#NoExamsInCovid - buzzing on Twitter

#NoExamsInCovid – is buzzing on Twitter nawadays. Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and other students who joined the movement are pressing for JEE Main, NEET and other similar exams to be postponed in the light of the COVID-19 crisis.

The students have demanded that third-year exams be cancelled by variety of students being advanced based on their prior exams and internal assessments.

“Considering the fact that the coronavirus cases have been rising rapidly in India and the graph doesn't seem to flatter, it would be very unjust for the students to still appear for their examinations,” NSUI said in a statement released after #NoExamsInCovid garnered support.

As the COVID-19 cases are still on the rise in the country, the remaining board exams and competitive tests for engineering and medical colleges are unlikely to take place in July, according to sources.

“The situation doesn't seem conducive to hold these examinations,” education ministry sources have said.

"Safety of students is paramount. The situation doesn't seem conducive to hold these examinations," sources in the Education Ministry said, adding that some exams may be cancelled and competitive exams like NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Under Graduate) or the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) are likely to be postponed.

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Nepal parliament introduces changes to citizenship law

A Nepalese legislative commission recently introduced an amendment to Nepal's Citizenship Act. Under the change, a foreign woman who marries a Nepali citizen would have to wait seven years to acquire naturalized nationality.

The ruling Secretariat of the Communist Party of Nepal (NCP) decided to make foreign women married to Nepali men eligible for naturalized citizenship only after seven years on the basis of marital relations.

An amendment to the country's Citizenship Act was suggested by a legislative commission in Nepal. The amendment would require that a foreign woman married to a Nepali national await naturalized citizenship for 7 years.

Opposition parties said that it is uncomfortable for people living in Madhes, where cross-border marriage is common.

Nepal's main opposition parties opposed the proposal, claiming it would inconvenience people living in Madhes where cross-border marriages are prevailing quite widely. The parties- Nepali Congress (NC) and Janata Samajbadi Party (SJP) also argued that such a provision would have a bad impact on the age-old ‘bread and bride relations’ (Roti-Beti) between Nepal and India.

The Madheshi are the inhabitants of the Terai region in southern Nepal, on the Himalayan foothill at Bihar's border with India.

Key Highlights

• It includes seven rights that a foreign woman married to a Nepali national can exercise till she acquires citizenship certificates.
• The amendment bill proposes changes to Clause 4.1(b) of the Citizenship Act, which paves the way for women who are granted residence permits to exercise economic , social and cultural rights and grant seven different economic , social and cultural rights to such women.
• It will now be presented for endorsement to the full House of Parliament.
• it will impact 'bread and bride relations' (Roti-Beti) between Nepal and India. 

Conditions for Women without Citizenship

• Failure to obtain a citizenship certificate will not prevent them from running any business and from earning, using and selling any fixed and mobile assets, making profits through business and engaging in any kind of property transaction.
• Such a woman may also set up companies, operate businesses as well as other activities, record crucial events such as birth , death, marriage , divorce and relocation, and offer facilities, rights and discounts offered by every law-based agency. 
• She would also be eligible to study at any accredited institution, obtain academic qualifications and exercise physical , social and cultural rights and obtain national identification cards as per the proposed amendment.

Condition for a foreign Man married to Nepali Woman

Actually a foreign man married to a woman from Nepal will wait for citizenship for 14 years. Woman organisations have requested fair rights in legislation, said The Kathmandu Post. The main opposition groups, the NC and the JSP, wrote protest notes against the reform bill.

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Bollywood Singer Kanika Kapoor tested Coronavirus positive

Kanika Kapoor, who tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Friday March 20, attended three parties after returning to Lucknow from London last week, according to her father Rajiv Kapoor. Kanika was admitted to the King George's Medical University (KGMU) hospital in Lucknow after testing coronavirus positive.

Read Also: COVID-19 Outbreak

इसे भी पढ़ें : वसीम जाफ़र ने क्रिकेट के सभी प्रारूपों से लिया संन्यास

Read : PM Modi Urges 'Janata Curfew' OnMarch 22, 2020

While giving an interview on March 20, Rajiv Kapoor said that Kanika came in contact with around 400 families at the three different parties in Lucknow.

The singer, however, has denied her father's claims and said that she only attended one family get together.

Read : Coronavirus claims its 3rd death in India

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Soon after father Rajiv Kapoor's interview, Kanika spoke to a news channel in a telephonic conversation and contradicted her father's statement, adding that she was only exposed to about thirty people at one get together.

Read : How Coronavirus Spreads

Read Also: What is COVID-19 

Kanika Kapoor travelled to London lately to meet her children and returned to Lucknow last week. Upon landing in the Uttar Pradesh capital, Kanika refrained from informing authorities concerned about her travel history. Kanika also attended a lavish party with her friends and family at a five-star hotel in Lucknow thereafter. This party was hosted by top interior designer Adil Ahmad, nephew of Akbar Ahmad Dumpy. Adil had designed the interiors for Vasundhara Raje's Delhi home. Raje was also part of the dinner hosted by Adil, as was her son Dushyant.

Read : About Coronavirus 

She, however, has denied reports of dodging airport authorities after landing in Lucknow. "I am an educated and hardworking girl. I was part of the scanning process at the airport. I also called the CMO to check me and filled all forms at the airport," Kanika told a news channel. Her father Rajiv Kapoor also reiterated and said that Kanika did the test at the airport and "nothing" was reported at that point of time.

Kanika Kapoor has provided vocals to the songs Baby Doll, Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan, Chhil Gaye Naina and Da Da Dasse.

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PM Modi Urges 'Janata Curfew' On March 22, 2020

PM Modi Urges 'Janata Curfew' On March 22, 2020

On March 19, 2020 PM Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to observe a "Janata curfew" on Sunday, March 22 across India.

PM Modi urged people not to move out of their homes on 22nd March. He also urged the state governments, organisations like the NCC and NSS, which are led by youth, civil society and other organisations to actively encourage citizens to follow ‘Janata Curfew’ and stay inside their homes.

Read also: What is COVID-19

The Prime Minister also cautioned citizens against hoarding and panic-buying, assuring that there would be no shortage of essentials like milk, medicines and food.

PM Modi said, "Under this Janata (public) curfew, no one should leave their home or gather in their neighbourhoods. Only those related to essential services should go out".

The Prime Minister suggested that the one-day exercise would help people get used to self-isolating. Stay home unless absolutely essential in the next few weeks, he said, urging determination and restraint.

Read also: Salman Khan to opt for surrogacy to become a dad???

PM requested all citizens to applaud the services extended by airlines’ staff, the cleanliness staff, those who deliver food, those who drive railways, bus or autorickshaws, government officials, policemen and the media. Terming them as ‘Rashtra Rakshaks’, PM Modi said that the country was indebted to their services. PM Modi urged citizens to stand in the balconies at 5 PM on 22nd March and clap for five minutes to express gratitude to such people.

Schools, colleges, theatres, malls and shopping areas have been shut down in large parts of the country. Religious gatherings and weddings have been put off.

PM thanks people for supporting the cause of Sunday's Janata Curfew

PM Modi has hailed the efforts of people from various walks of life that have come together to support the initiative of Janata Curfew this Sunday, the 22nd of March, in an effort to contain the spread of corona virus Covid 19.

इसे भी पढ़ें : वसीम जाफ़र ने क्रिकेट के सभी प्रारूपों से लिया संन्यास

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Ex-finance minister Arun Jaitley passes away at 66

Former Union Minister, ex-finance minister and BJP’s stalwart Arun Jaitley died on August 24, 2019 after a period of illness. He was 66. Jaitley, who has been running unwell for a long time, breathed his last at AIIMS Hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, BJP President and Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress party's Sonia Gandhi were among a gamut of leaders who expressed their grief and offered condolences to the bereaved family.

Source: PIB

From August 9, Jaitley was admitted to the All India Medical Sciences Institute (AIIMS) in New Delhi and handled by a multidisciplinary team of senior physicians.

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Jaitley was a Politician, Lawyer, Cricket administrator, Raconteur and the Quintessential Delhi insider. He was the man who articulated the party line best, in both Hindi and English, the rather affable public face of the party.

Under the Modi government, he held as many portfolios including finance, defence, corporate affairs and information and broadcasting, although he lost the only Lok Sabha poll he ever contested, from Amristar, in 2014. As Finance Minister, his achievements include the implementation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. He was also at the helm when the controversial decision to demonetise high value currency notes was taken in November 2016.

☞ Read this also: What is Free Trade?

Journey At A Glance:

• He was graduated from Shri Ram College of Commerce of Delhi University in 1973.

• In 1975, he was detained for 19 months in Tihar jail during emergency.

• He joined the BJP in 1980, later rose to head of the youth wing as its president.

• In 1989, he was appointed as Additional Solicitor General of India.

• He got membership into the National Executive of the BJP in 1991.

• He was the Minister of Law and Justice and Company Affairs in the Vajpayee government in 2000.

• He appointed as General Secretary of the BJP in 2002.

• Again, in 2003 became the Minister of Commerce and Industry and Law & Justice in the Vajpayee government.

• Became the leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha in 2009.

• In 2014, he appointed as Minister of Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs.

• Due to health issues he opted out of Modi’s  cabinet in 2019.

☞ Read this also: Former Foreign Minister SushmaSwaraj died at 67

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4 New Products get GI Tag

Recently, the Geographical Indication (GI), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has registered 4 new GIs.

PalaniPanchamirtham from Palani Town in Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu, Tawlhlohpuan and Mizo Puancheifrom from Mizoram and Tirur Betel leaf from Kerala are the latest additions to the list of registered GIs.

PalaniPanchamirtham (Tamil Nadu)

• It is an abishegaPrasadam, from Palani Town is one of the main offerings in the Abisegam of Lord Dhandayuthapani Swamy, the presiding deity of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, situated in palani Hills, Palani Town in Dindigul District of the state.

• It is a combination of five natural substances, namely, banana, jaggery sugar, cow ghee, honey and cardamom in a definite proportion.

• It is prepared in a natural method without addition of any preservatives or artificial ingredients and is well known for its religious fervour and gaiety.

• This is the first time when a temple ‘Prasadam’ from Tamil Nadu has been bestowed with the GI tag.

☞ Read this also: 4 नये उत्पादों को मिला जीआई टैग (GI Tag)

Tawlhlohpuan (Mizoram)

• It’s a medium to heavy, compactly woven, good quality fabric from Mizoram is known for warp yarns, warping, weaving & intricate designs that are made by hand.

• In Mizo language, Tawlhloh, means 'to stand firm or not to move backward’.

• Tawlhlohpuan is produced throughout the state of Mizoram, Aizawl and Thenzawl town being the main centre of production.

• It holds high significance in the Mizo society.

☞ Read this also: केरल के इडुक्की के “मरयूर गुड़” को मिला जीआई (GI) टैग

Mizo Puanchei (Mizoram)

• It is a colourful Mizo shawl or a textile, from Mizoram.

• It is considered as the most colourful among the Mizo textiles. It is an essential possession for every Mizo lady and an important marriage outfit in the state.

• It is also the most commonly used costume in Mizo festive dances and official ceremonies.

• The weavers insert the designs and motifs by using supplementary yarns while weaving to create this beautiful and alluring textile.

☞ Read this also: 5th National Handloom Day

Tirur betel Vine (Kerala)

• It is mainly cultivated in Tirur, Tanur, Tirurangadi, Kuttippuram, Malappuram and Vengara block panchayaths of Malappuram District.

• It is valued both for its mild stimulant action and medicinal properties. 

• Even though it is commonly used for making pan masala for chewing, it has many medicinal, industrial and cultural usages.

• Tirur betel Vine is considered as a remedy for bad breath and digestive disorders.

☞ Read this also: UPPSC Released New Exam Calendar for 2019-2020

What is Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

It is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.

GI products can benefit the rural economy in remote areas, by supplementing the incomes of artisans, farmers, weavers and craftsmen. India’s rural artisans possess unique skills and knowledge of traditional practices and methods, passed down from generation to generation, which need to be protected and promoted.The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has taken several initiatives in this regard and is actively involved in promotion and marketing of GIs.

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Former Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj died at 67

Sushma Swaraj, the former foreign minister of India and a senior member of the governing Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), died at the age of 67 on August 6, 2019. Approximately 9:30pm, the senior BJP leader was brought to AIIMS and taken to the emergency ward after a huge cardiac arrest.  

Swaraj was renowned for her active social media presence, often responding to Indians abroad's demands for assistance. 

Sushma Swaraj cremated 'People's Minister' with full state honors as nation mourns loss. Hundreds of individuals bade goodbye, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chairman Amit Shah and veteran party leader Lal Krishna Advani.

                                   

Leader of the opposition Congress Party Rahul Gandhi described Swaraj as "an extraordinary political leader, a talented orator and an exceptional parliamentarian with party-wide friendship."

Politicians, celebrities, and normal Indians went to Twitter to express their grief about the death of Swaraj and pay homage.

National President of Jamaat Ulama-e-Hind Molana Suhaib Qasmi, who came with a group of people from the Nizamuddin area, said, "Her death is a great loss for the party and the country. As a foreign minister, she had helped so many distressed people in the diaspora, whether they were in Saudi Arabia or Iraq or Yemen. She lifted the stature of India as the minister of foreign relations. Her death shocks us, "he said.  

She thanked Modi in her last tweets for introducing a contentious measure to India's parliament to revoke the unique status of India-administered part of the disputed Kashmir territory, a move that came after New Delhi imposed a Muslim-majority clampdown. 

Swaraj graduated from law and in the 1970s started her political career strongly connected with socialist rulers.

She actively opposed the Congress Party's 1975 emergency rule enforced by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

She entered the BJP later and grew to become one of its top rulers, last serving as India's foreign minister, only the second female in the post-Indira Gandhi position.

From 2014 to 2019, she was Minister of Foreign Affairs in the cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

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