PM to virtually inaugurate model of proposed Netaji memorial in Andamans on Jan 23

PM to virtually inaugurate model of proposed Netaji memorial in Andamans on Jan 23

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the model of a proposed memorial dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on January 23 to commemorate the freedom fighter's 126th birth anniversary.
• The proposed memorial will be set up on Ross Island, which has been renamed after Netaji in 2018. It will have a museum, cable car ropeway, laser-and-sound show, guided heritage trail through historical buildings and a theme-based children's amusement park, besides a restro lounge.
• The virtual inauguration of the model will be followed by the PM's speech to the nation, after which he will announce the naming of 21 uninhabited islands in the archipelago after Param Veer Chakra awardees.

Kollam becomes first constitution literate district in India

• The Indian district of Kollam has become the country’s first constitution literate district. The announcement was made by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. 
• The district’s success is the result of a seven-month campaign launched by the Kollam district panchayat, District Planning Committee, and the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) to educate citizens about the country’s laws and their rights.
• The Constitution literacy campaign in Kollam district is expected to help in a number of ways. By providing education about the country’s laws and citizens’ rights, the campaign aims to create a more informed and aware citizenry.

Padho Pardesh scheme discontinued by Ministry of Minority Affairs

• The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) has discontinued the scheme of interest subsidy on education loans for overseas studies for students belonging to minority communities (Padho Pardesh). 
• All banks were notified by the Indian Banks’ Association last month about the discontinuation of the Padho Pardesh Interest Subsidy Scheme from 2022-23. The scheme so far was being implemented through Canara Bank, the designated nodal bank.
• The objective of the scheme, which was part of the then Prime Minister’s June 2006 fifteen-point programme for the welfare of minorities, is to award interest subsidy to meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections of notified minority communities to provide them better opportunities for higher education at Masters, M.Phil and Ph.D levels abroad and enhance their employability.

ASI Patna Circle Discovered Two 1200-Year-Old Miniature Stupas at Nalanda

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of the Patna circle has unearthed 1200 years old two miniature votive stupas near the Sarai Tila mound on the “Nalanda Mahavihara” grounds in the Nalanda district. The stupas found in Nalanda are carved from stones and depict Buddha figures.
• The Superintendent Archaeologist, ASI Patna circle, Goutami Bhattacharya informed that at the beginning of the 7th century CE, small miniature terracotta stupas became popular as votive offerings. 
• Devout pilgrims visiting various holy sites and temples throughout Asia would either purchase small votive offerings or make their own.
• The Nalanda Mahavihara site comprises the archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th Century CE.

India announced the donation 12,500 doses of pentavalent vaccines to Cuba

• India has announced donation of 12,500 doses of pentavalent vaccines to Cuba. Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi announced this during her official visit to Cuba. 
• During her visit, Meenakashi Lekhi held a meeting with Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel and discussed matters of bilateral importance and political and economic cooperation, according to the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 
• Pentavalent vaccine provides protection to a child from 5 life-threatening diseases - Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib.