World Sparrow Day: March 20
Every year, March 20th is observed as World Sparrow Day. The day is designated to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of sparrows whose numbers are witnessing a global decrease. The theme for World Sparrow Day 2023 is “I Love Sparrows”, inviting more people to reflect on the important relationship between humans and sparrows.
Declining Sparrow Population in Thiruvananthapuram
As per a survey conducted by the Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS), there has been a notable reduction in the house sparrow population in Thiruvananthapuram city. The main causes behind this population drop include oppressive heat and a scarcity of food supply in traditional city areas.
Government Support for Women-Led Startups: herSTART
Recognising the critical role women-led businesses play in society, the Indian Government recently launched ‘herSTART’ platform, through which a monthly allowance of Rs. 20,000 will be provided for up to one year to women-led startups. These businesses are not only generating employment opportunities but also inspiring the next generation of women founders.
herSTART: Boosting Women Entrepreneurship
India is focussing on encouraging and enabling women entrepreneurship through herSTART, a platform designed to boost innovation and startup efforts of women entrepreneurs. It also helps them connect with government and private enterprises. As of now, at least 36 unicorns and potential unicorns in India have at least one woman founder or co-founder.
Decacorn Startups in India
As of January 2023, 47 companies worldwide have achieved decacorn status, implying that these startups have a valuation exceeding one billion dollars. Currently, India boasts five such startups – Flipkart, BYJU’s, Nykaa, Swiggy, and PhonePe.
Sangita Kalanidhi Awards 2023
Carnatic vocalist Bombay Jayashri, renowned for her melodious and meditative singing style, has been selected for the 2023 Sangita Kalanidhi award of the Music Academy. This award, in existence since 1942, is considered the highest accolade in the field of Carnatic music.
Nritiya Kalanidhi Award 2023
Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari, proficient in Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi, has been selected for the Nritiya Kalanidhi award for dance.
Enemy Properties in India
India’s home ministry has initiated the process to sell enemy properties – immovable assets left by people who opted for citizenship in Pakistan and China following wars with these nations. The guidelines for disposal of enemy properties have been revised, and now the process of eviction will be initiated by a district magistrate or deputy commissioner prior to the sale.
Disposal of Enemy Properties
Enemy properties valued between Rs 1 crore and Rs 100 crore will be disposed of by the Custodian of Enemy Property of India, an authority constituted under the Enemy Property Act, 1968. The disposal will be done either through electronic auction or any other method as decided by the central government and at a rate set by the Enemy Property Disposal Committee.
Estimated Value and Number of Enemy Properties
A survey conducted by the Directorate General of Defence Estates will assess the current condition and value of the enemy properties identified by the CEPI. In India, there are approximately 12,611 enemy properties, estimated to be worth over Rs. 1 lakh crore. Among these, 12,485 properties were linked with Pakistani nationals and 126 to Chinese citizens.
Distribution of Enemy Properties
The highest number of enemy properties are located in Uttar Pradesh, while the least are found in Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.