[Newsbits] 18-20.02.2024 – Bima Sugam, Sominsai Festival, ANUVADINI & more

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/ Languages of India
Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill 2024
Recent News
Tabled in Karnataka Assembly
Seeks to amend 2022 Act
When
Tabled on February 14, 2024
Why
Promote Kannada language
Strengthen previous Acts
What
Mandatory Kannada usage
60% text on name boards
In upper half of boards
Applicable to
Business and industrial establishments
Shops, trusts, counseling centers
Hospitals, laboratories, amusement centers
Official appointments
Director, Directorate of Kannada and Culture
Secretary, Kannada Development Authority
Definition of Kannadiga
Parents in Karnataka for 15 years
Able to read and write Kannada
Education and Employment
Kannada in higher education
Technical courses inclusion
Reservation in higher education
For Kannada medium students
Karnataka Industrial Policy 2020-25
70% reservation for Kannadigas
100% for Group D employees
Non-compliance penalties
Denial of land concessions
Tax rebates withdrawal
Official Language Commission
Enforcement at state, district, taluk levels
Kannada in courts and tribunals
Information Technology services inclusion
Fines for non-compliance
Rs 5,000 first offence
Rs 10,000 second offence
Rs 20,000 third offence
Where
Karnataka, India
Who
Minister for Kannada and Culture
V Sunil Kumar
Chief Minister
Basavaraj Bommai
Kannadigas
How
Through legislative process
Amending existing laws
Pros
Promotes local language
Supports cultural identity
Ensures local employment
Challenges
Implementation challenges
Possible resistance from businesses
Way Forward
Effective enforcement mechanisms
Awareness and compliance support

The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, 2024, tabled in the Karnataka Assembly, aims to reinforce the use of Kannada in the state. Key provisions include making 60% of the text in Kannada mandatory on name boards of business and industrial establishments, and defining “Kannadiga” as residents whose parents have lived in Karnataka for at least 15 years and can read and write Kannada. It seeks to incorporate Kannada in higher education, technical courses, and enforce reservation for Kannadigas in employment. The bill also introduces fines for non-compliance and proposes setting up an Official Language Commission for effective implementation at various administrative levels. The bill is an amendment to the existing Acts and is a significant step towards promoting the Kannada language and culture.

Japan Loses Spot mind map
Recent News
Japan now fourth-largest economy
Behind US, China, Germany
When
February 2024
Last quarter of 2023
Why
GDP contraction
Weaker Japanese yen
Declining population
Lagging productivity
Low competitiveness
What
Japan's GDP contraction
0.4% in Oct-Dec 2023
3.3% in previous quarter
Growth rates
1.9% for all of 2023
5.7% nominal GDP in 2023
Germany's GDP
$4.4-4.5 trillion
Japan's GDP
$4.2 trillion
Currency impacts
Yen devaluation against dollar
Economic indicators
Real vs nominal GDP
Real GDP: value of products and services
Annual rate: quarterly rate projected over a year
Where
Global economic rankings
Who
Japan
Second-largest until 2010
Overtaken by China
Germany
Third-largest in 2024
International Monetary Fund
Predicted Germany's rise
How
Two consecutive quarters of contraction
Impact of economic policies
Interest rates
Foreign labor policies
Robotics and automation
Pros
Germany's strong economy
Dominates high-end product markets
Japan's historical economic growth
Post-World War II rise
Growth until 1990s
Challenges
Aging population in Japan
Stagnating wages
Limited foreign labor acceptance
Emerging nations catching up
India's growing GDP
Way Forward
Potential strategies
Immigration policy changes
Increased robotics use
Economic reforms

Japan has recently lost its position as the world’s third-largest economy, slipping to fourth place behind the United States, China, and now Germany. This shift occurred in February 2024 following Japan’s economic contraction in the last quarter of 2023. Key factors contributing to this decline include a significant decrease in the value of the Japanese yen against the dollar, a shrinking and aging population, and challenges in productivity and competitiveness. In contrast, Germany’s economy has grown to $4.4-4.5 trillion, surpassing Japan’s $4.2 trillion. The decline of Japan’s economy, which was once hailed as an “economic miracle” post-World War II, reflects broader global economic shifts and the rising prominence of other nations like India.

Guidelines for Green Hydrogen Use in Transport Sector mind map
Recent News
Issued by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy
Date: February 14, 2024
Part of National Green Hydrogen Mission
When
Launched on January 4, 2023
Budget till FY 2025-26
Why
To replace fossil fuels
Reduce carbon emissions
What
Pilot Projects
In Buses, Trucks, 4-wheelers
Fuel Cell-Based Propulsion Technology
Internal Combustion Engine-Based Propulsion Technology
Infrastructure Development
Hydrogen Refuelling Stations
Innovative Uses
Blending of Methanol/Ethanol
Synthetic Fuels Derived from Green Hydrogen
Where
Across India
Who
Ministry of New & Renewable Energy
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Scheme Implementing Agencies
How
Budgetary Outlay
Rs. 496 Crores
Supporting Technology Development
Infrastructure Enhancement
Pros
Green Hydrogen Ecosystem Establishment
Expected Reduction in Production Cost
Increased Utilization in Transport
Challenges
Current High Production Costs
Technology and Infrastructure Development
Way Forward
Ascertaining Existing Issues and Gaps
Future Scaling and Commercial Deployment
Stakeholder Familiarization

In summary, the guidelines for Green Hydrogen Use in the Transport Sector in India are a part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Launched in 2023, this initiative aims to replace fossil fuels with green hydrogen in buses, trucks, and 4-wheelers, and develop related infrastructure like hydrogen refueling stations. It is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector and building a green hydrogen ecosystem, supported by a budgetary outlay of Rs. 496 Crores until FY 2025-26.

Bharat Mart mind map
Recent News
Foundation Stone Laid
By Narendra Modi
And Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
In Dubai
When
Foundation Stone Laid
February 2024
Expected Operational
By 2025
Why
Strengthen India-UAE Trade
Compete with China's Dragon Mart
What
Comprehensive Warehousing Facility
Over 2.7 Million Sqft
Phase One
1.3 Million Sqft
Showrooms
Around 1500
For Retail and Wholesale
Warehousing Space
Over 700,000 Sqft
Grade-A Quality
Light Industrial Units
Office Spaces
Meeting Facilities
Digital Platform
For Global Buyers
Categories of Goods
Varied Range
Heavy Machinery to Perishable Items
Where
Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone
Proximity to Key Locations
11 km from Jebel Ali Port
15 km from Al Maktoum International Airport
Who
Indian Businesses
Small and Medium Enterprises
Larger Corporations
UAE Involvement
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
DP World
How
Multimodal Logistics Solutions
Direct Connectivity
To 150 Maritime Destinations
Air Links to 300 Cities
Pros
Boost in India-UAE Trade
Non-Oil Bilateral Trade Target
$100 Billion by 2030
Supports Indian Government Initiatives
Make in India
D33
Access to High-Growth Markets
Middle East, Europe, Africa
Challenges
Competitive Pressure
With Global Trade Hubs
Logistical Complexities
Way Forward
Continued Development
Phased Construction
Enhancing Trade Ties
Between India and UAE
Expanding Indian Global Trade Presence

Bharat Mart, set to open in Dubai by 2025, is an expansive warehousing facility initiated by India to enhance its trade presence in the Middle East and compete with global trade hubs like China’s Dragon Mart. Conceived over an area of more than 2.7 million square feet, the facility will feature 1,500 showrooms for retail and wholesale, substantial warehousing space, and various business amenities. Located strategically near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, it aims to strengthen India-UAE trade, targeting $100 billion in non-oil bilateral trade by 2030. The project aligns with Indian government initiatives like Make in India and D33, offering Indian businesses, especially SMEs, an efficient gateway to high-growth markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

UAE Launches New Generative AI Open-Source Foundation mind map
Recent News:
UAE's Technology Innovation Institute:
Launches Falcon Foundation
Announced at:
World Government Summits 2024
Non-Profit Organization
Focus:
Developing Open-Source Generative AI Models
Building Sustainable Ecosystems
Funding:
$300 Million from TII
When:
Announced:
Date: February 16, 2024
Why:
Democratize AI
Foster Transparency
Enhance Collaboration
What:
Falcon Foundation:
Aims:
Support Customization of Falcon Models
Address Specific Industries
Provide Open Computing Resources
Falcon 40B Model:
Features:
Large Language Model
40 Billion Parameters
Trained on One Trillion Tokens
Accessible for Research and Commercial Use
Contribution:
Stakeholders, Developers, Academia, Industry, Individuals
Cooperative Decision-Making
Where:
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Who:
Technology Innovation Institute (TII):
Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC)
Dr. Ray O. Johnson:
CEO of TII
H.E. Faisal Al Bannai:
Secretary General of ATRC
How:
Open Source Model:
Accessibility:
For Research and Commercial Use
Call for Proposals:
Inviting Scientists and Researchers
Incentives:
Training Compute Power
Support from VentureOne
Pros:
Advances in Generative AI
Efficiency in Training Compute Power
Global AI Influence:
Top Arab Country in UN Frontier Technologies Readiness Index 2023
Challenges:
Dependence on External Vendors:
Minimization Strategy by Falcon Foundation
Way Forward:
Collaborative Efforts:
Cross-Industry Collaborations
Transformative Impact
Future Developments:
Launch of Falcon 180B
Progress in Arabic NLP Model

The UAE’s Technology Innovation Institute has recently launched the Falcon Foundation, a groundbreaking initiative focused on developing open-source generative AI models. The Foundation, announced at the World Government Summits 2024, is backed by a substantial $300 million funding from TII. Its primary goal is to democratize AI technology by supporting the customization of Falcon AI models for various sectors and providing open computing resources. The highlight of this initiative is the Falcon 40B model, a large language model with impressive capabilities, made accessible for both research and commercial use. This launch is a significant step towards enhancing collaboration, fostering transparency in AI, and positioning the UAE as a leader in global AI development.

/ GS4 (Ethics)
Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 mind map
Recent News
Introduced
Lok Sabha
Date
Feb 05, 2024
Passed
Lok Sabha
Date
Feb 06, 2024
Rajya Sabha
Date
Feb 09, 2024
When
Dates
Introduced
Feb 05, 2024
Passed
Lok Sabha
Feb 06, 2024
Rajya Sabha
Feb 09, 2024
Why
Prevent Unfair Means
Ensure
Transparency
Fairness
Credibility
What
Scope
Examinations Included
Union Public Service Commission
Staff Selection Commission
Railway Recruitment Board
National Testing Agency
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection
Central Government Departments
Defined Offences
Unauthorized Access
Leakage of Question Papers
Assisting Candidates
Tampering with Documents
Conducting Fake Examinations
Monetary Gain Activities
Punishments
Imprisonment
3-5 Years for General Offences
5-10 Years for Organized Crimes
Fines
Up to Rs 10 Lakh for General Offences
Minimum Rs 1 Crore for Organized Crimes
Responsibilities of Service Providers
Report Violations
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Barred from Conducting Exams
Where
India
Central Government Examinations
Who
Ministry
Personnel, Grievances and Pensions
Introduced By
Union Minister Jitendra Singh
How
Legislation
Enforcement
Police
Deputy Superintendent
Assistant Commissioner of Police
Technological Solutions
High-Level National Technical Committee
IT Security Systems
Electronic Surveillance
Pros
Transparency
Fairness
Credibility
Protects Meritorious Students
Challenges
Implementation Challenges
Technological Adaptation
Legal Complexities
Way Forward
Adoption by States
Technological Upgradation
Awareness and Education

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, introduced in the Indian Parliament, aims to address and prevent malpractices in public examinations conducted by central authorities. It was introduced in the Lok Sabha on February 5, 2024, and passed in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha by February 9, 2024. The Bill includes a range of public examinations such as those conducted by the UPSC, SSC, and other central agencies. Its key provisions include defining offenses related to unfair means in examinations, setting stringent punishments including imprisonment and fines, and outlining the responsibilities of service providers involved in examination processes. The legislation seeks to enhance transparency, fairness, and credibility in public examinations, addressing issues like paper leaks and cheating that have long plagued these tests. The Bill also includes the setup of a High-level National Technical Committee for technological solutions in examinations.

/ Disabled Persons
One-Stop Centers (OSCs) for DIsabled mind map
Tamil Nadu
Government Initiative
Aiding Persons with Disabilities
Launch
Announcement
By Tamil Nadu Welfare Department
Number of Centers
39 OSCs
Location
Sub-divisional Levels
Aim
Accessibility Improvement
For Disabled Persons
Rehabilitation Services
Scheme Assistance
Services Offered
Expert Team
Composition
9 Experts
Psychologist
Physiotherapist
Speech Audiologist
Occupational Therapist
Special Educator
Case Manager
Social Work Professional
Welfare Activities
Application Facilitation
For Various Schemes
Funding
World Bank
RIGHTS Project

The Tamil Nadu government announced the establishment of 39 One-Stop Centers (OSCs) to support persons with disabilities. These centers, funded by the World Bank’s RIGHTS project, aim to provide easier access to rehabilitation services and assistance with various schemes. Located at sub-divisional levels for better accessibility, each center will have a team of nine professionals, including psychologists, physiotherapists, and special educators, to offer comprehensive support and facilitate welfare activities.

Kerala's Human-wildlife Conflict Crisis and Demands for Legal Reforms mind map
Recent News
Steady rise in human-wildlife interactions
Main threats
Elephants
Tigers
Leopards
Bison
Wild boars
Recorded Incidents
2022-23
Wild animal attacks: 8,873 incidents
Human fatalities: 98
When
Ongoing crisis
Significant rise in recent years
Why
Encroachment of wildlife habitats
Human activities expanding into forest areas
What
Kerala Compensation Rules, 1980
Amended eight times since 1980
Provides compensation for
Loss of cattle
Crop damage
Property damage
Maximum compensation
Rs 75,000
Challenges in the rules
Lack of accessible, consolidated information
No standard criteria for damage assessment
Excessive discretion for forest officers
Bureaucratic hurdles in claim processing
Delay in compensation payment
Over 8,231 pending claims as of 2023
Demands for legal reforms
Comprehensive wildlife conflict compensation law
Streamlined claim process
Objective criteria for damage assessment
Faster grievance redressal
Where
Kerala, India
Who
Victims of human-wildlife conflict
Kerala Forest Department
Policy makers and legal experts
How
Current system
Three-tier compensation process
Multiple officers involved in claim processing
Proposed changes
Single comprehensive law
Simplified, efficient process
Pros
Enhance victim support
Ensure fair compensation
Improve wildlife conservation efforts
Challenges
Bureaucratic inefficiency
Lack of timely compensation
Inadequate legal framework
Way Forward
Enact new, comprehensive legislation
Address current system's inefficiencies
Balance human and wildlife needs

The crisis of human-wildlife conflict in Kerala has escalated in recent years, marked by increasing incidents of dangerous interactions between humans and wildlife such as elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, and wild boars. The current legal framework, the Kerala Compensation Rules of 1980, faces criticism for its inadequacies, including lack of accessible information, absence of standard criteria for damage assessment, bureaucratic hurdles, and delays in compensation. Legal experts and policy makers are calling for comprehensive legal reforms to address these issues and ensure more effective and timely support for victims.

/ Elections & Democracy
Electoral Bonds Scheme mind map
Struck Down
By Supreme Court
Justices Involved
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud
Justices Sanjiv Khanna
Justices BR Gavai
Justices JB Pardiwala
Justices Manoj Misra
Recent News
Scheme Invalidated
Date
February 2024
Background
Introduced
January 2, 2018
Purpose
Alternative to cash donations
Aimed at transparency
Why Struck Down
Violates Right to Information
Citizens' Right
Know contributors to political parties
Not Sole Way to Curb Black Money
Arbitrary Amendments
In Companies Act
Unlimited political contributions
Privacy Concerns
Contributions by various groups
Students, teachers, etc.
Invalid Amendments
Representation of Peoples Act
Income Tax Laws
What
Electoral Bonds
Purchase
By Indian citizens, entities
Anonymity
Donor identity concealed
Denominations
Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 crore
Financial Impact
Total Sold
Rs 12,979 crore (2017-2023)
Major Recipient
BJP - Rs 6,566.12 crore
Court's Directives
Stop Issuing Bonds
Implemented by
State Bank of India
Disclosure Required
Details of bonds
Encashed by political parties
Deadline
March 13, 2024
Pros
Increased Transparency
In Political Funding
Reinforces Democratic Process
Informed Electoral Choices
Challenges
Legal Opacity
Possible foreign donations
Political Funding Imbalance
Dominance by wealthy donors
Way Forward
Alternative Funding Mechanisms
Transparent and accountable
Legislative Reforms
Ensuring transparency in political finance

The Supreme Court of India, led by a five-judge Constitution bench including Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, recently declared the Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional. Initiated on January 2, 2018, the scheme aimed at increasing transparency in political funding by allowing anonymous donations to political parties through bonds. The scheme was criticized for violating the Right to Information, as it kept the identity of donors hidden, potentially leading to opaque funding and quid pro quo arrangements. The Supreme Court’s decision emphasizes the need for transparency in political contributions, reinforcing the democratic process by ensuring that voters have access to essential information for making informed decisions.

/ Japan, Space
H3 Rocket mind map
Recent News
Japan Triumphs
Successful Launch
Date
February 18, 2024
Payload
Small satellite
Microsatellite
Dummy satellite
Launch Failures
First Attempt
Date
March 7, 2023
Issue
Second-stage engine
Consequence
Mission failure
Second Attempt
Technical problems
Destruct command issued
When
First Launch
Date
March 7, 2023
Successful Launch
Date
February 17, 2024
Why
To Enhance Capabilities
Cost-effective
More efficient
To Compete Globally
Against
SpaceX
Other global entities
What
Developed by
JAXA
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Features
New engine design
Potential for lunar missions
Variants
Extended second stage
H3 Heavy
Cost
Approximately half of H-II
Reusability
Research ongoing
Payload Capacity
28,300 kg to LEO
Where
Launch Site
Tanegashima Space Center
Japan
Who
JAXA
Role
Space agency
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Role
Manufacturer
How
Development
Over a decade
Testing
Multiple trials
Launch Method
Medium-lift rocket
Pros
Increased Payload Capacity
Reduced Launch Costs
Flexibility
Satellite launches
Supply missions
Lunar missions
Challenges
Competition
Global launch market
Technical Challenges
Engine ignition issues
Way Forward
Next-Gen Reusable Rocket
Goals
Further cost reduction
Enhanced payload
Potential Expansion
Full reuse
Human spaceflight
Anticipated Timeline
2030s

The H3 rocket, developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is Japan’s latest advancement in space technology. Its development spanned over a decade, facing challenges including a failed first launch in March 2023 due to second-stage engine issues, and a subsequent failed attempt. However, it achieved success on February 18, 2024, launching a small satellite, a microsatellite, and a dummy satellite. This rocket is designed for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, aiming to halve the launch costs compared to its predecessor, the H-II rocket. The H3 is flexible, capable of launching satellites, supplying space stations, and supporting lunar missions. Future plans include developing a next-generation reusable rocket as part of Japan’s space policy, aimed at further reducing costs, increasing payload capacity, and potentially supporting human spaceflight by the 2030s.

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