Today's brief 5-9/1/2024

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1.SCLSC: Supreme Court judge Justice BR Gavai has been nominated as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).

The formation of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee is mandated by Section 3A of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. This committee operates under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and is dedicated to furnishing free and proficient legal services to marginalized segments of society. As per Section 3A, the Central Authority, represented by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), is responsible for constituting this committee. The committee comprises a serving Supreme Court judge serving as the chairman, in addition to other members possessing qualifications and experience specified by the central authority. Both the chairman and the other members are appointed by the Chief Justice of India.

• The establishment of the committee is supported by constitutional provisions, with Article 39A emphasizing the state's responsibility to ensure that the legal system promotes justice and equal opportunity. Articles 14 (right to equality) and 22(1) (rights to be informed of grounds for arrest) further underscore the state's obligation to uphold equality before the law and a legal system that fosters justice based on equal opportunity.

The Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987 provided a statutory foundation for legal aid programs. This legislation aims to offer free and competent legal services to specific groups, including women, children, SC/ST and EWS categories, industrial workers, disabled persons, and others. NALSA, established in 1995 under the Act, monitors and evaluates the implementation of legal aid programs nationwide. It also formulates policies to make legal services accessible and disburses funds to State Legal Services Authorities and NGOs for executing legal aid schemes.

• At the state level, State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA) were established to implement NALSA’s policies, provide free legal services, and organize Lok Adalats. The Chief Justice of the respective High Court leads each SLSA, with the senior High Court judge serving as its Executive Chairman.

• The patron-in-chief of SLSA is the Chief Justice of the High Court, while the CJI holds the same position for NALSA. Additionally, District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) and Taluk Legal Services Committees were instituted in districts and taluks, respectively, with each DLSA led by the District Judge and each Taluka or Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee overseen by a senior civil judge.

2. International Wetland City- India has nominated three cities—Indore, Bhopal, and Udaipur—to be designated as 'International Wetland Cities' under the Ramsar Convention. These urban areas are home to significant wetland sites crucial for sustaining local populations. Indore features the Sirpur Ramsar wetland, Bhopal hosts the Bhoj Ramsar wetland, and Udaipur boasts numerous scenic lakes attracting tourists.

The qualification for the Ramsar designation hinges on the effective conservation of these urban wetlands, achieved through the implementation of appropriate policies and active citizen participation. By seeking this recognition, these cities showcase their commitment to the responsible use of wetlands to meet present needs while ensuring sustainable development for the future.

Attaining the status of a wetland city under the Ramsar Convention not only signals a dedication to preserving these essential ecosystems but also garners international recognition for the conservation efforts undertaken by municipal authorities in these cities.

3.‘Deep Tech’ Policy (GS Paper 3 Sci&tech): Deep Technology refers to innovations founded on advanced scientific and technological breakthroughs. Due to their disruptive nature, they have the potential to solve India’s most pressing societal issues. The Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) is strategically formulated to stimulate innovation, spur economic growth, and promote societal development through the effective utilization of deep tech research-driven innovations. This initiative centralizes on bolstering deep tech startups, thereby solidifying India's financial stability and stimulating the transition towards a knowledge-centric economy, consequently augmenting India’s overall productivity.

NDTSP aims to harness the transformative potential of technological advancement across diverse sectors, serving as a catalyst to stimulate ripple effects throughout the economy and laying the groundwork for new industry creation. This policy aims to significantly strengthen India's capabilities and enhance global competitiveness.

The National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) aims to address the challenges confronting deep tech startups through definitive policy interventions to create a conducive ecosystem. Acknowledging the key significance of deep technology in propelling innovation, economic growth, and societal development, the NDTSP lays the foundation for India's emerging Deep Tech Startup ecosystem.

4.Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023: Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ 2023 today. The awardees will receive their awards from the President of India at a specially organized function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 09th January, 2024 (Tuesday) at 1100 hours.

‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ is given to corporate entities (both in private and public sector), Sports Control Boards, NGOs, including sports bodies at the State and National level, who have played a visible role in the area of sports promotion and development.

The applications were invited online and sportspersons/coaches/entities were permitted to self-apply through a dedicated Online Portal. A large number of applications/nominations were received for this award in 2023, which were placed before the Selection Committee headed by Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary (Sports), GoI and consisting members from previous awardees, industry association, sports journalist/Experts/Commentators, Secretary (Sports) of State Government, Indian Olympic Association and Non-Governmental Orgarnization, active in sports.

The six core awards which constitute India’s National Sports Awards are the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award or simply the Khel Ratna, the Arjuna Award, the Dronacharya Award, the Major Dhyan Chand Award, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy, also called the MAKA Trophy, and the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar.

5. Red Sea:  is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is one of the most well-known bodies of water in the world, connecting to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal to the northwest. Here are some key points about the Red Sea:

1. Geography: The Red Sea is situated in a tectonically active region known as the Rift Valley. It is a part of the Great Rift Valley and is bordered by several countries, including Saudi Arabia to the east and Egypt to the west.

2. Formation: The Red Sea is believed to have formed through the process of rifting, where the African and Arabian tectonic plates are moving apart. This geological activity has resulted in the creation of a deep and elongated basin.

3. Length and Width: The Red Sea is approximately 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometers) long and, at its widest point, about 225 miles (355 kilometers) across. It has a maximum depth of around 9,974 feet (3,040 meters) in the central Suakin Trough.

4. Trade and Transportation: The Red Sea has been a crucial route for maritime trade for centuries. The Suez Canal, which connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, facilitates the transportation of goods and is one of the world's most important waterways.

5. Marine Life: The Red Sea is known for its rich marine biodiversity. The warm and salty waters support a variety of coral reefs, fish species, and other marine organisms. The northern part of the Red Sea is considered one of the world's premier scuba diving destinations.

6. Economic Importance: The economic significance of the Red Sea extends beyond trade. Countries along its coast, particularly Saudi Arabia and Egypt, have developed industries such as tourism, fishing, and desalination due to the sea's resources.

7. Historical Significance: The Red Sea has played a significant role in human history. It was a crucial route for ancient maritime trade between the East and West. The crossing of the Red Sea is a notable event in religious narratives, such as the biblical account of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.

8. Environmental Challenges: The Red Sea faces environmental challenges, including overfishing, coral bleaching, and pollution. Efforts are being made to address these issues and ensure the sustainability of the sea's ecosystems.

6. International Purple Festival:

The International Purple Festival, held in Goa, India, is a unique and inspiring event that celebrates inclusion, diversity, and the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Here's what I know about it:

Purpose and Vision:

• The festival aims to showcase the talents and achievements of individuals with disabilities, breaking down stereotypes and promoting their capabilities.

• It fosters inclusivity and understanding by creating a space where everyone can participate and celebrate together, regardless of ability.

• The festival also provides a platform for discussion and advocacy, raising awareness about disability rights and the need for further progress in creating a barrier-free society.

Recent Event:

• The second edition of the International Purple Festival took place in January 2024, drawing a large turnout of delegates from India and around the world.

• The festival featured a vibrant array of events, including musical performances, dance shows, art exhibitions, workshops, and conferences.

• It also provided opportunities for networking and collaboration, connecting individuals with disabilities with potential employers, mentors, and support networks.

Impact and Significance:

• The International Purple Festival has garnered significant attention for its positive message and its dedication to promoting inclusivity.

• It has provided a much-needed platform for individuals with disabilities to showcase their talents and contributions, challenging traditional perceptions and inspiring others.

• The festival has also contributed to raising awareness about disability rights and the need for further improvement in accessibility and opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Future Outlook:

• The success of the second edition has solidified the International Purple Festival as a prominent event in the global Disability community.

• Organizers are already planning for future editions, aiming to expand its reach and impact even further.

• The festival has the potential to become a catalyst for positive change, promoting inclusivity and empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential.

The Event:

1. Leadership Presence Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant expressed pride in Goa's unique initiatives for the disabled community, citing praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized inclusivity, lauding the diverse talents of Persons with Disabilities.

2. Disability Information Line (DIL): A milestone was achieved with the launch of India’s first cloud-based IVRS for Disability Information Line (DIL). The 24x7 service offers information on 21 disabilities, accessible through the toll-free number 1800222014.

3. Purple Fest Playbook: The launch of the Purple Fest Playbook provided an overview of the event's achievements and outlined actions for accessibility before, during, and after the festival.

4. Purple Anthem 'Dhumal'The Opening Ceremony featured the Purple Anthem, 'Dhumal,' showcasing performances by Persons with Disabilities and renowned creators from the Indian Music Industry, symbolizing unity and inclusivity.

5. PURPLE TV BHARAT: A dedicated channel, PURPLE TV BHARAT, was introduced to showcase ideas, success stories, interviews, and achievements of the Person with Disability Community globally.

6. Purple Rain Finale: The festival concluded with the Purple Rain, featuring diverse performances, including the international Mando by children from the National Association for the Blind, traditional Goan folk dance Mussal, classical dance 'Saraswati Vandana,' and an engaging performance by Hema Sardesaai.

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