Bihar Affairs
Draft bylaws ready to protect state heritage structures
The NationalMonuments Authority (NMA) has released the draft heritage bylaws for the protection of ancient structures in Rajgir () and the Asoka column at Lauriya in East Champaran district. Both the sites are under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The protected site in Rajgir has a number of ruined temples and stone structures including Jarasandh ka Akhara (battleground), Bimbisara jail, Jaina shrine, Mahadeva temple, Son Bhandar cave, Maniyar Math, Jivakamravana (monastery/ancient hospital), Chariot Wheel mark, among others.
The monuments are mostly made of Mauryan bricks, stone rubble, mud mortar and brick jelly.
Draft bylaws for Rajgir say, Monuments lie mostly embedded, or in the foothills of Rajgir hills. No development pressure, or Urbanisation, or Population pressure, is prevalent around this area. The general rules of construction will be applicable for all projects as per the Bihar Building Bylaws 2014.
National and International Affairs
India’s first women’s Kabaddi league
The first season of the WomensKabaddiLeague (WKL), which was being demanded for a long time, is all set to begin. Eight teams will participate in the inaugural season, held in Dubai from June 16 to 27. Ahead of the marquee event, the trophy has been unveiled and the anthem has also been announced.
It is worth noting that the Mens Kabaddi League has already been organised for nine seasons and has been quite popular. That is probably the reason that WKL 2023, which is expected to give a big boost to womens kabaddi will be launched.
Gita Press Gorakhpur to receive Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021
The Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 will be conferred on Gita Press, Gorakhpur, for its contribution towards promotion of the “Gandhian ideals of peace and social harmony.” Established in 1923, Gita Press is one of the world’s largest publishers, having published 41.7 crore books in 14 languages, including 16.2 crore copies of Shrimad Bhagvad Gita. The jury headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi unanimously decided that Gita Press will be the recipient of the Gandhi Peace Prize, according to the statement issued by the Union ministry of culture.
Green Growth conference held to achieve Carbon Net Zero
Various steps are being taken to achieve green Growth,a safe handle to confront the threat and shape a safe economic future, with an ultimate aim to achieve Carbon Net Zero by 2070 as envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India told representatives from the Asia-Pacific region at an international conference held recently.
The event witnessed participation from experts, policymakers, Industry leaders, and stakeholders who discussed strategies for institutional strengthening for green growth, financing mechanisms, leveraging ESG ratings to boost green finance and realizing net zero emission targets for achieving higher productivity and green growth.
International participants were those from countries such as Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Fiji etc.
India to gift indigenously-built missile corvette to Vietnam
India and Vietnam reviewed the entire spectrum of their bilateral DEFENCE ties during talks here between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his counterpart General Phan Van Giang. Rajanth also announced that India will gift indigenously-built missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam to enhance the capabilities of its Navy. Both Ministers identified means to enhance existing areas of collaboration, especially in the field of Defence cooperation, maritime security and multinational cooperation, Defence Ministry officials said later.
As part of his engagements, the Defence Minister of Vietnam also visited the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) headquarters and discussed ways to enhance Defence industrial capabilities by cooperation in research and joint production.
The two sides have been focused on further boosting bilateral Defence ties and reviewing the situation in the South China Sea, a region that has witnessed growing Chinese assertiveness.
Def cooperation key pillar of Indo-US ties: Kwatra
With growing DEFENCE ties between the two countries, India and the US are likely to unveil a roadmap for industries in the sector to partner closely in co-production, co-development and maintaining supply change during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US beginning June 21, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said here on Monday. He described Defence co-operation as a ‘key pillar” of ties between the two countries.
Ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US, a select group of eminent Defence sector firms from the two nations will participate in an innovative summit in Washington. It will serve as a bridge and is expected to catapult the Defence industrial cooperation between them like never before.
To be attended by some of the key private sector Defence players, the INDUS-X summit beginning June 20 will see the initiation of ‘Joint Challenges’ under the Defence Innovation Bridge, focusing on common dual-use cases for both nations.