Daily News Analysis

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy launches 5G training labs and 5G applications in all North Eastern States

News: The first 5G training labs and 5G applications in the health sector in all of the North Eastern States were introduced yesterday by G. Kishan Reddy, the Minister for Development of the North East Region, Tourism, and Culture in India.

  • Speaking virtually before the assembly in New Delhi, the Minister stressed the importance of this bold step towards creating a thriving 5G digital ecosystem in the Northeast.
  • Mr. Reddy emphasized how this technology development would help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 and open up enormous potential for growth. He went on to say that North Eastern States will be able to take advantage of this opportunity and improve public service delivery due to the growing 5G market.
  • Having invested more than five lakh crore rupees in connectivity and infrastructure development in the North East over the previous nine and a half years, Mr. Reddy further reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to positioning the region as India’s new growth engine.
  • The project is being carried out by the Assam Electronic Development Corporation (AMTRON), a PSU of the Assam government, and is being centrally funded through the North East Council (NEC). 

Parliamentary Affairs Ministry to observe Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath on 1st October as part of Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 

News: As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign, the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry will observe Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath on October 1.

  • It will coordinate Navyug School in New Delhi and the nearby areas for Shramdaan for Swachhata. Delhi and the adjacent areas. Teachers, students, and members of the local public will be attending the occasion with the officials.
  • As part of the annual Swachhata Hi Sewa fortnight, which is being jointly organised by Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen and Urban from September 15 to October 2, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has scheduled a number of activities.

Lt Governor of Ladakh Dr.B D Mishra inaugurates 2nd edition of five- day Himalayan Film Festival 2023 at Leh Sindhu Sankrti Kendra 

News: Yesterday, at Leh Sindhu Sankrti Kendra, the Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Dr. B D Mishra, officially opened the second iteration of the five-day Himalayan Film Festival 2023. The occasion was also graced by CEC Leh Tashi Gyaltson.

  • The first night of the five-day event featured the showing of two films: ‘Last Days of Summer,’ a Ladakhi short film directed by Stanzin Tanking, and Netflix India’s Jaane Jaan, directed by Sujoy Ghosh and starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma.
  • The Honourable LG Ladakh also announced “the Carnival of Ladakh,” a calendar of Ladakh celebrations held in September, in honor of the event. The festival’s goals are to link the isolated Himalayan filmmaking community and to support aspiring Ladakhi filmmakers by giving them a platform to exhibit their work and develop it further through networking and education.
  • The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh and the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) of the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh are working together to organize the Festival.

 

Taiwan reveals its first locally built submarine as china threat grows 

News: Taiwan has unveiled its inaugural domestically manufactured submarine as regional tensions escalate due to China’s increasing military posturing.

  • This historic achievement marks a significant milestone for Taiwan’s defense capabilities and underscores its commitment to bolstering its security in the face of growing external pressures.
  • The new submarine, named the “Taiwan Brave Wind,” showcases the island nation’s resolve to enhance its naval prowess independently. It represents a crucial step in reducing Taiwan’s reliance on foreign military assistance and strengthening its self-reliance in defense.
  • Amidst China’s persistent threats and territorial claims, Taiwan’s investment in indigenous defense technology underscores its determination to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • The unveiling of the locally-built submarine not only reinforces Taiwan’s commitment to regional stability but also sends a clear message that it will not yield to external coercion.
  • This development not only enhances Taiwan’s maritime capabilities but also serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.

Age of consent under POCSO must remain

News:  The age of consent under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) is a critical legal safeguard that must remain in place. In India, POCSO sets the age of consent at 18 years to protect minors from sexual exploitation and abuse.

  • This legal framework is vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and adolescents.
  • Maintaining the age of consent at 18 serves as a strong deterrent against sexual offenses involving minors and helps in prosecuting those who prey on vulnerable young individuals.
  • It acknowledges the inherent power imbalance between adults and children, emphasizing the need for comprehensive legal protection.
  • Reducing the age of consent would risk exposing minors to increased vulnerability, exploitation, and harm.
  • It is essential to prioritize the welfare of children and adolescents, ensuring they are shielded from sexual exploitation and abuse.
  • Therefore, maintaining the age of consent at 18 under POCSO is crucial for safeguarding the rights and protection of India’s youth.