Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 1

Contents National news ...... 9 1.1 Indian Navy completes Operation Samudra Setu ...... 9 1.2 India's first private train to be on track by April 2023: Indian Railways ...... 10 1.3 World's largest COVID Care Centre inaugurated at Radha Soami Satsang Beas ...... 10 1.4 Harrisons Malayalam ranked 4th by Great Place to Work Institute in 2020 ...... 10 1.5 First five re-printed volumes of Mongolian Kanjur Manuscripts released ...... 10 1.6 'Operation Muskaan' launched in Andhra Pradesh ...... 10 1.7 BSE signs MoU with IIT Alumni Council to encourage listing of startups ...... 10 1.8 SC upholds rights of Travancore royal family in administration of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple .. 11 1.9 15th India-EU Summit held virtually ...... 11 1.10 Civil Aviation Ministry set up Investment Clearance Cell ...... 11 1.11 Maharashtra to use drones to inspect power lines ...... 11 1.12 All capitals cities of North-Eastern states to be connected with rail network by 2023 ...... 11 1.13 India Business Council hosted India Ideas Summit 2020 ...... 11 1.14 India to restore international flights via ‘travel bubbles’ ...... 12 1.15 Central Government allows contributions from any person or institution in the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) ...... 12 1.16 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting held ...... 12 1.17 42nd webinar under Dekho Apna Desh series organised ...... 12 1.18 All India Institute of Ayurveda starts providing free testing, treatment to COVID-19 patients ...... 12 1.19 Indian Railways to RFID Tag all wagons by December 2022 ...... 12 1.20 DST launches INR 15 Crore fund to support India-Russia collaboration ...... 13 1.21 Gujarat becomes second state to come up with a latest police manual ...... 13 1.22 KVIC and ITBP signed MoU to supply Mustard oil ...... 13 1.23 'Aashray' launched to combat coronavirus ...... 13 1.24 Government of India launches BIS Mobile App ‘BIS-Care’ and three other portals...... 13 1.25 Ministry of Earth Sciences launches Mobile App "Mausam” ...... 14 1.26 Ministry of Earth Science launches Knowledge Resource Centre Network (KRCNet) ...... 14 1.27 IRDAI forms panel on ‘Indian Pandemic Risk Pool’ ...... 14 1.28 Health Minister releases Good Clinical Practice Guidelines Handbook & Prospectus for Fellowship Programme for International Students (FPIS) of NBE ...... 14 1.29 Udyam Registration Portal For MSMEs Becomes Operational...... 15 1.30 The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has launched a new scheme called ‘Accelerate Vigyan’ (AV) ...... 15

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 2

1.31 Union HRD Minister and Sports Minister launch ‘Fit Hai to Hit Hai India’ ...... 15 1.32 Himachal Pradesh launched ‘Panchvati Yojana’ for the senior citizens of rural areas ...... 15 1.33 Cabinet approves Central Sector Scheme of financing facility under 'Agriculture Infrastructure Fund' 16 1.34 Unique Urban Forest inaugurated at the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India ...... 16 1.35 Union HRD Minister and Union Health Minister jointly launch the Drug Discovery Hackathon 2020 (DDH2020) ...... 16 1.36 All India Tourist Vehicle Authorization and Permit Rules, 2020 ...... 17 1.37 Buyers to pay interest for late payment on GeM portal ...... 17 1.38 India needs 6.2% additional spending of GDP to achieve 2030 development goals: NITI ...... 17 1.39 Ladakh LG e-launches M.O.D.I & Greenhouse Project to steer UT on sustainable path ...... 18 1.40 CBSE partners with Facebook to launch curriculum on digital safety ...... 18 1.41 ‘PRERAK DAUUR SAMMAN’ NEW CATEGORY OF AWARDS INTRODUCED ...... 19 1.42 World Bank and Government of India sign $750 million Agreement for Emergency Response Programme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises ...... 20 1.43 Eight lakh Indians may be forced to leave as Kuwait approves expat quota bill ...... 20 1.44 Haryana Cabinet nod for draft to reserve 75% jobs for locals ...... 20 1.45 15th Finance Commission holds meeting with the World Bank and its HLG on Health Sector ...... 20 1.46 World Bank provides $400 million to enhance support for rejuvenating the Ganga ...... 21 1.47 Cabinet approves developing of Affordable rental housing Complexes for urban migrants / poor ...... 21 1.48 Reimbursement of one pulse oximeter per family allowed under ECHS to fight COVID-19 ...... 21 1.49 Delhi Govt. launches e-portal for schoolchildren ...... 22 1.50 Number of undernourished people declines in India; obesity in adults on the rise: UN report ...... 22 1.51 PM Modi to deliver inaugural address at India Global Week 2020 ...... 23 1.52 Union Health Minister chairs 18th meeting of Group of Ministers (GOM) on COVID-19 ...... 23 1.53 Shipping Ministry issues draft “Aids to Navigation Bill 2020” for public consultation ...... 23 1.54 Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launches AI-based ASEEM digital platform to bridge demand-supply gap of skilled workforce across sectors...... 23 NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission launches ATL App Development Module for school students nationwide 23 1.55 NITI Aayog organizes a virtual workshop to monitor performance of 29 select Global Indices ...... 23 1.56 NATGRID to have access to database that links around 14,000 police stations ...... 24 1.57 T-Hub, MeitY tie up to create opportunities for start-ups ...... 24 1.58 SDG index for year 2020 ...... 24 1.59 NHAI to Rank Roads for Quality Service ...... 25 1.60 Indian Railways on MISSION MODE of becoming a "Green Railway" by 2030 (Net Zero Carbon Emission) 25 1.61 HRD Ministry announces guidelines for online classes ...... 25

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 3

1.62 Guidelines for Evaluation of Nano-based Agri-input and food products in India ...... 25 1.63 Dr. Harsh Vardhan emphasises Family Planning as a human rights issue on World Population Day .... 26 1.64 Home Minister extended greetings on World Youth Skills Day ...... 26 1.65 Finance Minister attends the 5th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank ...... 26 1.66 India Report- Digital Education June 2020 ...... 26 1.67 Atal Innovation Mission launches 'AIM-iCREST' ...... 27 1.68 CSIR, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan-IIT Delhi and Vijnana Bharati sign a tripartite MoU ...... 27 1.69 India ranks 3rd in global manufacturing locations among 48 nations: Report ...... 28 1.70 Union Home Minister launches Tree Plantation Campaign-2020 of the Coal Ministry ...... 28 1.71 Grant of Permanent Commission To Women Officers In Indian Army ...... 29 1.72 India holds the first ever INDSAT exam under ‘Study in India' Programme ...... 29 1.73 India fared best in poverty alleviation in 10 years to 2016: UN report ...... 29 1.74 Income Tax Dept, Ministry join hands to check and classify MSMEs ...... 30 1.75 India's 1st indigenously developed vaccine against pneumonia gets DCGI nod ...... 30 1.76 Expert committee invites public comments on Non-Personal Data Framework ...... 30 1.77 Union HRD Minister Launches World's Most Affordable COVID-19 Diagnostic Kit Corosure Developed by IIT Delhi ...... 31 1.78 Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Giriraj Singh launches the Implementation Guidelines for Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund...... 31 1.79 India on track to achieving the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) targets for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) & National Health Policy (NHP) ...... 31 1.80 Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports partners with UNICEF ...... 33 1.81 Union Power Minister launches RAISE initiative ...... 33 1.82 Consumer Protection Act, 2019 comes into force ...... 33 1.83 India-US Strategic Energy Partnership ...... 34 1.84 FSSAI to scale up `Eat Right Campus' programme over next two years ...... 34 1.85 Action Plan of Sustainable Growth Pillar under India–US Strategic Energy Partnership ...... 34 1.86 Union HRD Minister launches MANODARPAN initiative of Ministry of HRD ...... 35 • Recently, Union HRD Minister has launched the MANODARPAN initiative of the Ministry of HRD...... 35 • Aim - HRD to provide psychosocial support to students for their Mental Health and Well-being during the COVID outbreak and beyond...... 35 1.87 Dr. Harsh Vardhan releases White paper on ‘Focused Interventions for ‘Make in India’: Post COVID 19’ by TIFAC 35 1.88 Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs opens registration for India Cycles4Change Challenge ...... 35 1.89 The Union Labour and Employment Ministry publishes the draft rules framed for the implementation of the Code on Wages Act, 2019 ...... 36 1.90 IRDAI has allowed health insurers to offer ‘Corona Kavach ...... 36 Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 4

• Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has allowed health insurers to offer ‘Corona Kavach’...... 36 • Corona Kavach is a standard health cover policy against the Covid-19 threat, as a group insurance policy.36 • This will facilitate public, and private sector companies as well as other business entities to provide insurance cover to their employees...... 36 1.91 Union Environment Minister launches piloting of National Transit Pass System ...... 36 1.92 CSC WiFi Choupal provided 1 Lakh FTTH broadband connections in rural areas ...... 36 1.93 Department of Posts extends all small savings schemes upto the Branch Post Office level ...... 37 1.94 Israeli team arrives for Operation Breathing Space ...... 37 1.95 Cabinet approves MoU signed between India & Zimbabwe on Traditional Systems of Medicine ...... 37 1.96 Pawan Hans launches helicopter flights on Dehradun-Gauchar route in Uttarakhand under UDAN scheme 37 1.97 MSME launches a programme for the benefit of artisans involved in manufacturing of Agarbatti under the ‘Gramodyog Vikas Yojana’ ...... 38 1.98 Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 ...... 38 1.99 Chhattisgarh's Bijapur tops Niti Aayog's ranking on Aspirational Districts ...... 39 1.100 Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs releases ARHCs Knowledge Pack ...... 39 1.101 Government releases book on “Best Practices in Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)” ...... 40 1.102 Cabinet Approves National Education Policy 2020 ...... 40 1.103 SIDBI with TransUnion CIBIL launch financial knowledge platform for MSMEs ...... 43 1.104 India-UN Development Partnership Fund supports projects to tackle Covid-19 ...... 43 1.105 Housing minister launches digital platforms to market residential property ...... 44 1.106 Special Liquidity Scheme for NBFCs and HFCs ...... 44 1.107 RBI issues Fair Practice Code guidelines for ARC ...... 44 1.108 New Form 26AS is the Faceless hand-holding of the Taxpayers ...... 45 1.109 Ministry of Finance amends the General Financial Rules 2017 ...... 45 International news ...... 46 1.110 Suspected case of bubonic plague found in China's Inner Mongolia ...... 46 1.111 Maldives, Sri Lanka eliminate measles & rubella ahead of 2023 target ...... 46 1.112 Turkey makes ‘Hagia Sophia’ a mosque ...... 46 1.113 Iran drops India from Chabahar rail project ...... 46 1.114 First Black female Tactical Aircraft pilot appointed in US Navy ...... 46 1.115 India and European Union renew their Agreement ...... 47 1.116 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Supreme Court Building of Mauritius ...... 47 1.117 300-year-old Kali temple reconstructed with Indian support in Bangladesh ...... 47 1.118 WHO sets up panel to probe its virus response to COVID-19 ...... 47

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 5

1.119 WTO to set up dispute panels against India on Japan, Taiwan’s request ...... 47 1.120 Microsoft to help 25 million people worldwide acquire new digital skills ...... 48 1.121 Turkmenistan gets observer status in World Trade Organization ...... 48 1.122 US formally notifies UN of withdrawal from World Health Organisation ...... 48 1.123 G-20 virtual meet on digital economy ...... 48 1.124 WHO launches Covid-19 Law Lab to aggregate legal info from over 190 countries ...... 48 Appointments ...... 49 1.125 Indra Mani Pandey appointed as India's Permanent Representative to UN ...... 49 1.126 Sahil Seth appointed as honorary adviser for BRICS CCI ...... 49 1.127 Anandiben Patel appointed as the Governor of MP ...... 49 1.128 ADB appoints Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa as new vice-president ...... 49 1.129 Government extends NCLAT acting chairperson’s tenure for 3 months...... 49 Persons in news ...... 50 1.130 Padma Shri awardee Sonam Tshering Lepcha passed away ...... 50 1.131 Eminent dancer Amala Shankar passed away ...... 50 1.132 Former Union Home Secretary Ram Pradhan passed away ...... 50 1.133 Noted Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan passed away...... 50 1.134 Gagandeep Kang quits Translational Health Science and Technology Institute ...... 50 1.135 Mathematician C.S. Seshadri passed away ...... 50 1.136 Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon dies at 85 ...... 50 1.137 Taiwan's 'Mr. Democracy' Lee Teng-hui dies ...... 51 1.138 Pritam Singh becomes Singapore's first Leader of Opposition ...... 51 1.139 Kunal Bahl to lead CII’s e-commerce committee ...... 51 1.140 Former CM Y S Rajasekhara Reddy biography released ...... 51 1.141 Sonu Sood launches app to help migrants find job opportunities ...... 51 Science and Technology ...... 51 1.142 IIT Gandhinagar team develops AI-based tool to detect Covid-19 from chest X-ray ...... 51 1.143 AIIMS partners IIT-Delhi to launch app for patients needing plasma therapy ...... 52 1.144 Microsoft, Accenture collaborate on startup challenge ...... 52 1.145 NASA’s Mars rover will honor Covid-19 medical workers ...... 52 1.146 Bharat Forge unveils AI-based Health Risk Monitoring System ...... 52 1.147 IIT Kanpur develops UV sanitizing device 'SHUDDH' to make a room COVID free ...... 52 1.148 DCGI approves first fully indigenously developed Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine .. 52 1.149 India’s first machine to automate manual processes of molecular diagnostic tests launched ...... 53 1.150 Launch of Russia's next-generation Glonass-K Satellite ...... 53 1.151 IIT Madras-incubated start-up develops a portable hospital unit ...... 53

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 6

1.152 IIT Alumni Council launches MegaTx to enable treatment of Covid-19 ...... 53 1.153 Scientists discover two potentially habitable ‘super-Earths’ ...... 53 1.154 China launches first Mars mission ...... 53 1.155 Mars Perseverance rover 'go for launch,' says NASA ...... 54 1.156 Google builds Grace Hopper ...... 54 1.157 Android malware ‘BlackRock’ ...... 54 1.158 Google announces $10 billion India Digitization Fund ...... 54 1.159 NASA working on ASTHROS Mission ...... 54 1.160 DRDO-TITA pact for COVID patient tracking app ...... 55 1.161 IIT - Guwahati develops Biofuel from non-edible waste seeds ...... 55 1.162 NASA’s Cassini mission finds evidence of ‘space volcanoes’ on Saturn’s moon ...... 55 1.163 United Arab Emirates launches mission to Mars...... 55 1.164 IITH, NVIDIA to establish joint AI research centre ...... 55 Days in news ...... 56 1.165 National Doctor’s Day 2020 observed ...... 56 1.166 National Chartered Accountants Day 2020 observed ...... 56 1.167 Mizoram celebrates 34th anniversary of Mizo peace accord ...... 56 1.168 World Zoonoses Day observed ...... 56 1.169 National Fish Farmers Day 2020 celebrated ...... 56 1.170 National Broadcasting Day observed on 23rd July ...... 57 1.171 PM greets CRPF personnel on 82nd Raising Day ...... 57 1.172 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons ...... 57 1.173 International Day of Cooperatives 2020 ...... 57 1.174 Union Health minister participates in 2nd Empathy e-Conclave on “World Hepatitis Day” ...... 57 Defence in news ...... 57 1.175 33 new fighter jets for IAF approved ...... 57 1.176 Indian Coast Guard & Indonesia Coast Guard sign MoU to boost maritime relations ...... 57 1.177 Indian Air Force SASOs’ Conference held ...... 58 1.178 IAF gets last of 5 Apache attack helicopters from Boeing ...... 58 1.179 Indian Air Force Commanders’ Conference 2020 held ...... 58 1.180 Defence Ministry delegates capital procurement powers to Armed Forces ...... 58 1.181 Indian Navy holds passage exercise with 'USS Nimitz' carrier group ...... 58 1.182 Induction of Rafale in Indian Air Force ...... 59 • Recently, the first five Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale aircraft have arrived at Air Force Station, Ambala...... 59 • The aircraft will be a part of 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows”, which was resurrected on 10 Sep 19...... 59 • The aircraft got airborne from Dassault Aviation Facility, Merignac, France...... 59 Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 7

1.183 India, Indonesia Defence Ministers Dialogue held ...... 59 1.184 DRDO launches ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ contest...... 59 1.185 India to boost Rafale capabilities with HAMMER missiles ...... 59 1.186 Conference on Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Technologies ...... 59 1.187 DRDO establishes COVID-19 Testing Facility at DIHAR ...... 59 Sports...... 60 1.188 'Fit India Talks' to inspire school children launched ...... 60 1.189 G Akash becomes India’s 66th Chess Grandmaster ...... 60 1.190 IPL 2020 to take place in UAE ...... 60 1.191 Lewis Hamilton wins 8th Hungarian Grand Prix ...... 60 1.192 ICC launches Super League qualification pathway for 2023 ODI World Cup ...... 60 1.193 IOC postpones Dakar Youth Olympics by 4 years to 2026 ...... 60 1.194 Haryana to host the 4th edition of Khelo India Youth Games ...... 61 Environment ...... 61 1.195 Wildlife researchers rediscover ‘Ypthima watsoni’ butterfly after 61 years ...... 61 1.196 Himalayan butterfly Golden Birdwing is India’s largest butterfly after 88 years ...... 61 1.197 ‘Avian census’ in Pathanamthitta ...... 61 1.198 Sankalp Parv: Culture Minister planted trees in Qila Rai Pithora, National Archives of India in Delhi .. 61 1.199 Liberia becomes 100th nation to ratify Kigali Amendment ...... 62 1.200 Tiger Census 2018 ...... 62 1.201 India’s Tiger Census sets a New Guinness Record for being the world’s largest camera trap wildlife survey 62 1.202 Union Environment minister applauds KURMA mobile app towards conservation of Indian turtles.... 63 1.203 PM unveil Asia's largest solar plant in Madhya Pradesh ...... 63 1.204 3-MW solar plant inaugurated at INA ...... 63 Awards ...... 64 1.205 Avni Doshi on 2020 Booker Prize longlist ...... 64 1.206 Pritam Rani Siwach nominated for Dronacharya award ...... 64 1.207 Two renowned Indian-Americans honoured by prestigious American foundation ...... 64 1.208 Indian author Kritika Pandey wins 2020 Commonwealth Short Story Prize ...... 64 1.209 DDS wins Monaco Foundation Award ...... 64 1.210 Greta Thunberg wins the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity ...... 65 1.211 IIST scientist wins CSIR award ...... 65 1.212 Kala Narayanasamy conferred with Singapore President’s Award ...... 65 1.213 MoES has Announced various Awards ...... 65 Name of the Award ...... 65

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 8

Recipients ...... 65 Life Time Excellence Award ...... 65 Professor Ashok Sahni ...... 65 National Award for Ocean Science & technology ...... 65 Dr. V. V. S. S. Sarma and Dr. M. Ravichandran ...... 65 National Award for Atmospheric Science & technology ...... 65 Dr. S. Suresh Babu ...... 65 National award for Geoscience & technology ...... 65 N. V. Chalapathi Rao ...... 65 National Award for Ocean Technology ...... 65 Dr. M. A. Atmanand ...... 65 Anna Mani award for woman scientist ...... 65 Dr. Lidita D. S. Khandeparker, ...... 65 Young Researcher Awards ...... 65 Dr. Indra Sekhar Sen and Dr. Arvind Singh ...... 65 1.214 ICAR-NAARM bags four National awards ...... 66 1.215 NTPC wins prestigious CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2019 ...... 66 1.216 Namami Gange project grabs ‘Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2020’ 66 • Recently, this year the Namami Gange project has been included in the prestigious ‘Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2020’...... 66 1.217 Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has received SKOCH Gold Award ...... 66

National news

1.1 Indian Navy completes Operation Samudra Setu • Recently, Indian Navy has completed Operation Samudra Setu by bringing nearly 4,000 Indians back home from three countries amid the coronavirus pandemic. • Indian Naval Ships Jalashwa (Landing Platform Dock), Airavat, Shardul and Magar (Landing Ship Tanks) participated in this operation.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 9

1.2 India's first private train to be on track by April 2023: Indian Railways • Recently, it has been announced that India will see its first privately operated train running by April 2023. The bidding process for this will be completed by April 2021. • The Railways indicated that the plan to rope in private players came after an estimate showed that passenger traffic is expected to grow by 55% by 2030.

1.3 World's largest COVID Care Centre inaugurated at Radha Soami Satsang Beas • Recently, the 10,000-bed Sardar Patel COVID-19 care centre has been inaugurated at the Radha Soami Satsang Beas. • It has been set up in Chhatarpur area of the national capital and largest of its kind in the world. • It will have 10% of beds with oxygen facility.

1.4 Harrisons Malayalam ranked 4th by Great Place to Work Institute in 2020 • Recently, Harrisons Malayalam Ltd has been recognised among the Top 5 companies in India’s Best Companies to Work for - 2020 by the survey conducted by Great Place to Work Institute. • Harrisons Malayalam Ltd SBU-B is recognised as the first plantation company and Kerala’s first company to feature in the Top 5 list.

1.5 First five re-printed volumes of Mongolian Kanjur Manuscripts released • Recently, a set of first five volumes of Mongolian Kanjur manuscripts were released. • Mongolian Kanjur manuscripts are the Buddhist Canonical text in 108 volumes. It is the most important religious text in Mongolia. • The Ministry of Culture has taken up the project of re-printing 108 volumes of Mongolian Kanjur under the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM).

1.6 'Operation Muskaan' launched in Andhra Pradesh • It is aimed at tracing the missing children of other States, preventing child labour and bonded child labour and rescuing children engaged as domestic helps. • The rescued children would be provided shelter in the Child Care Institutions (CCIs), and reunited with their parents after producing them before the Child Welfare Committees (CWCs).

1.7 BSE signs MoU with IIT Alumni Council to encourage listing of startups • Recently, BSE has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IIT Alumni Council. • Objective: To encourage listing culture for startups and develop a ‘high investor depth’ startups platform. • IIT Alumni Council is the largest global body of alumni, students and faculty across all the 23 IITs with over 100 city chapters globally.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 10

1.8 SC upholds rights of Travancore royal family in administration of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple • Recently, a bench headed by Justice U U Lalit upheld the rights of the Travancore royal family in the administration of Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple (Kerala). • It has set aside the 2011 verdict of the Kerala High Court which had directed the State Government to set up a trust to take control of management and assets of the temple. About Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple • It was rebuilt in its present form in the 18th century by the Travancore Royal House which had ruled southern Kerala and some adjoining parts of Tamil Nadu.

1.9 15th India-EU Summit held virtually • Recently, the 15th summit between India and the European Union (EU) was held virtually. • In the summit, India was represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the EU was represented by Charles Michel (President of the European Council) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission). • During the meet, India and the European Union were stated as “natural partners” and encouraged cultural exchanges and educational cooperation between India and the EU.

1.10 Civil Aviation Ministry set up Investment Clearance Cell • Recently, Civil Aviation Ministry has set up an Investment Clearance Cell for prompt assistance and clearance of proposals. • It is a ten-member cell which will be headed by a Joint Secretary in the Civil Aviation Ministry. • It will serve as a single-window system for attracting investments.

1.11 Maharashtra to use drones to inspect power lines • Recently, Maharashtra has become the first State in the country to get to use drones for aerial surveillance and inspection of extra high voltage (EHV) power transmission lines and towers. • It will reduce the risk posed to the staff of electricity department as workers had to use ladders and chairs to inspect transformers. The risk was higher in the hilly areas of the State.

1.12 All capitals cities of North-Eastern states to be connected with rail network by 2023 • Recently, Railway Board has informed that all capitals of North-Eastern states will be connected to the rail network by 2023. • According to them, work on the last stretch of 111 kilometers from Katra to Banihal is in progress and the project is targeted to be completed by December 2022.

1.13 India Business Council hosted India Ideas Summit 2020 • Recently, India Business Council hosted the 45th edition of India Ideas Summit 2020. • This year’s summit focus was on “Building a Better Future”. • The Summit convened business and government leaders for discussions on the future of the U.S.-India Partnership and the trends shaping globalization, trade and investment, and the future of work in the COVID-era and beyond.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 11

1.14 India to restore international flights via ‘travel bubbles’ • Travel bubbles are a regulated way to let travellers fly between two countries. • This arrangement will likely depend on two key factors - the state of Covid control in both the countries, and the extent of their commercial and cultural relations.

1.15 Central Government allows contributions from any person or institution in the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) • Recently, Central Government has allowed contributions from any person or institution in the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). • Central Government has laid out the modalities for receipt of contributions/ grants from any person or institution for the purpose of disaster management in the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) as per Section 46(1)(b) of the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005. • Accordingly, contributions/ grants can be made by any person or institution in NDRF through any of the following modes: 1. Through physical instruments 2. Through RTGS/ NEFT/ UPI 3. Through Bharatkosh portal -using Net banking, Debit Cards, Credit Cards & UPI

1.16 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting held • Recently, the 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting was held virtually. • It was organized under the Saudi Arabian Presidency where Indian side was represented by Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. • Objective: To discuss the global economic outlook amid evolving COVID-19 pandemic crisis along with other G20 Finance Track priorities for the year 2020.

1.17 42nd webinar under Dekho Apna Desh series organised • Recently, the Ministry of Tourism organised Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series titled, “The Mystical Triangle- Maheshwar, Mandu & Omkareshwar”, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

1.18 All India Institute of Ayurveda starts providing free testing, treatment to COVID-19 patients • Recently, All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has started providing free testing and treatment to patients in its COVID-19 Health Centre (CHC). • AIIA has also been designated as COVID-19 testing centre (RT-PCR and Rapid antigen testing) by Government of Delhi.

1.19 Indian Railways to RFID Tag all wagons by December 2022 • Recently, it has been announced that Indian Railways is on a mission to RFID (radio-frequency identification) Tag all wagons by December 2022. • These tags will be used for tracking all wagons.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 12

1.20 DST launches INR 15 Crore fund to support India-Russia collaboration • Recently, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched India-Russia Joint Technology Assessment and Accelerated Commercialization Programme in partnership with Russia’s Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE). • On the Indian side, the programme will be implemented & funded by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) on behalf of the DST. • DST will fund up to Rs 15 Crores to Indian SMEs/Start-ups and FASIE will provide similar funding to the Russian projects. The remaining cost will be borne by partners.

1.21 Gujarat becomes second state to come up with a latest police manual • Recently, Gujarat has become the second state after Andhra Pradesh to come up with a latest manual for the police. • The new manual has been drafted for the Gujarat police force after a gap of 45 years. • Some of the new points included in it are tools to detect cyber-crimes, forensic science, social media monitoring tools, multi-level marketing frauds, fake currency, human trafficking and organised crimes. • The new manual will be uploaded on the ''Pocket Cop'' mobile application in the form of an e-book.

1.22 KVIC and ITBP signed MoU to supply Mustard oil • Recently, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has signed MoU with ITBP to supply mustard oil. • This decision has been taken in wake of the instructions of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah to the paramilitary forces to encourage local products in a bid to support the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan”. • ITBP is the nodal agency appointed by MHA for the procurement of provisions on behalf of all paramilitary forces.

1.23 'Aashray' launched to combat coronavirus • Recently, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, (DIAT) has developed a medical bed isolation system “Aashray.” • It has been developed to combat COVID-19 by preventing or minimising the spread of the virus.

1.24 Government of India launches BIS Mobile App ‘BIS-Care’ and three other portals • Recently, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has launched the Bureau of Indian Standard’s Mobile App ‘BIS-Care’. • With this app Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has also launched three portals – the Standardization, Conformity Assessment and Training Portals of e-BIS on www.manakonline.in for consumers.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 13

1.25 Ministry of Earth Sciences launches Mobile App "Mausam” • Recently, Ministry of Earth Sciences has launched the mobile App "Mausam” for India Meteorological Department. • Developed by – It has designed and developed jointly by ICRISAT’s Digital Agriculture & Youth (DAY) team, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune and India Meteorological Department. • This Mobile App is dedicated to the general public and designed to communicate the weather information and forecasts in a lucid manner without technical jargons.

1.26 Ministry of Earth Science launches Knowledge Resource Centre Network (KRCNet) • Recently, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has developed a World-Class Knowledge Resource Centre Network (KRCNet). • This has been done under the Digital India initiative of Government of India.

1.27 IRDAI forms panel on ‘Indian Pandemic Risk Pool’ • Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has formed a working group to examine the feasibility of ‘Pandemic Risk Pool’. • Suresh Mathur (Executive Director of IRDAI) will be the Chairman for the 9-member working group with industry representatives as members. • Apart from studying the need for such as pool, the group will also recommend the structure and operating model.

1.28 Health Minister releases Good Clinical Practice Guidelines Handbook & Prospectus for Fellowship Programme for International Students (FPIS) of NBE • Recently, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare has released the Good Clinical Practice Guidelines Handbook and Prospectus for Fellowship Programme for International Students (FPIS). • Good Clinical Practice Guidelines Handbook has been an attempt to provide guiding points to all Diplomates of National Board (DNB) residents to follow the principles of ethical and professional conduct expected from a medical professional. • Aim – Safety of doctors and patients alike About Fellowship Programme for International Students (FPIS) 2020 • Launched by - National Board of Examinations (NBE) • According to the programme, eligible candidates from outside India shall be allowed to undergo two-years Fellowship programme in NBE accredited hospitals. • Eligibility criteria for the hospitals – o Accredited for FNB programme in a specialty for two seats for at least three years o Undergone three admission cycles are eligible to apply for training the international students for the Fellowship course in the concerned specialty. • It has been the first time that International Fellowship Programme has been launched for International Students from all countries including SAARC Nations at Post MD/MS level through common Fellowship Entrance Test.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 14

1.29 Udyam Registration Portal For MSMEs Becomes Operational • Recently, Udyam Registration Portal developed by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has become operational. • Portal URL - https://udyamregistration.gov. • The new registration process will boost up 'Ease of Doing Business' and it will reduce transaction time and costs.

1.30 The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has launched a new scheme called ‘Accelerate Vigyan’ (AV) • Recently, to provide a single platform for research internships, capacity building programs, and workshops across the country, the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has launched a new scheme called ‘Accelerate Vigyan’ (AV). • Accelerate Vigyan has called for applications under its ‘ABHYAAS’ component for the Winter Season. • An Inter-Ministerial Overseeing Committee (IMOC) involving all the scientific ministries/departments and a few others has been constituted for the purpose of supporting SERB in implementing the AV scheme in a successful manner. About Accelerate Vigyan (AV) Scheme- • The scheme also seeks to garner the social responsibility of the scientific community in the country. • The AV platform is expected to be a game changer for developing career paths and providing support to catalogue the development of skilled man-power. • Another new component under AV is ‘SAMMOHAN’ that has been sub-divided into ‘SAYONJIKA’ and ‘SANGOSHTI’- o SAYONJIKA is an open-ended program to catalogue the capacity building activities in science and technology supported by all government funding agencies in the country. o SANGOSHTI is a pre-existing program of SERB.

1.31 Union HRD Minister and Sports Minister launch ‘Fit Hai to Hit Hai India’ • Recently, Union HRD Minister and Sports Minister has launched ‘Fit Hai to Hit Hai India’ under Fit India campaign for school children. • Aim - To make children both mentally and physically healthy.

1.32 Himachal Pradesh launched ‘Panchvati Yojana’ for the senior citizens of rural areas • Recently, Himachal Pradesh government has launched ‘Panchvati Yojana’ for the senior citizens of rural areas of the state. • Under the yojana, parks & gardens will be established in every development block with mandatory facilities under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). • About 100 such parks will be developed in different parts of the state during FY 2020. • Objective: To enable elderly to spend their leisure time in these parks & gardens.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 15

1.33 Cabinet approves Central Sector Scheme of financing facility under 'Agriculture Infrastructure Fund' • Cabinet has given its approval to a new pan India Central Sector Scheme-Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. About Central Sector Scheme-Agriculture Infrastructure Fund – • The scheme shall provide a medium - long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming assets through interest subvention and financial support. • Under the scheme, Rs. 1 Lakh Crore will be provided by banks and financial institutions as loans to- o Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) o Marketing Cooperative Societies, Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs) o Self Help Group (SHG), Farmers, Joint Liability Groups (JLG) o Multipurpose Cooperative Societies o Agri-entrepreneurs o Startups o Aggregation Infrastructure Providers o Central/State agency or Local Body sponsored Public Private Partnership Project

1.34 Unique Urban Forest inaugurated at the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India • Recently, Union Environment Minister has inaugurated a Unique Urban forest at the office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India in New Delhi, would be self-sustainable by October 2021. • The forest has employed the Miyawaki method of forest creation. • The method could help in reducing the temperature by as much as 14 degree & increase the moisture by more than 40%. About Urban Forest • It is a dense forest ecosystem that has been created in an area little over 1 acre in size. • The multi-layered forest has shrubs, small to medium-size trees and tall trees arranged as peripheral and core plant communities. • The species of trees planted have been part of Delhi’s potential natural vegetation and best suited to the region’s terrain, climate and soil. About Miyawaki Method • Miyawaki is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, that helps build dense, native forests in a short time.

1.35 Union HRD Minister and Union Health Minister jointly launch the Drug Discovery Hackathon 2020 (DDH2020) • Recently, Union Minister for Human Resource Development and Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has launched Drug Discovery Hackathon. About Drug Discovery Hackathon 2020 • It is first of its kind national initiative for supporting drug discovery process.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 16

• Joint Initiative of – Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). • Supported by – Partners like CDAC, MyGov, Schrodinger and ChemAxon. • Objective – To identify drug candidates against coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) by in-silico drug discovery through the hackathon follow up by chemical synthesis and biological testing. • MHRD’s Innovation cell and AICTE will focus on identifying potential drug molecules through the Hackathon. • CSIR will take the identified molecules forward for synthesis and laboratory testing for efficacy, toxicity, sensitivity and specificity. • It will cover the various processes in drug discovery, including but not limited to, in silico screening of molecules, lead optimization and identification of drug-able non-toxic targets.

1.36 All India Tourist Vehicle Authorization and Permit Rules, 2020 • Recently, The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification for “All India Tourist Vehicles Authorization and Permit Rules, 2020” , for promoting tourism in India. • It would amend the “National Permit regime under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989”.

1.37 Buyers to pay interest for late payment on GeM portal • Recently, The government has announced that buyers' organizations will have to pay one percent interest per month on late payment to vendors for purchases made on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform. • It has been announced in order to promote greater discipline and timeliness in payment to vendors, especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises - MSMEs. • The interest rate would be applicable for all procurements made from 1st of October 2020. • Buyers have been mandated to make payments within 10 calendar days after generation of Consignee Receipt and Acceptance Certificate (CRAC) on the procurement made on GeM. • The interest amount would be deposited in an account maintained by GeM and will not be paid to the vendor.

1.38 India needs 6.2% additional spending of GDP to achieve 2030 development goals: NITI • Recently, NITI Aayog has presented India’s second Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, 2020. • It is titled as “Decade of Action: Taking SDGs from Global to Local”. • NITI Aayog has engaged with sub-national and local governments, civil society organizations, local communities, people in vulnerable situations and the private sector. • It has also partnered with the UN in India and engaged in consultation with fourteen population groups including women, children, elderly, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), People Living with HIV (PLHIV), among others. Key Highlights of the Report • The report is a comprehensive account of the adoption and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals in India. • Progress and enabling environment –

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 17

o It has presented a review of progress on the 17 SDGs o It has discussed at length the policy and enabling environment o India’s approach to localizing SDGs o Strengthening means of implementation • Two levers of strengthening means of implementation o Leveraging science, technology and innovation for SDGs o Costing and financing of SDGs. • It has undertaken a paradigm shift by including a whole-of-society approach in letter and spirit. • The National Indicator Framework (NIF) have not include indicators for 36 out of the 169 SDG targets. Background • NITI Aayog prepared and presented India’s first VNR in 2017. About National Indicator Framework • It is a set of national indicators which forms the backbone of monitoring progress towards SDGs. • Developed by – Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

1.39 Ladakh LG e-launches M.O.D.I & Greenhouse Project to steer UT on sustainable path • Recently, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh has e-launched Mission Organic Development Initiative (M.O.D.I) and a Greenhouse Project. • It has been launched to steer the Union Territory on a sustainable path. About Mission Organic Development Initiative • It is a special development project initiated by LAHDC Leh in 2019. • This initiative will help to achieve Carbon Neutral Ladakh and will increase 40% additional income of the farmers of Ladakh region. Ladakh Green House Project • launched to improve vegetable availability in Ladakh throughout the deep winters. • would establish around 1676 greenhouses in the Leh and Kargil districts over a 2 years of time.

1.40 CBSE partners with Facebook to launch curriculum on digital safety • Recently, The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Facebook have partnered to launch curriculum on digital safety and online well-being and Augmented Reality for students and educators. • Aim – To ensure online well-being of students and preparing them for the future of work. • Objective - To give the learners an opportunity and platform to conceptualise, create and brand their own AR experiences. • The curriculum would be covering aspects such as safety, privacy, mental health and Instagram’s guide for building healthy digital habits. • The Augmented Reality curriculum offers an opportunity for young learners to explore emerging technology for the first time as part of their curriculum.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 18

1.41 ‘PRERAK DAUUR SAMMAN’ NEW CATEGORY OF AWARDS INTRODUCED • Recently, Minister of State for Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched various initiatives of the ministry. New category of awards titled ‘Prerak Dauur Samman’ as part of Swachh Survekshan 2021 • A new category of award titled “Prerak Dauur Samman” has been announced as part of Swachh Survekshan 2021. • It has a total of five additional sub- categories – o Divya (Platinum), o Anupam (Gold), o Ujjwal (Silver), o Udit (Bronze), o Aarohi (Aspiring) • Each category would recognize top three cities. • The new category will categorize cities on the basis of six select indicator wise performance criteria in place of evaluating cities on ‘population category.’ • The new category include - o Segregation of waste into Wet, Dry and Hazard categories o Processing capacity against wet waste generated o Processing and recycling of wet and dry waste o Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste processing o Percentage of waste going to landfills o Sanitation status of cities Swachh Bharat Mission -Urban MIS portal • A new integrated SBM-Urban MIS portal has been launched. • The portal has been launched to bring the numerous digital initiatives on a single platform ensuring a unified and hassle-free experience for States and cities. ‘Segregation at Source: Key to Solid Waste Management’ • A webinar on ‘Segregation at Source: Key to Solid Waste Management’ has been launched. • Under the webinar, a report titled as ‘Segregate, Segregate, Segregate’ by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has been released. • A workshop on ‘Source Segregation: The Key to Solid Waste Management’ has also been inaugurated. • The issues of legacy waste management and remediation of landfills have also been brought to the fore in this edition of Survekshan”. ‘Advisory on On-Site and Off-Site Sewage Management Practices’ • Minister has also launched two documents the ‘Advisory on On-Site and Off-Site Sewage Management Practices’ and the guidance book on ‘Segregated Collection and Transportation of Municipal Solid Waste’. • Prepared by – Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO).

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 19

1.42 World Bank and Government of India sign $750 million Agreement for Emergency Response Programme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises • It has been signed to support increased flow of finance into the hands of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis under MSME Emergency Response Programme. • This programme is of World Bank and will address the immediate liquidity and credit needs of some 1.5 million viable MSMEs to help them withstand the impact of the current shock and protect millions of jobs.

1.43 Eight lakh Indians may be forced to leave as Kuwait approves expat quota bill • Recently, legal and legislative committee of National Assembly of Kuwait has determined that the expat quota bill is constitutional. Key Features of the Bill • It intends to introduce a quota system for employing foreigners in Kuwait in order to address the ‘demographic imbalance.’ • It proposes to gradually reduce the number of expats by bringing it down to 70 per cent in 2020, 65 per cent 2021 and so on. • It specifies country-wise caps designating a quota for how many people of a certain nationality can be allowed to work in Kuwait India Specific Provision • According to the bill, Indians should not exceed 15% of the population in the country. Note - India contributes the largest number of expats in Kuwait.

1.44 Haryana Cabinet nod for draft to reserve 75% jobs for locals • Recently, The Haryana Cabinet has approved a proposal for drafting the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Ordinance, 2020. • It has been drafted to provide 75% reservation to residents of the State in jobs in the private sector. • The State Cabinet has also given approval for another ordinance to amend the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and the Factories Act, 1948 to empower the State government to grant exemption from certain provisions for 1,000 days to a new establishment and undertaking or any class of new establishments.

1.45 15th Finance Commission holds meeting with the World Bank and its HLG on Health Sector • Recently, 15th Finance commission has held a detailed meeting with representatives of the World Bank, NITI Aayog and member of the Commission’s High-level group (HLG) on the health sector. Suggestions for India • National Health Mission should be related to per capita spending on health. • Spending per beneficiary must be increased in poorer States. • Needs-based transfer formulas for health should be designed.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 20

• A separate health equalization pot should be formed for explicit accountability frameworks including target results. • Surveillance of district level capacity should be strengthened to identify and respond to future epidemics. • Strengthen national and state institutions to effectively prepare for pandemics (NCDC) and develop ICMR as a global center for excellence in medical research.

1.46 World Bank provides $400 million to enhance support for rejuvenating the Ganga • Recently, The World Bank and the Government of India has signed a loan agreement to enhance support for the Namami Gange Programme. • It would expand the coverage of sewage treatment infrastructure to more towns in the Ganga Basin. • The Project would build on the innovative Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) of public private partnership that would act as solution of choice for sewage treatment investments in the Ganga Basin. o Under the model, the government pays a private operator 40 percent of the capital cost to build a sewage treatment plant during the construction period. o The remaining 60 percent would be paid as performance-linked payments over 15 years to ensure that the operator runs and maintains the plant efficiently.

1.47 Cabinet approves developing of Affordable rental housing Complexes for urban migrants / poor • Recently, Union Cabinet has given its approval for developing of Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (AHRCs) for urban migrants / poor as a sub-scheme under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY – U). Key Features of the Scheme • Existing vacant government funded housing complexes will be converted in ARHCs through Concession Agreements for 25 years. • 50% additional FAR/FSI, concessional loan at priority sector lending rate, tax reliefs at par with affordable housing etc. will be offered to private/ public entities to develop ARHCs on their own available vacant land for 25 years. • An expenditure of Rs 600 Crore has been estimated in the form of Technology Innovation Grant which will be released for projects using identified innovative technologies for construction.

1.48 Reimbursement of one pulse oximeter per family allowed under ECHS to fight COVID-19 • Recently, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DSEW) has decided to reimburse the cost of pulse oximeter purchased by the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) beneficiaries • The conditions required to get the reimbursement o The ECHS beneficiaries who have been tested positive for COVID-19 infection are permitted to purchase one pulse oximeter per family.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 21

o The reimbursement shall be claimed as per actual cost of pulse oximeter, subject to a ceiling of Rs 1,200. • Ministry of Defence (MoD) has also decided to treat unmarried permanently disabled and financially dependent sons of ECHS beneficiaries who have become disabled after attaining the age of 25 years as dependant. • They would also be eligible for availing benefits under ECHS. About ECHS Scheme • It is a flagship Scheme of the Ministry of Defence, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. • Aim - To provide quality healthcare of Ex-servicemen pensioners and their dependents. • The Scheme is managed through the existing infrastructure of the Armed Forces so as to minimize the administrative expenditure. • Launched – in 2003.

1.49 Delhi Govt. launches e-portal for schoolchildren • Recently, Delhi government has launched an e-learning portal LEAD (Learning through E- Resources Made Accessible for Delhi). • Key Features of the portal o It contains 10,000 instructional materials and course content for Classes I to XII. o It will give students access to textbooks, study material and course content as per the syllabus of the CBSE, NCERT and Delhi government’s curriculum online. o It will include digital QR coded textbooks, explanatory videos, practice questions and evaluation. o Delhi government will be sharing its teaching-learning material on the digital platform- DIKSHA. • Developed by – State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Delhi. Relevance • Delhi government has introduced Happiness Curriculum, Mission Buniyaad and Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum to connect education with the life of children.

1.50 Number of undernourished people declines in India; obesity in adults on the rise: UN report • Recently, The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report has been released. About State of Food Security and Nutrition Report in the World 2020 • Prepared jointly by – Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Key Findings of the Report • It has estimated that almost 690 million people globally were undernourished (or hungry) in 2019 as compared to 680 million in 2018. • It has estimated that COVID-19 pandemic could push over 130 million more people into chronic hunger by the end of 2020 India Specific Finding

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 22

• The number of undernourished people in India have declined from 249.4 million in 2004-06 to 189.2 million in 2017-19. • The prevalence of undernourishment in the total population in India declined from 21.7 % in 2004-06 to 14 % in 2017-19. • The prevalence of stunting in children under 5 years of age in India declined from 47.8% in 2012 to 34.7% in 2019 or from 62 million in 2012 to 40.3 million in 2019.

1.51 PM Modi to deliver inaugural address at India Global Week 2020 • Recently, India Global Week 2020 has taken place. • Theme - 'Be The Revival: India and a Better New World.' • Organized by – IndiaIncorp

1.52 Union Health Minister chairs 18th meeting of Group of Ministers (GOM) on COVID-19 • Recently, 18th meeting of the high-level Group of Ministers (GoM) on COVID-19 has taken place under the chairpersonship of Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare.

1.53 Shipping Ministry issues draft “Aids to Navigation Bill 2020” for public consultation • Recently, Ministry of Shipping has issued the draft of Aids to Navigation Bill, 2020. • It has been proposed to replace the Lighthouse Act, 1927. • Aim - To regulate state-of-the-art technologies of marine navigation

1.54 Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launches AI-based ASEEM digital platform to bridge demand-supply gap of skilled workforce across sectors • Recently, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) today launched ‘Aatamanirbhar Skilled Employee Employer Mapping (ASEEM)’ portal. About ASEEM • Aim – To map skilled workforce and connecting them with relevant livelihood opportunities in their local communities. • Developed and managed by – National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in collaboration with Bengaluru-based company Betterplace.

NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission launches ATL App Development Module for school students nationwide • Recently, NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) launched the ‘ATL App Development Module.’ • It has been launched in collaboration with Indian homegrown startup Plezmo. • Aim – To hone the skills of school students and transforming them from App users to App makers in the times to come under AIM’s flagship Atal Tinkering Labs initiative

1.55 NITI Aayog organizes a virtual workshop to monitor performance of 29 select Global Indices • Recently, NITI Aayog has organized a virtual workshop to monitor the performance of 29 select Global Indices to drive reforms and growth in India. • The exercise has been organized not just to improve rankings but to improve systems and drive reforms to attract investments and to shape India’s perception globally. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 23

• NITI Aayog would be assisting in monitoring the performance and progress of 29 Indices and aid in their engagement with Publishing Agencies.

1.56 NATGRID to have access to database that links around 14,000 police stations • Recently, The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to access the centralised online database on FIRs and stolen vehicles. • The agreement would give NATGRID access to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) database, a platform that links around 14,000 police stations. • All State police have been mandated to file First Information Reports (FIR) in the CCTNS. About National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) • It is an attached office under Ministry of Home Affairs. • It is the integrated intelligence grid connecting databases of core security agencies of the Government of India. • It is intending to set up an Entity Extraction, Visualization, and Analytics (EVA) system. • It was first proposed in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on Mumbai in 2008. • It is a counter-terrorism measure that collects and collates a host of information from government databases including: o Tax and Bank account details o Credit card transactions o Visa and Immigration records o Itineraries of Rail and Air travel

1.57 T-Hub, MeitY tie up to create opportunities for start-ups • Recently, Telangana’s famous technology start-up incubator T-Hub and Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) have joined hands to launch Digital India Scale-up Programme. • It has been launched to create scale up opportunities for Hardware/IoT start-ups in India. • The programme has been designed for Internet of Things (IoT) and Hardware start-ups.

1.58 SDG index for year 2020 • Recently, Sustainable Development Index (SDG) for the year 2020 has been released. • The report has been an annual report on progress towards the 17 SDGs. Global Findings • Top 5 countries – Sweden, Denmark, Finland, France and Germany. • Bottom 5 countries – Central African Republic, South Sudan, Chad, Somalia and Liberia. • Bangladesh has secured position ahead of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan in South Asia. India Specific Finding • India has been ranked at 117th position. • It has an index score of 61.9 and region average score of 67.2.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 24

• According to the Index, India has been on track in achieving SDG targets of No poverty (SDG- 1), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG-6), Decent work on economic growth (SDG-8) and climate action. • India has seen a decrease on SDG-15 – Life on Land.

1.59 NHAI to Rank Roads for Quality Service • Recently, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to undertake performance assessment and ranking of the highways in India. • Aim - To take corrective recourse, wherever needed, to improve the quality and provide higher level of service to highway commuters. • The criteria for the assessment have been broadly categorised in three main heads – o Highway Efficiency (45%) o Highway Safety (35%) o User Services (20%)

1.60 Indian Railways on MISSION MODE of becoming a "Green Railway" by 2030 (Net Zero Carbon Emission) • Recently, Ministry of Railways has informed about major initiatives towards mitigation of global warming and combating climate change.

1.61 HRD Ministry announces guidelines for online classes • Recently, Union HRD minister has released the PRAGYATA guidelines on digital education. • The guidelines have recommended a cap on the screen time for students. • The guidelines have been developed from the perspective of learners, with a focus on online, digital education for students • The PRAGYATA guidelines include eight steps of digital learning o Plan o Review o Arrange o Guide o Talk o Assign o Track o Appreciate • Timings of the online Classes o Pre-primary students – Should not be for more than 30 minutes a day. o Classes 1st to 8th – Two online sessions of upto 45 minutes each in a day. o Class 9th to 12th – Maximum of four sessions of upto 45 minutes each.

1.62 Guidelines for Evaluation of Nano-based Agri-input and food products in India • Recently, Union Health Minister has released the ‘Guidelines for Evaluation of Nano-based Agri-input and food products in India.’

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 25

• Aim – To assist in making policy decisions by providing information on the existing regulations for nano-based products in agriculture and food and also to ensure quality, safety and efficacy of the targeted products • It would pave the way for significant benefits for mission on ‘Doubling Farming Income by 2022’ and ‘National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture.’ • Prepared jointly by – Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

1.63 Dr. Harsh Vardhan emphasises Family Planning as a human rights issue on World Population Day • Recently, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare has chaired the virtual meeting on the occasion of World Population Day on 11th July 2020. • The minister has highlighted the success of the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) programme. • He has emphasized that Family Planning provides dignity to women, especially who are poor and marginalized. Key achievements • Crude Birth Rate (CBR) has reduced from 21.8 (SRS 2011) to 20 (SRS 2018). • Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined from 2.4 (SRS 2011) to 2.2 (SRS 2018). • Teenage fertility has halved from 16 (NFHS III) to 7.9 (NFHS IV). • The Health Minister has also released the AB-HWC Mobile application. • Developed by – Ministry of Health and family Welfare.

1.64 Home Minister extended greetings on World Youth Skills Day • Recently, Union Home Minister has extended his greetings on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day. • It has been observed on 15th of July, which marks Five Years of Skill India Mission.

1.65 Finance Minister attends the 5th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank • Recently, Union Finance Minister has attended the 5th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) through video conference. • Theme - ‘AIIB 2030-Supporting Asia’s Development over the Next Decade’. Key Information shared in the meeting • India has participated in the “G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative”. • India has launched the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) 2020-2025 with estimated expenditure of USD 1.4 trillion that has created a plethora of fresh investment opportunities for AIIB’s partnerships. • AIIB has provided financial assistance of about USD 10 Billion to its member countries including India to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

1.66 India Report- Digital Education June 2020 • Recently, Union HRD Minister has virtually launched India Report on Digital Education, 2020. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 26

• It is prepared by Digital Education Division of MHRD in consultation with Education Departments of States and UTs. • The report has elaborated on the innovative methods adopted by Ministry of HRD, Education Departments of States and Union Territories for ensuring accessible and inclusive education to children at home and reducing learning gaps. Major Education Initiatives taken by State Government • Rajasthan - SMILE (Social Media Interface for Learning Engagement) • Chhattisgarh - Padhai Tunhar duvaar (Education at your doorstep), Motor iskool • Bihar - Unnayan Initiatives under which Mera Mobile Mera Vidyalaya for students, and Unnayan Bihar Teacher App has been launched, Vidyavahini App with e-books for class 1 to 12. • Delhi - Mission Buniyaad • Madhya Pradesh - Top Parent App, KHEL(Knowledge Hub for Electronic Learning) initiative. • Uttarakhand - Sampark Baithak App. • Assam - Biswa Vidya Assam Mobile Application. • Punjab - iScuela Learn Mobile Application for class 1 to 10. • Tripura - EmpowerU Shiksha Darpan initiative. • Uttar Pradesh - ‘Top Parent’ app, Mission Prerna ki e-Pathshala • Odisha - Shiksha Sanjog • Himachal Pradesh - ‘Karona, Thodi Masti, Thodi Padhai,'Har Ghar Pathshala’, “Hum Kisi se Kam Nahi- Mera Ghar Meri Pathshala'' (students with special needs). • Jharkhand - Roving teacher • Gujarat - Vanchan Abhiyan and Parivar no maalo-salamat ane humfaalo (family’s nest-safe and warm). • Karnataka - Pariksha Vani.

1.67 Atal Innovation Mission launches 'AIM-iCREST' • Recently, NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has launched AIM iCREST, which is an Incubator Capabilities enhancement program for a Robust Ecosystem focused on creating high performing Startups. • It is a first of its kind initiative for advancing innovation at scale in India. • AIM has joined hands with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Wadhwani Foundation About AIM iCREST • It has been designed to enable the incubation ecosystem and act as a growth hack for AIM’s Atal and Established incubators across India. • Aims - at going beyond incubator capacity building.

1.68 CSIR, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan-IIT Delhi and Vijnana Bharati sign a tripartite MoU • Recently, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan-Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (UBA-IITD) and Vijnana Bharti (VIBHA), New Delhi has signed a tripartite MoU with CSIR. • It aims at adoption of CSIR technologies for rural development. About Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 27

• It is inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive India. • Aim – To create a virtuous cycle between society and an inclusive academic system by providing knowledge and practices for emerging professions and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and the private sectors in responding to the development needs of rural India. • Program of - Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

1.69 India ranks 3rd in global manufacturing locations among 48 nations: Report • Recently, Global Manufacturing Risk Index (MRI) report has been released by Cushman & Wakefield. • It has been released to list most-suitable locations for global manufacturing among 48 countries. • The MRI 2020 report also includes analysis of the impact of Covid-19 on the global manufacturing sector and the ability of the countries to restart their manufacturing sectors once confinement measures are relaxed and business starts to return to normal. • Top two positions – China and USA respectively India specific Finding • ranked third in the baseline scenario/condition scenario. • ranked third in cost scenario after China and Vietnam. • ranked thirtieth in risk scenario

1.70 Union Home Minister launches Tree Plantation Campaign-2020 of the Coal Ministry • Recently, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah launched the Tree Plantation Campaign “Vriksharopan Abhiyan.” About Vriksharopan Abhiyan • It has been organized by Ministry of Coal. • It will focus on creating green spaces by planting tree saplings in mined out areas. • The tree plantation campaign has been conducted at more than 130 locations spread in 38 Districts of 10 coal/lignite bearing States. • Under the campaign, two Eco Parks have been launched in the state of Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu. o The Eco-Park in Jharkhand has been named as Parasnath Udhyan and developed by CIL subsidiary Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). o The Eco-Park in Tamil Nadu has been developed by NLC India Limited. • Foundation of Eco Park has been laid at – o Eco Park in Uttar Pradesh to be developed by Northern Coalfields Limited. o Lilari Eco-Park in Odisha to be developed by CIL subsidiary Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). o Eco-Park in Jharkhand to be developed by CIL subsidiary Central Coalfields Limited (CCL). Note - Foundation stone has been laid for a Sal Plantation Project in Odisha to be developed by NLC (India) Ltd.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 28

1.71 Grant of Permanent Commission To Women Officers In Indian Army • Recently, Ministry of Defence has issued the formal Government Sanction Letter for grant of Permanent Commission (PC) to Women Officers in the Indian Army. Salient Features of the new rules • It paves the way for empowering Women Officers to shoulder larger roles in the organisation. • The order has specified grant of PC to Short Service Commissioned (SSC) Women Officers in all ten streams of the Indian Army - o Army Air Defence (AAD) o Signals o Engineers o Army Aviation, o Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), o Army Service Corps (ASC), o Army Ordnance Corps (AOC), o Intelligence Corps o Judge and Advocate General (JAG) o Army Educational Corps (AEC).

1.72 India holds the first ever INDSAT exam under ‘Study in India' Programme • Recently, The Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) has conducted the first ever Indian Scholastic Assessment (Ind-SAT) Test 2020 under its 'Study in India’ programme. • EdCIL (India) Limited have been implementing the registrations and other aspects of the examination. About Ind-SAT • Ind-SAT is an exam for grant of scholarships and admissions to foreign students for studying in select Indian universities under the Study in India programme. About Study in India Programme • It is a programme under which foreign students come to study in 116 select higher education institutions in India for under graduate and post graduate programmes. • The selection of the students is based on their merit in the class 12 / school leaving exam. • Implementing Ministry – Ministry of Human Resource and Development • Launched in - April 2018.

1.73 India fared best in poverty alleviation in 10 years to 2016: UN report • Recently, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) has released a study titled as ‘Charting pathways out of multidimensional poverty: Achieving the SDGs.’ • The study has been based on a global multidimensional poverty index (MPI) which measures the complexities of poor people’s lives, individually and collectively. India Specific Findings • About 273 million Indians moved out of multi-dimensional poverty between 2005-6 and 2015-16.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 29

• Jharkhand had the greatest improvement • 55.1 per cent of the population in India lived under multidimensional poverty in 2005-06, it has come down to 27.9 per cent in 2015-16. • As of 2015-16, the intensity of deprivation has been 43.9 per cent, while the population under severe multidimensional poverty was 8.8 per cent. • 37.7 crore people in India lived under multidimensional poverty as of 2018. About Multi Dimension Poverty Index • The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) identifies multiple deprivations at the household and individual level in health, education and standard of living. • The MPI offers a valuable complement to income-based poverty measures.

1.74 Income Tax Dept, Ministry join hands to check and classify MSMEs • Recently, Central Board of Direct Taxes has signed Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprise to identify entities eligible to be categorized as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). • It would facilitate seamless sharing of certain Income-tax Return (ITR) related information by the Income Tax Department to MSME Ministry.

1.75 India's 1st indigenously developed vaccine against pneumonia gets DCGI nod • Recently, India’s first fully indigenously developed vaccine against pneumonia has got approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). • It has been named as “Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine.” • The vaccine would be used for active immunisatiuon against invasive disease and pneumonia caused by 'Streptococcus pneumonia' among infants. • The company has conducted the clinical trials in India and Gambia. • Developed by - Serum Institute of India.

1.76 Expert committee invites public comments on Non-Personal Data Framework • Recently, The Expert Committee on Non-Personal Data Governance Framework has briefed on various aspects of Data Governance. • The committee was formed in September 2019. • It is chaired by Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan and includes industry, government and academic experts. • The report submitted by Committee focuses on three types of non-personal data: 1. “public non-personal data”, owned by governments 2. “private non-personal data”, owned by non-government players and derived from assets or processes privately-owned 3. “community data” which is the raw data of a group of people that may also be collected by private players.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 30

1.77 Union HRD Minister Launches World's Most Affordable COVID-19 Diagnostic Kit Corosure Developed by IIT Delhi • Recently, Union Human Resource Development Minister has e-launched “Corosure Kit” • It has been the World’s most affordable RT-PCR based COVID-19 diagnostic kit. • Developed by - IIT Delhi. • Manufactured by - Newtech Medical Devices. Relevance • IIT Delhi has become the first academic institution to obtain the Indian Council of Medical Research’s approval for a real-time PCR-based diagnostic assay. • It was also the first probe-free as say for COVID-19 approved by the ICMR.

1.78 Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Giriraj Singh launches the Implementation Guidelines for Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund • Recently, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched the Implementation Guidelines for Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) worth Rs. 15,000 crores. About Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund • set up with worth of Rs. 15000 crore to incentivize investments in establishment of infrastructure for dairy and meat processing and value addition infrastructure and establishment of animal feed plant in the private sector. • Eligible beneficiaries with minimum 10% margin money contribution • The balance 90% would be the loan component to be made available by scheduled banks. • Interest Subvention – o 3 per cent to eligible beneficiaries from non-aspirational districts. o 4 per cent to eligible beneficiaries from aspirational districts. • Guarantee Coverage would be upto 25% of Credit facility of borrower. • Government of India would be setting up Credit Guarantee Fund of Rs. 750 crore to be managed by NABARD. • Credit guarantee would be provided to the sanctioned projects which are covered under MSME defined ceilings. • Moratorium Period – 2 years • Repayment period – 6 years

1.79 India on track to achieving the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) targets for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) & National Health Policy (NHP) • According to the Special Bulletin on MMR, Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India has declined by 9 points in one year. • The ratio has declined from 122 in 2015-17 to 113 in 2016-18 registering a 7.4 % decline. Key Findings • The number of states which have achieved the SDG target has now risen from 3 to 5. • These are - Kerala (43), Maharashtra (46) Tamil Nadu (60), Telangana (63) and Andhra Pradesh (65). Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 31

• There are eleven (11) States that have achieved the target of MMR set by the National Health Policy (NHP) which includes the above 5 and the state of Jharkhand, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, West Bengal and Uttarakhand. • For 5 states namely, Chhattisgarh (159), Rajasthan (164), Madhya Pradesh (173), Uttar Pradesh (197) and Assam (215), MMR is above 150. • Out of these, Rajasthan showed the maximum decline of 22 points. Improvement in the sector is due to • Impressive gains in institutional deliveries • Focus on quality and coverage of services under National Health Mission (NHM) • Various schemes such as Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, Janani Suraksha Yojana, and newer initiatives like LaQshya, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan and Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN).

About Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) • Aim – To provide assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care, free of cost, universally to all pregnant women on the 9th of every month. • PMSMA guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their 2nd / 3rd trimesters of pregnancy at designated government health facilities. • During the antennal checkups pregnant women will be provided indicator color. o Green color sticker indicates – _Women with no risk factor detected. o Red color sticker indicates – _Women with high risk pregnancy • Launched by - Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2016.

About LaQshay Programme • LaQshay stands for Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative. • Objective o Reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality o Improve quality of care during delivery and immediate post-partum period o Enhance satisfaction of beneficiaries, positive birthing experience and provide Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) to all pregnant women attending public health facilities.

About SUMAN Scheme • SUMAN stands for Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan. • Aim – To provide dignified and quality health care at no cost to every woman and newborn visiting a public health facility.

About Janani Suraksha Karyakaram • Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) was launched in June 2011 to eliminate out-of- pocket expenses for both pregnant women and sick infants.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 32

• In 2014, the programme was extended to all antenatal & post-natal complications of pregnancy and similar entitlements have been put in place for all sick newborns and infants (up to one year of age) accessing public health institutions for treatment.

1.80 Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports partners with UNICEF • Recently, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports partners have partnered with YuWaah (a multi-stakeholder platform formed by the UNICEF). • This is done - o to promote volunteerism among the youth of India as well as to help them transition from education and learning to productive work, skilling and being active citizens. o to leverage young people to co-create and implement solutions at scale tackling education, skilling and unemployment challenges for young people in India.

1.81 Union Power Minister launches RAISE initiative • Recently, Union Power Minister has launched “Retrofit of Air-conditioning to improve Indoor Air Quality for Safety and Efficiency” (RAISE) national programme. • About RAISE Program o It focuses on energy efficiency, promoting e-mobility and improving indoor air quality. o Joint initiative of – Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). o The initiative has been developed for healthy and energy efficient buildings, in partnership with USAID’s MAITREE programme. o It can potentially alleviate the issue of bad air quality in workspaces across the nation and pioneer ways to make them healthier and greener. • He has also inaugurated India’s first public EV (Electric Vehicle) charging plaza, Developed by EESL in collaboration with New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

1.82 Consumer Protection Act, 2019 comes into force • Recently, The Consumer Protection Act,2019 has come into force. Salient Features of the Act • Every e-commerce entity is required to provide information relating to return, refund, exchange, warranty and guarantee, delivery etc. including country of origin which are necessary for enabling the consumer to make an informed decision at the pre-purchase stage on its platform. • Simplified Dispute Resolution Mechanism • It has introduced the concept of product liability and brings within its scope, the product manufacturer, product service provider and product seller, for any claim for compensation. • It has setup an Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanism of Mediation that will simplify the adjudication process. o Mediation will be held in the Mediation Cells to be established under the Consumer Commissions. o There will be no appeal against settlement through mediation.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 33

• Central Consumer Protection Council Rules have been provided for constitution of the Central Consumer Protection Council. o It is an advisory body on consumer issues. o Tenure – 3 years o It will be headed by the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution with the Minister of State as Vice Chairperson and 34 other members from different fields. o The Council will also have Minister-in-charge of consumer affairs from two States from each region- North, South, East, West, and North Eastern Region. • According to the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Rules, there will be no fee for filing cases up to Rs. 5 lakhs. • There are provisions for filing complaints electronically, credit of amount due to unidentifiable consumers to Consumer Welfare Fund (CWF). • The State Commissions will furnish information to Central Government on a quarterly basis on vacancies, disposal, pendency of cases and other matters.

1.83 India-US Strategic Energy Partnership • Recently, India and the USA have participated in a virtual ministerial meeting of the U.S.- India Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP). to review progress, highlight major accomplishments, and prioritize new areas for cooperation. • It has four primary pillars of cooperation – o Power and Energy Efficiency o Oil and Gas o Renewable Energy o Sustainable Growth.

1.84 FSSAI to scale up `Eat Right Campus' programme over next two years • Recently, The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has geared up to scale up its ‘Eat Right Campus’ programme over the next two years. • Aim – To promote healthy and safe food across educational institutes, corporate offices, hospitals and government offices. • FSSAI has awarded 28 Eat Right Campus certificates to educational institutes and corporate campuses. About Eat Right Campus Programme • It has been launched by FSSAI to create an environment of safe food and healthy eating in various campuses such as work places, schools, colleges, jails, hospitals, health institutions or similar places.

1.85 Action Plan of Sustainable Growth Pillar under India–US Strategic Energy Partnership • Recently, key achievements and future action plan of the Sustainable Growth pillar were highlighted during the ministerial dialogue of the US–India Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP). • The Sustainable Growth pillar will support the India Energy Modeling Forum by facilitating collaborative engagement with the Modeling Forum at Stanford University About US–India Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP) Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 34

• Co-chaired by NITI Aayog and USAID. • The first ministerial meeting was held in April 2018. • The India–US Strategic Energy Partnership has four pillars: o Oil and Gas o Power and Energy Efficiency o Renewable Growth o Sustainable Growth.

1.86 Union HRD Minister launches MANODARPAN initiative of Ministry of HRD • Recently, Union HRD Minister has launched the MANODARPAN initiative of the Ministry of HRD. • Aim - HRD to provide psychosocial support to students for their Mental Health and Well- being during the COVID outbreak and beyond. • The MANODARPAN initiative has been included in the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. • This initiative will act as part of strengthening and empowering the human capital to increase productivity and efficiency through reforms and initiatives in the education sector.

1.87 Dr. Harsh Vardhan releases White paper on ‘Focused Interventions for ‘Make in India’: Post COVID 19’ by TIFAC • Dr. Harsh Vardhan has released a white paper on “Focused Interventions for ‘Make in India’: Post COVID 19” and “Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients: Status, Issues, Technology Readiness and Challenges”. • The White paper has been prepared by “Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC)”. About the “White Paper” - • It captures sector-specific strengths, market trends, and opportunities in five sectors, critical from the country’s perspective that includes – o Healthcare o Machinery and ICT o Agriculture o Manufacturing o Electronics

1.88 Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs opens registration for India Cycles4Change Challenge • Recently, the Smart Cities Mission opened the registration for India Cycles4Change Challenge on 10th July, 2020. • The challenge was launched on 25th June, 2020 by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Housing and Urban Affairs. • Aim - To help cities connect with their citizens as well as experts to develop a unified vision to promote cycling.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 35

1.89 The Union Labour and Employment Ministry publishes the draft rules framed for the implementation of the Code on Wages Act, 2019 • Recently, the Union Labour and Employment Ministry published the draft rules framed for the implementation of the Code on Wages Act, 2019. Major Change in Code on Wages Bill • The Ministry has changed the work requirement for eligibility for minimum wages and other benefits from 9 hours to 8 Hours About the Code on Wages Act, 2019 • The Code on Wages was the first of the four codes proposed by the government as a part of its labor law reforms that was passed by Parliament in August 2019. • It subsumes the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. • It guarantees minimum wages to all, defines how the wages will be calculated and prescribes a national floor wage for all States.

1.90 IRDAI has allowed health insurers to offer ‘Corona Kavach • Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has allowed health insurers to offer ‘Corona Kavach’. • Corona Kavach is a standard health cover policy against the Covid-19 threat, as a group insurance policy. • This will facilitate public, and private sector companies as well as other business entities to provide insurance cover to their employees.

1.91 Union Environment Minister launches piloting of National Transit Pass System • Recently, Union Environment Minister has launched piloting of the National Transit Pass System. About National Transit Pass System

• It is an online transit pass generation system for timber, bamboo and other forest produce. • It would enhance seamless movement of forest produce. • Under the system, people can apply for Passes from their mobile phones as well as receive e passes in their mobile phones. • The pilot project would be functional in Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.

1.92 CSC WiFi Choupal provided 1 Lakh FTTH broadband connections in rural areas • Recently, Union Minister for Information and Technology has informed that Common Services Centre (CSC) WiFi Choupal has provided 1 Lakh FTTH broadband connections in rural areas. • The connections have been provided in the past 40 days starting from 10th June 2020. About Wi-fi Choupal • Wi-Fi Choupal is a government initiative that provides Wi-Fi hotspots in rural areas where people can access the internet by subscribing to low-cost data plans.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 36

• Aim – To create a Wi-Fi coverage zone in the village, so as to cover all inhabited areas of the village using low-cost Wi-Fi equipment.

1.93 Department of Posts extends all small savings schemes upto the Branch Post Office level • Recently, Department of Posts has now extended all small savings schemes upto the Branch Post Office level. • The new order has allowed Branch Post Offices to offer facilities of Public Provident Fund, Monthly Income Scheme, National Savings Certificate, Kisan Vikas Patra and Senior Citizen Savings Schemes. About National Saving Certificates • The National Savings Certificate is a fixed income investment scheme. • It is a savings bond that encourages subscribers to invest while saving on income tax. • Maturity – 5 years • Minimum Investment – Rs 100 • Maximum Investment – No Upper limit About Kisan Vikas Patra Scheme • India Post has introduced the Kisan Vikas Patra as a small saving certificate scheme in 1988. • Objective – To encourage long-term financial discipline in people. • Tenure - 124 months (10 years & 4 months) • Minimum investment – Rs. 1000 • Maximum investment – No upper limit.

1.94 Israeli team arrives for Operation Breathing Space • Recently, An Israeli team led by a “high ranking” Research and Development (R&D) defence official have arrived in Delhi with a mission codenamed “Operation Breathing Space”. • Under the Mission, The team would be working with Indian authorities on the coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

1.95 Cabinet approves MoU signed between India & Zimbabwe on Traditional Systems of Medicine • Recently, Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Understanding signed between India and Zimbabwe on Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy. • Objective – To strengthen, promote and develop co-operation in the field of traditional systems of medicine between the two countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. • It will provide a frame work for the cooperation between the two countries for the promotion of traditional systems of medicine and homeopathy and will mutually benefit the two countries in the field of Traditional Medicine.

1.96 Pawan Hans launches helicopter flights on Dehradun-Gauchar route in Uttarakhand under UDAN scheme • Recently, Pawan Hans Limited (PHL) has launched helicopter service on the Dehradun-New Tehri-Srinagar-Gauchar route in Uttarakhand under the UDAN scheme. About UDAN Scheme Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 37

• UDAN stands for Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik. • Objective – o To facilitate / stimulate regional air connectivity by making it affordable. o Provide Viability Gap Funding or VGF support to meet the gap between the cost of airline operations and expected revenues on such routes. • The regional connectivity scheme will be applicable on route length between 200 to 800 km with no lower limit set for hilly, remote, island and security sensitive regions. • It has been launched for a period of 10 years. • Implementing Agency: Airport Authority of India • Implemented by: Ministry of Civil Aviation. • Launched in 2017

1.97 MSME launches a programme for the benefit of artisans involved in manufacturing of Agarbatti under the ‘Gramodyog Vikas Yojana’ • Recently, Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has approved a programme for the benefit of artisans involved in manufacturing of Agarbatti and to develop village industry under ‘Gramodyog Vikas Yojana’. About the Program • Aim – To enhance the production of ‘Agarbatti’ in India and create sustainable employment for the traditional Artisans, by providing them regular employment and increase in their wages. • Under the Mission, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) would be providing training and assistant in working in this area with Agarbatti manufacturing machines. • KVIC will also tie up with Khadi institutions / Agarbatti manufacturers in India having good track record, to provide work and raw material to ‘Agarbatti making artisans’. • Under the Program, initially four Pilot Projects would be started, including one in North Eastern part of India. • Each targeted cluster of artisans will be supported with about 50 Automatic Agarbatti making machines and 10 Mixing machines.

1.98 Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 • Recently, Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 has been notified which fall under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019. • The violation of the rules would be penalized under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019. Key Highlights of the Rules • The sellers cannot refuse to take back goods or withdraw services or refuse refunds, if such goods or services are defective, deficient, delivered late, or if they do not meet the description on the platform. • The e-commerce entities will have to provide every detail relating to o Return, refund, exchange, warranty and guarantee o Delivery and shipment Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 38

o Modes of payment o Grievance redressal mechanism o Payment methods, security of payment methods o Charge-back options • E-commerce platforms will have to mention the country of origin for enabling the consumer to make an informed decision at the pre-purchase stage on its platform. • The platforms also have to acknowledge the receipt of any consumer complaint within forty- eight hours and redress the complaint within one month from the date of receipt under the Act. • The platforms are also required to provide a ticket number for each complaint lodged, through which the consumer can track the status of the complaint.

1.99 Chhattisgarh's Bijapur tops Niti Aayog's ranking on Aspirational Districts • Recently, NITI Aayog has released delta ranking for Aspirational District for February- June 2020. • According to the ranking, Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh has topped the list followed by Ri- Bhoi (Meghalaya), Bahraich (Uttar Pradesh), Nawada (Bihar) and Moga (Punjab). About Delta Ranking • The delta rankings has taken into account incremental progress made by over 112 aspirational districts across six developmental areas during February-June 2020. • Six Indicators o Health and nutrition o Education o Agriculture and water resources o Financial inclusion o Skill development o Basic infrastructure About Aspiration District Programme • The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) was launched in January 2018. • Aim – To transform districts that have shown relatively lesser progress in key social areas and have emerged as pockets of under-development. • It rests on the three pillars of o Convergence, o Collaboration o Competition • Implemented by – NITI Aayog

1.100 Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs releases ARHCs Knowledge Pack • Recently, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has released a ARHCs (Affordable Rental Housing Complexes) Knowledge Pack (AKP) • Aim - AKP has been devised to provide support to all stakeholders in implementing ARHCs. ARHCs Knowledge Pack includes following documents

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 39

• Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to be signed with States/UTs • Operational Guidelines of ARHCs • Model Request for Proposal (RFP) for selection of Concessionaire by States/UTs/ULBs under Model-1 • Expression of Interest (EOI) for shortlisting of Entities under Model-2 • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

ARHCs will be implemented through two Models: 1. Model-1: Utilizing existing Government funded vacant houses to convert into ARHCs through Public Private Partnership or by public agencies for a period of 25 years. 2. Model-2: Construction, Operation and Maintenance of ARHCs by Public/ Private Entities on their own available vacant land for a period of 25 years.

1.101 Government releases book on “Best Practices in Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)” • Recently, Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has released a booklet on “Best Practices in Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)” of Department of Land Resources (DoLR). • The book discusses very scientifically about the mechanisms adopted by the states for better land record management.

1.102 Cabinet Approves National Education Policy 2020 • Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the National Education Policy 2020, making way for large scale, transformational reforms in both school and higher education sectors. • This is the first education policy of the 21st century and replaces the thirty-four year old National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986. • This policy is built on the foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability. • This policy is aligned to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. • Aim: To transform India into a vibrant knowledge society and global knowledge superpower by making both school and college education more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, suited to 21st century needs and aimed at bringing out the unique capabilities of each student.

Important Highlights

• School Education 1. Ensuring Universal Access at all levels of school education • NEP 2020 emphasizes on ensuring universal access to school education at all levels- preschool to secondary. • About 2 crore out of school children will be brought back into main stream under NEP 2020. 2. Early Childhood Care & Education with new Curricular and Pedagogical Structure

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 40

• With emphasis on Early Childhood Care and Education, the 10+2 structure of school curricula is to be replaced by a 5+3+3+4 curricular structure corresponding to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively. • NCERT will develop a National Curricular and Pedagogical Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education (NCPFECCE) for children up to the age of 8. • States will prepare an implementation plan for attaining universal foundational literacy and numeracy in all primary schools for all learners by grade 3 by 2025. 3. Reforms in school curricula and pedagogy • There will be no rigid separations between arts and sciences, between curricular and extra- curricular activities, between vocational and academic streams. 4. Vocational education will start in schools from the 6th grade, and will include internships. • A new and comprehensive National Curricular Framework for School Education, NCFSE 2020- 21, will be developed by the NCERT. 5. Multilingualism and the power of language • The policy has emphasized mother tongue/local language/regional language as the medium of instruction at least till Grade 5, but preferably till Grade 8 and beyond. 6. Assessment Reforms • All students will take school examinations in Grades 3, 5, and 8 which will be conducted by the appropriate authority. • Board exams for Grades 10 and 12 will be continued, but redesigned with holistic development as the aim. • A new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), will be set up as a standard-setting body . 7. Equitable and Inclusive Education • NEP 2020 aims to ensure that no child loses any opportunity to learn and excel because of the circumstances of birth or background. • Special emphasis will be given on Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) which include gender, socio-cultural, and geographical identities and disabilities. • This includes setting up of Gender Inclusion Fund and also Special Education Zones for disadvantaged regions and groups. 8. Robust Teacher Recruitment and Career Path • A common National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) will be developed by the National Council for Teacher Education by 2022, in consultation with NCERT, SCERTs, teachers and expert organizations from across levels and regions. 9. Standard-setting and Accreditation for School Education • NEP 2020 envisages clear, separate systems for policy making, regulation, operations and academic matters. States/UTs will set up independent State School Standards Authority (SSSA).

Higher Education

1. Increase GER to 50 % by 2035

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 41

• NEP 2020 aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education including vocational education from 26.3% (2018) to 50% by 2035. • 3.5 Crore new seats will be added to Higher education institutions. 2. Holistic Multidisciplinary Education • UG education can be of 3 or 4 years with multiple exit options and appropriate certification within this period. 3. Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs), at par with IITs, IIMs, to be set up as models of best multidisciplinary education of global standards in the country. 4. The National Research Foundation will be created as an apex body for fostering a strong research culture and building research capacity across higher education. 5. Regulation • Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) will be set up as a single overarching umbrella body the for entire higher education, excluding medical and legal education. 6. Affiliation of colleges is to be phased out in 15 years and a stage-wise mechanism is to be established for granting graded autonomy to colleges. 7. Teacher Education • A new and comprehensive National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education, NCFTE 2021, will be formulated by the NCTE in consultation with NCERT. • By 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching will be a 4-year integrated B.Ed. degree. • Stringent action will be taken against substandard stand-alone Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs). 8. Mentoring Mission • A National Mission for Mentoring will be established, with a large pool of outstanding senior/retired faculty – including those with the ability to teach in Indian languages. 9. Financial support for students • Efforts will be made to incentivize the merit of students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and other SEDGs. • The National Scholarship Portal will be expanded to support, foster, and track the progress of students receiving scholarships. • Private HEIs will be encouraged to offer larger numbers of free ships and scholarships to their students. 10. Open and Distance Learning • This will be expanded to play a significant role in increasing GER. 11. Online Education and Digital Education: • A comprehensive set of recommendations for promoting online education consequent to the recent rise in epidemics and pandemics in order to ensure preparedness with alternative modes of quality education whenever and wherever traditional and in-person modes of education are not possible, has been covered. 12. Technology in education

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 42

• An autonomous body, the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), will be created to provide a platform for the free exchange of ideas on the use of technology to enhance learning, assessment, planning, administration. 13. Promotion of Indian languages • To ensure the preservation, growth, and vibrancy of all Indian languages, NEP recommends setting an Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation (IITI), National Institute (or Institutes) for Pali, Persian and Prakrit, strengthening of Sanskrit and all language departments in HEIs, and use mother tongue/local language as a medium of instruction in more HEI programmes . 14. Internationalization of education will be facilitated through both institutional collaborations, and student and faculty mobility and allowing entry of top world ranked Universities to open campuses in our country.

Professional Education

1. Adult Education • Policy aims to achieve 100% youth and adult literacy. 2. Financing Education • The Centre and the States will work together to increase the public investment in Education sector to reach 6% of GDP at the earliest. 3. Unprecedented Consultations • NEP 2020 has been formulated after an unprecedented process of consultation that involved nearly over 2 lakh suggestions from 2.5 lakhs Gram Panchayats, 6600 Blocks, 6000 ULBs, 676 Districts.

1.103 SIDBI with TransUnion CIBIL launch financial knowledge platform for MSMEs • Recently, The Small Industries Development Bank of India in association with TransUnion CIBIL has launched a comprehensive financial education and knowledge platform for micro, small and medium enterprises. • For this they have launched the one-stop knowledge portal- MSMESaksham.

1.104 India-UN Development Partnership Fund supports projects to tackle Covid-19 • Recently, the India-UN Development Partnership Fund is supporting various projects to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic • This fund is supporting in national healthcare capacities, reducing risk of transmission, mitigating socio-economic impact and catalyzing transformative recovery. About India-UN Development Partnership Fund • It is a dedicated facility within the United Nations Fund for South-South Cooperation, established in 2017. • It is supported and led by the Government of India, managed by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, and implemented in collaboration with the United Nations system.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 43

1.105 Housing minister launches digital platforms to market residential property • Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has launched two digital platforms of real estate bodies CREDAI and NAREDCO • It has been done to market residential properties. • Two digital platforms has been launched by Government which are as follows- 'CREDAI Awaas App' • CREDAI Awaas App is a residential project discovery online platform. • Aim - The app aims to facilitate transparent home buying in India of RERA approved projects by CREDAI developers. • Through this app buyers will be able to virtually explore and experience the projects from 220 cities across the country. NAREDCO's online portal 'HousingforAll.com' • It is India’s online home-buying portal for ready-to-move-in homes, with around 1,000 projects to be listed.

1.106 Special Liquidity Scheme for NBFCs and HFCs • Recently, the Central government has approved the proposal to launch a Special Liquidity Scheme for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) to improve their liquidity position. About the Scheme • Under the scheme, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) would be set up to manage a Stressed Asset Fund (SAF) of the NBFCs/ HFCs. • The SPV will issue securities, which would be guaranteed by the Government of India and purchased by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) only. • The proceeds of sale of such securities would be used by the SPV to acquire short-term debt of NBFCs/HFCs. • The Scheme will be administered by the Department of Financial Services (Ministry of Finance).

1.107 RBI issues Fair Practice Code guidelines for ARC • Recently, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced guidelines for “Fair Practices Code” (FPC) for Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs). • Objective: To ensure highest standards of transparency and fairness while dealing with their stakeholders. Guidelines issued • All ARCs registered with banks have been asked to put in place FPC duly approved by their Board. • As per the guidelines ARCs need to follow transparent and non-discriminatory practices in acquisition of assets. • ARCs have to put in place Board approved policy on the management fee, expenses and incentives. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 44

• ARCs must ensure that outsourcing arrangements neither diminish its ability to fulfil its obligations to customers and the RBI nor impede effective supervision by RBI. • ARCs are expected not to resort to harassment of the debtor while recovering loans. ARCs shall ensure that the staff are adequately trained to deal with customers in an appropriate manner. • ARCs must put in place a Board approved Code of Conduct for Recovery Agents and obtain their undertaking to abide by that Code. • ARCs have to constitute Grievance Redressal machinery within the organization and to keep the information, they come to acquire in course of their business, strictly confidential.

1.108 New Form 26AS is the Faceless hand-holding of the Taxpayers • Recently, Ministry of Finance and Central Board of Direct Taxes has come out with a New Form 26AS which is the Faceless Hand Holding of the Taxpayers to provide full details of their financial transactions. • The aim is to prevent suppression of information by taxpayers. • The form 26AS contains details of taxpayer and compliance details along with other financial transactions. Modified Process with New Form 26AS • Information being received by the Income Tax Department from the filers of Statement of Financial Transactions (SFTs) now being shown in Part-E of Form 26AS. • It will facilitate voluntary compliance, tax accountability and ease of e-filing of returns so that the same can be used by the taxpayer to file his/her income tax return (ITR) by calculating the correct tax liability in a feel-good environment.

1.109 Ministry of Finance amends the General Financial Rules 2017 • Recently, the Ministry of Finance has amended the General Financial Rules 2017. • Aim - To enable imposition of restrictions on bidders from countries which share a land border with India on grounds of defense of India, or matters that directly or indirectly relate to the national security of the country. • New Rules - o Any bidder from such countries sharing a land border with India will be eligible to bid in any procurement whether of goods, services (including consultancy services and non- consultancy services) or works (including turnkey projects). o It will be only possible if the bidder is registered with the Competent Authority. • The Competent Authority for registration will be the Registration Committee constituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). • The order takes into its ambit public sector banks and financial institutions, Autonomous Bodies, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and Public Private Partnership projects receiving financial support from the government or its undertakings.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 45

International news

1.110 Suspected case of bubonic plague found in China's Inner Mongolia • Recently, authorities in a city of Bayan Nur in the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia have issued a warning, after a hospital reported a case of suspected bubonic plague. About Bubonic Plague • The bubonic plague is a highly infectious and often fatal disease that is spread mostly by rodents. • It was known as the “Black Death” in the Middle Ages.

1.111 Maldives, Sri Lanka eliminate measles & rubella ahead of 2023 target • Recently, Maldives and Sri Lanka have become the first two countries in the South-East Asia region to eliminate both measles and rubella ahead of the 2023 target. • A country has been verified as having eliminated measles and rubella when there is no evidence of endemic transmission for over three years by a well-performing surveillance system.

1.112 Turkey makes ‘Hagia Sophia’ a mosque • Recently, government of Turkey has formally converted Istanbul’s sixth-century Hagia Sophia into a mosque and declared it open for Muslim worship. • This decision has annulled a 1934 decision that had made it into a museum. About Turkey • Capital: Ankara • Currency: Turkish Lira

1.113 Iran drops India from Chabahar rail project • Recently, the Iranian government has decided to proceed with the construction of Chabahar rail project on its own. • Iran has cited that there are delays from the Indian side in funding and starting the project. Background • India and Iran signed an agreement to construct a rail line from Chabahar port to Zahedan, along the border with Afghanistan. • This railway project was meant to be part of India’s commitment to the trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan to build an alternate trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

1.114 First Black female Tactical Aircraft pilot appointed in US Navy • Recently, Madeline Swegle has become the first black female to join US Navy as Tactical Aircraft Pilot. • She has been assigned to the Redhawks of Training Squadron 21 in Kingsville, Texas.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 46

1.115 India and European Union renew their Agreement • Recently, India and European Union have renewed its Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation at the 15th India-EU Summit. • This agreement has been renewed for the next five years (2020-2025). • Aim - Strengthening their collaboration in Science and technology area in the next five years.

1.116 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Supreme Court Building of Mauritius • Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated the new Supreme Court building of Mauritius. • The new Supreme Court building project is one of the five projects being implemented under the ‘Special Economic Package’ of USD 353 million extended by the Government of India to Mauritius in 2016. About Mauritius • Capital: Port Louis • Currency: Mauritian rupee

1.117 300-year-old Kali temple reconstructed with Indian support in Bangladesh • Recently, reconstructed 300-year-old Sree Joykali Matar temple has been inaugurated the Sree at Natore in Bangladesh. • The MoU for the reconstruction of the temple was signed in 2016. • The Government of India has provided a grant assistance of Taka 97 lakh for the reconstruction of the historic temple under its High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP).

1.118 WHO sets up panel to probe its virus response to COVID-19 • Recently, World Health Organization has set up an Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR) to evaluate the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. • It would be co-chaired by former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark and former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. • The panel will stage one mission briefing per month to give updates, while it will present an interim report to the next World Health Assembly gathering in November. • It will understand the truth of what happened and also look towards the solutions to build better future.

1.119 WTO to set up dispute panels against India on Japan, Taiwan’s request • Recently, The World Trade Organization (WTO) has set up two more dispute settlement panels, at the requests of Japan and Chinese Taipei (Taiwan). • It has been set up against import duties on mobile phones and some other ICT products imposed by India. • Japan has argued that the products fall within the scope of the relevant tariff lines for which India has set the bound rate of zero percent (under the IT Agreement)

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 47

1.120 Microsoft to help 25 million people worldwide acquire new digital skills • Recently, Microsoft has announced a new global skills initiative aimed at bringing more digital skills to 25 million people worldwide by the end of 2020. About the initiative • It would be a comprehensive technology initiative build on data and digital technology. • It provides free access to content in LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Learn, and the GitHub Learning Lab along with Microsoft Certifications and LinkedIn job-seeking tools. • The resources can be accessed at a central location, opportunity.linkedin.com, and will be broadly available online in four languages: English, French, German and Spanish.

1.121 Turkmenistan gets observer status in World Trade Organization • Recently, Turkmenistan has been granted Observer status by the World Trade Organization (WTO) General Council. • It has become the last former Soviet republic to establish formal ties with the trade body.

1.122 US formally notifies UN of withdrawal from World Health Organisation • Recently, USA has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization. • It has been leaving WHO because of its 'undue deference to China' and failure to provide accurate information about Covid-19. • The withdrawal process could take at least a year and will be effective from July 6, 2021. Relevance • The U.S. has been the WHO’s largest contributor. • It has allocated $400 million in 2019 for WHO, around 15% of its total budget.

1.123 G-20 virtual meet on digital economy • Recently, Union minister for Information and Technology has participated in G-20 virtual meet on digital economy. • He has discussed that Digital platforms need to be responsive, accountable and sensitive to the concerns of sovereign nations as far as safety, defence and privacy is concerned • Digital Steps taken by India During Lockdown • Aarogya Setu mobile app - Geo-fencing system for monitoring quarantined patients • COVID19 Savdhan - Bulk messaging systems during this meeting.

1.124 WHO launches Covid-19 Law Lab to aggregate legal info from over 190 countries • Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched its Covid-19 Law Lab to gather and share pandemic-related legal documents from over 190 countries across the world. • Aim- To ensure that laws protect the health and well-being of individuals and communities and that they adhere to international human rights standards. • The initiative is meant to help countries establish and implement strong legal frameworks to manage the pandemic.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 48

• It is a joint project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), WHO, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University.

Appointments

1.125 Indra Mani Pandey appointed as India's Permanent Representative to UN • Recently, Indra Mani Pandey has been appointed as India's next Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva. • He is a 1990-batch Indian Foreign Service officer and currently serving as an additional secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). • He has succeeded Rajiv K Chander in Geneva.

1.126 Sahil Seth appointed as honorary adviser for BRICS CCI • Recently, Sahil Seth has been appointed as an honorary adviser to the steering committee for the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) young leaders for the period 2020- 2023. • He is the Deputy Commissioner of Mumbai Customs. • The BRICS CCI is the parent organisation which promotes commerce and industry in the BRICS nations.

1.127 Anandiben Patel appointed as the Governor of MP • Recently, Smt. Anandiben Patel has been appointed as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh. • Presently, she is the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. She has been given the additional charge of the Governor of Madhya Pradesh after the demise of Lal Ji Tandon.

1.128 ADB appoints Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa as new vice-president • Recently, Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa as vice-president for private sector operations and public-private partnerships. • He would be succeeding Diwakar Gupta.

1.129 Government extends NCLAT acting chairperson’s tenure for 3 months • Recently, the government has extended the tenure of National Company Law Appellate Tribunal's (NCLAT) acting chairperson Justice B L Bhat for the next three months. • Justice Bhat was appointed as officiating Chairman of NCLAT after its last Chairman Justice S J Mukhopadhaya was superannuated. About NCLAT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal) • NCLAT was constituted under Section 410 of the Companies Act, 2013. • Objective: For hearing appeals against the orders of National Company Law Tribunal.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 49

Persons in news

1.130 Padma Shri awardee Sonam Tshering Lepcha passed away • Recently, Folk musician and Padma Shri awardee ‘Sonam Tshering Lepcha’ has passed away due to old age ailments. • He was awarded the Padma Shri for his contribution in the field of folk music. He made outstanding efforts to popularise the great Lepcha culture.

1.131 Eminent dancer Amala Shankar passed away • Recently, Eminent dancer and choreographer Amala Shankar has passed away. • She is the wife of legendary dancer-choreographer Uday Shankar and sister-in-law of sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar.

1.132 Former Union Home Secretary Ram Pradhan passed away • Recently, Former Union Home Secretary Ram Pradhan has passed away due to age-related ailments. • He served as the governor of Arunachal Pradesh during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure as Prime Minister. • He played a major role in the signing of the Assam Accord and Mizoram Peace Accord.

1.133 Noted Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan passed away • Recently, noted Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan has passed away due to cardiac arrest. • She was three-time National Award winner and has been credited for choreographing over 2,000 songs.

1.134 Gagandeep Kang quits Translational Health Science and Technology Institute • Recently, Gagandeep Kang has resigned from her position as Executive director in Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad. • She is the first Indian woman to be elected as Fellow, Royal Society, London. • She was also instrumental in the development of Rotavac which was the first vaccine to be made from scratch in India.

1.135 Mathematician C.S. Seshadri passed away • Recently, C.S. Seshadri, one of the leaders of Indian mathematics in the post-Independence era, has passed away. • He was a leader in the field of algebraic geometry. • He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1988 and a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences, USA in 2010. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2009.

1.136 Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon dies at 85 • Recently, Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon passed away at the age of 85 on 21st July 2020. • He died because of chronic liver disease in Mendanta Hospital, Lucknow.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 50

• After his demise U.P. Governor Anandiben Patel took the additional charge of M.P. earlier in July.

1.137 Taiwan's 'Mr. Democracy' Lee Teng-hui dies • Recently, Taiwan’s former President Lee Teng-hui has died. • He is popularly known as “Mr. Democracy,” • He was Taiwan’s first Democratically elected president.

1.138 Pritam Singh becomes Singapore's first Leader of Opposition • Recently, Indian-origin politician Pritam Singh has been designated as the Leader of the Opposition in Singapore. • He has become Singapore’s first Leader of Opposition.

1.139 Kunal Bahl to lead CII’s e-commerce committee • Recently, Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal’s co-founder and CEO) has taken over as the Chairman of CII’s E-Commerce Committee for 2020-21. • Urban Company’s co-founder Abhiraj Bahl will co-chair the committee. • The committee will focus on resolving policy issues that will help accelerate the growth of exports through e-commerce platforms.

1.140 Former CM Y S Rajasekhara Reddy biography released • Recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has released the biography of his father and late Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy. • The biography has been penned by YSR’s wife Y S Vijayalakshmi. • The book has been named as ‘Naalo Naatho’ (With and Within Me: YSR Memoirs).

1.141 Sonu Sood launches app to help migrants find job opportunities • Recently, Actor Sonu Sood has launched a free of cost online platform called ‘Pravasi Rojgar’. • Objective: To offer support to workers in finding right job opportunities in various sectors across the country. • This platform will provide all the necessary information and right linkages to find jobs.

Science and Technology

1.142 IIT Gandhinagar team develops AI-based tool to detect Covid-19 from chest X-ray • Recently, Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar has developed an Artificial Intelligence-based tool to detect COVID-19 from Chest X-ray. • This tool can be used for quick preliminary diagnosis before the medical test. Any user can upload a digital copy of the chest x-ray or CT-scan in standard image formats and check whether he or she is COVID-19 positive or not.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 51

1.143 AIIMS partners IIT-Delhi to launch app for patients needing plasma therapy • Recently, Resident doctors of AIIMS with the help of IIT-Delhi students have developed a mobile application named as ‘COPAL-19’. • It has been developed to track real-time COVID-19 patients in the hospital, who can become potential plasma donors 28 days after recovery along with those who have been discharged. • It has been launched for AIIMS patients primarily for now. But it is an open source code app which people from other institutions can copy and use in their hospitals.

1.144 Microsoft, Accenture collaborate on startup challenge • Recently, a programme of Microsoft, ‘100X100X100’ has collaborated with Accenture to host the 3rd edition of the ‘Accenture Ventures Challenge’ for startups in India. • The annual challenge will recognise startups in India across four categories- Supply chain resilience, Channel shift to digital commerce, Systems resilience and Responsible technology.

1.145 NASA’s Mars rover will honor Covid-19 medical workers • Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced that its next Mars rover would honour medical workers on the frontline battling coronavirus. • The commemorative plate called as ‘Covid-19 Perseverance Plate’ has been attached to the rover.

1.146 Bharat Forge unveils AI-based Health Risk Monitoring System • Recently, Bharat Forge Ltd. (BFL) in collaboration with AI start up Blackstraw has introduced Health Risk Monitoring System (HRMS). • It is an AI based solution that enables companies and institutions to comply with Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines for safe reopening during COVID pandemic. • It is ideal for deploying in areas like educational campuses, hospitals, retail stores, railway stations, airports etc.

1.147 IIT Kanpur develops UV sanitizing device 'SHUDDH' to make a room COVID free • Recently, IIT Kanpur has developed an Ultraviolet (UV) sanitizing product named ‘SHUDDH’. It can disinfect a 10x10 squared feet room in about 15 minutes. • It can assist in killing the spread of corona virus at the highly prone places such as hospitals, hotels, malls, offices and schools.

1.148 DCGI approves first fully indigenously developed Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine • Recently, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has given approval to the first fully indigenously developed Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine. • This vaccine is used for active immunization against invasive disease and pneumonia caused by “Streptococcus pneumonia” in infants. • The vaccine has been developed by Serum Institute of India, Pune.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 52

1.149 India’s first machine to automate manual processes of molecular diagnostic tests launched • Recently, Mylab Discovery Solutions has launched ‘Compact XL’ - India’s first machine to automate the manual processes of molecular diagnostic tests such as RT-PCR tests for Covid- 19. • Compact XL is a compact bench-top machine that will automate lab processes from sample handling to preparing RT-PCR ready tubes.

1.150 Launch of Russia's next-generation Glonass-K Satellite • Recently, it has been announced that Russia's next-generation Glonass-K navigation satellite has been set for launch in August. • It will be launched using the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with the Fregat upper-stage booster. • The Glonass-K satellite is the third Russian navigation satellite of its type. The first Glonass- K satellite was launched in February 2011, while the second one was launched in December 2014.

1.151 IIT Madras-incubated start-up develops a portable hospital unit • Recently, Modulus Housing (IIT Madras-incubated start-up) has developed a portable hospital unit called ‘MediCAB’ that can be installed anywhere within two hours by four people. • It is a decentralized approach to detect, screen, identify, isolate and treat Covid-19 patients in their local communities through these portable microstructures. • It is foldable and is composed of four zones — a doctor’s room, an isolation room, a medical room/ward and a twin-bed ICU, maintained at negative pressure.

1.152 IIT Alumni Council launches MegaTx to enable treatment of Covid-19 • Recently, the IIT Alumni Council has launched MegaTx, which is an initiative to create an indigenous BioTherapeutics ecosystem for safe and effective treatment of Covid-19. • Under the initiative, MegaTx will design systems for mass collection and testing of blood plasma donated by those who have recovered from Covid-19.

1.153 Scientists discover two potentially habitable ‘super-Earths’ • Recently, Scientists have discovered a new multi-planet system 11 light-years away from Earth that offers possibilities of harbouring life. • The planets orbit Gliese 887, a star quite similar to our Sun. • It is a red dwarf star with a mass that is half the sun’s mass and is located 11 light-years from Earth. • The discovery has been made based on data by space telescopes such as the Kepler and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).

1.154 China launches first Mars mission • Recently, China has successfully launched its first Mars mission. • It has been named as Tianwen 1 or Quest for Heavenly Truth 1. • The mission will fulfill three scientific objectives:

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 53

o Orbiting the red planet for comprehensive observation, o Landing on Martian soil o Sending a rover to roam the landing site. • The CNSA has also informed that all of China’s planetary exploration missions in the future would be named on Tianwen series. • It would signify the Chinese nation’s perseverance in pursuing truth and science and exploring nature and the universe.

1.155 Mars Perseverance rover 'go for launch,' says NASA • Recently, NASA has launched its Mars Preservance Rover Mission, launched to seek out signs of ancient microbial life on Mars. • It is NASA's fifth Mars rover. • Perseverance would land at Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021.

1.156 Google builds Grace Hopper • Recently, Google has built a new subsea cable “Grace Hopper.” • The new cable would link the United States with the United Kingdom and Spain and will boost internet speed. • It would be the world’s first submarine cable to use optical fiber switching technology. • The new cable will be equipped with 16 fiber pairs that is jointly owned by Microsoft and Facebook.

1.157 Android malware ‘BlackRock’ • Recently, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued an alert against an Android malware. • It has been named as ‘BlackRock.’ • It has informed that the malware has the potential to “steal” banking and other confidential data of a user.

1.158 Google announces $10 billion India Digitization Fund • Recently, Google has announced India Digitization Fund. • Focus on – Digitizing the economy and building India-first products and services. • Under the Fund, it will invest USD 10 billion (₹75,000 crore) in India over the next five-seven years. • It will be a mix of equity investments, partnerships and operational, infrastructure and ecosystem investments.

1.159 NASA working on ASTHROS Mission • Recently, NASA has started work on a new mission to send a telescope, on a football stadium-sized balloon, high into the stratosphere to observe wavelengths of light invisible from the Earth. • It has been named as “Astrophysics Stratospheric Telescope for High Spectral Resolution Observations at Submillimeter-wavelengths” (ASTHROS).

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 54

• It has been planned to be launched in December 2023 from Antarctica. Key Highlights of the Mission • It will observe far-infrared light or light with wavelengths much longer than what is visible to the human eye at an altitude of about 130,000 feet (40 km). • It will make the first detailed 3D maps of the density, speed, and motion of gas to gain insight into how stellar feedback works.

1.160 DRDO-TITA pact for COVID patient tracking app • Recently, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Telangana Information Technology Association (TITA) have joined hands to implement an automated management of patient’s software SAMPARC for COVID-19. • SAMPARC stands for Smart Automated Management of Patients and Risks.

1.161 IIT - Guwahati develops Biofuel from non-edible waste seeds • Recently, a team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) has developed an innovative method to produce Biofuel from non-edible waste seeds. • Their research focusing on the “low-cost pyrolyzer” they designed to derive the biofuels using certain catalysts pubs also been lished in at least four journals such as Bioresource Technology and Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis.

1.162 NASA’s Cassini mission finds evidence of ‘space volcanoes’ on Saturn’s moon • Recently, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Cassini mission to Saturn has found evidence of explosive volcanic eruptions on Saturn’s moon Titan. • The study also suggests that this volcanic activity seems to be rather recent and is possibly active even today. About Cassini • Cassini is an orbiter that observed Saturn and its moons for years.

1.163 United Arab Emirates launches mission to Mars • Recently, the United Arab Emirates has launched its first mission to Mars namely “Hope Probe mission”. It is also known as Al-Amal or Emirates Mars Mission. • It is the first West Asian and Arab nation to embark on a first-ever interplanetary space mission to Mars. • This mission will be the first to study both Martian climate viz. diurnal (daily) and seasonal cycles. • It was launched from Tanegashima Space Centre, Japan atop a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H- IIA rocket.

1.164 IITH, NVIDIA to establish joint AI research centre • Recently, The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) has collaborated with NVIDIA. • It has collaborated to establish India’s first ‘NVIDIA AI Technology Centre’ (NVAITC). • It will focus on advancing AI research in the areas of agriculture and Smart Cities besides Language Understanding.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 55

• It would accelerate research on Artificial Intelligence and its commercial adoption. • The colloboration will bring synergy to help find solutions to uniquely Indian challenges. Relevance • Telangana government has announced 2020 as the ‘Year of AI’.

Days in news

1.165 National Doctor’s Day 2020 observed • National Doctor's Day is celebrated on 1st of July in India every year. • This day honors doctors across the country for their relentless service throughout the year. • Theme of National Doctor's Day 2020: 'Lessen the mortality of COVID-19'

1.166 National Chartered Accountants Day 2020 observed • National Chartered Accountants Day or CA Day is celebrated on July 1 every year. • This day is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) by the parliament of India in 1949.

1.167 Mizoram celebrates 34th anniversary of Mizo peace accord • Recently, the 34th anniversary of the signing of the historic Mizo peace accord was celebrated on 30th June. • The peace accord was signed between the Union government and the Mizo National Front (MNF) on 30th June in 1986. The state government has declared public holiday for government offices and educational institutions to mark the day.

1.168 World Zoonoses Day observed • World Zoonoses Day is observed on July 6 every year to commemorate the scientific achievement of administering first vaccination against a zoonotic disease. • On this day in 1885, Louis Pasteur successfully administered the first vaccine against Rabies virus. • Zoonoses are infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites that spread between animals and humans.

1.169 National Fish Farmers Day 2020 celebrated • National Fish Farmers Day is celebrated on 10th July every year. • This day is celebrated in remembrance of scientists Dr. K. H. Alikunhi and Dr. H.L. Chaudhury who demonstrated the technology of induced breeding in Indian Major Carps. • At the event, it was announced that National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in collaboration with the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) will take up the work to establish “Fish Cryobanks” in different parts of the country. • Fish Cryobanks will facilitate all time availability of ‘fish sperms’ of desired species to fish farmers.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 56

1.170 National Broadcasting Day observed on 23rd July • National Broadcasting Day is observed on 23rd July every year all over India. • On this day in 1927, the first-ever radio broadcast in the country went on the air from the Bombay Station under the Indian Broadcasting Company.

1.171 PM greets CRPF personnel on 82nd Raising Day • Raising Day is celebrated on 27th July every year. • This year the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has greeted the CRPF personnel on the 82nd Raising Day.

1.172 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons • Recently, World Day Against Trafficking in Person has been observed on 30th July 2020. • The 2020 theme has focused on the first responders to human trafficking. • The first responders include, the people who work in different sectors - identifying, supporting, counselling and seeking justice for victims of trafficking, and challenging the impunity of the traffickers.

1.173 International Day of Cooperatives 2020 • International Day of Cooperatives has been observed every year on the first Saturday of July. • Aim - To increase awareness of cooperatives and highlight the contributions of the cooperative movement to resolving the major problems addressed by the United Nations. • Theme – “Cooperatives For Climate Action.”

1.174 Union Health minister participates in 2nd Empathy e-Conclave on “World Hepatitis Day” • Recently, Union Health Minister has participated in 2nd Empathy e-Conclave on “World Hepatitis Day”. • Theme of Conclave- “Keep your Liver Safe in COVID times” • Organized by – Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in collaboration with Airport Authority of India (AAI). About World Hepatitis Day • It is celebrated every year on 28th July 2020. • Theme – “Hepatitis Free Future”

Defence in news

1.175 33 new fighter jets for IAF approved • Recently, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved deals worth ₹38,900 crore. • This includes procurement of 21 MiG-29 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), upgrade of 59 of them and acquirement of 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft.

1.176 Indian Coast Guard & Indonesia Coast Guard sign MoU to boost maritime relations • Recently, a MoU has been signed between the Indian Coast Guard and Indonesia Coast Guard. Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 57

• This will enhance collaborative and cooperative engagements in the domains of maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue and marine pollution response. • It is a significant step towards bolstering the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Indonesia.

1.177 Indian Air Force SASOs’ Conference held • Recently, Indian Air Force Senior Air Staff Officers’ (SASOs’) Conference was held through video conferencing. • It is held bi-annually, wherein pointed discussions take place towards operational capability enhancements, focused training to tackle contemporary challenges with available assets and automation efforts in the IAF.

1.178 IAF gets last of 5 Apache attack helicopters from Boeing • Recently, the last 5 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters has been delivered to Indian Air Force (IAF) by US Aerospace Company Boeing. • These helicopters were part of a deal that was signed by Indian Government & Boeing in the year 2015 to deliver 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.

1.179 Indian Air Force Commanders’ Conference 2020 held • Recently, the Air Force Commanders’ Conference (AFCC) was conducted at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) in New Delhi. • The theme of the conference was "IAF in the Next Decade". • The conference was chaired by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.

1.180 Defence Ministry delegates capital procurement powers to Armed Forces • Recently, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) delegated the powers for progressing urgent Capital Acquisition Cases upto Rs 300 crores to the Armed Forces to meet their emergent operational requirements. • This will shrink the procurement timelines and ensure placement of orders within six months and commencement of deliveries within one year.

1.181 Indian Navy holds passage exercise with 'USS Nimitz' carrier group • Recently, Indian naval ships have conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the United States Navy’s USS Nimitz carrier strike group. • This exercise took place near the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) islands.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 58

1.182 Induction of Rafale in Indian Air Force • Recently, the first five Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale aircraft have arrived at Air Force Station, Ambala. • The aircraft will be a part of 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows”, which was resurrected on 10 Sep 19. • The aircraft got airborne from Dassault Aviation Facility, Merignac, France.

1.183 India, Indonesia Defence Ministers Dialogue held • Recently, Defence Ministers Dialogue between India and Indonesia was held in New Delhi. • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the Indian delegation while the Indonesian delegation was led by their Defence Minister General Prabowo Subianto. • Both the Ministers agreed to further enhance the bilateral defence cooperation in mutually agreed areas.

1.184 DRDO launches ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ contest • Recently, Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has launched its innovation contest ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ on the 5th death anniversary of former President and noted scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. • Aim - The scheme is being launched for emerging technologies to promote the individuals & startups for innovation in defense and aerospace technologies in the country under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’.

1.185 India to boost Rafale capabilities with HAMMER missiles • Indian Air Force has decided to boost the capabilities of the combat aircraft by equipping it with the HAMMER missiles from France. • HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a medium-range air-to-ground weapon designed and manufactured for the French Air Force and Navy initially.

1.186 Conference on Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Technologies • Recently, 5th edition of the conference on Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Technologies has taken place. • Theme - Empowering India with ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Mission’. • Organized by - Tamil Nadu Technology Development & Promotion Centre (TNTDPC), Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

1.187 DRDO establishes COVID-19 Testing Facility at DIHAR • Recently, DRDO has established a COVID-19 testing facility Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh. • Objective: To enhance the rate of testing to identify the Corona cases in the Union Territory of Ladakh. • The facility meets the safety standards and guidelines of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 59

Sports

1.188 'Fit India Talks' to inspire school children launched • Recently, India’s flagship program ‘Fit India’ has launched a series of interactive sessions with some of the top sportspersons of our country intended to inspire the school children – ‘Fit India Talks’. • These sessions are being organized in association with the Sports Authority of India and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

1.189 G Akash becomes India’s 66th Chess Grandmaster • Recently, G Akash has become India’s 66th Chess Grandmaster. His title was confirmed at the second council meet of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). • He won the national title in 2012 and earned the International Master title subsequently. • Along with him, Ameya Audi of Goa has earned International Master title.

1.190 IPL 2020 to take place in UAE • Recently, Union government has given approval to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to conduct IPL 2020 in United Arab Emirates (UAE). • It will start in the month of September 2020.

1.191 Lewis Hamilton wins 8th Hungarian Grand Prix • Recently, Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has won the Hungarian Grand Prix for the eighth time. • Now, he has become equal to Michael Schumacher’s record of winning French Grand Prix 8 times.

1.192 ICC launches Super League qualification pathway for 2023 ODI World Cup • Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched the ODI Super League. • It is a qualifier for the 2023 World Cup in India that aims to add context to the 50-over format. • Host India and the next top seven teams in the Super League will automatically qualify for the World Cup.

1.193 IOC postpones Dakar Youth Olympics by 4 years to 2026 • Recently, the International Olympic Committee has postponed the 2022 Dakar Youth Olympics by four year to 2026. • It has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Dakar Youth Olympics –

• The 2026 Summer Youth Olympics, officially known as the IV Summer Youth Olympic Games and commonly known as Dakar 2022 or Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics. • It will be the fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympics, an international sports, education and cultural festival for teenagers, in a city designated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 60

1.194 Haryana to host the 4th edition of Khelo India Youth Games • Recently, Government has announced that Haryana will host the fourth edition of Khelo India Youth Games. • The Games will be held in Panchkula in Haryana. • Note - Khelo India Youth Games is a part of the revamped national programme for development of sports, Khelo India.

Environment

1.195 Wildlife researchers rediscover ‘Ypthima watsoni’ butterfly after 61 years • Recently, a team of wildlife researchers has rediscovered ‘Ypthima watsoni’ butterfly after 61 years in North Tripura district. • It is commonly known as ‘Looped three-ring’ butterfly. It was last seen in the year 1958 in Manipur.

1.196 Himalayan butterfly Golden Birdwing is India’s largest butterfly after 88 years • Recently, the Himalayan butterfly named ‘Golden Birdwing’ has become the largest butterfly in India. It has surpassed the ‘Southern Birdwing’ after 88 years. • The female species of the Golden Birdwing has a wingspan of 194 mm that is 4 mm larger than that of the Southern Birdwing.

1.197 ‘Avian census’ in Pathanamthitta • The avian census under the Pathanamthitta edition of the Kerala Bird Atlas would be completed by September 2020. About Kerala Bird Atlas • Aim - To obtain information on an annual basis of the water bird population in wetlands in the region during the non-breeding period of most species (January). • Kerala has become the first State in India to conduct a Bird Atlas. • The survey for the atlas has begun in 2015

1.198 Sankalp Parv: Culture Minister planted trees in Qila Rai Pithora, National Archives of India in Delhi • Recently, Culture Minister has planted trees in Qila Rai Pithora and the National Archives of India in Delhi. • He has planted the trees under Sankalp Parv that has taken place from 28th June to 12th July 2020. • He has recommended planting five trees which represent the herbal heritage of India. o Bargad o Awla o Pepal o Ashok o Bel Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 61

1.199 Liberia becomes 100th nation to ratify Kigali Amendment • Recently, Liberia has become the 100th nation to ratify the Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protcol. About Kigali Amendment • The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is an international agreement to gradually reduce the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). • It is a legally binding international agreement. About Montreal Protocol • The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty signed in 1987 to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion.

1.200 Tiger Census 2018 • Recently, Union Environment Minister has released the detailed report of Tiger Census 2018 on the eve of Global Tiger Day. Key Findings of Tiger Census of 2018 • It has been the fourth tiger Census. • India has 70 percent of world’s tiger population. • The total count of tigers has risen to 2,967 from 2,226 in 2014 — an increase of 741 individuals (aged more than one year), or 33%, in four years. • India has achieved the target of doubling the tiger count four years ahead of the deadline of 2022. About Tiger Census • It is conducted after every four years. • The first Tiger Census was conducted in 2006. • Conducted by - National Tiger Conservation Authority. About World Tiger Day • It has been observed on 29th July 2020.

1.201 India’s Tiger Census sets a New Guinness Record for being the world’s largest camera trap wildlife survey • Recently, The fourth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation 2018 has entered the Guinness World Record for being the world’s largest camera trap wildlife survey. • India has been home to nearly 75% of the global tiger population. • It has fulfilled its resolve of doubling tiger numbers, made at St. Petersburg in 2010, much before the target year of 2022. Key Highlights of the Tiger Census • India has an estimated 2967 tigers. • Out of total, 2461 individual tigers have been photo captured, a whopping 83 % of the tiger population, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the survey. All India Tiger Estimation • The All India Tiger Estimation has been done quadrennially.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 62

• It has been conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority with technical backstopping from the Wildlife Institute of India. • Implemented by – State Forest Departments and partners.

1.202 Union Environment minister applauds KURMA mobile app towards conservation of Indian turtles • Recently, Union Environment has applauded the KURMA mobile application as a unique tool for tracking and reporting Indian turtles. About KURMA App

• It provides users the database to identify a species and also provides the location of the nearest rescue centre for turtles across India. • It was launched on 23rd May 2020 on the occasion of World Turtle Day. • Developed by –Indian Turtle Conservation Action Network (ITCAN) in collaboration with the Turtle Survival Alliance-India and Wildlife Conservation Society-India.

1.203 PM unveil Asia's largest solar plant in Madhya Pradesh • Recently, Prime Minister of India has unveiled Asia's largest 750 MW Rewa ultra mega solar plant in Madhya Pradesh. About Rewa Solar Project • It is largest single-site solar power plants in India. • It comprises three solar generating units of 250 MW each located on a 500-hectare plot of land inside a solar park with a total area of 1500 hectare. • It is the first renewable energy project to supply to an institutional customer outside the state, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. • Developed by - Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL), a joint venture company of Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (MPUVN) and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a central public sector undertaking. • It will help to reaffirms India’s commitment towards achieving the target of 175 Gigawatt (GW) installed renewable energy capacity by 2022.

1.204 3-MW solar plant inaugurated at INA • Recently, a 3-MW solar power plant has been inaugurated at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala. • This solar plant is the largest established by the Indian Navy. The project was executed by the Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (KELTRON). • This is in line with the Central government’s initiative for achieving 100 GW of solar power by 2022.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 63

Awards

1.205 Avni Doshi on 2020 Booker Prize longlist • Recently, Indian-origin author Avni Doshi has been among the 13 authors longlisted for the prestigious 2020 Booker Prize. • She has been shotlisted for her debut novel “Burnt Sugar”. • The novel was released in India as “Girl in White Cotton.” • She has been named alongside double Booker winner Hilary Mantel for The Mirror and The Light. Background • The 2019 Booker Prize for Fiction was jointly won by ‘The Testaments’ by Margaret Atwood and ‘Girl, Woman, Other’ by Bernardine Evaristo.

1.206 Pritam Rani Siwach nominated for Dronacharya award • Recently, Pritam Rani Siwach has been recommended for the Dronacharya award. • She is Former India captain and one of India's best hockey forwards. • She has been nominated by Indian Railways. About Dronacharya Award • The Dronacharya Award is sports coaching honour of the Republic of India.

1.207 Two renowned Indian-Americans honoured by prestigious American foundation • Recently, Siddhartha Mukherjee and Prof. Raj Shetty have been named among the ‘2020 Great Immigrants honourees by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. • They have been contributing towards the efforts of mitigating the COVID health crisis. • Siddhartha Mukherjee is a Pulitzer winning author and oncologist and Raj Chetty is a Professor of Economics at Harvard University.

1.208 Indian author Kritika Pandey wins 2020 Commonwealth Short Story Prize • Recently, Indian author Kritika Pandey has been declared as the overall winner of the 2020 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. • She has won the award for her story ‘The Great Indian Tee and Snakes’. • She is a resident of Ranchi, Jharkhand.

1.209 DDS wins Monaco Foundation Award • Recently, the Deccan Development Society (DDS) has won the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Award for its help in promoting biodiversity and support farming in degraded lands. • This award is given to organisations with a deep commitment to preserving the planet. • Deccan Development Society is a non-governmental organisation working with women farmers.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 64

1.210 Greta Thunberg wins the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity • Recently, Climate activist Greta Thunberg awarded the first edition of Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. • She was awarded this prize for Humanity for the way she has been able to mobilise younger generations for the cause of climate change. • She has donated all the prize money through her foundation, to different organizations and projects that are working to help people on the front line, affected by the climate crisis and ecological crises. About Gulbenkian Prize – • The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, awarded annually, in the amount of 1 million euros. • Aim - To recognise people, groups of people and/or organisations from all over the world whose contributions to mitigation and adaptation to climate change stand out for its novelty, innovation and impact.

1.211 IIST scientist wins CSIR award • Recently, Suraj Soman has won the CSIR Young Scientist Award in the Chemical Sciences category. • He has won the award for his work on Dye-Sensitised solar cells (DSC). • He has been working as a scientist with the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Pappanamcode. About Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells • It is a technology built for indoor photovoltaics and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). • It works in low, artificial or indirect light, making it ideal for indoor use.

1.212 Kala Narayanasamy conferred with Singapore President’s Award • Recently, Kala Narayanasamy has been conferred with the President’s Award for Nurses for serving on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore. • She is the Deputy Director of Nursing at Woodlands Health Campus and has been awarded for using infection control practices.

1.213 MoES has Announced various Awards • Recently, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has announced various awards -

Name of the Award Recipients Life Time Excellence Award Professor Ashok Sahni National Award for Ocean Science & technology Dr. V. V. S. S. Sarma and Dr. M. Ravichandran National Award for Atmospheric Science & Dr. S. Suresh Babu technology National award for Geoscience & technology N. V. Chalapathi Rao National Award for Ocean Technology Dr. M. A. Atmanand Anna Mani award for woman scientist Dr. Lidita D. S. Khandeparker, Young Researcher Awards Dr. Indra Sekhar Sen and Dr. Arvind Singh

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 65

1.214 ICAR-NAARM bags four National awards • Recently, the National Academy of Agriculture Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad, bagged four prizes at the 92nd foundation day and award ceremony of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). 1. The Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award – o Purpose – For outstanding Research in Agricultural Sciences 2019 under Natural Resources Management & Agricultural Engineering category. o Recipient – Dr.Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, NAARM. 2. Swamy Sahajananda Saraswati - o Purpose - Outstanding Extension Scientist Award o Recipient - Dr B.S. Sontakki

1.215 NTPC wins prestigious CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2019 • Recently, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has won the prestigious Confederation of Indian Industry (CII-ITC) Sustainability Award 2019. • It has won the award under Outstanding Accomplishment in Corporate Excellence Category.

1.216 Namami Gange project grabs ‘Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2020’ • Recently, this year the Namami Gange project has been included in the prestigious ‘Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2020’. • The objective of the National Mission for Clean Ganga is not limited only to the ‘Nirmalta’ and ‘Aviralta’ of the Ganga. • Under this mission the Government is also working on the contours of Arth Ganga so that a sustainable socioeconomic zone is developed around the Ganga and its tributaries, that will give a boost to the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ campaign.”

1.217 Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has received SKOCH Gold Award • Recently, Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has received SKOCH Gold Award for its “Empowerment of Tribals through IT enabled Scholarship Schemes” project of Scholarship Divison of the Ministry. • The 66th SKOCH 2020 Competition has been entitled “INDIA RESPONDS TO COVID THROUGH DIGITAL GOVERNANCE” and MoTA chose to participate in DIGITAL INDIA & E-GOVERNANCE - 2020 Competition.

Visit: www.civilstaphimachal.com For Any Query Mail us: [email protected] or call us at - (+91)-7814622609 66