1. Prime Minister inaugurates nine new Vande Bharat trains
Tags: National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off nine new Vande Bharat trains, enhancing India's rail connectivity and passenger experience, through video conferencing on September 24, 2023.
An Overview of the News
These trains are part of the government's efforts to improve connectivity across India and provide world-class facilities to rail passengers.
With these nine new trains, the total number of Vande Bharat trains in operation across India has reached 34. This includes 25 trains that were already serving in various states and union territories.
List of New Vande Bharat Trains:
Udaipur-Jaipur Vande Bharat Express
Tirunelveli-Madurai-Chennai Vande Bharat Express
Hyderabad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
Vijayawada-Chennai (via Renigunta) Vande Bharat Express
Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat Express
Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express
Rourkela-Bhubaneswar-Puri Vande Bharat Express
Ranchi-Howrah Vande Bharat Express
Jamnagar-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express
Important facts about Vande Bharat trains:
These nine trains will increase connectivity in 11 states: Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Odisha, Jharkhand and Gujarat.
Vande Bharat trains will run at the fastest speed on its routes, reducing travel time compared to existing trains.
They will facilitate connectivity to important religious pilgrimage sites.
Equipped with world-class amenities and advanced safety features, these trains aim to provide modern, fast and comfortable travel options for a wide range of passengers including professionals, businessmen, students and tourists.
2. 1,000-year-old alien corpse unveiled in Mexican Congress
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Jaime Maussan, a leading UFO expert, recently revealed in the Mexican Congress two alleged "non-human" bodies believed to be 1,000 years old.
An Overview of the News
These bodies were reportedly found in a mine in Cuzco, Peru.
Researchers claim that the genetic structure of these dead bodies is 30 percent different from that of humans.
Carbon dating by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) confirmed their age to be over 1,000 years.
Unusual Features:
The bodies were human-like in shape but displayed distinctive features such as three-fingered hands and feet.
They had retractable necks and long skulls that resembled bird-like features.
The bones of these creatures were strong, light, and lacked teeth.
Implantation and Embryo:
Eggs with embryos were found in one of these bodies.
Implants made of the metals cadmium and osmium were discovered.
Previous claims by Maussan:
In 2015, Jaime Maussan presented another alleged "alien" body, found near the Nazca Lines in Peru, famous for its giant and mysterious geoglyphs.
3. National Medical Commission achieved the prestigious WFME accreditation status for 10 years
Tags: National News
The National Medical Commission (NMC) in India achieved a remarkable 10-year WFME accreditation status.
An Overview of the News
This recognition reflects NMC's strong commitment to maintaining high standards in medical education and accreditation.
All 706 existing medical colleges in India will get WFME recognition.
New medical colleges established within the next 10 years will automatically receive WFME recognition.
It aims to enhance the quality and standards of medical education in India by aligning it with global best practices.
International Opportunities for Indian Medical Graduates:
Indian medical graduates can now undertake postgraduate training and practice in countries requiring WFME accreditation such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
This recognition is expected to enhance the international reputation of Indian medical schools and professionals.
Advantages for Indian Students:
NMC's WFME accreditation allows all Indian students to apply for the Commission on Foreign Medical Education (ECFMG) and the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
It provides global career prospects to Indian medical students.
About WFME:
The World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) is a global organization dedicated to improving the quality of medical education worldwide.
WFME's accreditation program ensures that medical institutions worldwide meet and maintain the highest international standards in education and training.
About NMC:
The National Medical Commission (NMC) is the primary regulatory body overseeing medical education and practice in India.
NMC is committed to maintaining the highest standards in health care education while ensuring the delivery of quality medical education and training across India.
Member of the Ethics and Medical Registration Board and Head of Media Division at NMC -Dr. Yogendra Malik
4. Parliament passes the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023
Tags: National News
Parliament successfully passed the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, which provides for the reservation of one-third of the total seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state legislatures, and the Delhi Assembly.
An Overview of the News
The Women's Reservation Bill called the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, got approval in the Rajya Sabha with an overwhelming majority on September 21, 2023, as 214 members voted in favor of it, while none opposed it.
The Lok Sabha already passed the Women's Reservation Bill with overwhelming support as 454 MPs voted in favor, while only two MPs opposed it. Speaker Om Birla had formally announced the passage of the bill in the lower house.
Major Provisions and Effects
The Women's Reservation Bill aims to reserve one-third of the seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and the Delhi Assembly.
It includes provisions for 33 percent reservation for women in Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) within the existing quota based on census and delimitation.
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.
Chairman of Rajya Sabha - Jagdeep Dhankar
5. India Global Forum and World Governments Summit signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Tags: International News
Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of India Global Forum and Mohammed Al Sharhan, Managing Director of the World Governments Summit signed the MoU to set up the Emerging Economies Programme.
An Overview of the News
The event will bring together government officials, business leaders, economists, and experts.
It will facilitate discussion on sustainable economic development, geo-economic perspective, and innovative solutions.
The objective of this partnership is to promote thought leadership in the region.
Emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities related to the Global South will be researched.
The program will also improve field data for the benefit of future governments.
Importance of Emerging Economies Programme:
This program is an important initiative that aims to promote sustainable economic development in the Global South.
It reflects the commitment of the India Global Forum and the World Government Summit to build a better future for all.
About India Global Forum:
India Global Forum serves as a gateway for businesses and nations wishing to engage with contemporary India.
It provides insight into India's political, economic, and cultural landscape for those entering the Indian market or looking for global opportunities.
About the World Governments Summit:
The World Government Summit Organization is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to shaping the future of governments.
It focuses on innovation and technology to address global challenges facing governments and humanity as a whole.
About the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Location: It is located in Western Asia.
Geographical boundaries: It shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Maritime Borders: It also has maritime borders with Qatar and Iran in the Persian Gulf.
Capital - Abu Dhabi
Official language - Arabic
President/Crown Prince - Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Prime Minister - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy and Vice President of the World Government Summit Organization - Omar Sultan Al Olama
6. The Prime Minister will inaugurate 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in Uttar Pradesh
Tags: State News National News
16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in Uttar Pradesh will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.
An Overview of the News
Built at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore, these schools aim to provide quality education to laborers, children of construction workers, and orphans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each school is spread over 10 to 15 acres and has classrooms, sports facilities, recreational areas, a mini auditorium, hostels, mess halls, and staff accommodation.
The ultimate goal of each of these Awasiya Vidyalayas is to accommodate 1,000 students.
The foundation stone of the International Cricket Stadium:
The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the international cricket stadium in Varanasi.
Located in Ganjri, Rajatalab, Varanasi, this cricket stadium will cover a vast area of 30 acres and is estimated to cost around Rs 450 crore.
It is designed to seat 30,000 spectators.
Closing Ceremony of Kashi Sansad Cultural Mahotsav 2023:
The Prime Minister will also attend the closing ceremony of the Kashi Sansad Cultural Festival 2023.
This cultural festival saw the participation of over 37,000 persons representing 17 different disciplines including singing, musical instrument playing, street theater (nukkad natak), and various dance forms.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
