1. Khalistan Tiger Force and Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force declared as terrorist organisations
Tags: National National News
The central government on 17 February declared Khalistan Tiger Force, and Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force as terrorist organisations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
An overview of the news
Apart from this, Punjab resident Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, the mastermind of the 2021 attack on the intelligence headquarters of Punjab Police, has been declared a terrorist.
The government has so far designated 54 individuals as terrorists and 44 organisations as terrorist organisations.
Khalistan Tiger Force
It came into existence in 2011 as an offshoot of terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International.
It is a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
It is a militant organization whose aim is to revive militancy in Punjab.
This organisation is promoting various acts of terrorism including targeted killings in Punjab.
Its agenda is the formation of a separate state of Khalistan.
Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF)
It has been formed with cadres of terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
It has been found involved in infiltration attempts, smuggling of narcotics and arms and carrying out terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
It draws its cadres from Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen, Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami and various banned terrorist organisations.
Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda
He hails from Lahore and is associated with the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a terrorist-designated group.
He is accused of masterminding the attack on the intelligence headquarters of the Punjab Police in 2021.
He has direct links with Pakistan-based terrorist groups and is also involved in large-scale smuggling of drugs, arms, ammunition and militant hardware.
He has been involved in various crimes like murder, attempt to murder, contract killing, dacoity and extortion in Punjab, Maharashtra, Haryana, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
He is the 54th person to be declared a terrorist by the government.
2. Jaishankar unveils bust of Sardar Vallabhai Patel in Fiji's capital Suva
Tags: International News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiled the bust of Sardar Vallabhai Patel at India House in Fiji's capital Suva on 17 February.
An overview of the news
Jaishankar was in Fiji from February 15 to 17, where he participated in the 12th World Hindi Conference.
He held bilateral meetings with Fiji's leadership during his first visit to Suva on 16 February.
Jaishankar met the President of Fiji, Ratu William Katonivere, at State House and along with the President of Fiji launched a Government of India funded project for solarization of the Pacific Heads of State Residence at State House in Suva.
The project is a Solar Head of State initiative launched by the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) in Fiji and funded by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
The leaders of the two countries took stock of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen the development partnership between India and Fiji in various sectors including capacity building, health, education, agriculture and information technology.
The External Affairs Minister inaugurated the renovated Girmit Gallery at the Fiji Museum.
The gallery depicts the journey of Girmits (Indian indentured labourers) in Fiji.
India and Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
3. AICTE and BPRD Jointly Launch KAVACH-2023
Tags: National National News
A national level hackathon KAVACH-2023 was launched on 16 February to identify innovative ideas and technological solutions to address India's 21st century cyber security and cybercrime challenges.
An overview of the news
KAVACH-2023 is a one-of-a-kind national hackathon jointly developed by AICTE, Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
It identifies innovative ideas and technological solutions to address 21st century cyber security and cybercrime challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and common citizens.
KAVACH-2023 will be organised in two phases.
In the first phase, topics related to Fake News/Social Media, Dark Web, Women Safety, Phishing Detection, Video Analytics/CCTV, Obscene Content Detection, Spam Alerts, and Malware Analysis/Digital Forensics will be covered.
4. World Hindi Conference concludes in Fiji
Tags: Summits International News
The 12th World Hindi Conference concluded on 17 February in Nadi, Fiji. It was held from 15 to 17th February.
An overview of the news
Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan and Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra addressed the closing ceremony.
The three-day conference was organised by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Government of Fiji.
The main theme of the conference was "Hindi - Traditional Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence".
In addition to the theme-based plenary sessions, 10 parallel sessions were held.
Representatives of 50 countries participated in the World Hindi Conference.
The conference was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar along with Fijian Prime Minister Sitwini Rabuka.
This program will be used to promote Hindi as a global language.
World Hindi Conference
The first World Hindi Conference was held in Nagpur in 1975 to popularise Hindi as a global language. At that time Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India.
11th World Hindi Conference was held at Port Louis, Mauritius between 18-20 August' 2018.
Hindi Diwas
Every year 14 September is observed as Hindi Diwas in India.
On this day in 1949 the Constituent Assembly adopted Hindi as the official language of the country.
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
5. Economic Times Global Business Summit
Tags: Summits National News
The Economic Times Global Business Summit 2023 was held in New Delhi on 17 February.
An overview of the news
The two-day Summit was held on 17-18 February.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Summit.
The theme of the two-day Summit is 'Resilience, Influence and Dominance'.
The summit brought together thought leaders, policy makers, academicians and corporate leaders on a common platform seeking to provide solutions to key economic challenges.
More than 200 business leaders spoke in 40 sessions at the summit.
About Global Business Summit
The Global Business Summit is hosted by The Times Group every year.
Global Business Summit 2023 is the 7th edition.
It brings together thought leaders, policy makers, academicians and corporate leaders on a common platform seeking to provide solutions to key economic challenges.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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".
9. 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.
10. 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.
