National
Ministry of Coal converts suitable mine areas into eco-parks
⇒ Ministry of Coal converts suitable mine areas, after exhaustion of reserves, into eco-parks, sites for water sports, underground mine tourism, golf grounds, adventure, bird watching etc.
- This is done in efforts to going in harmony with the nature, society, forests and wildlife.
Mudwani Dam Eco- Park, developed by Northern Coalfields Limited in Singrauli and AnanyaVatika Eco-Restoration Park cum Pit Lake developed by South Eastern Coalfields Limited in Dola, both in Madhya Pradesh are unique examples for such initiatives.
Mudwani Dam Eco- Park:
- Mudwani Dam Eco- Park in Singrauli, is spread over an area of 84,000m2 and inaugurated during Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2021.
- Located in Jayant area, Mudwani Dam Eco- Park is developed with beautiful water front, walking pathways, children sports area, restaurants and shops for local products will also be part of this eco-park.
- A dedicated lake view seating area to relax and comfort has been developed in the park.
“AnanyaVatika” Eco-Restoration Park cum Pit Lake:
- “AnanyaVatika” Eco-Restoration Park cum Pit Lake is developed after reclamation of abandoned OB dump of Sector “D” of Rajnagar Opencast Project of Hasedo Area located in Dola, Madhya Pradesh.
- There is a pit-lake/water body in the area of 50 Acre and a Garden in the area of 6 Acre.
- It is one of the best examples of reclamation and sustainable development in Open Cast Mining Project.
- The park is having various types of fruit bearing/ornamental/herbal plants, which include Mango, Hibiscus, Ornamental Palm, Sweet Lime, Pomegranate, Pear, Gooseberry, Berries, Plum, Bamboo and other herbal plants.
Dhara on Sangeet and Natya Parampara
⇒ Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Education organized the Dhara on Sangeet and Natya Parampara on 5th-6th January, 2023 at SASTRA (Deemed-to-be University) in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu in collaboration with Brhat, Prachyam and Sangam Talks.
Dhara is a series of conferences under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to create awareness, preserve and promote multiple domains of Indian Knowledge Systems.
Aim:
The aim of the event was to create a Vision Document 2047 to revitalise and popularise our performing art traditions and effectively address the challenges that this ecosystem faces.
Discussions:
The consecutive panel discussions over the two days saw eminent practitioners, researchers, innovators and educators from across the nation represent Carnatic, Hindustani and Loka (vocal and instrumental) Paramparas in sangeet and Nritya.
International
Indian Army deploys its largest contingent of women peacekeepers at UNISFA
⇒ The Indian Army has deployed its largest contingent of women peacekeepers in United Nation mission at Abyei, UNISFA on January 6, 2023.
- The Indian contingent, comprising two officers and 25 other ranks, are part of an engagement platoon and specialise in community outreach, and will be performing extensive security-related tasks as well.
Key Points:
- India, among the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping, deployed a platoon of women peacekeepers in Abyei, the country’s largest single unit of female Blue Helmets in a UN mission since 2007.
- This is India’s largest single unit of women Peacekeepers in a UN Mission since we deployed the first-ever all-women’s contingent in Liberia in 2007.
- As of October 31, 2022, India is the second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions with 5,887 troops and personnel deployed across 12 missions, after Bangladesh (7,017).
About UNISFA:
- The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was established through United Nations Security Council Resolution 1990 of June 27, 2011.
- Resolution 1990 made provision for the deployment of 4,200 Ethiopian troops to provide security and protect civilians under imminent threat of violence in the disputed border region.
Curtain raiser event of Y20 Summit India
⇒ Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur launched the themes of Y20 summit, logo and website (y20india.in) in the Curtain raiser event of Y20 Summit India on 06 January 2023 in New Delhi.
India is hosting the Y20 summit for the first time. The Y20 Summit will be held on August 17-20, 2023 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports said that the Y20 (Youth-20) Summit is a unique opportunity to allow the youth to provide constructive policy inputs and to utilise the platform to voice their opinions for the world audience.
- For the next 8 months, there will be Pre summits on the five Y20 (Youth 20) themes along with various discussions and seminars at different Universities across states in India in a run up to the final Youth-20 Summit.
Y20 2023 Themes: Global Perspective
The delegates would be called to address five main themes:
- Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation and 21st Century Skills
- Peacebuilding and Reconciliation: Ushering in an Era of No War
- Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction: Making Sustainability a Way of Life
- Shared Future: Youth in Democracy and Governance
- Health, Wellbeing and Sports: Agenda for Youth
Y20 Summit Logo:
About Y20:
- Youth 20 (Y20) is an official consultation forum for youth from all G20 member countries to be able to dialogue with each other.
- Y20 encourages youth as future leaders to raise awareness of global issues, exchange ideas, argue, negotiate, and reach consensus.
Important Day
65th Foundation Day of DRDO
⇒ Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated its 65th Foundation Day on 01 January 2023.
- It was on this day in 1958 when DRDO was formed to make India strong and self-reliant in terms of science and technology and especially in military technologies.
» A DRDO monograph ‘Infrared Signatures, Sensors and Technologies’ authored by Dr Kamal Nain Chopra, a former DRDO Scientist was also released by the Chairman DRDO on the occasion.
Death
Indian surgeon and gastroenterologist, Dr Tehemton E Udwadia
⇒ Dr Tehemton E Udwadia, best known as the father of laparoscopic surgery in India, passed away on 07 January 2023 in Mumbai. He was 88.
About Dr Tehemton E Udwadia:
- Tehemton Erach Udwadia was an Indian surgeon and gastroenterologist, who is also known as the father of laparoscopic surgery in India.
- On May 21, 1990, Dr Udwadia performed the first laparoscopic appendectomy in India, and it was only one of his many pioneering works.
- Udwadia was the founder president of the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-Surgeons and presided over the association from 1993 to 1998.
- The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, in 2006. Dr. Tehemton doctor was also awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third highest civilian award, in 2017.