INTERNATIONAL NEWS

J.D.Vance was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States

• Usha Vance became the first Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady when her husband, J.D. Vance, was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the U.S.

• Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh administered the oath to J.D. Vance.

• Usha Vance is the youngest Second Lady in U.S. history at 38, surpassing Jane Hadley Barkley, who was 38 when her husband became Vice President.

• She has previously worked as a clerk for Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and John Roberts.

• Usha Vance is recognized for her accomplishments in law and public service.

• Her role as Second Lady marks a historic milestone for the Indian-American community.

The United States has withdrawn from the World Health Organisation.

• The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO).

• The decision was driven by WHO's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and failure to reform.

• Political influence from certain member nations was another reason for the US departure.

• Trump put a 90-day hold on all US foreign aid to review its effectiveness and alignment with US foreign policy.

• The US also pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord alongside its exit from WHO.

• Trump directed the Secretary of State to implement an "America First" policy through a formal written order.

• The US criticized WHO for being overly sympathetic to China in its handling of COVID-19.

• China, which contributes about 90% of WHO’s funding, played a significant role in the US decision.

• Trump announced that the US will cease negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

• The US also stated it would not be impacted by changes to the International Health Regulations.

Permanent Court of Arbitration Back India on IWT Dispute with Pakistan

• The Permanent Court of Arbitration, based in The Hague, upheld India's position on the Kishanganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Pakistan challenged the projects, but the court ruled that the World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert is competent to resolve issues related to their design and water usage under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT).

• The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 allocates water from the Indus River and its five tributaries—Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, Jhelum, and Chenab—between India and Pakistan.

• India has rights to develop the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, while Pakistan controls the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers.

• India is allowed to use the rivers allocated to Pakistan, but cannot obstruct the flow of water to Pakistan.

• The World Bank's Neutral Expert is responsible for resolving technical disputes over hydropower projects and water usage under the IWT.

• The Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling strengthens India's stance on resolving water disputes through the Neutral Expert process rather than judicial intervention.

• The Permanent Court of Arbitration was established in 1899 during the first Hague Peace Conference held in 1899.

US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border.

• President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border.

• Trump announced new restrictions on immigration and asylum processes.

• He stated that troops would be deployed to the southern border.

• Trump proposed ending birthright citizenship in the United States.

• The national emergency would grant Trump special presidential powers.

• These powers would allow the use of federal funds for the border wall construction.

• The emergency declaration also enables the deployment of military and National Guard forces.

• Trump signed an order designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.

APPOINTMENTS

Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya took the oath of office of the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court

• Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya took the oath as Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.

• The oath was administered by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena.

• Prior to this, Justice Upadhyaya served as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.

• On January 7, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended his transfer to the Delhi High Court.

• He hails from Uttar Pradesh and was appointed a judge of the Allahabad High Court on November 21, 2011.

• Justice Vibhu Bakhru had served as the acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court.

• Justice Manmohan's promotion to the Supreme Court led to the vacancy filled by Justice Upadhyaya.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme has completed 10 years.

• The 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' scheme celebrates its 10th anniversary.

• Launched by the Prime Minister on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana.

• The initiative aims to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and promote women’s empowerment.

• It focuses on preventing gender-biased sex-selective elimination of girls.

• The scheme emphasizes the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.

• It has helped establish a strong foundation for valuing and safeguarding every girl.

• The program focuses on long-term change through inclusive policies and better implementation.

• Active community participation is key to the scheme’s continued success and impact.

STATE NEWS

Chhattisgarh government launched ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana'.

• Chhattisgarh government launched the ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana’.

• Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai unveiled the scheme in Raipur.

• The scheme will provide Rs 10,000 annually to over 5.62 lakh landless agricultural laborers, Baigas, and Gunias.

• A total of Rs 562 crores has been allocated for the program.

• The Chief Minister also participated in the 'Nagar Vikas Ke Sopan' event in Raipur.

• He laid the foundation for 813 development projects worth Rs 155.38 crore.

• Additionally, 70 projects worth Rs 15.25 crore were inaugurated in various urban bodies of the state.

Haryana government notified the Vehicle Scrappage and Recycling Facility Incentive Policy 2024.

• The policy aims to ensure the proper disposal and recycling of old vehicles, promoting environmental sustainability.

• It addresses the growing number of scrapped vehicles, especially after the National Green Tribunal set lifespan limits for diesel and petrol vehicles.

• Vehicle owners will receive financial incentives for scrapping old vehicles.

• The initiative will help reduce the number of junk vehicles parked on public roads and spaces.

• New industrial units will benefit from capital subsidies or state GST reimbursements.

• The government plans to create a 10-year land leasing scheme via the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC).