19th January, 2022 Current Affairs
Sakshi Education
NATIONAL
59,000 metric tonnes of biomass co-fired in coal fired Thermal power plants
- Around 59,000 metric tonnes of biomass co-fired in coal-based thermal power plants across the country to reduce stubble burning and to reduce carbon footprint of Thermal Power Plants.
- Power Ministry has said that 21 thousand metric tonnes biomass co-fired in the NCR region only. It said, tenders for 12 million metric tonnes are at different stages.
- The government has taken various proactive steps under National Mission on Use of Biomass in Thermal Power Plants. The agro-residue biomass earlier considered as a waste product has now begun to produce zero-carbon electricity. With the use of biomass in the power plants, farmers are getting additional income.
NHRC issues advisory to Centre, States/UTs for welfare of leprosy-affected persons
- National Human Rights Commission, NHRC has issued a detailed Advisory to the Centre, States and Union Territories for the welfare of persons affected by leprosy.
- In the Advisory, NHRC has called for the removal of discriminatory legal provisions in over 90 laws in a time bound manner. It has also recommended that the state government should establish a helpline to ensure prompt reporting and medical attention, and provide and expand mobile based tele-consultation services for persons affected by leprosy.
- In the advisory, NHRC has recommended that union and state governments should create awareness that leprosy is fully curable.
- It said that awareness should be created that a person suffering from leprosy no longer remains contagious after receipt of first dose of MDT and may lead a normal married life, can have children, can take part in social events and go to work, school and college as normal.
- NHRC has said that awareness program should also highlight that persons affected by leprosy are not required to be sent to any special clinic or hospital or sanatorium and should not be isolated from the family and community.
- The Commission has recommended that the same should be included in school curriculum to enhance sensitization of youth.
- The Commission has also called for launch of special programs to provide vocational training, employment benefit, unemployment benefits, parental leave, health insurance and funeral benefits to the persons affected by leprosy and their family members. NHRC has recommended that state governments should provide due attention to ensure that persons affected by leprosy are provided with BPL card, Aadhar card, Job card and other identity proofs on priority.
- The Commission has asked all concerned authorities to implement the recommendations in the advisory and submit an action taken report within three months.
APPOINTMENTS
Shashank Goel appointed as Additional Secretary in Labor and Employment Ministry
- Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shashank Goel, IAS of 90 batch as Additional Secretary in Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- Shailesh Kumar Singh, IAS of 91 batch has been appointed as Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
- Manish Kumar Gupta who is presently Principal Commissioner, Delhi Development Authority, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has been appointed as Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority in the rank of Additional Secretary.
- Chanchal Kumar, lAS of 92 batch has been appointed as Managing Director, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
INTERNATIONAL
Roberta Metsola becomes EU Parliament’s new president
- EU lawmakers have chosen centre-right Maltese lawmaker Roberta Metsola, as only the third woman to head the European Parliament, despite controversy over her anti-abortion stance.
- Metsola - a member of the largest bloc, the European People’s Party won a large majority with 458 votes to become the third woman to head the chamber after a deal between the leading political groupings.
- Elected on the day she turns 43, the politician from the European Union's smallest nation becomes the youngest president ever to run the chamber. She takes over at a time of mourning for the legislature as it marks the sudden death last week of its speaker David Sassoli.
- Metsola was eventually elected as an MEP on her third try, in 2013, on the ticket of Malta's Nationalist Party.
Germany signals it could halt gas pipeline if Russia invades Ukraine
- Antagonism between Ukraine and Russia has been simmering rapidly.
- Now Germany has signaled that it could halt the Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia if Moscow invades Ukraine, and Western nations rallied behind Kyiv over a Russian troop buildup that has stoked fears of war.
- According to an agency report, Britain had already begun supplying Ukraine with anti-tank weapons.
- Stepping up diplomacy after talks with Russia ended in stalemate last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinkenwill will visit Kyiv. Afterward, he will be heading to Berlin to discuss joint efforts to deter further Russian aggression against Ukraine with German, British, and French officials.
- Canada’s foreign minister visited Ukraine, and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock held talks in Moscow and Kyiv to try to ease tensions.
ORBITUORY
Vice President expresses sadness at demise of renowned cartoonist Narayan Debnath
- Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has expressed sadness at the demise of renowned cartoonist Narayan Debnath.
- Mr. Naidu said that Narayan Debnath will always be remembered for his creative illustrations and engaging writings over many decades.
- The Vice President said that his timeless work will continue to inspire artists in the times to come.
SPORTS
India set to host football AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 from 20th Jan
- India is all set to host the football AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 from Thursday.
- Addressing a virtual press conference, AIFF President Praful Patel said, the tournament will help in building women's football in India.
- He said, all the preparations for the tournament are in place and we are in complete readiness to host it. This is a very special tournament because women's football is gaining a lot of ground in Asia, and particularly in India, he added.
- The tournament, which will be held in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune, will witness 12 teams competing for the trophy. The AFC Women's Asian Cup India will also be the final stage of Asian qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
- Mr. Patel said, we will follow the strictest of covid protocols. Hailing the government of India for giving exemplary support, he added that we are very proud and happy that India has been chosen as the host for this tournament and for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India in October.
- The 12 teams at the 20th edition of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India have been divided into three groups. Group A includes India, China PR, Chinese Taipei, and IR Iran, while Group B includes Australia, Thailand, Philippines, and Indonesia. Japan, Korea Republic, Vietnam, and Myanmar have been slotted in Group C.
Athletes warned against speaking up on human rights at Beijing Olympics
- Athletes travelling to next month's Beijing Olympics have been warned about speaking up on human rights issues while in China.
- At a seminar organized by Human Rights Watch, athletes were asked to do so for their own safety.
- It is pertinent to note that Rights groups have long criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for awarding the Games to China.
- Right Groups have continuously condemned the treatment of the Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups by the Chinese government.
- Even though United States has deemed it genocide, the Chinese government denies the allegations of human rights abuses.
Published date : 19 Jan 2022 06:20PM