Tag: assam current affairs January 2020

Assam Current Affairs – January 29 – 31, 2020

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Current Affairs Assam – January 29 - 31, 2020

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of January 29 – 31, 2020 )

Jan 2020 Current Affairs Monthly PDF  |  Assam 2020 Yearbook  | Jan 2020 Quiz Monthly PDF

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JANUARY 29, 2020

Assam gets best tableau award for Republic Day 2020 parade
  • Assam’s Republic Day tableau has been adjudged best among the tableaus from 16 states and Union Territories. The tableau of Assam was based on the theme ‘Land of Unique Craftsmanship and Culture’.
  • Tableau of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh were named joint second best. The tableau of Odisha displayed the famous Rukuna RathaYatra of Lord Lingaraja worshipped as both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in a sixth century built temple named ‘Lingaraj Temple’ at Bhubaneswar.
  • The tableau of Uttar Pradesh mirrored the cultural and religious tourism of the state with the theme ‘Sarva Dharma SamaBhav’.
  • Among the six tableaus from different ministries and departments, Ministry of Jal Shakti and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) won the joint best tableau award.
  • The tableau of Central Public Works Department (CPWD), with the theme ‘Kashmir se Kanyakumari’, bagged the special prize for showcasing different parts of the country decorated with colourful and fragrant flowers.
  • The Defence Minister gave away the award of best cultural performance to the children of SarvodayaKanyaVidyalaya, B-Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi.
Odisha CM launches virtual police station
  • Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched a virtual police station, which will facilitate online registration of FIR in unknown motor vehicle theft cases.
  • The Chief Minister also launched medico legal opinion system and road accident case document module at LokSevaBhawan which is aimed at reducing human interface with government offices.
  • The Chief Minister said that the government is committed to providing citizen-centric governance under 5-T.
  • The virtual police station is an online mechanism established at the State Crime Records Bureau in Bhubaneswar to facilitate online registration of FIR in unknown motor vehicle theft cases.
  • It will benefit citizens for claiming insurance in motor vehicle theft cases.
  • The road accident case documents module is a web-based application and it will help insurance companies or the victims in downloading the required documents like FIR, final form, spot map, MVI report and post mortem report.
  • The medico legal opinion system is a web-based system and it is helpful to both the police and medical professionals.
  • Under it, the police can submit requisitions online for medical examination of victims. Besides, the doctors will upload their medical examination reports online which will be downloaded by the police for necessary action.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship organised Great Indian Media Job Festival
  • The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has organised India’s first and largest media job festival – Great Indian Media Job Festival.
  • The job fest, organised in alliance with the Media and Entertainment Skill Council (MESC), began on January 27 and will continue till February 1.
  • Hiring will be carried in 78 Arena/MAAC Centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Indore, Pune and Baroda.
  • More than 100 recruiters will hire staff across graphic design, 3D modelling, VFX, web designing, motion graphics, rotoscopy, animation and other job roles.
CM Sonowal distributes land patta to indigenous landless people
  • The Chief Minister Sonowal distributed the land pattas and land allotment letters to 4,513 landless indigenous families.
  • Satradhikar of Dakhinpat Satra Nanigopal Devagoswami was among those who received the land patta from the Chief Minister on behalf of the satra.
  • Apart from distributing financial assistance of Rs 3,800 per family to 176 flood-hit families, the Chief Minister also gave away financial grants to 187 schools under the 14th Finance Commission.

 

JANUARY 30, 2020

Assam Sahitya Sabha announces awards, honours
  • The Asam Sahitya Sabha has announced a host of awards and honours including the Preranamoyi Nari Sanman’ which would be conferred on RekhaBaruah for her exploits in the literary field.
  • The Sabha will confer the honour on Baruah under its president’s special honour and award category.
  • Dr Narayan Das has been chosen for the BhashaPran honour in recognition of his work in Assamese and Brajabuli languages.
  • The AnubadRatna honour has been conferred posthumously on BhrigugiriMaharaj for translating the Samaveda and the Atharva Veda into Assamese.
  • ParthaSarathiMahanta has been chosen for the Ananda Chandra Agarwala award for his contribution to Assamese literature and cinema.
  • The BisheshSamajHitoyshi, BisheshYuvaSahitya and Special Cultural Organiser (by Medhi Dharani-AlokaNyas) awards which will be given to Ganesh Tamuli, BarnaliKalita and Tarun Azad Deka respectively.
  • The Sabha also named DhrubajyotiSarma for the MahendraBorthakur Memorial Special Playwright Award.
  • Habibur Rahman will be given the M Ilimuddin Dewan Award and Samar Talukdar the Hari Prasad Neog Award.
Tripura unveils new Tourism Policy
  • The Tripura Government has adopted a new tourism policy with special emphasis on religious tourism, tea tourism and eco-tourism to promote the State in a big way.
  • The Tourism Development Corporation was launched in 2008 and a separate department for tourism was created in 2013, but there has been no progress in this sector. We are trying to reverse this trend and ensure growth of this sector.
  • The State Cabinet has decided to approach the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to get Unakoti, a hidden treasure of spiritual tourism in the State, listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
  • The splendid rock works at Unakoti near Dharmanagar subdivision are under the protection of the ASI.
  • Tourism is the priority sector for the State Government as it is a revenue multiplier. An increase in tourist flow would introduce the rich cultural heritage of the State to the world, which would be beneficial for the State in multiple sectors like trade and commerce.
  • The new tourism policy will ensure coordinated development of the tourism sector in a bid to attract domestic as well as foreign tourists.
  • In 2017-2018, altogether 4,83,488 tourists visited Tripura, but the footfall grew in 2018-2019 with 5,29,879 tourists visiting the State. In 2019-2020, 3,97,202 tourists visited the State up to November and this year’s final figure will surely cross the previous year’s number. There has been an increase in the number of foreign tourists also.
  • The Central Government is providing funds for development of tourist destinations under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.
NCRB launches missing person, vehicle NOC services
  • The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) launched two police-related, citizen-centric services on the Crime and CCTNS platform which will help people in searching for missing persons and generating vehicle NOC (No Objection Certificates).
  • It is the first time that these services ”Missing Person Search” and ”Generate Vehicle NOC” are being launched centrally while such services were being provided through the state citizen portals so far.
  • These services can be accessed through ”digitalpolicecitizenservices.gov.in” portal or through a link in the existing ”Digital Police Portal”.
  • In this user-friendly search, a citizen may enter search criteria in the portal and the system will search for it from the available national database across the country and will display the result immediately with photograph and other details.
  • Generate Vehicle NOC allows citizens to ascertain the status of a vehicle before its second-hand purchase, as to whether it is suspicious or clean from police records.
  • This search could be made against national database based on vehicle”s details. One can generate and download the relevant NOC required by the RTO before the transfer of ownership.
India’s gold demand falls 9 % on record prices in 2019, said World Gold Council (WGC)
  • India’s gold demand fell nine per cent to 690.4 tonnes in 2019 from the previous calendar year as record domestic prices and economic slowdown dented retail purchase, the World Gold Council (WGC) said.
  • However, in 2020, gold demand in India, the world’s second biggest consumer after China, could increase to 700-800 tonnes on hopes of increased acceptance of high price level and likely economic reforms boosting consumer confidence.
  • The domestic gold price finished 2019 just above Rs 39,000 per ten grams, almost 24 per cent higher than at the end of 2018.
  • As policy measures unfold, broader economic growth accelerates and local prices of the past six months become more acceptable among households, India’s gold demand will be in the range of 700-800 tonnes in 2020.
  • Already, the government has made hallmarking (quality certification) mandatory on January 15, 2020 with a transition period of one year for the trade to sell or change its existing non-hallmarked inventory. This is an overdue reform and a positive step towards making the Indian gold more trustworthy.
  • In 2019, the WGC said India’s gold demand in volume terms declined to 690.4 tonnes from 760.4 tonnes in 2018, out of which jewellery demand fell nine per cent to 544.6 tonnes from 598 tonnes, while bar and coins demand also dropped 10 per cent to 145.8 tonnes from 162.4 tonnes in the said period.
  • However in value terms, the country’s gold demand rose three per cent to Rs 2,17,770 crore in 2019 from Rs 2,11,860 crore in the previous year.
  • India’s gold import including through grey channels, the WGC said it declined by 14 per cent to 646.8 tonnes in 2019 from 755.7 tonnes in 2018. Imports through grey market stood at 115-120 tonnes in 2019.

 

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JANUARY 31, 2020

Union Govt approves 30 per cent funds for NEC projects
  • The Centre approved allocation of 30 per cent funds of the North Eastern Council (NEC) for new projects for focused development of deprived areas and neglected sections of society.
  • As per the plans, allocation of 30 per cent of NEC funds will be for new projects under the existing ‘Schemes of North Eastern Council’ for focused development of deprived areas; deprived or neglected sections of society and emerging priority sectors in the northeastern states.
  • The balance allocation shall be bifurcated in the existing two components – state component of 60 per cent and Central component of 40 per cent.
  • The projects will be allowed under state component, up to 25 per cent of each state’s normative allocation, for sectors not covered in the mandate of NEC, but which are considered important as per local felt needs as per recommendations of the state governments.
  • The projects under the existing ‘Schemes of NEC’ will accrue socioeconomic benefits to the marginalised and vulnerable groups of people in backward and neglected areas of the northeastern states.
Busu festival celebrated in Dima Hasao
  • Busu or Bishu, one of the major festivals of Dimasa people was celebrated throughout the district of Dima Hasao with great enthusiasm and traditional fervour.
  • At Maibang, the Jidab Busu was celebrated at Damadi Hawar with a three-day programme, which saw participation of hundreds of people. They also organized traditional games , sports and dance competitions during the event.
  • Greater Maibang central Busu was organized at Dishru Sports Complex Mabang, where Naba Kumar Doley, State Minister of Panchayat and Rural Development Department attended as the chief guest.
  • The State Government is committed in preserving and protecting tradition and culture of all communities living in Assam.
  • Busu is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Dimasa people. ‘Busu’ means festival of eating newly-grown autumnal rice, and so it can be considered as a harvesting festival too.
Govt takes over IMEI-related processes from private body
  • The Department of Telecom has taken over the process to issue and manage IMEI allocation for mobile phones in India from the private body MSAI.
  • The IMEI number – a unique 15-digit serial number of mobile devices – is allocated by global industry body GSMA and organisations authorised by it. When a mobile phone is lost, the victim is required to mention the IMEI number of the handset for tracking.
  • The Department of Telecom (DoT) had issued a standard operating procedure in May 2015 to prohibit import of mobile phones with duplicate, fake and non-genuine international mobile equipment identity.
  • The process was being managed by Mobile Standard Alliance of India (MSAI), erstwhile reporting body of GSMA in India.
  • The government has decided to replace the MSAI operated system and hence a new system, Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction (ICDR) system, has been developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics – R&D unit of DoT for implementing the SOP.
  • The new system has been operationalised on pilot basis on the web portal of Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR). The CEIR is being used to block all services on stolen or lost mobile phones on any network even if the SIM card is removed or the IMEI number of the handset is changed.

FACTFILE – International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)

  • The International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI is a number, usually unique, to identify 3GPP and iDEN mobile phones, as well as some satellite phones.
  • It is usually found printed inside the battery compartment of the phone, but can also be displayed on-screen on most phones by entering *#06# on the dialpad, or alongside other system information in the settings menu on smartphone operating systems.
  • GSM networks use the IMEI number to identify valid devices, and can stop a stolen phone from accessing the network.

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Assam Current Affairs – January 22 – 28, 2020

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Current Affairs Assam – January 22 - 28, 2020

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of January 22 – 28, 2020 )

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JANUARY 22, 2020

Assam ranked 7th in 3rd Khelo India Youth Games medal tally
  • Defending champions Maharashtra romped to a whopping 256 medals, including 78 gold and 77 silver in the 3rd edition of the Khelo India Youth Games that came to an end.
  • Assam clinched as many as four gold medals on the penultimate day of the 3rd Khelo India Youth Games. Shivangi Sarma added one more gold to raise her gold medal tally to five. At the Dr Zakir Hussain Aquatic Centre in the Sarusajai Sports Complex, Shivangi won gold in 50m freestyle. Milanton S Dutta (bronze in 50m breaststroke) and Anubhuti Baruah (bronze in 200m butterfly) wee the other swimmers to win medals for Assam today.
  • Assam tennis pair of Parikshit Somani and Sheikh Md Iftikhar won gold in boys U-21 category defeating Shashank Macherla and Sai Karteek Reddy of Telangana in straight sets 6-3, 6-1.
  • In lawn bowling, Assam bagged two more gold medals in mixed pair and triple. The doubles pair team comprised Suman Kumari Pandey and Abhishek Handique while the members of triple team were Adinita Kakoti, Scion Shiv Mahanta and Surajit Buragohain. Assam created a record by winning seven gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals. Previously no team could win such number of medals in any national championship.
  • Isha Rani Baruah and Ankita Gogoi won a silver medal in badminton doubles. The boxing medal winners were – Aikon Mili (silver in 52kg), Pranta Ghatowar (silver in 57kg), Karamveer Phogat (silver in 70kg).

Medal tally by states

Rank State Gold Medal Silver Medal       Bronze Medal      Medal Tally

1      Maharashtra       78     77     101   256

2      Haryana     68     60     72     200

3      Delhi 39     36     47     122

4      Karnataka  32     26     22     80

5      Uttar Pradesh     29     28     30     87

6      Tamil Nadu 22     32     22     76

7      Assam       20     22     34     76

8      West Bengal       19     14     20     53

9      Gujarat      16     16     20     52

10     Punjab       16     15     28     59

 

ICCW National Bravery Awards 2019
  • Twenty two children, consist of 10 girls and 12 boys, from 12 states have been selected for the ICCW National Bravery Awards 2019.
  • Adithya K.,15, from Kerala will get the coveted Bharat Award for saving more than 40 lives after a bus they were travelling in caught fire.
  • Indian Council of Child Welfare (ICCW) has instituted five special awards this year — ICCW Markandeya Award, ICCW Dhruva Award, ICCW Abhimanyu Award, ICCW Prahalada Award & ICCW Shravan Award.
  • ICCW Markandeya Award goes to 10-year-old Rakhi from Uttarakhand, who saved her four-year-old brother from a leopard.
  • ICCW Dhruva Award goes to Purnima Giri, 16, and SabitaGiri, 15, from Odisha for saving 12 persons from drowning after a boat capsized in a river full of crocodiles.
  • ICCW Abhimanyu Award has been given posthumously to Muhammed Mushin E.C. who saved three friends from a violent sea but himself died in the process.
  • SrimatiBadra, 10, has been nominated for ICCW Prahalada Award for helping a friend who lost her right leg in a train accident. Due to her timely and courageous action, her friend”s life was saved.
  • ICCW Shravan Award has been given to SartajMohiudinMugal from J&K for saving his sisters and parents when his house collapsed after an artillery shell hit it.
  • The other recipients are Sri Kamal Krishna Das from Assam, KantiPaikra and BhameshwariNirmalkar from Chhattisgarh, Alaika (Himachal Pradesh), Aarti Kiran Shet and Venkatesh (both from Karnataka), Mudasir Ashraf (J&K), Fathah P.K. from Kerala, Zen Sadavarte and Master Akash MachindraKhillare, both from Maharashtra, LourembamYaikhombaMangang from Manipur, Everbloom K. Nongrum from Meghalaya, Master Lalliansanga, Carolyn Malsawmtluangi and Master Vanlalhriatrenga (all from Mizoram).
  • The National Bravery Awards were started by the Indian Council for Child Welfare in 1957 to recognise children for outstanding deeds of bravery and meritorious service and to inspire others to emulate their example.
  • The ICCW has so far honoured 1,004 children with the award, including 703 boys and 301 girls.
PM Modi, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli open second ICP at Jogbani-Biratnagar
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Nepal counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated the second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar.
  • The Jogbani-Biratnagar border is an important trade point between the two countries.
  • This is the second ICP on the Nepal border. The first was built in 2018.
  • The second Integrated Check Post at Jogbani-Biratnagar was built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people”s movement across India-Nepal border.
  • Both the Prime Ministers participated through videoconference.
  • Both Prime Ministers also appreciated India-assisted post-earthquake housing reconstruction projects in Nepal.
DAC Approves procurement of Rs 5,100 crore indigenous equipment
  • The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved several procurement proposals to boost the ”Make in India” initiative.
  • The DAC accorded approval for procurement of equipment worth over Rs 5,100 crore from indigenous sources.
  • The DAC also approved prototype testing of trawl assemblies designed by DRDO for T-72 and T-90 tanks providing an important indigenous de-mining capability to the Army.
  • These include sophisticated Electronic Warfare Systems for the Army designed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured locally by the Indian industry.
  • These systems will be used in deserts and plains and will provide comprehensive electronic support and counter measure capabilities to the field formations in both communication and other aspects of electronic warfare.
  • The DAC approved shortlisting of Indian Strategic Partners (SP) and the potential Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that would collaborate with SPs to construct six conventional submarines in India.
  • The DAC also accorded approval for inclusion of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in defence procurement procedure. This would provide avenues in capital procurement for the armed forces to startups and innovators working for iDEX and provide a huge fillip to their budding efforts.

 

JANUARY 23, 2020

Assam CM inaugurates Atal Tinkering Lab at school in Guwahati
  • Chief Minister SarbanandaSonowal today inaugurated an Atal Tinkering Lab at Sanskriti The Gurukul in a move to inculcate scientific temperament among students.
  • Atal Tinkering Lab is an approach of the Central government to create an environment of innovation, creativity amongst the students.
  • The Government of India has allocated financial support in the form of grant-in-aid for establishing the Atal Tinkering Lab, an initiative of NITI Aayog.

FACTFILE – Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs)

  • With a vision to ‘Cultivate one Million children in India as Neoteric Innovators’, Atal Innovation Mission, an initiative of the NITI Aayog, is establishing Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools across India.
  • The objective is to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination in young minds and inculcate skills such as design mind – set, computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing, rapid calculations, measurements etc. Young children will get a chance to work with tools and equipment to understand what, how and why aspects of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
  • ATL is a work space where young minds can give shape to their ideas through hands on do-it-yourself mode; and learn innovation skills. Young children will get a chance to work with tools and equipment to understand the concepts of STEM
  • ATL would contain educational and learning ‘do it yourself’ kits and equipment on – science, electronics, robotics, open source microcontroller boards, sensors and 3D printers and computers. Other desirable facilities include meeting rooms and video conferencing facility.
  • In order to foster inventiveness among students, ATL can conduct different activities ranging from regional and national level competitions, exhibitions, workshops on problem solving, designing and fabrication of products, lecture series etc. at periodic intervals.
  • AIM will provide grant-in-aid that includes a one-time establishment cost of Rs. 10 lakh and operational expenses of Rs. 10 lakh for a maximum period of 5 years to each ATL.
Union Govt decided to have National Security Guards centre in Punjab
  • The central government has decided to set up a regional centre of the National Security Guards (NSG) in Pathankot in Punjab.
  • Pathankot city has defence establishments, including the frontier Indian Air Force (IAF) base that was attacked by terrorists.
  • The state Home Secretary has asked the district administration to identify a piece of land for the NSG centre.
  • Pathankot lies in the north of Punjab, close to international border with Pakistan and the troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Union cabinet approved various MoU between India and Brazil
  • The Union cabinet approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India”s Indian Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Brazilian Ministry of Citizenship for bilateral cooperation in the field of early childhood.
  • The MoU will strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and increase bilateral cooperation on the issues of early childhood care.
  • Union cabinet accorded approval to the agreement between India and Brazil on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. The agreement aims to enhance the effectiveness of both countries in investigation and prosecution of crime through cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
  • The agreement aims to enhance the effectiveness of both countries in investigation and prosecution of crime through cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
  • The proposed agreement will provide a broad legal framework for bilateral cooperation with Brazil in investigation and prosecution of crime as well as in tracing, restraint and confiscation of proceeds and instruments of crime as well as the fund meant to finance terrorist acts.
  • The Cabinet also approved for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to be signed between India and Brazil on cooperation in the field of geology and mineral resources. The agreement will be signed between the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Geological Survey of Brazil (CPRM), it will provide an institutional mechanism between the GSI and the CPRM for cooperation in the field of geology and mineral Resources.
  • A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Brazil on cooperation in the field of oil and natural gas is also approved. The MoU will enhance cooperation between the two sides in the oil and natural gas sector.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the closure of Hindustan Fluorocarbons Ltd (HFL)
  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the closure of Hindustan Fluorocarbons Ltd (HFL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals.
  • The company was not operational and the decision only means an official closure of the public sector unit.
  • Hindustan Fluorocarbons was incorporated on July 14, 1983, as a subsidiary company of Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd (HOCL). The plant is located at Rudraram in district Sangareddy of Telangana.
  • The company started commercial production in 1987 and was engaged in the manufacture of Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene (PTFE) and of Chloro Di Fluoro Methane (CFM-22)
  • PTFE is used in chemical, mechanical, electrical and electronic industries and has strategic applications in the defence and aerospace sectors while CFM-22 is used pure or in mixture form for refrigeration.

 

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JANUARY 24, 2020

Silchar lift RG Baruah Trophy
  • Silchar defeated Guwahati by in the final of the U-16 Inter District Cricket Tournament for the RG Baruah Trophy. In the two-day final played at the Khirod Baruah Stradium, Morigaon, in reply to Silchar’s first innings total of 296, Guwahati were all out for 137. In the second innings Silchar scored 244 for seven when stumps were finally drawn.
  • Assam Cricket Association vice president Porikshit Dutta, noted cricketer Abu Nechim Ahmed among others were present in the closing function.
Manipur CM Biren Singh opens conference of Manipur IT companies ‘MITCON’
  • Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated the first edition of MITCON 2020, a conference of IT companies of the State, in Imphal.
  • The conference was organised by the Information and Technology (INCOTE) Foundation, a conglomerate body of 16 IT companies of Manipur.
  • The Chief Minister exhorted the youths of Manipur to develop the entrepreneurial spirit so that they can provide employment to others, instead of looking for government jobs.
  • He said that the present Government is ready to extend all possible support to young entrepreneurs and self-employed youths through the StartUp Manipur and StandUp Manipur programmes.
Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 referred to Joint Parliamentary Committee
  • The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, which was introduced in Lok Sabha has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) of both the Houses.
  • The JPC has been constituted under the chairmanship of New Delhi MP MeenakashiLekhi for examination and report.
  • The memoranda submitted to the committee would form part of the records of the committee and would be treated as “confidential and would enjoy the privilege of the committee”.
  • The draft Bill empowers the government to ask companies including Facebook, Google and others for anonymised personal data and non-personal data.

FACTFILE – Personal Data Protection Bill 2019

  • The Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 (PDP Bill 2019) was tabled in the Indian Parliament by the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology on 11 December 2019.
  • The Bill covers mechanisms for protection of personal data and proposes the setting up of a Data Protection Authority of India for the same.
  • Some key provisions the 2019 Bill provides for which the 2018 draft Bill did not such as that the central government can exempt any government agency from the Bill and the Right to Be Forgotten has been included.
Subhash Chandra Bose AapdaPrabandhan Puraskar-2020 for DMMC & IPS officer Kumar Munnan Singh
  • IPS officer Kumar Munnan Singh, who earned accolades for his rescue work during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami disaster, and the Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC) in Uttarakhand have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose AapdaPrabandhan Puraskar-2020.
  • Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Singh and DMMC have been selected in the individual and institution category, respectively, for commendable work in the disaster management field.
  • A certificate and Rs 51 lakh in cash is given to the winning institution, which has to be used for disaster management-related activities only. In case of individual winners, a certificate and Rs 5 lakh is given.
  • IPS officer Singh was appointed founder-member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in 2005 following his commendable work during the 2004 tsunami.
  • The DMMC, which discharges the functions of State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)under the government of Uttarakhand since its establishment in 2006, has coordinated various post-disaster functions relating to coordination, requisition, information exchange and media briefing, including those after the 2010, 2012 and 2013 major disaster incidents.
India scored 41 in Corruption Perception Index, same as in 2018
  • India’s level of corruption remained the same in 2019 against the previous year, as per the latest survey conducted by Transparency International, an independent organization that determines the corruption perception index globally.
  • India scored 41, the same as in 2018, on the corruption perception index where 100 is considered very clean and 0 is highly corrupt.
  • The survey studied 180 countries in the world by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, drawing on 13 expert assessments and surveys of business executives.
  • Globally, Denmark stood at number one, with a score of 87, followed by New Zealand (87), Finland (86), Singapore (85), Sweden (85), Switzerland (85), Norway (84), Netherlands (82), Germany (80), Luxembourg (80).
  • Many developed countries including Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Denmark have scored less in 2019 compared to the previous year.
  • Many countries also dropped in ranks even as their score remained the same. India’s rank dropped by two places in 2019.

 

JANUARY 25, 2020

 Assam Sahitya Sabha awards for the year 2018-20 announced
  • The AsamSahitya Sabha has announced a host of awards for the year 2018-20 to be given during the upcoming session of the apex literary body to be held at Sualkuchi.
  • It includes Asom Kesri Ambikagiri Raichoudhury Award that will conferred on poet Anubhav Tulsi and writer Dr Apurba Kumar Saikia.
  • Poet Dr Prayag Saikia and writer Nilotpal Baruah have been chosen for the Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha Award.
  • Basista Deb Phukan, Tapan Kumar Bora and MonoranjanBori have been chosen for Yuba Sangbadik Award.
CEC Arora takes over as new chairman of Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia
  • Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora took over as the new Chair of the Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBoSA) for the year 2020 at the annual meeting of the poll management bodies of Saarc countries.
  • Arora took over from outgoing Chair K.M. Nurul Huda of Bangladesh during the 10th meeting of FEMBoSA. The CEC Bangladesh presented the Stewardship Report on the activities of FEMBoSA members during the last year.
  • After taking the logo of FEMBoSA from the outgoing chief, Arora said: “The democratic scaffold and superstructure can be enacted and strengthened on the principle that the political power is validated by the will of the people.”
  • The Election Commission also signed an agreement with the Independent National Electoral Commission of Afghanistan for cooperation in the field of election management on the sidelines of the international conference on ””Strengthening Institutional Capacity””.
  • The poll panel also signed an MoU with Independent Authority for Election in Tunisia for cooperation in the field of election management.

FACTFILE – Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBoSA)

  • FEMBoSA was established at the 3rd Conference of Heads of Election Management Bodies of Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries in 2012.
  • Besides the ECI, the other 7 members are EMBs from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

 

O.P. Jindal Global University signs MoU with University of Zurich at WEF
  • India’s O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Zurich (UZH), Switzerland for mutual cooperation in higher education and research.
  • The MoU was signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos in which JGU Vice Chancellor C. Raj Kumar and the President of the UZH, Michael Hengartner, were invited to speak on the future of global universities for promoting sustainable futures.
  • The University of Zurich is the largest and one of the oldest universities in Switzerland with excellence in teaching and research.
  • Located at Sonipat, Haryana, JGU is a multidisciplinary and research oriented university, which made it to the QS World University Rankings 2020 as the youngest university in India and in the world to be featured in the world rankings.
  • JGU is also the only Indian private university in the top 150 ”young” universities in the world (under 50 years of age) in the QS Young University Rankings 2020.
Kerala CM to launch Super Fab Lab
  • Kerala Chief Minister PinarayiVijayan will inaugurate a Super Fab Lab, an incubation centre and a Mini Fab Lab at Palakkad.
  • The Super Fab Lab is based in Kochi and has been built in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
  • It is billed as the world”s first such facility to function outside of the US and has been set up at the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) complex in Kalamassery.
  • It is expected to allow researchers, innovators and developers to do things beyond the purview of the state”s existing fab labs.
  • Currently, a standard community fab lab includes a laser-cutter, a sign-cutter, a high-resolution NC milling machine, a large wood-router and a suite of electronic components as well as programming tools for low-cost, high-speed microcontrollers for on-site rapid circuit prototyping.
  • To this, the super lab adds a set of highly-specialised machines that can do small to mid-volume manufacturing and can also be used for prototyping with a variety of materials including metals, composites and carbon fibres, besides testing, design and fabrication equipment and materials that cover length scales spanning from microns to meters in fabrication size.

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JANUARY 26, 2020

15 from Northeast get Padma awards
  • Altogether 15 distinguished personalities from the Northeast have been named for the coveted Padma awards on the eve of Republic Day 2020.
  • Internationally acclaimed boxer MC Mary Kom from Manipur will be conferred the country’s second highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan, while former Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir, who has also served as Governor of a number of states, including Odisha and Goa, has been named for Padma Bhushan.
  • Five personalities from Assam have been conferred the Padma Shri award. They are celebrated danseuse Indira PP Bora, writer educationist Lil Bahadur Chettri, veterinarian Dr Kushal Konwar Sarma, who is an expert in elephant treatment, scholar Jogendra Nath Phukan and physician Dr Ravi Kannan R.
  • Litterateur Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi of Arunachal Pradesh, who writes in Assamese, was also named for Padma Shri award.
  • The others from the Northeast who have won Padma Shri awards are footballer Oinam Bembem Devi (Manipur), social worker Sathyanarayan Mundayoor (Arunachal Pradesh), archer Tarundeep Rai (Sikkim), journalist Pu Lalbiakthanga Pachuau and social worker and freedom fighter C Kamlova (both from Mizoram), and writer Benichandra Jamatia (Tripura).
Kerala CM Vijayan inaugurates world’s first Super Fab Lab
  • Kerala Chief Minister PinarayiVijayan used a remote-controlled device to open a Super Fab Lab based in Kochi that was set up in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
  • It is billed as the world”s first such facility to function outside of the US and has been set up at the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) complex in Kalamassery near Kochi.
  • Along with the Super Fab Lab, he also inaugurated an incubation centre and a Mini Fab Lab at a function held at the Government Polytechnic College.
  • He said the new fab labs will enable the users to enter the next stage of scientific creativity.
  • The Mini Fab Lab and the Startup Incubator in Palakkad will be of use to NRI investors who return to the state with the technical expertise and experience they gained abroad.
  • The KSUM Super Fab Lab at Kochi has state-of-the-art machines worth more than Rs 7 crore in an area of 10,000 square feet.
India, Brazil sign pacts to boost strategic partnership
  • In a major boost to their strategic partnership, Brazil and India laid down a comprehensive action plan to enhance their cooperation in all areas, amid an economic slowdown.
  • The two governments signed agreements and memoranda of understanding for cooperation in bioenergy, oil, natural gas, investments, legal assistance in criminal matters, early childhood related issues, health and medicine, traditional systems of medicine and homeopathy, cultural exchange, social security, cyber security, science and technology, geology and mineral resources, animal husbandry and dairy, cattle genomics.
  • The bilateral trade between the two countries was $8.2 billion in 2018-19.
  • Brazil and India are members of several multilateral fora like BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and G-4 and both the countries aspire to have a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

 

JANUARY 27, 2020

Oil India (OIL) may hold 74% in BPCL’s NRL, Assam 26%
  • Oil and gas explorer PSU Oil India (OIL) and the Assam Govt may acquire Bharat Petroleum Corporation’s entire 61 per cent stake in the Numaligarh Refinery (NRL), retaining the public sector character of the Assam-based entity.
  • OIL may pick up close to 48 per cent stake, Assam has indicated to pick up the rest to raise its stake to 26 per cent from 12.4 per cent.
  • Assam Commerce and Industry Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary recently stated the state government’s willingness to pay up to Rs 2,000 crore to pick 13.6 per cent of BPCL stake in the refinery.
  • BPCL’s stake in OIL may be worth over Rs 8,000 crore, including control premium. With the Centre owning over 50 per cent in BPCL, the stake sale in the NRL will help it pocket around Rs 4,000 crore as disinvestment receipt.
  • Currently, BPCL holds 61.65 per cent stake in the NRL, OIL 26 per cent and the Assam government 12.35 per cent.
  • Privatisation of BPCL has become a concern in the Northeast with demand being raised not to disturb the refinery’s PSU character. NRL was set up as per the 1985 Assam accord.
  • NRL recorded the highest revenue at Rs 18,511 crore in 2018-19, registering a 16.25 per cent growth. Its earnings per share stood at Rs 27.79 while net worth reached Rs 5,551 crore.
Andhra Assembly passes resolution for abolishing Legislative Council
  • The Andhra Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to abolish the state Legislative Council as the government moved to do away with the upper house of the state legislature, considered as roadblock to pass vital Bills.
  • Speaker T. Seetharam announced that the statutory resolution has been adopted with 133 members voting in favour of it. There were no votes against it or abstentions.
  • The result meet both the conditions laid down in the Constitution’s Article 161 (1). According to the Article, resolution for abolishing the Council has to be passed by a majority in the Assembly and by not less two-third of the members present in the House.
  • The resolution will be sent to the Union Home Ministry for drafting a Bill, which will be tabled in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
  • The Bill will have to be cleared by both Houses of Parliament before it can be sent to the President for his assent and issuing the notification.
CISF gets ‘best marching contingent’ award at Republic Day 2020 parade
  • The CISF was adjudged the “best marching contingent” amongst paramilitary and other auxiliary contingents during Republic Day parade, 2020 at Rajpath.
  • This is sixth time that Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) contingent won the “best marching contingent” trophy at Republic Day parade, the earlier occasions being in 2007, 2008, 2013, 2015 and 2017.
  • The CISF contingent this year comprised 148 officers and personnel, including 3 lady sub-officers, and was led by Deputy Commandant PrabhSimran Singh.

 

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JANUARY 28, 2020

Govt signs landmark tripartite Peace Pact with Bodos
  • The Union government entered into a peace agreement with representatives of Bodo organisations. The move comes following the government”s attempts to put an end to the Bodo insurgency demanding a separate state carved out of Assam.
  • The tripartite agreement was signed by representatives of the Union government, Assam government and representatives of banned Bodo organisation – National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). The All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) is also a signatory to the peace accord.
  • The peace accord signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, provides for the economic and political development of Bodos without affecting the territorial integrity of Assam.
  • As per the peace plan, 1,550 cadres along with 130 weapons will surrender on January 30. Shah assured the Bodo representatives that all the promises made in the peace agreement will be fulfilled in a time-bound manner.
  • This peace accord is the third Bodo peace agreement to be signed since 1993. The demand for a separate Bodoland is almost five decades old.
Lt Gen Satinder Kumar Saini Saini to take charge as Army Vice-Chief
  • Lt Gen Satinder Kumar Saini will take charge as vice chief of Indian Army, Lt Gen Saini, who was the Southern Command chief so far.
  • An alumnus of Sainik School, Kapurthala and the National Defence Academy (NDA), Lt Gen Saini was commissioned into the Jat Regiment in June 1981.
  • He commanded his battalion (7 Jat), a mountain brigade, a counter insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir, a corps in the western theatre and then the Southern Army Command.
  • As Southern Command chief, he steered transformation of its operational philosophy to overwhelm the emerging threats and validation of many new concepts during training exercises.
  • He has also been weapons instructor in the National Security Guards (NSG) Training Centre, a senior directing staff at the National Defence College, New Delhi and the Commandant of the Indian Military Academy.
  • Lt Gen Saini had also served as the Deputy Chief Military Personnel Officer in UN Mission in Iraq-Kuwait, attended an exercise on peacekeeping conducted by the Global Peace Operations initiative in Mongolia and a counter-terrorism exercise in Australia.
DSCI &TikTok launch quiz to spread awareness on online privacy
  • Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and Chinese short-video making app TikTok have come together to launch an interactive and informative quiz for its community online.
  • It also aims to appraise users on best practices for online privacy and protection.
  • In line with the theme of the 2020 edition of Data Privacy Day – ‘Privacy is Everyone’s Responsibility’, the in-app quiz asks users interesting questions pertaining to their awareness of online privacy and its importance.
  • With the rising data consumption and increase in time spent online, it is important that the users are aware of privacy practices and principles that are key to adhere to.

 

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Assam Current Affairs – January 15 – 21, 2020

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Current Affairs Assam – January 15 - 21, 2020

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of January 15 – 21, 2020 )

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JANUARY 15, 2020

World Bank has approved a Rs 630-crore loan to the Assam Inland Water Transport
  • The World Bank has approved a Rs 630-crore loan to the Assam Inland Water Transport (AIWT) for modernisation of the State’s passenger ferry services on the Brahmaputra and other rivers.
  • Under the Assam Inland Water Transport Project (AIWTP), the infrastructure of passenger ferry services will be improved and the capacity of institutions running the inland water transport will be strengthened.
  • Better-designed terminals and energy-efficient vessels will make the ferry services more sustainable with least disruption to nature.
  • Of the total project cost of Rs 770 crore, the bank will provide Rs 630 crore.
  • The loan was signed between AIWTP and the Country Director, India, World Bank in presence of Additional Secretary (FB&ADB), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India in New Delhi.
  • The Indian delegation on behalf of Government of Assam was represented by Adil Khan, State Project Director, Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society.
  • With the World Bank’s support, the government will create an institutional framework to turn inland waterways into a mode of transport which is both attractive and well-suited to the people.
  • The project will also improve the infrastructure of ferry services and focus on safety of women passengers.
  • The terminals will have better access, lighting and signages, while the new vessels will be equipped with individual seats and washroom facilities.
  • A strengthened regulatory regime will ensure reduced overloading, adherence to time schedule and better crew standards.
Solar plant of one MW set up at NIT Agartala
  • A one MW capacity solar rooftop power plant was commissioned at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Agartala, which will save energy valued at Rs 60 lakh per year.
  • Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development (MHRD), Sanjay Dhotre formally inaugurated the solar power plant, sanctioned by the union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
  • Around Rs 6.5 crore was spent to install the solar power plant, commissioned by an Odisha-based private company. With the installation of the solar power plant, it is expected that on an average energy worth of Rs 5 lakh would be saved per month.
India celebrates its 72nd Army Day
  • The Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year as it was this day when Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa’s taken over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949.
  • The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in the national capital New Delhi as well as in all headquarters.
  • On 15 January 2020, India celebrated its 72nd Indian Army Day in New Delhi.
  • Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.
  • The main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment. Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded on this day.
  • In 2020, 15 soldiers were presented with bravery awards. ParamVir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees participate in the Army Day parade every year.
Lt Gen Girish Kumar re-appointed Surveyor General of India
  • The Centre appointed Lt General Girish Kumar as the Surveyor General of India in Survey of India on contract basis for a period of one year.
  • Appointment Committee of the Cabinet approved the proposal from re-appointment of Kumar on the post for one year with effect from January 1, 2020 or from the date of assumption of charge, whichever is later and until further orders.
  • Kumar was earlier appointed as Surveyor General Of India on September 30, 2017 under the Survey of India, the national survey and mapping organization of the country.

FACTFILE – Surveyor General of India

  • The Surveyor General of India is the Head of Department of Survey of India, a Department under the Ministry of Science and Technology of Government of India.
  • He/She is the senior most member of the Survey of India Service.
NAREDCO launches e-commerce portal for housing
  • National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) annnounced the launch of an e-commerce housing portal, ”HousingForAll.Com”.
  • The portal will be open for home buyers with a 45-day sale period starting February 14.
  • The portal will be open for one month. i.e from January 14 to February 13, 2020, for developers to register their projects.
  • During the first 15 days of the 45-day sale period, the portal will be opened for buyers and they would be able to view offers and shortlist properties. They will be able purchase the shortlisted properties in March.
  • The buyers will be able to view information such as floor plans, room dimensions, video tours of units and external views looking out from windows and balconies.
  • Also, they will be able to directly book or reserve a unit from the portal with a refundable payment of only Rs 25,000.
  • They will also get ”money back guarantee”, where their initial buyer deposit made on the portal is secured and is fully refundable in case the buyer chooses not to purchase the unit.

JANUARY 16, 2020

Assam Cancer foundation sign MoU with NRL
  • As a CSR initiative aligned with NRL’s focus area of improving community health, an MoU was signed between NRL and Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) to equip the upcoming radiotherapy block annexed to the Barpeta Medical College & Hospital.
  • The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 16.83 crore.
  • The MoU was signed by Debasish Choudhury, Senior Chief General Manager (HR & Legal), NRL, and GautamChintey, Project Director, ACCF, on behalf of NRL and ACCF respectively in the presence of officials from both the sides.
  • NRL will support ACCF to procure cancer treatment equipment such as LINAC–True beam without SRS, HDR brachytherapy, dosimetry and immobilisation unit and CT simulator.
India, Finland ink MoU to enhance defence cooperation
  • India and Finland inked an MoU to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and and the Finnish Defence Ministry”s Permanent Secretary, JukkaJuusti signed the Mou.
  • MoU was signed on co-operation in the field of production, procurement, research and development of defence-related equipment and industrial cooperation on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2020.
  • Under the broad ambit of the MoU, cooperation between Finnish companies and Indian defence public sector undertakings could be explored.
  • The MoU was under discussion since the Defence Expo 2018 and has now been formalised in the run up to Defence Expo 2020, to be held in Lucknow between February 5-9.
Anand Prakash Maheshwariwas appointed as CRPF chief
  • The Uttar Pradesh cadre, 1984 batch IPS officer, Anand Prakash Maheshwariwas appointed CRPF chief.
  • Maheshwari took over from ITBP Director General S.S. Deswal who was given the additional charge to head the country”s largest paramilitary force, after DG R.R. Bhatnagar retired on December 31.
  • Maheshwari, who will hold the post till his retirement in February next year, was handed over the DG”s ceremonial DG at the CRPF headquarters and also accorded a guard of honour by force personnel.
  • The Special Secretary, Internal Security, in the Ministry of Home Affairs prior to this, he has earlier worked in the CRPF as Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General.
  • He has also headed the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) and served as an Additional DG in the Border Security Force.

FACTFILE – The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

  • Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is India’s largest Central Armed Police Force. It functions under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India.
  • CRPF’s primary role lies in assisting the State/Union Territories in police operations to maintain law and order and counter insurgency.
  • It came into existence as the Crown Representative’s Police on 27 July 1939. After Indian Independence, it became the Central Reserve Police Force on enactment of the CRPF Act on 28 December 1949.
  • Besides law and order and counter-insurgency duties, the CRPF has played an increasingly large role in India’s general elections. During the Parliamentary elections of September 1999, the CRPF played a major role in the security arrangements. Of late, CRPF contingents are also being deployed in UN missions.
  • With 239 battalions and various other establishments, the CRPF is considered India’s largest paramilitary force and has a sanctioned strength of more than 300,000 personnel as of 2017.
Maharastra CM launches first girder of India’s longest sea-bridge
  • Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray launched the first girder for the country’s longest sea-bridge, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).
  • Thackeray, along with top officials of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and others launched the girder at the Mumbai-end of MTHL in Sewri.
  • The girder weighing 1,000 tonnes was set off by a 1,400-tonnes ”launching girder” and mark the erection of the first span in the civilian works of the MTHL.
  • The MTHL, the second road link cutting through the Arabian Sea in the island city”s eastern coast, will connect the mainland with Sewri and Chirle respectively.
  • Estimated to cost around Rs 14,260 crore, it is being financed by a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
  • The total bridge will be 22 kms long of which 16.5 kms will run in the sea, with interchanges on both sides, making it the longest sea-bridge in India, and second after the Rajiv Gandhi BandraWorli Sea Link, which is now being extended up to Andheri.
Himachal Govt Pact with AAI for greenfield airport in Mandi
  • A memorandum of understanding for development of a greenfield airport at Nagchala in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh was signed between the state and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
  • Director Tourism and Civil Aviation Yunus on behalf of the state and AAI Executive Director Planning H.S. Balhara signed the agreement in the presence of AAI Chairman Arvind Singh.
  • The development of airport will be through a joint venture company (JVC) wherein the AAI will hold 51 per cent equity and the remaining will be held by state or its designated agency.
  • The JVC will undertake the functions of design, finance, construction and completion of the airport project for commercial civil aviation operation and maintenance and management of the airport.
  • The state will acquire and transfer land for airport to the JVC.

 

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JANUARY 17, 2020

Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi flags off National Integration Tour
  • Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi flagged off a national integration tour from the NE states to Pune and naval dockyard Mumbai, at the Raj Bhavanin a move to imbibe a pan-Indian vision and attitude in students.
  • Organised by Moreh Battalion of 26 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), the national integration camp is aimed at helping the students know different states of India and develop a pan-India attitude.
  • The objective of the tour is to enable the youths of NE states to see the amalgamation of the varied and rich culture of India and develop a feeling of ‘unity in diversity’ that the country stands for as well as to develop a strong bonding between NE region and rest of the country.
  • The tour includes various aspects like sightseeing, visits to defence establishments, DRDO and interactions with prominent personalities like governors, etc.
India’s communication satellite GSAT-30 put into orbit
  • The European space agency Arianespace put India’s communication satellite GSAT-30 and Eutelsat Konnect – into geo-stationary transfer orbit with its heavy lift of Ariane 5 rocket. The 3,357 kg GSAT-30 was produced by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • The GSAT-30 will provide high-quality television, telecommunication and broadcasting services ensuring continuity of service for INSAT 4A satellite.
  • By operating GSAT-30, ISRO will – once again – use space to help bridge the digital divide in the Indian subcontinent as part of its ambitious space programme.
  • GSAT-30 has a unique configuration of providing flexible frequency segments and flexible coverage.
  • The satellite will provide communication services to Indian mainland and islands through Ku-band and wide coverage covering Gulf countries, a large number of Asian countries and Australia through C-band.
  • GSAT-30 will provide DTH Television Services, connectivity to VSATs for ATM, Stock-exchange, Television uplinking and Teleport Services, Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) and e-governance applications.
  • The satellite will also be used for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging telecommunication applications.
  • The GSAT-30 was the 24th ISRO satellite orbited by Ariane-series launchers.
Punjab Assembly passes Bill for water regulation authority
  • The Punjab Assembly passed unanimously the Punjab Water Resources (Management and Regulation) Bill, 2020, thus paving the way for the creation of Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority to manage critical water resources in the border state.
  • The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to resolve the problem, which was particularly acute in southern Punjab districts like Muktsar Sahib, leading to large number of cancer cases.
  • The Chief Minister apprised the House that his government had already signed an agreement with Israeli company Mekorot for formulation of a master plan for the conservation and management of water resources.
IIM Indore partner with TikTok for dialogue series
  • Indian Institute of Management-Indore and Chinese short-video sharing application TikTok will jointly lead India-wide conversation and dialogue series on responsible leadership and how to make policy work better for people.
  • The focus of the partnership will remain on creating high quality first of a kind education module for top B-school students, mid-career senior management professionals, government officers, smart city CEOs, bureaucrats, family owned businesses and entrepreneurs to prepare them for management challenges of the future and digital disruption.
  • IIM-Indore and TikTok plan to host joint training and workshops on sharing good practices on using the internet safely and productively along with hackathons for government departments, law enforcement agencies, and the government scheme executing partners.
  • This will be further strengthened by the launch of several high level policy engagements and e-services delivery and problem solving workshops for key decision makers helping them harness the power of the Internet better.

JANUARY 18, 2020

Dr Krishnakanta Handique chosen for 2020 Bokulbon Award
  • Noted folk artiste Dr Krishnakanta Handique, has been selected for 2020 Bokulbon Award.
  • The award is given annually by the Bokulban Trust here in memory of noted poet late Ananda Chandra Baruah, who was popularly known as “BokulbanarKabi” and was also a former president of AsamSahitya Sabha.
  • The award carries a cash prize, a citation, a selengsador and a packet of books.
  • Dr Handique founded the well-known Bihu troupe named JhanjipariaBihudol which is a popular Bihu group across the state. Dr Handique has also authored several books on Assam’s folk art.
IAF enhances strike capabilities in Indian Ocean Region
  • The Indian Air Force is enhancing its strength there by inducting Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets armed with lethal Brahmos missile at its new squadron based in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur.
  • The presence of Su-30s in south Inaid will augment the Indian Navy”s strength and air strike capabilities of the Indian armed forces as a whole, as the Brahmos have been tried and successfully tested for anti-ship operations.
  • The Su-30 has a range of 1,200 km and with addition of 300 km range of the Brahmos, India can strike at locations deep inside the region.
  • The new squadron will initially have around five to six fighter jets but gradually it will operate with full strength of 18 aircraft. This will be the first fighter squadron to be set up by the Indian Air Force in its Southern Command.
  • The integration of Brahmos with Su-30 was fast tracked after the Balakot air strikes in 2019. Further strengthening of the armed forces’ firepower in the southern region will act as a move towards tri-service synergy
Bharti Foundation partner with Ericsson to set up Robotic Lab in Punjab
  • Bharti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bharti Enterprises, in partnership with Ericsson India launched “The Robotic Lab” at the Satya Bharti Senior Secondary School, Jhaneri, Punjab.
  • The state-of-the-art lab in the government school in Jhaneri will benefit the underprivileged students from Class IV to Class VIII and further stimulate their interest in science and technology.
  • The program curriculum aims to introduce these students to the world of digital technology by improving their general understanding as well as providing hands-on experience of programming and digital tools.
  • During the robotic classes, students will learn the basics of programming and develop the skill sets to create precise and accurate instructions.
  • The three-year partnership with Bharti Foundation aims to impart knowledge that inspires students to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
  • This program will provide knowledge in the areas of new technologies, coding, programming and robotics to name a few.

 

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JANUARY 19, 2020

 Two ministers inducted in Assam Cabinet
  • Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expanded his cabinet by including two more Ministers. Sanjay Kishan and Jogen Mohan were administered the oath of office and secrecy by state Governor JagdishMukhi at a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan”s Darbar Hall.
  • Sanjay Kishan is a lawmaker from Tinsukia, while Jogen Mohan was elected to the Assembly from Mahmora. They were both inducted as Ministers of State with independent charge.
  • With this, the strength of the Sonowal government has risen to 18 including the Chief Minister.The two vacancies were created after Topon Kumar Gogoi and Pallab Lochan Das resigned following their victory in the Lok Sabha elections last year.
Assam Govt has identified 4 sites for solid waste management
  • The State government has identified four sites for setting up of the integrated solid waste management facility (ISWMF) for the Guwahati Capital Region and possession of all these sites have been handed over to the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC).
  • The State Biodiversity Board is going to undertake a feasibility study for clearing and cleaning the legacy waste at the Boragaon solid waste dumping site.
  • It has been decided that the clearing and cleaning of waste from the dumping site will be conducted in a pattern similar to that of the Neel Khas near the Yamuna Diversity Park, Noida.
  • The four ISWMF sites include
  • a 40-bigha plot of land located on the Old Chandrapur Thermal Power Station campus of the Assam Power Generation Corporation Ltd (APGCL).
  • A 27-bigha plot covered by dag no.32 in the Tamulikuchi NC under SonapurMouza of Sonapur Revenue Circle, Kamrup (Metro) district
  • A 20-bigha, 1-katha, 19-lessa plot of land covered by dag no.33 at Odalbakra under BeltolaMouza of Dispur Revenue Circle, Kamrup (Metro) district
  • And a 37-bigha, 3-katha, 5-lessa plot of land covered by dag no.139 at Basistha under BeltolaMouza of Dispur Revenue Circle, Kamrup (Metro) district.
Andhra Assembly passes three-capital Bill
  • Andhra Pradesh Assembly passed a Bill to develop three capitals with Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy assuring justice to Amaravati farmers.
  • The Assembly passed by a voice vote Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill 2020 to develop Visakhapatnam and Kurnool as the capitals in addition to Amaravati.
  • Capital Region Development Authority Repeal Bill 2020 was also passed to repeal the CRDA Act passed in 2015 to develop Amaravati as the state capital.
  • The House also passed a resolution for development of three state capitals. According to the resolution, the move is aimed at decentralisation of governance and for ensuring inclusive development of all regions.

JANUARY 20, 2020

 Three new frog species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
  • Three new species of small frogs have been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Subansiri district by scientists of Zoological Survey of India.
  • The new species discovered from Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) have been named as ‘Liurana himalayana’, ‘Liurana indica’ and ‘Liurana minuta’. The frogs are so small in size that one can sit on a coin.
  • A study has been published in a science journal, the Records of the Zoological Survey of India’, which confirmed that the species are new discoveries.
Vice President calls for national movement to promote all Indian languages
  • Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu called for a national movement to promote all Indian languages, he said that promotion and protection of ancient Indian languages is the need of the hour as they offer a window to our ancient civilisational values, knowledge and wisdom.
  • Speaking at the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), the vice president called for according a sense of dignity and pride to those who speak, write and communicate in Indian languages.
  • He also urged people to use their mother tongue at home, in the community, in meetings and in administration.
  • The vice president commended CICT for translating the ‘Thirukkural’ into all Indian languages and also in some foreign languages.
  • He further called for translation of ancient and popular Tamil texts into Indian and foreign languages for the wider benefit of humanity.
  • The vice president also visited the International Institute of Tamil Studies, and saw the cultural centre with the permanent exhibition set up to recreate the history of Tamils that has been uncovered through research spread over the decades.
World Economic Forum & TikTok launch diversity campaign
  • In collaboration with World Economic Forum (WEF), Chinese short-video sharing application TikTok launched the #AllTheDifference challenge to promote inclusion in diversity ahead of the Davos summit that will discuss inclusive societies.
  • From January 21 to 27, TikTok users in over 75 global markets are encouraged to celebrate inclusion and diversity by joining the #AllTheDifference challenge.
  • A special “I say” sticker is available on the app to help TikTok users express themselves.
  • The WEF will be held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 21 to 24. The event brings together 3,000 global leaders.
  • The theme of this year”s meet is ”Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World”.
Bengaluru hosts ‘RevHack 2020’ first Indian language based hackathon
  • The Silicon Valley of India – Bengaluru hosted RevHack 2020 – first Indian language based hackathon. Around 200 participants battled it out to build solutions to drive – Language Equality on the Indian Internet.
  • The hackathon was organised by Reverie Language Technologies and NASSCOM.
  • The main objective of the event was to build an ecosystem to drive language equality on the Indian Internet space

 

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JANUARY 21, 2020

Jonbeel Mela begins in Jagiroad District
  • The historic Jonbeel Mela began at Jonbeel Pathar in Jagiroad of Assam.
  • Jonbeel Mela is a community fair held on the weekend of ‘Magh Bihu’ at a historic place known as Dayang Belguri at Jonbeel.
  • The ceremonial ‘king’of Gova Kingdom Gova Tiwa Deo-raja-Deepsing along with his court members namely Barbarua, Senapati, Deka-Doloi, Arandhara, Bordoloi, Khatoniar and others assembled at the Mela site to attend a community feast which was also joined by a host of leading personalities .
  • Nearly 3,000 people from Karbi Anglong and Meghalaya have assembled at the Jonbeel Pathar. The people will ‘barter’ their essential items at the Mela site, followed by ‘community fishing’ at Jonbeel.
Su-30 MKI squadron inducted in Thanjavur base
  • The Indian Air Force (IAF) has commissioned the 222 squadron, also known as ”Tigersharks”, for their Thanjavur base.
  • The squadron has six Sukhoi-30 specially modified fighter jets, each carrying 2.5 tonne air-launched supersonic BrahMos cruise missile.
  • The squadron based in Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu will keep a check on increase in Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean region.
  • It will also augment Indian Navy”s strength and air strike capabilities of the military as a whole.
  • The squadron will be operating closely with the Indian Army and Navy to get the ball rolling in jointness of the Indian armedfforcesThe squadron will be operating closely with the Indian Army and Navy to get the ball rolling in jointness of the Indian armedf forces.
  • The Su-30 has a range of 1,200 km, with addition of 300 km in range of the Brahmos. It can strike at locations deep inside the Indian Ocean region.
  • The decision to choose Thanjavur as the base for the induction of the Su-30 MKI squadron was made because of its strategic location.
  • The induction ceremony culminated with a flying display by Light Combat Aircraft, Sarang Helicopter Display Team and Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team.
Haryana passes Constitutional Amendment to extend reservations
  • The Haryana Assembly unanimously passed a motion to ratify the 126th Constitutional Amendment to extend reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Punjab for another 10 years.
  • Moving a motion in the House, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said now the Rajya Sabha secretariat “is to be apprised with the ratification” made in this regard.
  • Haryana Governor SatyadeoNarain Arya said the special session was convened to ratify the amendments to the Constitution.
Odisha CM Patnaik launches online property tax module
  • Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched an online module to facilitate payment of property tax.
  • Patnaik also launched an initiative – Municipal Premier League (MPL) – in order to facilitate urban local bodies to enhance their revenue collection.
  • The name MPL has been inspired from the Indian Premier League (IPL), and its main objective is to motivate tax officials, recognise their efforts and improve internal revenue generation.
  • This is an idea of conducting competition among tax collecting officials of nine urban local bodies (ULBs), five municipal corporations and four municipalities, where the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is being implemented.
  • Awards will be given to top five tax officials in different categories.
  • The online property tax module will help people in urban areas. The payment can be done through credit card, debit card, net banking and e wallets.

 

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Assam Current Affairs – January 01 – 07, 2020

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Current Affairs Assam – January 1 - 7, 2020

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of January 1 – 7, 2020 )

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JANUARY 01, 2020

US varsity honours human rights activist Dibyajyoti Saikia from Assam
  • Human rights activist from Assam Dibyajyoti Saikia has been conferred honorary doctorate degree by the California Public University, USA for his invaluable services in the field of human rights, social harmony and community welfare.
  • Saikia received the Doctor of Humanities (D Hum) honour at a special programme organised in Tamil Nadu, where a number of other eminent personalities from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Dubai were given honorary doctorate.
  • Saikia, who has been actively involved in anti witch-hunting campaigns throughout the State and also in several parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh and Bihar, has two decades of experience in the field of social work.
  • Apart from working in the field of eradication of superstition in the rural pockets of Assam, he has also worked to foster communal harmony.
  • Saikia has received a number of other awards and honours including Babu Jagjivan Ram Award, Maulana Azad National Award and Bhupen Hazarika Peace Award.
Assam Govt announced financial grant to indigenous literary bodies
  • The State government announced financial grant for indigenous Sahitya Sabhas (literary bodies) of Assam, including Asam Sahitya Sabha and Bodo Sahitya Sabha.
  • The State government would provide Rs 10 crore to the corpus fund of Asam Sahitya Sabha, Rs 5 crore to Bodo Sahitya Sabha and Rs 3 crore each to the other indigenous Sahitya Sabhas as one-time grant.
  • Accordingly, the Asam Sahitya Sabha would be able to derive an amount of Rs 80 lakh annually as interest from the corpus fund, while the Bodo Sahitya Sabha would receive Rs 40 lakh and other indigenous Sahitya Sabhas would get Rs 24 lakh each annually.
  • The Chief Minister also announced that the State government would provide a one-time financial grant of Rs 50,000 each to one thousand new writers belonging to various communities of the State under the ‘Bhasha Gaurav’ scheme which was a budget announcement.
  • CM Sonowal hoped that the scheme would be able to inspire young generation writers to engage in literary works in different indigenous languages of the State.
  • The Chief Minister also urged the indigenous literary bodies to put emphasis on research works for preservation and promotion of indigenous language and culture, and assured all help from the State government in this regard.

FACTFILE – ‘Bhasha Gaurav Achoni’

  • On September 07, 2019, Assam CM Sarbanand Sonwal announced that under the ‘Bhasha Gaurav Achoni’, under which 1000 new generation authors will be provided one-time financial grant of Rs 50,000 each for promotion of various languages of Assam.Various ‘Sahitya Sabhas’ will select the authors for the scheme.
General Bipin Rawat takes charge as first ‘Chief of Defence Staff’
  • Former Army Chief BipinRawat, took charge as the first Chief of Defence Staff. General Rawat, who demitted office on retirement as Chief of Indian Army received the guard of honour from all the three forces.
  • Besides Rawat, Army Chief Manoj MukundNaravane, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria and Navy Chief Karambir Singh and other senior officers were also present during the guard of honour.
  • General Rawat said, “All the three services will work as a team. As per the task given to the Chief of Defence Staff, we have to enhance integration and do better resource management.”
New Indo-Bangla river route opened through Dhubri District
  • In a bid to boost trade between Bangladesh and India, the Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh Tanvir Mansur formally opened a river route between India and Bangladesh by flagging of a commercial cargo service between the two countries in Dhubri.
  • The Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh said that Indo-Bangla trade has increased manifold in the wake of improving relations between the countries and the new route is likely to give a fresh impetus to bilateral trade.
  • On July this year the first cargo vessel from Dhubri to Bangladesh was introduced.
JANUARY 02, 2020
Assam tourism lost Rs 500 crore due to anti-CAA stir
  • State tourism sector has lost an estimated revenue of Rs 500 crore due to the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act during the peak tourist season from December to March.
  • Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) chairman Jayanta Malla Baruah said when the tourism industry of the State was witnessing a surge in tourist footfall, the violent protest dealt a blow, resulting in trip cancellations and an expected 30 per cent fall in the annual tourist inflow.
  • Also, with the negative travel advisories issued by a dozen countries, including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, France, Russia and Israel, the brand value of Assam tourism received a major setback that would take a long time to recover.
  • The period from December to March is the peak tourist season for Assam. However, as the violent protests erupted in different corners of the State, including the capital city, a number of sectors, including tour operators, hoteliers, tour guides, transport services to name a few, have been badly hit.
  • As a damage control exercise, the ATDC has entered into a tie-up with Google for a digital campaign that would help in image building for the State tourism sector through small promotional videos on YouTube and Facebook, besides pushing promotional contents in the Google search engine.
  • The State tourism department that has been running several campaigns to woo foreign tourists is also apprehensive about the duration it will take for withdrawal of negative travel advisories to foreign tourists.
4 IAF pilots selected for India’s manned space mission
  • Four ace pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) were selected for India’s maiden manned mission Gaganyaan around the earth’s orbit by 2022.
  • Three of them will go into space to orbit around the earth for a week and conduct experiments in micro-gravity and bio-science.
  • The quartet will undergo training in Russia from the third week of this month for becoming the first Indian crew to go into space from native soil.
  • The four pilots have undergone medical tests at the Indian Aviation Medicine of the IAF in Bengaluru and in Russia at the space agency which will train them in all aspects of a manned mission in outer space.
RBI launches mobile app MANI for visually impaired
  • The Reserve Bank of India launched a unique mobile application for aiding visually impaired persons to identify the denomination of Indian bank notes.
  • The application Mobile Aided Note Identifier was launched by RBI Governor.
  • At present, Indian bank notes contain several features which enable the visually impaired to identify them, viz., intaglio printing and tactile mark, variable bank note size, large numerals, variable colour, monochromatic hues and patterns.
  • The mobile app is capable of identifying the denominations of “Mahatma Gandhi Series and Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series” bank notes by checking “front or reverse side or part of the note including half folded notes at various holding angles and broad range of light conditions”.
  • Feature-wise, the app is capable of identifying the denomination through audio notification in either Hindi or English and non-sonic mode such as vibration.
  • Besides, it can be navigated via voice controls. After installation, the mobile application does not require internet and works in offline mode.
PM Modi dedicates 5 DRDO Young Scientists Labs to nation
  • As part of the ongoing efforts to boost indigeneous research capabilities in the country”s defence sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicate five DRDO Young Scientists Laboratories to the nation.
  • The Prime Minister unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion at the Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru during his two-day visit to Karnataka.
  • The Prime Minister also viewed DRDO innovations on show in an exhibition at the event.
  • This event comes in the backdrop of Prime Minister”s proposal in 2104 to identify at least five DRDO labs for innovation by young scientists aged under 35 years.
  • Giving away the DRDO awards in 2014, Modi had also called for facilitating greater involvement of youth in defence research related activities so that India remained abreast of global technological advancements in the field.

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JANUARY 03, 2020
‘Kayakalp’ certification to Down Town Hospital
  • Guwahati’s Down Town Hospital has been rewarded with the ‘Kayakalp’ certification for the year 2019-20 in recognition for its efforts towards excellence in promoting cleanliness, hygiene and infection control in the hospital and contributing to improved quality of care to the patients, said a press statement.
  • The assessment was conducted by a team of auditors with expertise in their respective fields from various parts of the country.

Kayakalp is an initiative launched by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and aims to promote and maintain sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities.

Wipro, HAL tie up to make aerospace components
  • Software major Wipro’s Infrastructure and Engineering arm and aerospace behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) tied up to jointly design, develop and manufacture aerospace components using metal additive technology (3D printing).
  • The agreement will enable the partners to develop, prove and apply new material in the production of aerospace applications, including Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO).
  • The joint initiative will make manufacturing and certification of aerospace components feasible using metal 3D printing.
  • The 3D printing is a new age manufacturing technique, which uses solid material such as plastic or metal as ink to print or manufacture the desired object layer by layer, also called additive printing.
  • Desired product images with exact dimensions are fed into a computer to 3D print required specimens using the molten ink, which later solidifies.
  • Wipro 3D metal additive facility offers layered metal printing consulting, design, production and research and development services.
  • HAL designs, develops, manufactures and supplies aircraft, helicopters, aerospace equipment, engines and accessories.
IIT Hyderabad set to help Telangana govt carry out research on AI
  • The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT-H) is going to collaborate with the Government of Telangana to carry out research in Artificial Intelligence.
  • The Institute is partnering with the Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Department, for building, and identifying quality datasets, along with third parties such as Industry.
  • The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Prof B S Murty, director, IIT Hyderabad, and JayeshRanjan, principal secretary to Government of Telangana, during an event.
  • They will also work on Education and Training to prepare and deliver content and curriculum on AI courses, which are to be delivered to college students along with industry participants.

JANUARY 04, 2020

Assam Govt to start State-wide vaccination drive against Japanese Encephalitis
  • The State government will start an adult vaccination drive to prevent spread of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in Assam from the January 2020 end.
  • The step to start the vaccination drive has been taken by the government after JE and acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) took a disastrous form last year across the State.
  • I n the preliminary stage the vaccination drive is likely to start from Goalpara district, to be followed by South Salmara and Kokrajhar.
  • The health department will use Jenvac vaccine during the drive. Jenvac is a locally produced JE vaccine available in India.

FACTFILE – Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) In Assam

  • In 2019, altogether 2,652 cases of AES were reported across the State with 353 of those resulting in death. The highest number of 601 cases was reported in Dibrugarh district, followed by Kamrup Metro (241) and Lakhimpur (167) districts.
  • The number of JE cases reported in 2019 was 641 with 161 of those resulting in death. Last year, the highest cases of JE were reported in Lakhimpur (50), followed by Nagaon (45) and Sivasagar (45) districts.
  • In 2019 altogether 89 AES cases and 34 JE cases were reported in Goalpara district. While AES claimed the lives of 21 people, JE claimed 13 lives in that district.
PM Modi kicks off 107th Indian Science Congress in Bengaluru
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 107th Indian Science Congress (ISC 2020) in Bengaluru in the presence of galaxy of top scientists, Nobel Laureates, dignitaries and students from across the country and the world over.
  • During his address, the Prime Minister called for new solutions to remove and reuse plastic waste and metal from the electronic waste. He also sought solutions to farmer-centric problems like the stubble burning.
  • About 15,000 delegates, including two Nobel Laureates and eminent scientists from across India and abroad are attending the mega 5-day event at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), which is hosting the annual event.
  • This year’s event focal theme is ‘Science & Technology : Rural Development’

FACTFILE – Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA)

  • Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) is a premier scientific organisation of India with headquarters at Kolkata, West Bengal. The association started in the year 1914 in Kolkata and it has a membership of more than 30,000 scientists.
  • The first Indian Science Congress was held in 1914 at the Asiatic Society in Calcutta.
  • Several prominent Indian and foreign scientists, including Nobel laureates, attend and speak the congress.
ISRO sets up 4th regional academic centre for space in NIT Karnataka
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) set up a regional academic centre for space at the National Institute of Technology (NITK) at Surathkal in Karnataka”s southwest Dakshina Kannada district.
  • The centre at NIT-K will conduct joint research and development in space technology applications to meet the needs of space programmes.
  • The state-run ISRO will provide Rs 2 crore grant annually to NIT for the R&D projects and promotional activities through the year.
  • The space agency and the engineering institute signed an agreement on the industry-academic collaboration at Surathkal, about 380km from Bengaluru.
  • The centre, fourth in the country, will also facilitate promoting space technology in the southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Telangana and be an ambassador for capacity-building, awareness and research and development.
  • A joint policy and management committee will guide the centre in optimal utilisation of the research potential, infrastructure, expertise and experience of the space agency and the autonomous institute.
  • The committee will plan activities like research programmes of common interest and reviewing their projects periodically.
  • Students of under-graduation (B.Tech) and post-graduation (M.Tech) will be involved in one-year short-term research projects and 2-4 year long-term projects in advance space programmes.
  • The other three such centres are Malaviya National Institute of Technology at Jaipur in Rajasthan, Gauhati University in Assam and Kurukshetra University at Thanesar in Haryana.
Dubai-based Indian girl Sucheta Satish wins Global Child Prodigy Award
  • A Dubai-based Indian girl, who can sing in 120 languages, has won in the ”Global Child Prodigy Awards 2020”.
  • The 13-year-old Sucheta Satish, known as the Dubai Indian High School”s nightingale, won in the singing category.
  • The Global Child Prodigy Award is a platform to celebrate children”s talent and power in different categories such as dancing, music, arts, writing, acting, modelling, science, innovation, sports etc.
  • The awards are supported by the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Oscar award winning music producer A.R. Rahman.

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JANUARY 05, 2020

Tripura per capita income to cross the national average
  • Due to proactive economic measures taken by the State Government, Tripura’s per capita income would cross the national average in the current fiscal (2019-20), said Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb.
  • According to official documents, the per capita income of Tripura was Rs 1,13,467 in 2018-19 against the national average of Rs 1,25,397.
  • The Chief Minister said that besides the urban areas, the rural areas of Tripura are also economically developing following which the per capita income has increased substantially and it is expected to cross Rs 1,50,000 by the end of 2019-20.

Indian states and union territories by NSDP per capita

  • According to the IMF, on a per capita income basis, India ranked 142nd by GDP (nominal) and 119th by GDP (PPP) per capita in 2018.
Rank State/UTs NSDP per capita (nominal)
1 Goa ₹467,998 (US$6,600)
2 Delhi ₹365,529 (US$5,100)
3 Sikkim ₹357,643 (US$5,000)
4 Chandigarh ₹297,313 (US$4,200)
5 Haryana ₹226,644 (US$3,200)
6 Puducherry ₹220,461 (US$3,100)
7 Karnataka ₹210,887 (US$3,000)
8 Telangana ₹205,696 (US$2,900)
9 Uttarakhand ₹198,738 (US$2,800)
10 Tamil Nadu ₹193,750 (US$2,700)
11 Maharashtra ₹180,596 (US$2,500)
12 Kerala ₹179,523 (US$2,500)
13 Himachal Pradesh ₹179,188 (US$2,500)
14 Gujarat ₹174,652 (US$2,400)
15 Andhra Pradesh ₹164,025 (US$2,300)
16 Andaman and Nicobar Islands ₹159,664 (US$2,200)
17 Punjab ₹154,598 (US$2,200)
18 Mizoram ₹141,210 (US$2,000)
19 Arunachal Pradesh ₹127,748 (US$1,800)
— India ₹126,406 (US$1,800)2
20 West Bengal ₹109,491 (US$1,500)
21 Rajasthan ₹109,105 (US$1,500)
22 Tripura ₹105,044 (US$1,500)
23 Nagaland ₹102,581 (US$1,400)
24 Chhattisgarh ₹96,887 (US$1,400)
25 Jammu and Kashmir ₹94,992 (US$1,300)
26 Odisha ₹93,352 (US$1,300)
27 Madhya Pradesh ₹90,998 (US$1,300)
28 Meghalaya ₹85,609 (US$1,200)
29 Jharkhand ₹76,019 (US$1,100)
30 Assam ₹74,204 (US$1,000)
31 Manipur ₹62,640 (US$880)
32 Uttar Pradesh ₹61,351 (US$860)
33 Bihar ₹43,822 (US$610)

Rs 457 crore to be spent in 2020 for upgrading NE airports
  • Almost all the airports in the northeastern region are on upgrade projects for which about Rs 457 crore will be spent in the year 2020, focusing mainly on developing airport-related infrastructure and enhancing passenger amenities.
  • Most of the land disputes in the region have been resolves and hundred per cent land mutation done for all airports.
  • At present 12 airports are operational in the Northeast. Air connectivity in the region has also increased and some routes have been reactivated. Focusing about some remote locations, Lengpui (Aizawl) and Dimapur airports have seen new connectivity.
  • Cargo development is another sector where the Northeast is growing fast and the AAI is in the process of developing cargo terminals at all the airports of the region.
  • The AAI is coming up with world class integrated terminal buildings in Guwahati and Agartala. Greenfield (completely new project) airports are also being developed at Holongi (Arunachal Pradesh) and Silchar (Assam).
28th World Book Fair started in New Delhi
  • The 28th edition of the nine-day New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) opened at Pragati Maidan, and saw Lt. Governor of Puducherry Kiran Bedi launch a book written on her.
  • This year, the book fair is themed Gandhi: Writer”s Writer.
  • The 2020 Fair was inaugurated by HRD Minister Ramesh Pokkhriyal ”Nishank”
  • He also urged publishers to promote books and the habit of reading as people are moving away from books, and said that a book fair like the NDWBF ensures that books and reading is preserved and increases.
  • Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the fair is featuring over 600 exhibitors in different languages including Bangla, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Maithili, Malayalam, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu, who are exhibiting books in over 1300 stalls.
  • Along with business sessions, several literary and cultural activities including seminars, book release functions and panel discussions, are part of the fair.
  • It sees participation from about 20 foreign countries including China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Nepal, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the UK, and the US.
Children’s Science Congress kicks off in Bengaluru
  • The two-day children’s science congress of the 107th Indian Science Congress (ISC), kicked off aimed at encouraging school children to take up science education.
  • The main objective is to motivate children to take science and technology education and encourage a sense of discovery.
  • ISC organising committee Chairman and University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) Vice Chancellor S. Rajendra Prasad said the Children”s Science Congress targeted students in the age bracket of 10-17 years.
  • Thousands of students from across the country and Bengaluru attended the event where Israeli Chemistry Nobel Laureate Ada Yonath and Bharat Ratna C.N.R. Rao also spoke.

 

JANUARY 06, 2020

Guwahati Refinery carries out Akira Miyawaki method of afforestation
  • As a mark of support to Indian Oil’s commitment towards the cause of environment protection and conservation, Guwahati Refinery carried out an ‘Akira Miyawaki’ method of afforestation at Amingaon in Guwahati.
  • A total of 4,000 saplings of around 48 species of indigenous plants were planted near the Saraighat Lake in an attempt to build ‘the lungs of Guwahati city’.
  • A large number of employees took part in the afforestation drive which was carried out in line with the ‘Think Green’ mission of Indian Oil. The afforestation was carried out under the CSR initiatives of Guwahati Refinery and in collaboration with the district administration of Kamrup.
  • Miyawaki method of afforestation is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, that helps build dense, native forests. The approach is supposed to ensure that plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual. It involves planting dozens of native species in the same area, and becomes maintenance-free after the first three years.

BIOGRAPHY – Akira Miyawaki

  • Akira Miyawaki is a Japanese botanist and expert in plant ecology, specializing in seeds and the study of natural forests.
  • He is active worldwide as a specialist in the restoration of natural vegetation on degraded land.
  • Since 1993, he has been Professor Emeritus at Yokohama National University and Director of the Japanese Center for International Studies in Ecology.
  • He received the Blue Planet Prize in 2006.
Indian Navy kicks off 1st Maha Navy Connect 2020
  • The Indian Navy launched a first-ever three-dimensional expedition to promote the heritage of India and spread awareness on coastal security among the sea-side communities in Maharashtra.
  • The tri-axes expedition – comprising yachting, running and cycling teams of 50 naval personnel was flagged off by Western Naval Command”s Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral Ajith Kumar P. at the Naval Dockyard.
  • The expedition extends from Arnala Fort, the northernmost fort in Palghar district built by the then Portuguese rulers to Sindhudurg Fort, the southernmost fort in the state built by ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj.
  • The team of sailors, runners and cyclists will cover a staggering distance of over 555 kms, and complete the expedition after a week.
  • The three teams will touch prominent coastal locations like the KanhojiAngre Island with the Khanderi Fort, around 20 kms off Mumbai harbour in the Arabian Sea, Revdanda, Korlai, Murud-Janjira, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Jaigad, Ratnadurg, Purnagad, Vijaydurg and Devgad forts, spanning Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg in the Konkan region.
  • Besides, the teams would visit and interact with students of schools-college, NCC-NSS and local establishments to spread awareness about coastal security.
Delhi launches ”She Codes” programme for girl students
  • The Directorate of Education of the Delhi government on Friday launched ”She Codes” programme for girl students of the city government schools, With an aim to empower young girls in the field of Computer Science.
  • Launched in collaboration with She Codes Foundation – a Not for Profit organization — the programme aims to provide free and flexible Computer science and coding skills programmes for girls.
  • While 1,000 girl students of the Delhi government schools have been enrolled in the programme, the government is aiming to accommodate 10,000 girls by March 2021.
  • The aim is to equip girls to be strong enough to pursue a career in technology.

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JANUARY 07, 2020

Centre clears Rs 5,908 crore aid to Assam and other 6 disaster-hit states
  • The Centre decided to provide additional assistance of Rs 5,908.56 crore to seven disaster-hit states – Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh.
  • The states were affected by floods, landslides and cloudburst during south west monsoon 2019.
  • A High Level Committee (HLC), chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, approved the additional assistance to seven states from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
  • Rs 616.63 crore to Assam, Rs 284.93 crore to Himachal Pradesh, Rs 1869.85 crore to Karnataka, Rs 1749.73 crore to Madhya Pradesh, Rs 956.93 crore to Maharashtra, Rs 63.32 to Tripura and Rs 367.17 crore to Uttar Pradesh.
  • Earlier, the Central government had released an interim financial assistance of Rs 3,200 crore to four states — Rs 1,200 crore to Karnataka, Rs 1,000 crore to Madhya Pradesh, Rs 600 crore to Maharashtra and Rs 400 crore to Bihar.
  • In addition, during 2019-20, till date, the Centre had released Rs 8,068.33 crore to 27 states as Central share from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
Bodo Sahitya Sabha signed MoU to digitise Bodo language
  • The Bodo Sahitya Sabha signed an MoU with ASCOSYS, an organisation working in information technology, for a project to digitise the Bodo language.
  • The MoU was signed in the presence of Sabha president Taren Boro, general secretary PrasantaBoro, Vice Chancellor of CMJ University, Meghalaya PranhariTalukdar, director ASCOSYS Mandeep Sharma and others.
  • The Sabha singed the memorandum for a project called ‘e-thunlai’ (e-literature) to digitise the language and make it easily available online.
  • The main aim is to popularise the language among non-Bodo speakers.
  • More than 1,000 books will be available on online platforms after completion of the project.
  • The project will be formally launched at the 59th annual conference of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha to be held at Khoirabari in Udalguri district from January 20.
IIT Mandi develops mechanism for hydrogen production
  • Indian Institute of Technology Mandi said its researchers have developed new materials that can use sunlight for the production of hydrogen from water.
  • This collaborative research work by IIT Mandi and Yogi Vemana University in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Hydrogen gas, with its high energy yield and eco-friendliness has been identified as a potential energy vector that can herald a new hydrogen-based economy.
  • The catch with hydrogen economy is that the gas is now largely obtained from fossil fuels by petroleum and natural gas steam reforming processes, which does not help with the problem we set out solving – finding alternatives to fossil fuels.
  • Water, the simplest chemical compound known to man, is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom and is logically a good source of hydrogen.
  • However, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen is not easy and is energy intensive. It has been known for decades that light can assist in the splitting of water into its constituent hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
  • The researchers have developed a novel multicomponent catalyst comprising nitrogen doped zinc oxide nanorods coated with molybdenum sulphide nanosheets.
  • Materials in the nanometre scale have high surface area-to-volume ratio, improved physical properties and tuneable electronic properties, all of which make them suitable for photocatalytic activities.
  • This collaborative research has not only provided an easy method to fabricate the N-ZnO-MoS2 nanosheet heterojunctions but has also offered insights into the scope of exploitation of such materials for hydrogen fuel generation using water and sunlight.
Delhi launches Mission NEEV health scheme
  • The Delhi government launched Neonatal Early Evaluation Vision (NEEV) covering close to 1.5 lakh newborns to tackle visible, functional and metabolic defects in them.
  • Health Minister Satyendar Jain laid the foundation of NEEV at Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC).
  • The scheme is being supported by the Delhi government and Delhi State Health Mission under the Rashtriya Baal SwasthyaKaryakram.
  • With the programme being implemented at many government hospitals, newborns who do not have clinically evident disease like congenital hypothyroidism, critical congenital heart disease and hearing loss will be picked up early and treatment can be initiated early
  • To start at 31 birthing facilities with the highest load, Jain said that this will be expanded later to include all delivery points and other birthing facilities.

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Assam Current Affairs – January 29 – 31, 2019

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Current Affairs Assam – January 29 - 31, 2019

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of January 29 – 31, 2019 )

January 2019 – Monthly PDF | Monthly Quiz eBook PDF

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January 29, 2019

India to participate in PISA-2021
  • The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry signed a pact with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for the participation of students from Central government schools to take the PISA-2021.
  • PISA is a competency-based test, which tests the learning levels of 15-year-old students in reading, mathematics and science.
  • With the signing of the pact, Indian students aged 15 will be able to take the Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA, which is conducted every three years.
  • Under this initiative, students will be tested in reading, maths, and science. I am sure that Indian students will come out with flying colors.
  • Schools run by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) and schools in the UTs of Chandigarh will participate.
Regional medicine warehouse opened at Pamohi, Assam
  • Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Chemicals & Fertilizers Mansukh L Mandaviya inaugurated the Regional Warehouse under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadi Pariyojana (PMBJP) at Pamohi.
  • It is set up by the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), which would facilitate the seamless supply of medicines to all PMBJP Kendras functioning across the North East.

FACTFILE – Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI)

  • Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementing agency of Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
  • BPPI was established in December, 2008 under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India.

January 30, 2019

India ranked 78 in Global Corruption Index 2018

India has improved its ranking by three positions in the Global Corruption Index 2018 while the US has dropped out of top 20 countries for the first time since 2011.

India is ranked 78 in 2018, improving it’s position by 3 place from 81st in 2017.

The CPI measures public sector corruption in 180 countries and territories, drawing on 13 expert assessments and surveys of business executives to give each country a score from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Point2Remember: Denmark and New Zealand topped the 2018 index while Somalia, Syria and South Sudan were at the bottom.

Central assistance of Rs 7,214 crore from for Puducherry, 6 states

  • The Centre announced additional assistance of Rs 7,214 crore to six states and Puducherry, which were affected by natural disasters like floods, landslides, drought, cloudburst and cyclone during 2018-19.
  • A high-level committee chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh approved the additional central assistance of Rs 7,214 crore from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
  • The committee has decided to provide Rs 317.44 crore to Himachal Pradesh, Rs 191.73 crore to Uttar Pradesh, Rs 900.40 crore to Andhra Pradesh, Rs 127.60 crore to Gujarat, Rs 949.49 crore to Karnataka, Rs 4,714.28 crore to Maharashtra and Rs 13.09 crore to Puducherry (cyclone).

FACTFILE – The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

  • NDRF is a specialised force constituted “for the purpose of specialist response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster” under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
  • The Apex Body for Disaster Management in India is the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
  • The Chairman of the NDMA is the Prime Minister.
  • The responsibility for disaster management in India’s federal system is that of the State Government.
  • When ‘calamities of severe nature’ occur, the Central Government is responsible for providing aid and assistance to the affected state, including deploying, at the State’s request, of Armed Forces, Central Paramilitary Forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and such communication, air and other assets, as are available and needed.
  • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is under the National Disaster Management Authority.
Padma Shri Award to Assam’s Ilias Ali and Udhab Kumar Bharali
  • Assam surgeon Ilias Ali and social innovator Udhab Kumar Bharali have been hounoured with Padma Shri awards, India’s the fourth highest civilian award.
  • Ilias Ali is known for working on family planning and education of Muslim women, whereas Udhab Kumar Bharali has more than 100 innovations to his credit, mostly at the grassroots level.
  • Two others from North East region, to get the Padma Shri award are archer Bombayla Devi Laishram from Manipur and musician Thanga Darlong from Tripura.

FACTFILE – Padma Shri Award

  • It is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. It is awarded by the Government of India, every year on India’s Republic Day.
  • Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 to be awarded to citizens of India in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine, social service and public affairs. It has also been awarded to some distinguished individuals who were not citizens of India but did contribute in various ways to India.
Bharat Ratna Award to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika
  • India’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna is conferred on Dr Bhupen Hazarika, the music maestro form.
  • Hazarika is only the second person from Assam, after the state’s first chief minister Gopinath Bordoloi, to have been honoured with Bharat Ratna which is conferred “in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order”.

FACTFILE – Bharat Ratna Award

  • The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India.
  • Instituted in 1954, the award was originally limited to achievements in the arts, literature, science, and public services, but the government expanded the criteria to include “any field of human endeavour” in 2011.
  • Bharat Ratna recipients rank seventh in the Indian order of precedence.
  • The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna were C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and  C. V. Raman, who were honoured in 1954.
Assam launched subsidy scheme for farmers
  • Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal ceremonially launched the Farmers’ Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme.
  • The Assam Farmers’ Credit Subsidy Scheme under which all short-term crop loan availed from scheduled commercial banks, regional rural banks and the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank will be availed at 25 per cent government subsidy for any loan availed between April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019. Govt will provide subsidy to a maximum limit of Rs 25,000 per farmer for a minimum loan amount of Rs 1 lakh.
  • Under the Assam Farmers’ Interest Relief Scheme, farmers can avail short-term crop loan up to Rs 2 lakh at zero per cent interest rate. It will provide a one-time cash incentive up to Rs 10,000 per account for activating the overdue and NPA KCC account.
  • The scheme was launched marking the Krishak Swahid Divas to honour the martyrdom of nearly 140 peasants who laid their lives in 1894 protesting against the increasing land tax rate and other exploitation by the British Raj.

FACTFILE – Patharughatar Ran / Patharughatar Uprising

  • On 28 January 1894, around 140 peasants were killed and a large number of people were injured in an unprovoked police firing while protesting against enhanced revenue.
  • It is also known as Assam’s Jallianwala Bagh.
  • Since 2000, the army has been paying homage to the martyrs on 29 January every year and has also set up martyrs’ column in memory of the 140 peasants.

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