National Girl Child Day

It is marked on January 24 in order to raise awareness of the injustices that girls experience in Indian society, as well as the rights of girls and the value of their education, health, and nutrition. The day coincides with several government of India campaigns and programmes, such as Save the Girl Child and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

Objectives of National Girl Child Day

-National Girl Child Day is intended to raise awareness of the rights that girls possess, to provide them with equal opportunity to everyone else, to support the nation’s girl children, and to do away with gender-based prejudices, according to the Women and Child Development Ministry.

-Additionally, it asks for raising awareness of the injustices that female children experience and educating people on the importance of educating girls.

-According to the government, changing how society views girls, reducing female feticide, and raising awareness of the declining sex ratio are the key goals.

– to raise people’s awareness and give girl children in society new opportunities.

– To end all forms of discrimination against girls.

– To make sure that every girl child in the nation has access to all of her human rights, respect, and value.

– To educate individuals and work against gender inequality.

– To modify people’s perceptions of females as children and combat India’s declining child sex ratio.

– To raise public knowledge of the value and function of girls.

– To give girls rights and chances for improvement.

– To inform people about a girl’s diet and overall health.

– To grant them equal rights and the freedom to travel to any location inside the nation.

 

How is National Girl Child Day celebrated?

To honour Girl Child Day, a variety of activities are planned across the nation in order to advance social causes such as education, status, and equality. Additionally, the Indian government runs a number of programmes to raise public awareness of the issue of girl children in Indian society. The Government of India draws attention to the issues and disparities affecting girls through this campaign. The government runs several advertising with the slogan “Save the Girl Child” across TV channels, regional newspapers, and radio stations. Even non-governmental organisations (NGOs) participate in the event and raise awareness among the public on how to treat and educate girl children equally.

government schemes for girls 

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

This programme, launched by the BJP-led NDA government in January 2015, intends to lower the CSR (Child Sex Ratio) and offer equal educational opportunities. The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Human Resources Development are working together on this project. A 100 crore rupee initial investment was made in the programme.

Sukanya Samridhhi Yojana

This government-sponsored programme aids parents in starting early savings for the girl child’s education and marriage. When the account is opened, the girl child must be younger than 10 years old. The account may continue to be active until the girl turns 21. This small savings plan can be opened at specified commercial and public banks as well as post offices. As joint account holders, the baby girl’s parents or legal guardians can open it as a savings account in her name. The initial outlay can range from as little as Rs 250 to as much as Rs 150,000. With a balance of at least Rs 1,000, the government offers an interest rate of 8.5%.

National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education

This programme attempts to encourage girls between the ages of 14 and 18 to enrol in secondary school. In May 2008, a centrally-sponsored programme was introduced. A deposit of Rs 3,000 is made as an FD in the qualifying girls’ names under this programme. When the daughter turns 18 or when she passes her class 10 exam, she can withdraw the money.


Amid decline in China’s construction sector, India emerges as ‘saviour’ for global steel demand, says report

India has emerged as a saviour for the sagging global steel demand with China’s enormous construction sector still in a funk and the US and Europe probably heading into recessions.

India is experiencing a building boom and is on track to surpass China as the world’s most populated nation by the end of the year. In an effort to compete with China as a manufacturing hub, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attempting to revamp the roadways, rail systems, and ports.

According to the World Steel Association, this will result in a 6.7% increase in steel demand, reaching over 120 million tonnes in 2023, the greatest growth rate among large nations. This year, India experienced similar growth and surpassed the US to overtake China as the world’s second-largest user of steel.

The biggest producer in the country, JSW Steel Ltd., stated that “the nation-building phase of any economy demands a lot of steel and commodities.” According to him, India is currently moving through that phase, which might increase its steel demand to more than 200 million tonnes by 2030.

Amid decline in China's construction sector, India emerges as 'saviour' for global steel demand, says report

India has emerged as a saviour for the sagging global steel demand with China’s enormous construction sector still in a funk and the US and Europe probably heading into recessions.

India is experiencing a building boom and is on track to surpass China as the world’s most populated nation by the end of the year. In an effort to compete with China as a manufacturing hub, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attempting to revamp the roadways, rail systems, and ports.

According to the World Steel Association, this will result in a 6.7% increase in steel demand, reaching over 120 million tonnes in 2023, the greatest growth rate among large nations. This year, India experienced similar growth and surpassed the US to overtake China as the world’s second-largest user of steel.

The biggest producer in the country, JSW Steel Ltd., stated that “the nation-building phase of any economy demands a lot of steel and commodities.” According to him, India is currently moving through that phase, which might increase its steel demand to more than 200 million tonnes by 2030.

USB type – C will be available in all laptops and smartphones

Electronic devices are back in demand. They can get huge profits from various companies. Consumers are now trying to utilize the various benefits of technological advancements. As a result, many companies are trying to find out ways that can reduce electronic waste.

The waste that is getting generated due to rapid technological change is creating problems for the environment. Electronic devices are getting older and obsolete very quickly. This is creating problems for people also. They need to buy new devices now and then. The worst situation is in the case of the accessories. Things like chargers are the worst hit. There are various types of chargers for different types of electronic devices. This creates a lot of problems for the environment and the public.

But to reduce this issue, the government is discussing following the footsteps of the European Union. The European Union EU decided earlier this year that there will be a USB type – C charging feature for all consumer electronic devices like laptops and mobile phones. It will reduce electronic waste and will also enable people to charge any device using the same cable. 

Now, this step has been directed to all consumer electronic device manufacturers. They have been given a deadline of December 28, 2024. The Indian government is also planning to set the same deadline for the companies in India. It will give some relaxation to the companies to reset the systems for the manufacturing of their devices. Other than that, there will also require some planning in terms of the devices that will be exported to other countries.

https://unsplash.com/photos/4xMAiJZPQXI

Now, the biggest problem, in this case, will be Apple. It is because Apple is the only company which has not been able to provide the USB type – C charging option in its iPhones, which is the major seller. It says that if it does so, then there will be a huge amount of waste because people will then throw away their lightning cables, which will be bad for the environment.

On the other hand, all the Android manufacturers are almost transitioned to USB type – C charging features. It also enables their device to have a faster-charging speed which is not possible in micro-USB cable after a certain extent. Another advantage of USB type – C cable is the ease of use. 

Now, these changes will make sure that there will also be further fewer accessories in the electronic packaging. Just like the phase we are facing right now, in which companies are slowly removing the chargers from their package. But there will be phased implementation of this plan in India. It will enable the users to transition to the new norms smoothly. 

These changes will pave the way for a universal experience for the users. The new rules will also enable that the devices in the future like smartphones and laptops will become more compatible with the advancement that is being implemented in charging technology. These changes will slowly reduce some pressure from the environment also.  

What is ‘Vostro’ account, initiated by RBI to facilitate smoother trade.

Vostro accounts are accounts a bank holds on behalf of another, often foreign bank, and this forms a key part of correspondent banking.’

In July 2022, the Reserve Bank of India introduced a new mechanism for international trade settlements in rupees, aiming to promote exports and facilitate imports.

Rupee Vostro Accounts keep a foreign entity’s holdings in the Indian bank, in Indian rupees. When an Indian importer wants to make a payment to a foreign trader in rupees, the amount will be credited to this Vostro account, and when an Indian exporter needs to be paid for supplying goods or services, this Vostro account will be deducted, and the amount will be credited to the exporter’s account.

“The banks are acting in a fiduciary relationship and they share a principal-agent relationship. The correspondent foreign bank is a financial intermediary in the transactions that they are involved in. The foreign bank acts as an agent that provides services such as executing wire transfers, performing foreign exchange, enabling deposits, enabling withdrawals, expediting international trade on behalf of the domestic bank. It is most used in settlement of foreign exchanges or foreign trade. No interest will be paid on the vostro account maintained, as per the directives that have been issued by the RBI in India. An overdraft facility can only be availed if it is specifically sanctioned,” explained tax experts at Clear.

“In order to promote growth of global trade with emphasis on exports from India and to support the increasing interest of global trading community in INR, it has been decided to put in place an additional arrangement for invoicing, payment, and settlement of exports / imports in INR,” the RBI had said in a statement.

What is 'Vostro' account, initiated by RBI to facilitate smoother trade.

Vostro accounts are accounts a bank holds on behalf of another, often foreign bank, and this forms a key part of correspondent banking.’

In July 2022, the Reserve Bank of India introduced a new mechanism for international trade settlements in rupees, aiming to promote exports and facilitate imports.

Rupee Vostro Accounts keep a foreign entity’s holdings in the Indian bank, in Indian rupees. When an Indian importer wants to make a payment to a foreign trader in rupees, the amount will be credited to this Vostro account, and when an Indian exporter needs to be paid for supplying goods or services, this Vostro account will be deducted, and the amount will be credited to the exporter’s account.

“The banks are acting in a fiduciary relationship and they share a principal-agent relationship. The correspondent foreign bank is a financial intermediary in the transactions that they are involved in. The foreign bank acts as an agent that provides services such as executing wire transfers, performing foreign exchange, enabling deposits, enabling withdrawals, expediting international trade on behalf of the domestic bank. It is most used in settlement of foreign exchanges or foreign trade. No interest will be paid on the vostro account maintained, as per the directives that have been issued by the RBI in India. An overdraft facility can only be availed if it is specifically sanctioned,” explained tax experts at Clear.

“In order to promote growth of global trade with emphasis on exports from India and to support the increasing interest of global trading community in INR, it has been decided to put in place an additional arrangement for invoicing, payment, and settlement of exports / imports in INR,” the RBI had said in a statement.

Medical Experts suggests of second covid booster dose amid rising concern.

In a meeting with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, doctors of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) suggested allowing people to take another booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. If approved, this would be the second booster dose, with the first one having been approved in early 2022. The meeting was held virtually between doctors, health experts, and the Union Health Minister on 26th dec to discuss preparedness as the apprehension of another COVID-19 wave seeps through the country.

In the meeting, the doctors stressed on the fact that despite the many efforts by the health system, only a small proportion of the population got their booster dose. Dr. Sahajanand Prashad Singh, President of IMA, said that only 30 percent of the population is covered with booster doses. He urged the Health Minister to take the necessary actions to vaccinate the maximum population with booster doses.

Medical Experts suggests of second covid booster dose amid rising concern.

In a meeting with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, doctors of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) suggested allowing people to take another booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. If approved, this would be the second booster dose, with the first one having been approved in early 2022. The meeting was held virtually between doctors, health experts, and the Union Health Minister on 26th dec to discuss preparedness as the apprehension of another COVID-19 wave seeps through the country.

In the meeting, the doctors stressed on the fact that despite the many efforts by the health system, only a small proportion of the population got their booster dose. Dr. Sahajanand Prashad Singh, President of IMA, said that only 30 percent of the population is covered with booster doses. He urged the Health Minister to take the necessary actions to vaccinate the maximum population with booster doses.

Electric two-wheelers are getting the push for support

The electric two-wheeler market is one of the fastest-growing markets in our country. This segment is also gaining popularity among the public in a rapid manner. The large number of companies that are currently providing options in this segment are trying their level best to attract more customers to his segment.

But due to some glitches, the segment has been under the scanner for some time now. There have been cases recently that involved some two-wheelers burning up right after coming out of the showroom. So, to make the segment better in terms of quality, the government has released some new rules which need to be followed by the manufacturers. The new features can improve the user experience and can also ensure that the vehicles are safer for general users.

There have been rising concerns regarding the environmental damage that general vehicles are causing. This has caused the general public to steer away from fossil fuels. As a result, electric vehicles are getting more attention. The other reason has been the fewer emissions that electric two-wheelers have. They do not pollute the environment with smoke and keep the environment clean. 

As a plus point, there has been also an increase in the number of charging stations all over the country. There were 1000 charging stations all over the country. Currently, there are around 2000 charging stations. There have also been incentives from the government for EVs and all the other equipment related to it. The equipment includes chargers/ charging stations and the parts that are used in the manufacturing of an electric two-wheeler. 

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But some hurdles need some treatment. The hurdles are like involving the real-estate tycoons to enable the charging options in their skyscrapers. There is also a requirement for charging stations in the residential complexes as well as in the commercial complexes in the parking areas. This will enable more people to adopt electric vehicles in the future.

Now, after looking at all of the above points it is evident that electric vehicles are the future. But the hurdles are still there. There still needs to be some changes in the system that is controlling the entire electric vehicle field. For example, we will be able to see electric two-wheelers that will be fireproof.

There are also some recent efforts from the governments in different states and even the central government. The efforts have resulted in more use of electric public transport vehicles in different cities. The vehicles like electric buses and even the Indian Railways are now trying to promote more use of electric vehicles for transport. This will in turn help in improving the quality f the air that we breathe in. 

In the end, there are several other campaigns like Switch Delhi that are trying to attract people towards electric vehicles. This will ensure that the capital of our country remains clean and safe for living in the future.  So, the various efforts will surely help in reducing global warming which is creating several problems like untimely natural calamities and even the disruption of the natural season cycle in nature. Also, people need to support such initiatives and help the government in making more such efforts to allow electric vehicles to rule our roads. 

How the climate adversities hit India in 2022.

The year 2022 saw several extreme weather events all over the world due to climate emergency. These events are expected to increase if the effects of climate change are not mitigated.

Vulnerable countries also geared up this year for a renewed battle over compensation for the growing hazards of global warming from richer countries, also known as loss and damage, at the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).

There is more evidence of the worsening impact of global warming on the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) that straddles eastern Pakistan, northern India, southern Nepal and the whole of Bangladesh. 

A loss and damage fund was created at the COP27, focusing on particularly vulnerable countries. But questions remain about who is eligible to receive money and who has to pay it.

Every state and Union territory (UT) reported dengue cases till November 2022. The increasing burden of dengue has often been linked with climate change, among other factors. India recorded 63,280 dengue cases as of September 30, 2022. 

The average global surface temperature January-December 2021 was the sixth highest since global records began in 1880.

How the climate adversities hit India in 2022.

The year 2022 saw several extreme weather events all over the world due to climate emergency. These events are expected to increase if the effects of climate change are not mitigated.

Vulnerable countries also geared up this year for a renewed battle over compensation for the growing hazards of global warming from richer countries, also known as loss and damage, at the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).

There is more evidence of the worsening impact of global warming on the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) that straddles eastern Pakistan, northern India, southern Nepal and the whole of Bangladesh. 

A loss and damage fund was created at the COP27, focusing on particularly vulnerable countries. But questions remain about who is eligible to receive money and who has to pay it.

Every state and Union territory (UT) reported dengue cases till November 2022. The increasing burden of dengue has often been linked with climate change, among other factors. India recorded 63,280 dengue cases as of September 30, 2022. 

The average global surface temperature January-December 2021 was the sixth highest since global records began in 1880.

Global Economy is headed for a recession in 2023, says researcher.

The world faces a recession in 2023 higher borrowing costs aimed at tackling inflation cause a number of economies to contract, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research.


The global economy surpassed $100 trillion for the first time in 2022 but will stall in 2023 as policy makers continue their fight against soaring prices, the British consultancy said in its annual World Economic League Table.

The report added that, “The battle against inflation is not won yet. We expect central bankers to stick to their guns in 2023 despite the economic costs. The cost of bringing inflation down to more comfortable levels is a poorer growth outlook for a number of years to come.”

The findings are more pessimistic than the latest forecast from the International Monetary Fund. That institution warned in October that more than a third of the world economy will contract and there is a 25% chance of global GDP growing by less than 2% in 2023, which it defines as a global recession.

“The consequences of economic warfare between China and the West would be several times more severe than what we have seen following Russia’s attack on Ukraine. There would almost certainly be quite a sharp world recession and a resurgence of inflation,” CEBR said.

Global Economy is headed for a recession in 2023, says researcher.

The world faces a recession in 2023 higher borrowing costs aimed at tackling inflation cause a number of economies to contract, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research.

The global economy surpassed $100 trillion for the first time in 2022 but will stall in 2023 as policy makers continue their fight against soaring prices, the British consultancy said in its annual World Economic League Table.

The report added that, “The battle against inflation is not won yet. We expect central bankers to stick to their guns in 2023 despite the economic costs. The cost of bringing inflation down to more comfortable levels is a poorer growth outlook for a number of years to come.”

The findings are more pessimistic than the latest forecast from the International Monetary Fund. That institution warned in October that more than a third of the world economy will contract and there is a 25% chance of global GDP growing by less than 2% in 2023, which it defines as a global recession.

“The consequences of economic warfare between China and the West would be several times more severe than what we have seen following Russia’s attack on Ukraine. There would almost certainly be quite a sharp world recession and a resurgence of inflation,” CEBR said.

Most favourite spritual destination, report by OYO.

Northern India has emerged as the most favoured spiritual travel destination followed by Southern, Western and Eastern regions in the country, reveals OYO Cultural Travel 2022 Roundup Report by global hospitality chain OYO.

Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi, which is also one of the oldest cities in the world, emerged as the top religious destination for bookers across India. This was followed by Tirupati, Puri, Amritsar and Haridwar, as per the report.

In the North zone, Varanasi emerged as the most popular destination due to its favored status among Hindus and Buddhists. This was followed by Prayagraj, Amritsar, Haridwar, Katra, and Rishikesh.

The cultural cities of Vijayawada, Mysore, Tirupati, Madurai and Vellore were most favored in South India. In the West zone, Shirdi received the maximum traction from travellers followed by Mahabaleshwar, Nashik, Ujjain, and Pushkar. Goa, which has always been a popular tourist spot, was the most favoured destinations in East India, along with Puri.