Tag: government schemes

Assam Current Affairs – August 13-15, 2024

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Assam and North East Current Affairs & GK- August 13-15, 2024

(Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for August 13-15, 2024)

New Orchid Species Discovered in Sikkim

A unique orchid species- Gastrodia indica, was recently discovered in Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim, by botanist Madhusudan Khanal.

About Gastrodia indica: 

  • Gastrodia indica was found at an altitude of 1,950 to 2,100 meters.
  • It is the first orchid from India that never opens its flower. 
  • This is the first cleistogamous species of the genus Gastrodia discovered from India. 
  • The Gastrodia genus is known for terrestrial, herbaceous, and holomycotrophic orchids. 
  • Cleistogamous plants are highly specialized, as they do not depend on external pollinators like insects or wind for reproduction. 
  • Gastrodia indica is a holomycotrophic plant, meaning it depends entirely on fungi for its nutrients because it lacks chlorophyll.
  • It grows in moist, decaying leaf litter and is found near tree species like Magnolia doltsopa and Acer campbelli. 
  • Gastrodia indica faces potential threats due to its limited population and specific habitat requirements.

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF): 2024

Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan released the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024. 

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 were released for 16 categories this year, three more than last year, with open universities, skill universities, and State public universities being the three new categories.

 

NIRF Ranking 2024:  

  • Engineering Institutes: IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay
  • Universities: IISc, Bengaluru JNU, New Delhi, JMI New Delhi 
  • Overall Institutes: IIT Madras, IISc, Bengaluru, IIT Bombay
  • Management Institutes: IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode 
  • Medical Colleges: AIIMS, New Delhi PGIMER, Chandigarh Christian Medical College, Vellore 
  • Colleges: Hindu College, Delhi Miranda House, Delhi St. Stephen’s College, Delhi 
  • State Universities: Anna University, Chennai Jadavpur University, Kolkata Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 
  • Law Institutes: National Law School of India University, Bengaluru National Law University, Delhi NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad 
  • Architecture and Planning Institutes: IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, NIT Calicut 
  • Open Universities: IGNOU, Netaji Subhash Open University, Kolkata Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad
  • Innovation: IIT Bombay IIT Madras IIT Hyderabad 
  • Agriculture and Allied Sectors: Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 
  • Research Institutes: IISc, Bengaluru IIT Madras IIT Delhi
  • Medical: AIIMS Delhi topped the category. 
  • Dental: Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, and Manipal College of Dental Sciences retained the top two positions. Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi,  secured third position. 

 

About NIRF: 

  • Introduced by: Ministry of Education, Government of India, in 2015 
  • Aims to provide a fair and transparent assessment of higher education institutions in India. 
  • Evaluation Parameters: NIRF evaluates institutions based on five broad categories.
  1. Teaching, Learning, and Resources (TLR) 
  2. Research, Professional Practice, and Collaborative Performance (RPC) 
  3. Graduation Outcomes (GO) 
  4. Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) 
  5. Perception (PR)

Gallantry Awards 2024

President Smt Droupadi Murmu has approved 103 Gallantry awards to Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel on the eve of Independence Day 2024. 

These are:  four Kirti Chakras including three posthumous; 18 Shaurya Chakras including four posthumous; one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry); 63 Sena Medals (Gallantry) including two posthumous; 11 Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry); and six Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). 

Gallantry Awards 

Kirti Chakra 

  • Total Awards: 4 (including 3 posthumous) 
  • Instituted in 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class-II, renamed Kirti Chakra in 1967. 
  • Awarded for conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy. 
  • The medal is circular in shape, made of standard silver. The obverse features an embossed replica of the Ashoka Chakra surrounded by a lotus wreath. 
  • The ribbon is green, divided into three equal parts by two orange vertical lines.

 

Shaurya Chakra 

  • Total Awards: 18 (including 4 posthumous)
  • Instituted in 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class-III, renamed in 1967. Awarded for gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy. The medal is circular in shape with the Ashoka Chakra in the center, surrounded by a lotus wreath. 
  • Ribbon is green divided by three vertical lines. Bars are awarded for subsequent acts of gallantry. 

 

Sena Medal (Gallantry) 

  • Total Awards: 64 (including 2 posthumous and 1 Bar).
  • Awarded to personnel of the Indian Army for acts of bravery or exceptional service. 
  • The Bar recognizes additional acts of bravery. 

Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) 

  • Total Awards: 11 
  • Gallantry award for the Indian Navy, recognizing exceptional devotion to duty or courage. 

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) 

  • Total Awards: 6 
  • Instituted in 1960 to recognize exceptional devotion to duty or acts of courage by Air Force personnel. 
  • Includes awards for individual acts of bravery and devotion to duty.

 

Mention-in-Despatches 

The President has also approved 39 Mention-in-Despatches, including to Army Dog Kent (posthumous) for their significant contributions in different military operations. 

The operations include Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Sahayata, Operation Hifazat, Operation Orchid and Operation Katchal.

  • Operation Rakshak: Ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir. 
  • Operation Snow Leopard: Response to standoff with Chinese forces along the LAC in Ladakh. 
  • Operation Sahayata: Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. 
  • Operation Orchid: Counter-insurgency in the Naga Hills and Tuensang area of Nagaland. 
  • Operation Hifazat: Counter-insurgency in the Nagaland-Manipur-Arunachal Pradesh area. 

 

Police Medals President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMG) 

President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMG): The highest police decoration for bravery, awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in saving life and property, preventing crime, or arresting criminals. 

1 PMG awarded to Shri Chaduvu Yadaiah, Head Constable of Telangana Police, for his extraordinary bravery during a violent confrontation with criminals involved in chain-snatching and arms dealing. 

Medal for Gallantry (GM): 213 GMs awarded for acts of gallantry, with categories including decorations for firefighters and civil defence personnel. 

President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM): 94 President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in police work. 

Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM): 729 Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) were awarded for valuable service characterized by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.

Three new wetlands added to the list of Ramsar sites

The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed that three more wetlands from India have been added to the list of Ramsar sites. This makes the total Ramsar sites count in India to 85. 

The new sites are the Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and the Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and the Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh.

 

About the newly designated Ramsar Sites:

Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): 

  • Nanjarayan Tank Bird Sanctuary is a protected area and bird sanctuary located in Tiruppur district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
  • It is a home to species like the Eurasian coot, spot-billed duck, and various herons. 

 

Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): 

  • Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary is a protected area and bird sanctuary located in Villupuram district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
  • The sanctuary has the brakish shallow Kazhuveli lake, which is connected to the Bay of Bengal by the brackish Uppukalli creek and the Edayanthittu Estuary.

 

Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh): 

  • Tawa Reservoir is located in Itarsi of Narmadapuram District of Madhya Pradesh state, above Betul district. 
  • The reservoir was formed by the construction of the Tawa Dam. The dam provides for irrigation to several thousand hectares of farming land in Narmadapuram and Harda districts. 
  • Tawa Reservoir forms the western boundary of Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.

One India-One Ticket Initiative

Indian Railways and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) have partnered to promote the ‘One India-One Ticket’ initiative, to enhance the travel experience for passengers on Indian Railways and Namo Bharat Trains.

Key Points

  • This initiative will enable a unified booking system, allowing commuters to seamlessly travel between Indian Railways and RRTS services.
  • It will allow passengers to book Namo Bharat tickets through IRCTC platform with flexible cancellation and payment.
  • RRTS ticket booking options will appear on the PNR confirmation page and within the user’s booking history.
  • Passengers can generate Unique QR code for Namo Bharat train ticket. The code will be valid for 4 days around the journey date options. 
  • Namo Bharat tickets can be booked up to 120 days in advance, aligning with the current Railway reservation window.

Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumes charge as Indian Ambassador to US

Former Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumed charge as the Ambassador of India to the United States. Kwatra succeeds Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

Kwatra has held various positions in many of India’s missions abroad and in India, bringing with him nearly 32 years of experience across a range of assignments. 

Kwatra has previously served at the Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office as Joint Secretary. He also served as Minister (Commerce) at the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., from May 2010 to July 2013. 

He headed the Policy Planning & Research Division of the Ministry of External Affairs between July 2013 and October 2015, and later served as the head of the Americas Division in the Foreign Ministry, where he managed India’s relations with the United States and Canada.

Huge reservoir of water under Mars, seismic data indicates

Scientists have discovered a reservoir of liquid water deep under Mars’ surface, based on seismic data from NASA’s InSight mission.

The study, ‘Liquid water in the Martian mid-crust’, was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). It was conducted by a team from the University of California San Diego, led by scientists Vashan Wright, Matthias Morzfeld, and Michael Manga.

 

Key Points

  • This finding has big implications for understanding how water cycles and climate on Mars have changed over time.
  • Water is located 10-20 km deep, believed to have seeped from the surface billions of years ago. If widespread, this water could fill an ocean 1-2 km deep across Mars.
  • The existence of liquid water raises the tantalizing possibility of discovering a habitable environment on Mars.
  • This discovery could redefine the search for life on Mars, shifting the focus to deep underground environments. It also suggests that Mars may have vast reservoirs of water that could have shaped its geological history.

Australia, U.S., U.K. Sign Nuclear Transfer Deal for AUKUS Submarines

Australia has signed an important deal with the US and the UK to share nuclear secrets and materials. This agreement is a key step toward giving Australia nuclear-powered submarines, as part of the AUKUS security pact.

 

About AUKUS 

It is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, US and UK signed in 2021 to strengthen security and defence interests. 

It aims to build nuclear-powered submarines for Australia

and to develop new military technologies together.

 

Key highlights of the deal 

  • Under the deal, the United States intends to sell Australia three US Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines, in the early 2030s, with an option for Australia to buy two more if needed. 
  • The multi-stage project would culminate with British and Australian production and operation of a new submarine class – SSN-AUKUS. 
  • SSN-AUKUS will be a trilaterally developed vessel based on Britain’s next-generation design. It would be built in Britain and Australia and include cutting edge U.S. technologies. 
  • Britain would take delivery of its first SSN-AUKUS submarine in the late 2030s, and Australia would receive its first in the early 2040s.

 

Impact of this deal

For Australia: Australia will join a small group of countries with nuclear-powered submarines, improving its naval power in the Pacific. 

Australia is committed to not using these submarines for nuclear weapons. 

For U.S.: This is only the second time the U.S. has shared nuclear submarine technology, the first being with the U.K. in 1958. 

For U.K.: The SSN-AUKUS will be built in the U.K. and Australia, using advanced U.S. technology. 

First units will be delivered to the U.K. in the late 2030s and to Australia in the early 2040s.

For India: It can be a tool in strengthening India’s idea of ‘strategic autonomy’ in Indo-Pacific and can complement Quad grouping.

For France: France is not happy with the deal and has termed this deal a “stab in the back” because Australia canceled a previous contract for French submarines.

For Indo-Pacific Region: Under this partnership, technology, scientists, industries and defence forces of these three countries will work together to deliver a safer and more secure region. Some analysts feel that this partnership will lead to intensified arms race in the region.

Govt Issues Guidelines for Model Solar Village Scheme 

The Government has issued operational guidelines for the implementation of Model Solar Village under PM-Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana.

Key Highlights of the Draft Guidelines

  • Under the scheme component ‘Model Solar Village’, emphasis has been made on creating one Model Solar Village per district across India, with the goal of promoting solar energy adoption and enabling village communities to become self-reliant in meeting their energy needs. 
  • Funding: A total financial outlay of ₹800 crore has been allocated for this component, providing ₹1 crore per selected Model Solar Village.

Criteria: 

  • In order to be considered a village under the competition mode, a village must be a revenue village with a population size above 5,000 (or 2,000 for special category states). 
  • The selection process involves a competitive mode where villages are assessed on their overall distributed renewable energy (RE) capacity installed 6 months after the declaration of the potential candidate by District Level Committee (DLC). 

The winning village in each district, with the highest RE capacity, will receive a central financial assistance grant of ₹1 crore. 

Implementation: The implementation of this scheme will be done by State/UT Renewable Energy Development Agency under the supervision of District Level Committee (DLC).

About PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana 

  • It is a central scheme to promote the adoption of solar rooftop systems by providing substantial financial subsidies and ensuring ease of installation.
  • It aims to provide free electricity to one crore households in India, who opt to install roof top solar electricity units. 
  • The scheme has an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore and is to be implemented till FY 2026-27.

Release of Publication “Women and Men in India 2023

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, released the 25th issue of its publication titled “Women and Men in India 2023”.

The publication is a comprehensive and insightful document that attempts to bring a holistic view of the situation of women and men in India and provides data on a wide range of topics such as Population, Education, Health, Participation in Economy, Participation in Decision making etc. among others. 

Key Highlights of the Publication

  • Population: By 2036, population of India is expected to reach 152.2 Crore, with a slightly improved female percentage of 48.8% as compared to 48.5 percent in 2011. 
  • Age Demographics: The proportion of individuals under 15 years is projected to decrease from 2011 to 2036, likely due to declining fertility. Conversely, the proportion of the population aged 60 years and above is anticipated to substantially increase during this period.
  • Sex Ratio: India’s population in 2036 is expected to be more feminine compared to the 2011 population, as reflected in the sex ratio which is projected to increase from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036, highlighting a positive trend in gender equality.
  • Age-Specific Fertility Rates: It is evident that from 2016 to 2020, Age Specific Fertility Rate in the age group of 20-24 and 25-29 has reduced from 135.4 and 166.0 to 113.6 and 139.6 respectively. 

The ASFR for the age 35-39 for the above period has increased from 32.7 to 35.6 which shows that after settling in the life, women are thinking of expansion of family. 

  • Adolescent Fertility Rate was 33.9 for illiterate population whereas 11.0 for the literate in 2020. This rate considerably lower for even those who are literate but without any formal education (20.0) as compared to illiterate women reemphasizing the importance of imparting education to women.
  • Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): India has made notable progress in reducing MMR, achieving a rate of 97 per lakh live births for the period 2018-20. This is a significant step towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70 by 2030.
  • Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has decreased for both genders, with the rate for females equalizing with that of males at 28 per 1,000 live births in 2020. The Under-5 Mortality Rate has also reduced, indicating improvements in child health. Infant mortality rate (IMR) measures the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births.
  • Labour Force Participation: The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for both genders has increased. 

For men, it rose from 75.8% to 78.5% between 2017-18 and 2022-23, while for women, it increased from 23.3% to 37% during the same period. This indicates greater female involvement in the workforce. Voter Turnout 

  • Election Participation: Women’s voter turnout has increased over the years. In the 2019 elections, women’s participation reached 67.2%, surpassing men’s turnout for the first time. This reflects growing political engagement among women. 
  • Women Entrepreneurs: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognized a total of 1,17,254 start-ups between 2016 and 2023. 

Among these, 55,816 start-ups are led by women, constituting 47.6% of the total recognized start-ups.

CSIR-NPL Launches Certification Process for Continuous Emission Monitoring 

The Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) is crucial for tracking pollution in India’s industries. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) made it mandatory to install CEMS in 2014.

To address concerns over the reliability of these systems, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) launched a certification process to ensure CEMS meet national and international standards.

The certification process includes four levels of quality assurance (QAL-1 to QAL-3) along with yearly checks to keep CEMS functioning well. QAL-1 focuses on proving the equipment’s suitability through thorough testing and audits. 

To further improve the quality of CEMS data, CSIR-NPL is working with the CPCB to develop additional quality assurance procedures, aiming to create a complete framework.

About CSIR-NPL 

  • The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) was set up in 1947. 
  • It focuses on measuring and setting standards. 
  • It helps industries by making sure their measurements are correct. 
  • The lab has advanced research facilities for many  scientific areas.

 

Assam Current Affairs – January 25-27, 2024

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – January 25-27, 2024

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for January 25-27, 2024)

Go To Assam Current Affairs                      Go To Assam Current Affairs Quiz

Current Affairs Assamexam

January 25-27, 2024 

PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme (PM YASASVI)

PM YASASVI is a Scholarship scheme for Other Backward Class (OBCs), Economically Backward Class (EBC) and Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT) Students. 

The scheme aims to provide scholarships to students from various impoverished classes. The Scheme provides these students with the resources they need to become financially independent and continue their studies.

A total of ₹32.44 Crore has been released for Pre-matric Scholarships and ₹387.27 Crore for Post-Matric Scholarships to States/Union Territories (UTs) under the PM YASASVI scheme.

About PM YASASVI 

  • Under this Scheme students can avail Pre-Matric Scholarship from Class 9 to 10 and Post Matric Scholarship for their higher studies at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage. 
  • Students who excel in their studies also get an opportunity of Scholarship to study in Top Class Schools and Colleges under the Scheme of ‘Top Class School Education’ and ‘Top Class College Education’. 
  • Additionally, hostel facilities are provided for OBC students through a construction scheme. 

Eligibility: 

  • Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT) 
  • Parents or guardians annual income is not more than Rs. 2.50 Lakhs. 
  • Studying in a Top Class School in Class 9 or 11.

There are five sub-Schemes under the Scheme. 

  1. Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: For students studying in class IX and X on a full-time basis in Government Schools only. Benefit-The students shall be given a consolidated academic allowance of Rs. 4000/- per annum 
  2. Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students. : For students studying at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education. Benefits-allowance from Rs.5000 to Rs.20000 is awarded to students as per category of course. 
  3. Top Class School Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: For meritorious students belonging to OBC, EBC and DNT categories from Class 9 onwards till they complete Class 12. Benefits-Scholarship is awarded for tuition fee, hostel fee and other charges  subject to a maximum of Rs. 75,000/- per annum per student of class 9 and 10 and Rs. 1,25,000/- per annum per student of class 11 and 12. 
  4. Top Class College Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: For students belonging to OBC, EBC and DNT categories. Benefits-by providing full financial support that include tuition fee,living expenses,books and stationaries etcs. 
  5. Construction of Hostel for OBC Boys and Girls -To provide hostel facilities to students belonging to socially and educationally backward classes, especially from rural areas, to enable them to pursue secondary and higher education in the Govt. schools, universities, institutions and institutes located at a reasonable distance.

Arvind Panagariya Appointed Head Of Sixteenth Finance Commission 

The Government of India has appointed Arvind Panagariya, a renowned trade economist and former Niti Aayog vice chairman, as the chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission.

Major Terms of Reference for the 16th Finance Commission: 

  • Division of Tax Proceeds: Recommending the distribution of taxes between the Union Government and the States under Chapter I, Part XII of the Constitution. Includes the allocation of shares among the States from these tax proceeds. 
  • Principles for Grants-in-Aid: Establishing principles governing grants-in-aid to the States from the Consolidated Fund of India. Determines amounts to be provided to the States as grants-in-aid under Article 275 of the Constitution. 
  • Enhancing State Funds for Local Bodies: Identifying measures to enhance the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement resources available to Panchayats and Municipalities. Based on recommendations made by the State’s own Finance Commission. 
  • Evaluation of Disaster Management Financing: The Commission may review current financing structures related to Disaster Management initiatives. Examines funds created under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and presents suitable recommendations for improvements or alterations. 

About Finance Commission 

  • The Finance Commission (FC) of India was established by the President in 1951 under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution. 

Functions

  • Its primary role is to define and regulate the financial relations between the central government and the individual state governments. 
  • The Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951, further outlines the qualifications, appointment, disqualification, term, eligibility, and powers of the Finance Commission. 
  • The Fifteenth Finance Commission, made recommendations covering the period of six years commencing on April 1, 2020.

Composition: 

  • Appointed every five years, the FC comprises a chairman and four other members. 
  • The chairman of the commission is selected from among persons who have had experience in public affairs. 
  • Four other members are selected from among persons who: 
  1. are, or have been, or are qualified to be appointed as Judges of a High Court; 
  2. or have special knowledge of the finances and accounts of Government; 
  3. or have had wide experience in financial matters and in administration; 
  4. or have special knowledge of economics

Padma Awards 2024

The President has approved conferment of 132 Padma Awards including 2 duo cases (counted as one) for the year 2024.

Padma Awards 2024 List

The list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri Awards. 30 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 8 persons from the category of Foreigners / NRI / PIO / OCI and 9 Posthumous awardees.

About Padma Awards 

  • The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India. They are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March / April every year.
  • The Awards are given in various disciplines / fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. 
  • The Padma Awards are provided in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. 
  • The ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is given to people who have done outstanding and remarkable service. 
  • The ‘Padma Bhushan’ is awarded for excellent service of a high order. 
  • The ‘Padma Shri’ is given to those who have shown great service in different fields. 
  • The award contain a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President, medallion and a small replica of the medallion, awardee names are also published in the Gazette of India on the ceremonial day.
  • The award does not amount to title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name.

Padma Vibhushan 2024 

Name                                   Field                State/ Region 

  1. Ms. Vyjayantimala Bali           Art                      Tamil Nadu 
  2. Shri Konidela Chiranjeevi      Art                      Andhra Pradesh 
  3. Shri M Venkaiah Naidu      Public Affairs     Andhra Pradesh
  4. Shri Bindeshwar Pathak    Social Work           Bihar

(Posthumous)  

  1. Ms. Padma Subrahmanyam    Art                 Tamil Nadu

Padma Bhushan Awardees 2024 

Name                                   Field           State/Country 

  1. Ms. M Fathima Beevi   Public Affairs       Kerala 
  2. Shri Hormusji N Cama Literature & Education Maharashtra
  3. Shri Mithun Chakraborty Art West Bengal 
  4. Shri Sitaram Jindal Trade & Industry Karnataka 
  5. Shri Young Liu Trade & Industry Taiwan 
  6. Shri Ashwin Balachand Mehta Medicine Maharashtra 
  7. Shri Satyabrata Mookherjee Public Affairs West Bengal 8. Shri Ram Naik Public Affairs Maharashtra 
  8. Shri Tejas Madhusudan Patel Medicine Gujarat 
  9. Shri Olanchery Rajagopal Public Affairs Kerala 
  10. Shri Dattatray Ambadas Mayaloo alias Rajdutt Art Maharashtra 
  11. Shri Togdan Rinpoche Others – Spiritualism Ladakh 13. Shri Pyarelal Sharma Art Maharashtra 
  12. Shri Chandreshwar Prasad Thakur Medicine Bihar 
  13. Ms. Usha Uthup Art West Bengal 
  14. Shri Vijaykanth Art Tamil Nadu 
  15. Shri Kundan Vyas Literature & Education – Journalism Maharashtra

Padma Awards 2024

The Padma Shri Awards 2024 have been announced, honouring 110 distinguished individuals across various fields for their exceptional service. 

Individual/s has been awarded with the Padma Shri Awards 2024 from Assam

  1. Assam’s first female elephant mahout, Parbati Baruah, is recognized for her commitment to mitigating human-elephant conflict.
  2. Sarbeswar Basumatary  also known as “Chirang ke Krishi Chiraag,” is a farmer whose innovative approach to farming, incorporating various technologies, has not only transformed his own agricultural practices but has also garnered attention at the national level.
  3. Folk artiste from Assam Drona Bhuyan, an exponent of Ojapali and Deodhani dancer

Sapinda Marriage

Delhi High Court recently rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 5(v) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA), which prohibits marriage between Hindus if they are “sapindas” of each other.

About Sapinda Marriage

  • A sapinda marriage is one between individuals who are related to each other within a certain degree of closeness. 
  • Sapinda relationships for the purposes of the HMA are defined in Section 3 of the Hindu Marriage Act. 
  • Under section 3(f)(ii) of the act, two persons are said to be sapindas of each other if one is a lineal ascendant of the other within the limits of sapinda relationship, or if they have a common lineal ascendant who is within the limits of sapinda relationship with reference to each of them. 
  • Under the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, on the mother’s side, a Hindu individual cannot marry anyone who is within three generations of them in the line of ascent.
  • On the father’s side, the same prohibition applies to anyone within five generations of the individual.

Exceptions to the Prohibitions Against Sapinda Marriages

  • The Hindu Marriage Act (HMA) provides an exception to the prohibition against sapinda marriages.
  • This exception applies when the customs of each individual involved permit such marriages.
  • According to Section 3(a) of the HMA, a custom must be continuously and uniformly observed for an extended period to gain legitimacy.
  • For a custom to be valid, it must be certain, not unreasonable, and in line with public policy. Additionally, if the custom applies only to a specific family, it should not have been discontinued by that family.

Cabinet approves the scheme for promotion of Coal/Lignite

Union Cabinet approved the scheme for promotion of Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects of Government PSUs and Private Sector with an outlay of Rs.8,500 crore towards incentive for coal gasification projects under three categories.

The cabinet has approved the scheme as follows: 

Total outlay of Rs.8,500 crore will be provided as financial assistance for coal gasification projects under three categories. 

Finance under 3 categories

  • In category I, Rs.4,050 crore provisioned for Government PSUs in which upto 3 projects will be supported by providing lump-sum grant of Rs.1,350 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower.
  • In category II, Rs.3,850 crore provisioned for private sector as well as Government PSUs in which lump-sum grant of Rs.1,000 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower provided for each project. At least one project will be bid out on tariff-based bidding process and its criteria will be designed in consultation with NITI Aayog. 
  • In category III, Rs.600 crore provisioned for demonstration Projects (indigenous technology) and/or small-scale product-based Gasification Plants under which lump-sum grant of Rs.100 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower, will be given to the selected entity who will have a minimum Capex of Rs. 100 Crore and minimum production of 1500 Nm3/hr Syn gas.

Project Veer Gatha

The third edition of Project ‘Veer Gatha’, a joint initiative of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education as part of Republic Day celebrations, has witnessed an overwhelming pan India response.

About Project Veer Gatha

  • Project Veer Gatha was initiated under the Gallantry Awards Portal (GAP) in 2021 with the primary goal of raising awareness about the brave actions of Gallantry Awardees and sharing their life stories with students.
  • It aims to inspire patriotism and civic values among the youth.
  • It aims to disseminate the details of acts of bravery of the Gallantry Awardees and the life stories of these brave hearts among the students. 
  • The order of precedence for Gallantry awards – Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra.

Assam Current Affairs – January 22-24, 2024

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – January 22-24, 2024

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Current Affairs Assamexam

January 22-24, 2024 

Amit Shah unvelis book ‘Assam’s Braveheart Lachit Barphukan’ 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently launched a book titled ‘Assam’s Braveheart Lachit Barphukan‘.  

The book was released at the Srimanta Sankardev International Auditorium in Guwahati in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The book, authored by Arup Kumar Dutta, delves into the life of the legendary 17th-century Ahom warrior Lachit Barphukan. 

The book highlights Lachit Barphukan’s significant role in defending Assam against the Mughal army, chronicling historical events and the enduring influence of Barphukan’s legacy​​​​.

The book has been published in English language by the state government and translated into 24 scheduled Indian languages.

India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE

The 2nd edition of Exercise CYCLONE, a joint special forces drill between India and Egypt, is taking place in Anshas, Egypt, from January 22 to February 1, 2024. The exercise is designed to develop bilateral military cooperation and strengthen bond between two armies through conduct of discussions and rehearsal of tactical military drills.

About Exercise Cyclone

  • The Indian contingent is being represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and an Egyptian contingent comprising 25 personnel is being represented by Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.
  • Aim of the Exercise is to acquaint both the sides with each other’s operating procedures in the backdrop of Special Operations in desert/ semi desert terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter.  
  • The Exercise will involve planning and execution of special operations in sub conventional domain and conducted in three phases. 
  • While the first phase will include Military Exhibitions and Tactical Interactions, second phase will focus on training on Improvised Explosive Device (IED), counter IED and Combat First Aid. The third and final phase will encompass Joint Tactical Exercise based on Fighting in Built-up Area and Hostage Rescue Scenarios. 
  • The Exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond and share best practices. It will also act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.
  • The first edition of the exercise was conducted last year in India.

Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

The PM announced Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, a pioneering government initiative aimed at installing rooftop solar power systems in one crore households across the nation.

About Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana 

  • This scheme is a new attempt to help reach the target of 40 GW rooftop solar capacity.
  • It will involve installing solar power systems at rooftops for residential consumers. 
  • The scheme would help not only reduce electricity bills of the poor and middle class, but also push India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in the energy sector.

Current Solar Capacity in India

  • According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, solar power installed capacity in India has reached around 73.31 GW as of December 2023. 
  • Meanwhile, rooftop solar installed capacity is around 11.08 GW as of December 2023. Overall, solar power has a major share in the country’s current renewable energy capacity, which stands at around 180 GW. 
  • High performing states In terms of total solar capacity, Rajasthan is at the top with 18.7 GW. Gujarat is at the second position with 10.5 GW. 
  • When it comes to rooftop solar capacity, Gujarat tops the list with 2.8 GW, followed by Maharashtra by 1.7 GW.

Previous schemes to promote rooftop solar system 

In 2014, the government launched the Rooftop Solar Programme. This had aimed to achieve a cumulative installed capacity of 40,000 megawatts (MW) or 40 gigawatts (GW) by 2022.

‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman campaign’

The Vice-President of India had inaugurated ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ to commemorate the 75th Year of India as a Republic. The campaign, led by the Ministry of Law and Justice, aims to reaffirm commitment to the Constitution, celebrating shared values.

This nationwide initiative envisage to instill a sense of pride and responsibility to uphold the ideals outlined in the constitutional framework. It will also give opportunity to every citizen to participate in various ways, empower them to contribute in a meaningful way in our democratic journey.

Some of the themes to be covered during the Campaign include:-

  • Sabko Nyay Har Ghar Nyaya – Connecting the villagers and spreading awareness of legal services. The citizens would also get the opportunity to showcase their talents and to test their knowledge on the Constitution. 
  • Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyan – Involving the students to carry the message Panch Pran in the villages adopted by the Law colleges, under the Pro Bono Club scheme. 
  • Nyaya Setu – Expanding the legal services till the last mile. The event also released the achievement booklet of the Scheme on Access to Justice ‘Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice’ (DISHA).
  • Partnership with IGNOU – To allow Paralegals to acquire certifications in diverse field of laws to increase their employability. Partnership with Bhashini – To break the barriers of language in accessibility to justice.

The 9th India International Science Festival (IISF)

The 9th edition of India International Science Festival, (IISF-2023) held from 17 to 20 January at Faridabad, Haryana.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India is organizing the 9th edition of IISF and its autonomous organization National Innovation Foundation-India is the coordination and implementation body of IISF 2023. 

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) institutes Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) – Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) located in Faridabad (Haryana) is the host institute of the grand event

Objectives

  • The aim of this science festival is to celebrate the achievements of India in the frontier areas of science and technology. 
  • The festival also aims to acknowledge the achievements of science enthusiasts and inculcate scientific temper among young students and spread the same among the Indian citizens. 

Theme

The central theme of IISF 2023 is “Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal”. 

This time, 22 countries are also participating at IISF 2023. These include Argentine Republic, Republic of Armenia, Commonwealth of Australia, Kingdom of Cambodia, French Republic, Federal Republic of Germany, Republic of Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Kenya, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia,  Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Republic of Namibia, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Singapore, Republic of South Africa, Kingdom of Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and Republic of Zimbabwe.

19th NAM Summit held in Uganda

The 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit was held in Kampala, Uganda. Uganda has taken over as chair from Azerbaijan, to run until 2027.

Theme: ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.’

Key discussions 

    • Israel-Hamas war: The leaders of NAM countries have denounced Israel’s offensive in Gaza and demanded an immediate ceasefire during the summit. 
    • India’s “Vishwa Mitra” initiative: India  emphasized its role as a friend to the world, or “Vishwa Mitra” to global solidarity and cooperation in his address.
    • A call for multipolar world

 

About Non-Aligned Movement

  • The NAM was established in 1961 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, through the initiative of five leaders of newly independent countries: Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Sukarno of Indonesia, and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana.
  • It was formed during the Cold War as an organisation of States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the United States or the Soviet Union but sought to remain independent or neutral. 
  • Currently it has 120 Member States, 17 Observer Countries and 10 Observer organizations. 
  • NAM does not have a permanent secretariat or a formal founding charter, act, or treaty. 
  • The summit usually takes place every three years.

Assam Current Affairs – January 16-18, 2024

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – January 16-18, 2024

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Current Affairs Assamexam

January 16-18, 2024 

Assam Govt Unveils Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan

The Assam government launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA) to empower rural women entrepreneurs.

About Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan

  • The scheme is designed to foster the development of rural women who are part of self-help groups, transforming them into “rural micro-entrepreneurs” with a target annual income of Rs 1 lakh per member.
  • To qualify for the grant, women from the general and other backward caste (OBC) categories must have no more than three children. 
  • However, specific exemptions are made for women from the Moran, Muttock, and tea-tribe communities, who can apply with four or fewer children. 
  • For women belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) categories, the eligibility criteria dictate that they should have no more than four children.
  • If beneficiaries have daughters, they must be enrolled in school. For girls not attending school, a signed commitment for future enrollment is necessary. 
  • Beneficiaries need to ensure that the trees planted under the government’s tree plantation campaign, Amrit Brikshya Andolan, are thriving.

Assam Baibhav Award 

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi will be honored with Assam’s highest civilian award ‘Assam Baibhav’. The decision to confer this year’s award upon Ranjan Gogoi reflects the state government’s acknowledgment of his exceptional service and achievements.

This marks the third year of the Assam Baibhav awards, with the inaugural award presented to business magnate Ratan Tata in the first year, followed by journalist Tapan Saikia in the second year. 

About ‘Assam Baibhav’ Awards

  • It is one of the highest civilian awards given by the state of Assam. As an award, Gogoi will be given a citation, certificate, medal and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. 
  • Ranjan Gogoi held the office of the 46th Chief Justice of India. 
  • During his tenure, the Supreme Court had given a historic verdict on the decade-old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case.

Assam Saurav Award 2023: 

This award will be given to four personalities. 

  1. Mainly among these Hima Das – Athletics 
  2. Dr. Kishan Chand Nauriyal: Art and Culture 
  3. Elvis Ali Hazarika: Swimming and 
  4. Nadiram Deuri: Tiwa Dance 

This award will include a citation, certificate, medal and a cash prize of Rs 4 lakh. 

Assam Gaurav Award 2023: 

This year 17 personalities will be given the ‘Assam Gaurav’ award. 

  1. Ranjit Gogoi (Folk and Bihu dance exponent) 
  2. Parvati Barua (animal protection activities) 
  3. Debojit Chiangmai (sound engineer) 
  4. Drono Bhuyan (Oja Pali) 
  5. Neelam Dutta (Organic Farming) 
  6. Anupam Deka (industrialist) 
  7. Soumyadeep Dutta (Wildlife Conservation) 
  8. Basant Chiring Phukan (Mushroom Cultivation) 
  9. Manendra Deka (Handicraft) 
  10. Meenakshi Chetia (Social Service) 
  11. Pakhila Lekhtepi (Karbi Lok) 
  12. Tenzing Bodosa (Elephant Friendly Tea Garden) 
  13. Nirmal De (mat) 
  14. Jessin Kumbang Pao (weaving) 
  15. Mary Hassa (social services) 
  16. Upendra Rabha (black rice cultivation) and 
  17. Rahul Gupta (Hydroponic Farming). 

Assam Gaurav Award winners will be given a citation, certificate, medal and a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh.

Indian Army launched Operation Sarvashakti

The Indian Army has launched Operation Sarvashakti in the Rajouri-Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir, deploying forces on both sides of the Pir Panjal range to target terrorists who have carried out a series of attacks on troops in the area.

About Operation Sarvashakti

  • Recent years have witnessed three major terrorist attacks in the area, resulting in the loss of 20 soldiers.
  • Operation Sarvashakti is an initiative of the Indian army to neutralise terrorist threats in Pir Panjal range. 
  • As part of the operation at least three brigades of additional troops are being deployed in the sector from various reserve and strike corps formations in order to increase the density of troops.
  • It is similar to Operation Sarpvinash. 
  • In 2003, Indian forces launched Operation Sarpvinash to flush out terrorists who had infiltrated from across the border and set up camps in the thick forests south of the Pir Panjal range, especially in the Hilkaka area in Poonch. 
  • The operation flushed out terrorists and brought peace to the area that lasted until 2017-18, even as terrorist incidents continued to take place in the valley.

The deposits raised under the framework are covered by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).

Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023

Surat and Indore have been jointly recognized as the cleanest cities in India at the Union Urban Affairs Ministry’s annual Clean City Awards 2023. Indore achieved the top rank for the seventh consecutive time.

President Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred the Swachh Survekshan awards 2023 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). 

The theme for the year 2023 was -“Waste to Wealth”. 

The theme for the Cleanliness Survey 2024 is “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.”

The President launched the Swachh Survekshan 2023 dashboard, emphasizing the importance of everyone’s contribution to and participation in the survey.

Key Points

  • In the category of cities with a population of less than 1 lakh, Sasvad, Patan and Lonavala secured the top three spots. 
  • Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh was adjudged the Cleanest Cantonment Board. 
  • Varanasi and Prayagraj won the top two awards amongst the Cleanest Ganga Towns. 
  • Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh won the top three awards for Best Performing State.
  • Chandigarh walked away with the award for the Best Safaimitra Surakshit Sheher, acknowledging initiatives that prioritize the safety, dignity, and well-being of sanitation workers.  

About Swachh Survekshan Awards

  • It was launched in 2016, as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission initiated by the Government of India to promote cleanliness and sanitation in urban areas. 
  • The annual survey ranks cities based on various sanitation parameters like door-to-door waste collection, waste treatment, public toilet management, citizen participation, and innovation in sanitation practices.
  • Winning cities and states receive recognition and financial incentives, aiming to motivate them to maintain and improve their sanitation standards.

NHAI Introduces ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ Initiative

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative that aims to discourage user behavior of using single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle.

About the ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative:

  • The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the Electronic Toll Collection system and provide seamless movement at the Toll Plazas. 
  • The new arrangement Of ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ has also been introduced to discourage user behaviour of using single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle.
  •  The initiative encourages FASTag users to complete ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) process of their latest FASTag by updating KYC as per RBI guidelines.
  • FASTags with valid balance but with incomplete KYC will get deactivated/blacklisted by banks post 31st January 2024.
  • NHAI has taken this initiative after the recent reports of multiple FASTags being issued for a particular vehicle and FASTags being issued without KYC in violation of RBI’s mandate. 
  • The ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ initiative will help to make toll operations more efficient and ensure seamless & comfortable journeys for the National Highway users.

About FASTag

  • FASTag is a device that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable toll payments while the vehicle is in motion. 
  • It is essentially an RFID passive tag on the vehicle’s windscreen linked to a customer’s prepaid or savings/current account. 
  • It allows customers to drive through toll plazas without stopping for toll payments. 
  • The toll fee is deducted from the customer’s linked account. 
  • It is also vehicle specific and once it is affixed to a vehicle, it cannot be transferred to another vehicle.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)State’s Startup Ranking 2022

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) released the State’s Startup Ranking Framework 2022 report. Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu emerged as the best-performing states in the Startup Ranking for 2022.

Categories and Participation 

A total of 33 states and union territories actively participated in the evaluation, categorized under five distinct groups – best performers, top performers, leaders, aspiring leaders, and emerging startup ecosystems. The rankings serve as a testament to the varied and evolving nature of the startup ecosystem in different regions of the country.

About State’s Startup Ranking Framework 2022 report

Category A States (Population more than 1 crore)

  • Best performing states: Gujarat, Karnataka and Kerala 
  • Top performing states: Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Orissa and Maharashtra
  • Leading states: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Andhra Pradesh 
  • States with Ambitious Leadership: Bihar and Haryana 
  • States developing emerging startup ecosystems: Chhattisgarh, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir 

Category B States (Population less than 1 crore)

  • Best performer: Himachal Pradesh 
  • Top Performer: Arunachal Pradesh Meghalaya 
  • Leader: Goa, Manipur and Tripura 
  • Aspiring leader:  Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Nagaland
  • Emerging Ecosystems: Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu, Ladakh Mizoram, Puducherry and Sikkim

MeitY Secretary Launches India’s First Graphene Centre and IoT CoE in Kerala

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Secretary S Krishnan inaugurated the India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG) and a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Intelligent Internet of Things (IIoT) Sensors in Kerala.

About India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG): India’s first Graphene Center

  • Digital University Kerala (DUK) (formerly IIITMK) and Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET)-Thrissur are the technical partners for setting up these centers at Makers Village Kochi. 
  • The complete full-fledged facility for R&D, incubation, innovation, skilling, capacity building, testing & certification shall be established at these centers by the experts of these agencies.
  • The creation of a complete eco-system for start-ups in the area of IoT Sensors and Graphene & 2D Materials are the main objectives for setting up these centers in the country. 
  • The complete solution with material to product/system development shall be provided at these centers in the respective areas. 

Indian Army Develops Encrypted Mobile Ecosystem “SAMBHAV”

Indian Army develops end-to-end encrypted mobile ecosystem SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version). SAMBHAV’ has been developed in collaboration with leading national centers of excellence from academia and industry.

About SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version)

  • SAMBHAV is an end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem developed by the Indian Army. 
  • It operates on 5G technology and aims to provide secure communication and instant connectivity. 
  • It aims to address the information security challenges faced by the Indian Army.
  • Command Cyber Operations Support Wings enhance cyber capabilities at operational and tactical levels. 
  • SAMBHAV addresses the vulnerability of mobile networks to eavesdropping, offering end-to-end security. 

Command Cyber Operations Support Wing (CCOSW)

  • The Command Cyber Operations Support Wing (CCOSW) is being established which increases cyber security capability. 
  • The CCOSWs are specialized units of the Indian Army that assist formations in carrying out mandated cyber security functions. 
  • According to a report, six CCOSWs are being established for all commands. Additionally, specialized training will be provided to personnel involved in this initiative.

Assam Current Affairs & GK Quiz for APSC 2024 – Set 352: January 2024, Week 4

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Assam Current Affairs & GK Quiz for APSC 2024 – Set 352: January 2024, Week 4

(Daily and Monthly Assam Current Affairs & GK Quiz & MCQ for APSC Exams and various Assam exams)

Assam Current Affairs Quiz Home Page

Current Affairs Assam Quiz - Assam exam

Q1. India’s first Girls’ Military School inaugurated in

  1. Vrindaban
  2. Bhopal
  3. Guwahati 
  4. Shillong

Vrindaban

India’s first Girls’ Military School inaugurated in Vrindavan, Mathura. The Samvid Gurukulam Girls Military School, located within the Vatsalya Gram campus and established by Sadhvi Ritambhara, aims to provide education and training to female students. 

This initiative marks a significant step in extending military education traditionally reserved for male students in India to female students as well.

 

Q2. Vijay Raghavan Committee, recently seen in news is related to

  1. To provide free electricity to 1 lakh households.
  2. To make provisions for rural panchayats.
  3. To review the functioning of the Defence Research and Development Organisation
  4. Frame guidelines to tackle the sensitive and far-reaching problems of cybercrimes

To review the functioning of the Defence Research and Development Organisation

Q3. Exercise Cyclone was held between the Indian special forces and which of the following countries?

  1. Myanmar
  2. Sri Lanka
  3. Egypt
  4. Indonesia

Egypt

The 2nd edition of Exercise CYCLONE, a joint special forces drill between India and Egypt, is taking place in Anshas, Egypt. 

Indian Army contingent, consisting of 25 personnel from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) with the Egyptian contingent represented by the Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.

The exercise focuses on enhancing bilateral military cooperation and understanding operating procedures in desert terrain under UN Charter Chapter VII. It involves three phases, including Military Exhibitions, IED training, and Joint Tactical Exercises, fostering stronger ties between the two friendly nations.

 

Q4.The ‘Operation Sarvashakti’, recently seen in news is related to

  1. Operation by the IAF to evacuate Indian citizens from Ukraine.
  2. An initiative of the Indian army to neutralise terrorist threats in Pir Panjal range
  3. Operation by the Indian Navy to evacuate Indian citizens and foreign nationals from Sudan during the 2023 Sudan conflict.
  4. Repatriate Indian citizens from overseas during the COVID-19 pandemic

An initiative of the Indian army to neutralise terrorist threats in Pir Panjal range

Q5. ‘Hatti community has been granted Scheduled Tribe status by which state government recently?

  1. Madhya Pradesh
  2. Haryana
  3. Manipur
  4. Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

The Hattis are a close-knit community that got their name from their tradition of selling homegrown vegetables, crops, meat, wool, etc. at small markets called ‘haat’ in towns. They follow a Rigid Caste System. 

The Hattis are governed by a traditional council called Khumbli, which like the Khaps of Haryana, decide community matters. 

The Khumbli’s power has remained unchallenged despite the establishment of the Panchayati Raj System. 

Q6. What is the name of India’s first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine?

  1. Havisure
  2. Rotavac
  3. Comvac
  4. Indirab

Havisure

  • Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), has launched India’s first domestically developed Hepatitis A vaccine, named ‘Havisure.’
  • It is a two-dose vaccine.The first dose given to those above 12 months of age and the second dose is administered at least six months later. 
  • The vaccine is advised for routine immunization in children and individuals at risk due to exposure or travel to regions with high hepatitis A prevalence. 
  • Individuals with occupational infection risks and those suffering from chronic liver diseases can also receive Hepatitis A vaccination.

Q7. Which among the following institutions has been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award-2024 in the ‘Institutional Category’?

  1. Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM)
  2. 60 Parachute Field Hospital, Uttar Pradesh
  3. Disaster Mitigation & Management Centre, Uttarakhand
  4. Lunglei Fire Station (LFS), Mizoram

60 Parachute Field Hospital, Uttar Pradesh

    • 60 Parachute Field Hospitals of Uttar Pradesh have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award for the year 2024 for their excellent work in the field of disaster management. 
    • Under this award, the winning organization in the institutional category is awarded a cash prize of Rs 51 lakh and a certificate. In case of an individual, Rs 5 lakh in cash and a certificate is provided.

Q8. Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana is related to

  1. Rooftop solar panels
  2. Cultivation of Honey
  3. Child Health
  4. Cultivation of Sunflower

Rooftop solar panels

  • Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana is a centrally sponsored scheme, under which rooftop solar panels will be installed on more than 1 crore houses, with the help of which people will get a clean source of energy. 
  • The objective of this scheme is to include poor and middle class persons under the rooftop solar program and also to bring self-reliance in the energy sector.

Q9. Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’, is conducted between which two countries?

  1. India and Turkey
  2. India and Indonesia
  3. India and Saudi Arabia
  4. India and Kazakhstan

India and Saudi Arabia

  • The first joint military exercise between India and Saudi Arabia, “SADA TANSEEQ”, took place from January 29 to February 10, 2024. 
  • The exercise was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. 
  • The exercise aims to improve synergy, interoperability by sharing best practices between the two countries’ armies.
  • The Exercise will enable both the sides to share their best practices in the tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting operations in sub-conventional domain. 
  • It will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops from both sides.

Q10. Which state’s products Adi Kekir and Wancho wooden craft have recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag status?

  1. Assam
  2. Himachal Pradesh
  3. Goa
  4. Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

  • Recently, three items of Arunachal Pradesh have received the prestigious Geographical Indication tag, officials said on Wednesday. These are Adi kekir (ginger), Handmade carpets by Tibetan settlers and Wooden items made by the Wancho community.

Q11. Who was the President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly?

  1. Judge Nawaf Salam
  2. H.E. Dennis Francis
  3. Mr. Peter Thomson
  4. Ajay Banga

H.E. Dennis Francis

Q12. International Purple Fest 2024 was organised in 

  1. Punjab
  2. Assam 
  3. Goa
  4. Uttarakhand

Goa

International Purple Fest 2024 was organised in Goa. The objective of this festival is to showcase the talents of persons with disabilities through attractive performances in music, dance and entertainment. 

An extraordinary moment of the inauguration ceremony was the presentation of Purple named ‘Dhumal’. In this, performances will be given by disabled people from different areas of Goa as well as respected composers of the Indian music industry. Thus, events are primarily a symbol of inclusivity and unity. 

Q13. A book named “Gandhi A Life in Three Campaigns” is authored by

  1. Chetan Bhagat
  2. Aravind Adiga
  3. M.J. Akbar
  4. Vivek Singh

M.J. Akbar

Q14. Which country has been selected to host the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee?

  1. Japan
  2. India
  3. Russia
  4. Kazakistan 
India

India is set to chair the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and host its 46th session in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024.

Q15.  ‘Polygonum Chaturbhunjam’ recently seen in the news, belongs to which of the following species?

  1. Fungi
  2. Plants
  3. Fishes 
  4. Reptile
Plants

A new plant species named Polygonum Chaturbhujanum has been discovered at Gol Pahadi island in the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra. It is an herb.

Additionally, the survey revealed the presence of six plant species endemic to India within the Pench Tiger Reserve, namely Aegineta indica, Boerhavia crispa, Habenaria gibsonii var foetida, Iphigenia pallida, Petalidium barlerioides, and Barleria gibsonii.

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Assam Current Affairs – November 16-18, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – November 16-18, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the November 16-18, 2022)

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November 16-18, 2022

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launches Assam Millet Mission

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Assam Millet Mission at a function held in Guwahati. 

The programme aims to expand and increase millet cultivation across the state. 

Key Points

  • Millet Mission is targeted to raise the nutrition quotient and doubling of farmers’ income.
  • The mission will also increase crop productivity and contribute to crop diversification.
  • It will help the farmers of Assam to gain knowledge and handholding about millet farming.
  • Synchronizing with the programme, the Assam chief minister also started the process of distributing power tillers, pump sets, mini trucks, harvesters, crop seeds, financial aids among beneficiaries.
  • Along with launching the Millet Mission, the Chief Minister also launched six soil testing and quality control laboratories Bongaigaon, morigaon,Golaghat, Udalgiri,Karimganj and Darrang.

Manipur will host Femina Miss India 2023 in Northeast

The government of Manipur has signed a partnership agreement with the Times group to host the 59th edition of Femina Miss India in the Northeast state of Manipur in April 2023.

The finale of the 59th Femina Miss India in Manipur will be historic as it will be the first to be held in Northeast India.

The partnership agreement was signed between Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Vineet Jain, managing director of Times group.

The objective of this agreement is to celebrate the diverse and inclusive Indian culture and to inspire and empower the local youths by welcoming the best of India talents and providing an opportunity to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Asia’s largest fountain will be installed in Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala

Asia’s largest fountain will be installed in one of the lakes of Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala in Tripura.

Key Points

  • The fountain will be 120 metres tall which will be the largest in Asia, will be done under the Agartala Smart City Limited (ASCL) project.
  • Installation of this fountain at the Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala will be completed by January 2023.
  • The central government released Rs 294 crore and the state government gave Rs 78 crore. The total amount stands at Rs 372 crore of which Rs 342 crore have been spent on construction so far CEO of ASCL Dr Shailesh Kumar Yadav said.
  • In total, 67 projects were enlisted and among them, 49 have been completed while 17 projects are are still in progress.

Manipur tops in the Northeast Olympic Games for the second consecutive time

Manipur bagged the top position in the Northeast Olympic Games for the second consecutive time with 237 medals, including 85 (gold), as the second edition of the regional multi-sport event.

Key Points

  • The Games are being organised by the government of Meghalaya and the state Olympic Association under the aegis of Northeast Olympic Association (NEOA).
  • Manipur bagged the top position with a total of 240 medals which included 88 gold medals, 75 silver and 77 bronze medals. 
  • Assam took the second spot with a total of 203 medals which included 79 gold medals, 61 silver and 63 bronze medals. 
  • Arunachal Pradesh got the third spot from the host State with a total of 112 medals which included 39 gold, 36 silver and 37 bronze medals. 
  • Meghalaya was at the 4th spot followed by Nagaland at the 5th, Mizoram at 6th, Tripura at 7th and Sikkim was at the last position.
  • Around 3000 athletes competed in 18 disciplines at 12 venues spread across Shillong. The first edition in Manipur had 12 disciplines.
  • Nagaland will host the third edition of the Northeast Olympic Games. 
  • Manipur had also topped the medal tally (80 gold, 49 silver, and 33 bronze) when it hosted the inaugural Games in October 2018.

India ranks 8th on Climate Change Performance Index 

India has ranked 8th in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2023. India jumps two spots higher to rank eighth out of 63 countries in the Climate Change Performance Index 2023 (CCPI).

The Climate Change Performance Index report was published by German Watch, New Climate Institute and Climate Action Network International based in Germany.

About Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)

  • The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), which has been published since 2005, aims to enhance transparency in international climate politics and enables comparison of climate protection efforts and progress made by individual countries.
  • The CCPI is an independent monitoring tool for tracking the climate protection performance of 59 countries and the EU. 
  • Every year, the CCPI sets off important public and political debates within the countries assessed. 
  • The climate protection performance of these 59 countries, which together account for 92% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
  • The CCPI looks at four categories, with 14 indicators: GHG Emissions (40% of the overall score), Renewable Energy (20%), Energy Use (20%), and Climate Policy (20%).

Key Highlights of the report

  • In the overall standings, no country ranked first, second or third on the index. Denmark, with a score of 79.61, ranked fourth, followed by Sweden and Chile.
  • India scored 67.35 points. India’s ranking in categories: In GHGs, it ranked 9 , Renewable Energy (24 ), and Energy Use (9 ), and on Climate Policy (8 ).
  • The ranking given by CCPI places India as the only G-20 country in the top 10 rank.
  • The United States rose by three ranks to the 52nd, Iran (63rd), Saudi Arabia (62nd) and Kazakhstan (61st) fared the worst.

Economist Arvind Virmani appointed as full-time member of NITI Aayog

The Government of India has appointed the former Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Virmani as a full-time member of NITI Aayog.

His appointment as the full-time member of NITI Aayog has been approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Currently, there are three members: Dr V K Saraswat, Professor Ramesh Chand and Dr V K Paul.

About Arvind Virmani

  • Mr. Virmani is the founder-chairman of the non-profit public policy organisation Foundation for Economic Growth and Welfare.
  • He has served as the Chief Economic Advisor in the Finance Ministry during the Manmohan Singh led Government from 2007 to 2009. 
  • In 2009, he was appointed the Executive Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and he served there till 2012. During his tenure at IMF, he represented India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
  • He was a member of the Reserve Bank of India’s Technical Advisory Committee on Monetary Policy from February 2013 to August 2016.

Assam Current Affairs – November 01-03, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – November 01-03, 2022

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November 01-03, 2022

Assam Chief Minister flags off new operations of Alliance Air 

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia attended a virtual programme to flag off the operations of Alliance Air in the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram.

Key Points

  • New flight operations will lead to greater air connectivity in the North East, particularly between the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Manipur. 
  • As a part of the new operations, Alliance Air will travel between Lilabari, Ziro, Shillong, Imphal and Mizoram.
  • Lilabari in the Lakhimpur district is an important corridor for the rest of the states.
  • The launch of these air operations will boost people to people contact, tourism and trade in the region.
  • Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that under the Prime Minister’s initiative of the UDAN scheme all important cities of the North East have been brought together under the regional connectivity scheme.

Union Cabinet approves naming of the Hollongi Greenfield Airport in Itanagar as Donyi Polo Airport

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the naming of the new Greenfield Airport at Hollongi, Itanagar, the State Capital of Arunachal Pradesh as “Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar”.

Key Points

  • The airport is being developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) with assistance from the Central Government and the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The Resolution was passed by the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh to name the airport ‘Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar’, which reflects the people’s reverence of the Sun (Donyi) and the Moon (Polo), and symbolises the rich cultural heritage of the State.
  • The requirement of a Greenfield airport at Hollongi, Itanagar was a long pending demand of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, which has been finally fulfilled under the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
  • Currently, Tezu and Passighat are the two airports operational in Arunachal Pradesh. The Donyi Polo Airport will be the third operational airport for Arunachal Pradesh.

Northeast’s first fish museum will be set up in Arunachal Pradesh

Northeast’s first fish museum will be established in Tarin (Ziro) in the Lower Subansiri district in Arunachal Pradesh. The museum would be a part of the Integrated Aqua Park (IAP), sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Fisheries.

Key Points

  • The existing Train Fish Farm (TFF), which is located at high-altitude Bulla Village, will be upgraded as the Integrated Aqua Park where the Northeast’s first fish museum would come up. 
  • The fish museum in Arunachal Pradesh will have all kinds of fish species from the state. It will also serve as a training center for the fisherfolk. 
  • An amount of Rs 43.59 crores was sanctioned for the project in the current financial year as the first installment.
  • This fish museum will also be India’s first-ever Aqua Park.
  • The ambitious project is sanctioned under the CSS Component of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, which aims to modernize and strengthen the value chain, establish a robust fisheries management framework and enhance traceability.

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates 7th India Water Week

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 7th India Water Week at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The theme of the 7th India Water Week is “Water Security for Sustainable Development and Equity”.

Key Points

  • The five-day-long events will bring together experts, planners and stakeholders from across the globe.
  • It is an initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India.
  • The ministry of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation organized the 7th edition of India Water Week (IWW) from 1st to 5th November in an effort to raise awareness and conserve and use water resources in an integrated manner. 
  • Denmark, Singapore and Finland are the partner countries for India Water Week 2022.
  • The event will address the issues of sustainability of water resources development and management in line with the sustainable development goals.

Performance Grading Index (PGI) for 2020-21

The Union Education Ministry’s Department of School Education and Literacy released the Performance Grading Index (PGI) for States/UTs for 2020-21, a unique index for evidence based comprehensive analysis of school education system across State/UTs.

Key Points

  • The objective of the Performance Grading Index (PGI) is to promote evidence-based policymaking and highlight course correction to ensure quality education for all. 
  • So far, the PGI report has been released for years 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20. The present report is for the year 2020-21.
  • The PGI structure comprises 1,000 points across 70 indicators grouped into two categories –Outcomes, and governance management.
  •  These categories are further divided into 5 domains, viz, Learning Outcomes (LO), Access (A), Infrastructure & Facilities (IF), Equity (E) & Governance Process (GP). 
  • The PGI divides states and union territories into 10 grades. The highest achievable grade is Level 1, which has states and UTs scoring more than 950 points out of 1,000 points. The lowest grade is Level 10, which has states and UTs scoring less than 551.
  • The PGI is expected to help States and UTs to pinpoint the gaps and accordingly prioritize areas for intervention to ensure that the school education system is robust at every level. 
  • A total of 7 States and UTs, Viz., Kerala, Punjab, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh have attained Level II (score 901-950) in 2020-21 as compared to none in 2017-18 and 4 in 2019-20.
  • Gujarat, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh are the new entrants to the highest achieved level of any state so far. 
  • Ladakh has significantly improved its performance in PGI. It has moved from Level 8 to Level 4 in 2020-21 or improved its score by 299 points in 2020-21 as compared to 2019-20 resulting into the highest ever improvement in a single year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declares Mangarh Dham as National Monument

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Mangarh Dham a National Monument in the Banswara District, Rajasthan. PM Modi mentioned that India’s past, present, and future are not complete without the tribal community. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Bhil Freedom fighter Shri Govind Guru at the event.

About Mangarh Dham

  • Mangarh Dham is a symbol of tenacity and sacrifices of tribals. Mangarh hill holds special importance for the Bhil community and other tribes of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
  • Mangarh Dham is known for the massacre of tribals. The massacre took place in Mangarh on November 17, 1913, where 1.5 lakh Bhil was performing a rally against the British, under the leadership of Shri Govind Guru. 
  • Britishers opened fire at this gathering, leading to Mangarh Massacre where approx. 1500 tribals were martyred.

Assam Current Affairs – October 19-21, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – October 19-21, 2022

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 316: July 2022, Week 4 

October 19-21, 2022

Northeast Frontier Railway organises Rozgar Mela in Guwahati 

The ‘Rozgar Mela’ is an initiative adopted by the government of India for filling up vacancies at various central government departments including the railway department.

This initiative will be creating a scope for the aspirants who are looking forward to joining the Central Government services. 

The programme will be at Rang Bhavan Cultural Hall located at Maligaon, Guwahati. Central Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal will be handing over the appointment letters to the newly selected candidates.  

New candidates will be offered appointment letters across the nation. PM Narendra Modi addressed these selected candidates virtually.

The first tranche of new appointments will consist of 75,000 vacancies and the Ministry of Railways is one the contributor to the initial tranche of appointees.

Around 200 new recruiters from various government departments, including Railways, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), etc., will receive appointment letters in this programme.

This programme aims to fulfill the government’s commitment towards generating job opportunities for the youth and ensuring the mass’s welfare in the country.

Justice Dhanajaya Yeshwant Chandrachud appointed as the 50th Chief Justice of India

Justice Dhananjaya Yashwant Chandrachud appointed as the 50th Chief Justice of India. He will take over as CJI with effect from 9th November 2022. He will serve as the CJI for two years. 

He was administered the oath by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

He was preceded by former CJI, UU Lalit, who served a short tenure of 74 days.  

DY Chandrachud is a former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court and Bombay High Court. He presently serves as the National Legal Services Authority’s executive chairman.

Justice Chnadrachud’s father Justice Y.V Chandrachud was the 16th Chief Justice of India.

Goa will host 9th World Ayurveda Congress & Arogya Expo

Union Minister of AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the 9th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC) and Arogya Expo at Panaji, Goa from 8th to 11th December 2022.

Key Points

  • The four-day event was supported by both the central and state governments and the Union Ministry of Ayush.
  • The 9th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC) aims to create an accessible and affordable healthcare system that is in harmony with modern medicine practices.
  • The theme for the 9th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC) this year is ‘Ayurveda For One Health’.
  • The motto of this year’s celebration is “Har Din Har Ghar Ayurveda” (Ayurveda Everyday, Ayurveda Everywhere). 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Mission LiFE

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Mission LiFE movement (Lifestyle for the Environment) at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat in the presence of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Key Points

  • Mission LiFE is an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment.
  • It was introduced by Prime Minister Modi at the COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021. 
  • The mission emboldens the spirit of the P3 model, Pro Planet People. It unites the people of the earth as pro planet people, uniting them all in their thoughts. 
  • It functions on the basic principles of ‘Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet and by the planet’. 
  • It inspires us to do all that can be done in our everyday life to protect the environment and believes that the environment can be protected by making changes in our lifestyle.
  • PM Modi advocated a circular economy where the concept of ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ can help in striking a balance between the development, economic growth and sustainability.

India’s first ‘Migration Monitoring System’ inaugurated in Mumbai

India’s first ‘Migration Monitoring Systems’ was inaugurated by the Maharashtra Women and Children Development Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha in Mumbai. 

Key Points

  • The system has been developed by the Department of Women and Child Development. 
  • The website-based Migration Tracking System (MTS) will track the movements of vulnerable seasonal migrant beneficiaries through unique identification numbers.
  • The Migration Monitoring Systems aims to provide updated information on migrant pregnant women, lactating mothers and children instantly on a single system. 
  • The information about seasonal migrant women and children will be available on a single platform with the ‘Migration Monitoring Systems’.

Assam Current Affairs – October 10-12, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – October 10-12, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the October 10-12, 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 316: July 2022, Week 4 

October 10-12, 2022

Cabinet approved the scheme “Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE)

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently approved the Prime Minister’s development initiative for the North East region (PM-DevINE).

PM-DevINE was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 to address development gaps in the North Eastern Region (NER).

Key Points 

  • The PM-DevINE is a 100% Central Government funded plan and will be administered by the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER).
  • The PM-DevINE will be operational for the remaining four years of the 15th Finance Commission, from 2022-23 to 2025-26 and will have an outlay of Rs 6,600 crore.
  • PM-DevINE will be implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), through the North Eastern Council or central ministries and agencies.
  • The PM-DevINE will lead to the creation of infrastructure, support industries, social development projects, and create livelihood activities for youth and women.
  • PMDevINE will provide support to infrastructure and social development projects which may be larger in size and will also provide an end–to-end development solution instead of isolated projects.

India’s first Slender Loris Sanctuary will be established in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu government has notified the country’s first Kadavur Slender Loris Sanctuary in Karur and Dindigul districts.

Key Points

  • The Kadavur Slender Loris Sanctuary will be covering 11,806 hectares in the Karur and Dindigul districts of the State.
  • The Kadavur slender loris sanctuary is to cover Vedasandur, Dindigul East and Natham taluks in Dindigul district and Kadavur taluk in Karur district. 
  • The government notified ‘Kadavur slender loris sanctuary’ under Section 26 (A)(1)(b) of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • The species is considered endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

About Slender Loris

  • The slender lorises are a genus of loris native to India and Sri Lanka.
  • The genus comprises two species, the red slender loris found in Sri Lanka and the gray slender loris from Sri Lanka and India.
  • They are small nocturnal mammals that are arboreal in nature as they spend most of their life on trees, travelling along the tops of branches with slow and precise movements.
  • The species acts as a biological predator of pests in agricultural crops and benefits farmers.
  • The survival of the species depends on its habitat improvement, conservation efforts and mitigation of threats.

Prime Minister declared Modhera as India’s first solar-powered village

The Prime Minister declared Modhera, a village in the Mehsana district of Gujarat as India’s first solar-powered village.

Key Points

  • The Modhera village has a ground-mounted solar power plant, and over 1,300 rooftop solar systems with 1kW capacity have been installed on houses to generate electricity.
  • Modhera was well known for the Sun temple, now it will also be known as a solar-powered village. 
  • The people in the village wouldn’t pay for electricity, rather they could start selling it and earn from energy produced by the solar panel by selling it to the government grid. 
  • It will generate employment at the village level, and ultimately improve the standard of living.
  • The project will enhance the sustainable implementation of various welfare projects in the area. The people of the area will be able to save 60-100% of their electricity bills. 

Jharkhand record country’s highest percentage of child marriage

According to the latest demographic sample survey by the Union Home Ministry, Jharkhand has recorded the highest percentage of underage girls getting married.

The Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report contains estimates of various demographic, fertility and mortality indicators based on the data collected through one of the largest demographic surveys in the world covering about 8.4 million sample population. 

Key Points

  • According to the survey brought out by the office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, the percentage of girls getting married before attaining majority is as high as 5.8 in Jharkhand.
  • As per the survey, the percentage of females who got effectively married before reaching 18 years of age is 1.9 at the national level and varies from 0.0 in Kerala to 5.8 in Jharkhand.
  • In Jharkhand, child marriages accounted for 7.3% of marriages in rural areas and three per cent in urban areas. 
  • Jharkhand and West Bengal are the only two States in the country where more than half of the women are married before attaining the age of 21 years.
  • In West Bengal 54.9 percent of girls are married before attaining the age of 21 years, while in Jharkhand is 54.6 percent as against the national average of 29.5 per cent.

Goa will host the 37th edition of the National Games in October 2023

The Indian Olympic Association has confirmed that Goa will host the 37th edition of the National Games in October next year. 

The Goa state government has conveyed to the IOA its in-principle approval to host the next edition of the National Games.

Goa was set to host the 36th edition of the National Games but the IOA had to shift the venue to Gujrat, who agreed to conduct the event in a short span of time.

The Goa delegation may receive the IOA flag at the Closing Ceremony of the 36th National Games on 12th October 2022 in Surat, Gujarat.

The 35th National Games of India were held in Kerala in 2015. 

Assam Current Affairs – September 04-06, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – September 04-06, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the September 04-06, 2022)

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Current Affairs Quiz – Set 321: September 2022, Week 1 | Watch video  

September 04-06, 2022

Meghalaya Chief Minister launches ‘Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme’

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has launched the ambitious flagship programme for the farmers – “Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme” under National Livestock Mission at Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. 

The scheme aims to ensure the farmers earn a sustainable livelihood through different livestock farming activities.

Key Points

  • Under Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme – phase 1, the government has earmarked Rs 15.18 crore under which four high-yielding improved varieties will be distributed to 6000 families. 
  • Additional Rs 25 crore will be earmarked to roll out the second phase of the programme. 
  • The government is implementing one of the largest piggery development programmes the ‘Meghalaya Piggery Mission’. 
  • Under this mission, zero interest loan is provided for setting up fattening and pig breeding. So far 250 piggery cooperative societies have availed loans amounting to Rs 43.67 crore.
  • To further exploit the potential of the piggery sector, the government launched the “Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme” funded by the Central Government under National Livestock Mission and also by the State Government. 
  • The scheme was launched on August 10 in Samanda block in East Garo Hills district. The scheme received a good response and appreciation from farmers.
  • Under this scheme 4 pigs, 3 female and 1 male piglets will be distributed to the farmers to promote pig breeding to provide regular income to the farmers. This livestock package is Rs 25,000 per beneficiary.
  • This scheme is envisaged to benefit 6000 poor and marginal farmers and also increase pork production in the state.

Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2022

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is celebrating the 5th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2022 from 1st to 30th Sept 2022 as part of the POSHAN Abhiyaan. 

The Central Theme of Poshan Maah 2022 is “Mahila aur Swasthya” and “Bacha aur Shiksha”.

Key Points

POSHAN Abhiyaan is Government of India’s flagship programme to improve nutritional outcomes for children under 6 years of age, pregnant women and lactating mothers. 

It aims to address the challenge of malnutrition in a mission-mode. Focusing on the aims of POSHAN Abhiyaan, the government has launched Mission Poshan 2.0 as an integrated nutrition support program.

Rashtriya Poshan Maah serves as a platform to bring focus to the discourse of nutrition and good health. 

In the 5th Rashtriya Poshan Maah the aim is to convert Jan Andolan into Jan Bhagidari to fulfill the Hon’ble PM’s vision of a Suposhit Bharat.

At the Panchayat level

  • Awareness activities will be conducted by local functionaries under the guidance of the concerned District Panchayati Raj Officers and CDPOs.   
  • Poshan Panchayat Committees will work closely with field level workers (FLWs) – AWWs, ASHAs, ANMs – to support problem solving and enabling service delivery through Anganwadi Centres (AWCs), Village Health and Nutrition Day (VHNDs), and other relevant platforms to ensure all pregnant and lactating women, children below six years, and adolescent girls receive basic Integrated Child Development services.
  • Awareness Centres have also been directed to organize awareness drives about good health practices along with organization of a Swasth Balak Spardha. Health camps for anaemia check-ups will be specially organised at AWCs for adolescent girls. Officials have also been asked to identify land for setting up of Nutri-Gardens or Poshan Vatikas near Anganwadi Centres.

At the State level

  • ‘Amma ki Rasoi’ or Grandmother’s Kitchen of traditional nutritious recipes will be organised. 
  • Extensive efforts will be made to link traditional foods with local festivals during the month. 
  • A national level toy-creation workshop will also be organized to promote use of indigenous and local toys for learning in Anganwadi Centres.

Ramon Magsaysay Award 2022

The Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation (RMAF) recently announced the 64th Ramon Magsaysay Award 2022.  Ramon Magsaysay Awards are considered Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize.

This year the award will go to Sothiara Chim, Psychiatrist (Cambodia), Tadashi Hattori, Ophthalmologist (Japan), Bernadette Madrid, Pediatrician (Philippines) and Gary Bencheghib, activist and filmmaker (Indonesia).

Ramon Magsaysay Award 2022 Winners

  1. Sothiara Chhim: He is a 54-year-old Cambodian psychiatrist awarded for “his calm courage in surmounting deep trauma to become his people’s healer”. He himself was also a survivor of the ultra-Maoist Khmer Rouge regime, which in the 1970s killed nearly a quarter of Cambodia’s population through starvation, overwork and mass executions. 
  2. Tadashi Hattori: He is a 58-year-old Japanese ophthalmologist. He was honored for providing free eye surgery in Vietnam, where such specialists and facilities are limited. 
  3. Bernadette Madrid:He is a Filipino pediatrician who has been championing the Filipino Child’s Right to protection by creating safe spaces for abused children nationwide. Since 1997, she has managed the country’s first child protection center at the Philippine General Hospital in Manila. It has served more than 27,000 children over the last year. 
  4. Gary Bencheghib: He is awarded for his inspiring fight against marine plastic pollution. After relocating to Bali, Indonesia, Gary has actively worked to advance the fight against plastic pollution. He and his brother have built a kayak made of plastic bottles and bamboo to collect the garbage in the Citarum River, one of the world’s most polluted rivers.

About Ramon Magsaysay Award: 

  • The Ramon Magsaysay Award is considered as the Nobel Prize of Asia. 
  • It was established in 1957 and is regarded as Asia’s greatest honour and distinction. 
  • The Award recognizes and honours individuals that have achieved distinction in their field and help others generously. 
  • The prize is annually presented in a ceremonial ceremony in Manila, Philippines on August 31.
  • The Award has been given in five categories namely journalism, government service, public service, literature and creative communication. 

India became the world’s fifth-largest economy

India has surpassed Britain to become the world’s fifth largest economy. India is now behind the US, China, Japan and Germany in terms of economy. 

The calculations are done by Bloomberg using the IMF database and historic exchange rates on its terminal.

Key Points

  • The size of the Indian economy in ‘nominal’ cash terms in the quarter through March, 2022 was USD 854.7 billion while for the UK was USD 816 billion. 
  • The Indian economy is registering a growth of 7 per cent, while the UK economy is growing at less than 1 per cent.
  • India’s GDP expanded 13.5% in the April-June quarter. At the same time, comparing it with the April-June quarter of the last financial year (2021-22), the GDP growth rate at that time was 20.1 percent.
  • The growth, though lower than the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) estimate of 16.2%, was fuelled by consumption and signalled a revival of domestic demand, particularly in the services sector.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) inaugurated NALSA Centre for Citizen Services

Chief Justice of India, Justice Uday Umesh Lalit recently inaugurated NALSA’s Centre for Citizen Services at Jaisalmer house in New Delhi. It will provide free Legal Services to the weaker sections of the society. 

The NALSA has been constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free Legal Services to the weaker sections of the society. Its purpose is to provide free legal services to eligible candidates, and to organize Lok Adalats for the speedy resolution of cases.

The Executive Chairman of the National Legal Service Authority, (NALSA) is Dr. Justice D.Y.Chandrachud. He has been recently appointed by President Droupadi Murmu.

Before being elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Chandrachud served as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court and prior to that a judge of the Bombay High Court.

India’s first-ever “Night Sky Sanctuary” will be set up in Ladakh

The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has announced the setting up of India’s first Dark Sky Reserve in Hanle, Ladakh.

The Dark Sky Reserve will be developed within a period of three months at Ladakh’s Hanle as part of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Key Points

  • A tripartite MoU was also signed between Union Territory Administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) for launching the Dark Space Reserve.
  • Ladakh’s Henley has been chosen as the site for the development of Dark Sky Reserve because of its cold desert surrounded by mountains. 
  • The adverse climatic conditions including long harsh winters in which temperatures can drop to minus 40 degrees, make the place inhabitable, thereby limiting light pollution and an ideal site for the sanctuary. 
  • The cloudless skies and low atmospheric water vapour make it one of the best sites in the world for optical, infrared, sub-millimetre, and millimetre wavelengths.
  • To promote Astro-tourism, villages around Hanle will be encouraged to promote homestays equipped with telescopes that visitors can use to view the night sky.

Current Affairs Quiz – Set 321: September 2022, Week 1 | Watch video