Daily Current Affairs Notes for 01 February 2023

 

 

Former Union law minister and eminent jurist Shanti Bhushan

Eminent jurist and former Union law minister Shanti Bhushan passed away at 97. During his career, he served as law minister in the 1977-1979 Morarji Desai-led Janata Party government. Bhushan was a founding member of the Aam Aadmi Party in 2012 and played an active role in Anna Hazare's social activism.

Shanti Bhushan was the lawyer for politician Raj Narain in the notable case against Indira Gandhi. Raj Narain, a freedom fighter and politician, accused Gandhi of corruption in the 1971 Lok Sabha elections he lost to her in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi took the case to the Supreme Court after losing in the high court, leading to a series of events that resulted in the imposition of Emergency on June 25, 1975.

Throughout his political career, Bhushan was a member of Congress (O) and later Janata Party. He was also a Rajya Sabha member and had a six-year affiliation with BJP. Known for his activism and expertise as a jurist, Bhushan was involved in the anti-corruption movement that led to the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party. He later left the party.

 

 

Indian Coast Guard 47th Raising Day

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is celebrating its 47th anniversary on February 1, 2023. Starting with just 7 vessels in 1978, today the ICG boasts 158 ships and 78 aircraft, and aims to reach its goal of 200 vessels and 80 aircraft by 2025. As the 4th largest coast guard globally, the ICG has played a crucial role in securing India's coasts and enforcing regulations in the country's Maritime Zones. Established on February 1, 1977 under the Coast Guard Act of 1978, the ICG operates under the Ministry of Defence.

Indian Coast Guard: About

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has 158 ships and 70 aircraft in its fleet. It has saved 11,082 lives since its establishment. Coast Guard Day was created to honor the hard work of the hundreds of personnel who protect the nation. The ICG's motto, "Vayam Rakshamah" means "We Protect". The day is used to raise awareness about the ICG's service and share information about its history. It is celebrated by honoring the dedication of those who serve in the organization.

History of Coast Guard Day:

The origin of Indian Coast Guard Day dates back to February 1, 1977 when the Parliament of India passed the Coast Guard Act of 1978, establishing the organization under the Ministry of Defence. Then-President Morarji Desai officially launched the ICG on August 19, 1978 with just 7 ships.

Indian Coast Guard Day celebrates the ICG, the fourth largest coast guard in the world, and its accomplishments. On this day, it is important to recognize and honor the dedicated service of the ICG.

 

 

Visakhapatnam, a bustling port and industrial city known for its diverse culture, has recently gained attention as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, according to the announcement by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's government. This decision signals the abandonment of plans to develop Amaravati on the Krishna river as the capital city. This change in capital comes nine years after the creation of Telangana, which was given Hyderabad as its capital when it was carved out of Andhra Pradesh.

More About This Development:

At the International Diplomatic Alliance meeting in Delhi, CM Jagan invited investors to visit Visakhapatnam and experience the ease of doing business in Andhra Pradesh. However, this announcement conflicts with the Andhra Pradesh High Court's ruling from March of last year, which stated that the state government must develop Amaravati as the sole capital and deemed the proposal to establish three capitals as illegal. The court's verdict also stated that the state legislature did not have the authority to shift, divide, or create multiple capitals. The state government has since challenged the High Court's order by filing a petition in the Supreme Court.

 

A Rich History of Visakhapatnam:

• The history of Visakhapatnam dates back to ancient times when it had trade relationships with the Middle East and Rome. The city became a settlement for a branch of the East India Company in 1682. The Visakhapatnam Port was officially opened by Lord Willingdon, the then Viceroy and Governor General of India on December 19, 1933. Visakhapatnam gained national attention when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi laid the foundation stone for a Steel Plant, which was later dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1992 after it started production. Today, it is the home of the Eastern Naval Command headquarters.

 

Significance of This Development:

According to a study by Andhra University, Visakhapatnam's population is expected to increase to 30 lakh by 2035, up from 23.5 lakh in 2021. The city boasts essential infrastructure, including an international airport, road connectivity, and a port, making it suitable for the role of a capital.

Jagan's announcement of Visakhapatnam as the new state capital has received mixed reactions from the city's residents. However, G.V. Satyanarayana, former Chairman of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) Visakhapatnam chapter, has praised the decision and believes the real estate industry in the city will thrive once the capital is established.