Bihar Affairs
Amid rumours, Bihar deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad denies any move to amend liquor law
Amid rumours of a move for fresh amendment in the provisions of the law that is caught in crossfires in the wake of frequent hooch deaths, the main opposition party, RJD, on Tuesday claimed that it would move a No-Confidence Motion against the government in the budget session if the proposed amendments are not in the interest of the people or in tune with its principles.
The last amendment to the prohibition law was made in 2018 to set free a person caught drinking liquor for the first time on the payment of a fine of Rs50,000. However, it was put in abeyance.
As per the new unconfirmed reports, the proposed amendments have been mooted by the state excise and prohibition department and sent to the Home department for clearance to pave the way for its scrutiny and final approval by the law department.
As per the rumours, the government is mulling over dividing the offences in two groups ordinary (liquor consumers, that pertain to the drunk or those caught drinking) and serious offences (liquor manufacturer, hoarder, distributor, supplier).
National and International Affairs
Aromatic Plant Cultivation Awareness In JK
The government has launched a unique awareness campaign in Jammu and Kashmir to increase career opportunities for the union territory’s youth.
Highlights:
In Kashmir, an awareness campaign for growers on the cultivation and processing of aromatic Plants has begun.
Kashmir Valley’s Climate is ideal for growing a wide range of , fruit, and a large amount of plant material that can be used in medicinal and aromatic actions.
Growers took part in the program to raise awareness among youth about the importance of aromatic plant cultivation.
The Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) began an awareness program and the
Department of <a href="https://exam.pscnotes.com/Agriculture-notes-for-state-psc-exams”>Agriculture began a particular awareness program.
Postal Stamp On COVID-19 Vaccine
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently issued a commemorative postage stamp commemorating the COVID-19 vaccine.
Highlights:
The stamp was issued to commemorate the first anniversary of the National COVID Vaccination Program, also known as the COVID vaccination campaign.
A health care worker is vaccinating a senior citizen on the stamp. The stamp also depicts a COVAXIN vial.
The stamp was created to commemorate the efforts of community workers and frontline health care workers, particularly during the COVID-19 era.
Open Data Week Launched Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs initiated Open Data Week, which takes place between 17- 21 January.
Highlights:
It encourages the promotion of innovation in the country’s urban ecosystem. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs would publicize high-quality blogs and data sets about intelligent cities throughout the week.
The data will be made available through an open data portal. And over sixty cities have already had success stories published on the portal.
This is undergoing testing and is only accessible to experts.
The Open Data Week will demonstrate the advantages of open data, such as innovation, transparency, and efficiency, as the week has been divided into sections.
National Technical Textiles Mission Projects
The Ministry of Textiles approved 20 strategic research projects in the fields of specialty fibers and geotextiles totaling Rs 30 crores.
Highlights:
These initiatives are part of the government’s flagship program, the ‘National Technical Textiles Mission.’ Four geotextiles () projects were also approved.
A few leading Indian institutes, centers of excellence, and government organizations, including IITs, BTRA, and DRDO, took part in the session, which approved strategic projects for the development of the Indian economy.
These projects contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat, particularly in Healthcare, Energy Storage, Farming, Industrial and Protective, Fabric Waste Recycling, and Infrastructure facilities.
The National Technical Textiles Mission was established to position India as a global leader in technical textiles and to increase the use of technical textiles in the domestic market.
It intends to increase the size of the domestic market to 40 to 50 billion by 2024.
Raksha Pension Shikayat Nivaran Portal Set By Defence Ministry
Raksha Pension Shikayat Nivaran Portal is established by the Ministry of Defense.
Highlights:
Rajnath Singh, the DEFENCE Minister, has established a web Raksha Pension Shikayat Nivaran Portal to address ex-(ESM) servicemen’s and their dependents’ pension-related issues.
On the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans Day, he noted that the portal will allow them to directly file concerns with the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW).
The ministry also announced that the DESW has allocated Rs 320 crore to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) to address all backlogs of pending welfare applications, particularly schooling and marriage Awards for ESM widows and dependant children.
Enigma The 555.55-carat Black Diamond
A 555.55-carat black diamond known as “The Enigma” was unveiled in Dubai.
Highlights:
It is believed to come from space. Sotheby’s auction house unveiled it.
After a tour in Dubai, the diamond will be begun taking to Los Angeles before being auctioned in London in February 2022.
The number five is significant to the diamond because it has 55 facets. The diamond is expected to fetch at least 5 million Pounds sterling (USD 6.8 million).
Sotheby’s also intends to accept crypto as a form of payment.
The diamond’s shape is inspired by the Middle-Eastern palm sign of Khamsa, which represents strength and protection.