Ministry: – Ministry of Finance
Launch Year: – 2023
Implementing Body: – Banks and Post Office
Objectives: – to promote investments among women
Beneficiaries: – Women
Eligibility criteria: – The account can be opened by a woman for herself or by the guardian on behalf of a minor girl...
Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu has become the 22nd president of Bangladesh, taking over from Abdul Hamid, in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, politicians, judges, and senior officials. The event was held at the historic Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban, where Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury administered the oath to Shahabuddin. He was elected unopposed in February this year as the candidate of the ruling party, and after the ceremony, he signed the documents for the office of the president.
There are growing disputes between the ruling Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) regarding the electoral system as Bangladesh prepares for general elections. The elections are scheduled for December or January next year..
Major Findings
a) Global – According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military expenditure has reached a new record high of $2240 billion, increasing by 3.7% in real terms in 2022. Europe witnessed its most substantial year-on-year increase in military spending in at least 30 years. The United States, China, and Russia, which are the three largest military spenders, contributed 56% of the total global military expenditure in 2022. These findings were released by SIPRI in its latest report on global military spending.
b) India specific – India’s military expenditure in 2022 amounted to $81.4 billion, which is the fourth-highest in the world. This represents a 6% increase compared to the previous year’s spending.
1) Top 5 ranks:-
United States
China
Russia
India
Saudi Arabia.
During the celebration of National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) on 24th April 2023 at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh. The Prime Minister handed over SVAMITVA Property Card to select beneficiaries, symbolizing the attainment of a milestone of 1.25 crore property cards distribution under the SVAMITVA Scheme in the country.
Ministry: – Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Launch Year: – 24th April 2021 after successful completion of the pilot phase of the scheme (2020-2021) in 9 states
Implementing Body: – Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Objectives: –
Creation of accurate land records for rural planning and reduce property-related disputes.
To bring financial stability to the citizens in rural India by enabling them to use their property as a financial asset for taking loans and other financial benefits.
Determination of property tax, which would accrue to the GPs directly in States where it is devolved or else, add to the State exchequer.
Creation of survey infrastructure and GIS maps that can be leveraged by any department for their use.
To support in the preparation of a better-quality Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) by making use of GIS maps
Target of the Scheme: – to promote socio-economic empowerment and a more self-reliant rural India.
Beneficiaries: – Village household owners
Funding: – Central Sector Scheme
Budget Allocation: – So far, the budget allocated for the SVAMITVA scheme is ₹ 79.65 Cr. (Actual), ₹ 140 Cr. (RE) & ₹ 150 Cr. (BE) for the fiscal years 2020-21, 2021-2022, and 2022-23 respectively.
Every year on April 23rd, World English Day is observed as a way to honor the language that has become the most commonly spoken in the world. This year also World English Day 2023 is celebrated on 23rd April. This occasion acknowledges the significance and influence of the English language, and its role in promoting international communication and comprehension.
World English Day 2023 is a significant occasion that is celebrated globally to commemorate the widespread usage of the English language. It is observed on April 23rd every year, and the year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the event. English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and it is estimated that over 1.5 billion people speak it as their first, second or foreign language. The day is celebrated to promote awareness of the language and its importance in connecting people across borders.The history of World English Day dates back to 2010 when it was first celebrated by the English Language Teachers’ Association of India (ELTAI) on the occasion of William Shakespeare’s birth anniversary. The idea was to celebrate the language and its vast literary heritage, and it quickly gained popularity among language enthusiasts worldwide. Since then, the day has been observed every year to highlight the significance of the English language in today’s world.
The theme for World English Day 2023 is “English as a global language: bridging cultures, connecting the world.” The theme reflects the language’s role in bringing people from different cultures and backgrounds together, promoting mutual understanding and communication. The theme also recognizes the importance of English as a means of communication in today’s globalized world and its significance in fostering international relationships.
The celebration of World English Day 2023 holds immense significance as it serves as a platform to highlight the role of the English language in connecting people and cultures worldwide.
English is the primary language of international communication, and it is widely used in various fields such as education, business, diplomacy, and entertainment.
Celebrating the language promotes the value of multilingualism and cross-cultural understanding, and it encourages individuals to learn the language and explore its vast literary and cultural heritage.
Moreover, World English Day 2023 is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of English language teachers and learners worldwide.
Teachers play a vital role in shaping students’ language skills, and their efforts help in promoting the language’s usage and importance.
Similarly, learners who pursue English language studies demonstrate a commitment to learning and expanding their linguistic horizons.
World English Day 2023 serves as a reminder of the language’s significance in connecting people and cultures worldwide. The celebration promotes the value of multilingualism and cross-cultural understanding, and it recognizes the contributions of English language teachers and learners. As we celebrate the language’s vast literary and cultural heritage, let us also acknowledge its role in fostering global connections and promoting mutual understanding among people.
The government of Uttar Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has launched an ambitious plan to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state. As part of this initiative, the government has set a target to convert all vehicles used by government departments into EVs by 2030, in a phased manner..
The Walt Disney Company-owned Star Sports has signed cricketer Rishabh Pant as its latest brand ambassador. The company said it also has other cricketers as its ‘Believe Ambassadors’ like Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer. Star Sportssaid it only had two ambassadors in 2017. Cricketer Virat Kohli is also part of this association. The ambassadors will represent different parts of the country as well as different IPL Teams, the broadcaster said. “The ‘Believe Ambassadors’ represent different parts of the country as well as different IPL Teams. Star Sports will work closely with the Cricketers to develop new campaigns and properties to grow the popularity of the sport and drive fandom, especially amongst youngsters.
On April 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a speech at the opening session of the Global Buddhist Summit, which is being organized by the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation for two days. The summit aims to bring together leading Buddhist figures and experts from around the world to discuss Buddhist and universal issues and generate policy recommendations to address them together.
The PMO has stated that the summit will explore how the essential principles of Buddha Dhamma can inspire and direct people in today’s world.
Eminent scholars, Sangha leaders, and Dharma practitioners from various regions will participate in the event, discussing significant global issues and finding solutions based on the universal values of Buddha Dhamma.
The summit aims to engage global leaders and scholars of the Buddhist Dhamma to address Buddhist and universal concerns and formulate collective policy solutions.
The discussion will explore how the fundamental values of Buddha Dhamma can inspire and guide contemporary settings.
The PMO stated that the summit will bring together distinguished scholars, Sangha leaders, and Dharma practitioners from all over the world to discuss pressing global issues and seek answers from the universal values of Buddha Dhamma.
Several regions have been warned about heat waves by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as many states experience scorching heat. Doctors have emphasized that extreme heat waves can be especially harmful to the elderly, children, and pregnant women.
Tips to Stay Hydrated in the Hot Weather
Staying hydrated during heat waves is important to avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Here are some tips to help you stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water: Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty. You can also carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go, so you can sip on water whenever you need it.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you, so it’s best to avoid them during heat waves.
Eat water-rich foods: Foods like watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, and lettuce have a high water content and can help keep you hydrated.
Stay in cool places: Try to stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible during heat waves. If you don’t have air conditioning, try to stay in the shade or in cooler areas of your home.
Take cool showers: Taking a cool shower or bath can help lower your body temperature and keep you hydrated.
Wear light, breathable clothing: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that allows your skin to breathe and helps sweat evaporate.
Monitor your urine color: If your urine is dark yellow, you may not be drinking enough water. Aim for pale yellow or clear urine.
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel received Germany’s highest Order of Merit. The Grand Cross award was handed to her by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The award has only been given twice before, to former chancellors Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl. All three former leaders belong to the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Germany’s highest Order of Merit is known as the Federal Cross of Merit, or Bundesverdienstkreuz in German. It is awarded by the President of Germany to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation’s cultural, economic, or political life, or have provided outstanding service to society. The Order of Merit was established in 1951, and is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in Germany. There are eight classes of the Order of Merit, with the highest being the Grand Cross, followed by the First Class Cross, Second Class Cross, and so on. The award is not restricted to German citizens and is frequently bestowed upon foreigners who have contributed to Germany’s social, political, or cultural development.
India has surpassed China to become the world’s most populous nation with 142.86 crore people, according to the latest United Nations data. With the latest statistics, China now has a population of 142.57 crores, becoming the second most populous country.
Other important detail in the report:
According to the UN data, the global population will have hit 8.045 billion by mid-2023.
Estimates by different agencies have suggested that India’s population is expected to keep rising for nearly three decades before it peaks at 165 crore and then would start declining.
In Africa also, the trend of the rising population can be seen. It is estimated that the world’s second-largest continent will witness a spike in its population from 1.4 to 3.9 billion inhabitants by 2100.
Eight nations with more than 10 million inhabitants, most of them in Europe, saw their populations shrink over the past decade.
Japan is also seeing a decline due to its ageing population, losing more than three million inhabitants between 2011 and 2021.
The population of the entire planet, meanwhile, is only expected to decline in the 2090s, after peaking at 10.4 billion, the UN has projected.
The United States is a distant third, with an estimated population of 340 million, the data showed in a report that reflects information available until February. Population experts using previous data from the UN have projected India would surpass China this month, but the global body’s latest report did not specify a date.
Asia’s third-largest economy is now home to nearly a fifth of humanity — greater than the entire population of Europe or Africa or the Americas. While this is also true for China for now, that’s expected to change as India’s population is forecast to keep ticking up and touch 1.668 billion by 2050 when China’s population contracts to about 1.317 billion.
Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the YUVA PORTAL in New Delhi, which aims to connect and identify potential young Start-Ups. The minister also introduced the One Week – One Lab programme during the event.
Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of broad-based stakeholder participation, particularly from the industry, for the sustainable growth of Start-Ups.
He highlighted India’s global excellence in technology, innovation, and Start-Ups, stating that each of the 37 CSIR Labs is dedicated to a unique area of work.
The One Week – One Lab programme will provide an opportunity for these labs to showcase their work and enable others to benefit from it..
Assam made a historic achievement by entering the Guinness Book of World Records with over 11,000 dancers and drummers performing the traditional 'Bihu' dance and playing the 'dhol' at a single venue.
Assam made a historic achievement by entering the Guinness Book of World Records with over 11,000 dancers and drummers performing the traditional ‘Bihu’ dance and playing the ‘dhol’ at a single venue. The performers, comprising both dancers and drummers, participated in the event at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati as part of the State Government’s initiative to set a new world record in the Guinness Book.
