Junior Digest

Washington, Aug 5,2023: NASA announced Friday that it has reestablished full communications with the Voyager 2 space probe after losing contact with the spacecraft last week.

“NASA has reestablished full communications with Voyager 2. The agency’s Deep Space Network facility in Canberra, Australia, sent the equivalent of an interstellar ‘shout’ more than 12.3 billion miles (19.9 billion kilometers) to Voyager 2, instructing the spacecraft to reorient itself and turn its antenna back to Earth. With a one-way light time of 18.5 hours for the command to reach Voyager, it took 37 hours for mission controllers to learn whether the command worked. At 12:29 a.m. EDT on Aug. 4, the spacecraft began returning science and telemetry data, indicating it is operating normally and that it remains on its expected trajectory,” the space agency said in a statement on the website.

NASA said that contact with the probe was lost in late July after a series of planned commands were sent to the probe, causing the spacecraft’s antenna to point away from Earth and resulting in the loss of communications and data transmission.

The agency said on August 1 that its Deep Space Network, using multiple antennas, had been able to detect a signal from the probe, which confirmed that the aircraft was operational.

Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 were launched in September 1977. Both Voyagers are the farthest from Earth and the longest-operated spacecraft. Voyager 1, which is almost 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) from Earth now, continues to operate normally, NASA added.

Chennai, July 31,2023: Heralding a major milestone in India’s third moon mission, the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft moved out of the earth orbits and was successfully slinged into the Lunar Orbit on Monday midnight and is heading towards the moon.
With this challenging accomplishment, the spacecraft, has moved yet another step closer in the mission ahead of soft landing on the Lunar surface that will happen in the third week of August. In a tweet, ISRO said “Chandrayaan-3 completes its orbits around the Earth and heads towards the Moon.”
“A successful perigee-firing performed at ISTRAC, ISRO has injected the spacecraft into the translunar orbit”, it said.”Next stop: the Moon–As it arrives at the moon, the Lunar-Orbit Insertion (LOI) is planned for Aug 5, 2023″, ISRO said.
“The coming 23 days are very crucial and the ISRO scientists will be monitoring the spacecraft round the clock from the ground stations”, ISRO sources said after the successful entry of Chandrayaan-3 into the Lunar phase”, ISRO sources.
ISRO sources said the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was successfully injected into the TransLunar Injection (TLI) orbit by firing the onboard thruster motors from the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru.

Having entered the Lunar orbit, the spacecraft’s orbit will be further manuevred for the soft landing on August 23 evening to explore the hitherto unexplored south pole region of the moon.

The success of the soft landing would propel India to join a select group of space faring nations to achieve this historic milestone. Only US, the then Soviet Union and China have achieved this feat so far.

India too nearly achieved it in its maiden attempt when it launched Chandrayaan-2 in July 2019, before the lander
crash landed very close to the landing spot, making the mission about 99.99 per cent success.

Imphal, July 29,2023: A massive peace rally was taken out on Saturday by thousands of people braving the summer heat , to demand action against the Kuki Chin terrorists who were responsible for the crisis in Manipur.

The rally, organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity ( COCOMI) to discuss the Manipur crisis, started from Thangmeiband and culminated at Hapta Kangjeibung. Those who participated in the rally shouted slogans like Long Live Manipur, Stop Illegal Infiltration, Implement NRC, No Separate Administration in Manipur, protect indigenous people, protect forest and environment and stop crime against women.

The organizers had to wait for a long time to take five resolutions as people from across the state consisting of Naga tribes , Muslims, Meiteis and other communities were coming towards the ground in large numbers.

The rallyists resolved to end the conflict by uprooting the Chin Kuki narco terrorists who have come from other countries. It was also decided to oppose separate administration in Manipur.

They also resolved to implement the National Register of Citizen (NRC) in Manipur. It was decided to demand the summoning of Manipur Assembly by August 5.

It was further decided to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister. The organizers said the rally was taken out to inform all that the crisis in Manipur was started by the illegal immigrants.

Yumnamcha Dilipkumar, a presidium member , said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had visited Manipur and promised to return after 15 days but he did not. The Centre had sent over 40,000 troops. However, they were not used to protect the people of Manipur, he alleged. The Prime Minister broke his silence after a video went viral and people of Manipur condemned it, he pointed out.

People were shocked to hear the news of crime against women and children against a particular community on May 3 at Churachandpur district and infuriated people came out the next day in various parts of the valley areas on May 4 to protest the burning of houses, killing of people and confinement of people mostly women and children at Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, he added.

The government announced to give Rs 1000 to the displaced persons. Dilip said what will a person who lost one’s house and livelihood do with Rs 1000.

RK Nimai , presidium member, said the Meitei community was dragged into the conflict by the Kuki people by attacking people and burning houses. The peace loving Meitei people were forced to protect themselves, he said. He appealed to the people to take actions against the armed Kuki militants and not against the unarmed people.

The “mass rally against Chin Kuki Terrorism” organized by Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity COCOMI was participated . Jeetendra Ningombam , Convenor said all the civil societies of Manipur are working together to resolve the crisis. Massive security arrangements were taken up as it was calculated that several lakhs of people must have come to participate in the rally.

Washington DC, July 26,2023:: The United States is sending USD 400 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, including a variety of munitions for advanced air defence systems, artillery rounds and armoured vehicles, the State Department announced Tuesday (local time).
In a statement, Antony Blinken, Secretary of State said, “Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 43rd drawdown for Ukraine. This assistance package includes air defence munitions, artillery rounds, armoured vehicles, and anti-armor capabilities, as well as other equipment essential to strengthening Ukraine’s brave forces on the battlefield, helping them retake Ukraine’s sovereign territory, and defend their fellow citizens.”
“This package contains critical military assistance totalling USD 400 million worth of arms and equipment from Department of Defense stocks,” he added.
He also stated that following the withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia continues to attack Ukrainian ports and grain infrastructure – including in Odessa.
Blinken further added that Russia could have ended this war at any time by “withdrawing its forces from Ukraine” and stopping its brutal attacks against Ukraine’s cities and people. Until it does, the United States and our allies and partners will stand united with Ukraine, for as long as it takes,” he added.
Earlier in June, the US Department of Defence announced an additional security assistance package, valued at up to USD 500 million, for Ukraine to meet its “critical security and defence needs.”
The security package includes crucial capabilities to aid Ukraine’s counteroffensive operations in its ongoing conflict with Russia and to strengthen its air defences.

July 31,2023: A suicide bomber detonated explosives at a political rally in northwestern Pakistan, killing at least 44 people and wounding nearly 200, according to officials.

The blast took place on Sunday at a gathering of the conservative Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) party on the outskirts of Khar in Pakistan’s northwestern Bajaur district, which borders Afghanistan.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Provincial police said in a statement that the suicide bomber set off his explosives vest close to the stage where several senior party leaders were sitting. It said initial investigations suggested the ISIL (ISIS) group could be behind the attack and officers were still investigating.

The armed group has been active in neighbouring Afghanistan after the fall of President Ashraf Ghani’s government. It opposes Afghanistan’s Taliban administration and has members known to cross the porous mountainous border and hide in the Peshawar area.

Feroz Jamal, the provincial information minister, told The Associated Press news agency that so far, 44 people had been “martyred” and nearly 200 wounded in the attack.

An emergency has been declared in the hospitals of Bajaur and adjoining areas where most of the wounded were taken, said district police officer Nazir Khan. The critically wounded were transported from Bajaur to hospitals in the provincial capital Peshawar by military helicopters.

“There was dust and smoke around and I was under some injured people from where I could hardly stand up, only to see chaos and some scattered limbs,” said Adam Khan, 45, who was knocked to the ground by the blast and hit by splinters in his leg and both hands.

Shillong (Meghalaya), July 29,2023: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has urged political parties to take a keen interest in the Northeast region and address the challenges faced by its communities.
Speaking about the recent violence in Manipur, CM Sangma emphasized the importance of peace in the state for the overall well-being of the Northeast.
Stressing the significance of dialogue, communication, and discussion, he expressed optimism in finding peaceful resolutions to the issues at hand.
His remark comes at a time when the Opposition MPs of the grand alliance — I.N.D.I.A. parties are in Manipur for a two-day visit. Also, both houses of Parliament facing logjam in the ongoing Monsoon Session on the issue of violence in this northeastern state. Opposition parties are demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in the Parliament and also discuss the issue in both houses of the Parliament.
The Chief Minister highlighted that all political parties are welcome to visit the region, and he hopes they will use these opportunities not only during crises but also at other times to witness the difficulties faced by the people of the Northeast. He believes that through collaboration and understanding, lasting peace can be restored in the region.
Earlier, Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey urged the visiting I.N.D.I.A. leaders to contribute to the restoration of peace and order to the violence-hit Northeast. She also called on all parties and stakeholders to help put the state back on track.
The leaders of the visiting delegation said earlier they would refrain from raising any political issues during their visit and would simply focus on getting a sense of the situation on the ground.

New Delhi, Aug 3,2023: Delhi Finance Minister Atishi on Wednesday opposed the new GST rates on online gaming platforms in the 51st GST Council meeting.

Atishi emphasized the need to reconsider the new GST rates imposed on the online gaming industry to encourage new startups in the country. Despite repeated requests, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was not willing to reconsider this, the office of the Delhi Finance Minister communique said.

Atishi said, “The online gaming industry is the fastest-growing industry in the country. Investors from India and abroad are attracted to it, leading to investments in the millions and billions of dollars. Levying heavy taxes on this rapidly growing industry will burden it and discourage investment in Indian startups, causing a negative impact on the startup ecosystem.”

She pointed out that while the Central government talks about promoting startups, the online gaming sector, which has emerged as a significant sector with substantial investments and rapid growth, is being heavily taxed. Instead of burdening this sector with excessive taxes, the Central government should focus on promoting these startups, the statement said.

She mentioned that over 40 crore people of all ages across the country play games on online gaming platforms. This industry, with such a large market and attracting investments in millions of dollars, is generating employment opportunities for thousands of people. If a 28 per cent GST is imposed on it, the entire industry could collapse, leading to the ruin of more than 80 per cent of startups associated with it, and the negative impact would reverberate across the entire startup ecosystem, it said.

Atishi said that imposing such high taxes would discourage people from gaming and completely destroy this industry. The immediate impact would be the loss of 50 thousand jobs, and it would also deter future investors from investing in any Indian startup, fearing that if they invest and tax regulations change in the future, they could incur losses. This negative impact would extend to other startups in the coming times as well.

Wellington, Aug 4,2023: The New Zealand government has released for the first time its strategy for defense development and national security in a world “contending with a range of complex and disruptive security challenges,” Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on Friday.

While releasing the Defense Policy Review and New Zealand’s first National Security Strategy, Hipkins urged the defense force to be clear-eyed on risks and to put in place the right capabilities to be effective.

The Defense Policy Strategy Statement sets out New Zealand’s defense goals and how to achieve them. The National Security Strategy is the government’s direction to the wider national security community on how to navigate the changed environment.

Defense Minister Andrew Little said the areas to focus the national security efforts include investing in a combat-capable defense force and the wider national security system; and tackling emerging issues like disinformation, and undertaking more concerted efforts in areas where threats are growing, like economic security.

Lucknow, July 26,2023: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday said that though a little bit of cases of Coronavirus were still being reported, the risk factor has ended, but the people should not lower their guard.

In a reply to a question while talking to the reporters, the Union Minister said, “Though a little bit of cases are coming, but generally it is over. Generally, It could be considered that the pandemic is over. The risk factor has ended.”

He said that it doesn’t mean that people should lower their guards. “This does not mean that we should not remain alert. We have to remain alert as of now,” the Minister said.

New Delhi, Aug 4,2023: A petition challenging the Patna High Court’s verdict, which upheld the caste-based survey being conducted by the Bihar government, was moved in the Supreme Court on Thursday.

The appeal was filed by Akhilesh Kumar demanding setting aside of the Patna High Court’s judgement.

“The appeal has been filed before the Apex Court, by Akhilesh Kumar in the case. He wants a stay on the Patna High Court verdict,” a lawyer connected to the case said.

The Petitioner Kumar has pleaded that the Patna High Court’s verdict should he immediately stayed, and as a result of which, a stay on the caste based survey would be automatically in force.

There are three more appeals filed in the Supreme Court in the same matter.

The Bihar government had already filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, anticipating that an appeal may be filed in the case.

Terming it “perfectly valid,” the Patna High Court on August 1 had upheld the caste based survey being conducted by the Bihar government.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice Partha Sarthy, dismissed the batch of petitions challenging the survey.

New Delhi, Aug 3,2023: Asserting that he would not apologise for his ‘Modi surname’ remark, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday filed a counter affidavit in the Supreme Court, contending that his conviction by a Gujarat court in the case was “unsustainable” and should be stayed.

The Apex Court is scheduled to hear on August 4 Gandhi’s appeal seeking setting aside of his 2-year conviction by a court in Gujarat in the defamation case. The Gujarat High Court had on July 7 refused to stay his conviction, because of which he lost membership of the Lok Sabha.

The 53-year-old former President of the Congress Party, in his 63-page rejoinder affidavit, maintained that he was not guilty of the offence and that the conviction was “unsustainable”.
“Using the criminal process and the consequences under Representation of Peoples Act to arm-twist Rahul Gandhi into apologising for no fault, is gross abuse of the judicial process and ought not to be countenanced by this Court,” the Congress leader’s affidavit said.
Gandhi pleaded that his conviction be stayed pending appeal, contending that the balance of convenience was overwhelmingly in favour of him.
He said no prejudice would be caused to Purnesh Modi if his conviction was stayed.

On the demand by Purnesh Modi that he should apologise and express remorse, Rahul Gandhi’s affidavit said that the “bizarre suggestion” amounts to a suggestion that he should withdraw the appeal and should have no further recourse in the matter.

Hyderabad, July 28,2023 : Telangana Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao will inaugurate India’s biggest Textile Park “Kakatiya Mega Textile Park in Warangal in September.

Spread over 1350 acres, the park is the largest textile park in the country and it boasts of fibre to fashion, said Dr E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Telangana Special Secretary (Investment Promotion & NRI Affairs) and Joint Director ( TSTPC) on the sidelines of the Business Session on Comprehensive Economic Agreement (CEPA) and Related Business Opportunities organized by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) in association with UAE-India Business Council (UIBC), New Delhi, here on Thursday evening.

India’s largest freshwater aqua park is also coming up in Telangana, he said that we have identified Furniture and Toys as a new emerging sector to focus on.

A focused Toys Park, an exclusive Furniture Park, and a dedicated Gems and Jewellery Park are also coming up in the state, he informed. The state is also working on revamping its export strategies. We will have comprehensive strategies. The work is in progress and shared with the senior foreign affairs bureaucrat. UAE is a priority country for Telangana state for exports, he added.

Gurugram (Haryana), August 2,2023: Six deaths have been confirmed in the violence in Nuh district of Haryana, chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Wednesday even as he renewed appeal to people to maintain peace in the State.
The chief minister said that a total of 116 people have been arrested in connection with the violence on Monday in Nuh that claimed the lives of six people including two Home Guards.
“Six people including two Home Guards and four civilians have died in the incident. 116 people have been arrested till now. They have been taken on remand. Those found guilty will not be spared. We are committed to the safety of the public,” Khattar said today.
“The overall situation in the state is normal. Appeal to the public to maintain peace, calm and brotherhood,” the Haryana chief minister said.
A total of 20 paramilitary forces and 30 Haryana Police units have been deployed in the State, he said.
“14 units were sent to Nuh, three to Palwal, two to Faridabad and one to Gurugram. At present, the situation is normal in Nuh and surrounding areas, security agencies have been put on alert mode,” CM said.
Security has been strengthened in the districts adjoining Nuh — Faridabad, Palwal, and Gurugram– in light of the violence that broke out between two groups on July 31.
On Tuesday, fresh violence was reported from several other districts in Haryana. There was instances of violence in Gurugram’s Badshahpur and on Sohna road.
Section 144 has been imposed for 48 hours from Monday midnight in Nuh and mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended in the district.

Moscow , July 28,2023: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that the decision to grant the African Union full membership of the G20 will be taken in the grouping’s New Delhi Summit in September, according to the statement released by the Kremlin..
Putin said this in a trilateral meeting held with the Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Union of the Comoros Azali Assoumani and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat.
In the trilateral meeting, Putin said that Russia is ready to help strengthen African countries’ sovereignty and contribute to Africa becoming a key partner in the new system of the multipolar world order.

New Delhi, Aug 3,2023: The GST Council chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday approved amendments in the GST laws to provide clarity on taxation of supplies in casinos, horse racing and online gaming.

Addressing media after the 51st GST Council meeting held through video conferencing, Sitharaman said that the Council today took up law amendments to implement 28% GST on online gaming, horse racing and casinos.

The GST Council in its last meeting had recommended that the actionable claims supplied in casinos, horse racing and online gaming may be taxed at the rate of 28% on full face value, irrespective of whether the activities are a game of skill or chance. The Council had also recommended that the law may be amended to provide clarity in the matter.

The Council in its meeting today also recommended inserting a specific provision in IGST Act, 2017 to provide for liability to pay GST on supplier located outside India supplying online money gaming to a person in India.

The Council approved GST on valuation of supply of online gaming and actionable claims in casinos at entry level.

Sitharaman said that during the meeting, Delhi sought review of decision on online gaming. She said that Sikkim and Goa though were in favour of higher GST but felt that the decision would hurt them.

New Delhi, July 28,2023: On the seventh day of the Parliament Monsoon session on Friday, several MPs from opposition parties gave notices in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, seeking a discussion on the Manipur issue, which has been a key reason for the continuous logjam in both Houses since the session commenced.
In Lok Sabha, Congress MP Manickam Tagore moved Adjournment Motion Notice demanding a discussion on the Manipur situation.
Opposition Rajya Sabha MPs Manoj Jha of RJD, and Ranjeet Ranjan of Congress, moved Suspension of Business Notices under Rule 267 with the latter requesting the Upper House Chairman to suspend all other business, listed for the day including the Zero Hour as well as Question Hour and discuss the situation of the violence-hit state.
The Opposition members will also push for the demand that the Lok Sabha Speaker set a date for voting on the no-confidence motion against the Centre filed earlier.
Meanwhile, Opposition parties on Friday alleged that the government is “subverting” Parliamentary traditions by passing Bills even as the motion of no-confidence has been accepted in Lok Sabha.
Congress MP Manish Tewari cited former Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Satyendra Narayan Sinha as saying that “whenever there is a no-confidence motion, no substantive motion should be brought just to forestall the whole thing”.
“On 26th July, 1966, Mr Satyendra Narayan Sinha, the then Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, made a significant statement in the Lok Sabha regarding No-Confidence Motion: ‘I do concede that whenever there is a no-confidence motion, no substantive motion should he brought just to forestall the whole thing,'” Tewari said in a tweet.

NEW DELHI,July 27,2023: The government on Wednesday introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha that provides for maintenance of a national and state-level database of registered births and deaths and enables the use of birth certificate as the sole document for purposes of admission to educational institutions; issuance of Aadhaar, procuring driving licence and passport; preparation of voter list, registration of marriage, government appointments or any other purpose to be stipulated by the central government.

Introducing the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023 on behalf of home minister Amit Shah, junior minister Nityanand Rai said the database of registered births and deaths may be used for preparation and updation of various databases relating to the national population register (NPR), electoral rolls, Aadhaar number, ration card, passport, driving licence, property registration and all other national databases that may be notified later. This, he said, would help in efficient and transparent delivery of public services and social benefits. This will be valid for any person born on or after the date of commencement of the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment).
Congress leader Manish Tewari opposed the introduction of the bill and said the House lacked “legislative competence” to do so. He said the measure transgresses into the right to privacy.

WASHINGTON, Aug 2,2023: Donald Trump was indicted on Tuesday for his wide-ranging attempts to overturn the 2020 election, the third time in four months that the former U.S. president has been criminally charged even as he campaigns to regain the presidency next year.

The four-count, 45-page indictment charges Republican Trump with conspiring to defraud the U.S. by preventing Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Biden’s victory and to deprive voters of their right to a fair election.

Then-President Trump pushed fraud claims he knew to be untrue, pressured state and federal officials – including Vice President Mike Pence – to alter the results and finally incited a violent assault on the U.S. Capitol in a desperate attempt to undermine American democracy and cling to power, prosecutors said.

Trump was ordered to make an initial appearance in federal court in Washington on Thursday. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who was appointed by Trump’s predecessor Barack Obama.

The charges stem from Special Counsel Jack Smith’s sprawling investigation into allegations Trump sought to reverse his loss to Biden. Despite a dizzying and growing array of legal troubles, Trump has solidified his status as the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, according to public opinion polls.

Weeks of assertions that the election had been stolen culminated in a fiery Trump speech on Jan. 6, 2021, as Congress met to certify the results. Soon after, his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a bid to stop Congress from formalizing Biden’s victory.

In a brief statement to reporters, Smith placed the blame for the violence squarely on Trump’s shoulders.

“The attack on our nation’s Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was an unprecedented assault on the seat of American democracy. As described in the indictment, it was fueled by lies – lies by the defendant, targeted at obstructing the bedrock function of the U.S. government,” Smith said.

More than 1,000 people have been arrested in connection with the attack.