1. Women's Reservation Bill passed in Lok Sabha
Tags: National News
The Lok Sabha has given its assent to the Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill, commonly known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhinyam.
An Overview of the News
The Women's Reservation Bill has a provision to reserve one-third of the total seats for women in the Lower House and State Legislative Assemblies.
The bill was passed with overwhelming support, as 454 Members of Parliament voted in favor of it, while only two MPs opposed it. Speaker Om Birla formally announced the passage of the bill in the lower house.
The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on the first day of proceedings in the new parliamentary building. Additionally, the old Parliament House in the Lok Sabha was renamed the Samvidhan Sadan.
About Article 243(D)
Article 243(D) of Part IX of the Constitution mandates the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in all three levels of Panchayats.
State legislatures are responsible for establishing provisions that reserve the posts of chairpersons in Panchayats for persons belonging to SC and ST communities.
Article 243(D) also provides that at least one-third of the seats in Panchayats should be reserved for women.
Additionally, State Legislatures have the power to provide for reservation in favor of backward classes in terms of seats or the post of Speakers.
Additional Information:-
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the 128th Amendment Bill, 2023 to achieve 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
Arjun Ram Meghwal, while introducing the bill, had said that if it is passed, the number of seats reserved for women in the Lok Sabha will increase from 82 to 181.
2. Government of India launches three transformative initiatives for farmers, focusing on credit and insurance
Tags: National
The Government of India launched three transformational initiatives namely Kisan Rin Portal (KRP), Door-to-Door KCC Campaign and Weather Information Network Data System (WINDS) Manual aimed at revolutionizing agriculture in the country.
An Overview of the News
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar are responsible for launching these initiatives.
These initiatives are designed to increase financial inclusion, streamline data usage, harness technology and enhance the livelihood of the farming community.
They mainly focus on improving access to agricultural credit and crop insurance while keeping in mind the welfare of farmers.
Kisan Rin Portal (KRP):
KRP is a digital platform developed in collaboration with multiple government departments.
It aims to revolutionize access to credit services under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.
It provides a comprehensive view of farmer data, loan disbursement specifications, interest subvention claims and efficient agricultural loans.
Door to Door KCC Campaign:
This campaign, known as Ghar-Ghar Kisan Credit Card (KCC) campaign, aims to extend the benefits of the KCC scheme to every farmer in India.
It aims to achieve universal financial inclusion, ensuring that every farmer has uninterrupted access to credit facilities.
As of March 2023, there were 7.35 crore active KCC accounts with a total sanctioned limit of Rs 8.85 lakh crore.
Weather Information Network Data System (WINDS):
The initiative leverages advanced weather data analytics to provide stakeholders with actionable insights on weather conditions.
3. Apurva Chandra unveils 'People's G20' eBook on India's G20 Presidency
Tags: National News
Apurva Chandra, serving as Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, presented the eBook titled "People's G20" in New Delhi on September 18, 2023.
An Overview of the News
The eBook launch event was attended by Manish Desai, Principal Director General, of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and several senior officials of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and PIB.
The "People's G20" eBook is a comprehensive resource highlighting India's G20 Presidency.
It is structured into three main sections, each focusing on different aspects:
Part 1: G20 Summit:
This section gives details of the mega G20 summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9-10, 2023.
It clarifies the structure and functioning of the G20 and provides information on the initiatives taken during India's Chairmanship of this international grouping.
Part 2: Working Groups and Meetings:
The second part presents a brief summary of the meetings held by the various working groups under the Sherpa and Finance tracks.
Additionally, it includes engagement group gatherings held across the country during the year after India became the G20 Chair.
Part 3: Public Participation Photo Essay:
The concluding part of the eBook consists of a visual narrative through a photo essay.
It reflects the mass participation events that took place across the country over the past year, effectively turning India's G20 Presidency into a people-powered movement.
4. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha
Tags: National News
The Women's Reservation Bill, known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.
An Overview of the News
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the 128th Amendment Bill, 2023 to achieve 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
Arjun Ram Meghwal, while introducing the bill, said that if it is passed, the number of seats reserved for women in the Lok Sabha will increase from 82 to 181.
Additionally, the old Parliament House in the Lok Sabha was renamed the Samvidhan Sadan.
About Article 243(D)
Article 243(D) of Part IX of the Constitution mandates the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in all three levels of Panchayats.
State legislatures are responsible for establishing provisions that reserve the posts of chairpersons in Panchayats for persons belonging to SC and ST communities.
Article 243(D) also provides that at least one-third of the seats in Panchayats should be reserved for women.
Additionally, State Legislatures have the power to provide for reservation in favor of backward classes in terms of seats or the post of Speakers.
5. President Draupadi Murmu will inaugurate the Ayushman Bhava campaign
Tags: National
President Draupadi Murmu will inaugurate the Ayushman Bhava campaign on September 13, 2023, for universal healthcare access.
An Overview of the News
Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced the initiative at a media briefing in New Delhi.
The Ayushman Bhava campaign aims to provide comprehensive health services by ensuring coverage for every village and town across India.
Its objective is to ensure that no person is deprived of access to health services.
The campaign is a collaborative effort led by Gram Panchayats in coordination with the Health Department, other government departments, and local elected bodies in both rural and urban areas.
The Ayushman Bhava campaign consists of three primary components:
Ayushman - Apke Dwar 3.0: Bringing health services directly to people's homes.
Ayushman Melas: Health fairs at health and wellness centers and community health centers.
Ayushman Sabhas: Community assemblies in each village and panchayat focused on healthcare-related discussions and initiatives.
Implementation Timeline:
The Ayushman Bhava campaign will be implemented during Seva Pakhwada (Service Fortnight) from September 17 (Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday) to October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti).
6. Parliament of Vanuatu elects Sato Kilman as the new Prime Minister
Tags: Person in news International News
Vanuatu Parliament elects Sato Kilman as Prime Minister amid political change.
An Overview of the News
The decision came after a court upheld a no-confidence motion against Kilman's predecessor.
Former Prime Minister and People's Progressive Party leader Sato Kilman took the position with 27 votes in favor.
In the secret ballot, his rival Kalsakau got 23 votes.
Kilman, 65, held the post of deputy prime minister in Kalasakau's government before he was ousted in May.
About Vanuatu
It is an archipelago consisting of 83 islands, 16 of which are inhabited.
Its largest islands include Espiritu Santo, Malacula, Efate, Eromango, Ambrym, Tanna, Pentecost, Apé, Ambe (also known as Aoba), Gaua, Vanua Lava, Maevo, Malo, and Anitium (or Anatome).
Its capital is Port Vila, located on the island of Efate.
Its other important cities include Luganville on Espiritu Santo and Isangel on Tanna.
Vanuatu has three official languages: Bislama, English and French.
Bislama is a Creole language spoken by the majority of the population of Vanuatu.
The official currency used in Vanuatu is the vatu (VUV), which is pegged to the Australian dollar, resulting in a relatively stable exchange rate.
7. Kerala to host the inaugural Zayed Charity Marathon in 2024
Tags: International News
The inaugural Zayed Charity Marathon in India is scheduled for 2024 and will be organized by the Higher Organizing Committee.
An Overview of the News
With the cooperation of both the Kerala state authorities and the Indian community living in the UAE, Kerala has been selected as the host state for this important event.
The primary objective of the Zayed Charity Marathon is to raise funds for charitable causes, and the proceeds from the Kerala-based marathon will be directed to supporting healthcare initiatives within the state.
The event has sponsorship and support from various entities including the UAE Government, Government of Kerala, and the Indian community in the UAE.
The registration fee for the marathon will be contributed to charity.
Zayed Charity Marathon
The Zayed Charity Marathon is a prestigious event honoring the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, former President of the UAE.
It was launched in Abu Dhabi in 2001 to promote humanitarian and charitable messages in line with Sheikh Zayed's philanthropic legacy.
The event is expanding its reach to India in collaboration with the Kerala state authorities and the Indian community in the UAE.
Charitable purpose
Proceeds from the marathon will be directed to innovative cancer research and treatments.
The monetary prize for the marathon winners will amount to AED1 million.
Inclusiveness
The marathon is open to runners of all skill levels, with several race distances offered including full marathon, half marathon and 10 km.
8. Japan's 'Moon Sniper' Lander SLIM Launched Successfully, Aims to Land on the Moon Next Year
Tags: International News
Japan has successfully launched its lunar exploration spacecraft, known as the "Moon Sniper", using the domestically developed H-IIA rocket.
An Overview of the News
The achievement puts Japan in contention to become the world's fifth country to land on the moon, with the landing planned for early next year.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said the rocket's launch from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan went as scheduled. It also successfully deployed the lunar lander, Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM).
Japan's ambitious goal is to land SLIM on the lunar surface within 100 meters of its intended target site. The $100 million mission is expected to reach the moon by February.
Notably, the launch follows India's recent achievement of becoming the fourth nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the Moon through its Chandrayaan-3 mission, which specifically aimed to explore the uncharted lunar south pole.
This achievement by Japan comes after two previous lunar landing attempts by the country failed within the last year.
Japan's Lunar Landing Challenges: Loss of Contact, Lunar Lander Accident, and Collaborative Satellite Mission:
In November, JAXA suffered a setback when they lost contact with the OMOTENASHI lander, leading to the cancellation of their lunar landing attempt.
In April, the Hakuto-R Mission 1 lander, developed by a Japanese startup called iSpace, crashed while landing on the lunar surface.
Additionally, the H-IIA rocket was tasked with carrying the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) satellite. The satellite is part of a collaborative effort by JAXA, NASA, and the European Space Agency.
About JAXA
Founded -1 October 2003
President - Yamakawa Hiroshi;
Headquarters - Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan.
9. BEL and Israel Aerospace Industries signed MoU
Tags: International Relations
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
An Overview of the News
The signing ceremony was held in Bengaluru.
The MoU focuses on the area of Short Range Air Defense Systems.
BEL and IAI have previously worked together on joint development, production and product support programs for the Indian Defense Forces.
The MoU is in line with India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) and 'Make in India' policies.
These policies emphasize self-reliance in domestic manufacturing and defense capabilities.
BEL and IAI aim to contribute to these national objectives through their collaboration.
IAI's expertise in aerospace and defense:
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a leading aerospace and defense company in Israel.
They are known for their capabilities in aerospace and defense technologies.
IAI offers a wide range of solutions, including space technology, UAVs, missiles, intelligence solutions, air defense systems, radars and more.
President and CEO of IAI - Boaz Levy
Establishment of IAI - 1953
Role of BEL in Self-Reliance in Defense Electronics:
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was established to enhance India's self-reliance in defense electronics.
BEL operates across diverse sectors, producing state-of-the-art products and systems.
His areas of expertise include radar, missile systems, military communications and naval systems.
The company also expands its efforts into non-defense areas including electronic voting machines, homeland security, smart cities, satellite integration, space electronics and cyber security.
BEL was established in 1954.
BEL Chairman and Managing Director - Bhanu Prakash Srivastava
10. Georgia officially declares October as 'Hindu Heritage Month'
Tags: International News
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp officially declared October as 'Hindu Heritage Month'.
An Overview of the News
It aims to celebrate Hindu heritage while emphasizing the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of India.
It recognizes and appreciates the valuable contributions made by the Hindu-American community in the state of Georgia.
Hinduism is accepted as the third largest religion globally, with one billion followers worldwide and about three million followers in the United States.
Throughout October 2023, the Hindu community in Georgia will collectively celebrate its heritage by focusing on the culture and diverse spiritual traditions of India.
Georgia's historic resolution against Hinduphobia:
In April 2023, Georgia passed a historic resolution condemning Hinduphobia, making it the first US state to do so.
The resolution condemns Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu prejudice, emphasizing the widespread and ancient nature of Hinduism, with more than 1.2 billion adherents in more than 100 countries.
It outlines the diverse traditions and belief systems within Hinduism, all based on the principles of acceptance, mutual respect, and peace.
According to the Hindu American Foundation, Hindu Heritage Month (HHM) serves as a global effort to highlight the longstanding tradition of Hinduism and its significant contributions to humanity.
