Tag: North East Current Affairs

Assam Current Affairs – September 13-15, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – September 13-15, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the September 13-15, 2022)

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Current Affairs Quiz – Set 321: September 2022, Week 2  

September 13-15, 2022

For the first time Sikkim will host three Ranji trophy matches

Sikkim will host three Ranji trophy matches for the first time in December. The matches will be played at the mining cricket ground near Rangpo in Sikkim.

Key Points

  • The state will welcome three northeast teams: Mizoram, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, at the Mining Cricket Ground near Rangpo. 
  • Along with Ranji Trophy matches, Sikkim will also play two Cooch Behar Trophy matches, and three Col CK Nayudu Trophy matches at Mining. 
  • The Cooch Behar Trophy match on November 12 against Assam will be the first major domestic match in Sikkim. 

Nagaland celebrates the first ever Naga Mircha Festival

Nagaland  celebrates the first-ever ‘Naga Mircha (King Chilli) Festival’ at Seiyhama village in Kohima District. The first Naga Mircha Festival was sponsored by the Department of Horticulture.

Key Points

  • Naga king chilli has been considered as the world’s hottest chilli and is constantly on the top five in the list of the world’s hottest chilies based on the Scoville Heat Units (SHUs).
  • Naga Mircha is also referred to as ‘Raja Mircha’, ‘Bhoot Jolokia’ or ‘Ghost Pepper’.
  • Naga Mircha was the first product to receive a GI tag from Nagaland in 2008. 
  • It is an indigenous crop of Nagaland believed to have originated from Nagaland’s Zeliangrong region; and is extensively grown in Peren, Mon, Kohima and Dimapur.

JIMEX 2022: India-Japan begins joint naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal 

The sixth edition of Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2022 (JIMEX 22), hosted by the Indian Navy, commenced in the Bay of Bengal. 

Key Points 

  • The JIMEX series of exercises began in Japan in 2012. 
  • The JIMEX 22 exercise marks the 10th anniversary of JIMEX and also coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.
  • JIMEX 22 exercise involves two phases that includes one at sea and another is the harbour phase at Visakhapatnam. 
  • This exercise seeks to consolidate the high degree of interoperability that exists between maritime forces of the two countries, through complex exercises in the surface, sub-surface and air domains.
  • The Indian Navy is represented by three indigenously designed and built warships, Sahyadri, a multi-purpose stealth frigate and Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes Kadmatt and Kavaratti.
  • Additionally, Guided Missile Destroyer Ranvijay, Fleet Tanker Jyoti, Offshore Patrol Vessel Sukanya, submarines, MIG 29K fighter aircraft, Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and ship borne helicopters are also participating in the exercise.
  • The 5th edition was conducted in October 2021 in the Arabian Sea.

National Defense MSME Conclave and Exhibition 

The two-day National Defense MSME Conclave and Exhibition began in Kota, Rajasthan. In the exhibition defense equipment including T-90 and BMP-2 tanks, artillery guns, various types of sniper and machine guns and military bridges are being displayed.

Key Points

  • Youth innovating in the defense sector, start-ups and MSMEs are also displaying their products.
  • More than 50 companies, start-ups and MSMEs working in the defense sector are participating in this event.
  • The Drone Light Show and Live Concert will also be the highlight of the programme. 
  • Defense Conclave and Exhibition is being held for the first time in Rajasthan.

Kalinga Institute of Medical Science conferred with the UNESCO International Literacy Prize 2022

Kalinga Institute of Medical Science conferred with the UNESCO International Literacy Prize 2022 at a ceremony organised by UNESCO in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa).

The award comprises a silver medal, a diploma and a cheque for USD 20,000.

Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences is the fifth recipient from India and the first and only institute from Odisha to receive the highest global recognition on literacy. It is also the third among the Indian non-profit NGOs and the first Indian tribal-based organisation to be conferred with this award.

Kalinga Institute of Social Science

  • Kalinga Institute of Social Science (KISS) was founded in 1993.
  • It is an NGO based in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. 
  • Its aim is to promote inclusive education, women empowerment, tribal uplift and sustainable development. 
  • It has collaboration with various UN bodies and international organisations.

Exercise Parvat Prahar

Parvat Prahar Exercise is an exercise conducted by the Indian Army to undertake disengagement from Patrolling Point 15 in eastern Ladakh. 

Army Chief General Manoj Pande recently visited the Ladakh sector to review Exercise Parvat Prahar. The exercise witnessed the deployment of all new major inductions of the Army.

Key Points

  • The exercise comes as India and China are separating from the Gogra-Hot Springs (PP-15) in eastern Ladakh, as announced on September 8.
  • It is being conducted by the One Strike Corps of the Indian Army. 
  • The exercise was held in the Ladakh plateau at an altitude of 14,000 feet. 
  • This exercise used newly inducted all-terrain vehicles transported by Chinook heavy lift helicopters and K9-Vajra howitzers. 
  • The exercise featured a display of operational capabilities by artillery guns and other key weapon systems. 
  • The exercise involved high-altitude infantry personnel, T-90S and T-72 tanks, mechanized infantry, K-9 Vajra, Bofors and M-777 howitzers, helicopters and aircraft.

Current Affairs Quiz – Set 321: September 2022, Week 2  

Assam Current Affairs – September 10-12, 2022

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

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

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Current Affairs Quiz – Set 321: September 2022, Week 2   

September 10-12, 2022

PM Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina jointly unveils  Unit-1 of Maitree Super Thermal Power Project

Recently, PM Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina jointly unveils  Unit-1 of Maitree Super Thermal Power Project

Seven Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) have been signed during India-Bangladesh bilateral talks.The MoUs signed between both neighbours cover water sharing, railways, space, science and judiciary and other allied fields.

Key Points

  • Maitree Super Thermal Power Project is being constructed at Rampal in Bagerhat district of Khulna division of Bangladesh. 
  • This project is a 1320MW supercritical coal-fired thermal power plant.
  • The project has been built under India’s concessional financing scheme at an approximate cost of USD 2 Billion.
  • It is being built by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) for Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Private Limited (BIFPCL).
  • Unit 1 of this power plant will go into commercial operation in early October and will be a major breakthrough in the growing cooperation in the Bangladesh-India power sector.
  • Unit 2 of the thermal power plant known as the Rampal coal-fired power project, will be commissioned next year.
  • Once both the units of the power plant are made operational, the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project will be the largest power plant in Bangladesh.

Chief Minister of Meghalaya launches ‘Residents Safety & Security’ portal

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma launched the online portal of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA). The portal aims to provide a digital platform to ensure the safety and security of the residents and act as a strong intelligence gathering system for authorities.

Key Points

  • The online portal will be beneficial for monitoring and better implementation of services and programs introduced by the government.
  • This online portal is first being rolled out in seven localities of Shillong-Nongrim Hills, Lapanlang, Nongmynsong, Nongrah, Pohkseh, Riat Laban, and Wahdienglieng.
  • The portal will also offer facilities such as monitoring and better implementation of services and programs introduced by the government. 
  • The portal can be utilized for better service delivery in critical areas such as healthcare and will aid in effective monitoring of the schemes and programmes of the Government

UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities 2022

Recently, Three cities of India have been inducted into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities 2022 List. These include Telangana’s Warangal, Kerala’s Thrissur & Nilambur.

Key Points

  • A total of 77 cities from 44 countries were recently inducted into the UNESCO GNLC List. 
  • In total, the list consists of 294 cities from across the world, which have been bestowed with this distinct honour.
  • Other notable cities which have been featured on UNESCO GNLC include Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Durban in South Africa and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates among others.

About the UNESCO learning cities

  • The UNESCO GNLC was launched in 2013 by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. 
  • It is an international policy based network, which aims to ensure the development of all learning cities by sharing ideas and arts with other cities.
  • The Network supports the achievement of all seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, SDG 4 (Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all) and SDG 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable)

Neeraj Chopra won the Zurich Diamond League Final 2022

Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win a Diamond League Grand Final title in 2022 in Switzerland. 

He won the Zurich Diamond League final with his best throw of 88.44m.

He became the first Indian to clinch a Diamond League meet title. 

The Diamond League encompasses 32 Diamond Disciplines, following a championship-style model. Athletes earn points at the 13-series meet to qualify for the final of their respective disciplines. The winner of each Diamond Discipline at the Final will be crowned ‘Diamond League Champion’.

President Droupadi Murmu launches‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu virtually launched the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to eliminate tuberculosis from India by 2025.

Key Points

  • The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has been envisioned to bring together all community stakeholders to support those on TB treatment and accelerate the country’s progress towards TB elimination.
  • President Murmu also launched the Ni-kshay 2.0 initiative, a  portal to provide a platform for donors to provide various forms of support to those undergoing TB treatment.
  • The main objective of Ni-kshay Mitra is to reach out to around 9 lakh TB patients and provide a nutritious diet.
  • It will be based on three-pronged support which includes nutrition, additional diagnostics and professional support. 
  • The duration of assistance under Ni-kshay Mitra can be 1-3 years depending on the duration of treatment of the TB patient. 

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated India’s largest rubber dam

Recently, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the country’s largest rubber dam and a steel bridge over the Falgu river in Gaya district.

Key Points

  • The rubber dam on the Falgu River, which is a vast stretch of sand dunes, will draw more pilgrims and change the landscape. 
  • This dam has been constructed by Rubina Company of Austria in collaboration with Nagarjuna Construction Company of Hyderabad.  Experts from IIT (Roorkee) were involved with the project. 
  • The dam is 411 meters long, 95.5 meters wide and 3 meters high. 
  • The banks along the Falgu River have also been developed and a steel bridge has been built for pilgrims to visit Sita Kund.
  • This rubber dam will keep water throughout the year in the Falgu river and will also facilitate people in bathing, pind daan and tarpan.

Current Affairs Quiz – Set 321: September 2022, Week 2  

Assam Current Affairs – September 07-09, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – September 07-09, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the September 07-09, 2022)

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

September 07-09, 2022

India’s first Bio-Village setup in Tripura

The government of Tripura has set up India’s 1st Bio-Village at Daspara village of the state. The Daspara village of Tripura is converted into a nature-based lifestyle and livelihood and reduced the use of chemical fertilizers. 

The bio-villages have been set up in Tripura by the Directorate of Bio-Technology under the Science and Technology department. 

The main objective of the project is to promote green technology like solar water pumps, biomass cook stoves, and biogas plants for sustainable production of agricultural and allied sector-related products.

Key Points 

  • Daspara is one of the first bio-villages that has been developed based on the bio-village 2.0 conceptualised in Tripura. The concept has been designed to help mitigate the climate change effects.
  • Tripura Government has aimed to set up a total of 100 bio villages in the state. Of these, 10 bio-villages have already been completed, of which the 1st has been established at Daspara in Charilam constituency of Sepahijala district.
  • The bio village project aims to provide sustainable livelihood and food security to ensure holistic socio-economic development among rural communities. 
  • The project supports the development of solar-powered agricultural equipment, energy-saving electrical devices, biogas, and biofertilizers at the local level.

India ranked 132nd on the Human Development Index (HDI) 2021

India ranks 132 out of 191 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI) 2021. The index is a part of the Human Development Report 2021-2022 released by the United Nations Development Programme.

The HDI measures average achievement of a country in three basic dimensions of human development — a long and healthy life, education and a decent standard of living.

It is calculated using four indicators — life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling, expected years of schooling, and the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.

Key Highlights of the Report

  • The index has been topped by Switzerland with (0.962) HDI value followed by Norway (0.961) and Iceland (0.959). 
  • India’s HDI value stood at 0.633 in 2021, which was lower than the world average of 0.732. In 2020, too, India recorded a decline in its HDI value (0.642) in comparison to the pre-Covid level of 2019 (0.645).
  • In 2021, India’s life expectancy at birth was recorded at 67.2 years. Schooling: Expected years of schooling at 11.9 years, mean years of schooling at 6.7 years, 
  • The gross national income per capita stood at USD 6,590. Gender Inequality Index: India has been ranked 122 on the Gender Inequality Index.
  • A large contributor to the HDI’s recent decline is a global drop in life expectancy, down from 72.8 years in 2019 to 71.4 years in 2021.
  • The key reasons behind the decline in Human Development in the last two years are the crises the world faced. This included COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine coupled with social and economic shifts and dangerous planetary changes.

Liz Truss elected as the new Prime Minister of Britain

Liz Truss has been elected as the new Prime Minister of Britain and the leader of the governing Conservative Party after defeating Rishi Sunak.

Truss succeeds ousted Boris Johnson and will take over as the 3rd female PM of the UK. She won a vote share of 57% or 81,326 votes versus former Chancellor, Rishi Sunak’s 42% or 60,399 votes with 82.% of Conservative members voting. 

With this victory, Truss became the third woman Prime Minister to lead the country. The previous female prime ministers – Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May – were also from the Conservative Party.

She has been Member of Parliament (MP) for South West Norfolk since 2010. She has served in various Cabinet positions under Prime Ministers David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson.

Indian-origin Suella Braverman appointed UK Home Secretary 

Indian-origin barrister Suella Braverman was appointed as Britain’s new Home Secretary. She succeeded fellow Indian-origin colleague Priti Patel.

Suella Braverman, a 42-year-old Conservative Party member from Fareham in southeast England, previously worked for the Boris Johnson administration as the attorney general.

In May 2015, Suella Braverman won a seat representing Fareham as a Conservative Party member. 

Braverman served in the legislature and was re-elected in 2017 and 2019. In addition, Suella Braverman held the office of attorney general from February 2020 to September 2022.

PM Narendra Modi announced Pradhan Mantri Schools For Rising India (PM-SHRI) Yojana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Pradhan Mantri Schools For Rising India (PM-SHRI) Yojana on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that over 14,500 schools will be developed and upgraded across India under this scheme. 

Key Points

  • The PM-SHRI school will become model schools which will encapsulate the full spirit of New Education Policy (NEP). 
  • The PM-SHRI schools will have a modern, transformational and holistic method of imparting education. 
  • The focus will also be on modern infra including the latest technology, smart classrooms, sports and more. Emphasis will be on a discovery-oriented, learning-centric way of teaching.
  • The PM-SHRI schools will further benefit lakhs of students across the country in the spirit of the National Education Policy.

Government of Tamil Nadu launched “Pudhumai Penn Scheme” for girl students

The Tamil Nadu government launched the Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme, also known as the ‘Pudhumai Pen Scheme’. 

About Pudhumai Penn Scheme

  • The program would provide monetary assistance to young women who are enrolled in educational institutions and will also improve the general well-being of female students and encourage them to continue their education.
  • Under the scheme, all girls who studied from Classes VI to XII in government schools would be paid ₹1,000 a month till they complete their undergraduate degree, diploma and ITI courses.
  • Money would be immediately paid to student bank accounts to assure their education. 
  • The plan discourages child marriages and empowers women. 

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

Assam & NE States Current Affairs and GK Quiz for August 2022

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Assam & NE States Current Affairs and GK Quiz for August 2022

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

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – August 2022 | Quiz Home Page Current Affairs Assam Quiz - Assam exam

Q1. Tseminyu, Niuland and Chumukedima are the newly created districts of which state?

  1. Sikkim
  2. Mizoram
  3. Nagaland
  4. Arunachal Pradesh

Nagaland

Nagaland government has created three new districts in the state- Tseminyu, Niuland and Chumukedima, taking the total number of districts to 15.

The Governor of Nagaland Jagdish Mukhi announced the Tseminyu subdivision under Kohima district, Niuland subdivision under Dimapur district, and Chumukedima sub-division into three new districts.

 

Q2. The lawn bowler from Assam who was part of the Indian team to win its first ever gold medals in Lawn Bowls in 2022 Commonwealth Games is

  1. Nayanmoni Saikia
  2. Lovely Choubey
  3. Pinki Singh
  4. Lovlina Borgohain
Nayanmoni Saikia

 

Q3. ‘Donyi Polo Airport’ is located in which state?

  1. Assam
  2. Sikkim
  3. Mizoram
  4. Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

  • The state government of Arunachal Pradesh has given the name of ‘Donyi Polo Airport’ to its third airport, which is under construction in Itanagar.
  • It is the only airport in the capital city and third in the state after Pasighat and Tezu airports.

 

Q4. Indian weightlifter from Aizawl who won gold in the 2022 Commonwealth Games?

  1. Mirabai Chanu
  2. Jeremy Lalrinnunga
  3. Jaismine Lamboria
  4. Achinta Sheuli

Jeremy Lalrinnunga

Jeremy represented India in the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires. He won the gold medal in the Boys’ 62 kg category weightlifting, India’s first gold medal in the Youth Olympics Games.

 

Q5. Who clinched India’s 1st gold medal in the Commonwealth Games 2022?

  1. Mirabai Chanu
  2. Achinta Sheuli
  3. Jaismine Lamboria
  4. Bindyarani Devi
Mirabai Chanu

 

Q6. Which state has recently launched ‘Vidya Rath-School on Wheels’ project?

  1. Assam
  2. Tripura
  3. Arunachal Pradesh
  4. West Bengal

Assam

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launched Vidya Rath-School on Wheels project. It aims to provide access to underprivileged children to elementary education for 10 months.

After 10 months, the children will be integrated into the usual system of education. Students will be offered free mid-day meals, uniforms, and textbooks under the project.

 

Q7. Shumang Leela traditional form of theatre is held in which state?

  1. Manipur
  2. Nagaland
  3. Arunachal Pradesh
  4. Bihar

Manipur

The 50th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-2022 kicked off at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen in Imphal. Shumang Leela is a traditional form of theatre in Manipur and the roles of female artists are all played by male actors and male characters are played by female artists.


Q8. Which state got its second railway station after a gap of more than 119 years with the commissioning?

  1. Nagaland
  2. Mizoram
  3. Sikkim
  4. Tripura

Nagaland

North-east state, Nagaland got its second railway station after a gap of more than 119 years with the commissioning of a new facility at Shokhuvi.

 

Q9.  Bindyarani Devi won the silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and also broke Games record and national record in clean and jerk by lifting 116 kg. She to from which state?

  1. Meghalaya
  2. Mizoram
  3. Haryana
  4. Manipur
Manipur

 

Q10. Which state has recently launched Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme?

  1. Arunachal Pradesh
  2. Meghalaya
  3. Odisha
  4. Bihar

Meghalaya

Recently, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched an ambitious flagship program – “Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme” for farmers under National Livestock Mission at Birnihat in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya.

 

Q11. Which state has started ‘Medicine from The Sky’ Project on August 15, 2022?

  1. Arunachal Pradesh
  2. Assam
  3. Sikkim
  4. Uttarakhand

Arunachal Pradesh

In Arunachal Pradesh, “Medicine from the Sky Project” was unveiled successfully on August 15, 2022.  First flight of drone service was carried from Seppa to Chayang Tajo in East Kameng district. This project is inspired from the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming India into world’s drone hub.

 

Q12. Which Assam has launched ‘Mission Bhumiputra’ to issue digitized caste certificates?

  1. West Bengal
  2. Tripura
  3. Assam
  4. Manipur
Assam

 

Q13. Which state recently signed an MoU which NITI Aayog to bring a large-scale transformation in school education?

  1. Sikkim
  2. Kerala
  3. Gujarat
  4. Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh

 

Q14. India and Bangladesh signed a MoU on sharing of waters of Kushiyara river, the Kushiyara river enters Bangladesh after flowing which district of Assam?

  1. Cachar
  2. Dhubri
  3. Karimganj
  4. Hailakandi
Karimganj

 

Q15. Which state/UT has recently implemented the “Airgun Surrender Abhiyan”?

  1. Arunachal Pradesh
  2. Assam
  3. West Bengal
  4. Meghalaya
Arunachal Pradesh

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – August 2022

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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 

Assam Current Affairs – September 01-03, 2022

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

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the September 01-03, 2022)

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

September 01-03, 2022

Amlan Borgohain breaks 100m national record at All India Railway Championships

Assam’s Amlan Borgohain has broke the 100m national record at the 87th All India inter-Railway Championships in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, 

He clocked 10.25s (wind speed +1.8, legal) to break the six-year-old national record of Amiya Kumar Mallick (10.26s). 

The 24-year-old Amlan, is now the reigning national champion in the 100m and 200m. Amlan Borgohain holds the 200m national record of 20.52s, set in April this year at the Federation Cup.

Meanwhile, Himashree Roy won the women’s 100m in 11.42s while R. Rajesh (46.73s) and Kiran Pahal (53.91s) took the men’s and women’s 400m titles.

World Resource Institute (WRI) India launches online geospatial platform in Guwahati

World Resource Institute (WRI) India in partnership with Assam Energy Development Agency (AEDA) launched an online, open source, interactive geo-spatial platform, called Energy Access Explorer (EAE).

Key Points

  • Energy Access Explorer (EAE) will help visualize the extent of energy access at Assam’s health, education, and livelihood infrastructures. 
  • It claims to assist policy-makers, renewable energy industry entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers from the development sector to make integrated and impactful decisions to expand energy access in the state in the most efficient, cost-effective and sustainable way possible.
  • In the past decade, 37.7 percent of health sub-centres and 41 per cent of schools in rural Assam lack access to reliable and sustainable power, while Assam has made great strides in electricity provisioning to homes. 
  • The leverage data will be provided by the platform and create a scenario of viability and affordability for consumers.

University Grants Commission launched ‘e-Samadhan’ portal

Recently. University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched an online portal, e-Samadhan for addressing student-related grievances. 

UGC will now monitor and address all grievances of students and teaching/non-teaching staff through a centralized portal called ‘e-Samadhan’. 

Key Points

  • The e-Samadhan Portal will handle issues like non-refund of fees, making admission contrary to merit, refusal of admission in accordance with the declared admission policy, withholding of original degrees/diplomas/certificates by institutions, etc.
  • The portal will be the one-stop solution for all grievances; and all other existing portals and helplines will be merged with it except for the anti-ragging helpline.
  • Through this portal, the users can register their complaints on the portal anytime within 24 hours by following a simple procedure using their email id or by placing a call on the toll-free number 1800-111-656.

About University Grants Commission (UGC)

  • University Grants Commission is a statutory body set up by the UGC Act 1956. 
  • It is set up by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India in accordance and is charged with coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of higher education in India.
  • Its headquarters are in New Delhi, and it has six regional centres in Pune, Bhopal, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Guwahati and Bangalore.
  • It provides recognition to universities in India, and disbursements of funds to such recognized universities and colleges.
  • It provides doctoral scholarships to all those who clear JRF in the National Eligibility Test. 

Cabinet approves an MoU with Govt of Nepal on biodiversity conservation

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for signing an MoU with the Government of Nepal on biodiversity conservation

The MoU aims to strengthen and enhance the coordination and cooperation in the field of forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation and climate change, including restoration of corridors and interlinking areas and share knowledge and best practices, between the two countries.

The MoU is expected to help in promoting cooperation between the Parties in the field of forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation, and climate change, including restoration of corridors and interlinking areas and sharing knowledge and best practices.

India’s first indigenously developed Vaccine for Cervical Cancer will be launched 

India will launch its first indigenously developed Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (qHPV) against Cervical cancer with the help of the Serum Institute of India (SII) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

Key Points

  • The CERVAVAC vaccination will be the first quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccine (qHPV) in India, to prevent cervical cancer. 
  • The vaccine would be launched once an adequate quantum of doses is manufactured and ready for distribution and will be administered with a two-dose schedule for girls in the age group of 9-14 and a three-dose schedule for girls and women in the age group of 15-26.
  • Cervical cancer is the 2nd most prevalent cancer in India and accounts for nearly one-fourth of the world’s cervical cancer deaths despite being largely preventable. 
  • Every year approximately 1.25 lakhs women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 75 thousand die from the disease in India and 83 % of invasive cervical cancers are attributed to HPVs 16 or 18 in India, and 70% of cases worldwide. 
  • The most promising intervention for preventing cervical cancer is vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). 
  • It is estimated that HPV types 16 and 18 (HPV-16 and HPV-18) together contribute to approximately 70% of all invasive cervical cancer cases worldwide.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched virtual school

Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the virtual school called the ‘Delhi Model Virtual School’, in which students from across India will be eligible for admission in classes 9 to 12. 

Key Points 

  • Delhi Model Virtual School will be affiliated to the Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE). 
  • The virtual school will prove to be a milestone in the education sector in the country. 
  • The admission will be open for students across India who are aged between 13 and 18. who has cleared class 8 from any recognised school can apply for admission to DMVS
  • The classes will be online and recorded lectures will also be uploaded online. 

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

 

Assam Current Affairs – August 28-31, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – August 28-31, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the August 28-31, 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

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

August 28-31, 2022

All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-2022 begins

The 50th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-2022 began at Iboyama Shumang Leela Shanglen in Palace Compound, Imphal. 

During the festival, the Governor also distributed medals to the winners of 49th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2020-21.

Shumang Leela is a traditional form of theatre in Manipur and the roles of female artists are all played by male actors and male characters are played by female artists in case of female theatre groups.

Shumang Leela Groups of the early stage attempted to preserve and promote humanism, tolerance, confidence, devotion, truth and justice through their performances.

In the present day Shumang Leelas have been trying to focus on the issues of moral values, unity and integrity. It has also been trying to strengthen the bond of brotherhood and friendship among various communities in the State.

IIT Guwahati developed a new method for making sugar substitute “Xylitol”

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an ultrasound-assisted fermentation method to produce a safe sugar substitute called ‘Xylitol’ from sugarcane bagasse (the residue left after crushing of sugarcane). 

This method overcomes the operational limitations of chemical methods of synthesis and the time delays associated with conventional fermentation.

The IIT Guwahati researchers used two approaches to overcome the two problems: 

First, they used sugarcane bagasse, the waste fibrous material produced after extracting juice from sugarcane, as the raw material. This overcomes the cost limitations of current xylitol synthesis methods and provides a method to upcycle a waste product.

Secondly, they used a new type of fermentation process wherein, the microbe-induced synthesis of xylitol is hastened by the application of ultrasound waves.

The use of ultrasound during the fermentation process not only reduced the time of fermentation to 15 hours, but also increased the yield of the product by almost 20%. 

There has been an increase in the use of safe alternative sweeteners as awareness of the negative effects of white sugar (sucrose) on individuals with diabetes and general health has grown. 

A sugar alcohol generated from plants called xylitol may have anti-obesogenic and anti-diabetic properties in addition to being a mild prebiotic and guarding teeth against caries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first earthquake memorial

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated India’s first earthquake memorial, named Smruti Van at Bhuj in Gujarat. 

Smruti Van is a unique memorial carrying the names of more than 12 thousand people who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake that struck here in January 2001.

The memorial is spread across 470 acres of land and is built atop Bhujiyo hill. It celebrates the spirit of resilience in the wake of the death of nearly 13,000 people during the earthquake on January 26, 2001, which had its epicentre in Bhuj. Bhujio Hill was a military base for former rulers of the Kutch region.

The museum will showcase the Harappan civilisation of this region, scientific information regarding earthquakes, Gujarat’s culture, science behind cyclones and Kutch’s success story after the earthquake. 

Linthoi Chanambam wins gold medal at the World Cadet Judo Championship 

Linthoi Chanambam became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the World Cadet Judo Championship 2022. She won the gold medal in the women’s -57kg category in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

The 16-year-old Linthoi Chanambam is from Manipur. Shedefeated Brazil’s Reis Bianca 1-0 by Waza-ari-a throw to win the gold at the world championships in Sarajevo.

Linthoi’s  coach Mamuka Kizilashvili believes that Linthoi’s gold-winning feat is not only a historic achievement but could be a sign of things to come for the sport of Judo in India.

India successfully test-fires Indian Navy’s VL-SRSAM Missile System

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully flight-tested the indigenously designed and developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

About VL-SRSAM 

  • The missile has been specially designed by DRDO using four short-span long-chord cruciform wings that offer aerodynamic stability. 
  • The Missile system has been developed as a quick reaction surface-to-air missile for the Indian Navy. 
  • The range of this missile system is capable of hitting targets across 40 to 50 km range at an altitude of about 15 km. 
  • It is a canisterised system and each missile is stored and operated from specific compartments, making its transport and storage easier.
  • The missile can be used for neutralizing various aerial threats at medium and close ranges and are also capable of intercepting sea-skimming fighter jets and missiles that are used to avoid being detected by radar. 
  • The new missile system is being developed to replace the existing Barak 1 surface-to-air missile system which is being used on Naval Ships by the Indian Navy. 

Gautam Adani becomes world’s third-richest person

Gautam Adani has now become the world’s third-richest person. It’s the first time an Asian has broken into the top-3 of the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. 

With a net worth of $137.4 billion, he is now just behind Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in the global ranking.

Elon Musk has a net worth of $251 billion, while Jeff Bezos has a total worth of $153 billion. Gautam Adani, co-founder and chairman of the Adani Group, has left behind the ranking business magnate Bernard Arnault.

Assam Current Affairs – August 25-27, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – August 25-27, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the August 25-27, 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

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

August 25-27, 2022

Godrej Agrovet signs MoUs with Assam, Manipur & Tripura for oil palm cultivation

Godrej Agrovet, a diversified agribusiness conglomerate, announced that it has signed an MoU with the governments of Assam, Manipur, and Tripura for the development and promotion of oil palm cultivation in the area under the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm initiative. 

The partnership will bring new opportunities and growth in building oil palm plantations in these three states and would help provide the required support to the farmers. 

The Agreements are in keeping with Godrej Agrovet’s long-term goal to be the driving force behind India’s oil mission by doubling farmer income and promoting sustainable expansion of oil palm production.

Government of India launched the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEOOP) in August 2021, with a planned outlay of ₹ 11,040 Crore. 

Under this mission, the Government has envisaged raising the area under cultivation of oil palm to 10 Lakh hectares by 2025-26 and 16.7 Lakh hectares by 2029-30 with a special focus on the North East region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

India-Bangladesh 38th Joint River Commission meeting held in Delhi

The 38th meeting of the India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission (JRC) was held in Delhi. The JRC is headed by Water Resources Ministers of both countries.

Key Points 

  • The meeting discussed several ongoing projects of mutual interest including common river water sharing, sharing of data on flood, countering river pollution, joint survey on sediment management, protection of river banks among others. 
  • Both sides finalised the contents of an MoU on interim water sharing of the Kushiara river. 
  • Both sides also welcomed the finalisation of the design and location of water intake points on Feni river to meet the needs of the people in Sabrum town in India as per the India-Bangladesh MoU signed in 2019.
  • India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers,  of which 7 rivers have been identified earlier for development of the water sharing agreement framework on priority basis. 
  • Sharing of the real time flood data is one of the most important areas of India’s cooperation with Bangladesh. 
  • India recently extended the flood information sharing period beyond October 15 to help Bangladesh deal with the unexpected floods in some areas.

Uday Umesh Lalit appointed as the 49th Chief Justice of India 

Shri Justice Uday Umesh Lalit appointed as the 49th Chief Justice of India with effect from 27th August, 2022. He will succeed incumbent CJI NV Ramana, who demits office on August 26.

Justice Uday Umesh Lalit was appointed as Judge of the Supreme Court of India in August 2014 from the Bar. Justice Lalit will become the second Chief Justice of India to be directly elevated to the Supreme Court from the Bar, after Justice S.M. Sikri, who served as the 13 th CJI in 1971. 

Justice Lalit has served as a Member of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee for two terms. He was designated as a senior advocate by the top court in April 2004. 

In January 1986, he shifted his practice to Delhi. He was appointed a special public prosecutor for the CBI to conduct the trial in the 2G spectrum allocation case.

NITI Aayog declared Haridwar as the best aspirational district in India

NITI Aayog has declared Haridwar city of Uttarakhand as the best aspirational district on the basis of five parameters. 

The district has secured the first rank in basic infrastructure theme and has become entitled to receive an additional allocation of Rs 3 crore.

Parameters for Evaluation

Parameters for Best Aspirational District It envisages rapid development of selected districts on basis of composite index based on five parameters: 

  • Health & Nutrition (30%) 
  • Education (30%) 
  • Agriculture & Water Resources (20%) 
  • Financial Inclusion & Skill Development (10%) 
  • Infrastructure (10%)

Aspirational District Programme 

  • NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme launched in January 2018. 
  • The programme aimed at identifying potential districts that can develop into model blocks through socio-economic development. 
  • Under the programme, the central government takes steps to improve the socio-economic condition of identified districts and ensure inclusive and holistic development.
  • The ranking of aspirational districts combines innovative use of data with practical governance, placing the district at the center of inclusive growth. 
  • As per the norms for planning of aspirational districts, each district should prepare an action plan in consultation with the State and Central officers in charge, after which it should be sent to NITI Aayog for final approval of the Empowered Committee of Secretaries constituted for the programme. 

Germany Launches World’s first Hydrogen-powered Passenger Train

Recently, the world’s first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trains was launched by Germany.  The engine of the trains is powered by electricity generated using hydrogen fuel cells. 

The new fleet consists of 14 Coradia iLint hydrogen trains made by the French company Alstom and operated by regional rail company LNVG.

Key Points 

  • The use of hydrogen is a clean alternative to fossil fuels. 
  • Lower Saxony has invested a total of 93 million euros for the first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger train projects. 
  • This invitation is an excellent example and effort to make the economy of Germany greener.
  • These trains have ranges up to 1000 kilometers and a maximum speed of 140 kph. 
  • After the introduction of the first fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trains, the hydrogen produced with renewable energy, the trains will save up to 1.6 liters of diesel in a year.

Angela Merkel wins UNESCO Peace Prize 2022

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been awarded the 2022 UNESCO Peace Prize for her efforts to welcome refugees.

Merkel was awarded the 2022 Félix Houphout-Boigny-UNESCO Peace Prize for her “courageous decision in 2015 to welcome more than 1,2 million refugees, notably from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Eritrea.

She is best known for her work in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where she condemned rape as a “weapon of war”.

About UNESCO Peace Prize 

  • The UNESCO Peace Prize was constituted in 1989 under the United Nations Charter and the UNESCO Constitution. 
  • The prize is awarded to a person, an organization or a private or governmental body for making a significant contribution for “promotion, study, safeguarding, or maintenance of peace.” 
  • The prize has been named after Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the late former president of Côte d’Ivoire. 
  • The prize includes a gold medal and a cheque of USD 150,000 along with a peace diploma. If there are multiple recipients, the cheque is shared equally. 

Assam Current Affairs – August 22-24, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – August 22-24, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the August 22-24, 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

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

August 22-24, 2022

The government of India launched National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme 

Namaste is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) as a joint initiative of the MoSJE and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). 

About NAMASTE Scheme

  • This scheme envisages safety and dignity of sanitation workers in urban India by creating an enabling ecosystem that recognizes sanitation workers as one of the key contributors in operations and maintenance of sanitation infrastructure.
  • Ensuring safety and dignity of sanitation workers in urban India and providing sustainable livelihood and enhancing their occupational safety through capacity building and improved access to safety gear and machines.
  • This scheme aimed at providing access to alternative livelihoods support  and entitlements to reduce the vulnerabilities of sanitation workers.
  • It would enable the sanitation workers to access self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities and break the intergenerationality in sanitation work. 
  • In addition, NAMASTE would bring about a behavior change amongst citizens towards sanitation workers and enhance demand for safe sanitation services.

NAMASTE aims to achieve the following outcomes: 

  • Zero fatalities in sanitation work in India
  • All sanitation work is performed by skilled workers
  • No sanitation workers come in direct contact with human faecal matter
  • Sanitation workers are collectivized into SHGs and are empowered to run sanitation enterprises 
  • All Sewer and Septic tank  sanitation workers (SSWs) have access to alternative livelihoods 
  • Strengthened supervisory and monitoring systems at national, state and ULB levels to ensure enforcement and monitoring of safe sanitation work 
  • Increased awareness amongst sanitation services seekers (individuals and institutions) to seek services from registered and skilled sanitation workers. 

The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 will be held in Indore

According to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 will be held in Indore in January next year. 

About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 

  • Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated every year in India on 9 January to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of India. 
  • The day also commemorates the return of father of nation Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa in Mumbai (then Bombay) on January 9, 1915. 
  • Celebration of Pravasi Diwas started in India in 2003.
  • The 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas was held in New Delhi with the theme “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.

Exercise Pitch Black 2022

India will be part of the mega air combat exercise “Pitch Black 2022” which will be held in the Northern Territory of Australia. Exercise Pitch Black is scheduled to be organised between 19 Aug 22 to 08 Sep 22. 

This is a biennial, multinational exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The participation of 17 Air Forces and over 2500 military personnel. The IAF contingent included four Su-30 MKI & two C-17 aircraft.

The participating forces took part in various multi-aircraft combat drills by day & night, simulating complex aerial scenarios, involving large formations. The exercise provided an opportunity for the air forces to share best practices and experiences. 

The event witnessed a collaborative spirit that has led to a better understanding of each other’s capabilities & a bonhomie that will lead to enduring ties between the participating nations.

Goa becomes the first ‘Har Ghar Jal’ certified state

Goa  becomes the first Har Ghar Jal’ certified state and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (D&NH and D&D) became the first Har Ghar Jal’ union territory in India respectively, through a resolution passed by Gram Sabha, certifying that all households in the villages have access to safe drinking water through taps, ensuring that ‘No One is Left Out’.  

All 2.63 lakh rural households of Goa & 85,156 of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu have access to potable water through tap connection.

About Jal Jeevan Mission

  • Jal Jeevan Mission is a government of India’s flagship programme, which was unveiled on August 15, 2019. 
  • The initiative is carried out by the Indian government in collaboration with the States and UTs.
  • The mission aims to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to every rural household of the country by 2024.
  • More than 10 lakh women in the country have been trained to use Field Test Kits (FTKs) for testing the quality of water supplied in rural households. 
  • More than 57 lakh water samples have been tested by these women using Field Testing Kits (FTKs).
  • More than 52% rural households in the country are now connected with tap water which was only 17% at the time of launch of this transformational mission on August 15, 2019.

Manisha Kalyan became the first Indian footballer to play at the UEFA Women’s Champions League

Manisha Kalyan became the first Indian footballer to play at the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

She made her debut for Apollon Ladies FC in the European Club competition in Engomi, Cyprus.

She become the first ever Indian footballer to score a goal in the AFC Women’s Club Championship in November 2021.

Recently, she was awarded the AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year for the 2021-22 season.

Assam Current Affairs – August 19-21, 2022

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

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the August 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 

August 19-21, 2022

Assam government rolled out nearly 1,000 model Anganwadi centres in state

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma rolled out nearly 1,000 model Anganwadi centres constructed across the state in order to strengthen formative learning among children. 

Remotely inaugurating the centres at a central ceremony in Palasbari Assembly constituency, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the government aimed to have as many as 15000 model Anganwadi centres in the state by the year 2026.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also launched the “Adopt an Anganwadi” portal, aimed at providing philanthropists, non-government organisations and concerned citizens with a platform through which they can contribute towards the welfare of the society by adopting full or partial expenses of an anganwadi centre.

Border Roads Organization (BRO) will build Steel Slag Road in Arunachal Pradesh

The Border Road Organization (BRO) will build Steel Slag Road in Arunachal Pradesh based on the Pilot project. The Steel Slag Road is the first of its kind Project which aims to make durable roadways that can withstand heavy rain and adverse climatic conditions. 

The Steel Slag Road project will help to resolve the connection between the help centres and the affected areas.

Benefits of Building Steel Slag Roads

  • The use of Steel Slag to construct roads will improve the durability and quality of roads making them safer. 
  • Roads constructed using 100% steel processed slag have proven to be durable as compared to regular bitumen roads.
  • India being the 2nd largest producer of Steel in the world, using steel slag for the construction of roads will also help reduce the cost of construction.
  • The Steel industry in India produces a huge amount of steel and after the recovery of metal, a major portion of steel Slag is discarded. The use of Steel Slag on roads will help in reducing the waste and recycling the waste of the Steel industries in India. 
  • The carbon footprint in the Steel Slag Roads is lower than usual roads built with other materials.

Durand Cup 2022

Durand Cup, the oldest football tournament in Asia, is scheduled to start from August 16, 2022. 

The 131st edition of the tournament will run until September 18. Out of 20 teams, 11 teams will be from various clubs that play Indian Super League, five teams from I-league, and four teams from Armed Forces.

Key Points

  • For the first time in its history, the tournament is being held in multiple cities as West Bengal, Assam and Manipur are hosting the Durand Cup 2022. 
  • The opening match will be played between FC Goa and Mohammedan SC in Kolkata. 
  • Indian Oil is the title sponsor of the tournament and the previous edition of Durand Cup 2021 was won by FC Goa
  • The Durand Cup 2022 will be held in five designated venues across three cities: Salt Lake Stadium, Naihati Stadium, Kishore Bharati Stadium (West Bengal) Khuman Lampak Stadium (Imphal, Manipur) Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium (Guwahati, Assam)

About Durand Cup

  • It is an annual domestic football competition in India founded by the former Foreign Secretary of British India, Mortimer Durand in Shimla in 1888.
  • The tournament is the oldest existing club football tournament in Asia and third oldest in the world.
  • It is annually organized by the Durand Cup Football Tournament in association with the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
  • The winner of the tournament is facilitated with three trophies, the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Shimla Trophy.

Government appoints 37 new High Court Judges on the eve of Independence Day 2022

The government has appointed 37 new High Court Judges. According to the notification issued by the Law Ministry, the maximum number of judges is being appointed in Punjab and Haryana High Court with a total of 11 judges.

The other 26 judges will be appointed in Allahabad, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Guwahati high courts.

Government in this year i.e. 2022 has so far made 138 appointments in various High Courts of the country thus surpassing its earlier record of 126 High Court appointments in the year 2016. 

Last year in 2021, the appointment tally in High Courts was 120 in addition to 9 appointments in the Supreme Court. Thus, the entire appointment process in higher judiciary has been put on a fast track.

Nature Index 2022

The Nature Index 2022 was recently released. The Nature Index is an indicator of high quality research in chemistry, life sciences, physical sciences and earth & environment.

Rankings were provided on the basis of information secured during April 1, 2021, to march 31, 2022.

Highlights of Nature Index 2022

  • In the index, University of Hyderabad has secured first position among Indian Universities while has been placed at 16th position among all institutions in the academic sector.
  • Hyderabad was ranked first with 72 research papers and a share of 19.46 in academic sector.
  • Rank 23rd– Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad. 
  • Rank 26th– Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati. 
  • Rank 54th-Amity University. Rank 76th– National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Hyderabad. 
  • Rank 82nd– International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad 
  • Rank 92nd– Andhra University 
  • Rank 108th– Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada Rank 122nd– Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati (IIT) Tirupati.

India ranks 4th in ‘Forbes Asia best under a billion’

Forbes Asia has published its 2022 edition of the best 200 mid-sized companies in the Asia-Pacific region. 

In 2022, India ranks 4th in Forbes Asia best under a billion with 24 Indian firms down from 26 in 2021.

Key Points

  • Taiwan has the greatest number of companies listed at 30, followed by Japan with 29 and South Korea has 27.
  • The unranked list was compiled from a long list of over 20,000 publicly traded companies in the Asia-Pacific region with annual sales of above USD10 million but less than USD1 billion.
  • The objective of the list is to identify companies with long-term sustainable performance across a variety of metrics.
  • A composite score was created using data collected in such areas as debt, sales, and earnings-per-share growth over both the most recent fiscal one- and three-year periods, and the strongest one and five-year average return on equity. 
  • Forbes used full-year annual results, based on the latest publicly available figures as of July 11, 2022.
  • Companies with serious governance issues, questionable accounting, environmental concerns, management issues, or legal troubles were excluded, and so were state-controlled firms and subsidiaries of larger companies.