1. Brazilian government declares medical emergency in Yanomami
Tags: International News
Recently in Brazil, the government has declared a medical-emergency in the Yanomami region amid reports of child deaths from diseases caused by illegal gold mining and malnutrition-related conditions.
An overview of the news
The purpose of the state of emergency declaration is to restore health services for the Yanomami people that had come to a standstill during the previous government's tenure.
In the four years of Bolsonaro's presidency, 570 Yanomami children died from preventable diseases, mainly from malnutrition as well as malaria, diarrhoea, and mercury used by wildcat gold miners.
The government announced food packages to the Yanomami, where about 26,000 Yanomami live in an area of rainforest and tropical savanna.
The Yonomami area has been a victim of illegal gold mining gangs for decades.
About Yanomami tribes
They are also called South American Indians.
They live in the remote forests of the Orinoco River Basin in southern Venezuela and the northernmost part of the Amazon River Basin in northern Brazil.
They live in small, scattered, semi-permanent villages, speak the Ziriana language, and hunt.
Their population is about 26,000.
Davi Copenava, a Brazilian leader who secured the land rights of the Yanomami people, has been awarded the Right Livelihood Award-2019, also known as Sweden's alternative Nobel Prize.
2. International Trade Fair on Millets and Organic Products held in Bengaluru
Tags: Festivals National News
The 4th International Trade Fair of Millets and Organics Products began on 20 January 2023 at Tripuravasini, Bengaluru.
An overview of the news
India is leading among countries to celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
This three-day fair is organised by the Department of Agriculture and the Government of Karnataka.
The three day event is divided into multiple segments including Exhibition, Pavilion, B2B Networking and much more.
Promotion of millet and organic market
The trade fair is a platform for farmers, farmer groups, domestic and international companies, central and state institutions to explore opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, processing, machinery and agro-technology.
The fair includes more than 250 stalls, millet and organic food court, cooking, drawing and quiz competitions, display of millet recipes, etc.
The budget allocation for farmers has been increased six times.
The country is focused on developing 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and assisting farmers in setting up sorting and grading units along with producing value-added products ready for export.
Consumption of millets is a solution to malnutrition, which will also benefit farmers for better livelihood and increased income.
India as the Global Hub for Millets
In India, millet is primarily a kharif crop, requiring less water and agricultural inputs.
Millets are important because of their potential to generate livelihoods, enhance farmers' income and ensure food and nutritional security.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, global millet production in 2020 was 30.464 million metric tonnes (MMT), of which India accounted for 12.49 MMT or 41 per cent of the total millet production.
Karnataka pioneer for millet promotion
The Government of Karnataka has been a pioneer in the promotion of millets.
The first millets and organic fair was held in 2017, the second and third editions were held in Bengaluru in 2018 and 2019.
Karnataka is distributing millet grain through the PDS system and organising district-wise Kisan Melas.
3. International seminar on knowledge sharing on conservation of natural and cultural heritage in Kathmandu
Tags: International News
On the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, an International seminar on Knowledge sharing of conservation of Natural and cultural heritage was organised by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in Kathmandu.
An overview of the news
It was organised in coordination with the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
Ambassador of India, Naveen Shrivastav informed about the Indian government’s contribution to conserving cultural heritage.
The Government of India provided USD 50 million in aid for the reconstruction of two UNESCO heritage sites—Pashupatinath Temple and Bhandarkhal of Patan Durbar Square after the 2015 earthquake in Nepal.
The guest of honour of the event, Nepal's Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati appreciated the efforts of the Indian Embassy in bringing together conservation experts from India and Nepal for the reconstruction and restoration of the natural and cultural heritage.
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
It was established in 1984 in New Delhi with the objective of heritage awareness and conservation in India.
Currently INTACH is recognized as one of the largest heritage organisations in the world with more than 190 chapters across the country.
Over the last 31 years, INTACH has pioneered the conservation of intangible heritage along with natural and built heritage.
4. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to be Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations
Tags: Person in news National News
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Egypt President Abdel Fattah El Sisi will be the chief guest at the 74th Republic Day celebrations.
An overview of the news
He will pay a state visit to India from the 24th to the 26th of this month.
This is the first time that the President of Egypt has been invited as the chief guest on the Republic Day 2023 of India.
A 180-member strong contingent of the Egyptian Army will also participate in the Republic Day parade.
The President of Egypt had earlier visited India in October 2015 to attend the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit, followed by a state visit in September 2016.
President Sisi will have a bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks with PM Modi on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Abdel Fattah Sisi is a former Army officer who was elected as the president of Egypt t in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018.
About Republic Day Celebration
Every year Republic day is observed on 26 January. It was on this day the constitution of India was promulgated in 1950 and India became a republic.
The President of India presides over the Republic day functions. It is customary to invite a foreign country leader as an honoured guest at the Republic day function.
In 1955 Rajpath (Now Kartavya Path) became the permanent place for the Republic day parade.
The Chief Guest was the Governor-General of Pakistan Malik Ghulam Muhammad.
President of Indonesia, Sukarno was the first guest at 1950 Republic day parade.
5. New Zealand's ruling Labor Party elected Chris Hipkins as the country's 41st prime minister
Tags: Person in news International News
New Zealand's ruling Labor Party on 22 January elected Chris Hipkins as its leader and the country's 41st prime minister, replacing Ms Jacinda Ardern.
An overview of the news
Hipkins was the only candidate for the position and was confirmed by 64 MPs in what is known as the Labor caucus.
Known as "Chippy", Hipkins played a key role in the response to COVID-19.
He was first elected to Parliament in 2008 for the Labor Party.
He was appointed Minister of Health in July 2020 before becoming the Minister of COVID Response.
Before Hipkins can officially become prime minister, Ardern must submit her resignation to King Charles III's representative in New Zealand, Governor General Cindy Kiro.
Kiro Hipkins will then be appointed to the role and sworn in.
The Labour party has also selected Carmel Sepuloni as the deputy prime minister.
About New Zealand
Prime Minister: Chris Hipkins
Capital: Wellington
Currency : New Zealand dollar
6. Indian Embassy in Kathmandu organises 5 km marathon 'Run for Life' with theme of 'lifestyle for Environment'
Tags: National National News
With the theme of 'lifestyle for Environment', 5 km marathon 'Run for Life' was organised by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on 21 January.
An overview of the news
Hundreds of college going students, human trafficking survivors, sportspersons, doctors and children participated in the marathon to promote running as a healthy lifestyle.
On the occasion of Amrit Mahotsav celebrations of Independence in Nepal, Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava emphasised on adopting a healthy lifestyle.
The Run for Life Marathon celebrates the diplomatic relations between India and Nepal as well as 75 years of India's independence.
The marathon started from Pashupatinath temple complex and covered 5 km back to Pashupatinath in a duration of one hour.
The Marathon winner was awarded a gold medal after completion of the marathon.
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu also organised a music concert 'Sangeet Sukoon'.
The event was attended by Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
7. State DGPs and IGPs annual Conference
Tags: Summits National News
The three-day conference of heads of all state police forces and paramilitary organisations began in New Delhi on January 20.
An overview of the news
PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval addressed the conference.
Cyber security, war on drugs, and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir were among the top agenda items of the conference.
Apart from this, border management, cross-border threats and maritime security were also discussed in the annual meeting.
Other issues discussed included threat from Khalistani extremists, threat to economy, cryptocurrency, Maoist violence and Northeast insurgency.
Around 350 top police officers of the country in the rank of Director General (DG) and Inspector General (IG) attended the conference.
About the conference
Till 2013, the annual meet was held in the national capital, in 2014, when the Modi government came to power, it was decided to hold the event outside Delhi.
In 2014, the conference was held at Guwahati, Rann of Kutch in 2015, National Police Academy, Hyderabad in 2016, BSF Academy, Tekanpur in 2017 and Pune in 2019.
Due to the Covid epidemic, in 2020 it was held virtually while in 2021 the conference was held in Lucknow.
8. G20's First Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) Meeting to be held in Bengaluru
Tags: Summits National News
-Meeting-to-be-held-in-Bengaluru.jpg)
The first G-20 Environment meeting under the G-20 India Presidency will be held at the Taj West End in Bengaluru during February 9 -11.
An overview of the news
It has scheduled four meetings of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG), which will be hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
India will chair the G-20 for one year till 30 November 2023.
The forum will bring together G-20 member states, guest countries and international organisations invited by India.
Through the Sherpa Track, 13 working groups and 2 initiatives will meet under the chairmanship of India to discuss priorities and provide recommendations.
Agenda of the meeting
Promotion of Blue Economy along with Coastal Sustainability
Restoration of Degraded Lands and Ecosystems’ and ‘Enhancement of Biodiversity
Strengthening of Circular Economy
9. UNESCO dedicates International Day of Education 2023 to Afghan girls, women
Tags: Important Days International News
UNESCO has decided to dedicate the International Day of Education to be celebrated on January 24, 2023, to Afghan girls and women.
An overview of the news
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said that no country in the world should prevent women and girls from getting education and it is a universal human right that should be respected.
The international community has a responsibility to ensure that the rights of Afghan girls and women are restored without delay.
UNESCO and other international organisations should take concrete steps to address the issue of women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
According to UNESCO, currently around 80 percent of Afghan girls and young women of school-age are out of school under Taliban rule, as they are denied access to secondary schools and universities.
Since 15 August 2021, Afghanistan has barred girls from attending secondary school, restricted the freedom of movement of women and girls, and excluded women from most areas of the workforce.
About UNESCO
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN).
It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture.
It is also a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), a coalition of UN agencies and organisations aimed at fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Headquarters: Paris, France
Director General: Audrey Azoulay
Founded: 16 November 1945 in London, United Kingdom
The organisation has 193 members and 11 Associate members.
10. India surpasses China to become most populous country in the world
Tags: Reports International News
According to projections by the World Population Review (WPR), India has surpassed China as the world’s most populous nation.
An overview of the news
As per WPR, India’s population was 141.7 crore as of the end of 2022.
According to official announcements, India's population is a little over 5 million, compared to 141.2 million declared by China on 17 January.
As per WPR estimates, India's population has increased to 142.3 crore as of January 18.
India, with 50 percent of its population below the age of 30, is poised to be the fastest growing major economy in the world.
According to WPR, although India's population growth has slowed down, it will still increase till at least 2050.
India, the third largest economy in Asia, is currently self-sufficient in food production.
India ranks second in terms of production of rice, wheat and sugar.
Apart from being a major importer of edible oils, India is also the largest consumer of sugar.
India is the third largest market for the purchase of crude oil, the second largest consumer of steel and gold.
In addition, India is the third largest domestic aviation market in the world.
