Daily Current Affairs Notes for 22 February 2023

World Thinking Day 2023

World Thinking Day is observed by the World Organization of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) every year on February 22nd. The objective of the day is twofold: to raise funds for the 10 million active girl scouts and guides in over 150 countries, and to commemorate sisterhood, solidarity, and women's empowerment. On this day, female scouts are encouraged to cultivate lasting connections with each other, emphasising loyalty and respect.

Theme of World Thinking Day 

The theme for World Thinking Day 2023 is "Our World, Our Peaceful Future," which delves into how we can learn from the ecosystem and collaborate with nature to establish a safer and more serene future for girls across the globe.

Significance of World Thinking Day 

World Thinking Day serves as a unifying occasion for scouts and guides worldwide to honour their common values and aspirations. It is a moment to ponder the accomplishments of the scouting movement and the influence it has exerted on society. Scouting organisations are global youth associations that foster leadership, character growth, and outdoor proficiency. These organisations provide an extensive array of initiatives and events for young people, such as camping, hiking, community service, and leadership enhancement.

History of World Thinking Day 

In 1926, during the fourth international conference for female scouts, the need for World Thinking Day was proposed. The conference unanimously agreed on assigning February 22 as Thinking Day, coinciding with the birthdays of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts of America, and his wife Lady Olave Baden-Powell, the organization's first global head guide. Six years later, at the 7th World Conference in Bucze, Poland in 1932, delegates pointed out that birthday gifts are customary, and girls could express their appreciation by contributing to the International Movement through donations on Thinking Day.

Delhi government banned Ola, Rapido, Uber Bike

The Delhi Transport Department has prohibited the use of bike taxi services, including those provided by popular apps such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The department issued an order banning bike taxis as they are considered illegal. Business owners of bike taxi services have been instructed to halt their operations without delay.

Delhi Govt banned Ola, Rapido, Uber Bike: Key Points

• The recent ban imposed by the Delhi government is only applicable to motorbikes as there is no restriction yet on cars or cab services.
• The Delhi Transport Department has stated that the key reason for the ban on bike taxis is the persistent violation of rules by their drivers. The department has clarified that as per regulations, two-wheelers are not authorized to carry passengers for commercial gains unless they hold a commercial license.
• The Delhi Transport Department has noted that certain digital platforms are aiding in these illegal activities by offering booking services via their app and acting as aggregators, thus violating Section 93. Such violations are subject to penalties of up to Rs 1 lakh as per Section 193(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Reason for ban on Ola, Rapido, Uber Bike Service

• It has been brought to our attention that there is a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 as two-wheelers with a Non-Transport (Private) registration mark or number are being used for the transportation of passengers in exchange for payment.
• Using two-wheelers for commercial purposes is a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.
• In accordance with the directive from the Delhi Transport Department, individuals who use two-wheelers as taxis are now subject to significant fines.

Heavy fine for the violation of law:

• For a first offence, a fine of Rs 5,000 may be imposed, while a second offence could lead to a fine of Rs 10,000 and imprisonment for up to a year.
• Furthermore, a committee appointed by the Supreme Court will have the authority to suspend the driver's license for a minimum of three months.
• The penalty for the apps might be as much as Rs 1 lakh.