Today in History (January 9^th, 2003)

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)is celebrated on 9th January every year since 2003 to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India.

Summary of Today’s News

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• GI tag is the abbreviation of Geographical Indications tags in India. It came into force with effect from 15th September 2003. Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to get a GI tag.
• It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• This is typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products.
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
• This GI tag is valid for 10 years following which it can be renewed.

India and Maldives controversy

• Trigger: PM Modi’s social media posts promoting tourism in Lakshadweep led to a contentious exchange between Maldivian politicians, government officials, and Indian social media users.
• Context: The posts highlighted Lakshadweep’s beauty but did not mention the Maldives or other island nations.
• Maldivian Reaction: Following PM Modi’s posts, some Maldivian social media users, including government officials, responded with offensive and derogatory comments targeting Indians and the Prime Minister.
• Significant Indian Tourist Numbers: Indians form a large group of tourists visiting the Maldives, with over 200,000 travelers in 2023.
• Economic Impact: Tourism is crucial for the Maldives, accounting for over 28% of its GDP.

Karnataka High Court bans mining near KRS reservoir

• All types of mining activities within 20km radius of the KRS dam in Mandya district.
• It is a type of gravity dam.
• Location: It is located below the confluence of river Kaveri with its tributaries, Hemavati and Lakshmana Tirtha, in the district of Mandya in Karnataka.
• The water from the Dam is used for irrigation in Mysore and Mandya and is the main source of drinking water for Mysore, Mandya and Bengaluru city.

Golden Globes awards 2024

• The Golden Globe Awards are accolades bestowed for excellence in both American and international film and television.
• It is an annual award ceremony held since 1944 to honor artists and professionals and their work.

Best film – drama

• WINNER: Oppenheimer
• Anatomy of a Fall
• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Maestro
• Past Lives
• The Zone of Interest

Best director

WINNER: Christopher Nolan – Oppenheimer

Best actress – drama

WINNER: Lily Gladstone – Killers of the Flower Moon

Best actor – drama

WINNER: Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer

Franz Anton Beckenbauer 

• Franz Anton Beckenbauer died on 7 January 2024.
• He was a German professional footballplayer and manager.
• Nicknamed “Der Kaiser“