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Daily News Analysis- 14/10/2023

Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation launches 5th National Water Awards 2023

News: The 5th National Water Awards 2023 have been introduced on the Rashtriya Puraskar portal by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, which is part of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

• Any State, District, Village Panchayat, Urban Local Body, School, College, Institution, Industry, Civil society, Water User Association, or individual who has done outstanding work in the field of water conservation and management is eligible to apply for the award, according to a statement from the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It stated that a trophy and citation would be given to the top district and state winners.
• According to the Ministry, the purpose of the awards is to acknowledge and promote the outstanding work and efforts that States, Districts, individuals, and organizations nationwide have made in realizing the government’s vision of Jal Samridh Bharat.
• Its objectives are to raise public awareness of the value of water and inspire them to use it wisely. The aim is to motivate the involved parties to embrace a comprehensive strategy for managing water resources.

Union Health Minister to inaugurate Nagaland’s First Medical College 

News: The Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) at will be opened at Phreibagei in Kohima by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health Minister.

• The National Medical Commission has given NIMSR permission to accept 100 students for the first academic year of 2023–2024.
• NIMSR is the first medical college in the state. There are 85 seats available for the State of Nagaland and 15 spots available for the All India Quota in the first batch of 100 MBBS students.

Most Favored Nation

News: The Most Favored Nation (MFN) status is a principle in international trade that ensures equality and fair treatment among trading partners. When a country grants another nation MFN status.

• The MFN principle is a key component of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements, encouraging non-discriminatory trade practices. It helps prevent trade wars and discriminatory tariffs, promoting stability and predictability in international commerce.
• By granting MFN status, countries facilitate smoother trade relations, reduce protectionist measures, and promote economic growth. However, exceptions and conditional MFN status can be negotiated in some cases.
• Overall, the MFN principle underscores the importance of fairness and equality in the global marketplace, playing a significant role in shaping modern trade policies and international economic cooperation.

Hezbollah 

News: Formed in 1982 in response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, Hizballah (the “Party of God”), a Lebanon-based Shia terrorist group, advocates Shia empowerment globally.

• Founded in the early 1980s with Iranian support, its primary objectives are to resist Israeli occupation and promote Shiite interests. It operates as a political party in Lebanon and maintains a formidable armed wing.
• Hezbollah’s military prowess has made it a prominent regional actor, notably during the 2006 Lebanon-Israel war. The group’s extensive network and well-armed fighters have earned it recognition as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and several other countries.
• In Lebanon, Hezbollah is a major political force with seats in the parliament and positions in the government. Its dual role as a political and military entity has sparked controversy and complicated the country’s political landscape.
• Hezbollah’s alignment with Iran and involvement in Syria’s civil war has exacerbated sectarian tensions in the region. While it enjoys support among Shiite communities in Lebanon, it remains a divisive force in the broader Middle East, with its actions and policies subject to international scrutiny and regional politics.

Boko Haram

News: Boko Haram is a notorious extremist Islamist group founded in northeastern Nigeria in the early 2000s. Its name, roughly translated, means “Western education is forbidden,” reflecting its extremist ideology that opposes Western influence, secular education, and democracy. The group became more radicalized under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau.

• Boko Haram is infamous for its acts of terrorism, including bombings, kidnappings, and attacks on civilians, government installations, and security forces. One of its most heinous acts was the abduction of nearly 300 schoolgirls from Chibok in 2014, which garnered international attention.
• The group’s violence and destabilizing activities have had severe consequences for Nigeria and neighboring countries, particularly Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. The Nigerian government, with international support, has been engaged in a prolonged conflict against Boko Haram, seeking to counter its influence and end the violence.
• Boko Haram’s actions have caused a humanitarian crisis in the region, with widespread displacement, loss of life, and severe suffering, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing extremism in Africa.