Election Commission grants national party status to Aam Aadmi Party
In a significant development, the Election Commission has granted national party status to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
In a significant development, the Election Commission has granted national party status to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party’s recognition as a national party is based on its electoral performance in four states- Delhi, Goa, Punjab, and Gujarat.
Current National Parties of India: Here is the complete:
With this recognition, the AAP joins the list of national parties in India such as the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party, and Communist Party of India (Marxist). The recognition also means that the party can contest elections in all states and union territories of India.
With the recent rejig, here is the complete list of national parties in India.
Aam Aadmi Party
Bahujan Samaj Party
Bharatiya Janata Party
Communist Party of India (Marxist)
Indian National Congress
National People’s Party (NPP)
Other Recent Development:
On the other hand, the national party status of the All India Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Communist Party of India (CPI) has been withdrawn by the Election Commission. Additionally, the state party status of RLD in Uttar Pradesh, BRS in Andhra Pradesh, PDA in Manipur, PMK in Puducherry, RSP in West Bengal, and MPC in Mizoram has been revoked.
How a Political Party becomes National Party:
The decision was taken based on the performance of these parties in the recent Assembly elections and Lok Sabha polls. As per the rules laid out by the Election Commission, a political party is recognised as a national party if it secures at least 2% of the total votes polled in Lok Sabha elections in at least three states or wins at least 6% of the total seats in the Lok Sabha from at least three states. The party should also have at least four members in the Lok Sabha.
J&K LG Manoj Sinha inaugurates Tulip Garden in Jammu
Manoj Sinha, the lieutenant governor, has opened a Tulip Garden in the Jammu region at Sanasar's Ramban Hill Resort. The garden spans five acres (40 Kanals) and is part of a ₹6.91 crore initiative.
Manoj Sinha, the lieutenant governor, has opened a Tulip Garden in the Jammu region at Sanasar’s Ramban Hill Resort. The garden spans five acres (40 Kanals) and is part of a ₹6.91 crore initiative. It is an expansion of the existing Tulip Garden, which was established on four kanals of land two years ago. The new garden is situated between the proposed golf course and the current lake.
A garden that covers an area of 40 Kanals and contains 2.75 lakh tulip bulbs of 25 various types has been established in the Ramban region. The garden is located amidst verdant green forests, and it is anticipated to stimulate tourism and commercial activities. Additionally, it was announced that a 2.5 km narrow road connecting Sanasar to the proposed Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya site at Gali, which is situated beyond Sanasar, will be constructed shortly. This road will eventually link to Nashri.
About the Tulip Garden:
The Tulip Garden is a newly established garden located in the Ramban district’s Sanasar area in the Jammu region. It covers an area of 40 Kanals (five acres) and contains 2.75 lakh tulip bulbs of 25 different varieties. The garden is situated between an existing lake and a proposed golf course, and it is an expansion of the previous tulip garden that was set up two years ago on four kanals of land. The garden is expected to promote tourism and commercial activities in the region. It is surrounded by lush green woods, and visitors can enjoy a vibrant display of tulips in various colors and shapes.
India releases first edition of Dogri version of Indian Constitution
Union Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju released the first edition of the Dogri version of the Constitution of India at University of Jammu.
On April 10, 2023, India released the first edition of the Dogri version of the Indian Constitution. The release of this version is a significant step towards promoting linguistic diversity and preserving the cultural heritage of the country.
About Dogri Language:
Dogri is a language spoken in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the 22 official languages recognized by the Indian Constitution.
Dogri is one of the official languages of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. On 22 December 2003, in a major milestone for the official status of the language, Dogri was recognized as a national language of India in the Indian constitution.
The earliest written reference to Dogri (using the paleonym Duggar) is found in the Nuh sipihr (“The Nine Heavens”), written by the poet Amir Khosrow in 1317 CE.
Dogri is descended from Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas (1500–1200 BCE).
More About The Dogri version of Indian Constitution :
Union Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju released the first edition of the Dogri version of the Constitution of India at University of Jammu.
The translation of the Constitution into different languages is not a new concept. The Constitution was originally written in English and Hindi and has since been translated into several other languages. The translation of the Constitution into Dogri was a long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and its release has been welcomed by the people of the state.
Significance of the Dogri version of the Constitution:
The Dogri version of the Constitution will help people who speak this language understand the fundamental rights and duties of citizens, the functioning of the government, and the role of various institutions in the country. It will also promote awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the people of Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country where Dogri is spoken.
The release of the Dogri version of the Constitution is a step towards fulfilling the constitutional mandate of promoting linguistic diversity in India. The Indian Constitution recognizes the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the country and provides for the development and promotion of various languages. The release of the Dogri version of the Constitution is a testament to this commitment.
Amit Shah launches Vibrant Village program at Kibithu border village in Arunachal Pradesh
On April 7, 2023, India's Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Vibrant Village program at Kibithu, a border village in Arunachal Pradesh.
On April 7, 2023, India’s Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Vibrant Village program at Kibithu, a border village in Arunachal Pradesh. This program aims to bring about the overall development of rural areas and transform them into self-sufficient and prosperous communities.
About Kibithu Village:
Kibithu is a remote village located at an altitude of 9,000 feet above sea level, near the India-China border. It is the easternmost village of India and is considered as the gateway to the Land of the Rising Sun, Arunachal Pradesh. This village lacks basic amenities such as electricity, healthcare facilities, and proper roads, which makes it difficult for the residents to access the necessary services.
Significance of the Vibrant Village program:
The Vibrant Village program, launched by the Home Minister, aims to change this situation by providing access to basic amenities and promoting economic growth in rural areas. The program includes various initiatives such as the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, provision of electricity, and access to clean drinking water. It also includes skill development programs to create employment opportunities for the local residents.
The Vibrant Village program is in line with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which aims to make India self-reliant and self-sufficient. It will not only improve the quality of life of people living in rural areas but will also promote economic growth and development in these regions. The program will be implemented in a phased manner, and the government has allocated funds for its successful execution.
Significance of the rural development:
During the launch of the program, Amit Shah highlighted the importance of rural development and said that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that every citizen of the country, regardless of their location, has access to basic amenities and facilities. He further added that the Vibrant Village program is a step towards achieving this goal and will benefit the people of Arunachal Pradesh and other rural areas across the country.
Mauritius down; Norway, Singapore gain as FPI destinations in FY23: Report
In the fiscal year 2022-23, overseas capital flows into Indian capital markets originating from Mauritius experienced the sharpest decline, while Norway and Singapore gained popularity.
Data provided by the National Securities Depository indicates that in the fiscal year 2022-23, overseas capital flows into Indian capital markets originating from Mauritius experienced the sharpest decline, while Norway and Singapore gained popularity.
Current Scenario of Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI):
Assets under custody (AUC): Recent Situation:
The assets under custody (AUC) from Mauritius decreased by almost 42% to Rs 6.66 trillion by the end of March 2023, down from Rs 10.88 trillion the previous year. Experts suggest that the renegotiation of the India-Mauritius tax treaty and increased scrutiny of capital flows have reduced the island nation’s appeal as a preferred destination for foreign investment into India.
Meanwhile, Norway and Singapore experienced a 13% and 5% increase in AUC, respectively.
India and Foreign Portfolio Investor:
Singapore is now the second largest jurisdiction for foreign portfolio investor flows after the US, while Mauritius has dropped to fourth place. Some observers note that Mauritius faces tough competition from Gift City, where investment rules are being relaxed, but the country is making efforts to strengthen its variable capital company regime and improve anti-money laundering standards to remain attractive to investors.
Current Scenario of Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI):
In fiscal year 2022-23, Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) assets under custody (AUC) declined by 4.44% due to asset price depreciation and capital outflows amounting to over Rs 35,000 crore. This decline was seen across the board and not limited to any particular jurisdiction.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2023 observed on 11th April
On April 11 every year, National Safe Motherhood Day is observed with the objective of promoting the well-being and safety of mothers and expectant mothers by increasing awareness of proper healthcare
National Safe Motherhood Day 2023
On April 11 every year, National Safe Motherhood Day is observed with the objective of promoting the well-being and safety of mothers and expectant mothers by increasing awareness of proper healthcare. This initiative, launched by the Indian government, aims to decrease the number of maternal and neonatal deaths. In the past, India was recognized as one of the most perilous countries to give birth, responsible for 15% of all maternal fatalities worldwide.
The inception of National Safe Motherhood Day as an annual event was initiated by the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI) to emphasize the significance of adequate healthcare facilities for mothers, particularly during pregnancy. The WRAI’s primary aim was to create awareness about healthy healthcare practices, as well as the availability and accessibility of healthcare initiatives for women during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care, and to encourage the government to prioritize maternal health.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2023: Significance
The main objective of National Safe Motherhood Day is to raise awareness of the crucial role of maternal health and the necessity for proper medical care throughout pregnancy and postpartum. The day serves as a reminder to both the government and society to prioritize the health and safety of mothers and their newborns.
Maternal mortality continues to be a significant problem in India, with numerous women dying from avoidable causes related to childbirth. National Safe Motherhood Day brings attention to the importance of providing access to high-quality maternal healthcare services and addressing the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to maternal mortality.
History of the National Safe Motherhood Day 2023
As a result of the White Ribbon Alliance India’s persistent work, the Indian government proclaimed April 11 as National Safe Motherhood Day in 2003. This date is also significant because it coincides with the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, the wife of Mahatma Gandhi, who was a prominent freedom fighter and social reformer. Since then, National Safe Motherhood Day has been commemorated with a variety of awareness campaigns and events held throughout the country. Each year, the WRAI organizes a range of programs and awareness initiatives centered around a particular theme. The theme for this year’s National Safe Motherhood Day has not yet been announced.
About the White Ribbon Alliance (WRA)
The White Ribbon Alliance (WRA) is a global organization dedicated to promoting maternal and newborn health and rights. It was established in 1999 and operates in more than 50 countries worldwide. The organization aims to mobilize and empower individuals, communities, and organizations to demand and achieve quality maternal and newborn healthcare services. The WRA works to promote the health and well-being of mothers and their newborns by advocating for policies and programs that improve access to quality maternal and newborn healthcare services. It also seeks to promote gender equality, women’s rights, and reproductive health and rights.
Exploring the Uncharted Waters: International Seabed Authority and Ocean Mining
Discover the latest updates on ocean mining regulations and the International Seabed Authority.
International Seabed Authority Regulates Ocean Mining
The vast expanse of the ocean floor, covering over 70% of the earth’s surface, remains largely unexplored and underutilized. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) was established in 1994 to govern and regulate the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources found in international waters beyond the jurisdiction of its 167 member countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). The ISA headquarters is located in Jamaica.
Permit Applications for Ocean Mining to Open in 2023
In July 2023, the ISA will begin accepting permit applications from companies interested in extracting minerals from the ocean floor. Among the valuable materials that can be obtained through undersea mining are cobalt, copper, nickel, and manganese. Despite the ISA’s authority to grant permits, the lack of a clear mining code has created uncertainty around the permit review process.
Polymetallic Nodules and Their Appeal to Mining Companies
Polymetallic nodules, which are rocks the size of potatoes, can be found on the ocean floor at depths of 4 to 6 kilometers. These nodules contain minerals such as nickel, copper, and manganese in high concentrations, making them an attractive target for mining companies.
UN Convention on the Law of the Sea Governs Ocean Use
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea established the ISA, providing the legal framework for ocean use and management. The convention sets guidelines for marine natural resource management, environmental protection, and businesses operating in the ocean, while also defining countries’ rights and responsibilities in ocean use. The ISA’s rules and regulations are binding on its 167 member countries.
Debating a Mining Code for the Ocean Floor
Despite nearly a decade of debate, the ISA has yet to create a mining code. The mining code would provide clear rules and regulations for companies seeking to explore and exploit minerals on the ocean floor. The process has been difficult due to concerns about the potential environmental impact of deep-sea mining. Some members of the ISA’s council have called for a moratorium on industrial mining, citing potential damage to marine life and ecosystems, as well as the importance of deep-sea ecosystems in climate regulation. While some countries, such as Nauru, have pushed for the adoption of a mining code within two years to ensure responsible ocean resource use, Canada, Australia, and Belgium have emphasized the need for strict environmental regulations and caution before allowing mining to begin.