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Q1. Which state has recently signed an MoU with NITI Aayog for enhancement of the learning outcome of students?
Assam
Sikkim
Uttar Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh
D. Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh govt inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NITI Aayog on the enhancement of the learning outcome of students across 3,000 plus government schools in the state.
The MoU is a three-year partnership (2022 – 25) focusing over two lakh children. The school education transformation project is under NITI Aayog’s Development Support Services for States (DSSS) initiative.
Q2. Who has been elected as the 14th Vice President of India?
Om Prakash Kohli
Jagdeep Dhankhar
Margaret Alva
Droupadi Murmu
B. Jagdeep Dhankhar
Jagdeep Dhankhar has won India’s Vice Presidential election 2022, defeating Opposition candidate Margaret Alva.
Dhankhar has served as a Minister of state for Parliamentary Affairs in the Janata Dal government. He became the Governor of West Bengal in July 2019.
Q3. ‘The Crafts Village scheme’ is an initiative launched by which Union Ministry?
Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
Union Ministry of Tourism
Union Ministry of Textiles
Union Ministry of MSME
C. Union Ministry of Textiles
‘The Crafts Village scheme’ aims to develop handicrafts as a sustainable livelihood option for artisans in the clusters. It is an initiative of Union Textiles Ministry for ‘Linking Textile with Tourism’.
It aims to promote craft and tourism by providing infrastructure support to handicraft clusters. Eight craft villages are selected under the scheme. They are Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Vadaj (Gujarat), Naini (Uttar Pradesh), Raghurajpur (Odisha), Anegundi (Karnataka), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Taj Ganj (Uttar Pradesh) and Amer (Rajasthan).
Q4. Which is the first aircraft carrier to be built in India?
INS Vikramaditya
INS Vikrant
INS Vishal
INS Kadamba
B. INS Vikrant
INS Vikrant, also known as Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1 (IAC-1), is an aircraft carrier constructed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Indian Navy.
It is the first aircraft carrier to be built in India. It is named ‘Vikrant’ as a tribute to India’s first aircraft carrier, Vikrant (R11).
26 MiG-29K fighter jets, 4 Kamov Ka-31 helicopters, 2 HAL Dhruv NUH utility helicopters and 4 MH-60R multi-role helicopters shall be flying from INS Vikrant aircraft carrier.
It is 262 metres long, 62 metres wide, 59 metres height, top speed 28 knots, cruising speed 18 knots, endurance 7,500 nautical mile, 2,300 compartments, crew of 1700 people, dedicated hospital complex, specialized cabins for women officers, two football grounds sized flight decks, eight kilometres long corridors, its eight power generators can lighten up a city of 2 million people.
The total cost of the project was approximately ₹23,000 crore at the time of first sea trials.
Q5. Who has been named as the new MD and CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE)?
Madhabi Puri Buch
S. K. Mohanty
Ananta Barua
Ashish Chauhan
D. Ashish Chauhan
Market regulator SEBI has named Ashish Chauhan as the new MD and CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
Ashish Chauhan is currently the MD and CEO of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Q6. ‘Chabahar Port’ is located in which country?
Afghanistan
Pakistan
Kazakhstan
Iran
D. Iran
Chabahar Port is a strategic port located in Iran and is the commercial transit centre for the Central Asian region.
‘Chabahar Day’ is celebrated to mark the beginning of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) – an Indian vision to economise movement of cargo between India and Central Asia.
Q7. Rakhigarhi, an ancient site, have been identified for the ‘National importance’ tag. It is located in which state?
Jammu & Kashmir
Haryana
Punjab
Gujarat
B. Haryana
Twenty heritage sites, including ancient mounds at Haryana’s Rakhigarhi have been identified for the ‘National importance’ tag.
The other sites include Anangtal in Delhi,rock painting at Chintakunta, Andhra Pradesh; rock art site Murgi at Rdanag, Leh; Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Himachal Pradesh among others.
Q8. As per the updated ‘Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)’ submitted by to UNFCCC, India to
Reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level
Achieve 50 percent electric power from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030
Achieve forest cover of 40 percent by 2030
A and B
D. A and B
The Union Cabinet has approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. As per the updated NDC, India now stands committed to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level and achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
The NDCs are to be communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). India last submitted its NDC in the year 2015.
Q9. World’s largest floating solar power plant is set to be built In which state?
Tamil Nadu
Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
Gujarat
C. Madhya Pradesh
World’s largest floating solar power plant is going to be built in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa.
The plant is expected to generate 600 Megawatt power by 2022-23 and is estimated to be worth over Rs 3000 crores. At present, India’s largest floating solar power project is operational at Ramagundam in Telangana, being operated by NTPC.
Q10. ‘Yudh Abhyas’ military exercise is conducted between India and which country?
France
Japan
USA
China
C. USA
India and the US will conduct a mega military exercise named ‘Yudh Abhyas’ from October 14 to 31, 2022, at Auli in Uttarakhand.
The last edition of the exercise took place in October 2021 in Alaska in the US.
In June 2016, the US designated India a ‘Major Defence Partner’.
Q11. Which organization manages the repo rate in India?
Securities and Exchange Board of India
Reserve Bank of India
Union Finance Minister of India
State Bank of India
B. Reserve Bank of India
Q12. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary, which were recently declared as Ramsar sites, are located in which state?
Kerala
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Tamil Nadu
D. Tamil Nadu
75 Ramsar Sites in India in the 75th Year of Independence (2022).
In the country’s 75th year of independence, India’s total Ramsar Sites reaches to 75 sites spanning a total area of 13,26,677 hectares.
As of Aug 2022, Tamil Nadu has the most Ramsar sites in India (14), followed by the state of Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites.
Goa, Karnataka and Mizoram got their First Ramsar Sites in this year.
The 10 new sites include Six sites in Tamil Nadu including Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary and One each in Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
Q13. Who chairs the Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog?
Prime Minister of India
President of India
CEO of NITI Aayog
Finance Minister of India
A. Prime Minister of India
Q14. Logistics Data Bank (LDB) has recently achieved a milestone of handling 50 million EXIM containers. It is associated with which Ministry?
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Ministry of Railways
Ministry of MSME
A. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
NLDSL-NICDC Logistics Data Bank (LDB Project) has achieved a milestone of handling 50 million EXIM containers.
NICDC stands for National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation. LDB handles 100% per cent of India’s EXIM container volume. It uses RFID technology through Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and Cloud-based solution for real-time tracking of EXIM container movement.
Q15. ‘Donyi Polo Airport’ is located in which state?
Assam
Sikkim
Mizoram
Arunachal Pradesh
D. Arunachal Pradesh
The state government of Arunachal Pradesh has given the name of ‘Donyi Polo Airport’ to its third airport, which is under construction in Itanagar.
It is the only airport in the capital city and third in the state after Pasighat and Tezu airports.
Assam government launched Vidya Rath-School on Wheels’ Project
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched Vidya Rath-School on Wheels project. The project aimed at providing a learning opportunity to the less fortunate children in the city.
About Vidya Rath-School project
The Vidya Rath-School on Wheels will reportedly provide access to elementary education to underprivileged children for 10 months. After 10 months, the children will be integrated into the conventional system of education.
Students will be provided free mid-day meals, uniforms and textbooks under the project.
Arunachal’s Third Airport Named ‘Donyi Polo Airport’
The third airport in Arunachal Pradesh, which is now under construction in Itanagar, has been given the name “Donyi Polo Airport” by the Arunachal Pradesh administration.
Key Points
The “Donyi Polo Airport” in Itanagar would be Arunachal Pradesh`s third airport after Pasighat and Tezu airports
In the state’s tribal language, Donyi means Sun and Polo means Moon.
The airport, about 15 km from the State capital, is built at a cost of ₹645 crore under the Centre’s Capital Connectivity Scheme.
The Airport Authority of India has undertaken a Rs 650-crore project to develop the airport to boost air connectivity in the mountainous areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ‘Panch Pran’ goal for the next 25 years
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the 9th consecutive time from the Red Fort on August 15, 2022.
During the 88-minute speech, PM set a “Panch Pran Targets” (Five Resolves) to turn India into a developed nation in the next 25 years, when India will celebrate its 100th Independence Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spelt out the five pledges as a resolve for a developed India; move forward with bigger resolves and resolve of a developed India; removing any trace of the colonial mindset; taking pride in our legacy; our strength of unity; fulfilling the duties of citizens, which include the prime minister and chief ministers as well.
Panch Pran: India’s developed standards
Cleanliness campaigns, vaccinations, electrical connections, the elimination of open defecation, and the usage of solar energy are all examples of established India standards according to the Panch Pran.
Gender equality, India First and respect for women are symbols of our unity and solidarity.
The example of freedom from the thought of slavery is the new national education policy, which is the way to get rid of the thinking of slavery.
Fulfillment of duties like saving electricity, full use of water available in the fields, chemical-free farming prepares the way for the progress of the country.
Mandla becomes India’s first fully ‘functionally literate’ district
Madhya Pradesh’s tribal-dominated Mandla region has become the first fully “functionally literate” district in the country.
Mandla is the first district of India to reach this mark, where people were able to write their names, read and count.
Key Points
To make people functionally literate, a major campaign was launched on Independence Day 2020, in association with the school education department, Anganwadi & social workers, women and child development department, to educate women and senior citizens.
With this campaign, the entire district has turned into a functionally literate district, within two years.
During the 2011 survey, the literacy rate in Mandla district was 68%. Another report of 2020 highlights that, more than 2.25 lakh people in this district were not literate, most of them were tribals from forest areas.
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu launched ‘Medicine from the Sky’ project
The Arunachal government successfully launched its first flight of drone service – ‘medicine from the sky’ from Seppa to Chayang Tajo in East Kameng district.
The pilot project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and executed by Bengaluru-based startup Redwing Labs.
The objective of this project is to provide a clear picture on operational issues, financial feasibility and regulatory issues, based on which our govt shall make a policy and take steps for phased adoption of this emerging technology.
Meghalaya will host 2nd edition of the North East Olympics
Meghalaya will host the upcoming 2nd edition of the North East Olympics from October 30th to November 6th in Shillong.
This edition of the Games will be special as Meghalaya is celebrating the 50th year of its Statehood.
In this edition, about 4,000 participants from eight North Eastern States will be competing in 18 disciplines at 13 venues spread across Shillong.
Participants will be competing in disciplines, such as archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, football, judo, karate, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, wushu, cycling (Mountain Bike), golf, weightlifting and wrestling.
The first edition of the Games was held in Manipur in 2018, with 12 disciplines.
India adds 11 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites
India has added 11 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites, taking the total Ramsar sites in India to 75 covering an area of 13,26,677 hectares in the country.
Key Points
The 11 new sites include: Four sites in Tamil Nadu, Three in Odisha, Two in Jammu & Kashmir and One each in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Designation of these sites would help in the conservation and management of wetlands and wise use of their resources.
During 1982 to 2013, a total of 26 sites were added to the list of Ramsar sites, however, during 2014 to 2022, the country has added 49 new wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites.
In the year 2022, a total of 28 sites have been declared as Ramsar sites.
Tamil Nadu leads the charge with a total of 14 Ramsar Sites followed by Uttar Pradesh which has 10.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launches SMILE-75 initiative
Recently, the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched SMILE-75 (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise).initiative to address the persisting problem of destitution and beggary.
This initiative has been started as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
About the SMILE 75-Initiative
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has also allocated a total budget of Rs.100 crore for the SMILE project for the coming years till 2025-26.
The objective of SMILE- 75 is to make our cities/towns and municipal areas begging-free and make a strategy for comprehensive rehabilitation of the persons engaged in the act of begging through the coordinated action of various stakeholders.
Under this initiative, 75 Municipal Corporations in collaboration with NGOs and other stakeholders will cover several comprehensive welfare measures for persons who are engaged in the act of begging with a focus extensively on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counselling, awareness, education, skill development, economic linkages and convergence with other Government welfare programmes etc.
It seeks to develop a support mechanism for holistic rehabilitation of those engaged in the act of begging.
Agasthiyamalai Elephant Reserve became the fifth elephant reserve in Tamil Nadu
Recently, The Tamil Nadu State government notified Agasthiyamalai Elephant Reserve as the fifth elephant reserve at Agathiyamalai in Tirunelveli district.
The Agasthiyamalai Elephant Reserve will be spread across 1,197.48 sq.km of land and will cover Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli areas.
According to the notification, the forest areas of Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and Kanniyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary in Agasthyamalai landscape constitute the most important habitats of Asian elephants in the southernmost part of the western ghats.
The declaration of Agasthyamalai region as the 5th Elephant Reserve in the state to put more emphasis on protection and conservation of Elephants within a healthy ecosystem.
Designation of the area as a dedicated reserve forest will also provide connectivity of the elephant migratory paths in the landscape through proper research and effective management.
Shashi Tharoor has been selected for France’s highest civilian Legion of Honour
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has been selected for France’s highest civilian award Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur.
The French government is honouring him for his writings and speeches and the French Ambassador here Emmanuel Lenain has written to Tharoor informing him about the award.
In 2010, Tharoor had received a similar honour from the Spanish government, when the King of Spain had bestowed upon him the Encomienda de la Real Order Espanola de Carlos III.
Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.
It is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil.
Commonwealth Games 2022 took place in Birmingham, the United Kingdom from 28 July to 8 August 2022. India is participating for the 18th time in the Commonwealth Games.
India ranked 4th in the Commonwealth Games 2022 Medal Tally with 61 medals. India won 22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze medals.
Australia topped the tally with 178 medals (67 gold, 57 silver, 54 bronze) followed by England who collected 173 medals (56 gold, 64 silver, 53 bronze). Canada finished third with 26 gold, 32 silver and 34 bronze for a total of 92 medals.
Gold medal winners for India in Commonwealth Games 2022
Mirabai Chanu-Weightlifter-Women’s 49 kg
Jeremy Lalrinnunga-Weightlifter-Men’s 67 kg
Anchita Sheuli-Weightlifter-Men’s 37 kg
Indian Women Lawn Bowls Team-Lawn Bowls-Women’s Fours Team
22.Satwik Sairaj Rankireddi and Chirag Shetty -Badminton-Men’s Double
List of Indian Silver Medal Winners in Commonwealth Games 2022
Bindyarani Devi-Weightlifting-women’s 55 kg
Sanket Mahadev Sargar-Weightlifting-men’s 55kg
Judoka Sushila-Judo- Women’s 48 kg
Vikas Thakur-Weightlifting- men’s 96kg
Badminton Mixed Team-badminton-Mixed team event
Tulika Mann-Judo-Women’s 78 kg
Murali Sreeshankar-Athletics-Men’s long jump
Anshu Malik-Wrestling-women’s 57 kg final
Priyanka Goswami-Race Walk-10,000m event
Avinash Sable-Athletics-men’s 3000m steeplechase
Indian Men Lawn Bowls team-Lawn Bowls- men’s fours team
Abdulla Aboobacker-Athletics-Men’s Triple Jump
Sharath-Sathiyan-Table Tennis- men’s doubles
Women’s Cricket Team-Cricket-women’s cricket final
Sagar Ahlawat-Boxing- men’s 92+ kg category
Indian Men’s Hockey Team-Hockey-Men’s Hockey
List of Indian Bronze Medal Winners in Commonwealth Games 2022
Gururaja Poojary-Weightlifting-Men’s 61 kg weight category
Vijay Kumar Yadav-Judo-Men’s 60-kg class
Harjinder Kaur-Weightlifting-women’s 71 kg
Lovepreet Singh-Weightlifting- men’s 109 kg category
Saurav Ghosal-Squash-Men’s Singles
Gurdeep Singh-Weightlifting-Men’s 109 kg category
Tejaswin Shankar-Athletics-men’s high jump
Divya Kakran-Wrestling-Women’s 68 kg
Mohit Grewal-Wrestling-Men’s freestyle 125 kg
Deepak Nehra-Wrestling-Men’s 97 kg category
Pooja Gehlot-Wrestling-Women’s Freestyle 50 kg category
Pooja Sihag-Wrestling-Women’s 76 kg category
Mohammed Hussamuddin-Boxing-Men’s 57kg featherweight category
Rohit Tokas-Boxing-Men’s 67kg Welterweight
Sonalben Manubhai Patel-Table Tennis-women’s singles class 3-5 16.
Jaismine Lamboria-Boxing- women’s lightweight (60 kg)
Indian Women Hockey Team-Hockey-Women’s Hockey
Sandeep Kumar-Athletics- Men’s 10,000 m racewalk
Annu Rani-Javelin-women’s Javelin Throw event
Tressa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand-Badminton-Young Women’s Doubles pair
Saurav Ghosal and Dipika Pallikal-Squash- Squash Mixed Doubles-
G. Sathiyan-Table Tennis-Men’s Singles
Kidambi Srikanth-badminton-Men’s Singles
Indo-US Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Vajra Prahar 2022
The 13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022” began at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh Himachal Pradesh.
The Vajra Prahar series of joint exercises aims to share best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics as also to improve interoperability between the Special Forces of both the Nations.
Key Points
The Vajra Prahar series of joint exercises hosted alternatively between India and the United States.
During the course of next 21 days, teams of both armies would jointly train, plan and execute a series of Special Operations, Counter Terrorist Operations, Air Borne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain.
This joint exercise is a significant step in strengthening the traditional bond of friendship between the special forces of both Nations as well as improving bilateral defence cooperation between India and the USA.
The 12th edition was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, Washington (USA) in October 2021.
World Lion Day observed globally
World Lion Day is observed globally on 10th August. The objective is to spread awareness and educate people about lions and their conservation.
Lions supposedly wandered amiably through Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East some three million years ago.
Key Points
The population of Asiatic lions has steadily increased in Gujarat’s Gir forest and the larger Saurashtra protected area after experiencing a long period of decline.
Between 2015 and 2020, their population increased from 523 to 674. The much larger African lions are a distant relative of the Asiatic lions of India.
In 2013, the first World Lion Day was observed. Dereck and Beverly Joubert, from the Big Cat Initiative and National Geographic, founded it.
World Elephant Day observed globally
World Elephant Day is observed globally on 12th August. The day tries to highlight why these animals should be protected and what laws and measures can be enacted to ensure their survival.
The main objective of World Elephant Day is to create awareness of elephant conservation and to share knowledge and positive solutions for the better protection and management of wild and captive elephants.
World Elephant Day was started as an initiative by two Canadian filmmakers, Patricia Sims and Michael Clark of Canazwest pictures, and the Secretary General of Thailand’s Elephant Re-introduction Foundation – Sivaporn Dardaraanda.
The first World Elephant Day was observed on August 12, 2012.
Sunil Chhetri, Manisha Kalyan named men’s and women’s Footballer of the Year
Sunil Chhetri was named the 2021-22 All India Football Federation (AIFF) men’s footballer of the Year for the seventh time while Manisha Kalyan was picked for her maiden honour in the women’s category for the 2021-22 session.
Key Points
Sunil Chhetri is currently third after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the list of highest goal scorers in international football among active players and sixth on the all-time leaderboard.
This was Sunil Chhetri’s record seventh AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year award, having won it previously in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2018–19.
Manisha Kalyan, who won the 2021-22 AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year, was the recipient of the Women’s Emerging Footballer of the Year from last season.
Martina Thokchom was named the 2021-22 Women’s Emerging Footballer of the Year, and Vikram Partap Singh was picked as the 2021-22 Men’s Emerging Footballer of the Year.
Aarya Walvekar crowned Miss India USA 2022
Indian American from Virginia, Aarya Walvekar has been crowned Miss India USA in 2022 in New Jersey.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the pageant which is the longest-running Indian pageant outside of India. It was started by New York-based Indian- Americans Dharmatma and Neelam Saran under the banner of Worldwide Pageants.
Saumya Sharma, a second-year premedical student at the University of Virginia, was declared the first runner up and Sanjana Chekuri of New Jersey was the second runner-up.
Akshi Jain from Washington has crowned Mrs India USA and Tanvi Grover from New York was crowned Miss Teen India USA.
Assam government inks four MoUs with HCL, Walmart, Flipkart on various fields
The Assam government partnered with HCL, Walmart and Flipkart for various purposes, including skilling the youths, exporting local products and creating talent for e-commerce supply chain.
Key Points
The first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training (DECT) and HCL Technologies to facilitate the employability of youths from Assam under various programmes.
The HCL in collaboration with DECT will provide training to the Class 12 passed students, aiming to reduce regional imbalance in terms of skilled people.
The second MoU was inked between Assam Skill University (ASU) and HCL-TSS to assist applicants in joining the HCL-TSS skilling and employment programmes.
The third agreement was signed by Walmart Vriddhi with the Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Department and Skill Employment Entrepreneurship Department.
This tripartite MoU has been exchanged for the development of MSMEs in terms of showcasing and exporting their products, and also exchange ideas for successful commercialization of their products by providing them market access.
According to the last MoU signed between Flipkart and Assam Skill Development Mission, Flipkart will provide opportunities to youth of the state in the Flipkart Supply Chain Operations Academy by training, certifying and creating a pool of e-commerce supply chain talent.
All the four agreements were signed in presence of Assam Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah and other senior officials.
Culture Ministry and Google Launch ‘India ki Udaan’ Initiative
The Union Culture Ministry and Google launched the ‘India Ki Udaan’ initiative. This initiative seeks to celebrate the unwavering, undying, spirit of India and its achievements in the past 75 years.
About the India ki Udaan Initiative
India ki Udaan Initiative was launched as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
It aims to take citizens to the rich culture & heritage of India, by means of its rich archives and featuring artistic illustrations.
India ki Udaan project has been based on the theme ‘Unwavering and undying spirit of India over these past 75 years.
This Initiative is being Executed by Google Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
Under the initiative, users will be provided with a unique view to witness India’s remarkable moments virtually. They would be able to know more about the iconic personalities of Indian history, leading female personalities, as well as scientific and sports achievements of the country.
Dr N Kalaiselvi becomes the first woman Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Nallathamby Kalaiselvi has become the first woman director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Dr Kalaiselvi will replace and succeed Shekhar Mande, who was superannuated in April.
Her appointment is for a period of two years with effect from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
She will also hold the charge as secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Kalaiselvi started her career in research as an entry-level scientist at CSIR-CECRI.
She is currently involved in the development of practically viable Sodium-ion/Lithium-sulfur batteries and supercapacitors.
Lok Sabha passed the Energy Conservation Amendment Bill 2022
Recently, the Lok Sabha passed the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022. The Bill seeks to amend the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. It promotes energy efficiency and conservation.
The objectives of the proposed Amendment is to reduce India’s power consumption via fossil fuels and thereby minimize the nation’s carbon footprint and also to develop India’s Carbon market and boost the adoption of clean technology.
Important Provisions of the bill
The bill seeks to mandate the use of non-fossil sources, including Green hydrogen, green ammonia, biomass, and Ethanol for energy and feedstock.
Setup Carbon Markets in India and set rules and provisions for the Carbon Trading Scheme.
Expand the coverage of the Energy Conservation Regime to Large Residential Buildings.
Increase members in the governing council of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
Empower the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions to make regulations for smooth discharge of its functions
To put in place enabling provisions to make the use of clean energy, including green hydrogen, mandatory and to establish carbon markets.
The bill also empowers the government to issue energy savings certificates and penalize consumers who utilize more energy.
India, US begins joint special forces exercise in Himachal Pradesh
The India-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022”, began on August 08, 2022, at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
It is the 13th edition of the annual exercise. It’s objective of this joint exercise is to share the best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics.
The 12th edition of this exercise between India and the US was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, Washington (US) in October 2021.
In addition to this exercise, the India-U.S. Army exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ is scheduled to be held in high altitude area in Uttarakhand which falls in the Central sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
About the Ex Vajra Prahar 2022:
This joint annual exercise is hosted alternatively between India and the US to share the best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics.
During the course of the next 21 days, teams of both armies would jointly train, plan and execute a series of special operations, counter-terrorist operations, and airborne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain.
It is a significant step in strengthening the traditional bond of friendship between the special forces of both nations as well as improving bilateral defence cooperation.
Chief Minister of Assam launched Mission Bhumiputra
Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma launched ‘Mission Bhumiputra’ at the Srimanta Shankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati. It is a mission based scheme which aims to simplify the process of providing caste certificates.
About Mission Bhumiputra
Under the mission, digitalised caste certificates will be issued to students, in a simplified and digital way.
It will be implemented by Departments of Tribal Affairs (Plain) and Social Justice Empowerment.
The objective of this portal is to provide digitalized caste certificates to the students.
The applicants will be issued the certificates digitally signed by respective Deputy Commissioners, who will be assisted by official bodies of different castes in identifying or approving the caste of students.
India adds 10 more wetlands designated as Ramsar sites
India has designated 10 more wetlands as Ramsar sites, taking the total tally of Ramsar Sites in India to 64.
The 10 new Ramsar sites in India include six in Tamil Nadu and one each in Goa, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
The Ramsar sites in India now cover a total area of 12,50,361 ha. Designation of these sites would help in conservation and management of wetlands and wise use of their resources.
10 new Ramsar Sites
Koothankulam Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu
Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve Tamil Nadu
Vembannur Wetland Complex Tamil Nadu
Vellode Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu
Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu
Satkosia Gorge Odisha
Nanda Lake in Goa
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Karnataka
Sirpur Wetland Madhya Pradesh
Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021 passed by Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha passed the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021. The Bill seeks to provide for implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Key Points
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on December 17, 2021.
The Bill seeks to increase the species protected under the law, and implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The Bill amends the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The amended bill reduces the total number of schedules to four by eliminating the schedule for vermin species and reducing the number of schedules for specially protected animals to two.
The Bill provides for the central government to designate an authority which grants export or import licences for the trading in specimens.
The Bill empowers the central government to regulate or prohibit the import, trade, possession or proliferation of invasive alien species.
The Bill specifies that actions of the Chief Warden must be in accordance with the management plans for the sanctuary.
People possessing live specimens of scheduled animals must obtain a registration certificate from the Management Authority.
The Act prescribes imprisonment terms and fines for violating the provisions of the Act.
It empowers the government to notify a conservation reserve next to sanctuaries or national parks, in a bid to protect the flora and fauna, and their habitat.
Jagdeep Dhankhar elected India’s 14th Vice President of India
Jagdeep Dhankhar was elected as the 14th Vice President of India. He was Vice Presidential Candidate for BJP led NDA alliance. He will take oath as India’s Vice President on 11th August 2022.
Mr Dhankar will be taking oath to replace the incumbent Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, whose tenure ends on 11th August 2022.
Jagdeep Dhankhar secured 528 votes against Opposition Candidate Margaret Alva.
Prior to being the Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar had severed as the Governor of West Bengal.
World’s largest floating solar power plant going to be built in Madhya Pradesh
The world’s largest floating solar power plant is going to be built at Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh. It will be built to increase the power generation capacity and address electricity problems in Madhya Pradesh.
Key Points
The Solar power plant will be built on Omkareshwar Dam on the Narmada River in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh.
It will make Khandwa the only district in Madhya Pradesh to have all three things- thermal power station, hydel and solar power.
It will be constructed at an estimated cost of over Rs 3,000 crore.
will generate 600 Megawatt power by 2022-23.
Indian Navy’s all-women crew creates history by completing first independent maritime surveillance mission
Indian Navy’s women officers have created history after they completed the first-ever all-women independent maritime reconnaissance and surveillance mission in the North Arabian Sea onboard a Dornier 228 aircraft.
Key Points
The mission was carried out by five officers of the Indian Navy Air Squadron (INAS) 314 based at the Naval Air Enclave at Gujarat’s Porbandar.
The aircraft was captained by the Mission Commander, Lt Cdr Aanchal Sharma, who had pilots, Lt Shivangi and Lt Apurva Gite, and Tactical and Sensor officers, Lt Pooja Panda and SLt Pooja Shekhawat in her team.
It was first-of-its-kind military flying mission and is expected to pave the way for women officers in the aviation cadre to assume greater responsibility and aspire for more challenging roles.
A book titled “Lion Of The Skies: Hardit Singh Malik” by Stephen Barker
A book titled “Lion of the Skies: Hardit Singh Malik, the Royal Air Force and the First World War” is all about an “India’s first fighter pilot” who participated in the World War, long before the Indian Air Force was born.
The book has been written by author Stephen Barker, who describes in great detail, how challenging it was for an Indian to serve in the British armed forces, fighting racial discrimination – both institutional and interpersonal.
IIT Guwahati launches ICMR-DHR Centre of Excellence for biomedical device
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has established the ICMR-DHR Center of Excellence for Biomedical Device and Diagnostics Innovation and Commercialization.
The initiative will help in the technological needs of rural India with a focus on healthcare delivery to the last-mile population.
The key objectives of the ICMR Mission Secretariat at IIT Guwahati include:
Detecting biomarkers using microfluidic and semiconductor nanobiosensors to detect various non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as chronic kidney disorder, post diabetic complications, liver or pancreatic malfunctions, cardiac illnesses, and urinary tract infections.
Develop frugal point-of-care diagnostic devices for the collection, storage, security and analysis of the data specific to rural India.
Develop three indigenous products in the domain of healthcare that can be commercially successful in the near future.
Innovate indigenous alternatives to healthcare devices (such as auto-analyzers and semi-auto analyzers) imported from other countries under the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Arunachal Pradesh Inks Tripartite Pact for School Education Transformation
The government of Arunachal Pradesh government inked a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NITI Aayog and an organisation for a large-scale transformation in school education.
The agreement was signed on the second anniversary of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
It is a three-year partnership (2022 – 25) agreement.
The MoU focuses on the enhancement of the learning outcome of students across 3,000 plus government schools in the state thereby, by reaching out to over two lakh children.
The MoU was signed in presence of Niti Aayog Education Advisor Dr. Prem Singh, state Education Commissioner Padmini Singla, ISSE state Project Director Pige Ligu, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reach to Teach Foundation, Ratna Viswanathan, among others.
Chabahar Day Conference was launched in Mumbai
The Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in association with India Ports Global observed ‘Chabahar Day’ to mark the Chabahar – Link to International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) – Connecting Central Asian Markets in Mumbai.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbanand Sonowal and Minister of State for Shipping Shripad Naik inaugurated the Chabahar Day conference in Mumbai.
Key Points
The inauguration event was attended by dignitaries from Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
In May 2016, India and Iran signed a bilateral agreement in which India would refurbish one of the berths at Shahid Beheshti port, and reconstruct a 600-meter-long container handling facility at the port.
In 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan had inked a tripartite agreement for developing Chabahar port. They also agreed to set up a trilateral transport and transit corridor.
In October 2017, India sent the first shipment of wheat to Afghanistan via the Chabahar Port.
About Chabahar Port
The Chabahar Port is located in southeastern Iran in the Gulf of Oman.
It is the only Iranian port, having direct access to the Indian ocean.
It is considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries.
It consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.
It is a key pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific vision to connect Eurasia with the Indian Ocean Region.
The port will also be part of the International North-South Transport Corridor network connecting India.
Third India-Vietnam Bilateral Army Exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022” begins in Haryana
The 3rd edition of Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022” is conducted at Chandimandir, Haryana from August 1 to 20, 2022.
The theme of Ex VINBAX – 2022 is the “Employment and deployment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team as part of the United Nations Contingent for Peace Keeping Operations”.
Highlights of EX VINBAX 2022:
It is a significant milestone of strengthening the bilateral relations between both the countries.
The exercise is a sequel to a previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2019.
Vietnam is also an important partner in Act East policy of India as well as Indo-Pacific vision.
India and Vietnam share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and defence cooperation is a key pillar of this partnership.
Auguste Tano Kouame takes charge as World Bank Country Director for India
The World Bank has appointed Auguste Tano Kouamé as the Country Director for India. Auguste will serve for a period of five years and his term will come into effect from August 01, 2022.
He replaces Junaid Kamal Ahmad who recently completed a five-year term.
Auguste served as the World Bank’s Country Director for the Republic of Türkiye, where he led the expansion of the Bank’s country program and deepened its support to Türkiye’s climate agenda.
Prior to this, he served as Director of the Department of Human Development and Economic Management in the World Bank Group’s Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) from January 2017 to April 2019.
Vice – President Venkaiah Naidu presents President’s Colours to Tamil Nadu police
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu presented the President’s colour to the Tamil Nadu Police and released a Special Cover to honour the occasion. The Tamil Nadu police will be the first in Southern India to showcase the honour.
The President’s Colour is the highest honour given to the military, paramilitary and police forces of States and Union Territories in recognition of their exceptional service to the nation.
The Indian Navy was the first Indian Armed Force to be awarded the President’s Colour by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1951.
Shri Satyendra Prakash assumes charge as Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau
Shri Satyendra Prakash assumed charge as Principal Director General of Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Prior to this Shri Prakash held the position of Principal DG, Central Bureau of Communication.
He is an Officer of the Indian Information Service, Batch of 1988. He has a wide experience in Central Government in the field of public communication, media management, administration, policy formulation and programme implementation.
He has represented the Government of India in various national and international forums like UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP etc. He was recognized for his role in the presentation of the first ever tableau of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Republic Day in 2021 on the theme of Vocal for Local.
About Press Information Bureau
It is a nodal agency of the Government of India under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
It disseminates information to print, electronic and web media on government plans, policies, programme initiatives and achievements.
It was established in June 1919.
J. Natrajan became the first Indian to head the Bureau as Principal Information Officer in 1941.
The organisation’s name was changed to the Press Information Bureau in 1946.
The Bureau has been reconstituted many times since independence of India in 1947.
ONGC has signed a gas selling agreement with GAIL, AGCL at Khubal in North Tripura
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has signed gas sale agreements with GAIL India and Assam Gas Company Ltd (AGCL), to monetise its upcoming field at Khubal under Panisagar sub-division of North Tripura district.
Key Points
According to the agreement, Khubal Gas Gathering Station (GGS) would supply 50,000 standard cubic metres of gas each to GAIL and AGCL totalling 0.1 MMSCMD, from ONGC’s Khubal GCS (Gas Collecting Station).
Once it starts production, Khubal will be the tenth producing field of ONGC in Tripura.
According to the source, Khubal GGS will have a capacity to process 0.44 MMSCMD (4,40,000 standard cubic meters) of gas for which the process of construction has already started.
GSA is an important milestone in the lifecycle of any gas business, signifying commerciality for producers like ONGC, while ensuring the product reaches the end consumers through marketing and transportation intermediaries such as GAIL and AGCL.
Kargil Vijay Diwas
Every year India celebrates the Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26. The day is dedicated to the martyred soldiers of the Kargil war. Year 2022 marked the 23rd anniversary of India’s victory.
About Kargil war
Kargil War, also known as the Kargil conflict, was fought between 3rd May-26th July of 1999.
The war was fought by the Indian Army to recapture the Indian territories from Pakistan intruders in the Kargil-Drass sector in 1999.
The war was fought in the Kargil district of Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LOC) in which India got the victory.
The Indian Army launched ‘Operation Vijay’ to clear the infiltration of the Kargil sector from Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants on the Indian side of the Line of Control.
The Indian Air Force launched the ‘Safed Sagar’ operation; it was a major part of the Kargil war.
On this day, the Prime Minister of India pays tribute to martyrs, every year at the Amar Jawan Jyoti.
In a tribute, the Indian Army has built the “Kargil War Memorial”, at the foothills of Toloing Hills in Drass.
International Tiger Day 2022
Every year International Tiger Day is celebrated on July 29 across the world. It is also known as World Tiger Day. Year 2022 is marking the 12th International Tiger Day,
India prepares the tiger estimation report every four years and the last report was released in 2018.
Key Points
International Tiger Day was established in 2010 at Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia to raise awareness on the importance of tiger conservation.
This day is observed by many international organisations, including the World Wide Fund for Nature, the International Fund for Animal Welfare etc.
It aims at protecting and expanding tiger habitats apart from preserving these species.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): Itis a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change constituted under enabling provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation, as per powers and functions assigned to it under the said Act.
Project Tiger: Project Tiger is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched in 1973.
Its objective is to ensure maintenance of a viable population of Tigers in India for scientific, economic, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values.
Gujarat becomes the first state in India to release a dedicated semiconductor policy
Gujarat becomes the first state in India to launch the Semiconductor Policy 2022-27. The policy aims to create at least 2,00,000 new employment opportunities over the five years.
Government has also proposed to develop a special ‘Semicon City’ as a part of the Dholera Special Investment region.
Key Points
Under the Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-27, Gujarat Government will provide heavy subsidies on power, water and land tariffs for entrepreneurs who are interested in investing in semiconductors or display fabrication manufacturing in Gujarat.
The policy will provide for effective and timely execution of eligible projects, in a bid to set up a robust semiconductor and display fabrication ecosystem.
It focuses on providing guidance to a significant portion of investments under the India Semiconductor Mission policies towards Gujarat.
The policy will provide additional capital assistance at 40 percent of the capex assistance extended by the Centre for the projects approved under ISM.
Rajasthan has announced to set up India’s first all women-run cooperative bank
Recently, the government of Rajasthan has signed a MoU with the Stree Nidhi Credit Cooperative Federation of Telangana government for setting up the state’s first ‘Women’s Financial Institution’ in Rajasthan.
The MoU was signed between Rajasthan Grameen Ajeevika Vikas Parishad’s (Rajeevika) Mission Director Manju Rajpal and Stree Nidhi Managing Director G. Vidya Sagar Reddy in the presence of Rural Development Minister Ramesh Chand Meena.
Key Points
The ‘Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi’ in the state is being set up on the lines of the Stree Nidhi model.
Mahila Nidhi will strengthen the women’s self-help groups in the State by extending timely loan facilities for their enterprises.
The institution will be operated entirely by women and will act as a complementary body to the formal banking system.
It is also expected to bring down the number of loan applications pending in the banks.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky received the Winston Churchill Leadership Award
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has presented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the Sir Winston Churchill Leadership Award after comparing the two leaders in times of crisis.
Volodymyr Zelensky was presented this award for standing against Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 and fighting back. The situation was similar to what Churchill had faced in 1940.
He received the award in virtual mode, during a ceremony held at London Office of Boris Johnson.
About the Churchill leadership award
The Churchill leadership award was first presented in 2006.
It has been awarded to Prince Charles, former British Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major, and former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in the past.
