GK Snapshots on 18 December 2021

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers 2021 – December 17

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is annually observed across the globe on 17th December to focus attention on the hate crimes committed against sex workers across the globe.

• The day has empowered the workers to come together against discrimination and remember the victims of violence.

Symbol:

‘Red Umbrella’ is the symbol for sex workers’ rights across the globe.

In 2005 the International Committee on the Rights of Sex Workers in Europe adopted the red umbrella as its symbol for the rights of sex workers.

Union Cabinet gives nod to raise women’s marriage age to 21 from 18 years
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi has given its nod for proposal to bring uniformity in the marriageable age of men and women, thereby, increasing the legal age of marriage of women from 18 to 21 years.

• In this regard, a Bill will be introduced to amend the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, Special Marriage Act, 1954 and personal laws such as the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 in the ongoing winter session of Parliament (November 29- December 23, 2021).

• The legal age to get married for men is 21.

• This decision will not only boost gender equity and gender empowerment but also enable girls to complete their college studies and start earning.

Central Government Grant ‘In-Principle’ Approval for 6 Nuclear Reactors at Jaitapur, Maharashtra

On 16th December 2021 Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra granted ‘In-Principle’ approval for setting up 6 Nuclear Reactors at Jaitapur in Maharashtra.

• The approval is for setting up 6 nuclear power reactors of 1650 MW each, making Jaitapur as India’s largest nuclear power generating site with a total capacity of 9900 MW

• Technical cooperation is provided by the French Firm – Électricité de France (EDF).

Key Highlights:

i.The government provides strength to promote the use of nuclear energy in health services and agricultural programmes for indigenous development, import substitutes for cost-effective treatment.
ii.The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is involved in the development, pre-clinical evaluation and obtaining the radiopharmaceuticals committee’s approval for human use.

iii.Technologies for large-scale production of these radiopharmaceuticals are transferred to the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT).

Avani Lekhara wins ‘Best Female Debut’ honour at 2021 Paralympic Sport Awards

Indian shooter Avani Lekhara, who has created history by winning India’s first Gold medal in Shooting at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, won the “Best Female Debut” honour at the 2021 Paralympic Sport Awards. The Awards were announced by the International Paralympic Committee.

• She became the 1st Indian woman to win 2 Paralympic medals in a single edition of the Paralympic Games.

• India won an unprecedented 19 medals at the Paralympic Games including 5 Gold, 8 Silver & 6 Bronze.

PM Modi Becomes the 1st Foreigner to Receive ‘Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo’, Bhutan’s Highest Civilian Award

On the occasion of Bhutan’s 114th National Day (17th December 2021), The Kingdom of Bhutan has honoured Narendra Modi, Prime Minister(PM) of India with Bhutan’s highest civilian award Ngadag Pel gi

Khorlo also known as Order of the Dragon King (Druk Gyalpo). PM Modi becomes the first foreigner to receive the coveted award.

• King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck conferred the award upon PM Modi.

• The announcement was made by Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Bhutan.

Shantanu Gupta authors Book on Yogi Adityanath – “The Monk Who Transformed Uttar Pradesh”

The book titled “The Monk Who Transformed Uttar Pradesh: How Yogi Adityanath Changed UP Waala Bhaiya’ abuse to a Badge of Honour”, authored by Shantanu Gupta and published by Garuda Prakashan was released in December 2021.
i.The book underlines the journey of Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath, from being born in Uttarakhand to becoming a Nath Panthi saint, to CM of Uttar Pradesh.
ii.It also highlights the transformation of UP in various aspects like law and order, connectivity, education, health infrastructure, etc under the tenure of Yogi Adityanath.

iii.Yogi Adityanath was born on 5 June 1972 in Pauri Garhwal, Uttrakhand. Currently he is serving as the CM of UP from BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). Other books by Shantanu Gupta

• “BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY: Past, Present and Future: Story of the World’s Largest Political Party” (2019)

• “The Monk Who Became Chief Minister” (2017).

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