1) Police Custody: The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill 2023 provides that 15-day police custody can be sought at any time during the initial investigation period (initial 60 days or 40 days as applicable).
- It suggests that police custody can be extended by a Magistrate beyond the initial 15 days under the BNSS, unlike the existing provision.
- Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has expressed concern over its misuse.
- The Parliamentary Committee received suggestions for establishing a general rule that police custody should be taken within the first 15 days of remand.
2) Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII): Union Minister for Commerce and Industry participated in the Investor Forum of the PGII.
- It is the infrastructure plan was first announced during the G7 summit in the UK and officially launched in 2022.
- G7 countries are UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union (EU).
- It aims to mobilize up to USD 600 billion by 2027.
- It will narrow the infrastructure gap in developing countries and accelerate progress on SDGs globally
3) Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD-2023): 2023 edition of IPRD concluded in New Delhi.
- IPRD is an annual apex-level regional strategic dialogue of Indian Navy.
- Theme of IPRD-2023: “Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity”.
- IPRD-2023 was organised by National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi, as the Indian Navy’s knowledge partner.
- IPRD aims to review various maritime trends, regional opportunities and challenges within Indo-Pacific region, and foster exchange of solution-oriented dialogue amongst key stakeholders.
4) Central Water Commission (CWC): According to CWC, in 2023, the water level in reservoirs of India’s southern states are low.
- This was due to below-normal rainfall during the monsoon, especially in October (sixth driest in 123 years).
- CWC is a premier Technical Organization of India in the field of Water Resources.
- It is presently functioning as an attached office of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- It is charged with the responsibilities of initiating, coordinating with the State Governments concerned, schemes for the control, conservation, and utilization of water resources.
