Daily Current Affairs- 8 March

Today's Current Affairs 8th March 2023

INTERNATIONAL

Xi Jinping's right hand, Li Qiang to become China's next premier

Xi Jinping has consolidated his power since the resignation of Premier Li Keqiang, who had served the maximum two terms allowed. Li had been sidelined in recent years by Xi, who elevated military and security services in support of the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”. Now, all eyes are now on Li Qiang, who is the favourite to replace Keqiang as Premier. Li is a crony of Xi’s from his days in provincial government, having served as Xi's de facto chief of staff in Zhejiang province.

Arun Subramanian becomes first Indian-American to be Judge of Manhattan Federal District Court in New York

Indian-American Arun Subramaniam has been confirmed as first South Asian District Judge for the Southern District of New York. Senate Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer  confirmed the nomination of Mr. Subramanian by a vote of 58-37.  Senator Schumer said that Subramanian dedicated his career to fighting for people.  South District New York notably has one of the largest South Asian-American populations in the country.

White House backs bipartisan Bill that could lead to TikTok ban

The White House endorsed a bipartisan bill that could give the President authority to ban or force a sale of TikTok, support that could hasten its passage and break a deadlock over how to handle privacy concerns around the popular Chinese-owned app.

The bill introduced would give the President the ability to force the sale of foreign-owned technologies, applications, software or e-commerce platforms if they present a national security threat to US users.

NATIONAL

Dr Manik Saha to be sworn-in as CM of Tripura today; PM Modi and HM Amit Shah to attend the ceremony

In Tripura, all arrangements are put in place for the swearing-in ceremony of senior BJP leader Dr. Manik Saha as the new chief minister of the state. Dr. Saha will be administered oath of office by Governor Satyadeo Narayan Arya. The second term of the BJP-led coalition government in Tripura will begin from today ( 8^th March ) with the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Manik Saha as the Chief minister. Apart from Dr. Saha, a number of council of ministers are also likely to be sworn-in.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launches Swachhotsav under Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.

In the run up to the Women’s Day on Wednesday, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has launched Swachhotsav, 3-week women-led swachhata campaign, under the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0. The campaign aims to recognize and celebrate the transition from women in sanitation to women-led sanitation. A series of events and activities will be organized across cities to celebrate women from all walks of life, who will provide leadership in making the mission of garbage free cities (GFC) a success.

SPORTS

Khelo India Dus ka Dum tournament to be organized in 10 cities

The Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is set to organize the Khelo India Dus Ka Dum event from March 10 to 31, as a celebration for the International Women’s Day 2023. This is the first time that such a sports initiative is being taken to celebrate the international event and the Union Ministry has sanctioned a total budget of Rs 50 Lakh for the tournament. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur shall be in attendance at the opening ceremony of the event on March 10 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the national capital.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Women's Day

Why do we celebrate women's day on March 8.  - In 1917, women in Russia chose to protest and strike under the slogan "Bread and Peace" on the last Sunday in February (which fell on March 8 on the Gregorian calendar). Their movement ultimately led to the enactment of women's suffrage in Russia."

This day on the Gregorian calendar in use elsewhere was March 8. International Women's Day was marked for a first time by the United Nations in 1975.

International Women's Day is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women's rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

Holi. - A celebration of colours, tradition, and health

A festival of vibrant colours and love, Holi truly represents kaleidoscopic life, without caring for all human boundaries. It symbolises the inherent meaning of life and love for each other, marking the very spirit of tolerance and brotherhood in a diverse society, like ours. It is indeed an opportunity to further promote goodwill and harmony among people, who otherwise appear divided into several lines, and gives out a message to work together for the progress and prosperity of our society and nation. This helps revitalise relationships and strengthen emotional bonds.

SUMMIT'S & MOU's

Second Meeting of Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion concludes in Hyderabad

The second Meeting of Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, GPFI under G20 India Presidency concluded on Tuesday in Hyderabad. The two-day meeting was led by GPFI Co-Chair and G20 India Presidency and saw participation from Ministry of Finance and Central Bank representatives from G20 and non-G20 countries and International Organisations. During the Plenary, the GPFI members discussed and agreed on the way forward for important deliverables for the year including those on Digital Financial Inclusion, SME Finance. A Symposium on Digital Innovations in Payments and Remittances was also organised on the sidelines of the GPFI meeting for both G20 and non-G20 countries.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Sir David Alan Chipperfield Receives the 2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize

Civic architect, urban planner and activist, Sir David Alan Chipperfield CH has been selected as the 2023 Laureate of The Pritzker Architecture Prize, the award that is regarded internationally as architecture's highest honor.