1. Manoj Ahuja, Secretary (Agriculture) inaugurates one-day India Cold Chain Conclave
Tags: National National News
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in association with PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) and National Center for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) organised a one day exhibition and conference as “Cold Chain Conclave” on 19th January in New Delhi.
An overview of the news
The conclave and exhibition was inaugurated by Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The conference was organised with an aim to bring all the stakeholders together on a common platform where they can develop the industry in a sustainable manner and explore ways to reduce post-harvest losses with relevant technologies.
An exhibition was also organised by industry leaders to showcase innovations and excellence in the cold chain sector.
Technological innovation is critical for the growth and development of the Indian cold chain industry.
During the Conclave, approval of the product specific horticulture clusters in various parts of the country under the Horticulture Cluster Development Programme of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare was accorded.
During the conclave, product specific horticulture clusters were approved in different parts of the country under the Horticulture Cluster Development Program of the Ministry of Agriculture.
2. Hyderabad selected to host WEF Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Tags: National News
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has chosen Hyderabad to set up its Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution focused on healthcare and life sciences.
An overview of the news
The announcement was made after the Telangana government and the World Economic Forum signed a cooperation agreement during the Forum's annual meeting in Davos recently.
The collaboration agreement was signed by Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director, WEF and Sakthi Nagappan, Chief Executive Officer, Telangana Life Sciences Foundation.
Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Telangana will be an autonomous, non-profit organisation that will focus on healthcare and life sciences.
C4IR is the 18th centre to join the 4th Industrial Revolution Network of Telangana Forum, which is spread across four continents.
What is the fourth industrial revolution?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a fundamental change in the way we live, work and connect with each other.
It is a new chapter in human development, enabled by an extraordinary technological advance commensurate with the First, Second and Third Industrial Revolutions.
The key technologies involved are cloud computing, big data, cyber security, simulation, additive manufacturing and Internet of Things (IoT).
Other industrial revolution
First Industrial Revolution (in the 1800s): Water and steam power were used to mechanize production. An example of this is the steam engine.
Second Industrial Revolution (early 1900s): It used electricity for mass production. Electricity is an example of this.
Third Industrial Revolution (late 1900s): Electronics and information technology were used to automate production. Computers and the Internet are examples of this.
3. Notification for General Election to the Legislative Assemblies of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura in 2023
Tags: National News
The National Election Commission has prepared a schedule for holding general elections to the Legislative Assemblies of the three states of North-East India, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura.
An Overview of the news
For this, the Commission made a thorough assessment of all relevant aspects, such as climatic conditions, academic calendar, board examinations, major festivals, law and order situation in these states, availability of Central Armed Police Forces, movement of forces and other relevant ground realities, etc. has been taken into account.
The Election Commission, after considering all relevant aspects, has decided to recommend the Governor of the three States to issue notification for the General Election under the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Tripura Legislative Assembly General Election Schedule
Total Assembly Constituencies:- 60
Date of poll:- February 16, 2023
Date of counting of votes:- March 2, 2023
General Election Schedule to the Legislative Assemblies of Meghalaya and Nagaland
Total assembly constituencies:- 60-60 assembly constituencies in both the states
Date of Poll:- February 27, 2023
Date of counting of votes:- March 2, 2023
Tripura
Capital: Agartala
Governor: Satyadev Narayan Arya
Chief Minister: Dr. Manik Saha
Meghalaya
Capital: Shillong
Governor: BD Mishra
Chief Minister: Conrad Sangma
Nagaland
Capital: Kohima
Governor: Prof. jagdish mukhi
Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio
4. India announces donation of 12,500 doses of pentavalent vaccines to Cuba
Tags: International News
Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi, during her official visit to Cuba from January 12 to 14, announced that India has decided to donate 12,500 doses of pentavalent vaccines to Cuba.
An overview of the news
During her visit, Meenakshi Lekhi held a meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Caneland discussed bilateral importance and political and economic cooperation.
Both sides discussed issues of common interest and expressed desire to enhance cooperation in development assistance programmes, trade and investment, energy, disaster management, culture, health and pharma, AYUSH and biotechnology.
Pentavalent vaccine
Pentavalent vaccine provides protection to a child from 5 life-threatening diseases – Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae.
It is injected in three doses.
About Cuba
Prime Minister: Manuel Marrero Cruz
President: Miguel Díaz-Canel
Capital: Havana
Currency: Cuban peso
5. Jammu and Kashmir becomes the first Indian Union Territory to completely shift to e-governance mode
Tags: National News
Jammu and Kashmir has become the first Union Territory of India to go completely digital.
Presently all government and administrative services in Jammu and Kashmir are being provided digitally only.
Jammu and Kashmir is also emerging as a model of digital government in the country with a transparent and accountable governance system.
Purpose of Line to Online
The main objective of making government services online is to make people online.
Through this, citizens can avail government services digitally without going to government office.
With the digitization of government offices, now government offices will be in the pocket of the citizens. With this, citizens can take advantage of any government service anywhere and anytime without going to any office.
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir was a state of India till August 2019, which was bifurcated on 31 August 2019 to form two union territories named Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Capital- Srinagar (May–October), Jammu (November–April)
Lieutenant Governor - Manoj Sinha
Legislative Council - 36 seats
Legislative Assembly - 89 seats
6. Indo-Russian joint venture has started manufacturing Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles in India
Tags: Defence National News
The manufacturing of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles has recently started in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh by an Indo-Russian joint venture.
An overview of the news
Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited plans to ensure 100 percent production of AK-203 rifles in India.
In the future, the company may increase production and upgrade its production facilities to produce advanced rifles based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle platform.
India is the first country to start production of the world famous brand AK-200-series assault rifles.
The first batch of 7.62 mm Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles has been produced by the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
Deliveries to the Indian Army are expected to commence soon.
About AK 203 Rifles
The AK-203 assault rifle is considered to be the latest and most advanced version of the AK-47 rifle.
It is a 7.62×39mm variant from the AK-100 rifle family.
This variant will replace the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56×45mm assault rifle, which is currently being used by the Army, Navy and Air Force besides other security forces.
INSAS rifles are not suitable for use at high altitudes. These rifles also have problems like gun jamming, oil leakage etc.
Other India-Russia bilateral projects
Indigenous production of T-90 tanks and Su-30-MKIaircraft
Supply of MiG-29-K aircraft and Kamov-31 and Mi-17 helicopters
Upgrade of MiG-29 aircraft and supply of Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher Smerch
Develop and produce supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles in India
7. India announces 100 million Maldivian Rufiyaa for community development projects in Maldives
Tags: International Relations International News
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar arrived in Maldives on 18 January as part of his three-day visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka.
An overview of the news
To strengthen bilateral ties, India and Maldives signed an MoU on development projects and held talks with top leadership in the country.
The agreement included grant assistance of 100 million rufiyaa (Maldives' currency) for the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP).
Under this funding, several socio-economic development projects are planned to be implemented in Maldives.
It also includes the development of a sports complex at Gahadhoo and academic collaboration between the Maldives National University and the Cochin University of Science and Technology.
India has handed over two sea ambulances to help the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
About Maldives
It is also called Maldives Islands, an independent island country in the north-central Indian Ocean.
It extends more than 510 miles (820 km) from north to south and 80 miles (130 km) from east to west.
Basis of economy -fisheries, tourism
Industries - handicraft or cottage including the making of coir (coconut-husk fibre) and coir products, fish canning, and boatbuilding.
Capital -Male
President -Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
Official Language - Dhivehi (Maldivian)
Official Religion - Islam
Currency - Rufiyaa
8. Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation as Prime Minister of New Zealand
Tags: Person in news International News
On 18 January 2023, the Prime Minister of New Zealand 'Jacinda Ardern' has announced her resignation from her post at the annual meeting of her party.
An Overview of the news
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will hold the post of Prime Minister till 7 February 2023 and will resign after that.
The 2023 general election in New Zealand is going to be held on 14 October.
Prime Minister Ardern's shock decision comes after five and a half years in office as she led New Zealand through the coronavirus pandemic.
Prime Minister Ardern is one of the world's youngest female heads of state at the age of 37 when she came to power in 2017.
Jacinda Ardern
Ms Ardern began her political career in the office of former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Ardern has also served as a policy advisor in Tony Blair's government in the UK.
She was elected to the Parliament of New Zealand in 2008 and became Deputy Leader of Labor in March 2017.
Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation as Prime Minister of New Zealand
New Zealand
Capital: Wellington
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Prime Minister: Jacinda Ardern
President: Debbie Hockley
9. NASA awards 425 million to Boeing Company for agency's sustainable flight demonstrator project
Tags: Science and Technology International News
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has awarded $425 million to The Boeing Company for a sustainable flight demonstrator project.
An overview of the news
Boeing will work with NASA to validate technologies aimed at 'building, testing and flying a full-scale demonstrator aircraft and reducing emissions'.
Over seven years, NASA will invest $425 million, while Boeing and its partners will contribute the remainder of the agreement, estimated to cost $725 million.
The Transonic Truss-Braced Wing Demonstrator Single-Aisle is an aeroplane that aims to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30 percent.
The goal of the project is to produce and test a full-scale demonstrator that will help build future fuel-efficient commercial airliners.
The United States has set a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from the US aviation sector by 2050.
About NASA
NASA was formed under the National Aeronautics and Space Act on July 19, 1948, in place of its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Headquarters- Washington D.C.
Administrator - Bill Nelson
10. UN General Assembly adopts Indian Co-sponsored Resolution on 'Education For Democracy'
Tags: International News
To provide education to all, a resolution titled "Education for Democracy" was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 18 January.
An overview of the news
The resolution co-sponsored by India reaffirms the right to education to strengthen democracy.
Adopted unanimously, this resolution will recognize the importance of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
This is not the first time that an education resolution has been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.
Earlier in 2015, a similar resolution was passed in the General Assembly, encouraging all UN entities to use education to promote peace, human rights and democracy.
The purpose of the resolution was to encourage member states to integrate Education for Democracy into their education standards.
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
It is the United Nation’s chief policy-making and representative organ and was created in 1945.
It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN).
It serves as the main deliberative, policy making and representative organ of the United Nations.
Its powers, structure, functions and procedures are set out in Chapter IV of the United Nations Charter.
Its main functions are to prepare the budget of the United Nations, appoint non-permanent members to the Security Council, appoint the Secretary-General of the United Nations, receive reports from other parts of the United Nations system, and make recommendations through resolutions.
