Daily Current Affairs Notes for 21 April 2023

Global Buddhist Summit to be addressed by PM

During the opening session of the two-day Global Buddhist Summit organized by the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a speech on April 20. The summit brings together top Buddhist figures and experts from different parts of the world to discuss various Buddhist and global issues and collaborate on creating policy recommendations to address them.

Inaugural Session Of Global Buddhist Summit: key Points

• According to the PMO, the summit aims to examine how the fundamental principles of Buddha Dhamma can motivate and guide individuals in the contemporary world.
• Distinguished scholars, Sangha leaders, and practitioners of Dharma from different parts of the world will take part in the summit. They will discuss critical global issues and work towards finding solutions based on the universal values of Buddha Dhamma.
• The primary objective of the summit is to involve prominent leaders and scholars in the global Buddhist community to tackle various Buddhist and universal issues and create joint policy solutions.
• The conversation will focus on how the essential principles of Buddha Dhamma can motivate and provide direction in modern settings.
• As per the PMO's statement, the summit will convene renowned scholars, Sangha leaders, and Dharma practitioners from across the globe. Together, they will address urgent global issues and seek solutions through the universal values of Buddha Dhamma.

Inaugural Session Of Global Buddhist Summit: Keynote Speaker

As per the report, the event will have two keynote speakers: Professor Robert Thurman, an eminent authority on Tibetan Buddhism from the US, and His Holiness Thich Tri Quang, the Deputy Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. The report also highlighted that Professor Thurman was awarded the esteemed Padma Shri Award in 2020 for his efforts in revitalizing India's ancient Buddhist legacy.

Inaugural Session Of Global Buddhist Summit: Topics of Summit

There will be four talks held on various topics, including Buddha Dhamma and Peace, Buddha Dhamma's connection to the environmental crisis, health and sustainability, and the preservation of the Nalanda Buddhist Tradition. Additionally, there will be a discussion on Buddha Dhamma Pilgrimage, Living Heritage, and Buddha Relics. These dialogues aim to establish a solid base for India's deep-rooted cultural ties with countries in South, Southeast, and East Asia.

The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems: FAO Report

The Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) of FAO has released a report that is the first of its kind since the State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) 2010-11 report on women in agriculture. This report provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the status of women employed in agri-food systems, covering all aspects from production to distribution and consumption, going beyond the limits of agriculture alone.

FAO Report on The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems: Key Points

• The agricultural and food systems sector offers substantial employment prospects to individuals across the globe, including both men and women. Approximately 36% of working women and 38% of working men are employed in this sector.
• Since 2005, there has been a decrease of approximately 10% in primary agricultural production employment, which has had an impact on both men and women.
• In the agricultural and food systems sector, women tend to have part-time or precarious employment. There is also a gender gap of 24% in land productivity between farms managed by men and women of the same size.
• Women make up 21% of the workforce in the primary sector of fisheries and aquaculture, while almost half of all workers in the entire aquatic value chain (including pre- and post-harvest) are women.
• In many countries, women depend more on agrifood systems for their livelihoods than men do. In sub-Saharan Africa, 66% of women's employment is in this sector, while in southern Asia, the figure is 71%.
• The gap in wages between genders is also evident in the agricultural sector, where women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men in wage employment.
• In most countries that report on Sustainable Development Goal Indicator 5.a.1, women have less ownership and secure tenure rights over agricultural land compared to men.

FAO Report on The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems: Status of Gender Equality

In recent years, there has been some progress towards gender equality, such as a reduction in the gender gap for access to mobile internet and bank accounts in low- and middle-income countries. However, there has been a widening gender gap in food insecurity, with the COVID-19 pandemic leading to a 22% job loss rate for women in the off-farm segment of agrifood systems, compared to just 2% for men.

If the gender gap in farm productivity and wage gap in agrifood-system employment is closed, it could lead to an increase in global GDP by almost USD 1 trillion (or 1%) and reduce global food insecurity by about 2%, which would benefit around 45 million people.

Empowering women in small-scale production has the potential to significantly increase the incomes and resilience of millions of people. However, a review of 13 agricultural development projects showed mixed impacts on women's empowerment. The projects aimed to improve income and nutritional outcomes by implementing interventions in crops, livestock, and nutrition.

Cuba's National Assembly has re-elected President Miguel Díaz-Canel for another five-year term amidst the country's ongoing economic crisis. The decision was made by over 400 representatives who were elected in March and assumed office on April 19th.

More About The Cuban Parliament ratifies President Díaz-Canel:

After confirming President Miguel Díaz-Canel for a new five-year term, Cuba's National Assembly proceeded to vote for the government's leadership. Díaz-Canel was re-elected with 459 out of 462 votes, and Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa received 439 votes. This decision was made by over 400 representatives who were elected in March and inaugurated on April 19. Keeping the current leadership is considered an attempt to ensure stability in the face of the country's severe economic crisis.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s New Term:

In his new term, President Miguel Díaz-Canel will face significant challenges, such as a severe economic recession due to the COVID-19 pandemic, high inflation caused by financial policy decisions, and stringent sanctions imposed by the U.S. Additionally, he will need to address growing dissatisfaction among many Cubans, reflected in the record numbers of emigration to the U.S. and other countries.

Díaz-Canel's team intends to address these challenges by giving priority to food production, increasing exports, and promptly developing the socialist-state enterprise.