National News

IMD Issue Warning of Formation of Cyclone Mandous Over Bay of Bengal

Why In News

The second cyclone of the post monsoon season is likely to form over southwest Bay of Bengal and hit the east coast in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh.

Key Points

A low pressure area has formed over south Andaman Sea. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and become a depression over southeast Bay of Bengal by December 6 evening. It is likely to continue to move west-northwestwards, intensify further into Cyclonic storm Mandous, and reach southwest Bay of Bengal near north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh by December 8 morning.

We haven’t given a forecast for landfall yet. The models will provide a clearer picture tomorrow,” said RK Jenamani, senior scientist at the weather office.

“A cyclone is likely to form, but it may weaken before reaching the coast,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice president, climate change and meteorology at Skymet Weather Services, a private forecaster. “But coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and south coastal Andhra Pradesh will get heavy showers on December 7 and 8. It’s a fast-moving weather system.” Rains will start over north coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from December 7 midnight and will likely increase on December 8 and 9, the weather bureau said.

There is likely to be rainfall at most places over Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Squally weather with wind speed reaching 40-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph is also likely. South Andhra Pradesh will see rains from December 7 midnight, which will increase on December 8 and 9. Wind speeds could reach 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph on December 7, and gale wind speed reaching 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph is likely on December 8.Squally winds reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely along and off Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, south Andhra Pradesh and north Sri Lanka coasts from December 8, increasing to 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph from December 8 evening to December 9 morning.

Western Disturbances

Nation remembers Dr B R Ambedkar on his 67th Mahaparinirvan Diwas

Why In News

India observed December 6 as Mahaparinirvan Divas to mark the death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar on his Mahaparinirvan Diwas at Parliament House Lawns in New Delhi.

Dr.BR Ambedkar: Life

BR Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution, was born on April 14, 1891. Fondly known as Babasaheb, he fought for the economic and social empowerment of Dalits in the country, eradicating the social scourge of untouchability and promoting gender equality. He was also among the seven members of the drafting committee who prepared a draft of the Constitution of independent India.

Ambedkar died in his sleep on 6 December 1956 at his home in Delhi. On his death anniversary, here’s a look at some of his inspiring quotes to commemorate his memory and uphold the values he strongly believed in.

Ambedkar graduated from Elphinstone College, University of Bombay, and studied economics at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, receiving doctorates in 1927 and 1923 respectively and was among a handful of Indian students to have done so at either institution in the 1920s. He also trained in the law at Gray’s Inn, London. In his early career, he was an economist, professor, and lawyer.

His later life was marked by his political activities; he became involved in campaigning and negotiations for India’s independence, publishing journals, advocating political rights and social freedom for Dalits, and contributing significantly to the establishment of the state of India. In 1956, he converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits.

Imoortant Books of  Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

The Problem of the Rupee-Its Origin and its solution
The Untouchables, Who are they?
Who were the Shudra?
States and Minorities
Emancipation of the Untouchables
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Awards

Important Day

National Armed Forces Flag Day 2022: 7th December

Why In News

Every year on December 7, India commemorates Armed Forces Flag Day in order to raise donations for the welfare of the Armed Forces Staff.

Key Points

Every year on December 7, India commemorates Armed Forces Flag Day in order to raise donations for the welfare of the Armed Forces Staff. This day is observed to honour Indian soldiers, sailors, and pilots. The day also pays tribute to hundreds of thousands of men who have died protecting the country.

On this day, the Indian Armed Units, comprising the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy, organise a variety of activities to highlight the achievements of our army forces and personnel. The general public participates in the day’s celebrations by signing up as volunteers and assisting with the collection of cash, stickers, and other goods. Many patriotic activities are planned to promote public involvement and to recognise the contributions of the country’s armed services.

The money collection is managed by the local branches of the Kendriya Sainik Board in India, which is a subsidiary of the Ministry of Defense. It is overseen by the governing committee, and both official and unauthorised voluntary organisations keep a watch on it.

Significance

This day is observed to encourage public engagement and support across the country for the following goals:

·        To provide rehabilitative assistance to the relatives of war victims.

·        To take initiatives to safeguard the well-being of service members and their families.

·        To assist former service veterans and their families with their welfare and resettlement.

·        Throughout India, volunteers and members of the general public generate funds by selling coupon flags, stickers, and other goods during the commemoration of this anniversary. This helps to increase the amount of money raised from regular folks in numerous ways.

Historical Background

The Defence Minister’s Committee on August 28, 1949, created the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. In 1993, the Defense Ministry of India amalgamated all relevant welfare funds, including funds for war victims, the Kendriya Sainik Board Fund, the ex-welfare servicemen’s fund, and other units, to establish the Armed Forces Flag Day fund.

Sports

Deepika Padukone to unveil FIFA World Cup 2022 trophy

Why In news

Deepika Padukone will unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar later this month, according to reports. The trophy will be unveiled before the World Cup final.

Important  Points

Deepika Padukone will unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar later this month, according to reports. The trophy will be unveiled before the World Cup final on December 18. Deepika will be the first actor to receive such an honour at the world’s most-watched sporting event. On December 18, Deepika Padukone is expected to unveil the World Cup trophy at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

International News

India Hosts Conclave of NSAs of Central Asian Countries

Why In News

India is hosting a conclave of top security officials from Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Key Points

This is the first time India is hosting a conclave of top security officials from Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan focussing on the evolving security situation in Afghanistan and ways to deal with the threat of terrorism emanating from that country.

The security situation in Afghanistan and the evolving dynamics in that country will figure in the deliberations. India and the Central Asian countries have shared interests in peace, security and stability in the region.  A number of Central Asian countries share land borders with Afghanistan and there have been concerns by them after the Taliban seized power in Kabul in August last year.

A source said the Central Asian countries are aware of Pakistan’s support to cross-border terrorism and its linkages to various terror groups. But because of certain considerations, the countries do not publicly name the groups or the country supporting terrorism. The sources said India and the Central Asian countries have similarities in approach in countering terrorism and the threat of radicalisation and the issues will be deliberated upon in

Speaking at the first India-Central Asia meeting of the National Security Advisers, in New Delhi, Mr Doval said, peaceful, secure and prosperous Central Asia is in our common interest.

He added that countering terror financing should be everyone’s equal priority and urged all UN members to refrain from providing support to entities involved in terrorist acts. He also spoke on the security situation in Afghanistan and said that it is an important issue concerning us all.

In an apparent message to Pakistan, Doval said that India should appeal to all UN members to fulfill obligations enshrined in relevant counter-terror conventions.

In November last year, India hosted a regional dialogue on the situation in Afghanistan that was attended by NSAs of Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

But it is the first time that India is hosting the top security officials of the central Asian countries. The meeting, notably, coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and the Central Asian countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also hosted the first India-Central Asia Summit in a virtual format which was attended by the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. 

In a historic decision, the leaders agreed to institutionalise the summit mechanism by deciding to hold it every two years. They also agreed on regular meetings of Foreign Ministers, Trade Ministers, Culture Ministers and Secretaries of the Security Council to prepare the groundwork for the summit meetings