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Contents National News ...... 12 1.1 Three Indians have debuted on Fortune’s ‘40 Under 40’ list of influential people around the globe ...... 12 1.2 Justice Gita Mittal e-inaugurates ‘Ahata-e-Waqar’ in Jammu and Kashmir ...... 12 1.3 Atmanirbhar Bharat: Kutuki mobile learning app designed for pre-schoolers ...... 12 1.4 President Kovind confers National Award to 47 educators in a virtual ceremony on teacher day ...... 12 1.5 India’s first airport testing centre opens at Delhi Airport ...... 12 1.6 Railway Protection Force (RPF) disrupts the operation of illegal software called “Real Mango” ...... 13 1.7 PM inaugurates Patrika Gate in Jaipur ...... 13 1.8 Government approves Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor Project from Palwal to Sonipat via Sohna-Manesar- Kharkhauda ...... 13 1.9 PM Modi inaugurates Indian Railways’ Kosi Rail Mahasetu in Bihar ...... 13 1.10 ‘Sanskrit Gram’ to be developed across Uttarakhand ...... 13 1.11 'Big Butterfly Month: India 2020’ ...... 14 1.12 Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy gets an independent script, numerals ...... 14 1.13 Foundation Stone of World Class ‘Centre for Disability Sports’ laid at Gwalior ...... 14 1.14 Two bills to set up the National Forensic Sciences University and the Rashtriya Raksha University passes in Rajya Sabha ...... 14 1.15 Prime Minister inaugurates six mega projects in Uttarakhand under Namami Gange ...... 15 1.16 Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya bids adieu to Ex-INS Viraat at Alang, Gujarat ...... 15 1.17 Gwalior-Morena Flyover dedicated to Nation ...... 15 1.18 Indian Railway rolls out User Depot Module (UDM) ...... 15 1.19 BMC launches My Family My Responsibility' campaign in Mumbai for spreading awareness about coronavirus ...... 15 1.20 India joins Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment as Observer ...... 16 1.21 A webinar on the first-ever International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies held ...... 16 1.22 Madhya Pradesh tops missing children's list ...... 16 1.23 Green Term Ahead Market ...... 16 1.24 Cabinet Approves “Mission Karmayogi” - National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) ...... 17 1.25 Global Innovation Ranking ...... 18 1.26 Start up Village Entrepreneurship Program ...... 19 1.27 Business Reform Action Plan ...... 20 1.28 Literacy Report by NSO ...... 20 1.29 Shri Rajiv Kumar takes over as new Election Commissioner ...... 22 1.30 IBBI announces results of the National Online Quiz on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 ...... 22
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1.31 3rd Annual Leadership Summit of the USISPF ...... 23 1.32 DGFT informs grant to an Importer - Exporter Code (IEC) holder under the Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme shall not exceed Rs.2 Crore made in period of 1st September to 31st December ...... 23 1.33 Central Government ensures Timely Payments to MSMEs ...... 24 1.34 NIDHI-EIR Brochure featuring Entrepreneurs in Residence launched...... 24 1.35 Madhya Pradesh govt launches campaign ‘Gandagi Bharat Chhodo’ ...... 25 1.36 EESL to procure 250 Electric Vehicles from TATA Motors Limited & Hyundai Motor India Ltd ...... 25 1.37 E-Foundation stone laid for National Training Academy for Rural Self Employment Training Institutes in Bengaluru ...... 25 1.38 Minister of Tribal affairs inaugurates ‘2 Days’ National Tribal Research Conclave’ ...... 26 1.39 Assam govt re-launches SVAYEM scheme ...... 26 1.40 NITI Aayog lauds implementation model of Supplementary Nutrition Programme in Odisha ...... 26 1.41 Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu selected as fully Digital Economy district...... 27 1.42 Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat ...... 27 1.43 NITI Aayog assigned as Nodal Agency for GRIG ...... 27 1.44 Atal Innovation Mission and ScooNews Partner to spread awareness of Grassroots Innovations ...... 29 1.45 Atal Innovation Mission Partners with Freshworks to empower AIM Startup Innovators ...... 30 1.46 India, Australia and Japan to launch resilient supply chains for Indo-Pacific ...... 30 1.47 Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report ...... 30 1.48 Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi added to Jammu and Kashmir official languages list ...... 31 1.49 WHO informs new polio outbreak in Sudan ...... 31 1.50 UNICEF to lead global procurement and supply of coronavirus vaccines ...... 31 1.51 Delhi government kickstarts anti-dengue campaign ...... 31 1.52 Govt eliminates cooking gas subsidy ...... 32 1.53 IISc leads 63 Indian institutions in THE World University Rankings 2021 ...... 32 1.54 CII launches plan to nurture new businesses ...... 32 1.55 First-ever cannabis medicine project coming up in Jammu ...... 33 1.56 WE HUB, NutriHub partner to aid women entrepreneurs in agri business ...... 33 1.57 Hunar Haat to take place from October in Prayagraj ...... 33 1.58 ICICI Bank launches scheme for start-ups ...... 33 1.59 Telangana, UK India Business Council renew partnership to strengthen industrial development ...... 34 1.60 Government of Himachal Pradesh and World Bank sign $82 million loan ...... 34 1.61 President Ramnath Kovind inaugurates Conference of Governors on ‘Role of National Education Policy 2020 in Transforming Higher Education’ ...... 34 1.62 The 19th meeting of the Supreme Court-mandated Committed on Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA) ...... 34
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What is Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA)? ...... 35 1.63 The International Solar Alliance (ISA) organizes the first World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS) ...... 35 1.64 Third Rashtriya Poshan Maah being celebrated in September 2020 ...... 36 1.65 The Government of India Expands the support to Artisans manifold, for making Agarbatti, to make India Aatm- Nirbhar ...... 36 1.66 TCS iON offers free digital preparedness course to teachers ...... 37 1.67 UN Women and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) releases report titled 'From Insights to Action: Gender Equality in the wake of covid-19' ...... 37 1.68 UP is the new Kerala in terms of remittances from Indians in the Gulf ...... 37 1.69 India's GDP most affected among G-20 countries...... 39 1.70 Government launches ‘SAROD-Ports’ ...... 40 1.71 CSIR-CMERI Durgapur and NISE, Gurugram sign an MoU as a Strategic Association to bolster the Solar Energy Sector ...... 40 1.72 Finance Minister unveils Doorstep Banking Services and declares EASE 2.0 Index Results ...... 40 1.73 Webinar on Scientific & Technological Interventions by CSIR-CMERI combating COVID-19 under Jigyasa programme ...... 42 1.74 Union Health Minister attends 73rd session of WHO South East Asia Region through Video Conferencing 43 1.75 Expert committee to assist Government for assessment of relief to bank borrowers ...... 43 1.76 MoRTH moves ahead with Orientation and Training Programme of iRAD App...... 43 1.77 An expert committee has been set up for conducting holistic study of origin and evolution of Indian culture 44 1.78 PMJVK has now been implemented in 1300 identified Minority Concentration Areas ...... 44 1.79 Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas announces that Five Petroleum and Gas sector PSUs will join International Solar Alliance ...... 45 1.80 Ministry of Education organises first Webinar on Use of Technology under Shikshak Parv initiative ...... 45 1.81 Implementation of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package pertaining to Ministries of Finance & Corporate Affairs 45 1.82 ADB & India Sign $500 Million Loan for Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor...... 46 1.83 Prime Minister inaugurates various projects under 'Namami Gange' yojana and 'AMRUT' yojana in Bihar 46 1.84 37 Mega Food Parks in 23 States/UTs approved ...... 47 1.85 India Post launches Five Star Villages Scheme to ensure 100% rural coverage of postal schemes ...... 47 1.86 Hardeep S Puri launches Climate-Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF 2.0) and Streets for People Challenge ...... 48 1.87 Andhra Pradesh CM Launches YSR Asara Scheme to empower 87 Lakh Women ...... 49 1.88 Declaration of Results of Ranking of States: 2019, on support to Startup Ecosystems ...... 49 1.89 Union Education Minister presents first-ever AICTE - Visvesvaraya Best Teachers Award 2020 ...... 51
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1.90 Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board: Government constitutes Empowered Group of Ministers headed by Raksha Mantri ...... 52 1.91 World Bank’s Human Capital Index 2020 ...... 52 1.92 Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami launches Artificial Intelligence Policy 2020 ...... 53 1.93 MCA amends deposit rules for startups ...... 54 1.94 International Solar Alliance signs MoUs with NTPC, MNRE and World Bank ...... 54 1.95 CII global Ayurveda summit ...... 54 1.96 Goa govt adds e-learning devices to Anganwaadis with support from ConveGenius ...... 55 1.97 Flipkart partners with over 50,000 kiranas under Kirana Programme ...... 55 1.98 EPFO to pay 8.5% interest for FY20 in two instalments ...... 55 1.99 India tanks to 105th spot from 79th in global economic freedom ranking ...... 55 1.100 Power Ministry publishes first draft of Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 ...... 56 1.101 Aircraft (Amendment) Bill 2020 ...... 57 1.102 Lok Sabha passes Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 ...... 57 1.103 Prime Minister launches PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, e-Gopala App & other initiatives in Bihar ...... 58 1.104 India to host summit of SCO council of heads of government on November 30 ...... 58 1.105 'My Family-My Responsibility' programme begins in Maharashtra ...... 59 1.106 Global Initiative to reduce Land Degradation and Coral Reef program launched at G20 Environment Ministers Meet...... 59 1.107 Criminal Law Reform Committee ...... 60 1.108 Provision of Additional IRB to States ...... 60 1.109 India’s first CRISPR Covid-19 test, developed by the Tata Group and CSIR-IGIB, approved for use in India 60 1.110 Reduction in Maternal Mortality Rate ...... 60 1.111 National Level Strategy to Tackle Air Pollution-National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) ...... 61 1.112 Samarth Scheme ...... 62 1.113 MoU signed between Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Women and Child Development for Controlling Malnutrition ...... 63 1.114 E-Gram Swaraj Portal ...... 63 1.115 M/o Social Justice and Empowerment implements NAPDDR for 2018-2025 ...... 64 1.116 M/o SJ&E to Implement a New Financial Model for Interest Subvention for Individual Beneficiaries as well as SHGs Comprising SC and OBC Categories ...... 64 1.117 IEA and NITI Aayog launch Special Report on Sustainable Recovery Post Covid-19 ...... 64 1.118 Ocean Services, Modelling, Applications, Resources and Technology (O-SMART) SCHEME ...... 65 1.119 GRAND ICT CHALLENGE for Smart supply measurement and monitoring system under Jal Jeevan Mission 65 1.120 Eight beaches of India recommended for the coveted “Blue Flag” International eco-label...... 66
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1.121 India becomes member of UN commission on women ...... 67 1.122 India votes in favor of The Omnibus Resolution on Comprehensive and Coordinated Response to the COVID-19 pandemic ...... 67 1.123 New grievance redress system unveiled in J&K ...... 68 1.124 Global wildlife has shrunk 68% over past three decades: Living Planet Report ...... 68 1.125 Maharashtra approves agro-tourism policy to empower farmers ...... 68 1.126 India's hiring outlook bleakest in 15 yrs.: Report ...... 69 1.127 EPFO increases maximum benefit under Deposit Linked Insurance to ₹7 lakh ...... 69 1.128 Government has set a target to increase the number of Janaushadhi Kendras to 10500 by the end of March 2025 ...... 70 1.129 Lok Sabha passes The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 70 1.130 Lok Sabha passes the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 ...... 70 1.131 Munroe Thuruthu becomes a geoinformatics village ...... 71 1.132 NSO Report on Education 2020 ...... 72 1.133 India’s child mortality rate declined between 1990 and 2019: UN ...... 72 1.134 NSO publishes ‘Health in India’ report ...... 73 1.135 Industry Dept, SIDBI enters into MoU to encourage MSME sector in Gujarat ...... 74 1.136 FSSAI constitutes task force on vegan food ...... 74 1.137 Microsoft to skill 10 lakh Indian students in Artificial Intelligence ...... 75 1.138 Parliament passes Bill to cut salaries of MPs by 30% ...... 75 1.139 Rajya Sabha passes bill to punish those attacking healthcare workers ...... 75 1.140 Biodiversity index map for Kochi ...... 75 1.141 NITI Aayog and Embassy of the Netherlands sign Statement of Intent on ‘Decarbonization and Energy Transition Agenda’ ...... 76 1.142 ‘Kritagya’ Hackathon by National Agricultural Higher Education Project of ICAR ...... 76 1.143 DPIIT permission granted to the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to introduce ISO Tank Containers for movement of Liquid Oxygen for domestic transport ...... 76 1.144 Hallmarking of precious metals ...... 77 1.145 TB cases in India ...... 77 1.146 Prime Minister launches the Age Appropriate Fitness Protocols ...... 78 1.147 AYUSH Ministry supports a novel e-marathon as part of the “Ayush for Immunity” Campaign ...... 78 1.148 Biotechnology sector is recognized as the key driver for contributing to India's $ 5 Trillion economy target by 2024 ...... 78 1.149 National Medical Commission (NMC) constituted ...... 79 1.150 KVIC Appoints Design and Fashion Icon Sunil Sethi, as Advisor ...... 79
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1.151 Foundation Day of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) celebrated as “Kaushal Se Kal Badlenge” ...... 79 1.152 Union Home Minister inaugurates “Destination North East-2020” ...... 80 1.153 India, Denmark sign MoU on Intellectual Property cooperation ...... 80 1.154 Rules relaxed for divorced daughters to receive Family Pension ...... 80 1.155 Union Road Ministry Notifies amendments in Central Motor Vehicle Rules ...... 80 1.156 Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment e-launches “Ambedkar Social Innovation & Incubation Mission under Venture Capital fund for SCs (ASIIM)” ...... 81 1.157 Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has notified fresh guidelines on groundwater use ...... 82 1.158 Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal launches logo for “Breaking Barriers” ...... 82 1.159 TCS opens National Qualifier Test to corporates for recruiting freshers ...... 82 1.160 Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC 4)...... 83 1.161 Union Health Minister addresses The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health’s (PMNCH) ‘Accountability Breakfast’ ...... 83 1.162 NSS REPORT: TIME USE IN INDIA- 2019 (JANUARY – DECEMBER 2019) ...... 83 1.163 Central Government has approved outlay for PM Svanidhi Scheme is Rs.600 Crore ...... 84 1.164 Rajya Sabha passes Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment), Bill 2020 ...... 84 1.165 Interim Extension of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan ...... 84 1.166 Aarogya Manthan’ 2.0, 2nd Anniversary of Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana .. 85 1.167 Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCS), Sub-Scheme Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U) ...... 85 1.168 107 Cities Registered For India Cycles 4 change Challenge ...... 85 1.169 ULBS to Qualify for Finance Commission Grants From 2021-22 Onwards ...... 86 1.170 Legal Age for Marriage ...... 86 1.171 Government has launched YuWaah – a multi-stakeholder platform to make young people career ready 86 1.172 Department of Justice releases first e-edition of success stories on Tele-law program titled " Reaching the unreached - Voices of the Beneficiaries" ...... 86 1.173 First-ever international service of Indian railways transports chilli to Bangladesh ...... 87 1.174 Department of Biotechnology launches Programme for “Strengthening Clinical Trial Research Capacity in Neighbouring Countries” ...... 87 1.175 The Centre has sanctioned 43 sewage treatment plants in three States and a Union Territory since 2018, under National River Conservation Programme ...... 87 1.176 Government to introduce a bill to make a law banning manual scavenging more stringent ...... 87 1.177 Parliament passes Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill ...... 88 1.178 TCS on foreign remittance ...... 89 1.179 Lok Sabha passes amendment to enhance RBI supervision of cooperative banks ...... 89
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1.180 Global Smart City Index ...... 90 1.181 World Solar Bank aims to infuse $10 bn in solar projects across ISA members ...... 91 1.182 Homeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed in Rajya Sabha ...... 91 1.183 Rajya Sabha passes the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill 2020 ...... 91 1.184 Union Minister for Commerce and Industry participates in the G-20 meeting of the Trade and Investment Ministers ...... 91 1.185 RAISE 2020 – Mega Virtual Summit on Artificial Intelligence ...... 92 1.186 India urges Nations to put Nature at the heart of recovery plan post COVID19 ...... 93 1.187 Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark ...... 93 1.188 Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh unveils Defence Acquisition Procedure – 2020 ...... 93 1.189 Facility to apply for Scheme Certificate under EPS, 1995 now available on UMANG application ...... 94 1.190 Ministry of Tourism organises Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series on “Rural Tourism ...... 94 1.191 Lok Sabha passes FCRA Bill ...... 94 1.192 National award for Gurralagondi Gram Panchayat ...... 95 1.193 Project Shield launched in five districts ...... 95 1.194 Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network to track COVID-19 vaccine ...... 96 1.195 RBI releases document on UCBs’ cybersecurity ...... 96 1.196 Parliament passes Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020 ...... 97 International News ...... 97 1.197 Sri Lankan Cabinet appoints panel to draft new Constitution ...... 98 1.198 Wilmington becomes the first World War II Heritage City ...... 98 1.199 China renews support for Paris Agreement ...... 98 1.200 Israel, UAE and Bahrain sign Abraham Accord ...... 98 1.201 Global climate summit set for December 12 ...... 98 Science and Technology ...... 99 1.202 IIT Bombay students develop AIR Scanner ...... 99 1.203 Central Railway designs robot ‘Rakshak’ for health assistant ...... 99 1.204 IIT Delhi incubated startup launches ‘‘Chakr DeCoV’’ to decontaminate N95 masks ...... 99 1.205 Reusable Chinese spacecraft lands successfully ...... 99 1.206 SpaceX launches 60 Starlink satellites, inches closer to faster internet ...... 99 1.207 BITS Pilani-Hyderabad startup Baiid Auto develops IoT-enabled face mask ...... 100 1.208 Deadly hog fever arrives in Germany ...... 100 1.209 Project Connected Home over IP ...... 100 1.210 India's First 5G Use Cases Lab set up at IDRBT, Hyderabad ...... 100 1.211 World’s first floating Apple Store opens in Singapore ...... 100
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1.212 US spacecraft named after late Indian-American astronaut Kalpana Chawla ...... 100 1.213 Government to set up Medical Devices Park in Kerala ...... 101 1.214 CSIR and Mylan Announce Partnership to identify Advance Therapeutic Options for Management of COVID – 19 ...... 101 Defence news ...... 101 1.215 DRDO successfully flight tests Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle ...... 101 1.216 Indra Navy – 20 - 11th edition of exercise INDRA NAVY ...... 101 1.217 Passage Exercise (PASSEX) Between the Royal Australian Navy and Indian Navy in East Indian Ocean Region 102 1.218 Laser-Guided ATGM Successfully Test-fired ...... 102 1.219 AHSP Transfer of Pinaka Weapon System from DRDO to DGQA ...... 102 1.220 Successful Flight Test of ABHYAS ...... 102
1.221 Women Officers in Helicopter Stream of Indian Navy ...... 102 1.222 India, US sign agreement to strengthen dialogue on defence tech cooperation ...... 102 1.223 Bilateral Maritime Exercise Between Japan and India (JIMEX 20) Commences off West Coast of India 103 1.224 BrahMos Missile Featuring Indigenous Booster Successfully Flight Tested ...... 103 1.225 Indigenously developed surface-to-surface Prithvi-II missile test-fired ...... 103 Person in News ...... 103 1.226 Liberation warfighter Ziauddin Tariq Ali passes away ...... 103 1.227 148th Birth Anniversary of V O Chidambaranathan Pillai observed on 5th September ...... 103 1.228 Veteran producer-director Johnny Bakshi passes away ...... 103 1.229 Kesavananda Bharti, whose petition led to landmark verdict on Constitution passed away ...... 103 1.230 Professor Govind Swarup passes away ...... 104 1.231 P R Krishnakumar passes away ...... 104 1.232 Living Statistics Legend Prof C R Rao Felicitated On His 100th Birthday ...... 104 1.233 Elon Musk is now the third-richest person in the world ...... 104 1.234 ‘Game of Thrones’ star Diana Rigg passes away ...... 104 1.235 Former Union Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh passes away ...... 104 1.236 Former Union Minister Major Jaswant Singh passes away ...... 104 1.237 Renowned scholar of Indian classical dance Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan passes away...... 105 1.238 Mali’s former president Moussa Traore dies ...... 105 1.239 Indian-origin author Avni Doshi on Booker Prize shortlist ...... 105 Appointments ...... 105 1.240 Vice Admiral S R Sarma appointed as Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy ...... 105
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1.241 Three new appointments to the board of the Australia-India Council have announced ...... 105 1.242 Lisa Campbell appointed as President of the Canadian Space Agency ...... 105 1.243 VK Yadav Appointed As Railway Board’s First Ever CEO ...... 105 1.244 Charu Sinha appointed as Inspector General (IG) of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Srinagar sector 105 1.245 Devendra Darda appointed as ABC chairman for the year 2020-21 ...... 106 1.246 Sachine Tendulkar becomes the Brand Ambassador of Paytm First Games ...... 106 1.247 Veteran actor Paresh Rawal appointed as new Chairman of National School of Drama Society ...... 106 1.248 Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh elected as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha ...... 106 1.249 Mr.Harivansh Narayan Singh re-elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman ...... 106 1.250 Mahalingam appointed Honorary Consul of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Chennai ...... 106 1.251 Shri Narendra Singh Tomar appointed as Ministry of Food Processing Industries ...... 106 1.252 Senior bureaucrat Rajesh Khullar appointed as Executive Director, World Bank ...... 106 1.253 Sameer Khare appointed as Executive Director in the Asian Development Bank...... 107 1.254 “Human by nature” bags PATA Grand Award ...... 107 Days in News ...... 107 1.255 World Coconut Day ...... 107 1.256 Ministry of Education celebrates 54th International Literacy Day ...... 107 1.257 15 September, World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2020 ...... 107 1.258 World Ozone Day 2020 ...... 107 1.259 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer ...... 108 1.260 World Rose Day - September 22...... 108 1.261 World Rhino Day - September 22 ...... 108 1.262 International Sign Languages Day - September 23rd ...... 108 1.263 Ministry of Tourism celebrates World Tourism Day on 27th September ...... 108 1.264 Ministry of Tourism celebrates World Tourism Day on 27th September ...... 108 Sports ...... 109 1.265 T20 cricket tournament inaugurated at Kungamdora Pattan in J&K ...... 109 1.266 Naomi Osaka wins second US Open Title ...... 109 1.267 Ali Khan set to become the first player from USA to feature in IPL ...... 109 1.268 De Bruyne named English football’s player of the year ...... 109 1.269 Austria's Dominic Thiem wins his first Grand Slam in US Open final ...... 109 1.270 Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) launches a new logo ...... 109 Awards ...... 110 1.271 Three RPF personnel honoured by Hon'ble President of India with Jeewan Raksha Medals ...... 110
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1.272 British broadcaster David Attenborough given Indira Gandhi Peace Prize ...... 110 1.273 Coimbatore-based Sitara Karthikeyan wins Young Photographer Award ...... 110 1.274 Dr. Abhijit Mukherjee Selected for ‘Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar’ Prize ...... 110 1.275 Prakasam police’s ‘Dasha Sutras’ nominated for SKOCH award ...... 110 1.276 CSIR-CDRI felicitates young researchers with CDRI Award ...... 111
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National News
1.1 Three Indians have debuted on Fortune’s ‘40 Under 40’ list of influential people around the globe • Recently, three Indians have debuted on Fortune’s ‘40 Under 40’ list of influential people around the globe. • The name of those three people are - o Isha Ambani - Daughter of Mukesh Ambani o Akash Ambani - Son of Mukesh Ambani o Byju Raveendran - Edtech startup Byju’s founder.
1.2 Justice Gita Mittal e-inaugurates ‘Ahata-e-Waqar’ in Jammu and Kashmir • Recently, Gita Mittal, Chief Justice, J&K High Court has e-inaugurated "Ahata-e-Waqar" initiative at District Court Complex, Samba. • "Ahata-e-Waqar" initiative is a Vulnerable Witnesses Deposition Complex and Crèche facility • Aim - To serve as a place of pride for Senior Citizens where they can spend their day in constructive and recreational activities. (aim should be above)
1.3 Atmanirbhar Bharat: Kutuki mobile learning app designed for pre-schoolers • Recently, Kutuki mobile learning app has been designed for pre schoolers. • Under the initiative, A variety of learning resources including hundreds of engaging, high- quality animated children’s rhymes, story books and interactive activities are made available on the application. • It was recently recognized among the winners in the e-learning category in the Atma Nirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge.
1.4 President Kovind confers National Award to 47 educators in a virtual ceremony on teacher day • Recently, Shri Ram Nath Kovind virtually conferred the National Award to Teachers to 47 awardees on Teachers Day. • 47 educators were conferred with the National Award. • Kovind observed that about 40 percent of the winners were women and appreciated the role women have played as educators. About National Awards to Teacher ● The purpose of National Awards to Teachers is to celebrate the unique contribution of some of the finest teachers in India. ● The award has honored those teachers who through their commitment and industry have not only improved the quality of school education but also enriched the lives of their students.
1.5 India’s first airport testing centre opens at Delhi Airport • Recently, India's first airport testing centre has opened at IGI’s Terminal-3 of Delhi Airport.
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• Aim - To facilitate smoother travel for international passengers who have to change flights in Delhi. • The lab has been set up at Terminal 3 by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) in collaboration with Genestrings Diagnostic Centre.
1.6 Railway Protection Force (RPF) disrupts the operation of illegal software called “Real Mango” • Recently, in a nationwide investigation, Railway Protection Force (RPF) has disrupted the operation of illegal software called “Real Mango”. • "Real Mango" was used for cornering confirmed Railway reservation. • The software has now been fully decimated.
1.7 PM inaugurates Patrika Gate in Jaipur • Recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has inaugurated Patrika Gate in Jaipur through video conference. • It is an iconic gate built as a monument under Mission Anupam of the Jaipur Development Authority.
Other initiatives - • PM has also released the Samvad Upanishad and Akshar yatra books written by the Patrika Group Chairman Shri Gulab Kothari in the same conference.
1.8 Government approves Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor Project from Palwal to Sonipat via Sohna-Manesar- Kharkhauda ● Recently, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, has approved Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor Project from Palwal to Sonipat via Sohna-Manesar-Kharkhauda. ● The project will be implemented by Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (HRIDC). ● The estimated completion cost of the project is Rs. 5,617 crore.
1.9 PM Modi inaugurates Indian Railways’ Kosi Rail Mahasetu in Bihar • Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the historic Kosi Rail Mega bridge of Indian Railways of Bihar to the nation.
1.10 ‘Sanskrit Gram’ to be developed across Uttarakhand • Recently, the Uttarakhand government has decided to develop ‘Sanskrit Gram’ across the State. About Sanskrit Gram – • People in the model villages will communicate with each other in the ancient Indian language Sanskrit on a daily basis. • Aim: To teach people to use Sanskrit regularly.
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1.11 'Big Butterfly Month: India 2020’ • Recently, national event named Big Butterfly Month: India 2020 has hosted in India in September 2020. • The Big Butterfly Month is a celebration of butterflies aimed at conducting a nationwide citizen science survey to help us assess the health of our environment. • A first of its kind event that has launched in India.
1.12 Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy gets an independent script, numerals • Recently, Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy has introduced an independent script and numerals in Beary language. • The Beary language is said to be spoken by about 20 lakh people all over the world. • The language has 13 vowels, 33 consonants and nine numerals. • Beary is an ethnic Muslim society, concentrated largely in coastal Karnataka, with its own distinct traditions and language.
1.13 Foundation Stone of World Class ‘Centre for Disability Sports’ laid at Gwalior • Recently, foundation stone of ‘Centre for Disability Sports at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh’ has laid at a function organized by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through video conferencing . • The Centre will be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. • It will have provision for training, selection, sports academics and research, medical support, spectator galleries and suitable for holding national/international events.
1.14 Two bills to set up the National Forensic Sciences University and the Rashtriya Raksha University passes in Rajya Sabha • Recently, two bills to set up the National Forensic Sciences University and the Rashtriya Raksha University are passed in Rajya Sabha. • Both the bills have already been cleared by Lok Sabha. The Bills are – • The National Forensic Sciences University Bill o Aim - To establish a National Forensic Sciences University by upgrading the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University. o The proposed university would facilitate and promote studies and research, and help achieve excellence in the field of forensic science in conjunction with applied behavioural science studies, law, criminology and other allied areas. • The Rashtriya Raksha University Bill o Aim - To establish the Rashtriya Raksha University in Gujarat. o Its key objectives include - ✓ Providing dynamic and high standards of learning and research ✓ Providing a working environment dedicated to advancing research ✓ Education and training in the domain of policing.
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1.15 Prime Minister inaugurates six mega projects in Uttarakhand under Namami Gange • Recently, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has inaugurated six mega projects in Uttarakhand under the Namami Gange Mission through video conference. • PM has inaugurated “Ganga Avalokan”, the first museum on Ganga dedicated to showcasing the culture, biodiversity, and rejuvenation activities done in the Ganga river. • The museum is located at Chandi Ghat, Haridwar. • A book, ‘Rowing down the Ganges’, that is co-published by National Mission for Clean Ganga & Wildlife Institute of India lso launched at the event.
1.16 Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya bids adieu to Ex-INS Viraat at Alang, Gujarat • Recently, Union Minister of State for Shipping (I/C) and Chemical and fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya bid adieu to Ex-INS Viraat in a ceremony at Alang in Gujarat. • INS Viraat has reached Alang for recycling. • It was decommissioned from the Indian Navy after 30 years of glorious service.
1.17 Gwalior-Morena Flyover dedicated to Nation • Recently, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj and Food Processing Industries Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has dedicated Gwalior- Morena Flyover. • It is located on NH-3 at Morena Town in Madhya Pradesh worth Rs 108 crore.
1.18 Indian Railway rolls out User Depot Module (UDM) • Recently, Indian Railways has rolled out digitally the User Depot Module (UDM) across all User Depots of Western Railway. • UDM is developed by CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems). About User Depot Module (UDM) - • Implementation of this system will bring in transformational changes from manual working to digital working with real-time transactions and online information exchange among all stakeholders. • This will ensure the digitization of the complete supply chain, including user depots and will ensure improved service level and satisfaction to customers.
1.19 BMC launches My Family My Responsibility' campaign in Mumbai for spreading awareness about coronavirus • Recently, The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched My Family My Responsibility' campaign in Mumbai for spreading more awareness about coronavirus. • Aim – To reach 40 lakh households in Mumbai under the campaign appealing people to cooperate with the teams visiting them. • Under the campaign, 5,000 teams will get in touch with atleast 50 families daily. • The teams will check body temperature of each member of the household using thermal guns and oxygen saturation level using oximeter.
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• If any person is found to have COVID-19 symptoms, he or she will be admitted to a nearby hospital.
1.20 India joins Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment as Observer • Recently, India has joined the Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment, DCOC/JA, as Observer. • India has joined Japan, Norway, the UK and the US as Observers to the DCOC/JA. About Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment (DCOC/JA) • DCOC/JA is a grouping on maritime matters comprising 18 member states adjoining the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, the East Coast of Africa and Island countries in the Indian Ocean Region. • Aim – At repression of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Western Indian Ocean Region, the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. • Established in – January 2009
1.21 A webinar on the first-ever International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies held • Recently, Union Environment Minister, Shri Prakash Javadekar has chaired a webinar on the first-ever International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies held on 7th September 2020. • He has reviewed the progress of the activities under the National Clean Air programme (NCAP) during the webinar. About the National Clean Air programme (NCAP) – • It is a pollution control initiative that has been launched by the Ministry of Environment in year 2017. • Aim - To cut the concentration of coarse (particulate matter of diameter 10 micrometer or less, or PM10) and fine particles (particulate matter of diameter 2.5 micrometer or less, or PM2.5) by at least 20% in at least 102 cities by 2024.
1.22 Madhya Pradesh tops missing children's list • According to National Crime Records Bureau Report on Missing Women and Children in India, Madhya Pradesh has topped the list in highest number of missing children in India. • It has been followed by West Bengal and Bihar. Key Highlight of the Report • Districts with highest number of missing Children in the Top 3 state o Madhya Pradesh – Indore. o West Bengal - Kolkata o Bihar - Patna • In terms of Missing Women, Maharashtra has reported the highest number of the cases followed by West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
1.23 Green Term Ahead Market • Recently, Union Power Minister has launched pan-India Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM). • The market is first Exclusive product for renewable energy sector in the world.
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Key Features of the GTAM • Transactions through GTAM will be bilateral in nature with clear identification of corresponding buyers and sellers. • There will not be any difficulty in accounting for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO). • The contracts will be segregated into Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) & Non- Solar RPO. • The contracts will have o Green Intraday & Day Ahead Contingency - Bidding will take place on a 15-minute time- block wise MW basis. o Daily and Weekly Contracts - Bidding will take place on MWh basis. • Both buyers and sellers can submit the bid, however the seller will provide profile in terms of 15-minute time block wise quantity (MW) along with the price (Rs/MWh). • Price discovery will take place on a continuous basis i.e. price time priority basis. • Looking at the market conditions open auction can be introduced for daily & weekly contracts. • Energy scheduled through GTAM contract shall be considered as deemed RPO compliance of the buyer. Relevance • The Government of India has set a target of 175 GW RE Capacity by 2022.
1.24 Cabinet Approves “Mission Karmayogi” - National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) • Recently, Cabinet has approved ”Mission Karmayogi” - National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) . About Mission Karmayogi • Institutional Framework o Prime Minister's Public Human Resources (HR) Council, o Capacity Building Commission. o Special Purpose Vehicle for owning and operating the digital assets and the technological platform for online training, o Coordination Unit headed by the Cabinet Secretary. • Aim - To prepare the Indian Civil Servant for the future by making him more creative, constructive, imaginative, innovative, proactive, professional, progressive, energetic, enabling, transparent and technology-enabled. Funding and Management • A sum of Rs.510.86 crore will be spent over a period of 5 years from 2020-21 to 2024-25. • A wholly owned Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for NPCSCB will be set up under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 which will be a "not-for-profit" company and will own and manage iGOT-Karmayogi platform.
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• The SPV will create and operationalize the content, market place and manage key business services of iGOT-Karmayogi platform, relating to content validation, independent proctored assessments and telemetry data availability. • The SPV will own all Intellectual Property Rights on behalf of the Government of India. • An appropriate monitoring and evaluation framework will also be put in place for performance evaluation of all users of the iGOT-Karmayogi platform so as to generate a dashboard view of Key Performance Indicators. About Public Human Resource Council • A Public Human Resources Council will be set up comprising of o Chairman - Prime Minister o Select Union Ministers o Chief Ministers • Eminent public HR practitioners, thinkers, global thought leaders and Public Service functionaries • It will serve as the apex body for providing strategic direction to the task of Civil Services Reform and capacity building.
1.25 Global Innovation Ranking • Recently, Global Innovation Index 2020 rankings has been released. • Released by - Cornell University, INSEAD, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). • Theme - Who Will Finance Innovation? - is timely given the human and global economic damage wreaked by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Global Finding • The ranking has shown stability at the top but a gradual “eastward shift in the locus of innovation” as Asian economies like China, India, the Philippines and Vietnam have advanced considerably in the innovation ranking over the years. • Top 5 Countries: Switzerland, Sweden, the US, the UK and the Netherlands • Bottom 5 Countries – Yemen, Guinea, Myanmar, Niger and Ethiopia.
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India Specific Findings • India has climbed four spots and is now at 48th position in the list. • India is at the top position among the nations in central and southern Asia. • India has now become the third most innovative lower middle-income economy in the world. • India ranks in the top 15 in indicators such as ICT (Information and Communication Technology) services exports, government online services, graduates in science and engineering, and R&D-intensive global companies.
1.26 Start up Village Entrepreneurship Program • Recently, government has informed that As on August 2020, Around, 2,000 trained cadre of Community Resource Person-Enterprise Promotion (CRP-EP) have been providing services to rural entrepreneurs and around 100,000 enterprises are supported by them. About Start Up Village Enterpreneurship Programme (SVEP) • Implemented by: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana –National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY- NRLM) as a sub-scheme since 2016. • Objective - To support the rural poor come out of poverty, supporting them setup enterprises and provide support till the enterprises stabilize. • Focus - on providing self-employment opportunities with financial assistance and training in business management and soft skills while creating local community cadres for promotion of enterprises.
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1.27 Business Reform Action Plan • Recently, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs has announced the 4th edition of Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) ranking of states. About Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) • BRAP rankings are being launched since 2015. • Released by - Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, World Bank. • The Business Reform Action Plan 2018-19 includes 180 reform points that covers business regulatory areas such as Single Window System, Access to Information, Labor, Environment, etc. • The Business Reforms Action Plan helps to improve Ease of Doing Business. • Top 10 States o Andhra Pradesh o Uttar Pradesh o Telangana o Madhya Pradesh o Jharkhand o Chhattisgarh o Himachal Pradesh o Rajasthan o West Bengal o Gujrat
1.28 Literacy Report by NSO • Recently, the report on 'Household Social Consumption: Education in India as part of 75th round of National Sample Survey - from July 2017 to June 2018’ has been released. About Household Social Consumption: Education in India Report
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• Released by – National Statistical Office (NSO) • It provides for state-wise detail of literacy rate among the persons aged seven years and above. • Objective: To build indicators on participation of the persons of age 3 to 35 years in the education system, expenditure incurred on education of the household members and various indicators of those currently not attending education. • Survey covered both qualitative and quantitative aspects related to educational attainment of the household members and educational services used by them. Key Findings of the Report • The study has pegged the overall literacy rate in the India is about 77.7%. • In rural areas the literacy rate is 73.5% as compared to 87.7% in urban areas of India. • At all-India level, the male literacy rate is 84.7% and women literacy rate is 70.3%. • The male literacy rate is higher than female literacy rate among all states. • Nearly 4% of rural households and 23% of urban household possessed computer. • Among persons of age 15-29 years, nearly 24% in rural areas and 56% in urban areas were able to operate a computer. • Nearly 35% of persons of age 15-29 years reported use of internet during the 30 days prior to the date of survey. The proportions were nearly 25% in rural areas and 58% in urban areas. • Top 5 literate States in India o Kerala o Delhi o Uttarakhand o Himachal Pradesh o Assam. • Bottom 5 Literate States in India o Andhra Pradesh o Rajasthan o Bihar o Telangana o Uttar Pradesh. Background • The first all-India survey on social consumption was conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in its 35th round (July 1980 - June 1981).
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1.29 Shri Rajiv Kumar takes over as new Election Commissioner • Recently, Shri Rajiv Kumar has assumed charge as the new Election Commissioner (EC) of India.
1.30 IBBI announces results of the National Online Quiz on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 • Recently, The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), in collaboration with MyGov.in has conducted a ‘National Online Quiz on Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016’. • It has been conducted to promote awareness and understanding of the Code among various stakeholders across India. Key Highlights of the quiz
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• Uttar Pradesh has accounted for the highest participation followed by Maharashtra and Delhi. • Among the top 10% participants, Maharashtra has the highest number followed by Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. • Maximum number of top 10% performers are students or members of chartered accountancy followed by students or members of company secretarship and employees of banks and financial institutions. • Awardees o Best Performer: Mr. Aritra Saha. o Second Best Performer: Mr. Pawan Khandelwal o Third Best Performer: Ms. Vakati Venkata Gnanusha
1.31 3rd Annual Leadership Summit of the USISPF • Recently, 3rd Annual Leadership Summit of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has taken place. • Theme - “US-India Navigating New Challenges.” • The theme has covered various subjects such as o India’s potential in becoming a Global Manufacturing Hub o Opportunities in India’s Gas Market o Ease of Doing Business to attract FDI in India o Common Opportunities & Challenges in Tech Space o Indo-Pacific Economic issues o Innovation in Public Health and others
1.32 DGFT informs grant to an Importer - Exporter Code (IEC) holder under the Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme shall not exceed Rs.2 Crore made in period of 1st September to 31st December • Recently, Directorate Generate of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has informed that total reward that may be granted to an Importer - Exporter Code (IEC) holder under the Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme shall not exceed Rs.2 Crore for exports made in the period of 1st September 2020 to 31st December 2020. Key Highlights • Any IEC holder who has not made any exports for a period of one year preceding 1st September 2020 or any new IECs obtained on or after 1st September would not be eligible for submitting any claim under MEIS. • The above ceiling would be subject to further downward revision to ensure that the total claim under MEIS for the period 1st September 2020 to 31st December 2020 does not exceed prescribed allocation by the Government which is Rs.5,000 Crores. About MEIS • Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) is one of the two schemes introduced in Foreign Trade Policy of India 2015-20
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• It has replaced five other similar incentive schemes under Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14. o Focus Product Scheme (FPS) o Focus Market Scheme (FMS) o Market Linked Focus Product Scheme (MLFPS) o Agri. Infrastructure incentive scheme o Vishesh Krishi Gramin Upaj Yojna (VKGUY)
1.33 Central Government ensures Timely Payments to MSMEs • Recently, Government of India has taken a series of measures to help the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises as part of Atam Nirbhar Bharat package. Key Measures • Government entities should make payments to MSMEs within 45 days. • A dedicated online reporting format has been made for reporting the monthly payments and monthly pendency. • Charges for on-boarding the TReDS platforms has been waived off till March 2021. o Earlier MSMEs were supposed to pay on-boarding charge of Rs. 10,000 to the concerned exchanges who are part of the TReDS mechanism. • Udyam portal has been integrated with TReDS and GeM in a seamless manner. About TReDS platform • TReDS stand for Trade Receivable Discounting System (TReDS). • It is an online electronic institutional mechanism for facilitating the financing of trade receivables of MSMEs through multiple financiers. • It has been launched to address challenges faced by MSMEs in delayed payments from Government buyers leading to shortfall of Working Capital.
1.34 NIDHI-EIR Brochure featuring Entrepreneurs in Residence launched • Recently, A brochure featuring Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) under the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) programme has been launched. • It has been launched by Department of Science and Technology. About National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) • The NIDHI-EIR programme provides tremendous opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs to expand their networks and get critical feedback on their ventures in order to promote their entrepreneurial career goals and aspirations. Key Highlight of the Programme • Supports aspiring or budding entrepreneur of considerable potential for pursuing a promising technology business idea over a period up to 18 months. • Grant provided to each EIR over a maximum of 18 months o Subsistence grant of up to – Rs 30000 per month. o Maximum cap – Rs 3.6 lakh. • Launched by – Department of Science and Technology
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1.35 Madhya Pradesh govt launches campaign ‘Gandagi Bharat Chhodo’ • Recently, Madhya Pradesh government has launched a massive cleanliness campaign. • It has been named as ‘Gandagi Bharat Chhodo.’ • It has been divided into five themes o Cleanliness Oath o Continuous reduction in urban waste emissions o Cleanliness in COVID conditions o Separation of waste from sources of houses o Launching a special cleanliness campaign for public places.
1.36 EESL to procure 250 Electric Vehicles from TATA Motors Limited & Hyundai Motor India Ltd • Recently, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has announced that it would be procuring 250 electric vehicles from Tata Motors and Hyundai Motor India. Key Highlights of the Procurement • Tata Motors Limited would be supplying 150 Nexon XZ+ electric compact SUVs & Hyundai Motor India Ltd. would be supplying 100 units of its Kona electric Premium SUVs. • EESL will be utilizing 5 Million USD from the recent grant provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) o EESL has received financing from ADB towards the cost of scaling up and financing high priority areas like Demand Side Energy Efficiency Sector Projects.
1.37 E-Foundation stone laid for National Training Academy for Rural Self Employment Training Institutes in Bengaluru • Recently, E-Foundation stone has been laid of the new training Institute building of National Academy of RUDSETI (NAR). About Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETI) • It is a dedicated institution designed to ensure necessary skill training and skill up gradation of the rural Below Poverty Line youth to mitigate the unemployment problem. • RSETI concept is based on RUDSETI (Rural Development and Self Employment Training Institute). • One RSETI is established in every district in the country. • Concerned bank is the lead bank in the district takes responsibility for creating and managing it. • Government of India provides one - time grant assistance, upto a maximum of Rs. 1 crore for meeting the expenditure on construction of building and other infrastructure. • After successful completion of the training, they will be provided with credit linkage assistance by the banks to start their own entrepreneurial ventures. • Managed by – Banks with active co-operation from the Government of India and Karnataka Government About RUDSETI
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• It is a society established jointly by three agencies i.e. Syndicate Bank, Canara Bank and Sri Manjunatheswara Trust based at Ujire in Karnataka.
1.38 Minister of Tribal affairs inaugurates ‘2 Days’ National Tribal Research Conclave’ • Recently, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs has addressed the inaugural session of “National Tribal Research Conclave.” • Organized by – Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Tribal Affair, Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA). Key Highlights of the National Tribal Research Conclave • An agreement has been signed between Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) for setting up National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI). o The NTRI would help in better coordination and management among Tribal Research Institute (TRIs). o The NTRI would go a long way in improving tribal research resulting in evidence-based planning and development of tribal areas across the country.
1.39 Assam govt re-launches SVAYEM scheme • Recently, The Assam government has re-launched Swami Vivekananda Assam Youth Empowerment (SVAYEM) scheme. • It has been re launched with a budget of Rs. 1000 crore. • Key Highlight of the Scheme o It would provide 50 thousand rupees each as seed money to selected youths to start business ventures. o Under the scheme, 2 lakh beneficiaries would have to be part of self-help groups, joint liability groups. • The Assam government has also taken steps to implement the Arunodoi scheme from 2nd October 2020. o Under the scheme, 830 rupees will be given per month to beneficiary families.
1.40 NITI Aayog lauds implementation model of Supplementary Nutrition Programme in Odisha • Recently, NITI Aayog has lauded Odisha Government’s decentralized model of production and distribution under Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) through Women Self help Groups. • The model of production and distribution through greater engagement with the Self Help Groups (SHGs) has ensured greater transparency and efficiency in the implementation of the Supplementary Nutrition Programme in the state. • It has further informed that besides eliminating the middlemen, the model has empowered women Self Help Groups by giving them a new source of income. • The Women and Child Development department along with the Mission Shakti department of Odisha Government have been engaging the women self help groups in the preparation and packaging of Take Home Ration under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme, with fixed day approach.
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• Under the program, nutri-food items have been mixed in proportionate quantities on the 23rd of every month for distribution on the first day of every month among the beneficiaries.
1.41 Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu selected as fully Digital Economy district • Recently, Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu has been selected by the Central Government as the state's first Fully Digital Economy district. • It has housed as a large number of small and medium enterprises, especially in the fire crackers and allied sectors. • All industrial units and commercial establishments in the district have been implementing various forms of cashless transactions which includes widespread use of ATM debit cards, increased usage of internet banking, widespread use of QR codes etc.
1.42 Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat • Recently, Different states have paired under the Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat campaign. • Aim - To actively enhance interaction between the people of diverse cultures living in different states and Union Territories of India with the objective of promoting greater mutual understanding. Different State Pairings under Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat Campaign • Tamil Nadu with Jammu and Kashmir • Odisha with Maharashtra • Goa with Jharkhand • Assam with Rajasthan • Uttarakhand with Karnataka • Delhi with Sikkim • Andhra Pradesh and Punjab • Mizoram and Bihar
1.43 NITI Aayog assigned as Nodal Agency for GRIG • Recently, NITI Aayog has been assigned as the nodal agency for “Global Indices to Drive Reforms and Growth (GIRG).” • Objective – To fulfil the need to measure and monitor India’s performance on various important social and economic parameters and enable the utilization of these Indices as tools for self-improvement, bring about reforms in policies, while improving last-mile implementation of government schemes. • Under the reforms, NITI Aayog has monitored mechanism of the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to drive reforms. Key Analysis • The latest NFHS 5 (2019/20) will bring remarkable national improvement by the implementation of focused schemes.
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• Interventions has been done in parameters since NFHS 4, especially in sanitation, cooking fuel, housing, drinking water and electricity. The survey has been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • It has constituted a Multidimensional Poverty Index Coordination Committee (MPICC). o Chaired by Ms Sanyukta Samaddar.
About Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) • It is an international measure of multidimensional poverty covering 107 developing countries. • It was first developed in 2010 by - Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for UNDP’s Human Development Reports. • It has three indicators divided into 10 parameters • Indicators o Health o Education o Living Standards • Parameters o Nutrition o Child mortality o Years of schooling o School attendance o Cooking fuel o Sanitation o Drinking water o Electricity o Housing o Household assets.
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• It has utilized the National Family Health Survey 4 (NFHS) which is conducted under the aegis of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS). • India’s Performance in Global MPI 2020 o India has been ranked as 62nd place among 107 countries. o It has an MPI score of 0.123 and 27.91% headcount ratio based on the NFHS 4 (2015/16) data.
1.44 Atal Innovation Mission and ScooNews Partner to spread awareness of Grassroots Innovations • Recently, Atal Innovation Mission has collaborated with ScooNews in order to share and spread inspiring stories of grassroots, innovations.
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• Under the initiative, ScooNews would be supporting various events or competitions initiated by AIM through its network. • AIM and ScooNews would curate and publish ATL-related content, inspiring grassroots stories and innovations, ed-tech news and stories of various startups and organizations supported by AIM on a monthly basis.
1.45 Atal Innovation Mission Partners with Freshworks to empower AIM Startup Innovators • Recently, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog has partnered with Freshworks Inc. to provide robust support to innovators and entrepreneurs in India. • Aim – To increase the efficacy of the institutions and startups in the AIM portfolio and foster innovation and entrepreneurship among startup innovators.
1.46 India, Australia and Japan to launch resilient supply chains for Indo-Pacific • Recently, India, Australia and Japan have agreed to launch an initiative to ensure the resilience of supply chains in the Indo-Pacific. • It has been proposed by Japan. • Aim – To reduce the dependency of the countries’ needs on a single nation (currently China). • Under the initiative, three countries will work with regional partners, including members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean), to build stronger supply and manufacturing chains that would be protected from external shocks and influences.
1.47 Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report • Recently, National Crime Records Bureau has released the “Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI)” report. Key Highlights • Deaths due to forces of nature like floods, sun/heat stroke, lightning strikes and avalanches increased by 18.2 % from 2018 to 2019 • Maximum casualties were reported in age group ‘30 years – below 45 years’ followed by the age group ‘18 years – below 30 years. • Male-Female ratio in fatality was – 80.9: 19.1 • The major causes of accidental deaths were caused by o ‘Traffic Accidents’ o ‘Sudden Deaths’ o ‘Drowning’ o ‘Poisoning’ o ‘Falls’ o ‘Accidental Fire’ • Uttar Pradesh has reported the maximum cases of railway crossing accidents • The overall male : female ratio of suicide victims was 70.2 : 29.8. • Maximum cases of mass/family suicide were reported from Tamil Nadu followed by Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab and Rajasthan.
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1.48 Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi added to Jammu and Kashmir official languages list • Recently, The Union Cabinet has approved the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill. • Under the bill, Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi and English have been declared as the official languages for the Union Territory. Relevance • Only English and Urdu were official languages in the former State.
1.49 WHO informs new polio outbreak in Sudan • Recently, The World Health Organization has informed that a new polio outbreak in Sudan has been linked to an ongoing vaccine that has sparked epidemic in Chad. • It has informed that two children in Sudan one from South Darfur and the other from Gedarif were paralyzed in March and April 2020 • The initial investigation has shown that both the cases have been linked to an ongoing vaccine- derived outbreak in Chad that was first detected in 2019. Relevance • Africa has been declared as polio virus free in August 2020.
1.50 UNICEF to lead global procurement and supply of coronavirus vaccines • Recently, UNICEF has announced that it will be leading the procurement and supply of coronavirus vaccines. • It has taken the decision to ensure that all countries have safe, fast and equitable access to initial doses when they become available. • UNICEF in collaboration with the Revolving Fund of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), will lead efforts to procure and supply doses of COVID-19 vaccines on behalf of the COVAX Global Vaccines Facility. • It will be procuring the vaccine for 92 low and lower middle-income countries, whose vaccine purchases will be supported by the mechanism. • UNICEF would be undertaking the procurement efforts in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), PAHO, the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and other partners. About COVAX Facility • It is the vaccine pillar of the ACT-Accelerator. • It was launched in April 2020 to speed up development of medicines to treat COVID-19 and make them available to people everywhere. • Operated by – Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; CEPI, and WHO, alongside multinational and developing country vaccine manufacturers.
1.51 Delhi government kickstarts anti-dengue campaign • Recently, Delhi government has commenced a 10-week anti-dengue campaign. • It has been named as ‘10 Hafte 10 Baje 10 Minute - Har Ravivar, Dengue Par Vaar.’
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• It has been launched to build awareness about prevention of vector-borne diseases. Note: The campaign was also launched in 2019.
1.52 Govt eliminates cooking gas subsidy • Recently, the government has decided to completely eliminate the need to provide subsidy on domestic cooking gas. • It has taken the decision as the global fall in oil prices and frequent rise in LPG gas cylinder price has brought the price of the common man's fuel closer to market rates. • Under the decision, government would no longer need to pay subsidy under the direct benefit transfer scheme (DBT) into the account of beneficiaries.
1.53 IISc leads 63 Indian institutions in THE World University Rankings 2021 • Recently, Times Higher Education (THE)’s World University Rankings 2021 has been released. • It has been based on 13 separate performance metrics covering the full range of core activities for research-intensive universities. • It has been based on teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook. Global Finding • China’s Tsinghua University becomes the first Asian university to break into the top 20. • It has seen a record 18 countries and regions represented in the top 100. • France’s Paris-Saclay University (Paris-Sud University) has been ranked as the highest among new entrant at 178th position. • Top 5 – University of Oxford (UK), Stanford University (USA), Harvard University (USA), California Institute of Technology (USA) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA). India Specific Finding • India has the highest number of new entries (14) and as a result boasts a record number of ranked institutions (63). • Top three Indian Institutes o Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru – (301-350 band) o Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar - (351-400 band) o IIT Indore – (401-450 band) • Important institutes that have debuted from India o Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (Delhi) o King George’s Medical University (Lucknow) o Mahatma Gandhi University (Delhi).
1.54 CII launches plan to nurture new businesses • Recently, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has launched an initiative to nurture new business. • It has been titled as “Future Business Group” • It has been launched in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
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1.55 First-ever cannabis medicine project coming up in Jammu • Recently, Union government has informed that the first ever cannabis medicine project would be set up in Jammu and Kashmir. • It would be set up in collaboration with Canada. • Place – Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu. Key Information Shared • Government has reviewed the progress of construction of North India’s first biotech Industrial park in Kathua. • The deadline of the biotech park has been delayed upto 2021 due to Covid-19 outbreak.
1.56 WE HUB, NutriHub partner to aid women entrepreneurs in agri business • Recently, WE HUB has announced its partnership with NutriHub to foster and promote women entrepreneurship in agri business. Key Highlights of the Partnership • It will initiate virtual co-incubation for women-led start-ups in the agripreneurship space. • It will collaborate in conducting start-up related events, workshops, to generate interest among potential start-ups. • It will enable women entrepreneurs to gain a deeper understanding of the industry landscape, hence helping them scale-up and sustain in the ecosystem. About NutriHub • It is the Department of Science & Technology (DST) supported Technology Business Incubator. • Hosted by - Indian Institute of Millet Research, ICAR – IIMR, Hyderabad.
1.57 Hunar Haat to take place from October in Prayagraj • Recently, Ministry of Minority affairs has informed that Hunar Haat would be taking place in Prayagraj from 9th October 2020. • Theme - ‘Local to Global’ • Focus on - ‘Indigenous exquisite Indian toys’. About Hunar Haat • It is a platform for local artisans and craftsmen to showcase and sell their products. • Conducted by – Ministry of Minority Affairs
1.58 ICICI Bank launches scheme for start-ups • Recently, ICICI Bank has launched ‘iStartup2.0’, a scheme. • It has been launched for start-ups to meet their banking as well as beyond-banking needs such as regulatory assistance, analytics, staffing, accounting, customer acquisition and digital outreach to customers. Key Highlights of the Program • The current accounts will have three variants based on Quarterly Average Balance (QAB) o Silver – Rs 25000
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o Gold – Rs 100000 o Platinum – Rs 500000
1.59 Telangana, UK India Business Council renew partnership to strengthen industrial development • Recently, The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government of Telangana to strengthen industrial development. • The renewal will result in – o Boost business investment o Accelerate improvements in the ease of doing business o Facilitate UK-Telangana business partnerships o Expand higher education collaboration.
1.60 Government of Himachal Pradesh and World Bank sign $82 million loan • Recently, the Government of India, the Government of Himachal Pradesh, and the World Bank sign an $82 million loan for implementation of the Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project. • Aim - To strengthen transport and road safety institutions of Himachal Pradesh by improving the condition, safety, resilience, and engineering standards of state road network. About the Project - • The Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project will finance initiatives to - o Build climate and disaster resilient roads. o Improve road safety along tourism corridors in Himachal. o Enhance logistics along fruit belts. o Support the government’s initiative to create a corporate entity responsible for ensuring well-performing roads.
1.61 President Ramnath Kovind inaugurates Conference of Governors on ‘Role of National Education Policy 2020 in Transforming Higher Education’ • Recently, the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated a virtual Conference of Governors on ‘Role of National Education Policy 2020 in Transforming Higher Education’.
1.62 The 19th meeting of the Supreme Court-mandated Committed on Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA) • Recently, the 19th meeting of Supreme Court -mandated Committed on Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA) has taken place virtually. • Chaired By – Sh. Om Prakash Rawat, former Chief Election Commissioner of India. • Other Members - Sh. Ramesh Narayan and Shri Ashok Kumar Tandon • As per directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, states are mandated to set up their respective three member committees on Content Regulation of Government Advertisements.
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• Karnataka, Goa, Mizoram and Nagaland States have already constituted state-level Three Member Committees. • The State Government of Chhattisgarh has given its consent to the Central Committee to monitor the content of their government advertisements.
What is Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA)? • As per the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court on 13th May, 2015, the Government of India on 6th April, 2016 had set up a three member body consisting of “persons with unimpeachable neutrality and impartiality and who have excelled in their respective fields”, to look into content regulation of government funded advertisements of all media platforms.
1.63 The International Solar Alliance (ISA) organizes the first World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS) • Recently, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) has organized first World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS). • The session of the WSTS has marked by the presence of high -level representatives of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA). • A tripartite agreement between India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the World Bank and the International Solar Alliance is also set to be inked. • ISA’s technology journal, Solar Compass 360 is launched during the summit.
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1.64 Third Rashtriya Poshan Maah being celebrated in September 2020 • Recently, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has celebrated the 3rd Rashtriya Poshan Maah. • Objective - To encourage Jan Bhagidaari, in order to create a Jan Andolan, for addressing malnutrition amongst young children, and women and to ensure health and nutrition for everyone. Relevance - • Identification of Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) Children and their management and plantation of Poshan Vaatikas- Nutri gardens, will be undertaken as focus activities during Poshan Maah. • Other Activities includes awareness generation regarding the importance of early breastfeeding, need for good nutrition during the first 1000 days of life and measures for reducing Anaemia in young women and children
1.65 The Government of India Expands the support to Artisans manifold, for making Agarbatti, to make India Aatm- Nirbhar • Recently, the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), further has expanded the reach and support to Artisans, involved in Agarbatti making, and to the Agarbatti Industry, by issuing new guidelines. • The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), one of the statutory organizations, under the M/o MSME, will implement the program. • Objective - To boost to the Agarbatti industry and help in further building indigenous capability in all areas of Agarbatti manufacturing with increased exports, and enhanced employment opportunities to the Artisans and entrepreneurs. New Guidelines - • The four main pillars of the new guidelines are- o Continuously supporting the artisans through training, raw material, marketing, and financial support o Working on all aspects of this product. A ‘Center of Excellence’ for this purpose is being set up in FFDC (Flavour and Fragrance Development Center) Kannauj o Setting up 10 clusters with proper marketing linkages under the SFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries) scheme of the Ministry of MSME at a total cost of about Rs. 50 Crores, to benefit about 5000 artisans for their sustainable employment and enhanced earnings o Strengthen the machine manufacturing capability to achieve self-sufficiency in the country and develop various other products by setting up ‘Centers of Excellence’ with IITs/NITs etc. at a cost of Rs. 2.20 crore.
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1.66 TCS iON offers free digital preparedness course to teachers • Recently, TCS iON, a strategic unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced the introduction of a free, 15-day self-paced digital course called ‘Career Edge – Digital Teacher’. • Objective - To help educators enhance their digital teaching skills. • Under TCS iON Career Edge digital Teacher has been specially designed to equip aspiring and practicing educators with essential skills and competencies to make their journey to digital teaching smoother and more effective.
1.67 UN Women and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) releases report titled 'From Insights to Action: Gender Equality in the wake of covid-19' • Recently, the United Nations the UN Women and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has released the report titled 'From Insights to Action: Gender Equality in the wake of covid-19'. • Objective - To examine the repercussions of the pandemic from the lens of gender equality and uncovers the challenges faced by women globally. Highlights of the Report - • In Asia and the Pacific, more women (50%) than men (35%) in formal employment reported drops in working time. • Globally 70% of the health and social care workforce is female, and they are more likely to be front-line health workers, especially nurses, midwives and community health workers. • While the pandemic will impact global poverty generally, women will be disproportionately affected, especially women of reproductive age. • South Asia is projected to experience a resurgence in extreme poverty. • The pandemic will push 96 million people into extreme poverty by 2021, 47 million of whom are women and girls. This will increase the total number of women and girls living in extreme poverty to 435 million, with projections showing that this number will not revert to pre- pandemic levels until 2030. 1.68 UP is the new Kerala in terms of remittances from Indians in the Gulf • Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs has compiled a list of top-50 districts from where most low-skilled Indians go for employment abroad. Key Findings – • In the past four decades, because of oil and its related industries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have received about 59 percent of the total migrants from India. • 62 percent of the remittances into India, the RBI data shows, have come from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. • There has been a high correlation of 84 percent between oil prices and remittances to India. So the higher the oil prices, the more was the money that the emigrants mailed back to India.
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• The northern state houses 21 of the top-50 districts from where most low-skilled Indians go overseas for employment. • Instead of Kerala now, Uttar Pradesh has topped the Emigration Check Required (ECR) list. • In the calendar year 2019, MEA data shows 31 percent of the ECR applications came from UP and Bihar with 15 percent. • Kerala accounted for only 5 percent and Tamil Nadu at 7.5 percent. Note - Low-skilled migrants are those who have Emigration Check Required (ECR) stamped on their passports—those who have not cleared at least the class-10 school examination level
• As late as 2018, RBI data shows 50 percent of these remittances went to Kerala, Maharashtra and Karnataka. For Kerala the percentage was about a fifth of the total inflow into India.
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. 1.69 India's GDP most affected among G-20 countries • Recently, International Monetary Fund's chief economist Gita Gopinath through one graph has suggested that India's gross domestic product (GDP) may have shrunk in the April-June quarter at 25.6%, when compared with the previous quarter. • The graph has concluded that India's GDP is the most affected among G-20 countries.
• India's GreatLockdown Q2 (June quarter) 2020 GDP growth has got historical lows. • The graph shows all countries except China registering GDP contraction. • While China's economy is shown to have expanded by a robust 12.3 percent over the March quarter on a non-annualised basis, the UK is the most affected after India, with a GDP contraction of 20.4 percent. • The US economy is shown to have shrunk 9.1 per cent on a quarterly basis.
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1.70 Government launches ‘SAROD-Ports’ • Recently, Union Minister of State for Shipping Shri Mansukh Mandaviya has launched ‘SAROD-Ports’ (Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes - Ports) through virtual ceremony. • SAROD-Ports’ (Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes - Ports) will become the pivotal mechanism of ummeed (hope), vishwas(trust) and nyaya (justice) in the Port sector of India. About SAROD-Ports’ (Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes - Ports) - • SAROD-Ports is established under Societies Registration Act, 1860 with the following objectives: o Affordable and timely resolution of disputes in fair manner o Enrichment of Dispute Resolution Mechanism with the panel of technical experts as arbitrators. o SAROD-Ports consists members from Indian Ports Association (IPA) and Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association (IPTTA). o ‘SAROD-Ports’ is similar to provision available in Highway Sector in the form of SAROD- Roads constituted by NHAI.
1.71 CSIR-CMERI Durgapur and NISE, Gurugram sign an MoU as a Strategic Association to bolster the Solar Energy Sector • Recently, CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur and National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram have signed an (MoU) as a ‘Strategic Association.’ • It has been signed to bolster the Solar Energy sector across the nation. • Aim – To improve resource sharing and coordination between the NISE and CSIR-CMERI for effective utilization of the national resources eliminating the duplicity of further capital investment for the same resource.
1.72 Finance Minister unveils Doorstep Banking Services and declares EASE 2.0 Index Results • Recently, Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs has inaugurated Doorstep Banking Services by PSBs and participated in the awards ceremony to felicitate best performing banks on EASE Banking Reforms Index. About EASE Banking Reforms Index • EASE stands for Enhanced Access & Service Excellence • Prepared by: the Indian Banking Association (IBA) and Boston Consulting Group • Commissioned by: Finance Ministry • The framework was adopted in 2018 to strengthen public sector banks. • Parameters o Responsible Banking
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o Customer Responsiveness o Credit Off Take o Udyam Mitra for MSMEs o Deepening Financial Inclusion and digitization o Governance and Human Resource Key Findings of the Index • The overall score of PSBs increased by 37% between March-2019 and March-2020, with the average EASE index score improving from 49.2 to 67.4 out of 100. • Significant progress is seen across six themes of the Reforms Agenda. • The highest improvement seen in the themes of ‘Responsible Banking’, ‘Governance and HR’, ‘PSBs as Udyamimitra for MSMEs’, and ‘Credit off-take’. Ranking • Top 3 Banks – Bank of Baroda, State Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce. • ‘Top Improvers’ – Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India &erstwhile Corporation Bank Major Reforms taken between 2018 and 2020 • Most PSB customers have access to 35+ services such as IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, intra-bank transfer, account statement, cheque book request on mobile/ Internet banking and 23 services such as cheque book issuance, cheque status, issuance of form 16A, block/activate debit card on the call centre. The availability of services has nearly doubled over the last 24 months. • Nearly 4cr active customers on mobile and internet banking with 140% increase in financial transactions through mobile and internet banking channels and almost 50% of financial transactions through digital channels. • Call centers now offer services in 13regional languages such as Telugu, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Gujarati, Bengali, Odia. • Complaint redressal average turnaround time reduced from the average of approximately 9 days to 5 days • 23 branch-equivalent services such as account opening, cash deposit, cash withdrawal, fund transfer made available by PSBs through Bank Mitras • PSBs have issued RuPay credit cards to nearly 23 crore basic savings account customers • Sourcing of retail and MSME loans through the dedicated salesforce and marketing tie-ups has increased nearly five times from 1.5 lakhs to 8.3 lakh loans • Turnaround time (weighted average) for retail loans reduced by 67% from the average of nearly 30 days to nearly 10 days • Cross-sell of non-banking financial products has made available bouquet of financial products to the customer • Slippage into NPA has reduced from 3.90 lakh crore in 12-months ending March-18 to 1.45 lakh crorein 11-months ending February-20.
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• PSBs have adopted digital platforms such as online OTS, e-Bक्रय, e-DRT for expedited recovery. 88% of one-time settlement (OTS) cases are now tracked through dedicated IT systems. • PSBs have adopted new ways of credit, such as PSBloansin59minutes.com and Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) for digital lending for MSMEs and retail. 73% of all PSB inland bills are now discounted through online TReDS.
1.73 Webinar on Scientific & Technological Interventions by CSIR-CMERI combating COVID-19 under Jigyasa programme • Recently, CSIR-CMERI in association with Samagra Siksha, Jammu & Kashmir has organized a webinar as a part of the ‘Jigyasa’ programme.
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About Jigyasa Programme • It is inspired by Prime Minister’s vision of a New India and Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) of Scientific Community and Institutions. • It is a student - scientist connect programme at national level for further widening and deepening its Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR). • Objective - Extending the classroom leaning and focusing on a well planned research laboratory based learning. • Focus – On connecting school students and scientists so as to extend student's classroom learning with well-planned research laboratory based learning. • Implemented by – Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).
1.74 Union Health Minister attends 73rd session of WHO South East Asia Region through Video Conferencing • Recently, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare digitally attended the73rd session of WHO South East Asia Region. • It has been hosted by the Government of Thailand. Key Highlights of the Session • The health minister has elaborated about the initiatives taken by India in the Health Sector o National Health Policy 2017 that aims to provide affordable healthcare for all citizens of India. o Ayushman Bharat was launched in 2018 that marks a significant milestone on the road towards universal health coverage and is also the world’s largest government-sponsored free healthcare assurance program. o India has an ambitious target of Elimination of Tuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of the global target and commitment to eliminate neglected tropical diseases like lymphatic filariasis and kala-azar.
1.75 Expert committee to assist Government for assessment of relief to bank borrowers • Recently, Government has constituted an Expert Committee for making an overall assessment of relief to bank borrowers. • It has been chaired by Rajiv Mehrishi. • State Bank of India would be providing secretarial support to the committee.
1.76 MoRTH moves ahead with Orientation and Training Programme of iRAD App • Recently, Orientation and Training programme on iRAD App has been conducted by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. • It has been for the selected districts of Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. About iRAD app • iRAD stands for ‘Integrated Road Accident Database Project (iRAD).’
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• It has been decided to implement the proposal in six States, viz. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. • The basic iRAD app has been developed and will be customized as per the requirements of concerned states. • Development and Implementation of iRAD has been entrusted to – IIT Madras and National Informatics Centre Services Inc.
1.77 An expert committee has been set up for conducting holistic study of origin and evolution of Indian culture • Recently, An expert committee has been set up for conducting holistic study of origin and evolution of Indian culture to since 12000 years before present and its interface with other cultures of the world. • It has been chaired by Shri K.N. Dikshit.
1.78 PMJVK has now been implemented in 1300 identified Minority Concentration Areas • Recently, Ministry of Minority Affairs has informed that Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) has been implemented in 1300 identified Minority Concentration Areas (MCA). • The expenditure under PMJVK in 2018-19 and 2019-20 has been Rs. 1156.07 crore and Rs.1698.29 crore. • It has been launched with an objective of developing socio-economic infrastructure and basic amenities. About Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakaram • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. • It has been designed to address the development deficits of the identified Minority Concentration Areas. • Aim – To improve socio-economic conditions of the minorities and providing basic amenities to them for improving quality of life of the people and reducing imbalances in the identified minority concentration areas. • Key Features of the Scheme o The areas of implementation, under PMJVK, have been identified on the basis of minority population and socio-economic and basic amenities data of Census 2011 known as Minority Concentration Areas. o Under PMJVK, 80% of the resources would be utilized for projects related to education, health and skill development of which at least 33-40% will be earmarked for creation of assets/facilities for women/girls. • Prior to PMJVK, the Ministry implemented Multi-sectoral Development Programme since 2008-09. • It has been restructured in 2018 • Implemented by – Ministry of Minority Affairs
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1.79 Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas announces that Five Petroleum and Gas sector PSUs will join International Solar Alliance • Recently, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas has addressed the first World Solar Technology Summit. • Organized by – International Solar Alliance and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). • He has also informed that Five Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas would be joining International Solar Alliance (ISA)’s Coalition for Sustainable Climate Action (ISA-CSCA). • The PSUs would be joining as a Corporate Partners. • Five PSUs o Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) o Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) o Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) o Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) o GAIL (India)
1.80 Ministry of Education organises first Webinar on Use of Technology under Shikshak Parv initiative • Recently, Ministry of Education has organized first Webinar on Use of Technology under Shikshak Parv initiative. • The webinar has envisaged every aspect of National Education Policy 2020 on how technology would be implemented on various education platforms. • About Shiksha Parv • It has been celebrated from 8th September-25th September, 2020. Note – National Education Policy has been discussed in the Magazine of June 2020.
1.81 Implementation of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package pertaining to Ministries of Finance & Corporate Affairs • Recently, Ministry of Finance has informed about the implementation of funds used under the Atam Nirbhar Bharat Package pertaining to the ministry. Fund Allocated Fund Used (Rs in In process (Rs in Amount (Rs Crore) crore) in crore) Additional Emergency Working 30000 25000 5000 Capital Funding for farmers through NABARD Partial Credit Guarantee 40000 25055.5 4,367 Scheme 2.0 for NBFCs, HFCs and MFIs to do fresh lending to MSMEs and individuals
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Special Liquidity Scheme for 30000 37 proposals 6 applications NBFCs/HFCs/MFIs involving an amount seeking financing of Rs. 10590 crore of Rs. 783.5 crore Income Tax Refunds Refund of over Rs. 1,01,308 crore have been issued
1.82 ADB & India Sign $500 Million Loan for Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor • Recently, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India has signed a USD 500 million loan. • It has been signed to build a modern, high-speed 82-kilometer Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor that will improve regional connectivity and mobility in India’s national capital region (NCR). • The ADB-administered multi-donor Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund would be providing USD 2.89 million to support innovations in building information modeling, universal access design features, transit-oriented development (TOD) and value capture financing (VCF) under the initiative. Note – The funding has been the first tranche of a total USD 1 billion facility.
1.83 Prime Minister inaugurates various projects under 'Namami Gange' yojana and 'AMRUT' yojana in Bihar • Recently, Prime Minister has inaugurated various projects under 'Namami Gange' Yojana and 'AMRUT' Yojana in Bihar. • He has inaugurated Sewerage treatment plants at Beur and Karam-Leechak in Patna city and Water-related projects in Siwan and Chhapra under the 'AMRUT' Yojana. • He has laid the foundation stones for water supply projects in Munger and Jamalpur and River Front Development Scheme under Namami Gange in Muzaffarpur. • He has also informed that the villages on the banks of Ganga in Bihar have been developed as 'Ganga Gram'. About AMRUT Yojana • AMRUT stands for Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. • Purpose o Ensure that every household has access to a tap with the assured supply of water and a sewerage connection. o Increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well-maintained open spaces (e.g. parks) and o Reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non- motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling). • It focuses on 500 target cities/Urban Local Bodiess. Key Features
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o 10% of the annual budget allocation shall be kept apart and given to the States/UTs every year as incentive for achievement of Reforms. o The reforms achievement will be a result of the joint efforts of Mission ULBs/State Government. • Launched - 2015 • Implemented by – Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Note – Namami Gange Project has been discussed in the month of June 2020.
1.84 37 Mega Food Parks in 23 States/UTs approved • Recently, Minister of state for Food Processing and Industry has informed that final approval for 37 Mega Food Parks in 23 States/UTs have been approved till 15th September 2020. • Out of 37, 19 MFPs have become operational. About Mega Food Park Scheme • It has been launched to create modern infrastructure for the food processing industries since 2008. • The scheme is now a component of the new Central Sector Umbrella Scheme– Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). • Aim – To provide modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain from farm to market. • Implemented by – Ministry of Food Processing and Industry
1.85 India Post launches Five Star Villages Scheme to ensure 100% rural coverage of postal schemes • Recently, the Department of Posts has launched a scheme called Five Star Villages. • Aim - To ensure universal coverage of flagship postal schemes in rural areas of the country. • The scheme is being launched on pilot basis in Maharashtra. • Based on the experience in Maharashtra, this scheme will be implemented nation-wide. • The entire state of Maharashtra will be covered under the scheme. • A total of 50 villages in each district will be covered during the current financial year 2020- 2021.
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Key Features of the Scheme - • The scheme seeks to bridge the gaps in public awareness and reach of postal products and services, especially in interior villages. • All postal products and services will be made available and marketed and publicized at village level, under the Five Star Villages scheme. • Branch offices will function as one-stop shop to cater all post office - related needs of villagers. • The schemes covered under the Five Star scheme include - o Savings Bank accounts, Recurrent Deposit Accounts, NSC / KVP certificates o Sukanya Samridhi Accounts/ PPF Accounts o Funded Post Office Savings Account linked India Post Payments Bank Accounts o Postal Life Insurance Policy/Rural Postal Life Insurance Policy o Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana Account / Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana Account. • If a village attains universal coverage for four schemes from the above list, then that village gets four-star status. • If a village completes three schemes, then that village get three-star status and so on. Scheme Implementation Team • The scheme will be implemented by a team of five Gramin Dak Sevaks . • It will be assigned a village for marketing of all products, savings and insurance schemes of the Department of Posts. • This team will be headed by the Branch Post Master of the concerned Branch Office.
1.86 Hardeep S Puri launches Climate-Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF 2.0) and Streets for People Challenge • Recently, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF) 2.0, along with the ‘Streets for People Challenge’ in a virtual event organized by the Smart Cities Mission. • The Climate Centre for Cities under National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) is supporting MoHUA in implementation of CSCAF. About the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF) 2.0 – • Objective - To provide a clear roadmap for cities towards combating Climate Change while planning and implementing their actions, including investments. • It intends to inculcate a climate-sensitive approach to urban planning and development in India. • The framework has 28 indicators across five categories namely - o Energy and Green Buildings o Urban Planning, Green Cover & Biodiversity o Mobility and Air Quality o Water Management o Waste Management.
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About Streets for People Challenge • Aim- To inspire cities to create walking-friendly and vibrant streets through quick, innovative, and low-cost measures. • The Challenge builds on the advisory issued by MoHUA for the holistic planning for pedestrian- friendly market spaces, earlier this year. • Fit India Mission, under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, along with the India program of the Institute for Transport Development and Policy (ITDP) have partnered with the Smart Cities Mission to support the challenge.
1.87 Andhra Pradesh CM Launches YSR Asara Scheme to empower 87 Lakh Women • Recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy has launched the 'YSR Aasara' scheme. • Aim- To empower women economically and socially. • YSR Aasara is a part of the YSR Congress' so-called Navaratna welfare schemes. • Andhra Pradesh government will reimburse outstanding bank loans of self-help groups. • For this scheme the state government has released Rs 6,792.20 crores towards the first installment of the total due of Rs 27,168.83 crores to banks. • It will cover 87,74,674 women belonging to 8.7 lakh Self Help Groups (SHG). • The beneficiaries will have full freedom on how they would like to utilize the amount and there are no restrictions or compulsions.
1.88 Declaration of Results of Ranking of States: 2019, on support to Startup Ecosystems • Recently, the Results of the second edition of Ranking of States on Support to Startup Ecosystems has released by Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways Shri Piyush Goyal. • In Year 2019, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has conducted the second edition of the States’ Startup Ranking Exercise. • Objective - To foster competitiveness and propel States and Union Territories to work proactively towards uplifting the startup ecosystem.
Highlights of the Report - • It has been implemented as a capacity development exercise to encourage mutual learning among all states and to provide support in policy formulation and implementation. • The States’ Startup Ranking Framework 2019 has 7 broad reform areas, consisting of 30 action points ranging from Institutional Support, Easing Compliances, Relaxation in Public Procurement norms, Incubation support, Seed Funding Support, Venture Funding Support, and Awareness & Outreach. • A total of 22 States and 3 Union Territories participated in the exercise
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• To establish uniformity and ensure standardization in the ranking process, States and UTs have been divided into two groups - o Category Y - While UTs except for Delhi and all States in North East India except Assam. o Category X - All other States and UT of Delhi. Results – • Category X - All other States and UT of Delhi.
Category State Best Performer Gujarat Top Performers Karnataka Kerala Leaders Bihar Maharashtra Odisha Rajasthan Aspiring Leaders Haryana Jharkhand Punjab Telangana Uttarakhand Emerging Startups Andhra Pradesh Assam Chhattisgarh Delhi Himachal Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Tamil Nadu Uttar Pradesh
o Category Y - While UTs except for Delhi and all States in North East India except Assam.
Category State Best Performer Andaman And Nicobar Islands Leader Chandigarh Aspiring Leader Nagaland Mizoram Emerging Startup Ecosystems Sikkim
• Leaders across 7 Reform Areas
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The top scoring States across each reform area have been recognized as a leader.
S.No. Pillar Leader Name 1. Institutional Leaders Karnataka Kerala Odisha 2. Regulatory Change Champions Karnataka Kerala Odisha Uttarakhand 3. Procurement Leaders Karnataka Kerala Telangana 4. Incubation Hubs Gujarat Karnataka Kerala 5. Seeding Innovation Leaders Bihar Kerala Maharashtra 6. Scaling Innovations Leaders Gujarat Kerala Maharashtra Rajasthan 7. Awareness and Outreach Champions Gujarat Maharashtra Rajasthan
1.89 Union Education Minister presents first-ever AICTE - Visvesvaraya Best Teachers Award 2020 • Recently, the first ever AICTE Visvesvarya Best Teacher Awards 2020 are being presented by Union Minister of Education Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal‘Nishank’. • This Award has given to 12 faculty members of AICTE approved institutes on the occasion of Engineers Day.
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• Dr.Prashant Pawar from Maharshtra has won this AICTE - Visvesvaraya Best Teachers Award 2020 About AICTE -Visvesvaraya Best Teacher Awards 2020-21 Scheme - • Objectives - o The scheme is introduced for identifying the extraordinary teachers and recognize the excellence / best practices / innovativeness of such teachers in field of technical education at national level for Degree and Diploma institutions. • This scheme is aimed to recognize the meritorious faculties on Teachers Day i.e. 5 September the Engineer's Day every year at National level and encourage them to update themselves to the ever changing needs of higher education at global level and thereby becoming an effective contributor towards the society. • An Award (cash prize) of Rs. 25,000/- (per teacher) along with a badge and certificate of excellence to be given to 20 teachers.
1.90 Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board: Government constitutes Empowered Group of Ministers headed by Raksha Mantri • Recently, the Government has constituted an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM), under the Chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. • Aim - To oversee and guide the entire process, including transition support and redeployment plan of employees while safeguarding their wages and retirement benefits. • Ministers in the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) constitutes - o Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh o Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, o Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, o Minister for Law & Justice Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, o Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievance & Pension Dr. Jitendra Singh. • The Department has also selected M/s KPMG Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd. (Lead Consortium Member) with M/s Khaitan& Co. Ltd. as another Consortium Member, as the Consultancy Agency for providing strategic and implementation management consulting services to assist the Department of Defence Production in the process of corporatisation of the OFB.
1.91 World Bank’s Human Capital Index 2020 • Recently, the World Bank has released Human Capital Index (HCI) Report 2020. • Aim – HCI benchmarks key components of human capital across countries.
Key highlights of the HCI Report 2020 – • The 2020 Human Capital Index update includes health and education data for 174 countries covering 98 percent of the world’s population up to March 2020. • The 2020 edition provides a pre-pandemic baseline on the health and education of children, with the biggest strides made in low-income countries.
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• The analysis shows that pre-pandemic, most countries has made steady progress in building human capital of children, with the biggest strides made in low-income countries. • Despite this progress, and even before the effects of the pandemic, a child born in a typical country could expect to achieve just 56 percent of their potential human capital, relative to a benchmark of complete education and full health. Pandemic effect - • The pandemic puts at risk the decade’s progress in building human capital, including the improvements in health, survival rates, school enrolment, and reduced stunting. • The economic impact of the pandemic has been particularly deep for women and for the most disadvantaged families, leaving many vulnerable to food insecurity and poverty. • Protecting and investing in people is vital as countries work to lay the foundation for sustainable, inclusive recoveries and future growth. • Due to the pandemic’s impact, most children, more than one billion have been out of school and could lose out, on average, half a year of schooling, adjusted for learning, translating into considerable monetary losses. • Data also shows significant disruptions to essential health services for women and children, with many children missing out on crucial vaccinations.
India Specific Findings – • This year India finds itself at 116th from among 174 countries. • India’s score has increased to 0.49 from 0.44 in 2018. • Last year, India has raised “serious reservations” over the Human Capital Index, wherein India was ranked 115 out of 157 countries. • The Human Capital Index provides a basis on which the government of India can prioritise and a dimension to support human capital.
About Human Capital Index Report – • The Human Capital Index (HCI) is an international metric that benchmarks key components of human capital across countries. • Measuring the human capital that a child born today can expect to attain by her 18th birthday, the HCI highlights how current health and education outcomes shape the productivity of the next generation of workers. • It underscores the importance for governments and societies of investing in the human capital of their citizens. • The HCI was launched in 2018 as part of the Human Capital Project (HCP), a lobal effort to accelerate progress towards a world where all children can achieve their full potential.
1.92 Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami launches Artificial Intelligence Policy 2020 • Recently, Tamil Nadu Chief Minster Edapaddi K Palaniswami has launched Artificial Intelligence Policy 2020.
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Aims- • To provide a framework for inclusive, safe and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government domain. • To build fairness, equity, transparency and trust in AI assisted decision making systems. • To establish guidelines for the evaluation of an AI systems before it is rolled out for public use. • To build a mature and self-sustaining AI community to aid the growth of AI in the State and to train and skill people in AI. • To promote investment in AI research and development in the State.
1.93 MCA amends deposit rules for startups • Recently, Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has amended the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014. • It has made the amendment to change the period of repayment from five to ten years. • The amendment has allowed start-ups to raise funds through corporate bonds or other convertible instruments for 10 years. Key Features of the amendment • An amount of Rs 25 lakh within a period not exceeding 10 years from the date of issue shall not be considered as deposits.
1.94 International Solar Alliance signs MoUs with NTPC, MNRE and World Bank • Recently, The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has signed an MoU with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the World Bank to design a plan for implementing ‘One Solar One World and One Grid’ (OSOWOG). • It has also signed an MoU with India’s largest power generator, NTPC Limited, for implementing solar energy projects in 47 member countries of ISA. About One Sun One World One Grid Initiative • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in May 2020 has initiated the ‘One Sun One World One Grid’ (OSOWOG) initiative. • Objective – To build global consensus about sharing solar resources among more than 140 countries of West Asia and South-East Asia.
1.95 CII global Ayurveda summit • Recently, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)-Kerala has organized the 4th edition of Global Ayurveda Summit. • It has been organized in partnership with Ministry of Ayush, and with the support of Ayurveda Medical Association of India (AMAI), Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organization in India (AMMOI) and Ayurveda Hospital Management Association (AHMA). • Theme – “Immunity through Ayurveda”
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• The summit has showcased the Ayurveda immunity model and its success to the global scientific community.
1.96 Goa govt adds e-learning devices to Anganwaadis with support from ConveGenius • Recently, Goa government has added e-learning devices to Anganwaadis with support from ConveGenius. • Aim – To strengthen the foundation of students, provide motivation, and build confidence by developing L-S-R-W (LISTENING-SPEAKING-WRITING-READING) skills through the tablet- based digital learning methods. • It has been launched on a pilot basis at Anganwadis in Satteri and Ponda. Key Features • The educational software has been designed in Konkani and English by ConveGenius. • The digital set up comprises smart TV and tablets with preloaded educational software to the Anganwadis. • The advanced learning system aims to help children clearly remember information and make them interested in creating work programs and exercises while recording each student's performance.
1.97 Flipkart partners with over 50,000 kiranas under Kirana Programme • Recently, Flipkart has partnered with over 50,000 kiranas under its Kirana programme. About Kirana Programme • The kirana programme has been the part of Flipkart Group’s efforts to drive growth for millions of kiranas across India. • It also includes Flipkart Wholesale which is a digital B2B marketplace with an aim to connect local manufacturers and MSMEs with retailers and other businesses.
1.98 EPFO to pay 8.5% interest for FY20 in two instalments • Recently, Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has informed that it would credit 8.5 per cent interest to formal sector workers in two installments. • It has taken the decision citing the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on its income. • The interest rate of 8.15% would be from debt investments and 0.35% from equity. • The subscribers would get an 8.15 per cent interest on their deposits for the financial year 2019-20 (FY20) in the first installment. • The remaining 0.35 per cent will be credited in December 2020. Other Important Decisions of EPFO • Maximum assurance benefit under the insurance scheme increased to Rs 7 lakhs from Rs 6 lakhs.
1.99 India tanks to 105th spot from 79th in global economic freedom ranking • Recently, Economic Freedom of the World: 2020 report has been released. • Released by - Fraser Institute in Canada.
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• It has measured the degree to which the policies and institutions of countries are supportive of economic freedom. • Parameters o Size of Government o Legal System and Property Rights o Sound Money o Freedom to Trade Internationally o Regulation Global Findings of the Report • Top 5 Countries: Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland and Australia. • Bottom 5 Countries: Venezuela, Sudan, Libya, Angola and Iran India Specific Findings • In India, the report was co-published by Delhi-based Centre for Civil Society. • India has slipped to 105th place among 162 countries. • It was ranked at 79th position in 2019. • India performed worse in terms of size of government, regulations and the freedom to trade internationally. • India’s Performance in different parameters o Size of government - 54 as compared to 11 in 2017. o Legal System and Property Rights - 79 o Sound Money - 88 o Freedom to Trade Internationally - 139 as compared to 131 in 2017 o Regulation - 122 as compared to108 in 2017
1.100 Power Ministry publishes first draft of Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 • Recently, Ministry of Power has published the first draft of Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020. Key Features of the Draft • New connections to have Prepaid/Smart Prepaid meters – o No electricity connection should be without a meter and it should be a prepaid meter or a smart prepaid meter. o A prepaid meter entails a mobile phone like recharge as per use. • Online bill payment o It has proposed that beyond Rs 1,000, the electricity bill would have to be paid online. • Reliable power supply o It has laid down the principle of 24x7 power supply to the consumers as their right. • Compensation to consumers o It has paved the way for automatic compensation to the consumers. • Electricity Prosumer o Any general consumer can install a renewable energy system at his premises and sell excess power back to the grid.
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1.101 Aircraft (Amendment) Bill 2020 • Recently, Parliament has passed the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill 2020. • It has amended the Aircraft Act, 1934. • It will regulate manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of civil aircrafts, and licensing of aerodromes. Key Features of the Amendment • It has provisions to convert three existing bodies under the Ministry of Civil Aviation into statutory bodies. o Directorate General of Civil Aviation - Safety oversight and regulatory functions o Bureau of Civil Aviation Security - carry out regulatory activities related to civil aviation security o Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau - investigative activities for aircraft accidents. • Each body will be headed by a Director General who will be appointed by the centre. • It has raised the maximum limit on fines from 10 lakh rupees to one crore rupees. • The fines are related to carrying arms, explosives and other dangerous goods aboard aircraft and constructing building or structures within the specified radius around an aerodrome reference point.
1.102 Lok Sabha passes Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 • Recently, Lok Sabha passed the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020. • It has amended the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. • Aim – To liberalize the regulatory system while protecting the interests of consumers. Key Features of the Bill • It has empowered the central government in terms of production, supply, distribution, trade, and commerce of certain commodities. • The bill has empowered the central government to designate certain commodities including food items, fertilizers, and petroleum products as essential commodities. • Supply of certain food items including cereals, pulses, potato, onions, edible oilseeds, and oils, can be regulated by the government under extraordinary circumstances as per the provisions of this bill. • The extraordinary circumstances include war, famine, extraordinary price rise and natural calamity of grave nature. • The provisions regarding the regulation of food items and the imposition of stock limits will not apply to any government order relating to the Public Distribution System or the Targeted Public Distribution System. • It requires that imposition of any stock limit on agricultural produce must be based on price rise. • A stock limit may be imposed only if there is: o 100% increase in retail price of horticultural produce o 50% increase in the retail price of non-perishable agricultural food items.
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1.103 Prime Minister launches PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, e-Gopala App & other initiatives in Bihar • Recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, e- Gopala App & several initiatives in Bihar through video conferencing. • These initiatives are linked to studies and research in fisheries production, dairy, animal husbandry and agriculture. • Combined aim of all the initiatives - To empower our villages and make India Self-Reliant (AatmaNirbhar Bharat) in the 21st Century.
About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) • The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship scheme for focused and sustainable development of fisheries sector in the country. • It primarily focuses on adopting ‘Cluster or Area based approaches’ and creation of Fisheries clusters through backward and forward linkages. • Special focus will be given for employment generation activities such as seaweed and ornamental fish cultivation. • It emphasizes on interventions for quality brood, seed and feed, special focus on species diversification, critical infrastructure, marketing networks etc. • Aims - o To enhance fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne by 2024-25. To increase fisheries export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore by 2024-25. o To double the incomes of fishers and fish farmers o To reduce post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10% and generation of additional 55 lakhs direct and indirect gainful employment opportunities in fisheries sector and allied activities. o To double fish exports in the coming 3-4 years.
About e-Gopala App • e-Gopala App is a comprehensive breed improvement marketplace and information portal for the direct use of farmers.
1.104 India to host summit of SCO council of heads of government on November 30 • Recently, Ministry of External Affairs has announced that India would be hosting a summit of the council of heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). • It would be hosting a summit on November 30. • The summit would be focusing on contributing to the trade and economic agenda of the influential grouping. Relevance • Recently, SCO Summit 2020 has taken place at Moscow in Russia.
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About Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) • It is a permanent intergovernmental international organization. • Member - India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. • Headquarter – Beijing, China
1.105 'My Family-My Responsibility' programme begins in Maharashtra • Recently, Maharashtra government has started the 'My Family-My Responsibility' programme. • It has been launched to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the state. • Under the programme, each and every household in the state will be visited by health teams along with the help of local public representatives. • The health teams would inquire about the health of members in the family and accordingly classification will be done with regards to the problems they face.
1.106 Global Initiative to reduce Land Degradation and Coral Reef program launched at G20 Environment Ministers Meet. • Recently, G20 Environment Ministers Meeting (EMM) has taken place under the Presidency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. • India has been represented by Union Environment Minister. • During the meeting, Global initiatives to reduce Land Degradation and Coral Reef Programme and two documents on climate change, related to managing emissions and climate change adaptations under the G20 in 2020 have been launched. About Global Initiative to reduce Land Degradation and Coral Reef program
• Aim – To strengthen the implementation of existing frameworks to prevent, halt, and reverse land degradation within G20 member states and globally, taking into account possible implications on the achievement of other SDGs and adhering to the principle of doing no harm. • The Scientific Conceptual Framework for Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), developed by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), provides a scientific foundation for understanding, implementing and monitoring land degradation. About The Global Coral Reef R&D Accelerator Platform
• It is an innovative action-oriented initiative aimed at creating a global research and development programme to advance research, innovation and capacity building in all facets of coral reef conservation, restoration and adaptation. • Aim – To create a global research and development (R&D) program to advance research, innovation and capacity building in all facets of coral reef conservation, restoration, and adaptation, and strengthen ongoing efforts and commitments made to enhance coral reefs conservation and their further degradation.
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1.107 Criminal Law Reform Committee • Recently, A Committee has been constituted under Ranbir Singh to suggest reforms in the Criminal laws. • It has been set up to recommend reforms in the criminal laws of India in a principled, effective and efficient manner, which ensures the safety and security of the individual, the community and the nation and which prioritizes the constitutional values of justice, dignity and inherent worth of the individual. • The suggestions received and the Report of the Committee have been subject to examination by the Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with all stakeholders.
1.108 Provision of Additional IRB to States • Recently, Government has got an Impact Assessment Study done on the India Reserve Battalions (IRB) Scheme. • It has been done through IIM, Rohtak. • The proposals for additional IR Battalions from 5 States including Karnataka have been received. About India Reserve Battalions • The Indian Reserve Battalion is an elite unit trained to deal with a specific situation. • It is a type of Armed Police Force that has been sanctioned to States and Union Territories.
1.109 India’s first CRISPR Covid-19 test, developed by the Tata Group and CSIR-IGIB, approved for use in India • Recently, The Tata CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) test, powered by CSIR-IGIB (Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology) ”FELUDA”, received regulatory approvals from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for commercial launch. About FELUDA Test • Developed by – Tata Sons and CSIR-IGIB(Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology) • The Feluda is a paper strip test that detects the coronavirus in an hour. • Feluda is an acronym for FNCAS9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection. • It is the first indigenous test kit to be developed in India based on Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technology. • It is the world’s first diagnostic test to deploy a specially adapted Cas9 protein to successfully detect the virus causing Covid-19.
1.110 Reduction in Maternal Mortality Rate • According to the latest report (2016-18) of Sample Registration System (SRS) Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India per 100,000 live births has declined to 113 in 2016-18 from 122 in 2015-17 and 130 in 2014-2016. • The Report has been released by – Registrar General of India (RGI),
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1.111 National Level Strategy to Tackle Air Pollution-National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) • Recently, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has informed about Long-Term, Time- Bound, National Level Strategy to Tackle Air Pollution through National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). About National Clean Air Programme • It was launched by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change in January 2019. • It has been the first-ever effort in India to frame a national framework for air quality management with a time-bound reduction target. • Goal - The goal of the NCAP is to meet the prescribed annual average ambient air quality standards at all locations in the country in a stipulated timeframe. • It has been launched in a comprehensive manner with targets to achieve 20% to 30% reduction in Particulate Matter concentrations by 2024 keeping 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration. • Under NCAP, 122 non-attainment cities have been identified across India based on the Air Quality data from 2014-2018. o Non-attainment cities: These are those that have fallen short of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years. • Air quality of cities is monitored by State Pollution Control Boards which publishes their results from time to time.
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1.112 Samarth Scheme • Recently, The Ministry of Textiles has informed about the Samarth-Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector. • It has informed that by September 2020, 23 empaneled implementing partners have commenced the training programme under the scheme in 11 States. About SAMARTH Scheme
• SAMARTH is a Scheme For Capacity Building In Textile Sector. • It is a is a flagship skill development scheme approved in continuation to the Integrated Skill Development Scheme • Objective o To provide demand driven, placement oriented National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant skilling programmes to incentivize and supplement the efforts of the industry in creating jobs in the organized textile and related sectors, covering the entire value chain of textile, excluding Spinning and Weaving. o To promote skilling and skill upgradation in the traditional sectors of handlooms, handicrafts, sericulture and jute.
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o To enable provision of sustainable livelihood either by wage or self-employment to all sections of the society across the country. • The Scheme has target to train 10.00 lakh persons (9 lakhs in organized & 1 lakh in traditional sector) between (2017-20). • Monitored by - A centralized web-based Management Information System (MIS) • Ministry – Ministry of Textile.
1.113 MoU signed between Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Women and Child Development for Controlling Malnutrition • Recently, A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Women and Child Development for controlling Malnutrition as a part of POSHAN Abhiyaan. • It has been signed to see some time-tested and scientifically proven AYUSH-based solutions being adopted for controlling malnutrition in India. • The specific areas identified for co-operation include: o Integration of AYUSH into POSHAN Abhiyaan o Control of malnutrition through the principles and practices of Ayurveda, Yoga and other Ayush systems.
1.114 E-Gram Swaraj Portal • Recently, Ministry of Panchayati Raj has informed about E-Gram Swaraj Portal. About E-Gram Swaraj Portal • e-Gram SWARAJ portal unifies the planning, accounting and monitoring functions of Gram Panchayats. • Aim – To bring in better transparency in the decentralised planning, progress reporting and work-based accounting. • It is one of the applications developed as part of Panchayat Enterprise Suite under e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) of Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
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1.115 M/o Social Justice and Empowerment implements NAPDDR for 2018-2025 • Recently, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has informed about formulation and implementation of National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018- 2025. • It has launched Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in 272 most affected districts. o Focus – On institutional support, community outreach and awareness generation. o Identification of District – It is based on inputs from Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and findings of Comprehensive National Survey done by Ministry. o Tenure – 15th August 2020 to 31st March 2021. About National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) • It has been launched to focus on preventive education, awareness generation, identification, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependent persons and training and capacity building of the service providers through collaborative efforts of the Central and State Governments and Non-Governmental Organizations. • Aim – Reduction of adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multi-pronged strategy.
1.116 M/o SJ&E to Implement a New Financial Model for Interest Subvention for Individual Beneficiaries as well as SHGs Comprising SC and OBC Categories • Recently, Minister of state for Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has informed that that he would be implementing a new Financial Model for Interest Subvention for individual beneficiaries as well as the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) comprising exclusively of SC and OBC categories. • Objective – To provide direct benefit of lower rate of interest to the eligible SHGs formed under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) or National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) or NABARD/individual beneficiaries who have availed loans through Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and similar financial institutions or can be referred as Lending Institutions. • Implemented by - o National Scheduled Castes Finance &Development Corporation (NSCFDC) for SC SHGs/beneficiaries o National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) for OBC SHGs/beneficiaries.
1.117 IEA and NITI Aayog launch Special Report on Sustainable Recovery Post Covid-19 • Recently, International Energy Agency (IEA), in collaboration with NITI Aayog has presented a ‘Special Report on Sustainable Recovery’. • It has been Part of IEA’s flagship World Energy Outlook series. • It has proposed a number of actions that could be taken over the next three years to revitalize economies and boost employment while making energy systems cleaner and more resilient.
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1.118 Ocean Services, Modelling, Applications, Resources and Technology (O-SMART) SCHEME • Recently, Union Minister of Earth Sciences has informed about O-SMART (Ocean Services, Modelling, Applications, Resources and Technology) scheme. About O-SMART (Ocean Services, Modelling, Applications, Resources and Technology) scheme • Objective o To generate and regularly update information on Marine Living Resources and their relationship with the physical environment in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), o To periodically monitor levels of sea water pollutants for health assessment of coastal waters of India, to develop shoreline change maps for assessment of coastal erosion due to natural and anthropogenic activities, o To develop a wide range of state-of-the art ocean observation systems for acquisition of real-time data from the seas around India, o To generate and disseminate a suite of user-oriented ocean information, advisories, warnings, data and data products for the benefit of society, o To develop high resolution models for ocean forecast and reanalysis system, o To develop algorithms for validation of satellite data for coastal research and to monitor changes in the coastal research, • Implemented by – Ministry of Earth Science Relevance
• Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) has established at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad.
1.119 GRAND ICT CHALLENGE for Smart supply measurement and monitoring system under Jal Jeevan Mission • Recently, National Jal Jeevan Mission in partnership with Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY) has launched an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Grand Challenge. About ICT Grand Challenge
• It has been launched to create innovative, modular, and cost-effective solution and to develop a ‘Smart Water Supply Measurement and Monitoring System’ to be deployed at the village level. • Aim - To conduct challenge which bring innovative, modular, and cost effective solution to develop a “Smart water supply measurement and monitoring system” to be deployed at the village / semi-rural / semi-urban levels. • The ICT grand challenge will be inviting proposal from Indian Tech start-ups, MSMEs, Indian Companies, Indian LLPs. • The challenge will provide opportunity to work for cause of Jal Jeevan Mission and to assure potable water supply through Functional Household Tap Connections to every rural household.
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1.120 Eight beaches of India recommended for the coveted “Blue Flag” International eco-label. • Recently, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has announced that for the first time eight beaches of India have been recommended for the coveted International eco-label, the Blue flag certification. • It has been announced on the eve of International Coastal Clean-Up Day on 19th September 2020. • Eight beaches – o Shivrajpur in Gujarat o Ghoghla in Daman&Diu o Kasarkod and Padubidri beach in Karnataka o Kappad in Kerala o Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh o Golden beach of Odisha o Radhanagar beach in Andaman and Nicobar • He has also launched India’s own eco-label BEAMS by e-hoisting the flag - #IAMSAVINGMYBEACH at these eight beaches.
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About BEAMS • BEAMS stands for Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services. • The program has promoted beach recreation in absolute harmony with nature. • Launched by - Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM, MoEFCC) under its Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZM). • It has been one of the several other projects of ICZM that Govt of India has undertaken for the sustainable development of coastal regions, striving for globally recognized and the coveted eco-label ‘Blue flag”.
1.121 India becomes member of UN commission on women • Recently, India has been elected as a member of the United Nation's Commission on Status of Women, a body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). • It has become the member by defeating Afghanistan and China. • India will be a member of United Nation's Commission on Status of Women for four years, 2021 to 25. About Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) • The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations. • It is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as implementation of internationally agreed development goals. • Headquarter – New York Note: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the famous Beijing World Conference on Women (1995).
1.122 India votes in favor of The Omnibus Resolution on Comprehensive and Coordinated Response to the COVID-19 pandemic • Recently, India has voted in favor of “The Omnibus Resolution on Comprehensive and Coordinated Response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” • Co-coordinators - Afghanistan’s U.N. envoy Adela Raz and Croatian Ambassador Ivan Simonovic. Key Features of the resolution • The resolution has been a UNGA resolution calling for multilateral cooperation. • It has reaffirmed international cooperation to respond to one of the greatest global challenges and acknowledges the World Health Organisation’s key leadership role in responding to the outbreak. • The resolution is not legally binding. • It has urged member states to enable all countries to have unhindered timely access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable diagnosis, therapeutics, medicines and vaccines, and essential health technologies for the COVID-19 response. Note: The U.S. and Israel voted against the resolution and Ukraine and Hungary abstained
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1.123 New grievance redress system unveiled in J&K • Recently, Lieutenant-Governor of Jammu and Kashmir has launched the Jammu and Kashmir Integrated Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (JK-IGRAMS). • It has been launched in a bid to create an interface with the public and focus on governance issues in the Union Territory. • It will be an effective grievance redressal mechanism, which is the life and blood of any good governance system. • It has been launched on a pilot basis in three districts — Jammu, Srinagar, and Reasi.
1.124 Global wildlife has shrunk 68% over past three decades: Living Planet Report • Recently, The Living Planet Report 2020 has found that there has been a reduction of 68 per cent in the global wildlife population between 1970 and 2016. About Living Planet Report 2020 • Released by: World Wildlife Fund in collaboration with Institute of Zoology (Zoological Society of London). • Theme: “Beyond the Curve of Biodiversity Loss” • Reason for Loss in Bio Diversity o Land-use change, primarily the conversion of pristine habitats into agricultural systems, o Oceans have been overfished. o Species overexploitation o Invasive species and diseases o Pollution and climate change India Specific Finding • The report has found that India has lost nearly one-third of its natural wetlands to urbanization, agricultural expansion and pollution over the last four decades. • India are already water stressed and will be moving to extreme water scarcity by 2050.
1.125 Maharashtra approves agro-tourism policy to empower farmers • Recently, Maharashtra cabinet on Sunday approved an agro-tourism policy aimed at empowering farmers. • It would be focusing on rural development through o Tourism o Making available market for agriculture produce o Encouraging agriculture allied business o Providing employment opportunities to women and youth in rural areas. • Farmers and agriculture institutions who will set up the Agro-tourism centers will get loan from banks • The centers can be set up in farm area of two to five acres.
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1.126 India's hiring outlook bleakest in 15 yrs.: Report • According to the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, India has been witnessing the weakest hiring sentiment in 15 years. • It has informed that just 3 per cent companies have planned to add staff in the months of October to December 2020. Key Findings of the Survey • 7 per cent of employers have anticipated an increase in payrolls • 3 per cent has forecasted a decrease • 54 per cent has expected no change. • 42 per cent of companies have suggested that they plan to bring them back with reduced hours
1.127 EPFO increases maximum benefit under Deposit Linked Insurance to ₹7 lakh • Recently, Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has increased the maximum assurance benefit under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme. • It has increased the benefit to Rs 7 lakhs from Rs 6 lakhs. About Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme • It is an insurance cover provided by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). • Objective - To ensure that the family of members get financial assistance in case of death of the member.
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1.128 Government has set a target to increase the number of Janaushadhi Kendras to 10500 by the end of March 2025 • Recently, the government has set a target to increase the number of Pradhanmantri Janaushadhi Kendras PMBJK to 10500 by the month of March 2025. About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana – • Launch year – 2015 • Ministry – Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers • Aim - Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses. • PMBJP stores have been set up to provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs.
1.129 Lok Sabha passes The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 • Recently, Lok Sabha has passed the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020. Key Features • The new legislation will create an ecosystem where the farmers and traders will enjoy the freedom of choice of sale and purchase of agri-produce. • It will promote barrier-free inter-state and intra-state trade and commerce outside the physical premises of markets notified under State Agricultural Produce Marketing legislations. • It will open more choices for the farmer, reduce marketing costs for the farmers, and help them in getting better prices. • It will help farmers of regions with surplus produce to get better prices and consumers of regions with shortages, lower prices. • The Bill also proposes electronic trading in the transaction platform for ensuring a seamless trade electronically. • The farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for sale of their products under this Act. • Further, there will be a separate dispute resolution mechanism for the farmers.
1.130 Lok Sabha passes the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 • Recently, Lok Sabha has passed the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. Key Features • The new legislation will empower farmers for engaging with processors, wholesalers, aggregators, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters, etc., on a level playing field without any fear of exploitation. • It will transfer the risk of market unpredictability from the farmer to the sponsor and also enable the farmer to access modern technology and better inputs.
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• It will reduce the cost of marketing and improve the income of farmers. • This legislation will act as a catalyst to attract private sector investment for building supply chains for the supply of Indian farm produce to national and global markets and in agricultural infrastructure. • Farmers will get access to technology and advice for high-value agriculture and get a ready market for such products. • Farmers will engage in direct marketing thereby eliminating intermediaries resulting in full realization of price. • Farmers have been provided with adequate protection. • Sale, lease, or mortgage of farmers’ land is totally prohibited and farmers’ land is also protected against any recovery.
1.131 Munroe Thuruthu becomes a geoinformatics village • Recently, Munroe Thuruthu, Kerala has become a geoinformatics village with all details of the local body now available in digital format. • Using Intelligent Property Management System (IPMS), Uralungal Technology Solutions (ULTS), a subsidiary of the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), has completed the process of GIS mapping and the island has declared a digital village by Munroe Thuruthu panchayat. • IPMS uses technologies like a drone, DGPS, laser tape, and other specially-designed applications to collect all demographic data.
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1.132 NSO Report on Education 2020 • Recently, the National Statistical Organization has released the "Key Indicators of Household the Social Consumption on Education in India" report as a part of the 75th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) (July 2017 to June 2018) • The first all-India survey on social consumption was conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in its 35th round (July 1980 - June 1981). • This is the 6th survey on social consumption relating to education. Key findings of the Report - • One in five students in India supplements school education with private coaching, including almost one in three at the secondary school level or Classes 9 and 10. • Private coaching fees make up almost 20% of the total cost of education for those in secondary and higher secondary school. • 19.8% of students at all levels — from pre-primary to graduate students — take some form of private coaching. Among Class 9 and 10 students, starting to prepare for the crucial board exams and admission tests, more than 30% do so. • Among these secondary school students, those from the cities and upper castes are able to access private coaching at far higher levels. • More than 52% of urban upper caste boys take coaching, in comparison to just 13.7% of rural boys and girls from scheduled tribe communities. • The average annual expenditure on education for secondary school students is ₹9,013, of which ₹4,078 goes towards regular school fees. About ₹1,632, or just over 18%, goes towards private coaching. • In higher secondary school, students spend more than ₹2,500, also about 18% of the total expenditure, on private coaching. • Some States in eastern India seem to spend more on private coaching than the rest of the country. • In West Bengal, students at all levels spend an average of ₹3,769 on private coaching.
1.133 India’s child mortality rate declined between 1990 and 2019: UN • Recently, the "Levels and Trends in Child Mortality 2020 Report" has released by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and the World Bank Group. India Specific Findings - • The under-five mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India declined to 34 in 2019 from 126 in 1990. • India has registered a 4.5 percent annual rate of reduction in under-five mortality between 1990-2019. • The number of under-five deaths in India dropped from 3.4 million in 1990 to 824,000 in 2019.
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• The infant mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India declined from 89 in 1990 to 28 last year, with the country registering 679000 infant deaths last year, a significant decline from 2.4 million infant deaths in 1990. • India has witnessed a decrease in neonatal mortality rate between 1990 and 2019 from 57 to 22 - 1.5 million neonatal deaths in 1990 to 522,000 deaths in 2019. • The probability of dying among children aged 5—14 years declined from 21 in 1990 to 5 in 2019 (447,000 deaths in 1990 to 136,000 deaths in 2019). • The probability of dying among youth aged 15—24 years dipped from 24 to 10 (407,000 deaths to 246,000 deaths) between the period under review. • The sex-specific under-five mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India in 1990 stood at 122 males and 131 females and this declined to 34 males and 35 females in 2019.
1.134 NSO publishes ‘Health in India’ report • Recently, the National Statistical Organisation (NSO) has released ‘Health in India’ report . • The report is based on the 75th round of the National Sample Survey (July 2017-June 2018) on household social consumption related to health.
Findings of the report - • Although almost all children in India are vaccinated against tuberculosis, and receive their birth dose of polio vaccine, two out of five children do not complete their immunisation programme. • Most of these children remain unprotected against measles, and partially protected against a range of other diseases. • In the national capital Delhi, less than half of all children have been given all eight required vaccines. • Across the country, only 59.2% of children under five years are fully immunised, according to the NSO report. This contradicts the Centre’s Health Management Information System portal data, which claimed that full immunisation coverage for 2017-18 stood at 86.7%. • About 97% of children across the country received at least one vaccination — mostly BCG and/or the first dose of OPV at birth — a statistic that remains steady across income groups and geographies. • Only 67% of children are protected against measles. • Only 58% got their polio booster dose, while 54% got their DPT booster dose. • Among States, Manipur (75%), Andhra Pradesh (73.6%) and Mizoram (73.4%) recorded the highest rates of full immunisation, then Nagaland, where only 12% of children received all vaccinations, followed by Puducherry (34%) and Tripura (39.6%). • The vast majority of these vaccinations — 95% in rural India and 86% in cities — were carried out in government health facilities and primary health centres which will be the same facilities used to distribute and administer the COVID-19 vaccine whenever it is made available.
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• The pandemic has already impacted the childhood vaccination programme, however, with an April 2020 study conducted by the advocacy group Child Rights and You finding that only half of Indian families with children under five years were able to access immunisation services during the lockdown.
1.135 Industry Dept, SIDBI enters into MoU to encourage MSME sector in Gujarat • Recently, Industry Department of Gujarat and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has entered into a MoU to encourage the MSME sector in the State. • It has been signed to provide financial assistance, capital subsidy, interest subsidy, patent assistance, technology transfer and acquisition, market support, innovation, technology transfer and build capacity to compete in the global market. • The state government has earlier announced Rs.768 crore Atmanirbhar package as part of slew of incentives to the MSME sector under the new Industrial Policy 2020
1.136 FSSAI constitutes task force on vegan food • Recently, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has constituted a task force to look into guidelines/ provisions for vegan foods in India. • The task force has been chaired by Shankar Narayan. About SatvikVegan Society • It was earlier known as Indian Vegan Society. • The society is a member of the International Vegetarian Union and Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisation. • Headquarter – Udupi,Karnataka
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1.137 Microsoft to skill 10 lakh Indian students in Artificial Intelligence • Recently, Microsoft along with Nasscom FutureSkills has launched "AI Classroom Series" initiative. Key Highlights of the initiative • It will cover the basics of data science, machine learning models on Microsoft’s Azure platform. • The introductory sessions on AI will be available for undergraduate students at no cost. • Students can choose from multiple time slots and pace their learning. • Students can use desktops or any mobile device to access the trainings, workshops and assignments. • Registered students will have access to content and developer tools in Microsoft and GitHub.
1.138 Parliament passes Bill to cut salaries of MPs by 30% • Recently, Parliament has passed Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020. • The bill has reduced the salaries of parliamentarians by 30%. • The salaries has been reduced to meet the exigencies arising out of COVID-19 pandemic for one year.
1.139 Rajya Sabha passes bill to punish those attacking healthcare workers • Recently, Rajya Sabha has passed The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020. • It has amended the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. • The penal provisions could be invoked in instances in which the healthcare service personnel have a direct interest in relation to the epidemic. o Damage to property including a clinical establishment o Any facility identified for quarantine and isolation of patients, o Mobile medical units and any other property • Punishments o Imprisonment – For a term of three months to five years o Fine - ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000. • Offences will be investigated by an officer of the rank of inspector within a period of 30 days, and trial has to be completed in one year, unless extended by the court for reasons to be recorded in writing.
1.140 Biodiversity index map for Kochi • Recently, Kochi has become the first city in Kerala to be included in the biodiversity index. • The index has been part of the ‘INTERACT-Bio’ project implemented with the help of the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development through ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability. • Aim – To develop the city’s biodiversity index and estimating the green cover in urban areas.
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• It has been executed with the help of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. • It has taken into account 18 biodiversity indicators that measure the city’s native biodiversity, the ecosystem services provided and biodiversity governance. • It has given the city a score of 45 out of 72.
1.141 NITI Aayog and Embassy of the Netherlands sign Statement of Intent on ‘Decarbonization and Energy Transition Agenda’ • Recently, NITI Aayog and Embassy of the Netherlands have signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) to support the decarbonization and energy transition agenda for accommodating cleaner and more energy. • Focus - Co-creating innovative technological solutions by leveraging the expertise of the two entities.
1.142 ‘Kritagya’ Hackathon by National Agricultural Higher Education Project of ICAR • Recently, a hackathon named “KRITAGYA” has been planned by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). • It has been planned under National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP). • It has been planned to promote potential technology solutions for enhancing farm mechanization with special emphasis on women friendly equipments. About KRTTAGYA • KRI-TA-GYA stands for KRI for Krishi (Agriculture), TA for Taknik (Technology) and GYA for Gyan (Knowledge). • Theme – “Women Friendly Farm Machinery and Equipment” Key Highlights of the Program • In one group maximum 4 participants can compete, with not more than one faculty and / or more than one innovator or entrepreneur. • Rs 5 lakh would be awarded to the winner followed by Rs 3 lakh for runners up and Rs 1 lakh for second runners up.
1.143 DPIIT permission granted to the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to introduce ISO Tank Containers for movement of Liquid Oxygen for domestic transport • Recently, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has given permission to the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to introduce ISO Tank Containers for movement of Liquid Oxygen for domestic transport. • The permission has been given initially for one year. About ISO Tank • ISO Tank is a tank container built to the ISO standard (International Organisation for Standardisation). • ISO tanker can carry 20 MT of liquid oxygen.
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• The containers will help to translocate sufficient Oxygen to areas where required.
1.144 Hallmarking of precious metals • Recently, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution has informed that for setting up of Gold Assaying and Hallmarking Centre in any district in India. • He has informed that where no A&H Centre exists, the Government provides financial assistance to the tune of 30 to 75% of the total cost of machinery and equipment, depending on the location and ownership. Relevance • Minister for Consumer Affairs in August 2020 has launched the online system of Registration and Renewal of Jewelers and online system of recognition and renewal of the Assaying and Hallmarking Centers.
1.145 TB cases in India • According to Global TB Report 2019, the estimated number of cases and death rate in India has reduced from 2015.
• Total Number of TB cases in India –
Initiatives taken by government for eliminating Tuberculosis
• Ministry of Health and Family welfare has developed the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis (2017-2025) with the goal of ending TB by 2025. • It is five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets. • The key focus areas are: o Early diagnosis of all the TB patients, prompt treatment with quality assured drugs and treatment regimens along with suitable patient support systems to promote adherence. o Engaging with the patients seeking care in the private sector.
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o Prevention strategies including active case finding and contact tracing in high risk / vulnerable population o Airborne infection control. o Multi-sectoral response for addressing social determinants. • Government has distributed a cash incentive of Rs. 7.9 billion (around 110 million USD) through Direct Benefit Transfers for nutritional support since April 2018 to over 3 million beneficiaries. • The number of missing TB patients has reduced from 1 million in 2016 to less than 0.5 million in 2019 • Over 66,000 drug resistant TB patients have been identified in 2019.
1.146 Prime Minister launches the Age Appropriate Fitness Protocols • Recently, Prime Minister has launched the Age Appropriate Fitness Protocols on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Fit India Movement. • During the event, He has also given the mantra 'फिटनेस की डोज़, आधा घंटा रोज’ ( Fitness dose, Half an hour everyday ) for everyone's health. • He has also interacted with various sports persons, fitness experts and others during the Fit India Dialogue event. About Age Appropriate Fitness Protocol
• These fitness protocols have been prepared with the help of fitness enthusiasts for fitness and good health. It has been prepared for three age categories which include: o 5-18 years category o 18-65 years category o 65 plus age category
1.147 AYUSH Ministry supports a novel e-marathon as part of the “Ayush for Immunity” Campaign • Recently, The Ministry of AYUSH has joined hands with Rajagiri College of Social Sciences and Rajagiri Business School, Kochi to organise a novel e-marathon as a part of “Ayush for Immunity” campaign. • It has been conducted for the cause of supporting the education of COVID affected children and to enhance the well-being of the participants during the current pandemic crisis. • Theme – “Recharge Mental Health: During and beyond the Covid-19 Pandemic”. • The participants of e-marathon have a long duration of 10 days at their disposal to complete the running challenges.
1.148 Biotechnology sector is recognized as the key driver for contributing to India's $ 5 Trillion economy target by 2024 • Recently, Union Minister of Science and Technology has informed about various initiatives taken by BIRAC for promoting Biopharmaceutical sector in India. Name of the Programmes
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• i4 (Intensifying the Impact of Industrial Innovation) programme – It supports biotechnological product/technology development by strengthening R&D capabilities of start- ups/ companies/Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs). • The programme is operated through two schemes based on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
1.149 National Medical Commission (NMC) constituted • Recently, Union government has constituted National Medical Commission (NMC). • It has replaced Board of Governors (BoG) which superseded the Medical Council of India (MCI) on September 26, 2018. Key Features of the commission • It has also constituted four autonomous boards o Under Graduate Medical Education Board o Post Graduate Medical Education Boards o Medical Assessment and Rating Board o Ethics and Medical Registration Board • The common final year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) examination will now be known as the National Exit Test (NEXT) • Members o NMC comprises a chairman, 10 ex-officio members and 22 part-time members. o The ex-officio members include presidents of the four autonomous boards. o Dr Suresh Chandra Sharma has been appointed as chairman for a period of three years
1.150 KVIC Appoints Design and Fashion Icon Sunil Sethi, as Advisor • Recently, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has appointed Shri Sunil Sethi, a leading personality in the Indian fashion industry, as its advisor. • He has replaced Ms Ritu Beri. • He will advise the Commission on latest design interventions in the readymade garments segment as well as promotion of Khadi in India and abroad.
1.151 Foundation Day of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) celebrated as “Kaushal Se Kal Badlenge” • Recently, Ministry of Rural Development has celebrated Foundation Day of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) as “Kaushal Se Kal Badlenge.” • The Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development has informed that under DDU-GKY, 10.51 lakh rural youth have been trained and 6.65 lakh successfully placed so far. • He has inaugurated Agripreneurship Program along with Guidelines for Promotion of Integrated Farming Cluster (IFC) and Compendium of success stories of DDU- GKY placed candidates • He has also released Guidelines regarding Captive Employment under DDU- GKY
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1.152 Union Home Minister inaugurates “Destination North East-2020” • Recently, Union Minister for Home Affairs has inaugurated “Destination North East-2020” on World Tourism Day • Theme – “The Emerging Delightful Destinations” • Objective - Taking the North East Region to other parts of the country and bringing them closer together in order to strengthen national integration. About World Tourism Day • It is celebrated on 27th September 2020.
1.153 India, Denmark sign MoU on Intellectual Property cooperation • Recently, India and Denmark has signed MoU on Intellectual Property cooperation. • The MoU aims at increasing IP co-operation between the two countries by o Exchange of best practices, experiences and knowledge on IP awareness among public, authorities, businesses and research and educational institution of both countries. o Collaboration in training programmes, exchange of experts, technical exchanges and outreach activities. o Exchange of information and best practices on processes for disposal of applications for patents, trademarks, industrial designs and Geographical Indications. o Cooperation in the development of automation and implementation of modernization projects, new documentation and information systems in IP and procedures for management of IP. o Cooperation to understand how Traditional Knowledge is protected including the use of traditional knowledge related databases and awareness raising of existing IP systems.
1.154 Rules relaxed for divorced daughters to receive Family Pension • Recently, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions has relaxed rules for divorced daughters to receive Family Pension. • She would be entitled to receive the pension even if the divorce had not finally taken place but the divorce petition had been filed by her during the lifetime of her deceased parent employee/pensioner. • Orders have also been issued for grant of Family Pension to a Divyang child or sibling even if the Disability Certificate is produced after the death of the pensioner parent but the disability had occurred before the death of the parents. • The Attendant Allowance for Divyang helper has been increased from Rs. 4,500 per month to Rs 6,700 per month. Earlier Provision • It has provided for payment of Family Pension to a divorced daughter only if the divorce had taken place during the lifetime of deceased parent pensioner or his spouse
1.155 Union Road Ministry Notifies amendments in Central Motor Vehicle Rules • Recently, Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has issued notifications regarding various amendments in Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989.
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• It has been notified for enforcement, Maintenance of Vehicular Documents and E-Challans through portal w.e.f 1.10.2020 for better monitoring and enforcement of MV Rules Key Features
• Details of driving licences disqualified or revoked by the licensing authority shall be recorded chronologically in the portal and such record shall be reflected on a regular basis on the portal has been provided for. • Vehicular documents found validated through electronic means shall not be demanded in physical forms for inspection. • Upon demanding or inspecting any documents, the date and time stamp of inspection and identity of the police officer in uniform or any other officer authorized by the State Government, shall be recorded on the Portal. Key Features of the Motor Vehicle Act
• It has mandated automated fitness testing for vehicles. • Compensation for road accident victims: • The Bill increases the minimum compensation for hit and run cases as follows o In case of death, from Rs 25,000 to two lakh rupees o In case of grievous injury, from Rs 12,500 to Rs 50,000. • Motor Vehicle Accident Fund would be constituted to provide compulsory insurance cover to all road users in India. • Offences and Penalities o Drunk Driving – From 2000 to 10000 o Seat Belt – From Rs 100 to 1000 o Driving Without Insurance – From Rs 1000 to 2000 o Not Providing Way for Emergency Vehicles – Rs 10000
1.156 Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment e-launches “Ambedkar Social Innovation & Incubation Mission under Venture Capital fund for SCs (ASIIM)” • Recently, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment has launched the “Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) under Venture Capital Fund for SCs.” • It has been launched to promote innovation and enterprise among SC students studying in higher educational institutions. • Objective o To promote entrepreneurship among the SC Youth with special preference to Divyangs o To support (1,000) innovative ideas till 2024 through a synergetic work with the Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) set up by Department of Science and Technology Other Important Features • 1,000 SC youth would be identified in the next 4 years with start-up ideas through the Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) in various higher educational institutions. • Equity Funding - Rs. 30 lakhs in 3 years
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• Successful ventures would further qualify for venture funding of up to Rs. 5 Crore from the Venture Capital Fund for SCs. • Financial Assistance: Rs 19320 lakhs for four years. About Venture Capital Fund for SCs • It was set up in 2016 with the Fund size of Rs. 500 Cr. • It has sanctioned financial assistance to 118 companies to the tune of Rs. 444.14 crore. • The ministry has modified the Venture Capital for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) guidelines to keep focused attention in providing equity support to entities/companies of young SC entrepreneurs working on innovative and technology-based ideas.
1.157 Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has notified fresh guidelines on groundwater use • Recently, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has notified fresh guidelines on groundwater use. Key Highlights
• It has prescribed a minimum environmental compensation of ₹1 lakh on industrial, mining and infrastructure users for extracting ground water without a no objection certificate (NOC). • Fines o Not constructing appropriate water recharge structures - up to Rs 500,000 o Injecting treated/untreated water into an aquifer system - ₹10,00,000. • It has exempted domestic consumers, rural drinking water schemes, armed forces, farmers and micro and small enterprises drawing water less than 10 cubic metres/day. • No new major industries” would be given NOCs in over-exploited assessment blocks. • Groundwater levels, areas across India are split into three categories: o Over-exploited – Extraction Rate is more than 100% o Critical – Extraction Rate is 90-100% o Semi critical - Extraction rate is 70%-90%
1.158 Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal launches logo for “Breaking Barriers” • Recently, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal launches logo for “Breaking Barriers.” • It is an initiative of Congress’ Member Parliament Hibi Eden. About Breaking Barriers • It has been launched to set up sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators in government schools in Ernakulum. • Objective – To create awareness of menstrual hygiene among women and adolescent girls.
1.159 TCS opens National Qualifier Test to corporates for recruiting freshers • Recently, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has opened its National Qualifier Test (NQT) to corporates for recruiting fresher. About National Qualifier Test
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• It is a multi-level assessment to assess competence on core cognitive abilities required for entry-level jobs, industry-specific knowledge and insights, and specialisation on skills required for performing the job role. • Young professionals with up to two years of experience, as well as students from any stream, currently enrolled in pre-final/final year of undergraduate or postgraduate programs can apply for the test. • Conducted by – TCS iON
1.160 Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC 4) • Recently, Defence Minister has launched the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC 4) during the iDEX event. • During the event he has also launched the guidelines for iDEX4Fauji initiative and Product Management Approach (PMA). About iDEX4Fauji
• It has been launched to support innovations identified by members of the Indian Armed Force. • It is a first of its kind initiative that allows soldiers to become part of the innovation process and get recognised and rewarded.
1.161 Union Health Minister addresses The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health’s (PMNCH) ‘Accountability Breakfast’ • Recently, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has participated in the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) ‘Accountability Breakfast.’ • Co-hosted by – White Ribbon Alliance (WRA) and Every Woman Every Child (EWEC) • The theme for 2020 has been focusing on the effort to protect hard earned gains in the field of Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health from the COVID pandemic. Note: SUMAN and Laqshay scheme has been discussed in the July 2020 Magazine.
1.162 NSS REPORT: TIME USE IN INDIA- 2019 (JANUARY – DECEMBER 2019) • Recently, National Sample Survey (NSS)’s Time Use In India- 2019 (JANUARY – DECEMBER 2019) report has been released. About Time Use Survey (TUS) • It provides a framework for measuring time dispositions by the population on different activities. • It has a distinguishing feature of capturing time disposition on different aspects of human activities, be it paid, unpaid or other activities with such details which is not possible in other surveys. • Objective – To measure participation of men and women in paid and unpaid activities. • It provides information on time spent on learning, socializing, leisure activities, self-care activities, etc., by the household members. • Conducted by - National Statistical Office (NSO) conducted the first Time Use Survey in India during January – December 2019.
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• The survey measures the participation rate and time spent on paid activities, care activities, unpaid activities, etc.
1.163 Central Government has approved outlay for PM Svanidhi Scheme is Rs.600 Crore • Recently, the Central Government has approved outlay for PM Svanidhi Scheme is Rs.600 Crore. • Number of Street Vendors Identified, so far covered under the scheme are 18,25,776. • To extend coverage, the street vendors who are left out of the Urban Local Body-led identification survey, or rural vendors vending in urban areas, have been made eligible to take benefit under the Scheme on the production of a Letter of Recommendation issued by the Urban Local Bodies (ULB). • The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 is implemented by the respective States/ Union Territories by framing of Rules and Schemes.
1.164 Rajya Sabha passes Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment), Bill 2020 • Recently, Rajya Sabha has passed Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020. • The Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed in Lok Sabha on 20th March 2020. Key features of the Bill - • The Indian Institutes of Information Technology Act of 2014 and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership) Act, 2017 are the unique initiatives of the Government of India. • Aim - To impart knowledge in the field of Information Technology to provide solutions to the challenges faced by the country.
1.165 Interim Extension of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan • Recently, the second phase of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) has approved by the Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs. • The Ministry of Finance has given an interim extension of the schemes beyond 31st March 2020 till 31st March 2021 or till the date the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission come into effect. About Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) • Launch Year - 2013 • Ministry - Ministry of Education • Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). • Aim - To provide strategic funding to eligible state higher educational institutions. • The central funding (in the ratio of 60:40 for general category States, 90:10 for special category states and 100% for union territories) would be norm based and outcome dependent.
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1.166 Aarogya Manthan’ 2.0, 2nd Anniversary of Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana • Recently, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has chaired ‘Aarogya Manthan’ 2.0 celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Key Highlights of ‘Aarogya Manthan’ 2.0 - • In these two years, the scheme Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB- PMJAY) has provided free treatment to more than 1.26 crore beneficiaries. • Over 23,000 hospitals have been empanelled so far and more than 12.5 crore e-cards have been issued. • 57% of the total amount utilized under PMJAY has been for tertiary procedures related to the treatment of major illnesses like cancer, cardiac ailments, orthopedic problems, and neo-natal. • Out that 45% of the empanelled hospitals are private facilities providing 52% of the overall treatments and raising 61% of the hospital admissions claims amount.
1.167 Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCS), Sub-Scheme Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U) • Recently, Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs), a sub-scheme under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U) has been launched under the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. • Aim - To create a conducive ecosystemfor Public/ Private Entities through policy incentives which will leverage investment for creating affordable rental housing stock. • This Scheme will be implemented by Public/Private bodies either by converting the existing Government funded vacant complexes into ARHCs or by constructing, operating and maintaining ARHCs on their own available vacant land. • This scheme has been formulated in line with the vision of “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat” to create a sustainable ecosystem of affordable rental housing solutions for urban migrants/ poor. Beneficiaries - • Economically Weaker Section (EWS)/ Low Income Group (LIG) who are urban migrants/poor. • These include labour, urban poor (street vendors, rickshaw pullers, other service providers etc.), industrial workers and migrants working with market/ trade associations, educational/ health institutions, hospitality sector, long term tourists/ visitors, students or any other persons of such category.
1.168 107 Cities Registered For India Cycles 4 change Challenge • Recently, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the India Cycles4Change Challenge. • Aim- To create extensive cycling-networks through low-cost interventions like pop-up cycle lanes and traffic-calmed or non-motorised zones.
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1.169 ULBS to Qualify for Finance Commission Grants From 2021-22 Onwards • Recently, the 15th Finance Commission (15th FC) in its Report for 2020-21 has recommended that for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to qualify for Finance Commission grants from 2021-22 onwards. • Under this recommendation States will have to notify floor rates for property tax and thereafter show consistent improvement in the collection in tandem with the growth rate of the State’s own Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). • Ministry of Finance, as part of the additional borrowing of 2% of GSDP to States for 2020-21 under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, has linked 0.25% of the additional borrowings to the following reforms in property tax and user charges for water, sewerage, and drainage: 1.170 Legal Age for Marriage • Recently, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has developed a Task Force to examine the correlation of age of marriage and motherhood with the following points to understand the Legal Age for Marriage - o Health, medical well-being and nutritional status of mother and neonate/infant/child, during pregnancy, birth o Key parameters like Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Total Fertility Rate (TFR), Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB), Child Sex Ratio (CSR) etc o Any other relevant points pertaining to health and nutrition in this context.
1.171 Government has launched YuWaah – a multi-stakeholder platform to make young people career ready • Recently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) have signed a “Statement of Intent” on to establish YuWaah, Generation Unlimited (GenU), a global multi-stakeholder platform in India. • The role of the Department of Youth Affairs in this project is to provide relevant experts to participate in the YuWaah Technical Working Groups/ Task Forces.
1.172 Department of Justice releases first e-edition of success stories on Tele-law program titled " Reaching the unreached - Voices of the Beneficiaries" • Recently, union Department of Justice has released its first booklet “Tele-Law - Reaching the Unreached, “Voices of the beneficiaries”. • It is released to commemorate the journey of it’s Tele-Law programme. About “Tele-Law - Reaching the Unreached, “Voices of the beneficiaries” - • It is a captivating readable collection of the real life stories of the beneficiaries and assistance received under the Tele-Law programme to resolve disputes that affects their day to day to living.
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1.173 First-ever international service of Indian railways transports chilli to Bangladesh • Recently, Guntur Chilli has created an unexpected opportunity for the Guntur Railway Division which operated a Time-Tabled Parcel Express to Bangladesh — the first-ever international service of Indian Railways. • In July, a parcel express with nine rakes filled with 4,068 tonnes of dry chilli stacked in bags left from Reddypalem station and within three days, chugged into Benapole Railway Station in Bangladesh. • Guntur division, with a vast commercial operations platform, has also performed well and so far earned ₹148.56 crore by loading a total freight of 10.42 lakh tonnes when compared to the earnings of ₹58.61 crore during 2019-20, recording a growth of 153.47% in goods revenue.
1.174 Department of Biotechnology launches Programme for “Strengthening Clinical Trial Research Capacity in Neighbouring Countries” • Recently, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India has launched “Strengthening Clinical Trial Research Capacity in Neighbouring Countries”. • Government of India has launched this programme through the Ind-CEPI mission (India Centric Epidemic Preparedness) for Rapid Vaccine Development and Supporting Indian Vaccine Development which is aligned with the Global Initiative of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) . • Aim- To strengthen the development of vaccines and associated competencies/technologies for the diseases of epidemic potential in India.
1.175 The Centre has sanctioned 43 sewage treatment plants in three States and a Union Territory since 2018, under National River Conservation Programme • Recently, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Rattan Lal Kataria has informed the progress of the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). Progress Report - • The Centre has sanctioned 43 sewage treatment plants in three States and a Union Territory since 2018. • Thirty-seven sewage plants have been sanctioned in Gujarat, three in Jammu and Kashmir, two in Manipur, and one in Sikkim. • 99 ongoing major and medium irrigation projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana - Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP) have been prioritized in consultation with States for completion in phases along with their command area development and water management (CADWM) works.
1.176 Government to introduce a bill to make a law banning manual scavenging more stringent • Recently, the Government of India has planned to make the law banning manual scavenging more stringent by introducing a bill in the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
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About the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 - • The Bill comes under the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry’s National Action Plan. • Aim - To completely eliminate hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, a more serious, stringent, and focused strategy framework. • Objectives of the bill under the National Action Plan - o To modernize the existing sewage system and coverage of non-sewered areas o To set up faecal sludge and septage management system for mechanized cleaning of septic tanks o Transportation and treatment of faecal sludge o To equip the municipalities and setting up of Sanitation Response Units with helplines • Currently, engaging any person for hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks by any person or agency is punishable with imprisonment of up to five years or a fine up of to ₹5 lakh or both.
Highlights of the Bill • The Bill prohibits the employment of manual scavengers, the manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks without protective equipment, and the construction of insanitary latrines. • It seeks to rehabilitate manual scavengers and provide for their alternative employment. • Each local authority, cantonment board, and railway authority is responsible for surveying insanitary latrines within its jurisdiction. They shall also construct a number of sanitary community latrines. • Each occupier of insanitary latrines shall be responsible for converting or demolishing the latrine at his own cost. If he fails to do so, the local authority shall convert the latrine and recover the cost from him. • The District Magistrate and the local authority shall be the implementing authorities. • Offenses under the Bill shall be cognizable and non-bailable and may be tried summarily.
1.177 Parliament passes Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill • Recently, Parliament has passed the Banking Regulation Amendment Bill 2020. • It has amended the Banking Regulation Act 1949 to expand RBI’s regulatory control over co- operative banks in terms of management, capital, audit and liquidation. Key Highlights of the Amendment
• Co-operative banks have been exempted from several provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The Bill applies some of these provisions to them, making their regulation under the Act similar to that of commercial banks.
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• Co-operative banks may raise equity or unsecured debt capital from the public subject to prior RBI approval with maturity of not less than 10 years. • RBI may prescribe conditions on and qualifications for employment of Chairman of co- operative banks. • RBI may remove a Chairman not meeting ‘fit and proper’ criteria and appoint a suitable person. • It may issue directions to reconstitute the Board of Directors in order to ensure sufficient number of qualified members. o It has provided that the Board of Directors must have not less than 51% of members who have special knowledge or practical experience in areas such as accountancy, banking, economics or law among others. • RBI may supersede the Board of Directors of a co-operative bank after consultation with the state government for a maximum period of five years. • The Bill allows RBI to undertake reconstruction or amalgamation of a bank without imposing a moratorium.
1.178 TCS on foreign remittance • Tax-Collected at Source (TCS) would be applicable from 1st October 2020. • It was announced in Union Budget 2020. • The provision to collect tax on remittances was introduced in the Finance Act 2020. Key Highlights
• A TCS of 5% will apply only for an amount exceeding Rs 7 lakh. • Applicability – For foreign tour packages; for, other foreign remittances, • In case of education-related foreign remittances funded by loans, a TCS of 0.5% will be levied for an amount above Rs 7 lakh. • TCS will be 10% in case PAN or Aadhaar is not provided to an Authorized Dealer of the foreign exchange. • In case of foreign travel, the TCS is collected by the travel operator who will pay it to the Government. • It will not be applicable if a person makes all arrangements of foreign tour on his own. • It will not apply if the remitter is subject to the TDS, under the Income Tax Act, 1961. • If tax has been paid as TDS and still the TCS is levied person can claim a refund from the TCS. Relevance
• Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Liberalized remittance scheme (LRS) allows an individual to remit up to USD 250,000 every year.
1.179 Lok Sabha passes amendment to enhance RBI supervision of cooperative banks • Lok Sabha passed the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020. Key highlights of Bill
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• Provisions applicable to banking companies will also applicable to cooperative banks. This ensures that cooperative banks are equally subject to better governance and sound banking regulations through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). • RBI will be able to undertake a scheme of amalgamation of a bank without placing it under moratorium. • Cooperative banks to raise money via public issues and private placements of equity or preference shares as well as unsecured debentures, with the central’s bank’s nod. • RBI may exempt a cooperative bank or a class of cooperative banks from certain provisions of the Act through notification. • Co-operative banks cannot employ someone who is insolvent or has been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude as Chairman. RBI will have the power to remove the Chairman if he is not fit and proper and appoint a suitable person if the bank does not do so. • The Board of Directors must have at least 51% of members with special knowledge or experience in areas such as accountancy, banking, economics or law.
1.180 Global Smart City Index • Recently, Second edition of the Global Smart City Index has been released. Global Finding
• Top 10 Cities - Singapore followed by Helsinki, Zurich, Auckland, Oslo , Copenhagen, Geneva, Taipei City, Amsterdam and New York. India Specific Finding
• Four Indian cities have witnessed a drop in the rankings. City Ranking 2020 Ranking 2019 Hyderabad 85 67 New Delhi 86 68 Mumbai 93 78 Bengaluru 95 79 About the Global Smart City Index
• Released by - Institute for Management Development (IMD), in collaboration with Singapore University for Technology and Design (SUTD) • It has described 'smart city' as an urban setting that apply technology to enhance the benefits and diminish the shortcomings of urbanization. • It has ranked 109 cities worldwide • Five key areas o Health and safety o Mobility o Activities o Opportunities o Governance
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1.181 World Solar Bank aims to infuse $10 bn in solar projects across ISA members • Recently, World Solar Bank has announced to infuse $10 billion in solar energy projects in countries that are members of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). • The announcement has been done in a webinar held on the World Energy Storage Day 22nd September 2020. Highlights of the webinar - • The potential demand for advance battery storage applications till 2030 in India is expected to reach 230 GW (gigawatt) on a year to year basis while on a cumulative basis, the domestic market demand of 1116 GWh (Gigawatt hours) has been estimated.
About India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) - • India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) is the premier alliance to focus on the advancement of advanced energy storage and e-mobility technologies in India. • Founded in - 2012 • Objective - To assess the market potential of energy storage technologies in India. • Headquarter - Pune
1.182 Homeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed in Rajya Sabha • Recently, the Rajya Sabha has passed the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 • It has amended the Homoeopathy Central Council Act 1973 to increase the period for the supersession of the Central Council from two years to three years. • The Act sets up the Central Council of Homoeopathy which regulates homoeopathic education and practice.
1.183 Rajya Sabha passes the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill 2020 • Recently, the Rajya Sabha has passed the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020. • The Bill has amended the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970. • The Act provides for the constitution of a Central Council which regulates the education and practice of the Indian Medicine system (includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy). About Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill 2020 - • It provides that the Central Council will stand superseded from April 2020 this year and the council will be reconstituted within one year from the date of its supersession. • The Central Government will constitute a Board of Governors, which will exercise the powers of the Central Council. • The Board will consist of up to ten members. • The Board and the Central Council (after its reconstitution) will be bound by directions of the central government on questions related to policy matters (other than technical and administrative matters).
1.184 Union Minister for Commerce and Industry participates in the G-20 meeting of the Trade and Investment Ministers • Recently, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry has virtually participated in the G-20 Trade and Investment Ministers meet.
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Key Highlights of the India’s stand in meeting • India is not in a position to accept the concept of Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT). ➢ India emphasized the need for policy space for developing countries who still have to finalize laws around digital trade and data. • Emphasis on role of small retailers in sustaining food chains and essential supplies • On the issue of multilateral trading system, India believes that it must be fair, transparent and balanced. • India is supportive of the Riyadh Initiative which seeks to provide support to WTO reform process. What is G-20? • The G20 is an informal group of 19 countries (including India) and the European Union, with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. • Grouping represents two-thirds of the world’s population, 85% of global gross domestic product, 80% of global investment and over 75% of global trade. Relevance • India, South Africa, and Indonesia have boycotted the “Osaka Track" on the “digital economy" at the G20 leaders’ summit in Osaka, Japan in 2019. ➢ The Osaka Track relates to finalizing international rules for trade-related aspects of electronic commerce at the WTO. ➢ The G20 leaders made a declaration on “Innovation: Digitization, Data Free Flow with Trust". About Riyadh Initiative • Riyadh Initiative on the Future of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is an initiative aiming to identify common ground and shared principles among all G20 members on the WTO's next 25 years, and beyond, and to provide the political support needed to make progress in the discussions on WTO reforms among all WTO Members.
1.185 RAISE 2020 – Mega Virtual Summit on Artificial Intelligence • Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and NITI Aayog has organized a Mega Virtual Summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI)→ RAISE 2020- ‘Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020 in October 2020. • It is a first of its-kind, global meeting of minds on Artificial Intelligence to drive India’s vision for social transformation through responsible AI. Additional Information • Industry analysts predict that AI could add up to USD 957 billion to India’s economy by 2035. • Shri. Ajay Prakash Sawhney, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology • Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog
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1.186 India urges Nations to put Nature at the heart of recovery plan post COVID19 • Environment Minister represented India in recently held Virtual Ministerial Roundtable Dialogue on Biodiversity Beyond 2020 • It was hosted by China. • Theme: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth. Key Highlights • India is taking a leadership role in biodiversity conservation by hosting two Conference of Parties (COPs) within a span of less than a year, UNCCD COP in Sept 2019 and CMS COP in February 2020. • India has enhanced its forest cover to 25% • India has set a target to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land and also achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030. • The tiger population in India has doubled in the last 11 years. • India accounts for nearly 8% of the recorded species with just 2.4% of land area. • India has set up 250,000 Biodiversity Management Committee all over the country. Additional Information • 15th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity is scheduled in 2021 at Kunming, China for adoption of post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. • The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on 22nd May every year to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. o Theme for 2020 is “Our solutions are in nature”.
1.187 Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark • Recently, India and the Kingdom of Denmark launched the Green Strategic Partnership for delivering sustainable solutions to India through Virtual Summit. About Green Strategic Partnership • It is an arrangement to advance political cooperation, expand economic relations and green growth, create jobs and strengthen cooperation on addressing global challenges and opportunities with a focus on an ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. • Danish companies help India in meeting its air pollution control targets, including in the key area of tackling the problem of burning crop stubble. • Cooperation in water efficiency and water loss. Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and the Danish Ministry of Environment and Food to develop a Work Plan for an initial period of three years (2021-23). • The Green Strategic Partnership will build on an existing Joint Commission for Cooperation and existing joint working groups.
1.188 Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh unveils Defence Acquisition Procedure – 2020 • A new Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), 2020 was released by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
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• DAP 2020 will be applicable with effect from 01 October 2020. Key Highlights of DAP 2020 • Time Bound Defence Procurement Process and Faster Decision Making • Revised Offset Guidelines • To Develop India into Global Manufacturing Hub: a new category ‘Buy (Global – Manufacture in India)’ has been developed to encourage foreign companies to set up manufacturing through its subsidiary in India. • Reservation in Categories for Indian Vendors: Some categories like Buy (Indian Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured -IDDM), Production Agency in Design & Development etc. will be exclusively reserved for Indian Vendors and FDI of more than 49% is not allowed to promote Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives • Leasing has been introduced as a new category for acquisition in addition to the existing ‘Buy’ and ‘Make’ categories so that periodical rental payments are made instead of huge capital investment.
1.189 Facility to apply for Scheme Certificate under EPS, 1995 now available on UMANG application • Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) now has started another facility enabling EPS member to apply for Scheme Certificate under Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995. About UMANG • UMANG provides a single platform for all Indian Citizens to access pan India e-Gov services ranging from Central to Local Government bodies and other citizen centric services. • The app is developed by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
1.190 Ministry of Tourism organises Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series on “Rural Tourism • Recently, Webinar series titled “Rural Tourism: From Previous Niche to Future Norm” has been organized by Ministry of Tourism. Key Highlights of Webinar Series • It focuses on the villages, people, farming, culture and the idea of sustainability, responsibility and community living. • It has been launched to provide information on the many destinations and the sheer depth and expanse of the culture and heritage of Incredible India. • The first webinar of the series titled "City of Cities- Delhi's Personal Diary” touched upon the long history of Delhi. • The webinar will be available on the Ministry’s social media handles- IncredibleIndia on Instagram and Facebook.
1.191 Lok Sabha passes FCRA Bill • The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020 was passed by the Parliament. • The Bill amends the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.
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Key Highlights of Bill • The Bill bars public servants from receiving foreign contributions. ➢ Public servant includes any person who is in service or pays off or remunerated by the government for the performance of any public duty. • The Bill prohibits the transfer of foreign contribution to any other person. ➢ ‘Person’ under the Bill includes an individual, an association, or a registered company. • The Bill makes Aadhaar number mandatory for all office bearers, directors or key functionaries of a person receiving foreign contribution, as an identification document. • The Bill states that foreign contribution must be received only in an account designated by the bank as FCRA account in such branches of the State Bank of India, New Delhi • The Bill allows the government to restrict usage of unutilized foreign contribution, if government believes that such person has contravened provisions of the FCRA. • The Bill proposes that not more than 20% of the total foreign funds received could be defrayed for administrative expenses. In FCRA 2010 the limit was 50%. Earlier Provisions Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 • Under the Act, organisations are required to register themselves every five years. • Foreign funding of persons in India is regulated under FCRA act and is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs. • Individuals are permitted to accept foreign contributions without permission of MHA. However, the monetary limit for acceptance of such foreign contributions shall be less than Rs. 25,000.
1.192 National award for Gurralagondi Gram Panchayat • Recently, Grameen Deendayal Swashakthikaran Puraskar was given to the Gram Panchayat (GP) members of Gurralagondi village of Telangana About Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar (DDUPSP) • It is given to best performing Panchayats (District, Intermediate and Gram Panchayat) across the States/UTs in recognition of the good work that is done at each level for improving delivery of services and public goods.
1.193 Project Shield launched in five districts • Recently, The Tiruchi Range Police has launched ‘Project Shield’ in the month of September 2020. About Project Shield • ‘Project Shield’ - a unique initiative aimed at combating crimes against women and children and to create safe and violence-free communities for them. • Project has been launched in five districts of Tiruchi, Pudukottai, Karur, Perambalur and Ariyalur. • The project would be implemented in collaboration with the International Justice Mission and stakeholders working for the welfare of women and children in Tiruchi range.
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• Police has created a dedicated Facebook account, Twitter and WhatsApp for Project Shield to ascertain feedback and information from the general public regarding the project implementation, their requirements as well as on issues relating to crimes against women and children.
1.194 Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network to track COVID-19 vaccine • The Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) system, which provides real-time information on vaccine stocks and storage temperatures across all cold chain points in the country, is being enhanced to address the needs for distribution and tracking of COVID-19 vaccine, whenever it becomes available Aim of eVIN • Aim: strengthening immunization supply chain systems across the country. Key Points of eVIN • It is an indigenously developed technology system that digitizes vaccine stocks and monitors the temperature of the cold chain through a smart application. • It was implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). About Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) • It was launched to prevent mortality and morbidity in children and pregnant women against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. • Under UIP free of cost vaccination is provided against twelve vaccine-preventable diseases o Tuberculosis o Diphtheria o Pertussis o Tetanus o Polio o Hepatitis B o Pneumonia o Meningitis due to Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib) o Measles o Rubella o Japanese Encephalitis (JE) o Rotavirus diarrhoea. • Launched in – 1985
1.195 RBI releases document on UCBs’ cybersecurity • Recently, RBI has released a document on Urban Co-operative Bank’s (UCB) cybersecurity. • It has been titled as “Technology Vision for Cyber Security’ for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) - 2020-2023” • Aim - To enhance the cyber security posture of the Urban Co-operative banking sector against evolving IT and cyber threat environment.
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• It envisages to achieve its objective through a five-pillared strategic approach "GUARD" - o Governance Oversight o Utile Technology Investment o Appropriate Regulation and Supervision o Robust Collaboration and o Developing necessary ITcyber security skills set Relevance - • The implementation of the approach outlined in this Technology Vision document will strengthen the cyber resilience of the Urban Co-operative Banks.
1.196 Parliament passes Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020 • Recently, Parliament has passed the Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020 • The legislation allows for the enforcement of netting for qualified financial contracts. • It brings on a firm legal basis for bilateral netting for two counterparties. Relevance - • According to Clearing Corporation of India, the value of bilateral derivative contracts has been estimated to be Rs. 56,33,257 crore as of March 2018. • Finance Minister has informed that Bilateral contracts constitute 40 percent of total financial contracts, while multilateral contracts constitute 60 percent. • Finance Minister has informed that if the legislation was available in 2017, banks would have had Rs 42,192 crore for onward lending.
About Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill 2020 • The bill has been brought to address the lessons learned from the 2008 global financial crisis. • Aim - To provide a legal framework for bilateral netting of qualified financial contracts which are over-the-counter derivatives contracts.
What is Bilateral Netting? • Netting refers to offsetting all claims arising from dealings between two parties, to determine a net amount payable or receivable from one party to the other. • The Bill allows for the enforcement of netting for qualified financial contracts.
International News
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1.197 Sri Lankan Cabinet appoints panel to draft new Constitution • Recently, the Sri Lankan Cabinet has set up an experts’ committee to draft Sri Lanka’s new Constitution. • A five-member panel will be appointed to draft the 20th constitutional amendment that will be headed by Minister of Justice Ali Sabry PC. • The main function of this Sub-Committee is to make submissions to the Cabinet on points to be amended in the 19th Amendment and to be included in the 20th Amendment. • The 20th Amendment that would reverse the preceding 19th Amendment, a 2015 legislation that clipped certain executive powers of the President.
1.198 Wilmington becomes the first World War II Heritage City • Recently, US President Donald Trump has announced Wilmington as the first World War II Heritage City to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. • Wilmington has designated as America’s first World War II Heritage City more than 12 years after it began as idea for Captain Jones.
1.199 China renews support for Paris Agreement • Recently, China has renewed its support for the Paris Agreement at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. • China has called for a ‘green focus’ as the world recovers from the Covid-19 crisis in the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. • In the assembly, China has vowed to go carbon neutral by 2060 - o China is the world's biggest polluter and accounts for a quarter of the planet's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. o Aim - To reach carbon-dioxide emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.
1.200 Israel, UAE and Bahrain sign Abraham Accord • Recently, Israel, UAE and Bahrain has signed Abraham Accord • It has been the first Arab-Israeli peace deal in 26 years. • Key Highlights of the agreement • UAE and Bahrain will establish embassies, exchange ambassadors, cooperate and work together with Israel across a range of sectors, including tourism, trade, healthcare and security. • Note – Egypt was the first Arab State to sign a peace deal with Israel in 1979 followed by Jordon who signed a peace pact in 1994.
1.201 Global climate summit set for December 12 • The global climate summit would be taking place on December 12. • It would be conducted on the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement. • Co-host - The UN and Britain would.
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Note- The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) would be held in Glasgow in November 2021. About Paris Agreement - • The Paris Agreement is a landmark environmental accord that was adopted by nearly every nation in 2015 to address climate change and its negative impacts. • Aim - To substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to limit the global temperature increase in this century to 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, while pursuing means to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees.
Science and Technology
1.202 IIT Bombay students develop AIR Scanner • Recently, IIT Bombay students have developed an app named "AIR Scanner". • It is an alternative to Camscanner, a Chinese app mainly used for scanning documents that was banned by the Government of India.
1.203 Central Railway designs robot ‘Rakshak’ for health assistant • Recently, the Mumbai Division of Central Railway (CR) has designed a health assistant robot ‘Rakshak’. • This medical aid robot is able to measure health parameters as well as can provide medicines, food to the patients and make a two-way video communication between the doctor and the patient
1.204 IIT Delhi incubated startup launches ‘‘Chakr DeCoV’’ to decontaminate N95 masks • Recently, IT-Delhi’s incubated startup Chakr innovation has come up with ‘Chakr DeCoV’ that will help decontaminate N95 masks. • Chakr DeCoV, has been launched to obliterate the risk of reusing the N-95 masks by the health care professionals. • It can help decontaminate N95 masks in only 90 minutes for safe reuse, as per the official release.
1.205 Reusable Chinese spacecraft lands successfully • Recently, an experimental reusable spacecraft that has launched into orbit by China, successfully returned to a designated site. • This experiment is marking a breakthrough that could lead to cheaper round-trips to space.
1.206 SpaceX launches 60 Starlink satellites, inches closer to faster internet • Recently, SpaceX has successfully sent 60 Starlink internet satellites aboard the Falcon 9. • Falcon 9 lifted off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
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1.207 BITS Pilani-Hyderabad startup Baiid Auto develops IoT-enabled face mask • Recently, BITS Pilani Hyderabad incubated startup "Baiid Auto Technologies" has has developed an IoT based smart facemask for a medical condition such as Covid-19 and pulmonary disorders. • This mask helps in not just protecting an individual from being exposed to infection but also monitors their health parameters remotely. • The smart Facemask helps Covid-19 warriors to monitor patients through their smartphones efficiently and thereby reducing the time, they spent in the isolation ward to collect basic parameters, which reduces the risks of them being infected.
1.208 Deadly hog fever arrives in Germany • Recently, Deadly hog fever has killed most infected pigs within 10 days in Germany. About Deadly Hog Fever • It is a deadly pig disease. • It is not harmful to humans
1.209 Project Connected Home over IP • Recently, three big companies - Amazon, Apple, and Google have come together with Zigbee Alliance for Project Connected Home over IP (Internet Protocol). • Aim of the Project Connected Home - To make all future devices compatible with all three voice assistants- Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. • The Project will be delivering a draft specification by late 2020 and launch the standard by 2021.
1.210 India's First 5G Use Cases Lab set up at IDRBT, Hyderabad • Recently, India’s first 5G Use Cases Lab has set up at the Institute Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), Hyderabad, Telangana. • The lab will identify India-specific use cases of 5G in the banking and financial services sector and help implement 5G technologies on par with developed countries. • Institute Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) Hyderabad, Telangana is an arm of the Reserve Bank of India, (RBI).
1.211 World’s first floating Apple Store opens in Singapore • Recently, Apple has unveiled its first floating Apple store on the waters of Marina Bay in Singapore. • This store is iPhone-maker’s most ambitious retail project.
1.212 US spacecraft named after late Indian-American astronaut Kalpana Chawla • Recently, Grumman, an American global aerospace and defence technology company has announced that its next spacecraft Cygnus capsule has been named after NASA astronaut Kalpana Chawla.
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• It will be act for her key contributions to human spaceflight. • Kalpana Chawla was the first India-born woman to enter space.
1.213 Government to set up Medical Devices Park in Kerala • Recently, Government has decided MedSpark, the medical devices park in Thonnakkal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. • Aim - To focus on the high-risk medical device sector to provide full range of services for the medical devices industry like R&D support, testing, and evaluation.
1.214 CSIR and Mylan Announce Partnership to identify Advance Therapeutic Options for Management of COVID – 19 • Recently, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), India’s premier research organization, and Mylan Laboratories Limited, the India-based subsidiary of leading global pharmaceutical company Mylan, has announced a partnership to address unmet patient needs amidst the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. • Under the partnership, CSIR’s constituent laboratory Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), and Mylan will collaborate to identify potential therapies for COVID-19.
Defence news
1.215 DRDO successfully flight tests Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle • Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight tested a Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV). • This is an unmanned scramjet vehicle with the ability to travel at six times the speed of sound. • This test has been carried out from Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha.
1.216 Indra Navy – 20 - 11th edition of exercise INDRA NAVY • Recently, the 11th edition of exercise INDRA NAVY is initiated in the Bay of Bengal. • It is a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Navy.
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1.217 Passage Exercise (PASSEX) Between the Royal Australian Navy and Indian Navy in East Indian Ocean Region • Indian Navy (IN) is going to undertake a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in the East Indian Ocean Region. • Aim - To enhance interoperability, improving understanding and imbibing best practices from each other, would involve advanced surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firings, seamanship exercises, naval manoeuvres and Cross Deck Flying Operations. • The exercise would involve participation of HMAS Hobart from the Australian side and Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Karmuk.
1.218 Laser-Guided ATGM Successfully Test-fired • Recently, Laser Guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) has successfully test fired from MBT Arjun Tank at KK Ranges, Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S) Ahmednagar. • In these tests, the ATGM has successfully defeated a target located at 3 km.
1.219 AHSP Transfer of Pinaka Weapon System from DRDO to DGQA • Recently, Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) Pinaka weapon system has been handed over by DRDO to DGQA (Directorate General of Quality Assurance). • Pinaka is a free flight artillery rocket system having a range of 37.5 km.
1.220 Successful Flight Test of ABHYAS • Recently, Successful flight test of ABHYAS - High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) has conducted by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). • Venue of test - Balasore in Odisha. • During the test campaign, the user requirement of 5 km flying altitude, vehicle speed of 0.5 mach, endurance of 30 minutes and 2g turn capability of the test vehicle were successfully achieved. About Abhyas Flight – • Abhyas is designed & developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), DRDO. • The air vehicle is launched using twin underslung booster.
1.221 Women Officers in Helicopter Stream of Indian Navy • Recently, two women officers, Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Kumudini Tyagi and (SLt) Riti Singh have been selected to join as “Observers” (Airborne Tacticians) in the helicopter stream. • Kumudini Tyagi and Riti Singh are the first set of women airborne combatants who would be operating from warships.
1.222 India, US sign agreement to strengthen dialogue on defence tech cooperation • Recently, India and the United States has signed a statement of intent to strengthen the bilateral dialogue on defence technology co-operation. • Aim - To bring sustained leadership focus to the bilateral defence trade relationship and create opportunities for co-production and co-development of defense equipment.
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1.223 Bilateral Maritime Exercise Between Japan and India (JIMEX 20) Commences off West Coast of India • Recently, the 4th edition of India - Japan Maritime bilateral exercise JIMEX, has held in North Arabian Sea. • It is conducted biennially between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
1.224 BrahMos Missile Featuring Indigenous Booster Successfully Flight Tested • Recently, BrahMos Missile Featuring Indigenous Booster has Successfully Flight Tested. • BrahMos is a surface-to-surface supersonic cruise missile featuring indigenous Booster and Airframe Section along with many other ‘Made in India’ sub-systems.
1.225 Indigenously developed surface-to-surface Prithvi-II missile test-fired • Recently, India has conducted a successful night test fire of its indigenously developed nuclear capable surface-to-surface Prithvi-II missile . • The state-of-the-art missile has been test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha. • 'Prithvi' is the first missile that has been developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
Person in News
1.226 Liberation warfighter Ziauddin Tariq Ali passes away • Recently, Liberation warfighter Ziauddin Tariq Ali passed away in Dhaka. • He was a prominent public figure of Bangladesh.
1.227 148th Birth Anniversary of V O Chidambaranathan Pillai observed on 5th September ● Recently, 148th Birth Anniversary of 'Indian Helmsman' Vallinayagan Olaganathan Chidambaranathan Pillai was observed on 5th September. ● He is credited with the start of 1st ever indigenous shipping service between Tuticorin and Columbo. ● It was named as Swadeshi Navigation Company.
1.228 Veteran producer-director Johnny Bakshi passes away ● Recently, Veteran producer-director, Johnny Bakshi has passed away. ● He has mostly worked as a producer, backing films such as Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain, (1974), Raavan, (1984) and Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee (1993).
1.229 Kesavananda Bharti, whose petition led to landmark verdict on Constitution passed away ● Recently, The head seer of Edneer Mutt, Kesavananda Bharti has passed away.
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● He was famous for initiating the historic judgement of the Supreme Court in 1973 that is known as Kesvananda Bharti Case. ● The verdict has given the doctrine of “Basic Structure of Constitution” which implies that basic structure of constitution cannot be amended by the Parliament.
1.230 Professor Govind Swarup passes away • Recently, Professor Govind Swarup has passed away. • His pioneering works in radio astronomy have attained global commendation.
1.231 P R Krishnakumar passes away • Recently, P R Krishnakumar, has passed away. • He has initiated the first-ever clinical research in traditional medicines in partnership with WHO and ICMR in 1977 to study the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment on Rheumatoid arthritis.
1.232 Living Statistics Legend Prof C R Rao Felicitated On His 100th Birthday • Recently,Professor Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao was felicitated on the occasion of his 100th Birthday held on September 9, 2020. • He was a Padma Vibhushan the Living legend of statistics
1.233 Elon Musk is now the third-richest person in the world • According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Elon Musk has become the third richest person in the world. • Top 5 Richest Person: Jeff Bezos, Bill gates, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Bernard Arnault. • MacKenzie Scott has become the richest women followed by Francoise Bettencourt Meyers of Loreal and Alice Walton. India Specific Finding • Mukesh Ambani ranked at sixth place.
1.234 ‘Game of Thrones’ star Diana Rigg passes away • Recently, Diana Rigg, a commanding British actress has passed away. • In her long career, she has worked in iconic 1960s spy series “The Avengers” to fantasy juggernaut “Game of Thrones".
1.235 Former Union Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh passes away • Recently, former Union Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh has passed away. • In the Lok Sabha, he had represented the Vaishali constituency of Bihar and was the national vice president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal political party.
1.236 Former Union Minister Major Jaswant Singh passes away • Recently, Major Jaswant Singh, former Cabinet Minister of Government of India has passed away.
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1.237 Renowned scholar of Indian classical dance Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan passes away • Recently, Leading scholar of Indian classical dance, art, architecture and art history, Dr Kapila Vatsyayan has passed away. • She has served as Secretary to the Government in the Ministry of Education.
1.238 Mali’s former president Moussa Traore dies • Recently, Mali’s former president Moussa Traore has passed away.
1.239 Indian-origin author Avni Doshi on Booker Prize shortlist • Recently, Dubai-based Indian-origin author Avni Doshi is among the six authors shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize. • She has been nominated for her debut novel ‘Burnt Sugar.’
Appointments
1.240 Vice Admiral S R Sarma appointed as Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy • Recently, Vice Admiral S.R. Sarma has been appointed as Chief of Materiel, Indian Navy. • S .R. Sarma has served onboard Indian Naval ships Vindhyagiri, Rana, Krishna and Mysore in various capacities.
1.241 Three new appointments to the board of the Australia-India Council have announced • Recently, the Australian government has announced three new appointments to the board of the Australia-India Council - o Former cricketer Matthew Hayden and Indian-origin politician Lisa Singh hare appointed as trade envoys for advancing business ties with India. o Ashok Jacob has been reappointed as chair and will be joined by three new board members.
1.242 Lisa Campbell appointed as President of the Canadian Space Agency • Recently, Lisa Campbell has been appointed as President of the Canadian Space Agency. • Ms. Campbell has replaced Sylvain Laporte, who has been President of the agency since 2015.
1.243 VK Yadav Appointed As Railway Board’s First Ever CEO • Recently, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of the current chairman of the Railway Board VK Yadav as the CEO of Railway Board’s . • He becomes the first to hold such post in the railway's history.
1.244 Charu Sinha appointed as Inspector General (IG) of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Srinagar sector • Recently, Charu Sinha, IPS officer has been appointed as Inspector General (IG) of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Srinagar. • Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Srinagar sector one of the terrorist-affected areas in Jammu and Kashmir. .
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• Charu Sinha becomes the first female IPS officer to head terrorist-hit sector for CRPF.
1.245 Devendra Darda appointed as ABC chairman for the year 2020-21 • Recently, Devendra Vijay Darda, has been elected chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for the year 2020-2021. • He is a managing director of Lokmat Media.
1.246 Sachine Tendulkar becomes the Brand Ambassador of Paytm First Games • Recently, Paytm First Games (PFG), has declared Sachin Tendulkar as a Brand Ambassador. • Tendulkar will promote PFG and generate excitement around all sports including kabaddi, football and basketball.
1.247 Veteran actor Paresh Rawal appointed as new Chairman of National School of Drama Society ● Recently, Veteran actor Paresh Rawal is appointed as the Chairman of the National School of Drama Society. ● He has appointed for the tenure of four years. (he has replaced or the earlier head)
1.248 Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh elected as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha • Recently, Harivansh Narayan Singh has been re-elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman. • He has defeated the joint opposition candidate Manoj Jha of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
1.249 Mr.Harivansh Narayan Singh re-elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman • Recently, Mr. Harivansh Narayan Singh has elected as the deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. • This is his second term as the deputy chairperson. • He is a member of parliament and belongs to Janata Dal (United) political party.
1.250 Mahalingam appointed Honorary Consul of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Chennai • Recently, S. Mahalingam has been appointed as the Honorary Consul of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Chennai with consular jurisdiction over Tamil Nadu and Kerala. • The “commission of appointment” has signed by the Grand Duke of Luxembourg following the recommendation of the government in April 2020.
1.251 Shri Narendra Singh Tomar appointed as Ministry of Food Processing Industries • Recently, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has appointed as the Minister of Food Processing Industries . • Narendra Singh Tomar belongs to constituency of Morena, Madhya Pradesh.
1.252 Senior bureaucrat Rajesh Khullar appointed as Executive Director, World Bank • Recently, Senior bureaucrat Mr. Rajesh Khullar has appointed as Executive Director, World Bank, Washington. • He will be having tenure of three years.
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1.253 Sameer Khare appointed as Executive Director in the Asian Development Bank • Recently, Mr. Sameer Khare has appointed as Executive Director in the Asian Development Bank in Manila. • He will have having tenure of three years.
1.254 “Human by nature” bags PATA Grand Award • Recently, Kerala Tourism’s internationally acclaimed ‘Human by Nature’ campaign has bagged the prestigious PATA Grand Award 2020 for marketing. • “Human by Nature” was a marketing strategy to revive tourism that was hit by the 2018 floods and the Nipah outbreak. • The awards were announced at a virtual presentation ceremony in Beijing.
Days in News
1.255 World Coconut Day • Recently, the World Coconut Day was celebrated on 2nd September 2020. • Objective - To create awareness across the globe about the importance of the coconut and its benefits. • The theme of World Coconut Day Year 2020 – ‘Invest in Coconut to save the world’.
1.256 Ministry of Education celebrates 54th International Literacy Day • Recently, Ministry of Education has celebrated “International Literacy Day”. • It has been celebrated on 8th of September 2020. • Theme – “Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.” • The theme has highlighted literacy learning in a lifelong learning perspective.
1.257 15 September, World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2020 • World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD) is held on September 15 every year. • Theme - “World of thanks”. • It is a global initiative hosted by the Lymphoma Coalition (LC), a non-profit network organisation of 83 lymphoma patient groups from 52 countries around the world. About Lymphoma • It is an increasingly common form of cancer.
1.258 World Ozone Day 2020 • Every Year World Ozone Day 2020 is celebrated on 16th September. • The theme for the year 2020 -“Ozone: All that is there between You and UV”. About World Ozone Day - • ‘World Ozone Day’, September 16 commemorates the Montreal Protocol.
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• The Montreal Protocol was signed on this date by 24 UN member nations in 1987, to limit and ultimately phase out the production of manmade chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and 95 other ozone-depleting materials. • The principal aim of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the ozone layer by taking measures to control total global production and consumption of substances that deplete it.
1.259 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer • Recently, World Ozone Day has been celebrated on 16th September 2020. • Theme - “Ozone for life: 35 years of ozone layer protection”.
1.260 World Rose Day - September 22 • Every Year World Rose day is observed globally on 22nd September. • Theme of the year 2020 - Changing The Way We Look At Cancer • It is observed in the memory of Melinda Rose, a Canadian who had cancer but spent her time spreading cheer and happiness around her. • The Apollo Cancer Centre in Tamil Nadu has observed “Rose Day” in India.
1.261 World Rhino Day - September 22 • Every Year, World Rhino Day is observed globally on 22nd September. • The theme of the World Rhino Day 2020 - “Five Rhino Species Forever”. • Aim of the World Rhino Day - To raise awareness and build a safe natural habitat for this incredible species. • Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched a ‘National Conservation Strategy for Indian One-Horned Rhino’ on this day.
1.262 International Sign Languages Day - September 23rd • Every Year, International Sign Languages Day is celebrated on 23 September. • Theme of the Year 2020 - 'Sign Languages are for everyone’ with a view to enhancing awareness about Sign language and expanding its reach to everyone.
1.263 Ministry of Tourism celebrates World Tourism Day on 27th September • Every Year the world tourism day is celebrated on 27th September. • This year United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has designated 2020 as the Year of Tourism and Rural Development. • The theme of the year 2020 - "Tourism and Rural Development".
1.264 Ministry of Tourism celebrates World Tourism Day on 27th September • Every Year the world tourism day is celebrated on 27th September. • This year United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has designated 2020 as the Year of Tourism and Rural Development. • The theme of the year 2020 - "Tourism and Rural Development".
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Sports
1.265 T20 cricket tournament inaugurated at Kungamdora Pattan in J&K ● Recently, T20 cricket tournament has been inaugurated at Kungamdora Pattan. ● It has taken place with strict adherence of SOPs and guidelines. ● The inaugural match was played between Royal Cricket Club and Kungamdora Cricket Club.
1.266 Naomi Osaka wins second US Open Title • Recently, Japan's Naomi Osaka has won her third career Grand Slam title after securing a win in the final of the US Open. • She has defeated Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.
1.267 Ali Khan set to become the first player from USA to feature in IPL • Recently, fast bowler Ali Khan from USA has joined 3th edition of the IPL league. • He has joined as one of the player of team Kolkata Knight Riders • He has replaced Harry Gurney.
1.268 De Bruyne named English football’s player of the year • Recently, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne is voted English football’s player of the year 2020. • De Bruyne has become the first City player to capture the Professional Footballers’ Association award after scoring 13 goals and making a record-tying 20 assists last season.
1.269 Austria's Dominic Thiem wins his first Grand Slam in US Open final • Recently, Austria's Dominic Thiem has claimed his first Grand Slam title US Open final. • He has defeated Alexander Zverev of Germany.
1.270 Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) launches a new logo • Recently, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Kiren Rijiju has launched the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) new logo.
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Awards
1.271 Three RPF personnel honoured by Hon'ble President of India with Jeewan Raksha Medals • Recently, President of India has awarded the following Railway- Protection Force (RPF) personnel with Jeevan Raksha Padak awards as mentioned below: o Sanvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak (posthumous)-Late Shri Jagbir Singh, Constable/Northern Railway. o Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak- Shri Shivcharan Singh, Constable/ Western Railway. o Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak- Shri Mukesh Kumar Meena Head Constable/North Western Railway.
1.272 British broadcaster David Attenborough given Indira Gandhi Peace Prize • Recently, Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has conferred the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize on British broadcaster David Attenborough at a virtual event. About the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize • The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development was instituted in the memory of the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by a trust in her name in 1986.
1.273 Coimbatore-based Sitara Karthikeyan wins Young Photographer Award • Recently, the photograph of a dust bathing elephant clicked by Sitara Karthikeyan at Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand becomes the winner in the Youth category at Asia’s coveted "Nature inFocus Photography Awards". • Coimbatore-based Sitara Karthikeyan’s has won the ‘Young Photographer Award’ at the competition, which puts the spotlight on passionate young talent.
1.274 Dr. Abhijit Mukherjee Selected for ‘Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar’ Prize • Recently, Dr. Abhijit Mukherjee, Associate Professor, Dept. of Geology & Geophysics, IIT Kharagpur has been selected for the prestigious award ‘Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prize’ for the year 2020. • He got the ‘Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prize’ for the year 2020 in the Earth Atmosphere- Ocean and Planetary Sciences category. • Dr. Mukherjee's got this prize for his Research work on groundwater exploration for suitable and sustainable drinking water sources.
1.275 Prakasam police’s ‘Dasha Sutras’ nominated for SKOCH award • Recently, the ‘Dasha Sutras’ (10 norms) that has evolved by Prakasam Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kaushal has been nominated for the prestigious SKOCH national award. • Purpose - To conduct policing in a challenging environment amid the rapid spread of COVID- 19 About SKOCH national award
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• SKOCH Award salutes people, projects and institutions that go the extra mile to make India a better nation.
1.276 CSIR-CDRI felicitates young researchers with CDRI Award • Recently, the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow has felicitated young researchers with CDRI Award for their outstanding contribution to drug discovery and development. • Three scientists have got this award who made an outstanding contribution in unfolding the knot of Cancer in the following manner - o Dr. BushraAteeq's research on - New therapeutic avenues for prostate cancer. o Dr. Surajit Ghosh's contribution to the Discovery of Nuclear Localizing Cell Penetrating Peptide (CPP) for an anticancer drug. o Dr. Ravi Manjithaya's outstanding work - Chemical genetics-based identification of autophagy-modulating small molecules that provides mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential.
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