Month: December 2022

National Youth Day

India observes National Youth Day on January 12 each year to mark the centennial festivities of Swami Vivekananda, one of the greatest philosophers and religious figures of all time. Since Swami Vivekananda made significant contributions to leading the nation and society down a new and rising route, his thoughts have served as a driving force for our nation. He had a strong belief in youth’s potential and was a devoted devotee of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

Swami Vivekananda significantly influenced the modernization and inspiration of Hinduism and philosophical views. His birthday is also recognised as National Youth Day in the nation since he served as an example for young people.

Swami Vivekananda’s birthday is commemorated on National Youth Day. He was a philosopher, social reformer, and thinker. The primary goal of the festival is to spread Swami Vivekananda’s ideology and the principles for which he lived and worked. He undoubtedly served as a major inspiration for the entire Indian National Youth. Numerous events are planned in schools, colleges, and other venues across the nation.

National Youth Day: History

The Indian government originally proclaimed January 12 as National Youth Day in 1984, the year Swami Vivekananda was born. Since that time, the day is recognised nationwide as National Youth Day. The government’s major goal is to improve the future of the nation by inspiring young people to live by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda. It is a fantastic approach to harness the youth’s boundless energy and help the nation advance.

Several Indian states hold a variety of celebrations, each one distinct, to honour this day. For instance, a two-day event called “Mission Bhartiyam” and “Basti Yuvo Mahotsav” is organised in Uttar Pradesh to inform and motivate India’s youth.

In contrast, India holds a National Youth Day where people from all around the nation participate in various educational and cultural events that encourage racial harmony and peace.

In addition, the Ramakrishna Math and Mission holds a significant celebration of National Youth Day. Among other things, Swami Vivekananda’s committed followers meditate, organise spiritual events, and offer nightly prayers.

National Youth Day 2023 Activities

Yuva Diwas, also known as National Youth Day, is extensively observed across the nation. Schools provide a range of activities on that day to help pupils be ready for life in India in the future, including debate, group discussions on national issues, essay writing, and sports competitions.

Also organised are blood donor camps, in which volunteers take part. Students are motivated by these competitions to work for the nation and learn about national figures like Swami Vivekanand Ji.

Organizations like Ramakrishna Math and other missions celebrate this day by promoting Swami Vivekananda, the great saint, and his principles.

1. Show Appreciation to a Young Person

The world frequently revolves around adults, yet National Youth Day may be the ideal opportunity to express your appreciation for a young person. Show them how much you care for them and let them know how amazing it is that they are succeeding in life now and shaping the future. Give them inspiration to keep going forward by praising their positive traits.

2. Volunteer on National Youth Day

Participating in a charity that supports and assists young people in overcoming obstacles is a wonderful way to honour National Youth Day. Non-profit groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boys & Girls Club of America, YMCA, and First Place for Youth frequently want volunteers to assist with tutoring, programming, or just spending time with children that require a little extra care. Volunteer opportunities for community members may also be available at nearby schools.

3. Host a National Youth Day Event

An event in commemoration of National Youth Day can be hosted by parents, educators, and youth leaders. Perhaps hold an awards ceremony for exceptional achievements for a group of unique young people at their school. Or simply throw a little celebration with food and entertainment as a special school assembly to honour the occasion and show kids how much you care.


Which is the most favourite beach destination for Indians?see report.

A new search report from US-based vacation rental firm Airbnb reveals that for domestic travellers, Kerala is a more popular beach destination than Goa, apart from the hills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as the North-Eastern regions.

Under these categories, Airbnb saw over 375 percent increase in searches for Kerala from Q3 2021 to Q3 2022, followed by Goa (almost 275 percent increase in searches) and Pondicherry (over 200 percent increase).

The report, which compared search data from Q3 2021 to Q3 2022, also stated that hill stations of Uttarakhand witnessed over 100 percent increase in searches, while Himachal Pradesh saw over 50 percent rise in the same period.

More importantly, the North Eastern region has proved to be a trending destination among travellers. Airbnb’s search data showed an increase of over 450 percent in searches for stays in Meghalaya, over 400 percent increase in searches for Assam, and almost 300 percent increase in searches for Nagaland from Q3 2021 to Q-3 2022.

Which is the most favourite beach destination for Indians?see report.

A new search report from US-based vacation rental firm Airbnb reveals that for domestic travellers, Kerala is a more popular beach destination than Goa, apart from the hills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as the North-Eastern regions.

Under these categories, Airbnb saw over 375 percent increase in searches for Kerala from Q3 2021 to Q3 2022, followed by Goa (almost 275 percent increase in searches) and Pondicherry (over 200 percent increase).

The report, which compared search data from Q3 2021 to Q3 2022, also stated that hill stations of Uttarakhand witnessed over 100 percent increase in searches, while Himachal Pradesh saw over 50 percent rise in the same period.

More importantly, the North Eastern region has proved to be a trending destination among travellers. Airbnb’s search data showed an increase of over 450 percent in searches for stays in Meghalaya, over 400 percent increase in searches for Assam, and almost 300 percent increase in searches for Nagaland from Q3 2021 to Q-3 2022.

‘Right to repair’ portal launched to handle repair related issues among consumers.

Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday introduced a host of new initiatives, including a right to repair portal and an NTH mobile app and opened new premises of the National Consumer Helpline centre in the national capital.

On the ‘right to repair’ portal, manufacturers will share the manual of product details with customers so that they can either repair by self, by third parties, rather than depend on original manufacturers. Initially, mobile phones, electronic, consumer durables, automobile and farming equipments will be covered.

Speaking on the theme “Effective disposal of cases in consumer commission” on the occasion of National Consumer Day, Mr. Goyal lauded the consumer commissions for disposing of higher number of pending cases in last six months and expressed confidence of eliminating the backlog of cases across the country.

“In a short span of six months, we have doubled disposal of pending cases. About 90,000 pending cases were disposed (between July and November this year),” he said. About 38,000 pending cases were disposed of by consumer courts in the year-earlier period.

'Right to repair' portal launched to handle repair related issues among consumers.

Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday introduced a host of new initiatives, including a right to repair portal and an NTH mobile app and opened new premises of the National Consumer Helpline centre in the national capital.

On the ‘right to repair’ portal, manufacturers will share the manual of product details with customers so that they can either repair by self, by third parties, rather than depend on original manufacturers. Initially, mobile phones, electronic, consumer durables, automobile and farming equipments will be covered.

Speaking on the theme “Effective disposal of cases in consumer commission” on the occasion of National Consumer Day, Mr. Goyal lauded the consumer commissions for disposing of higher number of pending cases in last six months and expressed confidence of eliminating the backlog of cases across the country.

“In a short span of six months, we have doubled disposal of pending cases. About 90,000 pending cases were disposed (between July and November this year),” he said. About 38,000 pending cases were disposed of by consumer courts in the year-earlier period.

Center to introduce Bhagavad Gita in NCERT syllabus.

On Monday, 19 December, the Centre informed the Lok Sabha that the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) should include Shlokas from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and knowledge from Vedas in textbooks in Sanskrit from classes 11th to 12th. Besides, references from Bhagavadgita should be incorporated in NCERT textbooks of classes 6th to 7th. 

Annapurna Devi, Minister of State for Education, stated in a written response that the ministry formed the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Division in the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in 2020 with the goal of promoting interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary research on all facets of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), preserving and disseminating IKS knowledge for further research and societal applications.

Minister Devi stated that NCERT has begun the development of National Curriculum Frameworks (NCF) where inputs from various ministries, departments, states, and union territories are invited from grass root levels. 

She added that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2022, paragraph 4.27, refers to Indian traditional knowledge that is both sustainable and strives for the welfare of all. She also laid emphasis on teaching the world the “Indian way of doing things.”

Center to introduce Bhagavad Gita in NCERT syllabus.

On Monday, 19 December, the Centre informed the Lok Sabha that the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) should include Shlokas from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and knowledge from Vedas in textbooks in Sanskrit from classes 11th to 12th. Besides, references from Bhagavadgita should be incorporated in NCERT textbooks of classes 6th to 7th. 

Annapurna Devi, Minister of State for Education, stated in a written response that the ministry formed the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Division in the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in 2020 with the goal of promoting interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary research on all facets of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), preserving and disseminating IKS knowledge for further research and societal applications.

Minister Devi stated that NCERT has begun the development of National Curriculum Frameworks (NCF) where inputs from various ministries, departments, states, and union territories are invited from grass root levels. 

She added that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2022, paragraph 4.27, refers to Indian traditional knowledge that is both sustainable and strives for the welfare of all. She also laid emphasis on teaching the world the “Indian way of doing things.”

Nation to hold mock drill for covid emergency responses.

During a virtual meeting with health ministers and senior officials of states in view of the recent surge in coronavirus cases in some parts of the world, he said, “The Centre and states need to work in tandem and in a collaborative spirit as was done during the previous surges for Covid prevention and management.”

“A mock drill for an emergency response to deal with Covid 9 cases will be conducted at hospitals across the country on Tuesday, 27th December, the Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya will also be participating in the Mock drill,” official sources told ANI.The mock drill is being conducted amid fear of a Covid surge in the country in the wake of a spurt of Covid cases reported in China and other countries. The Union Ministry in India has started taking several proactive steps in this direction.

According to officials, travel guidelines have been revised and issued. 2% random screening of international passengers to be re-initiated from Saturday, December 24, the random screening charges will be charged to the passengers.

Nation to hold mock drill for covid emergency responses.

During a virtual meeting with health ministers and senior officials of states in view of the recent surge in coronavirus cases in some parts of the world, he said, “The Centre and states need to work in tandem and in a collaborative spirit as was done during the previous surges for Covid prevention and management.”

“A mock drill for an emergency response to deal with Covid 9 cases will be conducted at hospitals across the country on Tuesday, 27th December, the Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya will also be participating in the Mock drill,” official sources told ANI.The mock drill is being conducted amid fear of a Covid surge in the country in the wake of a spurt of Covid cases reported in China and other countries. The Union Ministry in India has started taking several proactive steps in this direction.

According to officials, travel guidelines have been revised and issued. 2% random screening of international passengers to be re-initiated from Saturday, December 24, the random screening charges will be charged to the passengers.

India doubled its steel production capacity in the past 8 years, to become world 2nd largest steel producing country.

India’s steel production has reached a historic level of 120 million tonnes per year making it the world’s second-largest producer of Steel, the government informed the Rajya Sabha.

Steel Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India intends to double its steel production to 300 million tonnes per annum by 2030.

“There has been a doubling in the last eight years of steel production in the country, which has been historic and which is why we have become the second largest steel producer in the world today,” he informed the Rajya Sabha during question hour.

The minister informed that steel production in the country has increased at a historic level. In 2013-14, we had only close to about 60 million tonnes per annum production of steel, we are today at 120 million tonnes,” he said.

India doubled its steel production capacity in the past 8 years, to become world 2nd largest steel producing country.

India’s steel production has reached a historic level of 120 million tonnes per year making it the world’s second-largest producer of Steel, the government informed the Rajya Sabha.

Steel Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India intends to double its steel production to 300 million tonnes per annum by 2030.

“There has been a doubling in the last eight years of steel production in the country, which has been historic and which is why we have become the second largest steel producer in the world today,” he informed the Rajya Sabha during question hour.

The minister informed that steel production in the country has increased at a historic level. In 2013-14, we had only close to about 60 million tonnes per annum production of steel, we are today at 120 million tonnes,” he said.

Health minister holds a meeting today on covid rising concern.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya today reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the country in view of a sudden spurt in cases in some parts of the world, and directed officials to be alert and strengthen surveillance. “Use a mask if you are in a crowded space, indoors or outdoors. This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or are of higher age,” he said. “Only 27-28% of people have taken precaution dose. We appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take precaution dose. Precaution dose is mandated and guided to everyone.”

In view of the rise in cases in Japan, the United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China the Union Health Ministry, urged all states and Union territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples of Covid to keep track of emerging variants.

In India, more than 220 crore vaccination doses have been administered, including booster shots. Many got reinfected or have already been exposed to omicron, its sub-variants, and sub-lineages. As a result, many Indians have developed ‘hybrid immunity’ or ‘super immunity’, due to a combination of extensive vaccination and natural infection. Nevertheless, in view of the sudden spurt of cases abroad, the government is reviewing the situation and has directed all relevant agencies to be alert.

Health minister holds a meeting today on covid rising concern.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya today reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the country in view of a sudden spurt in cases in some parts of the world, and directed officials to be alert and strengthen surveillance. “Use a mask if you are in a crowded space, indoors or outdoors. This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or are of higher age,” he said. “Only 27-28% of people have taken precaution dose. We appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take precaution dose. Precaution dose is mandated and guided to everyone.”

In view of the rise in cases in Japan, the United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China the Union Health Ministry, urged all states and Union territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples of Covid to keep track of emerging variants.

In India, more than 220 crore vaccination doses have been administered, including booster shots. Many got reinfected or have already been exposed to omicron, its sub-variants, and sub-lineages. As a result, many Indians have developed ‘hybrid immunity’ or ‘super immunity’, due to a combination of extensive vaccination and natural infection. Nevertheless, in view of the sudden spurt of cases abroad, the government is reviewing the situation and has directed all relevant agencies to be alert.

Central Government raised more than 4 lakh crore trough disinvestment since 2014.

The government raised over Rs4.04 lakh crore through disinvestment and strategic sale of public-sector enterprises (PSEs) since the Modi government came into power in 2014, the Finance Ministry said on 20 decm.

Of this, the largest amount totalling over Rs1.07 lakh crore through offer for sale in 59 cases. This was followed by a stake sale through Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) in 10 tranches, aggregating to Rs98,949 crore. Strategic sales in 10 companies, including Air India, yielded Rs69,412 crore to the exchequer in the last 8 years. Share buyback in 45 cases fetched Rs45,104 crore.

17 CPSEs were listed since 2014-15, which yielded Rs50,386 crore. Of this, the initial public offering (IPO) of LIC alone fetched the government Rs20,516 crore. The additional market capitalisation of Rs7.31 lakh crore was achieved through new listings, the ministry said. Besides, the government has sold its residual stake in Paradeep Phosphate Ltd, IPCL, and Tata Communication for Rs472 crore, Rs219 crore and Rs8,847 crore, respectively. 

Central Government raised more than 4 lakh crore trough disinvestment since 2014.

The government raised over Rs4.04 lakh crore through disinvestment and strategic sale of public-sector enterprises (PSEs) since the Modi government came into power in 2014, the Finance Ministry said on 20 decm.

Of this, the largest amount totalling over Rs1.07 lakh crore through offer for sale in 59 cases. This was followed by a stake sale through Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) in 10 tranches, aggregating to Rs98,949 crore. Strategic sales in 10 companies, including Air India, yielded Rs69,412 crore to the exchequer in the last 8 years. Share buyback in 45 cases fetched Rs45,104 crore.

17 CPSEs were listed since 2014-15, which yielded Rs50,386 crore. Of this, the initial public offering (IPO) of LIC alone fetched the government Rs20,516 crore. The additional market capitalisation of Rs7.31 lakh crore was achieved through new listings, the ministry said. Besides, the government has sold its residual stake in Paradeep Phosphate Ltd, IPCL, and Tata Communication for Rs472 crore, Rs219 crore and Rs8,847 crore, respectively.