International Day of Drug Checking 2023 observed on 31st March
The International Day of Drug Checking is an annual event that has been observed since 2017 on March 31st.
International Day of Drug Checking 2023
The International Day of Drug Checking is an annual event that has been observed since 2017 on March 31st. The purpose of the day is to educate people about drugs and their effects and to promote harm reduction initiatives to reduce the risks associated with drug use. The main objective is to raise public awareness about the availability of drug checking services and organizations worldwide. The day emphasizes the importance of harm reduction actions related to drugs and aims to decrease drug-related risks.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drug abuse was linked to approximately 11.8 million deaths in 2017. Recently, more and more adolescents are becoming victims of substance abuse. The International Day of Drug Checking is an effort to collectively reduce drug abuse and create a drug-free world.
Drug supply is often associated with organized crime and syndicate networks. For example, the Taliban in Afghanistan has used opium trafficking to finance its operations. On the occasion of the International Day of Drug Checking in 2023, we should acknowledge and appreciate the work of anti-drug organizations, but we should also pledge to work towards making our society free of drugs.
World Bank Grants $363m Loan to Karnataka for Clean Drinking Water Supply
World Bank approves $363m loan to provide clean drinking water to Karnataka's rural households.
World Bank supports clean drinking water supply to rural Karnataka
The World Bank has granted a loan of USD 363 million to the state of Karnataka in India, which will help to provide clean drinking water to two million rural households. The initiative aims to establish piped water connections in households throughout the state, including the construction of a drinking water distribution network and the installation of water meters. The project is set to benefit around 10 million people across all 31 districts in the state. The loan is part of the Karnataka Sustainable Rural Water Supply Program, which seeks to introduce policies and initiatives that will improve the operational efficiency of rural water supply services.
World Bank promotes gender parity in access to clean water
The state of Karnataka is vulnerable to climate change-related variable rainfall, leading to groundwater depletion and deteriorating water quality. Nearly 77% of the state is arid or semi-arid, making the need for a sustainable water supply even more pressing. The World Bank’s loan is part of its efforts to address the issue, with a particular focus on promoting gender parity. Women, who typically bear the greatest burden of fetching water, will benefit significantly from the program. They will have better health and more time to pursue education and formal employment opportunities.
Program to revive 500 rural water reservoirs, provide skills training
The loan, which comes from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), uses the Program-for-Results (PforR) financing instrument. This means that funds will only be disbursed when specific program results are achieved. The loan has a maturity of 13.5 years, including a grace period of two years. The Karnataka Sustainable Rural Water Supply Program aims to revive 500 rural water reservoirs in seven water-stressed districts, which will help to increase water storage capacity and groundwater recharge. Around 3,000 rural women will receive on-the-job skills training to become employed as plumbers. Additionally, the program will seek to demonstrate 24/7 water supply service in at least 500 Gram Panchayats, and enhance the capacity of rural local governments to manage water supply services efficiently.
A book titled “Phoolange” penned by Darjeeling-based writer Lekhnath Chhetri
Penguin Random House India (PRHI) has announced that the English translation of the Nepali novel "Phoolange" will be released on April 17th.
Penguin Random House India (PRHI) has announced that the English translation of the Nepali novel “Phoolange” will be released on April 17th. The book is written by Lekhnath Chhetri, a writer based in Darjeeling, and focuses on the failed Gorkha movement for a separate state. The original Nepali version of the novel was shortlisted for the Madan Puraskar, which is Nepal’s most prestigious literary award, in 2021.
About the “Phoolange”
“Phoolange” is a novel that tells the story of the Gorkhaland movement in the Darjeeling hills of India through the eyes of its central character, Pritam. The novel explores the social, political, and economic conditions that led to the formation of the movement and the subsequent violence that ensued. The title “Phoolange” translates to “Those Who Scatter Flowers” in English, and it refers to the peaceful nature of the Gorkhaland movement. The novel highlights the struggles faced by the Nepali-speaking community in the Darjeeling hills and their demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland.
India’s First Quantum Computing-based Telecom Network Link Now Operational: Ashwini Vaishnaw
India's first quantum computing-based telecom network link has been made operational between Sanchar Bhawan and National Informatics Centre office in New Delhi.
India’s first quantum computing-based telecom network link has been made operational between Sanchar Bhawan and National Informatics Centre office in New Delhi. Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced prize money of Rs 10 lakh for ethical hackers who can break the encryption of the system and also launched a hackathon challenge for anyone who can break the system developed by C-DoT, with a reward of Rs 10 lakh per break.
What is quantum computing-based telecom network?
A quantum computing-based telecom network uses the principles of quantum physics to transmit information, providing a more secure method than traditional networks. Quantum communication relies on quantum mechanics properties, making it hard to intercept or hack the communication. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the telecom industry by enabling faster, more efficient, and secure communication.
Jaipur to get India’s 2nd largest cricket stadium named after Anil Agarwal
Vedanta's Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) has signed an MoU with the Rajasthan Cricket Association to build the world's third-largest cricket stadium in Chonp village, Jaipur.
Vedanta’s Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan Cricket Association to build the world’s third-largest cricket stadium in Chonp village, Jaipur. This project involves an investment of INR 300 crore, making it one of the largest corporate investments in India’s sports infrastructure. The stadium will be named the Anil Agarwal International Cricket Stadium, Jaipur.
More About The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
The MoU was signed by Bhawani Shankar Samota, Honorary Secretary of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, and Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, in the presence of Dr. C.P. Joshi, Hon’ble Speaker of the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha and Chief Patron of RCA, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Ltd., and Vaibhav Gehlot, President of the Rajasthan Cricket Association.
Key Features of India’s 2nd largest cricket stadium:
Some of the features of the new stadium include its status as the world’s largest cricket playing field, with a seating capacity of 75,000, making it one of the biggest cricket stadiums globally and the second-largest in India.
The stadium will be spread over 100 acres (4,04,685 sqm) and will have the biggest playing area. It will also be easily accessible via the Delhi-Jaipur Express Highway.
Notably, it will also have the largest playing field area of any cricket stadium in the world.
The construction of the stadium will be completed in phases. The first phase will cost Rs. 400 crores, with a 40,000 capacity set to be completed by October 2023. Hindustan Zinc Limited will contribute Rs. 300 crores to the project, while the Rajasthan Cricket Association will provide the remaining Rs. 100 crores.
In addition to its seating capacity, the stadium will feature an indoor games facility, training centers for other sports, a clubhouse, and parking for 3,500 vehicles. HZL has also pledged support for the construction of the stadium’s second phase, which will have a seating capacity of 35,000.
The Anil Agarwal International Cricket Stadium will host both national and international matches, including games of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The stadium and its facilities are expected to contribute significantly to the development of Rajasthan as a major hub for cricket and other sports.
Defence Ministry inks deal worth over Rs 1,700 crore to boost critical weapon system production
The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth over Rs 1,700 crore with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for the procurement of Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries and BrahMos Missiles
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth over Rs 1,700 crore with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for the procurement of Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long range) (NGMMCB-LR) and BrahMos Missiles under the Buy (Indian) Category.
Delivery of NGMMCBs equipped with supersonic BrahMos Missiles is expected to start in 2027, and they will significantly improve the Indian Navy’s ability to carry out multi-directional maritime strikes.
What is BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL):
According to the Ministry of Defence, BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) is a joint venture between India and Russia that plays a vital role in developing the next generation surface-to-surface missile with increased range.
The partnership between the two countries has been instrumental in enhancing India’s defence capabilities and strengthening its strategic position.
Significance of This Contract:
This contract will provide a significant impetus to the domestic production of critical weapons systems and ammunition, with active participation from indigenous industries
The Ministry of Defence also mentioned that this project is expected to create more than 90,000 man-days of employment over a four-year period.
With the majority of the equipment and sub-systems being sourced from domestic manufacturers, these systems will serve as a symbol of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” or a self-reliant India.
India’s Fixed Broadband Market to Drive Communication Services Revenue Growth
India's Fixed Broadband Market to Grow at 6.4% CAGR, Driven by Fibre Broadband and Reliance Jio's Dominance
India’s Fixed Communication Services Predicted to Grow at 6.4% CAGR
A recent report by GlobalData suggests that the fixed communication services revenue of India is set to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%, with an estimated increase from $10.2 billion in 2022 to $13.9 billion in 2027. The growth will be mainly driven by the fixed broadband segment, which is predicted to see solid growth in broadband subscriptions, especially fibre broadband. The study also forecasts a decline in fixed voice services revenue, which is expected to drop at a CAGR of 1 per cent over 2022-2027. This is due to the decrease in circuit-switched subscriptions and a decline in fixed voice ARPU levels.
Fibre Broadband to Lead India’s Fixed Broadband Segment Growth
The report suggests that the demand for high-speed internet services and competitively priced fibre broadband plans will drive fibre broadband service adoption in India during the forecast period. GlobalData predicts that fibre optic lines will hold over 85 per cent of total broadband lines in 2027, supported by government investments in fibre network infrastructure and operators’ fibre-to-the-home service expansions. The report projects that there will be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% in fibre optic service revenue between the years 2022 and 2027.
Fixed Voice Services Revenue Expected to Decline in India
The report suggests that Reliance Jio is expected to remain at the forefront of the fixed broadband services market in India during the forecast period. The operator’s promotional offers on its broadband plans are expected to support its position as it leads in terms of subscription share. The report also indicates that operators include free voice minutes with their fixed bundled plans.
Reliance Jio to Dominate India’s Fixed Broadband Market
In conclusion, GlobalData’s India Fixed Communications Forecast (Q1 2023) predicts that the fixed communication services revenue in India will grow at a CAGR of 6.4 per cent from $10.2 billion in 2022 to $13.9 billion in 2027. The growth will be mainly driven by the fixed broadband segment, which is expected to see solid growth in broadband subscriptions, especially fibre broadband. However, fixed voice services revenue is predicted to decline over the same period. The report also predicts that fibre optic lines will hold over 85 per cent of total broadband lines in 2027, with Reliance Jio leading the country’s fixed broadband services market.