Daily Current Capsules

21 and 22 September 2023

Parliament passes Women’s Reservation Bill

Rajya Sabha cleared the landmark bill to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women.
The 128th Constitution Amendment Bill was approved by a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha a day before.
With Rajya Sabha’s nod, the landmark bill has been passed by Parliament.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed by Parliament on September 21, 2023.
The women’s reservation bill was passed in Lok Sabha with 454 members supporting it and two opposing it.
The women’s quota bill was passed with a unanimous vote in Rajya Sabha

Key features of the Bill

Reservation for women: The bill, called the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, seeks to reserve, as nearly as may be, one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This will also apply to the seats reserved for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and states legislatures. The quota won’t apply to Rajya Sabha or state Legislative Councils
Commencement of reservation: The reservation will be effective after the census conducted after the commencement of this Bill has been published. Based on the census, delimitation will be undertaken to reserve seats for women. The reservation will be provided for a period of 15 years. However, it shall continue till such date as determined by a law made by Parliament.
Rotation of seats: Seats reserved for women will be rotated after each delimitation, as determined by a law made by Parliament.

Other Highlights

The 73rd and 74th Amendments passed in 1993, which introduced panchayats and municipalities in the Constitution, reserve one-third of seats for women in these bodies.
The Constitution also provides for reservation of seats in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their number in the population.
The Constitution does not provide for the reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
15% of the total members of the 17th Lok Sabha are women while in state legislative assemblies, women on average constitute 9% of the total members.
In 2015, the Report on the Status of Women in India noted that the representation of women in state assemblies and Parliament continues to be dismal.
It recommended reserving at least 50% seats for women in local bodies, state legislative assemblies, Parliament, ministerial levels, and all decision-making bodies of the government.
Bills amending the Constitution to reserve seats for women in Parliament and state legislative assemblies have been introduced in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2008.

Source

https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-constitution-one-hundred-twenty-eighth-amendment-bill-2023

India wins bid to host 17th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement

India has won the bid to host the prestigious International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC) at New Delhi in 2027.
India’s leading research and academic institutes, National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) along with IIT Delhi successfully presented India’s bid before the Steering Committee members of the Conference during the ongoing 16^th ICCC at Bangkok, Thailand.

International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement

The International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement is the largest and most prestigious event of its kind which reviews the progress of research in the area of Cement and Concrete.
The congresses have been held generally at intervals of four to six years since 1918, providing a strong and fruitful link between the academic world and the cement industry.
The 9^th Congress was organized at New Delhi in 1992 by NCCBM and the present 16^th ICCC is being held at Bangkok, Thailand from 18-22 September 2023.

National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM)

It is an apex Research and Development organization under the administrative control of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
NCCBM is dedicated to research, technology development & transfer, education & industrial services for cement, allied building materials & construction industries.

India Cement Industry

India is the fifth largest economy today and is likely to become third largest by the next five years and its cement industry is second largest in the world with installed cement capacity of 600 million tonnes.
The cement industry in India plays a key role in circular economy framework in the country by utilizing various industrial wastes and is having one of the lowest CO₂ footprints and most energy efficient in the world.

Source

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1959268

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

The Government of India has come out with a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation known as “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’’.
The objective of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is to recognize the notable and inspiring contribution made by the scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology, and technology-led led innovation.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar shall be one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology, and innovation in India.
Scientists/ technologists/innovators working in government, private sector organizations or any individual working outside any organization, who have made distinguished contributions in terms of path-breaking research or innovation or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology-led- led innovation shall be eligible for the awards.
People of Indian Origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting the Indian communities or society shall also be eligible for the awards.

The awards shall be given in the following four categories:-

Vigyan Ratna (VR) award will recognize lifetime achievements & contributions made in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Shri (VS) award will recognize distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award will recognize & encourage young scientists up to the age of 45 years who made an exceptional contribution in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Team (VT) award to be given to a team comprising of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.

Other Highlights

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar shall be given in 13 domains, namely Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others.
All nominations received for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar awards shall be placed before the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC) to be headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to Government of India
The nominations for this bouquet of awards will be invited every year on 14^th January which would remain open till 28^th February (National Science Day) every year.
These awards shall be announced on 11^thMay (National Technology Day) every year.
The Award Ceremony for all categories of awards will be held on 23^rd August (National Space Day).

Source

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1959262#:~:text=The%20Rashtriya%20Vigyan%20Puraskar%20shall,technology%2C%20and%20innovation%20in%20India&text=The%20Government%20of%20India%20has,“Rashtriya%20Vigyan%20Puraskar%27%27.

Hilsa fish

Representational Images

Ahead of the festive Durga Puja celebrations, the Bangladesh government has permitted traders to sell nearly 4,000 metric tonnes of Hilsa fish to India.
The Hilsa from Bangladesh’s Padma and Meghna rivers as well as Chandpur, where the two rivers intersect, has long been prized by Hilsa connoisseurs as among the tastiest of fishes.

Know! about Hilsa Fish

Hilsa or Tenualosa ilisha is an anadromous fish that spends most of its life in the ocean but moves towards the estuary during the rainy season.
It is the place where the rivers of Indian Bangladesh meet the Bay of Bengal.
The largest producer of Hilsa is Bangladesh, making a good profit by exporting it to India. Over 86 percent of the world’s hilsa is produced in the country.

Source

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Bangladesh-government-permits-traders-to-sell-4%2C000-metric-tonnes-of-Hilsa-fish-to-India&id=468096

India Global Forum and World Governments Summit Launch Emerging Economies Programme

AIR Pics

India Global Forum and World Governments Summit have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an Emerging Economies Programme.
The programme will convene key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, economists, and experts to foster high-level discussions on sustainable economic growth, geo-economic perspectives, and innovative solutions.
India Global Forum, alongside the World Governments Summit, are launching an Emerging Economies Programme.
The programme will be a pivotal new platform that will directly respond to the needs and aspirations of the Global South.
This unique partnership will unite the experience and expertise of both organisations with the aim of unleashing the limitless potential of the world’s emerging economies.”
The Emerging Economies Programme is a significant initiative that will help to promote sustainable economic growth and development in the Global South.
It is a testament to the commitment of India Global Forum and the World Governments Summit to working together to create a better future for all.

Know! about India Global Forum

India Global Forum tells the story of contemporary India.
The pace of change and growth India has set itself is an opportunity for the world.
IGF is the gateway for businesses and nations to help seize that opportunity.
We are uniquely placed to understand the political, economic, and cultural nuances of those wanting to enter the Indian market and those wanting to go global.

Know! about World Governments Summit

The World Governments Summit Organization is a global, neutral, non-profit organization dedicated to shaping the future of governments.
The Summit, in its various activities, explores the agenda of the next generation of governments, focusing on harnessing innovation and technology to solve universal challenges facing humanity.

Source

https://ddnews.gov.in/international/india-global-forum-and-world-governments-summit-launch-emerging-economies-programme-0

CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveils 108 ft high Statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Omkareshwar, MP

@ChouhanShivraj

In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled the 108 feet high ‘Statue of Oneness’ of Adi Shankaracharya on Mandhata mountain at Omkareshwar in Khandwa district (on the banks of Narmada River)
The 108-foot-high statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Omkareshwar is made of various types of metal.
In this statue, Adi Shankaracharya is depicted as 12-year-old Aacharya Shankar because he attained knowledge at this age.
The statue of Adi Shankaracharya has been named the Statue of Oneness.
Omkareshwar is famous for being home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
This extraordinary structure, conceptualized to honour the life and philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya, is a tribute to the great saint’s masterpiece of commentary on ‘Bharmasutrabhasya’ (comment on Brahma Sutra), a fundamental text of the Vedanta school of Hinduism and the concept of Oneness that he preached

Ekatma Dham project

The construction of the statue on the Mandhata mountain in the temple town is part of the first phase of the Ekatma Dham project.
The project includes the development of the Advaita Lok museum, showcasing the life and philosophy of Acharya Shankar (Adi Shankaracharya) through exhibits reflecting the message of Advaita Vedanta.

Know! about Adi Shankaracharya

Born in Kerala
At the tender age of eight, burning with the desire for Liberation, he left home in search of his Guru.
From the southern state of Kerala, the young Shankara walked about 2000 kilometres— to the banks of the river Narmada, in the central plains of India, to his Guru— Govindapada.
He stayed there serving his Guru for four years.
Under his teacher’s compassionate guidance, the young Shankaracharya mastered all the Vedic scriptures.
Adi Shankaracharya received his knowledge in Omkreshwar.
After that, he moved towards Kashi (Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh).
From the age of sixteen to thirty-two, Shankaracharya went forth, travelling across the length and breadth of ancient India bringing to the hearts of the masses the life-giving message of the Vedas
He established 4 ashrams in four corners of India (700 AD) and entrusted his four disciples to teach and propagate Advaita through them.
Each of these maths was assigned the task of maintaining and preserving for posterity, one of the four Vedas
Considered to be an incarnation of Lord Siva, Sri Shankara lived only a short life span of 32 years.

Know! about Ekatmadham (idea of Advaita)

Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy and a Hindu path of spiritual discipline and experience.
In a narrow sense it refers to the oldest extant scholarly tradition of the orthodox Hindu school Vedānta, written in Sanskrit in a broader sense it refers to a popular, syncretic tradition, blending Vedānta with other traditions and producing works in vernacular.

Source

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=CM-Shivraj-Singh-Chouhan-unveils-108-ft-high-Statue-of-Adi-Shankaracharya-at-Omkareshwar%2C-MP&id=468081

https://sringeri.net/history/sri-adi-shankaracharya

India’s expansion to counter China’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region

Pic Source – Hindustan Times

Recent Developments by India to Counter Chinese Presence in IOR

In Oman, the Indian Navy has prepared a support base in Duqm port for maintenance, repair and overhaul of Indian ships as well as provide berthing, fuel and rest facilities in the vicinity and travelling beyond, Hindustan Times newspaper reported citing sources.
In Mauritius, India has built an airstrip in north Agalega islands, around 1,050km north of Port Louis, to provide maritime security to the island nation as well as to help protect its tourism assets in the region.
The decision to have support facilities in the two countries is partly due to the increased forays of PLA Navy ships into Indian Ocean Region.

China’s increased presence in IOR

Since 2019 to till date, there have been 48 surveillance and scientific research vessels deployed in IOR with the general area of deployment in the Bay of Bengal, South Indian Ocean, north of Agalega islands and the Persian Gulf
According to data by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Chinese vessels in IOR have been increasing every year, with 24 Chinese ships entering the region to date in 2023
A Chinese surveillance ship Shi Yan 6 will also enter IOR on September 23 to undertake joint military scientific research in Sri Lankan EEZ in October-November 2023.
With an increasing number of Chinese ships and warships entering the Indian Ocean through Malacca straits, Sunda, Lombok and Ombi-Wetar straits in Indonesia, India not only needs to be aware of PLA activities in its backyard but also has to provide coastal and maritime security to its key allies in the Persian Gulf and south Indian Ocean, said experts and analysts.
It comes after reports mentioned that the Indian Navy is bolstering its fleet strength in the Indian Ocean and now plans to have at least 175 warships by 2035 to monitor the IOR.

Other Chinese Military bases in the Indian Ocean Region

1. China’s base in Djibouti

It is China’s first overseas military base
It is located by the strategic Bab-El-Mandeb Strait which separates the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
It guards the approach to the Suez Canal
Chinese Yuzhao-class landing ship (Type 071) docked

2.Hambantota.

Last year China has docked the 25,000-tonne satellite and ballistic missile tracking ship Yuan Wang 5 in the Sri Lankan port of Hambantota.

Yuan Wang 5

It has robust tracking, sensing and communication relay system
It is capable of detecting foreign satellites, aerial assets and missile systems.
This vessel supports Chinese military missions far from home
It can monitor space events located away from the Chinese mainland communication network directly tracks key satellite assets.

3. Military base at Ream, Cambodia.

4.Port in Kyaukphyu, Sittwe in the Rakhine state, Myanmar

5.Gwadar port in Pakistan.

6.Permanent submarine base in Cox Bazaar, Chittagong in Bangladesh

7.Artificial Island in the Maldives.

India’s Presence in IOR

Source

https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-mauritius-to-oman-india-expands-sphere-of-influence-to-counter-chinas-presence-in-indian-ocean-region-638441

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-extends-its-sea-legs-to-oman-and-mauritius-to-monitor-indian-ocean-region-101695340351241.html

KEEP Learning KEEP Evolving

TEAM CL/GKP

Daily Current Capsules

21 and 22 September 2023

Parliament passes Women’s Reservation Bill

Rajya Sabha cleared the landmark bill to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women.
The 128th Constitution Amendment Bill was approved by a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha a day before.
With Rajya Sabha’s nod, the landmark bill has been passed by Parliament.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed by Parliament on September 21, 2023.
The women’s reservation bill was passed in Lok Sabha with 454 members supporting it and two opposing it.
The women’s quota bill was passed with a unanimous vote in Rajya Sabha

Key features of the Bill

Reservation for women: The bill, called the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, seeks to reserve, as nearly as may be, one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This will also apply to the seats reserved for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and states legislatures. The quota won’t apply to Rajya Sabha or state Legislative Councils
Commencement of reservation: The reservation will be effective after the census conducted after the commencement of this Bill has been published. Based on the census, delimitation will be undertaken to reserve seats for women. The reservation will be provided for a period of 15 years. However, it shall continue till such date as determined by a law made by Parliament.
Rotation of seats: Seats reserved for women will be rotated after each delimitation, as determined by a law made by Parliament.

Other Highlights

The 73rd and 74th Amendments passed in 1993, which introduced panchayats and municipalities in the Constitution, reserve one-third of seats for women in these bodies.
The Constitution also provides for reservation of seats in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their number in the population.
The Constitution does not provide for the reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
15% of the total members of the 17th Lok Sabha are women while in state legislative assemblies, women on average constitute 9% of the total members.
In 2015, the Report on the Status of Women in India noted that the representation of women in state assemblies and Parliament continues to be dismal.
It recommended reserving at least 50% seats for women in local bodies, state legislative assemblies, Parliament, ministerial levels, and all decision-making bodies of the government.
Bills amending the Constitution to reserve seats for women in Parliament and state legislative assemblies have been introduced in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2008.

Source

https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-constitution-one-hundred-twenty-eighth-amendment-bill-2023

India wins bid to host 17th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement

India has won the bid to host the prestigious International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC) at New Delhi in 2027.
India’s leading research and academic institutes, National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) along with IIT Delhi successfully presented India’s bid before the Steering Committee members of the Conference during the ongoing 16^th ICCC at Bangkok, Thailand.

International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement

The International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement is the largest and most prestigious event of its kind which reviews the progress of research in the area of Cement and Concrete.
The congresses have been held generally at intervals of four to six years since 1918, providing a strong and fruitful link between the academic world and the cement industry.
The 9^th Congress was organized at New Delhi in 1992 by NCCBM and the present 16^th ICCC is being held at Bangkok, Thailand from 18-22 September 2023.

National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM)

It is an apex Research and Development organization under the administrative control of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
NCCBM is dedicated to research, technology development & transfer, education & industrial services for cement, allied building materials & construction industries.

India Cement Industry

India is the fifth largest economy today and is likely to become third largest by the next five years and its cement industry is second largest in the world with installed cement capacity of 600 million tonnes.
The cement industry in India plays a key role in circular economy framework in the country by utilizing various industrial wastes and is having one of the lowest CO₂ footprints and most energy efficient in the world.

Source

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1959268

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

The Government of India has come out with a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation known as “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’’.
The objective of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is to recognize the notable and inspiring contribution made by the scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology, and technology-led led innovation.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar shall be one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology, and innovation in India.
Scientists/ technologists/innovators working in government, private sector organizations or any individual working outside any organization, who have made distinguished contributions in terms of path-breaking research or innovation or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology-led- led innovation shall be eligible for the awards.
People of Indian Origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting the Indian communities or society shall also be eligible for the awards.

The awards shall be given in the following four categories:-

Vigyan Ratna (VR) award will recognize lifetime achievements & contributions made in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Shri (VS) award will recognize distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award will recognize & encourage young scientists up to the age of 45 years who made an exceptional contribution in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Team (VT) award to be given to a team comprising of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.

Other Highlights

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar shall be given in 13 domains, namely Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others.
All nominations received for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar awards shall be placed before the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC) to be headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to Government of India
The nominations for this bouquet of awards will be invited every year on 14^th January which would remain open till 28^th February (National Science Day) every year.
These awards shall be announced on 11^thMay (National Technology Day) every year.
The Award Ceremony for all categories of awards will be held on 23^rd August (National Space Day).

Source

Hilsa fish

Representational Images

Ahead of the festive Durga Puja celebrations, the Bangladesh government has permitted traders to sell nearly 4,000 metric tonnes of Hilsa fish to India.
The Hilsa from Bangladesh’s Padma and Meghna rivers as well as Chandpur, where the two rivers intersect, has long been prized by Hilsa connoisseurs as among the tastiest of fishes.

Know! about Hilsa Fish

Hilsa or Tenualosa ilisha is an anadromous fish that spends most of its life in the ocean but moves towards the estuary during the rainy season.
It is the place where the rivers of Indian Bangladesh meet the Bay of Bengal.
The largest producer of Hilsa is Bangladesh, making a good profit by exporting it to India. Over 86 percent of the world’s hilsa is produced in the country.

Source

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Bangladesh-government-permits-traders-to-sell-4%2C000-metric-tonnes-of-Hilsa-fish-to-India&id=468096

India Global Forum and World Governments Summit Launch Emerging Economies Programme

AIR Pics

India Global Forum and World Governments Summit have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an Emerging Economies Programme.
The programme will convene key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, economists, and experts to foster high-level discussions on sustainable economic growth, geo-economic perspectives, and innovative solutions.
India Global Forum, alongside the World Governments Summit, are launching an Emerging Economies Programme.
The programme will be a pivotal new platform that will directly respond to the needs and aspirations of the Global South.
This unique partnership will unite the experience and expertise of both organisations with the aim of unleashing the limitless potential of the world’s emerging economies.”
The Emerging Economies Programme is a significant initiative that will help to promote sustainable economic growth and development in the Global South.
It is a testament to the commitment of India Global Forum and the World Governments Summit to working together to create a better future for all.

Know! about India Global Forum

India Global Forum tells the story of contemporary India.
The pace of change and growth India has set itself is an opportunity for the world.
IGF is the gateway for businesses and nations to help seize that opportunity.
We are uniquely placed to understand the political, economic, and cultural nuances of those wanting to enter the Indian market and those wanting to go global.

Know! about World Governments Summit

The World Governments Summit Organization is a global, neutral, non-profit organization dedicated to shaping the future of governments.
The Summit, in its various activities, explores the agenda of the next generation of governments, focusing on harnessing innovation and technology to solve universal challenges facing humanity.

Source

https://ddnews.gov.in/international/india-global-forum-and-world-governments-summit-launch-emerging-economies-programme-0

CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveils 108 ft high Statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Omkareshwar, MP

@ChouhanShivraj

In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled the 108 feet high ‘Statue of Oneness’ of Adi Shankaracharya on Mandhata mountain at Omkareshwar in Khandwa district (on the banks of Narmada River)
The 108-foot-high statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Omkareshwar is made of various types of metal.
In this statue, Adi Shankaracharya is depicted as 12-year-old Aacharya Shankar because he attained knowledge at this age.
The statue of Adi Shankaracharya has been named the Statue of Oneness.
Omkareshwar is famous for being home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
This extraordinary structure, conceptualized to honour the life and philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya, is a tribute to the great saint’s masterpiece of commentary on ‘Bharmasutrabhasya’ (comment on Brahma Sutra), a fundamental text of the Vedanta school of Hinduism and the concept of Oneness that he preached

Ekatma Dham project

The construction of the statue on the Mandhata mountain in the temple town is part of the first phase of the Ekatma Dham project.
The project includes the development of the Advaita Lok museum, showcasing the life and philosophy of Acharya Shankar (Adi Shankaracharya) through exhibits reflecting the message of Advaita Vedanta.

Know! about Adi Shankaracharya

Born in Kerala
At the tender age of eight, burning with the desire for Liberation, he left home in search of his Guru.
From the southern state of Kerala, the young Shankara walked about 2000 kilometres— to the banks of the river Narmada, in the central plains of India, to his Guru— Govindapada.
He stayed there serving his Guru for four years.
Under his teacher’s compassionate guidance, the young Shankaracharya mastered all the Vedic scriptures.
Adi Shankaracharya received his knowledge in Omkreshwar.
After that, he moved towards Kashi (Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh).
From the age of sixteen to thirty-two, Shankaracharya went forth, travelling across the length and breadth of ancient India bringing to the hearts of the masses the life-giving message of the Vedas
He established 4 ashrams in four corners of India (700 AD) and entrusted his four disciples to teach and propagate Advaita through them.
Each of these maths was assigned the task of maintaining and preserving for posterity, one of the four Vedas
Considered to be an incarnation of Lord Siva, Sri Shankara lived only a short life span of 32 years.

Know! about Ekatmadham (idea of Advaita)

Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy and a Hindu path of spiritual discipline and experience.
In a narrow sense it refers to the oldest extant scholarly tradition of the orthodox Hindu school Vedānta, written in Sanskrit in a broader sense it refers to a popular, syncretic tradition, blending Vedānta with other traditions and producing works in vernacular.

Source

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=CM-Shivraj-Singh-Chouhan-unveils-108-ft-high-Statue-of-Adi-Shankaracharya-at-Omkareshwar%2C-MP&id=468081

https://sringeri.net/history/sri-adi-shankaracharya

India’s expansion to counter China’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region

Pic Source – Hindustan Times

Recent Developments by India to Counter Chinese Presence in IOR

In Oman, the Indian Navy has prepared a support base in Duqm port for maintenance, repair and overhaul of Indian ships as well as provide berthing, fuel and rest facilities in the vicinity and travelling beyond, Hindustan Times newspaper reported citing sources.
In Mauritius, India has built an airstrip in north Agalega islands, around 1,050km north of Port Louis, to provide maritime security to the island nation as well as to help protect its tourism assets in the region.
The decision to have support facilities in the two countries is partly due to the increased forays of PLA Navy ships into Indian Ocean Region.

China’s increased presence in IOR

Since 2019 to till date, there have been 48 surveillance and scientific research vessels deployed in IOR with the general area of deployment in the Bay of Bengal, South Indian Ocean, north of Agalega islands and the Persian Gulf
According to data by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Chinese vessels in IOR have been increasing every year, with 24 Chinese ships entering the region to date in 2023
A Chinese surveillance ship Shi Yan 6 will also enter IOR on September 23 to undertake joint military scientific research in Sri Lankan EEZ in October-November 2023.
With an increasing number of Chinese ships and warships entering the Indian Ocean through Malacca straits, Sunda, Lombok and Ombi-Wetar straits in Indonesia, India not only needs to be aware of PLA activities in its backyard but also has to provide coastal and maritime security to its key allies in the Persian Gulf and south Indian Ocean, said experts and analysts.
It comes after reports mentioned that the Indian Navy is bolstering its fleet strength in the Indian Ocean and now plans to have at least 175 warships by 2035 to monitor the IOR.

Other Chinese Military bases in the Indian Ocean Region

1. China’s base in Djibouti

It is China’s first overseas military base
It is located by the strategic Bab-El-Mandeb Strait which separates the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
It guards the approach to the Suez Canal
Chinese Yuzhao-class landing ship (Type 071) docked

2.Hambantota.

Last year China has docked the 25,000-tonne satellite and ballistic missile tracking ship Yuan Wang 5 in the Sri Lankan port of Hambantota.

Yuan Wang 5

It has robust tracking, sensing and communication relay system
It is capable of detecting foreign satellites, aerial assets and missile systems.
This vessel supports Chinese military missions far from home
It can monitor space events located away from the Chinese mainland communication network directly tracks key satellite assets.

3. Military base at Ream, Cambodia.

4.Port in Kyaukphyu, Sittwe in the Rakhine state, Myanmar

5.Gwadar port in Pakistan.

6.Permanent submarine base in Cox Bazaar, Chittagong in Bangladesh

7.Artificial Island in the Maldives.

India’s Presence in IOR

Source

https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-mauritius-to-oman-india-expands-sphere-of-influence-to-counter-chinas-presence-in-indian-ocean-region-638441

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-extends-its-sea-legs-to-oman-and-mauritius-to-monitor-indian-ocean-region-101695340351241.html

KEEP Learning KEEP Evolving

TEAM CL/GKP

Daily Current Capsules

21 and 22 September 2023

Parliament passes Women’s Reservation Bill

Rajya Sabha cleared the landmark bill to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women.
The 128th Constitution Amendment Bill was approved by a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha a day before.
With Rajya Sabha’s nod, the landmark bill has been passed by Parliament.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed by Parliament on September 21, 2023.
The women’s reservation bill was passed in Lok Sabha with 454 members supporting it and two opposing it.
The women’s quota bill was passed with a unanimous vote in Rajya Sabha

Key features of the Bill

Reservation for women: The bill, called the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, seeks to reserve, as nearly as may be, one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This will also apply to the seats reserved for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and states legislatures. The quota won’t apply to Rajya Sabha or state Legislative Councils
Commencement of reservation: The reservation will be effective after the census conducted after the commencement of this Bill has been published. Based on the census, delimitation will be undertaken to reserve seats for women. The reservation will be provided for a period of 15 years. However, it shall continue till such date as determined by a law made by Parliament.
Rotation of seats: Seats reserved for women will be rotated after each delimitation, as determined by a law made by Parliament.

Other Highlights

The 73rd and 74th Amendments passed in 1993, which introduced panchayats and municipalities in the Constitution, reserve one-third of seats for women in these bodies.
The Constitution also provides for reservation of seats in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their number in the population.
The Constitution does not provide for the reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
15% of the total members of the 17th Lok Sabha are women while in state legislative assemblies, women on average constitute 9% of the total members.
In 2015, the Report on the Status of Women in India noted that the representation of women in state assemblies and Parliament continues to be dismal.
It recommended reserving at least 50% seats for women in local bodies, state legislative assemblies, Parliament, ministerial levels, and all decision-making bodies of the government.
Bills amending the Constitution to reserve seats for women in Parliament and state legislative assemblies have been introduced in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2008.

Source

https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-constitution-one-hundred-twenty-eighth-amendment-bill-2023

India wins bid to host 17th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement

India has won the bid to host the prestigious International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC) at New Delhi in 2027.
India’s leading research and academic institutes, National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) along with IIT Delhi successfully presented India’s bid before the Steering Committee members of the Conference during the ongoing 16^th ICCC at Bangkok, Thailand.

International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement

The International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement is the largest and most prestigious event of its kind which reviews the progress of research in the area of Cement and Concrete.
The congresses have been held generally at intervals of four to six years since 1918, providing a strong and fruitful link between the academic world and the cement industry.
The 9^th Congress was organized at New Delhi in 1992 by NCCBM and the present 16^th ICCC is being held at Bangkok, Thailand from 18-22 September 2023.

National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM)

It is an apex Research and Development organization under the administrative control of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
NCCBM is dedicated to research, technology development & transfer, education & industrial services for cement, allied building materials & construction industries.

India Cement Industry

India is the fifth largest economy today and is likely to become third largest by the next five years and its cement industry is second largest in the world with installed cement capacity of 600 million tonnes.
The cement industry in India plays a key role in circular economy framework in the country by utilizing various industrial wastes and is having one of the lowest CO₂ footprints and most energy efficient in the world.

Source

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1959268

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

The Government of India has come out with a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation known as “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’’.
The objective of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is to recognize the notable and inspiring contribution made by the scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology, and technology-led led innovation.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar shall be one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology, and innovation in India.
Scientists/ technologists/innovators working in government, private sector organizations or any individual working outside any organization, who have made distinguished contributions in terms of path-breaking research or innovation or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology-led- led innovation shall be eligible for the awards.
People of Indian Origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting the Indian communities or society shall also be eligible for the awards.

The awards shall be given in the following four categories:-

Vigyan Ratna (VR) award will recognize lifetime achievements & contributions made in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Shri (VS) award will recognize distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award will recognize & encourage young scientists up to the age of 45 years who made an exceptional contribution in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Team (VT) award to be given to a team comprising of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.

Other Highlights

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar shall be given in 13 domains, namely Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others.
All nominations received for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar awards shall be placed before the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC) to be headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to Government of India
The nominations for this bouquet of awards will be invited every year on 14^th January which would remain open till 28^th February (National Science Day) every year.
These awards shall be announced on 11^thMay (National Technology Day) every year.
The Award Ceremony for all categories of awards will be held on 23^rd August (National Space Day).

Source

Hilsa fish

Representational Images

Ahead of the festive Durga Puja celebrations, the Bangladesh government has permitted traders to sell nearly 4,000 metric tonnes of Hilsa fish to India.
The Hilsa from Bangladesh’s Padma and Meghna rivers as well as Chandpur, where the two rivers intersect, has long been prized by Hilsa connoisseurs as among the tastiest of fishes.

Know! about Hilsa Fish

Hilsa or Tenualosa ilisha is an anadromous fish that spends most of its life in the ocean but moves towards the estuary during the rainy season.
It is the place where the rivers of Indian Bangladesh meet the Bay of Bengal.
The largest producer of Hilsa is Bangladesh, making a good profit by exporting it to India. Over 86 percent of the world’s hilsa is produced in the country.

Source

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Bangladesh-government-permits-traders-to-sell-4%2C000-metric-tonnes-of-Hilsa-fish-to-India&id=468096

India Global Forum and World Governments Summit Launch Emerging Economies Programme

AIR Pics

India Global Forum and World Governments Summit have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an Emerging Economies Programme.
The programme will convene key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, economists, and experts to foster high-level discussions on sustainable economic growth, geo-economic perspectives, and innovative solutions.
India Global Forum, alongside the World Governments Summit, are launching an Emerging Economies Programme.
The programme will be a pivotal new platform that will directly respond to the needs and aspirations of the Global South.
This unique partnership will unite the experience and expertise of both organisations with the aim of unleashing the limitless potential of the world’s emerging economies.”
The Emerging Economies Programme is a significant initiative that will help to promote sustainable economic growth and development in the Global South.
It is a testament to the commitment of India Global Forum and the World Governments Summit to working together to create a better future for all.

Know! about India Global Forum

India Global Forum tells the story of contemporary India.
The pace of change and growth India has set itself is an opportunity for the world.
IGF is the gateway for businesses and nations to help seize that opportunity.
We are uniquely placed to understand the political, economic, and cultural nuances of those wanting to enter the Indian market and those wanting to go global.

Know! about World Governments Summit

The World Governments Summit Organization is a global, neutral, non-profit organization dedicated to shaping the future of governments.
The Summit, in its various activities, explores the agenda of the next generation of governments, focusing on harnessing innovation and technology to solve universal challenges facing humanity.

Source

https://ddnews.gov.in/international/india-global-forum-and-world-governments-summit-launch-emerging-economies-programme-0

CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveils 108 ft high Statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Omkareshwar, MP

@ChouhanShivraj

In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled the 108 feet high ‘Statue of Oneness’ of Adi Shankaracharya on Mandhata mountain at Omkareshwar in Khandwa district (on the banks of Narmada River)
The 108-foot-high statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Omkareshwar is made of various types of metal.
In this statue, Adi Shankaracharya is depicted as 12-year-old Aacharya Shankar because he attained knowledge at this age.
The statue of Adi Shankaracharya has been named the Statue of Oneness.
Omkareshwar is famous for being home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
This extraordinary structure, conceptualized to honour the life and philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya, is a tribute to the great saint’s masterpiece of commentary on ‘Bharmasutrabhasya’ (comment on Brahma Sutra), a fundamental text of the Vedanta school of Hinduism and the concept of Oneness that he preached

Ekatma Dham project

The construction of the statue on the Mandhata mountain in the temple town is part of the first phase of the Ekatma Dham project.
The project includes the development of the Advaita Lok museum, showcasing the life and philosophy of Acharya Shankar (Adi Shankaracharya) through exhibits reflecting the message of Advaita Vedanta.

Know! about Adi Shankaracharya

Born in Kerala
At the tender age of eight, burning with the desire for Liberation, he left home in search of his Guru.
From the southern state of Kerala, the young Shankara walked about 2000 kilometres— to the banks of the river Narmada, in the central plains of India, to his Guru— Govindapada.
He stayed there serving his Guru for four years.
Under his teacher’s compassionate guidance, the young Shankaracharya mastered all the Vedic scriptures.
Adi Shankaracharya received his knowledge in Omkreshwar.
After that, he moved towards Kashi (Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh).
From the age of sixteen to thirty-two, Shankaracharya went forth, travelling across the length and breadth of ancient India bringing to the hearts of the masses the life-giving message of the Vedas
He established 4 ashrams in four corners of India (700 AD) and entrusted his four disciples to teach and propagate Advaita through them.
Each of these maths was assigned the task of maintaining and preserving for posterity, one of the four Vedas
Considered to be an incarnation of Lord Siva, Sri Shankara lived only a short life span of 32 years.

Know! about Ekatmadham (idea of Advaita)

Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy and a Hindu path of spiritual discipline and experience.
In a narrow sense it refers to the oldest extant scholarly tradition of the orthodox Hindu school Vedānta, written in Sanskrit in a broader sense it refers to a popular, syncretic tradition, blending Vedānta with other traditions and producing works in vernacular.

Source

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=CM-Shivraj-Singh-Chouhan-unveils-108-ft-high-Statue-of-Adi-Shankaracharya-at-Omkareshwar%2C-MP&id=468081

https://sringeri.net/history/sri-adi-shankaracharya

India’s expansion to counter China’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region

Pic Source – Hindustan Times

Recent Developments by India to Counter Chinese Presence in IOR

In Oman, the Indian Navy has prepared a support base in Duqm port for maintenance, repair and overhaul of Indian ships as well as provide berthing, fuel and rest facilities in the vicinity and travelling beyond, Hindustan Times newspaper reported citing sources.
In Mauritius, India has built an airstrip in north Agalega islands, around 1,050km north of Port Louis, to provide maritime security to the island nation as well as to help protect its tourism assets in the region.
The decision to have support facilities in the two countries is partly due to the increased forays of PLA Navy ships into Indian Ocean Region.

China’s increased presence in IOR

Since 2019 to till date, there have been 48 surveillance and scientific research vessels deployed in IOR with the general area of deployment in the Bay of Bengal, South Indian Ocean, north of Agalega islands and the Persian Gulf
According to data by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Chinese vessels in IOR have been increasing every year, with 24 Chinese ships entering the region to date in 2023
A Chinese surveillance ship Shi Yan 6 will also enter IOR on September 23 to undertake joint military scientific research in Sri Lankan EEZ in October-November 2023.
With an increasing number of Chinese ships and warships entering the Indian Ocean through Malacca straits, Sunda, Lombok and Ombi-Wetar straits in Indonesia, India not only needs to be aware of PLA activities in its backyard but also has to provide coastal and maritime security to its key allies in the Persian Gulf and south Indian Ocean, said experts and analysts.
It comes after reports mentioned that the Indian Navy is bolstering its fleet strength in the Indian Ocean and now plans to have at least 175 warships by 2035 to monitor the IOR.

Other Chinese Military bases in the Indian Ocean Region

1. China’s base in Djibouti

It is China’s first overseas military base
It is located by the strategic Bab-El-Mandeb Strait which separates the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
It guards the approach to the Suez Canal
Chinese Yuzhao-class landing ship (Type 071) docked

2.Hambantota.

Last year China has docked the 25,000-tonne satellite and ballistic missile tracking ship Yuan Wang 5 in the Sri Lankan port of Hambantota.

Yuan Wang 5

It has robust tracking, sensing and communication relay system
It is capable of detecting foreign satellites, aerial assets and missile systems.
This vessel supports Chinese military missions far from home
It can monitor space events located away from the Chinese mainland communication network directly tracks key satellite assets.

3. Military base at Ream, Cambodia.

4.Port in Kyaukphyu, Sittwe in the Rakhine state, Myanmar

5.Gwadar port in Pakistan.

6.Permanent submarine base in Cox Bazaar, Chittagong in Bangladesh

7.Artificial Island in the Maldives.

India’s Presence in IOR

Source

https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-mauritius-to-oman-india-expands-sphere-of-influence-to-counter-chinas-presence-in-indian-ocean-region-638441

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-extends-its-sea-legs-to-oman-and-mauritius-to-monitor-indian-ocean-region-101695340351241.html

KEEP Learning KEEP Evolving

TEAM CL/GKP

Current Affairs 21 & 22 Sep 2023