1. New Zealand Implements Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes and Vapes
Tags: Popular International News
Following the recent repeal of legislation aimed at phasing out tobacco smoking, the New Zealand government has implemented a ban on disposable e-cigarettes and vapes.
An Overview of the News
Government action:
To prevent sales to minors, fines for retailers selling to those under 18 will increase.
Retailers may face fines of up to NZ$100,000, while individuals can be fined NZ$1,000 for the same offence.
Youth Safety Measures:
The rules also restrict the sale of e-cigarettes with packaging or branding that appeals to youth, with the aim of preventing youth from being attracted to vaping.
Reasoning behind the ban:
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello says e-cigarettes are recognized as a smoking cessation tool, but the ban is intended to discourage minors from taking up the vaping habit.
Global trend against disposable vapes:
United Kingdom's ban: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a ban on disposable vapes in 2022, citing concerns about long-term effects and youth addiction.
Australia's ban: Joining the global movement to address the popularity and potential health risks of vaping among youth, Australia also implemented a ban on disposable single-use vapes this year.
2. PM Modi Receives Bhutan's 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' Award
Tags: Popular Awards International News
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created history by becoming the inaugural non-Bhutanese recipient of Bhutan's prestigious 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo'.
An Overview of the News
PM Modi received this prestigious honor from King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan during his two-day official visit to Thimphu.
Importance of Award:
The 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' is Bhutan's premier civilian honor recognizing lifetime achievements.
It has the distinction of being the highest civilian honor given in Bhutan.
This prestigious award takes precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals of the country.
To date, only four distinguished individuals have been honored with this prestigious award.
Previous Award Winners:
Her Royal Queen GrandmotherAshi Kesang Choden Wangchuck was awarded this honor in 2008.
The 68th Je Khenpo of Bhutan, His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup, also received the award in 2008.
His Holiness Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra was awarded the award in 2018.
Recipients include Je Khenpo, who holds the position of chief abbot of Bhutan's central monastic body.
About Bhutan
Capital- Thimphu
King - Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk
Currencies - Bhutanese Ngultrum, Indian Rupee
Official language- Dzongkha
3. Vaughan Gething elected the first black leader of a European country
Tags: Person in news International News
Vaughan Gething, the current Economic Minister of Wales, has been elected as the new leader of the Welsh Labor Party.
An Overview of the News
Vaughan Gething has become the first black person to lead a European country.
Early Life :
Gething was born in 1974 in Zambia.
Despite relocating to England due to discrimination, he was educated at Aberystwyth and Cardiff universities.
Gething worked as a trade union lawyer and became the first black president of both the Welsh Trades Union Congress and the Welsh National Union of Students.
Vaughan Gething's political journey:
After joining the Welsh legislature in 2011, Gething became the first black minister in any of Britain's devolved countries in 2013.
Notably, he served as Wales's Health Minister and later as its Economy Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gething won a close election with 51.7% of the vote to become the new leader of Welsh Labour, following his recent tenure as Economy Minister.
About Wales:
This country is a part of the United Kingdom.
Located in the western part of Great Britain, Wales is bordered by:
Irish Sea to the north and west
England in the East
Bristol Channel to the south
Celtic Sea to the south-west
Capital - Cardiff
Official languages - Welsh, English
Currency - Pound Sterling
4. India's first Ayurvedic café unveiled in Delhi
Tags: National News
Maharishi Ayurved Hospital at Shalimar Bagh, Delhi has launched Soma - Ayurvedic Kitchen, India's first Ayurvedic Kitchen.
An Overview of the News
Food with an Ayurvedic touch: Soma – The Ayurvedic kitchen customizes meals based on the health of visitors, offering dishes like pakodas and pav bhaji without onion and garlic.
Blending Ayurveda with Food: Dr. Himanshu, a physician, at Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital, emphasizes the homely and refreshing nature of Soma's dishes, emphasizing the blend of Ayurvedic principles with food.
Positive Patron Experience: Many visitors share their delightful experiences with the healthy and delicious Ayurvedic cuisine at Soma – The Ayurvedic Kitchen.
5. Pokhara named as Nepal's new Tourism Capital
Tags: International News
On 17 March, the Government of Nepal officially designated Pokhara as the country's tourism capital during a ceremony at Barahi Ghat.
An Overview of the News
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' presided over the event, which featured cultural performances by renowned artists.
Nepal announced to seek China's assistance in the development of Pokhara International Airport, which was constructed by China and was considered ready for commercial operations in January 2022.
Despite operations, it is not being used as a result of disputes between Nepal and China over the airport's status under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Concurrently, Nepal is preparing to seek Chinese assistance to build the Nepal-China Industrial Friendship Park, spread over about 4,000 acres in Jhapa in eastern Nepal, and potentially extending up to 6,600 acres along the Nepal-Bengal border.
The Industrial Friendship Park and the 327-MW Upper Marsyangdi hydropower project are expected to be formalized at the Kathmandu investment summit on April 29-30.
About Pokhara
It is known for its natural beauty and serene environment, situated on the banks of Phewa Lake with the majestic Annapurna mountain range as a stunning backdrop.
Boating on Phewa Lake with its reflection of snow-capped peaks is a favorite activity for tourists seeking peace and adventure.
Serving as the gateway to popular trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit and Jomsom Trek, Pokhara offers ample opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Cultural attractions such as the Bindhyabasini Temple and the World Peace Pagoda provide insight into the rich heritage of the region.
About Nepal
Location: Nepal is located in South Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the south.
Government: It follows a federal democratic republic government.
Capital: Kathmandu
Currency: The official currency used in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee.
Major Mountain Ranges: Nepal is famous for its majestic mountain ranges including the Himalayas and Annapurna.
Major Rivers: The country is surrounded by important rivers like Karnali and Koshi.
6. Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan assumes charge as Governor of Telangana
Tags: Person in news State News National News
Jharkhand Governor C P Radhakrishnan takes charge as the Governor of Telangana.
An Overview of the News
After the resignation of Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, President Draupadi Murmu has handed over the additional responsibility of looking after Telangana to Governor Radhakrishnan.
Additionally, Governor Radhakrishnan has been assigned the task of acting as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
The official swearing-in ceremony took place at the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad, with Chief Justice of the State High Court, Justice Alok Aradhe administering the oath.
About Telangana
Capital - Hyderabad
Chief Minister - Revanth Reddy
Established - 2 June 2014
7. Sir J.J. School of Art Granted De Novo Deemed University Status
Tags: National News
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during a visit to the institute. J. School of Art was given the status of De Novo Deemed University.
An Overview of the News
This designation reflects the institute's commitment to innovation in teaching and research in emerging knowledge fields.
As a result, 'Sir J.J. School of Art, Architecture, and Design is set to become the only government-to-B-B university in Maharashtra with the tag with the tag 'reputed' de Novo.
Emphasis on innovation and excellence
Accepting the institute as the innovation laboratory by the minister Pradhan.
Implementation of National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) in the school.
The goal is to establish the school as a global center of excellence.
School role in developing pictures for new textbooks and study courses for Vishwakarma Yojana.
Protection of tradition and cultural heritage
J.J. School of Art represents the tradition of social responsibility of the Indian system.
This change at de Novo Deemed University recognizes the important contribution of the institute to art and design education.
8. 8 Indian products receive a Geographical Indication tag
Tags: National News
The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has recently granted GI tags to 8 specific products. Of these, 3 are from Arunachal Pradesh, 1 from Tamil Nadu, 2 from Jammu and Kashmir, 1 from Odisha and 1 from Goa.
An Overview of the News
Arunachal Pradesh has secured Geographical Indication (GI) tags for three different products: Khamti rice, Yak Churpi from Tawang and Tangsa cloth.
Yak Churpi: It is a dairy product derived from the indigenous Arunachali yak breed, which was applied for GI registration by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Center on Yak (ICAR-NRC on Yak) in December 2021.
Khamti Rice: It is a glutinous rice variety, cultivated in the Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Tangsa Textiles: Tangsa textile products of the Tangsa tribe in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh are known for their unique designs and vibrant colors.
Support from NABARD and Vocal for Local campaign:
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) actively supported the registration of indigenous products of the region for Geographical Indication (GI) as part of the “Vocal for Local” campaign of the State Government.
Tamil Nadu to Udangudi Panangkarupatti:
Udanagudi Panangkarupatti is a specific type of palm jaggery that originates from the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, which is known for its traditional production method.
This palm jaggery has received international recognition and is exported to countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore.
Basohli Pashmina of Jammu and Kashmir and Kaladi of Udhampur:
Basohli Pashmina: A traditional hand-made pashmina craft from the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, Basohli Pashmina received the GI tag for its exceptional softness and feather-like weight.
Kaladi: This is a popular Dogra dish, which originated in Ramnagar in the Udhampur district.
Sweet dish 'Rasabali' of Kendrapara, Odisha:
Rasabali: It is a delicious dish that originates from the 262-year-old Baladevyu temple at Ichchapur on the outskirts of Kendrapada town.
It consists of deep-fried flat red-brown paneer patties soaked in thick and sweetened milk.
Rasabali has historical significance and is part of the 56 offerings made to Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings at the Puri Srimandir.
Goa Cashew:
Goa Cashew with its unique taste and identity has received the GI tag in sync with the Swayampurna Goa Mission for self-reliance.
It is the 10th product from Goa to be awarded the coveted GI tag, which includes Harmal Chilli, Khola Chilli, Mindoli Banana, Agasam Brinjal, Sat Shiro Bhendo, Kaju Feni, Goa Khaje, Mancurad Mango and Goa Bebinka.
9. North America's first Gandhi Museum opens in Houston, Texas
Tags: International News
North America's first Gandhi museum, the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston (EGMH) was inaugurated in Houston, Texas, USA.
An Overview of the News
The inauguration ceremony took place on 2 October 2023, coinciding with Gandhi's 154th birth anniversary.
The museum officially opened to the public on August 15, 2023.
Special guest at the inauguration ceremony:
The event was attended by prominent personalities, including Dr. Rajmohan Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi), Isaac Newton Farris Jr. (nephew of Martin Luther King), and Consul General of India (CGI) in Houston D. Manjunath.
Architectural Features and Design:
The architecture of the museum is inspired by Gandhi's iconic twenty-four-spoke Chakra Charkha.
A prominent statue of Gandhiji is prominently displayed in front of the museum.
The museum's semicircular exterior walls depict notable peace activists including Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Betty Williams.
Interactive Display:
Inside the museum, visitors can see interactive exhibits that narrate Gandhi's life story in three different parts: "His Journey," "Our Journey," and "My Journey."
10. India Reclaims AIBD Presidency for Third Straight Term
Tags: National News
India was re-elected as the President of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) General Conference (GC) for the third consecutive time.
An Overview of the News
This re-election is a testament to India's leadership and influence in this prestigious international organization.
India has already served as the Chair of the AIBD GC from 2018-2021 and 2021-2023.
This reflects India's commitment and contribution to the organization over an extended period.
General Conference (GC) 2023:
The 21st General Conference of AIBD and Associated Meetings 2023 was successfully held in Port Louis, Mauritius.
AIBD Chairman Gaurav Dwivedi, who is also the CEO of Prasar Bharati, presided over the conference.
Objectives of the conference:
The two-day conference aims to promote a dynamic and cohesive electronic media environment in the Asia-Pacific region.
This objective was pursued through policy development and resource allocation discussions.
About AIBD:
AIBD is a specialized regional inter-governmental organization established in 1977 in collaboration with UNESCO.
The organization currently consists of 92 member organizations from 44 countries, including 26 government members and 44 associates.
These members represent diverse regions including Asia, the Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Arab States, and North America.
Founding Membership of India:
India is one of the founding members of AIBD, highlighting its historical partnership and commitment.
Prasar Bharati, India's public service broadcaster, represents the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India within the AIBD.
Importance of India's role:
India's prominent position within the AIBD underlines the international media's confidence in India and Prasar Bharati.
This role provides a strong foundation for India to strategically pursue further achievements in the broadcasting sector on the global stage.
