1.Saffron flag removed from government land in Karnataka
- The Indian National Flag is the symbol of our national pride and there is universal affection and respect for, and loyalty to it
- The hoisting/use/display of the Indian National Flag is governed by the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and the Flag Code of India, 2002
- Some of salient features of the Flag Code of India, 2002 are :-
- The Flag Code of India, 2002 was amended vide Order dated 30st December, 2021
- National Flag made of polyester or machine made Flag have been allowed
- Now, the National Flag shall be made of hand spun and hand woven or machine made, cotton /polyester /wool/ silk/ khadi bunting
- A member of public, a private organisation or an educational institution may hoist/display the National Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise, consistent with the dignity and honour of the National Flag
- The Flag is displayed in open or displayed on the house of a member of public, it may be flown day and night
- Whenever the National Flag is displayed, it should occupy the position of honour and should be distinctly placed
- A damaged or dishevelled Flag shall not be displayed The Flag should not be flown from a single masthead simultaneously with any other flag or flags
- The Flag should not be flown on any vehicle except of the dignitaries mentioned in Section IX of Part III of the Flag Code, such as President, Vice-President, Prime-Minister, Governors etc.
- No other flag or bunting should be placed higher than or above or side by side with the National Flag
2. International Relation (CHINA – AFRICA)
- Wang Yi’s visit to Africa had multiple objectives
- The major agenda was to implement the outcomes of the China-Africa Leaders Dialogue held in August 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Africa supplies 90% of the world’s cobalt and platinum, and 75% of coltan, essential for electronics
- China has the largest refineries in Africa for rare earths and minerals that are vital to its emerging tech industry
- Africa receives investments, trade and development aid from China in return for natural resources
- Wang Yi’s trip reaffirmed China’s non-interference policy in internal affairs, bolstering relationships through economic partnerships
3. INSAT – 3DS SATELLITE
- The satellite is an exclusive meteorological satellite
- The primary objective is to provide continuity of services to the existing in-orbit INSAT-3D and 3DR satellites
- Hence significantly enhancing the capabilities of the INSAT system
- It is designed for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning
- With state-of-the-art payloads such as
- A six-channel imager and 19-channel sounder meteorology payloads
- Communication payloads
- A data relay transponder (DRT)
- The DRT instrument receives meteorological, and oceanographic data from automatic weather stations and augments weather forecasting capabilities
- A satellite-aided search and rescue (SAS&R) transponder
- The SAS&R transponder is incorporated in the satellite to relay a distress signal/ alert detection for search and rescue services with global receive coverage
4. FIRST NATUROPATHY HOSPITAL IN NORTHEAST
- Union AYUSH Minister and Assam Chief Minister laid the foundation of the first yoga and naturopathy hospital in the Northeast
- About ₹100 crore would be invested in the Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN)
- CRIYN would be developed as a centre of excellence in yoga and naturopathy for cardiovascular diseases in India
- Develop protocols for the management of non-communicable diseases
- At Dihing Khamtighat in eastern Assam’s Dibrugarh district
- The institute, along with a 100-bed hospital, would be spread across 15 acres
- What is Naturopathy?
- A system of treatment of disease that avoids drugs and surgery
- It emphasises the use of natural agents (such as air, water, and herbs) and physical means (such as tissue manipulation and electrotherapy)
5. CENTRE EXTENDS BAN ON SIMI FOR YEARS
- The Union Home Ministry has extended the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) for five years.
- The organisation was declared an “unlawful association” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for the first time in 2001.
- What is Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)?
- It was first enacted in 1967 to deal with secessionist movements and anti-national activities.
- It was amended several times, most recently in 2019, to include provisions related to terrorist financing, cyber-terrorism, individual designation, and seizure of property.
- It empowers the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate and prosecute cases under UAPA across the country.
ONE LINER
- First ever joint military exercise drill between two countries to be started off in India in Rajasthan with primary focus on counter terrorism operations.
- January 30th – Martyrs’ Day – Also known as Shaheed Diwas, is observed on January 30th each year in India to pay homage to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and welfare of the nation. One of the most significant events associated with this day is the Punyatithi (death anniversary) of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.
