National Mission for Safety of Women
Why in news?
- To bring out more stringent provisions and expeditious trial and disposal of such cases, Union of India enacted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Key facts
- The has taken up work of setting up of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) as a part of National Mission for Safety of Women (NMSW). Accordingly, the Central Government has started a Scheme for setting up of 1023 FTSCs across the country based on pendency of subject cases obtained from various High Courts (1,66,882 numbers as on 31.03.2018) for time bound trial and disposal of pending cases related to rape and POCSO Act.
- Further, in pursuance to the direction of Supreme Court of India in Suo Moto Writ Petition (Criminal) No.01/2019 dated 25.07.2019, out of 1023 FTSCs, 389 Courts have been proposed to be set up exclusively for POCSO Act related cases in Districts where pendency of such cases is more than 100.
- The Scheme was circulated to all concerned State Governments/ Union Territories Administrations in September, 2019. Efforts are constantly being made to obtain consent/willingness of remaining States/UTs.
- The Department of Justice in the Government of India is constantly endeavoring to extend requisite assistance to the High Courts and State Governments in setting up of these Courts for prompt trial and disposal of cases to ensure safe and worth living environment especially to women and children in totality.
- 216 numbers of POCSO courts have already been operationalized in 12 States under the scheme.
Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas
Why in news?
- Indian embassies in different countries celebrated Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas.
Key facts
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every year to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India.
- January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever.
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is celebrated once in every two years to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnect them with their roots.
- During the Convention, selected overseas Indians are also honored with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to recognize their contributions to various fields both in India and abroad.
Residential Builder Finance with Buyer Guarantee
Why in news?
- State Bank of India (SBI) has launched Residential Builder Finance with Buyer Guarantee (RBBG) to safeguard home buyers financially by issuing guarantee for completion of projects to customers availing SBI Home Loans.
Key facts
- India’s largest bank, in a statement, said with RBBG, customers will be able to secure their investment in the ongoing home projects financed by the bank. RBBG will focus on affordable housing segment with home prices of up to ₹2.50 crore in seven cities initially, it added.
- Under this product, reputed builders fulfilling the prescribed criteria, including Star rating and CIBIL score, can avail loan between ₹50 crore to ₹400 crore.
- The bank said home buyers can choose their home from SBI-approved projects in seven cities with complete trust and transparency.
Madhavpur Mela
Why in news?
- The famous Madhavpur Mela begins at Madhavpur Ghed of Porbandar district in Gujarat today. In a unique initiative, the four-day-long Mela will see its first-ever cultural integration with the North-East with which it is said to share its roots.
- The eight States of the Northern Eastern Region will participate in a big way during the Madhavpur Mela of Gujarat due to be held in the first week of April this year.
Key facts
- The annual fair is held at Madhavpur Ghed in Porbandar district and the Mela this year will commence on 2nd April, a day after the Ram Navami festival.
- Madhavpur Ghed, a small but culturally significant village, is the place where, according to folklore, Lord Krishna married Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmaka. Madhavpur lies on the seashore, close to Porbandar. A 15th century Madhavrai temple marks the site.
- This event is commemorated by a cultural fair held every year, commencing on Ram Navami.
- A colourful chariot carrying the idol of Lord Krishna circumnavigates the village and the festivities usually continue for five days.
UK children’s book award
Why in news?
- India-born author Jasbinder Bilan has bagged a coveted UK children’s book award for her debut novel ‘Asha and the Spirit Bird’,.
About:
• The story set in the Himalayan territory of her Indian roots and inspired by the special childhood bond with her grandmother.
• Bilan will receive 5,000 pounds as the winner of the award.
- Her winning debut work follows eleven-year-old Asha, who is empowered with spiritual connections to her grandmother as she journeys through the wild and dangerous Himalayas with her best friend Jeevan.
- Bilan’s book was shortlisted from 144 entries alongside ‘Crossfire’ by Malorie Blackman, ‘In the Shadow of Heroes’ by Nicholas Bowling and ‘Furious Thing’ by Jenny Downham.
World Hindi Day
Why in news?
- World Hindi Day is being celebrated on January 10.
Key facts
- The day is commemorated every year with the objective to promote use of Hindi language abroad. Special functions are being organized to mark the occasion.
- On this day in 2006, the First World Hindi Conference was organized in Nagpur to promote the language worldwide.
- Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Missions abroad are observing the day annually.
- Extending his best wishes to citizens on the occasion, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, Hindi and Indian languages are very beautiful. He said, their use on web and mobile is increasing.