Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 18 Sep 2023
- 5 min read
Yashobhoomi
The Indian Prime Minister recently inaugurated the first phase of the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC) called ‘Yashobhoomi’, at Dwarka, New Delhi.
- With a total project area of over 8.9 lakh square metres and total built up area of more than 1.8 lakh square metres, ‘Yashobhoomi’ will find its place among the world’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities.
- It also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability as it is equipped with a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system with 100% wastewater reuse, provisions of rainwater harvesting, and its campus has received Platinum certification from Confederation of Indian Industry’s Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
Read more: Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
CJI Unveils Transparent Approach for SC Judge Appointments
Recently, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) disclosed an initiative to enhance transparency in the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court.
- In addressing the imperative for objective assessments of potential judicial appointees, the CJI, has introduced a team comprising scholars, interns, and law researchers.
- Their core responsibility revolves around conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the top 50 judges in India who are being considered for appointments to the SC.
- This initiative, under the auspices of the Centre for Research and Planning, has been devised to establish transparent selection criteria while safeguarding the confidentiality of the process.
- Although the specific criteria for identifying the top 50 judges have not been explicitly elucidated yet.
- As of now, the appointments are made on the basis of several criteria, which include seniority, regional representation and merit while following a Memorandum of Procedure moulded through the Three Judges Cases.
Read more: Appointment of Judges in Supreme Court
Hyderabad Liberation Day
In 2022, 17th September was declared to be celebrated annually as the Hyderabad Liberation Day. The day signifies the merger of the erstwhile Hyderabad State under Nizam rule with the Indian Union.
- Hyderabad, a significant princely state ruled by the Nizams, acknowledged British sovereignty.
- Like Junagadh and Kashmir, Hyderabad did not join India before or even after gaining independence on August 15, 1947; its Nizam aimed to remain independent and bolster his military.
- However, internal turmoil led to the Indian Army's entry into Hyderabad on September 13, 1948, under Operation Polo to prevent regional instability and integrate Hyderabad into India.
- After integration, the Nizam retained his position as head of state, similar to other princely rulers who joined India.
- He withdrew complaints to the UN, despite protests from Pakistan and international criticism, resulting in Hyderabad becoming part of India without further UN involvement.
Read More: Hyderabad Liberation Day
International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Day, 2023
On 16 September 2023, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Day, 2023 across all Coastal States and UTs.
- Since 2006, the day has been held worldwide on the 3rd Saturday of September, annually, under the aegis of the UNEP and South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) (in South Asian Region).
- This year, Maharashtra witnessed the highest participation of volunteers followed by Tamil Nadu.
- The ICG was established in August 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 as an independent Armed force of India.
- The concept of forming ICG came into being after the 1971 war and the blueprint for a multidimensional Coast Guard was conceived by the visionary Rustamji Committee (1974).
- It is the 4th largest Coast Guard in the world and is headquartered in New Delhi. It functions under the Ministry of Defence.
Read More: Indian Coast Guard
