Weekly Current Affairs (22nd to 31st March 2024) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

Michelangelo’s David statue and Italy’s Cultural Heritage Code

• Michelangelo’s David is a renowned marble sculpture created by the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti between 1501 and 1504. The statue depicts the Biblical figure David, a young shepherd who fought and defeated the giant Goliath.
• The sculpture is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance art and is famous for its artistic beauty, anatomical accuracy, and symbolic representation of strength and youthful vigour.

Significance

The David statue holds immense significance in art history and Italian culture:

• Renaissance masterpiece: It symbolises the artistic ideals and techniques of the Renaissance period, showcasing Michelangelo’s skill in creating lifelike and anatomically accurate human forms.
• Symbol of Florence: The statue was commissioned by the Florentine government and became a symbol of the city’s independence, strength, and defiance against powerful adversaries.
• Artistic innovation: Michelangelo’s David differs from previous depictions of the subject by presenting a nude, youthful, and contemplative David before the battle with Goliath, rather than after the victory.

Italy’s Cultural Heritage Code

• Italy has a comprehensive Cultural Heritage Code that governs the protection, conservation, and promotion of the country’s vast cultural heritage, including art, monuments, and archaeological sites. The code grants cultural institutions, such as museums, the right to reproduce and monetize images of the artworks they hold.
• In recent years, Italian cultural institutions have been actively enforcing their rights under the Cultural Heritage Code to combat unauthorized commercial use of images of famous artworks, such as Michelangelo’s David.

Efforts to Protect Artistic Integrity

The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, where the original David statue is housed, has taken legal action against the unauthorized commercial use of the statue’s image:

• The museum has filed lawsuits against companies producing merchandise featuring images of David that focus on the statue’s nudity or depict it in a disrespectful manner.
• The goal is to protect the artistic integrity and dignity of the statue, ensuring that its image is not trivialized or used inappropriately.
• The museum seeks to enforce its rights under Italy’s Cultural Heritage Code, which allows cultural institutions to control the reproduction and use of images of the artworks they hold.

Why is news?

Recently, the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence has filed lawsuits against the unauthorized commercial use of Michelangelo’s David statue, aiming to protect the artwork’s dignity and artistic integrity. The museum argues that the production of merchandise focusing on the statue’s nudity or depicting it disrespectfully violates Italy’s Cultural Heritage Code, which grants cultural institutions control over the use of images of their artworks.

Hockey India Awards 2023

The Hockey India Awards 2023 were held in New Delhi on March 31, 2024 to celebrate the outstanding Indian hockey players from the previous calendar year. The event saw several players being recognized for their exceptional performances and contributions to the sport.

Player of the Year Awards

• Mens Player of the Year: Hardik Singh, the vice-captain of the Indian mens team, was named the Player of the Year. He was part of the bronze medal-winning team at the Tokyo 2023 Olympics and the gold medal-winning team at the Asian Games 2023.
• Womens Player of the Year: Salima Tete, an Olympian, was awarded the Player of the Year for her role in the Indian womens team that won the bronze medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year.

 Other Notable Awards

• Hockey India Lifetime Achievement Award: Ashok Kumar, a Munich 1972 Olympic bronze medallist, was honoured with the Hockey India Lifetime Achievement Award, named after his father Dhyan Chand, for his contribution to the sport.
• Goalkeeper of the Year: PR Sreejesh was felicitated with the prestigious Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year.
• Defender of the Year: Harmanpreet Singh won the Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year.
• Midfielder of the Year: Hardik Singh also won the Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year.
• Forward of the Year: Abhishek was awarded the Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year.

 Milestones and Team Felicitations

• PR Sreejesh was presented with a trophy for earning his 300th international cap.
• Manpreet Singh was celebrated for completing 350 international caps for the Indian mens hockey team.
• Savita Punia and Harmanpreet Singh were recognized for reaching the 250 and 200 international caps milestones for India, respectively.
• The Hangzhou Asian Games gold-medal-winning Indian mens team and the bronze-medal winning Indian womens hockey team were also felicitated at the event.

 Upcoming Player Awards

• Womens Upcoming Player of the Year (Under 21): Deepika Soreng was awarded the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women – Under 21).
• Mens Upcoming Player of the Year (Under 21): Araijeet Singh Hundal received the Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men – Under 21).

About Hockey India

Hockey India, the governing body responsible for the sport of field hockey in India, was established in May 2009 after the merger of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and the Indian Women’s Hockey Federation (IWHF). It is recognized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), playing a pivotal role in organizing national field hockey tournaments and selecting Indian teams for international competitions.

What is the T+0 Trading Settlement Cycle?

Recently, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) have introduced trading in the T+0 rolling settlement cycle in the equity segment on an optional basis. This new settlement cycle allows for same-day settlement of trades, in addition to the existing T+1 settlement cycle.

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued operational guidelines for the launch of this shorter tenure settlement cycle.

What is the T+0 Trading Settlement Cycle?

• The T+0 trading settlement cycle, also known as same-day settlement, is a facility for clearing and settlement of funds and securities on the same day as the trade. Under this cycle, the settlement of trades will happen on the same day after the closure of the T+0 market. If investors sell a share, they will get the money credited to their account the same day, and the buyer will also get the shares in their demat account on the very day of the transaction.

Benefits of T+0 Trade Settlement

The T+0 trade cycle is expected to bring several benefits to investors and the securities market ecosystem:

• Cost and time efficiency: The shortened settlement cycle will reduce the time and cost associated with settling trades.
• Transparency in charges: Investors will have better visibility of the charges associated with their trades.
• Stronger risk management: The T+0 cycle will strengthen risk management at clearing corporations and the overall securities market ecosystem.
• Flexibility for investors: Investors will have faster pay-out of funds against securities for sellers and faster pay-out of securities against funds for buyers, allowing better control over their investments.
• Enhanced market efficiency: The shorter settlement cycle will free up capital in the securities market, enhancing overall market efficiency.

Securities Available for Trading in T+0 Settlement Cycle

The stock exchanges have announced a set of 25 scrips which are allowed for trading on the T+0 settlement cycle. These include Ambuja Cements Ltd, Ashok Leyland Ltd, Bajaj Auto Ltd, Bank of Baroda, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Birlasoft Ltd, Cipla Ltd, Coforge Ltd, Divi’S Laboratories, Hindalco Industries, The Indian Hotels Company Ltd, JSW Steel Ltd, LIC Housing Finance, LTIMindtree Ltd, Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd, MRF Ltd, Nestle India, NMDC Ltd, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd, Petronet LNG Ltd, State Bank of India, Tata Communications Ltd, Trent Ltd, Union Bank of India, and Vedanta Ltd.

Eligibility for Participation in T+0 Settlement Cycle

All investors are eligible to participate in the T+0 trade settlement cycle if they can meet the timelines, process, and risk requirements as prescribed by the Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs).

Trade Timings and Price Band

For the optional T+0 settlement cycle, there will be one continuous trading session from 09:15 AM to 1:30 PM. The settlement of funds and securities will be completed on the same day by 4:30 PM. The price band in the T+0 segment will operate with a price band of +100 basis points from the price in the regular T+1 market. This band will be recalibrated after every 50-basis points movement in the underlying T+1 market.

Future Plans

SEBI has also proposed to introduce optional instant settlement at a later stage, further reducing the settlement cycle and enhancing market efficiency.

WHO Urges Action on Violence Against Vulnerable Women

The World Health Organization (WHO) in its recently released reports talks about women who are elderly and those with disabilities. It indicates that they are prone to a higher rate of abuse and that it easily gets masked from the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a pressing call for increased attention to the issue of violence against older women and women with disabilities.

Understanding violence against older women

Violence against older women and women with disabilities is a pervasive issue that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. However, the true extent of the problem remains largely hidden due to a lack of comprehensive data and underreporting.

Types of violence older women experience

Older women and women with disabilities face a range of violent acts, including physical, sexual, psychological, and financial abuse. The WHO highlights that in addition to intimate partner violence and sexual violence, these groups are vulnerable to specific forms of abuse, such as:

• Coercive and controlling behavior shown by caregivers
• Withholding of essential medicines, assistive devices, or other aspects of care
• Financial exploitation and abuse
• Neglect and abandonment
• Reporting barriers uncovered

Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of violence faced by older women and women with disabilities. These include:

• Social isolation and dependency on caregivers
• Negative stereotypes and discrimination based on age and disability
• Lack of access to information, support services, and legal recourse
• Physical and cognitive impairments that may hinder the ability to seek help or report abuse

General well being gets impacted

Violence against older women and women with disabilities has severe consequences for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Victims may suffer from injuries, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other health problems.

How violence is addressed

• Addressing violence against older women and women with disabilities presents unique challenges. These include:
• Lack of awareness and understanding among healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and support services
• Inadequate training for caregivers on recognizing and preventing abuse
• Limited accessibility to support services and shelters that cater to the specific needs of older women and women with disabilities
• Insufficient legal frameworks and policies to protect and support victims
• Societal attitudes and stereotypes that normalize or dismiss violence against these groups

Recommendations from WHO

To address the gaps in data and understanding of violence against older women and women with disabilities, the WHO recommends several measures:

• Extending the age limit for survey participation to capture data on older women’s experiences of violence
• Incorporating questions relating to different types of violence, encompassing a broad spectrum of disabilities
• Engaging older women and women with disabilities, as well as their representative organizations, in all phases of survey design and implementation
• Ensuring accessibility of surveys through formats like Braille or EasyRead
• Developing targeted interventions and support services that cater to the specific needs of these groups
• Providing training for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and law enforcement on recognizing and responding to violence against older women and women with disabilities
• Strengthening legal frameworks and policies to protect and support victims
• Challenging negative stereotypes and promoting the rights and dignity of older women and women with disabilities

Implementation of best practices

Several global initiatives and best practices have emerged to tackle violence against older women and women with disabilities. These include:

• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which calls for the protection of persons with disabilities from all forms of violence and abuse
• The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, which recognizes the need to address violence against older persons, particularly women
• The Elder Abuse Prevention and Response Toolkit, developed by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), which provides guidance on preventing and responding to elder abuse
• These initiatives highlight the growing recognition of the need to address violence against these vulnerable groups and provide a framework for action at the international and national levels. The unique risks that are faced by older women, especially those with disabilities call for better research about their safety and to strengthen support systems.

NFL Bans Hip-Drop Tackle in 2024

The National Football League (NFL) has prohibited the use of the hip-drop tackle starting from the 2024 season. The decision was made during the annual league meeting in Orlando, Florida, on Monday, March 25, 2024, where the competition committee unanimously voted in favor of the change. The hip-drop tackle is a controversial technique resulting in multiple player injuries over the years, prompting the NFL to take action to ensure player safety.

Understanding Hip-Drop Tackle

• The hip-drop tackle is a technique where a defender wraps the ball carrier with both arms or holds them with both hands, then unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee. This move causes significant injuries to players, particularly to their legs and knees, as the full weight of the defender is concentrated on a small area of the ball carrier’s body.

Reason for the Ban

• The NFL is pushing for a rule change regarding the hip-drop tackle due to its association with player injuries. Commissioner Roger Goodell has been a strong advocate for player safety, and the ban on the hip-drop tackle is another step towards reducing the risk of injury on the field. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has also raised concerns about the technique, citing the high risk of injury it poses to players.

Injury Examples

• Several high-profile injuries have been caused by the hip-drop tackle in recent years. One notable example is the tackle by former San Francisco 49ers safety Jimmie Ward on Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard during the 2022 postseason, which resulted in a severe leg injury for Pollard. Another instance occurred in 2023 when Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews was injured by a hip-drop tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Data and Analysis

• The NFL conducts extensive research on the hip-drop tackle to support the decision to ban the technique. Out of 20,000 tackles examined by the NFL since 2022, 105 have been identified as hip-drop tackles. The data shows that the hip-drop tackle increases the risk of injury by 25 times compared to the average tackle rate. This alarming statistic highlights the need for the NFL to take action to protect players from unnecessary harm.

Implementation and Penalties

• Starting from the 2024 season, any hip-drop tackle that occurs during play will result in a 15-yard penalty, possible fines, and a player warning. The NFL emphasizes that the rule change will be strictly enforced to ensure compliance and to create a safer playing environment for all players.

Criticism and Concerns

• Despite the NFL’s commitment to player safety, the rule change faces criticism from some players, coaches, and fans who argue that it may lead to confusion and inconsistency in officiating. The NFLPA objects to the ban, stating that the rule change may cause confusion for players, coaches, officials, and fans. They have called on the NFL to reconsider implementing the rule and to provide more clarity on how it will be enforced.

International Comparison

• The hip-drop tackle ban is not unique to the NFL. In fact, other professional football leagues around the world, such as the Australian Football League (AFL) and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in England, have already implemented similar rules to protect players from dangerous tackles. These leagues have seen a reduction in the number of injuries related to hip-drop tackles since implementing the ban, providing a positive example for the NFL to follow.
• The NFL’s decision to ban the hip-drop tackle starting from the 2024 season is a significant step towards improving player safety and reducing the risk of serious injuries on the field. While the rule change may face some criticism and challenges in its implementation, the NFL remains committed to prioritizing the health and well-being of its players.

Amul’s Fresh Milk Export

Amul, India’s largest dairy products brand, has announced the launch of four fresh milk variants in the United States market. This marks the first time that Amul’s parent company, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), will be exporting fresh milk outside India.

Partnership with MMPA

• GCMMF has partnered with the 108-year-old cooperative organization Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) to launch fresh milk in the US market. Under this collaboration, MMPA will be responsible for milk collection and processing, while GCMMF will handle the marketing and branding of Amul fresh milk.

Milk Variants and Availability

• Amul will be launching four milk variants in the US market within a week: Amul Taaza, Amul Gold, Amul Shakti and Amul Slim n Trim. These fresh milk products will be available in several states, including New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Washington, Dallas, and Texas.

Target Audience

• GCMMF aims to cater to the Indian diaspora and Asian population in the United States. The company will focus on branding and marketing for the next 3-4 months to establish a strong presence in the US market.

Future Plans

• In addition to fresh milk, GCMMF plans to launch other milk products like paneer, curd, and buttermilk in the near future. The company expects a good response from customers and aims to expand its product offerings gradually.

GCMMF’s Export History

• GCMMF has been exporting dairy products for many decades, but this is the first time the company is launching fresh milk outside India. The decision to enter the US market with fresh milk is a strategic move to expand Amul’s global presence and tap into the growing demand for Indian dairy products among the Indian diaspora and Asian population in the United States.

Important Facts for Exams

• Amul is the largest dairy products brand in India, with a tagline of “Taste of India.”
• GCMMF is already exporting dairy products to about 50 countries worldwide.
• In the 2022-23 fiscal year, GCMMF’s turnover reached around ₹55,000 crore ($6.7 billion), marking an 18.5% increase from the previous year.

Election Commission of India’s Initiatives for Accessible Voting

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched several initiatives to ensure accessible voting for all citizens, with a special focus on elderly voters and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The ECI’s motto, “no voter is left behind,” underscores its commitment to inclusive and accessible elections.

Voting from Home for Elderly and PwDs

• The ECI has announced that voters above 85 years of age and PwDs with a 40 percent benchmark disability can vote from home. This initiative aims to make the voting process more convenient and accessible for these groups of voters, who may face difficulties in reaching polling stations.

Volunteers and Wheelchairs at Polling Stations

• To further facilitate accessible voting, the ECI has mandated the availability of volunteers and wheelchairs at every polling station. These volunteers will assist elderly voters and PwDs in navigating the polling station and casting their votes. The provision of wheelchairs ensures that voters with mobility issues can exercise their right to vote without hindrance.

Transport Facilities for PwDs and Elderly

• The ECI is arranging transport facilities for PwDs and elderly voters to help them reach polling stations. This initiative aims to remove barriers to voting that may arise due to lack of transportation or mobility issues.

Saksham App for PwDs

• The ECI has launched the Saksham App to facilitate easier voting for PwDs and to help them avail facilities at polling stations. The app provides information on accessible polling stations, available facilities, and assistance for PwDs.

Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) in Schools

The ECI is pushing for permanent Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) in schools as a gift of the election process to students. AMF includes drinking water, toilets, signage, ramps or wheelchairs, helpdesks, voter facilitation centres, sufficient light, and sheds. This initiative not only benefits students but also makes schools more accessible for voters during elections.

Polling Stations Managed by PwDs and Women

• The ECI has introduced polling stations managed exclusively by PwDs and women. These polling stations serve as models for inclusive and accessible voting, encouraging the participation of marginalized groups in the electoral process.
• Model Polling Stations have been set up by the ECI to showcase best practices in accessible and inclusive voting. These polling stations feature state-of-the-art facilities and amenities to ensure a smooth and hassle-free voting experience for all voters.

Know Your Candidate (KYC) App

• In addition to accessible voting initiatives, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the Know Your Candidate (KYC) app to enable voters to access information about candidates’ criminal records, assets, and liabilities. This app promotes transparency and helps voters make informed decisions when casting their ballots.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Saksham App has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
• The ECI has also introduced Braille ballot papers and Braille voter identity cards to assist visually impaired voters.
• In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the ECI set up over 7,000 model polling stations across the country.

Australia’s SSN-AUKUS Submarine Program

Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States entered into a trilateral security partnership called AUKUS to build nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. The program, known as SSN-AUKUS, is a significant milestone in the defense cooperation between the three nations.

Background

• The AUKUS partnership was first announced in 2021, with further details revealed a year later. The agreement aims to strengthen the collective industrial base capacity and generate economic growth in the defense and national security sectors of all three countries.

Submarine Construction

• Under the SSN-AUKUS program, Australia’s ASC and UK-based BAE Systems will collaborate to build the submarines. The vessels will be primarily based on a British design but will incorporate a US weapons system.
• Australia plans to have eight nuclear-powered submarines in operation by the 2050s, consisting of a mix of the new AUKUS-class submarines built in Australia and the UK, as well as Virginia-class vessels purchased from the US. The program is expected to create a “drumbeat” of submarine production in Australia, with new vessels rolling off the production lines every few years.

Capabilities

• The SSN-AUKUS submarines will be equipped for various missions, including intelligence, surveillance, undersea warfare, and strike operations. They will be quieter and stealthier than Australia’s current diesel-powered fleet and capable of deploying over vast distances without surfacing. The submarines will provide maximum interoperability among the AUKUS partners.

Funding

• Australia has committed to providing 4.6 billion Australian dollars ($3 billion) to British industry to support the construction of the SSN-AUKUS submarines and ensure the timely delivery of the new fleet. All AUKUS partners are making significant investments to ensure the success of the program and are working to transform and integrate their trilateral industrial bases to support SSN cooperation.

Regional Concerns

• China has claimed that the AUKUS deal risks setting off an arms race in the Asia-Pacific region. Beijing has stepped up its own military activities in recent years, modernizing and expanding its armed forces, including its navy. China has also become more assertive over its territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea and its claim to the self-ruled democratic island of Taiwan.

Trivia

• The SSN-AUKUS program is the first time a country has obtained the capability to build nuclear-powered submarines and then continued production indefinitely.
• The announcement of the Australian funding for British industry came a day after Australia and the UK signed a defense and security pact to better meet challenges such as China’s increased activity in the South China Sea and South Pacific.
• On the day of the announcement, authorities in Taiwan detected 36 Chinese military aircraft around the island over the previous 24 hours, the highest number in 2024.

Tata Cummins Inaugurates Hydrogen ICE Manufacturing Facility

Tata Cummins Private Limited (TCPL), a joint venture between Tata Motors Limited and Cummins Inc. USA, has inaugurated a new factory in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, to produce hydrogen-based internal combustion engines (ICEs) for medium and heavy commercial vehicles.

Facility Details

• The factory is spread across approximately seven acres and was opened within a year of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jharkhand government.
• In addition to hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines (ICEs), the facility will also manufacture low to zero-emission technology products.
• The plant was established by TCPL Green Energy Solutions (TCPL GES), a subsidiary of TCPL, which was formed in March 2023 to design and develop low and zero-emission propulsion technology solutions.

Objectives and Goals

The primary objectives of TCPL GES and the new manufacturing facility include :

• Addressing climate change and improving air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Shaping the future of mobility in India by making it smarter and greener.
• Enabling customers to progressively adopt emission-free and commercially viable solutions for cargo and people mobility.

Tata Cummins Joint Venture

• Tata Motors and Cummins have been working together since 1993 through the 50:50 Tata Cummins joint venture. The joint venture aims to design and develop low and zero-emission propulsion technologies for the Indian commercial vehicle market.

Trivia

• In May 2022, Cummins released a 15-litre hydrogen ICE, and months later, they unveiled a medium-duty ICE-powered truck concept at the IAA Transportation exhibition in Hanover, Germany.
• Tata Motors also opened a new R&D facility in Pune, India, in 2023 to develop hydrogen ICEs and hydrogen storage and dispensing technology.
• The inauguration of the TCPL manufacturing facility in Jamshedpur marks a significant step towards the development and adoption of hydrogen-based propulsion systems in India’s commercial vehicle sector, aligning

International Day of Forests

Every year on March 21st, World Forestry Day or International Day of Forests is celebrated to increase global awareness about the crucial role of forests in sustaining life on Earth. The day is recognised as an effort to educate people about the numerous benefits of forests, including providing food, purifying air, resources, and life-saving medicines. Moreover, they play a significant role in combating climate change, poverty alleviation, maintaining ecological balance, and more.

Protecting the Forests: Need of the Hour

Forests are vital for the well-being of current and future generations. However, the increasing rate of deforestation, forest fires, droughts, pests, and other factors is posing a significant threat to their survival. To conserve forests and protect their existence, people are encouraged to contribute on local, national, and international levels. One of the easiest and most effective ways to preserve forests is by afforestation or planting of trees.

Theme of World Forestry Day 2024

• Each year, World Forestry Day is recognised under a specific theme. This year’s theme, ‘Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World,’ highlights the importance of forests in fostering innovation and addressing global challenges.
• The day calls for planting trees, raising awareness about forest conservation, and promoting sustainable practices.

History and Significance of World Forestry Day

• The idea of World Forestry Day was proposed in 1971 by the General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture. March 21 was chosen by the United Nations as it aligns with the Vernal Equinox and Autumn Equinox in the northern and southern hemispheres, respectively.
• In 2012, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 21st as World Forestry Day to create awareness about the conservation and protection of all types of forests to maintain ecological balance.
• The Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) selects the theme of International Day of Forests annually. According to the UNGA, the United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are responsible for organizing events and campaigns related to the World Forestry Day.

BhashaNet Portal

The BhashaNet portal, a joint initiative by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), was unveiled at the Universal Acceptance (UA) Day event on March 21, 2024. This launch marks a significant step towards promoting digital inclusion and linguistic diversity in India.

What is Universal Acceptance?

Universal Acceptance (UA) is a concept that aims to ensure that all domain names and email addresses, regardless of language or script, can be used by all internet-enabled applications, devices, and systems. The goal of UA is to create a more inclusive digital world where individuals can fully participate without facing linguistic barriers.

The Importance of BhashaNet Portal

The BhashaNet portal is designed to support the cause of Universal Acceptance by providing resources, tools, and information to help developers, businesses, and organizations make their applications and systems UA-compliant. By promoting the adoption of UA, the portal aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone, irrespective of their language or script, can access and benefit from digital services.

Key Features of BhashaNet Portal

• Multilingual Support: The portal will provide resources and information in multiple Indian languages, making it accessible to a wider audience.
• UA Readiness Tools: Developers and businesses can access tools and guidelines to help them assess and improve the UA readiness of their applications and systems.
• Best Practices and Case Studies: The portal will showcase best practices and case studies from organizations that have successfully implemented UA, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance for others.
• Community Engagement: BhashaNet will foster a community of UA advocates, enabling knowledge sharing, collaboration, and support among stakeholders.

Universal Acceptance Day Event

• The launch of the BhashaNet portal took place during the Universal Acceptance Day event, themed “BhashaNet: Impetus Towards Universal Acceptance.” The event, scheduled for March 21, 2024, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi, will bring together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the importance of UA and the necessary steps to achieve widespread acceptance.

Global Universal Acceptance Day

• The successful hosting of the regional Universal Acceptance Day event in India paves the way for the upcoming Global Universal Acceptance Day, scheduled to take place on March 28, 2024, in Belgrade, Serbia. This global event will further emphasize the importance of UA and showcase the progress made by countries and organizations worldwide in promoting digital inclusion.
• India is home to 22 official languages and hundreds of dialects, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.