Current Affairs March 12, 2024

Current Affairs March 12, 2024

National News

Andaman & Nicobar Command Marks International Women’s Day with Historic All-Women Maritime Surveillance Mission

• Occurred on the 40th anniversary of INAS 318, emphasizing a significant milestone.
• The mission highlights a commitment to gender equality in national defence.
• Recognizes and reinforces the indispensable role of women within the armed forces.
• Successful completion underscores dedication to equal opportunities and gender neutrality.
• Reflects the Andaman & Nicobar Command’s proactive approach to fostering inclusivity.

Narendra Modi Government Implements Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Amidst Controversy

• The BJP-led government officially announces the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on March 11, 2024.
• CAA’s objective is to offer a citizenship pathway to persecuted minority communities from neighbouring countries.
• Controversy surrounds the act due to criticism and protests, particularly highlighting concerns over the exclusion of Muslims.
• The move puts CAA back into the spotlight, sparking renewed debate on its implications and societal impact.

What is CAA?

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is a law enacted by the Indian government. It was passed by the Parliament of India in December 2019 and came into effect on January 10, 2020. The CAA provides a path to Indian citizenship for members of certain religious minority communities who have faced persecution in neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

The key provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act include:

1. Applicability: The CAA is applicable to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who arrived in India from the mentioned countries before December 31, 2014.
2. Exclusion of Muslims: One of the most contentious aspects of the CAA is that it excludes Muslims from its provisions. Critics argue that this is discriminatory and goes against the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
3. Path to Citizenship: The act eases the naturalization process for eligible individuals from the specified religious minorities, reducing the residency requirement for citizenship from 11 years to 5 years.

The Citizenship Amendment Act has been met with both support and opposition. Supporters argue that it provides a humanitarian approach to shelter persecuted minorities, while opponents raise concerns about its selective approach based on religion and its potential implications for the secular fabric of India. The CAA has been a source of political and social debate in the country.

Amit Shah Launches Piped Natural Gas Facilities and Development Projects in Delhi’s Rural Villages

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates the commencement of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) facilities in 41 villages.
• The initiative is part of the ‘Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan,’ focusing on 178 villages for various development projects.
• Aimed at uplifting infrastructure and living standards in rural areas of Delhi.
• The initiative has a fund of Rs 960 crore dedicated to developing necessary infrastructure in urbanized villages and new urban areas.
• Signifies a commitment to enhancing the overall quality of life in Delhi’s rural communities through essential amenities and infrastructure development.

Vadodara Municipal Corporation Raises ₹1 Billion Through Asia’s First Certified Green Municipal Bond

• Vadodara Municipal Corporation, based in Gujarat, India, successfully raises ₹1 billion ($12.07 million) through Asia’s inaugural certified green municipal bond.
• The bond features a semi-annual coupon rate of 7.90%, attracting bids from investors eager to participate in sustainable municipal financing.
• The funds generated will be dedicated to constructing and improving liquid wastewater management infrastructure throughout the city.
• This financial initiative marks a significant step towards promoting green and sustainable municipal projects in India.
• Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s issuance sets a noteworthy precedent for environmentally conscious financing in municipal bodies across the region.

Appointment News

Asif Ali Zardari Sworn In as Pakistan’s 14th President After Presidential Election Triumph

• Asif Ali Zardari takes oath as Pakistan’s 14th President following a decisive victory in the presidential election.
• Zardari succeeds Dr. Arif Alvi, who served an additional five months after completing his initial five-year term in September of the previous year.
• The transition marks a significant political development in Pakistan, with Zardari assuming the highest office in the country.
• The overwhelming mandate reflects the confidence and support garnered by Zardari from the electorate.
• The new president is expected to lead the nation and address key challenges facing Pakistan during his tenure.

Pakistan:

• Capital: Islamabad
• Government: Federal republic, Parliamentary republic
• Official languages: Urdu, English

Kishor Makwana Takes Charge as Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in New Delhi

• Kishor Makwana assumes the position of Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in New Delhi.
• Shri Luv Kush Kumar also takes charge as a Member of the NCSC.
• Makwana, in his media address, expresses a strong commitment to tirelessly safeguard the interests and rights of the Scheduled Castes community.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body in India that was established to safeguard the interests of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and to ensure their social, economic, educational, and cultural development. Here are some key points about the National Commission for Scheduled Castes:

1. Formation: The NCSC was set up as a statutory body under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution. It was later amended and re-enacted through the Constitution (Eighty-Ninth Amendment) Act, 2003.
2. Constitutional Mandate: The primary mandate of the NCSC is to investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes under the Constitution. It aims to promote and protect their rights and interests.
3. Powers and Functions:
   • Investigate and inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of SCs.
   • Participate and advise in the planning process of socio-economic development of SCs.
   • Evaluate the progress of development under the Union and any state.
   • Present reports to the President of India on the working of safeguards for SCs.

Gustavo Adrainzen becomes new PM of Peru:

• Gustavo lino Adrianzen Olaya was sworn in as prime minister of republic of Peru
• The swearing-in ceremony was led by the president of Peru, DINA boluarte at the government palace in lima, Peru

Peru country:

• Capital: Lima
• Currency: Sol
• Government: Republic, Unitary state, Presidential system, Constitutional republic, Democratic Republic

Economy and Business

India to grow 6.8% in FY25, Inflation to ease to 4.5% CRISIL:

• According to CRISIL’s India outlook 2024 report titled “growth marathon- emerging sectors, investments, efficiency gains priming India’s medium term pace (MARCH 2024)
• India’s real GDP growth will likely moderate to 6.8% in fiscal 2025 this fallows the 7.6% expansion in FY24

Defense News

DRDO Achieves Milestone with Successful Test of Agni-5 Missile Featuring MIRV Technology in Mission Divyastra

• The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducts a successful maiden flight test of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile.
• Agni-5 is equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
• MIRV capability enables the missile to deliver multiple nuclear warheads, enhancing India’s strategic deterrence capability.
• The advanced technology allows for precise targeting of multiple locations spread across extensive distances.
• The successful test reaffirms India’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities and strategic deterrence.

The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is an agency of the Government of India responsible for the development and research of cutting-edge military technology. Here are some general knowledge points about DRDO:

1. Formation: DRDO was established in 1958 with the aim of enhancing India’s defence capabilities through indigenous research and development in various fields.
2. Headquarters: DRDO’s headquarters is located in New Delhi, India.

IDEX Start-up BBBS Secures Rs 200 Crore Order for Anti-Drone Technology from Ministry of Defence

• Home-grown IDEX start-up, Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS), lands a major order exceeding Rs 200 Crores for its anti-drone technology.
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signs the contract, marking the largest under the IDEX initiative.
• The contract is aimed at benefiting the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, showcasing a significant step towards indigenous defence solutions.
• BBBS’s Vajra Sentinel System, a cutting-edge anti-drone solution, is designed for detection, tracking, and neutralization across impressive ranges.
• The order signifies a boost for innovation in defence, strengthening India’s capabilities in countering evolving threats, particularly in the realm of unmanned aerial systems.

Rajnath Singh is an Indian politician and lecturer who is serving as the 29th Defence Minister of India since 2019. He is currently the deputy Leader of the House, Lok Sabha since 2014. He was the 8th President of Bharatiya Janata Party from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 to 2014.

Award News

Delhi Airport Clinches ‘Best Airport’ Title in Asia-Pacific Region for Sixth Consecutive Year

• Delhi Airport retains its dominance by securing the prestigious ‘Best Airport’ title in the Asia-Pacific region for the sixth consecutive year.
• The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) award, conferred by the Airports Council International (ACI), recognizes Delhi Airport’s excellence in providing services to over 40 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA).
• This accolade underscores Delhi Airport’s commitment to leadership, excellence, and top-notch passenger services in the aviation sector.
• The consistent recognition reflects the airport’s dedication to maintaining high standards and delivering a superior travel experience for millions of passengers.
• The award further solidifies Delhi Airport’s position as a leading hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

Ranks and Reports

RPF holds the largest share of women personnel among CPF

• The railway protection force, established in 1957 under the ministry of railways, has the largest share of women personnel (9%) among central paramilitary forces (CPF) in India
• These women personnel are specially trained to ensure safety and provide assistance to female passengers in distress
• the measures taken by RPF for women personnel includes infrastructure developments (designed for the special needs of women officers) and nomination of female nodal officers at all zones/ units for the redressal of grievances of female personnel.