid medical leave for women suffering from severe menstrual pain, a first in any European country.
An overview of the news
Such facilities are currently available in Japan, Indonesia and Zambia.
According to the law, as much leave is needed for any female employee in case of illness, as much leave is required to deal with the pain during periods, no matter what field it is related to.
According to the rules like paid leave found in other health related problems, approval should be given to get treatment from the doctor even during the period.
However, the new law does not specify the number of days leave should be given by doctors during periods.
Other countries providing menstrual leave
Indonesia passed a law in 2003 that gives women the right to two days of paid menstrual leave per month without prior notice.
In Japan, a 1947 law states that companies must agree to provide women with menstrual leave if they request for it.
In South Korea, women are entitled to one day of unpaid menstrual leave per month. Employers who refuse face fines.
In Taiwan, the Gender Equality in Employment Act entitles women to three days of menstrual leave per year.
Zambia passed a law in 2015 allowing women to take a day off without notice during menstruation.
3. PM Modi inaugurates Jal Jan Abhiyan in Rajasthan
Tags: National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Jal Jan Abhiyan in Abu Road in Sirohi district of Rajasthan on 16 February.
An overview of the news
The PM has started Jal Jan Abhiyan at Shantivan of Brahmakumari Sanstha.
The main objective of this campaign is to plant trees along with water harvesting and motivate people for water conservation.
This campaign has been started by the Brahma Kumaris organisation and the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and film actor Nana Patekar were present on the occasion.
The Jal-Jan campaign is being launched at a time whenwater scarcity is being seen as a future crisis all over the world.
The 21st century world is realising the gravity of the limited water resources on earth and water security is a big question because of India's huge population.
“In Amrit Kaal, India is looking towards water as the future. If there is water then there will be tomorrow".
4. India Japan joint training exercise "Dharma Guardian" to begin at Camp Imazu in Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Tags: Defence International News
The 4th edition of the joint military exercise between India and Japan, "X Dharma Guardians" will be conducted from 17 February to 2 March 2023 at Camp Imazu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
An overview of the news
Soldiers from the Garhwal Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army and an infantry regiment from the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) are participating in the exercise this year.
They will share experiences gained during operations in order to enhance inter-operability in planning and execution.
The Indian Army contingent reached the exercise site on 12 February 2023.
Focus area of training
The training will mainly focus on high level of physical fitness and sharing of exercises at tactical level.
During the exercise, the participants will engage in various missions including joint planning, joint tactical exercise, integrated surveillance grid.
The joint exercise will help both the armies to know each other better, share their vast experiences and enhance situational awareness.
What is Exercise Dharma Guardian?
It is an annual joint military exercise conducted between India and Japan since 2018.
It aims to share experience gained during various Counter Terrorism Operations in respective Countries.
The exercise assumes immense significance in the context of the security challenges faced by both the countries in the backdrop of the current global situation.
The scope of the exercise includes platoon level joint training on operations in jungle and semi-urban/urban terrain.
Other Exercises Between India and Japan
SHINYU Maitri - A bilateral exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF).
JIMEX- A bilateral maritime exercise between India and Japan.
Sahyog-Kaijin- Joint Bilateral Exercise between Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard.
5. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid Plants at Aonla and Phulpur in UP
Tags: National News
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid Plants at Aonla and Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh on 14 February.
An overview of the news
Nano Urea will ensure the progress of the farmers in times to come, increasing their income.
In this way it will change the future of Indian farmers.
Nano Urea is the best green technology and provides a solution to pollution.
It protects the soil and also increases the production and hence best for the farmers.
Nano DAP has been approved by the expert committee of the government and it will soon replace DAP.
Nano-DAP will greatly benefit farmers and will be available at half the cost of DAP.
What is Liquid Nano Urea (LNU)?
Nano urea is a liquid form of nitrogen providing plant nutrient as a conventional alternative to urea.
It has been developed in place of conventional urea and has the potential to reduce the requirement of conventional urea by at least 50 percent.
One 500 ml bottle contains 40,000 mg/l nitrogen, which can provide nitrogen nutrients equivalent to one bag/sack of normal urea.
The effectiveness of Nano Urea Liquid is more than 80%.
Its use has been found to increase the yield by about 8%.
Its aim is to reduce farmers’ dependence on packaged urea.
6. Cabinet approves construction of Shinku La Tunnel to provide all weather connectivity in Ladakh
Tags: National National News
The Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the construction of the 4.1-km Shinkun La tunnel on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road link to provide all-weather connectivity to the border areas of Ladakh.
An overview of the news
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the construction of the tunnel which will provide all-weather connectivity to the Ladakh region with the rest of the country.
The tunnel will be completed by December 2025 at a cost of Rs 1,681 crore.
Another Zojila tunnel is also under construction which is on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway.
About Shinku La Tunnel
The Shinku-La tunnel will be constructed over the Shinku La Pass at a height of 16,580 feet.
Shinku La is a mountain pass on the border of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
It connects the Zanskar valley of Leh-Ladakh to Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh.
It is situated to the north of Rohtang Pass.
The length of the tunnel will be 4.1 km.
It will be built by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) under Project Yojkar.
Significance
The Shinku La tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity to Ladakh and will be the shortest route to the border areas of the union territory.
This will lead to all-round development of the region and boost tourism, health and education sectors.
This project is also very important from the point of view of strategic and national security.
This will also help in the movement of security forces in that area.
7. SPMCIL signs MoU with TERI under CSR initiatives
Tags: National National News
The Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) and the Energy Resources Institute (TERI) have signed an MoU with an estimated cost of Rs 525.49 lakh for the integrated development of village Model.
An overview of the news
This MoU has been entered into under the CSR initiative of SPMCIL for the development of Model Village - Sirolia, District Dewas, Madhya Pradesh.
The Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) is a Mini Ratna, Category-I CPSE, wholly owned by the Government of India.
Energy Resources Institute (TERI)
TERI was set up as a Tata Energy Research Institute by the Tata group in 1974.
It was renamed The Energy Research Institute in 2003.
The Headquarters of TERI : New Delhi
Director -General of TERI: Vibha Dhawan.
TERI is engaged in research and development in the field of energy, environment, climate change and sustainability.
8. The First G20 Culture Group (CWG) meet to be organised in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Tags: Summits National News
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The Ministry of Culture is organising the first G20 Culture Group (CWG) meeting from 22 to 25 February 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
An overview of the news
'Protection and restitution of cultural heritage' will be the theme for the first G20 Culture Group (CWG) meeting.
An exhibition titled 'Re(ed) Dress: Return of Treasures' will also be organized on this theme at the Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Center in Khajuraho.
The second and third meetings under this track will be held at Bhubaneswar in Odisha and Hampi in Karnataka.
India's cultural richness and diversity will be "prominently showcased" at the G2O meetings.
The overarching theme of G20 is ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’ – One Earth, One Family, One Future.’
India's G20 culture track is based on the idea of 'Culture for LiFE' as a campaign for eco-conscious lifestyle and sustainable living.
Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
Cultural Programmes
Cultural programs will be organised during the meeting including Khajuraho Dance Festival.
The delegates will also visit the Western Group of Temples, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An ancient city, Khajuraho is known for its majestic temples and erotic sculptures.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between 950–1050 by the Chandela dynasty.
Guest Countries
Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and the UAE.
Four priority areas of India’s CWG
Protection and restitution of cultural property
Harnessing living heritage for a sustainable future
Promotion of cultural and creative industries
Creative economy; and leveraging digital technologies for Protection and promotion of culture
9. Cabinet approves signing of the MoU between the India and South Africa for cooperation in Disability Sector
Tags: National National News
The Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and South Africa for cooperation in the 'disability sector'.
An overview of the news
It aims to encourage cooperation between the Department for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and South Africa through joint initiatives in the disability sector.
It will strengthen bilateral relations between India and South Africa.
This MoU will benefit a large number of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in both the countries, especially those who are in need of modern, scientific, durable, low cost aids and assistive devices.
South Africa
President: Cyril Ramaphosa
Capitals: Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria (Executive), Bloemfontein (Judicial)
Currency : Rand
10. India and Fiji sign MoU on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports
Tags: International Relations International News
India and Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders on 16 February in presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
An overview of the news
Under this agreement, holders of diplomatic and official passports will be able to enter, transit and stay in each other's territory without a visa for a period of 90 days.
India and Fiji share close and long-standing relations and the two countries also reviewed bilateral relations.
India and Fiji have inaugurated the solarisation of the State House in Suva and this is the first of a series that India is supporting in the Pacific Islands.
It shows India's commitment towards climate action.
The Visa Waiver Agreement will be helpful in encouraging greater travel between the two countries.
Republic of Fiji
It is an archipelago consisting of around 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Capital: Suva
Currency: Fijian Dollar
President : Wiliame Katonivere
Prime Minister: Sitiveni Rabuka
