Tag: North East Current Affairs

Assam Current Affairs – August 16-18, 2022

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

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

Assam government launched Vidya Rath-School on Wheels’ Project

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched Vidya Rath-School on Wheels project. The project aimed at providing a learning opportunity to the less fortunate children in the city.

About Vidya Rath-School project

  • The Vidya Rath-School on Wheels will reportedly provide access to elementary education to underprivileged children for 10 months. After 10 months, the children will be integrated into the conventional system of education. 
  • Students will be provided free mid-day meals, uniforms and textbooks under the project. 

Arunachal’s Third Airport Named ‘Donyi Polo Airport’

The third airport in Arunachal Pradesh, which is now under construction in Itanagar, has been given the name “Donyi Polo Airport” by the Arunachal Pradesh administration.

Key Points

  • The “Donyi Polo Airport” in Itanagar would be Arunachal Pradesh`s third airport after Pasighat and Tezu airports
  • In the state’s tribal language, Donyi means Sun and Polo means Moon.
  • The airport, about 15 km from the State capital, is built at a cost of ₹645 crore under the Centre’s Capital Connectivity Scheme. 
  • The Airport Authority of India has undertaken a Rs 650-crore project to develop the airport to boost air connectivity in the mountainous areas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ‘Panch Pran’ goal for the next 25 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the 9th consecutive time from the Red Fort on August 15, 2022. 

During the 88-minute speech, PM set a “Panch Pran Targets” (Five Resolves) to turn India into a developed nation in the next 25 years, when India will celebrate its 100th Independence Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spelt out the five pledges as a resolve for a developed India; move forward with bigger resolves and resolve of a developed India;  removing any trace of the colonial mindset; taking pride in our legacy; our strength of unity; fulfilling the duties of citizens, which include the prime minister and chief ministers as well.

Panch Pran: India’s developed standards 

  • Cleanliness campaigns, vaccinations, electrical connections, the elimination of open defecation, and the usage of solar energy are all examples of established India standards according to the Panch Pran. 
  • Gender equality, India First and respect for women are symbols of our unity and solidarity. 
  • The example of freedom from the thought of slavery is the new national education policy, which is the way to get rid of the thinking of slavery.
  • Fulfillment of duties like saving electricity, full use of water available in the fields, chemical-free farming prepares the way for the progress of the country.

Mandla becomes India’s first fully ‘functionally literate’ district

Madhya Pradesh’s tribal-dominated Mandla region has become the first fully “functionally literate” district in the country. 

Mandla is the first district of India to reach this mark, where people were able to write their names, read and count.

Key Points

  • To make people functionally literate, a major campaign was launched on Independence Day 2020, in association with the school education department, Anganwadi & social workers, women and child development department, to educate women and senior citizens. 
  • With this campaign, the entire district has turned into a functionally literate district, within two years. 
  • During the 2011 survey, the literacy rate in Mandla district was 68%. Another report of 2020 highlights that, more than 2.25 lakh people in this district were not literate, most of them were tribals from forest areas.

Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu launched ‘Medicine from the Sky’ project

The Arunachal government successfully launched its first flight of drone service – ‘medicine from the sky’ from Seppa to Chayang Tajo in East Kameng district.

The pilot project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and executed by Bengaluru-based startup Redwing Labs.

The objective of this project is to provide a clear picture on operational issues, financial feasibility and regulatory issues, based on which our govt shall make a policy and take steps for phased adoption of this emerging technology.

Assam Current Affairs – August 13-15, 2022

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

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

Meghalaya will host 2nd edition of the North East Olympics

Meghalaya will host the upcoming 2nd edition of the North East Olympics from October 30th to November 6th in Shillong. 

This edition of the Games will be special as Meghalaya is celebrating the 50th year of its Statehood. 

In this edition, about 4,000 participants from eight North Eastern States will be competing in 18 disciplines at 13 venues spread across Shillong. 

Participants will be competing in disciplines, such as archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, football, judo, karate, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, wushu, cycling (Mountain Bike), golf, weightlifting and wrestling.

The first edition of the Games was held in Manipur in 2018, with 12 disciplines. 

India adds 11 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites

India has added 11 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites, taking the total Ramsar sites in India to 75 covering an area of 13,26,677 hectares in the country.

Key Points

  • The 11 new sites include: Four sites in Tamil Nadu, Three in Odisha, Two in Jammu & Kashmir and One each in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. 
  • Designation of these sites would help in the conservation and management of wetlands and wise use of their resources.
  • During 1982 to 2013, a total of 26 sites were added to the list of Ramsar sites, however, during 2014 to 2022, the country has added 49 new wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites.
  • In the year 2022, a total of 28 sites have been declared as Ramsar sites. 
  • Tamil Nadu leads the charge with a total of 14 Ramsar Sites followed by Uttar Pradesh which has 10.

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launches SMILE-75 initiative

Recently, the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched SMILE-75 (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise).initiative to address the persisting problem of destitution and beggary. 

This initiative has been started as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

About the SMILE 75-Initiative

  • The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has also allocated a total budget of Rs.100 crore for the SMILE project for the coming years till 2025-26.
  • The objective of SMILE- 75 is to make our cities/towns and municipal areas begging-free and make a strategy for comprehensive rehabilitation of the persons engaged in the act of begging through the coordinated action of various stakeholders.
  • Under this initiative, 75 Municipal Corporations in collaboration with NGOs and other stakeholders will cover several comprehensive welfare measures for persons who are engaged in the act of begging with a focus extensively on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counselling, awareness, education, skill development, economic linkages and convergence with other Government welfare programmes etc.
  • It seeks to develop a support mechanism for holistic rehabilitation of those engaged in the act of begging.

Agasthiyamalai Elephant Reserve became the fifth elephant reserve in Tamil Nadu

Recently, The Tamil Nadu State government notified Agasthiyamalai Elephant Reserve as the fifth elephant reserve at Agathiyamalai in Tirunelveli district.

The Agasthiyamalai Elephant Reserve will be spread across 1,197.48 sq.km of land and will cover Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli areas.

According to the notification, the forest areas of Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and Kanniyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary in Agasthyamalai landscape constitute the most important habitats of Asian elephants in the southernmost part of the western ghats.

The declaration of Agasthyamalai region as the 5th Elephant Reserve in the state to put more emphasis on protection and conservation of Elephants within a healthy ecosystem. 

Designation of the area as a dedicated reserve forest will also provide connectivity of the elephant migratory paths in the landscape through proper research and effective management.

Shashi Tharoor has been selected for France’s highest civilian Legion of Honour

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has been selected for France’s highest civilian award Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur.

The French government is honouring him for his writings and speeches and the French Ambassador here Emmanuel Lenain has written to Tharoor informing him about the award. 

In 2010, Tharoor had received a similar honour from the Spanish government, when the King of Spain had bestowed upon him the Encomienda de la Real Order Espanola de Carlos III.

Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.

It is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil.

Assam Current Affairs – August 10-12, 2022

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

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

August 10-12, 2022

India’s medal winners at Commonwealth Games 2022

Commonwealth Games 2022 took place in Birmingham, the United Kingdom from 28 July to 8 August 2022. India is participating for the 18th time in the Commonwealth Games.

India ranked 4th in the Commonwealth Games 2022 Medal Tally with 61 medals. India won 22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze medals.

Australia topped the tally with 178 medals (67 gold, 57 silver, 54 bronze) followed by England who collected 173 medals (56 gold, 64 silver, 53 bronze). Canada finished third with 26 gold, 32 silver and 34 bronze for a total of 92 medals.

Gold medal winners for India in Commonwealth Games 2022

  1. Mirabai Chanu-Weightlifter-Women’s 49 kg 
  2. Jeremy Lalrinnunga-Weightlifter-Men’s 67 kg 
  3. Anchita Sheuli-Weightlifter-Men’s 37 kg 
  4. Indian Women Lawn Bowls Team-Lawn Bowls-Women’s Fours Team 
  5. Men’s Table Tennis team-Table Tennis-Men’s Team 
  6. Sudhir-Para Powerlifting-Men’s heavyweight 
  7. Sakshi Malik-Wrestling-Women’s 62 Kg 
  8. Deepak Punia-Wrestling-men’s freestyle 86 kg 
  9. Vinesh Phogat-Wrestling-women’s 53 kg 
  10. Naveen-Wrestling- men’s freestyle 74 kg 
  11. Bhavina Patel- Table Tennis-women’s singles class 
  12. Ravi Kumar Dahiya-Wrestling-Men’s 57 kg freestyle 
  13. Nitu Ghanghas-Boxing-women’s 48 kg 
  14. Amit Panghal-Boxing-men’s 51 kg 
  15. Eldhose Paul-Athletics-men’s triple jump 
  16. Nikhat Zareen-Boxing- women’s 50 kg 
  17. Table Tennis Mixed Team-Table Tennis-Table Tennis Mixed Doubles 
  18. PV Sindhu- Badminton-Women’s Singles 
  19. Bajrang Punia-Wrestling-Men’s 65 Kg 
  20. Lakshya Sen-Badminton-Men’s Singles event 
  21. Sharath Kamal- Table Tennis- Men’s Singles 

22.Satwik Sairaj Rankireddi and Chirag Shetty -Badminton-Men’s Double 

List of Indian Silver Medal Winners in Commonwealth Games 2022 

  1. Bindyarani Devi-Weightlifting-women’s 55 kg 
  2. Sanket Mahadev Sargar-Weightlifting-men’s 55kg 
  3. Judoka Sushila-Judo- Women’s 48 kg 
  4. Vikas Thakur-Weightlifting- men’s 96kg 
  5. Badminton Mixed Team-badminton-Mixed team event 
  6. Tulika Mann-Judo-Women’s 78 kg 
  7. Murali Sreeshankar-Athletics-Men’s long jump 
  8. Anshu Malik-Wrestling-women’s 57 kg final 
  9. Priyanka Goswami-Race Walk-10,000m event 
  10. Avinash Sable-Athletics-men’s 3000m steeplechase 
  11. Indian Men Lawn Bowls team-Lawn Bowls- men’s fours team 
  12. Abdulla Aboobacker-Athletics-Men’s Triple Jump 
  13. Sharath-Sathiyan-Table Tennis- men’s doubles 
  14. Women’s Cricket Team-Cricket-women’s cricket final 
  15. Sagar Ahlawat-Boxing- men’s 92+ kg category 
  16. Indian Men’s Hockey Team-Hockey-Men’s Hockey 

List of Indian Bronze Medal Winners in Commonwealth Games 2022 

  1. Gururaja Poojary-Weightlifting-Men’s 61 kg weight category 
  2. Vijay Kumar Yadav-Judo-Men’s 60-kg class 
  3. Harjinder Kaur-Weightlifting-women’s 71 kg 
  4. Lovepreet Singh-Weightlifting- men’s 109 kg category 
  5. Saurav Ghosal-Squash-Men’s Singles 
  6. Gurdeep Singh-Weightlifting-Men’s 109 kg category 
  7. Tejaswin Shankar-Athletics-men’s high jump 
  8. Divya Kakran-Wrestling-Women’s 68 kg 
  9. Mohit Grewal-Wrestling-Men’s freestyle 125 kg 
  10. Deepak Nehra-Wrestling-Men’s 97 kg category 
  11. Pooja Gehlot-Wrestling-Women’s Freestyle 50 kg category 
  12. Pooja Sihag-Wrestling-Women’s 76 kg category 
  13. Mohammed Hussamuddin-Boxing-Men’s 57kg featherweight category 
  14. Rohit Tokas-Boxing-Men’s 67kg Welterweight 
  15. Sonalben Manubhai Patel-Table Tennis-women’s singles class 3-5 16.
  16. Jaismine Lamboria-Boxing- women’s lightweight (60 kg) 
  17. Indian Women Hockey Team-Hockey-Women’s Hockey 
  18. Sandeep Kumar-Athletics- Men’s 10,000 m racewalk 
  19. Annu Rani-Javelin-women’s Javelin Throw event 
  20. Tressa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand-Badminton-Young Women’s Doubles pair 
  21. Saurav Ghosal and Dipika Pallikal-Squash- Squash Mixed Doubles- 
  22. G. Sathiyan-Table Tennis-Men’s Singles 
  23. Kidambi Srikanth-badminton-Men’s Singles

Indo-US Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Vajra Prahar 2022 

The 13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022” began at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh Himachal Pradesh.

The Vajra Prahar series of joint exercises aims to share best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics as also to improve interoperability between the Special Forces of both the Nations.

Key Points

  • The Vajra Prahar series of joint exercises hosted alternatively between India and the United States. 
  • During the course of next 21 days, teams of both armies would jointly train, plan and execute a series of Special Operations, Counter Terrorist Operations, Air Borne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain. 
  • This joint exercise is a significant step in strengthening the traditional bond of friendship between the special forces of both Nations as well as improving bilateral defence cooperation between India and the USA.
  • The 12th edition was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, Washington (USA) in October 2021.

World Lion Day observed globally 

World Lion Day is observed globally on 10th August. The objective is to spread awareness and educate people about lions and their conservation.

Lions supposedly wandered amiably through Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East some three million years ago.

Key Points

  • The population of Asiatic lions has steadily increased in Gujarat’s Gir forest and the larger Saurashtra protected area after experiencing a long period of decline. 
  • Between 2015 and 2020, their population increased from 523 to 674. The much larger African lions are a distant relative of the Asiatic lions of India.
  • In 2013, the first World Lion Day was observed. Dereck and Beverly Joubert, from the Big Cat Initiative and National Geographic, founded it.

World Elephant Day observed globally 

World Elephant Day is observed globally on 12th August. The day tries to highlight why these animals should be protected and what laws and measures can be enacted to ensure their survival. 

The main objective of World Elephant Day is to create awareness of elephant conservation and to share knowledge and positive solutions for the better protection and management of wild and captive elephants.

World Elephant Day was started as an initiative by two Canadian filmmakers, Patricia Sims and Michael Clark of Canazwest pictures, and the Secretary General of Thailand’s Elephant Re-introduction Foundation – Sivaporn Dardaraanda. 

The first World Elephant Day was observed on August 12, 2012.

Sunil Chhetri, Manisha Kalyan named men’s and women’s Footballer of the Year

Sunil Chhetri was named the 2021-22 All India Football Federation (AIFF) men’s footballer of the Year for the seventh time while Manisha Kalyan was picked for her maiden honour in the women’s category for the 2021-22 session. 

Key Points

  • Sunil Chhetri is currently third after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the list of highest goal scorers in international football among active players and sixth on the all-time leaderboard. 
  • This was Sunil Chhetri’s record seventh AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year award, having won it previously in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2018–19. 
  • Manisha Kalyan, who won the 2021-22 AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year, was the recipient of the Women’s Emerging Footballer of the Year from last season.
  • Martina Thokchom was named the 2021-22 Women’s Emerging Footballer of the Year, and Vikram Partap Singh was picked as the 2021-22 Men’s Emerging Footballer of the Year.

Aarya Walvekar crowned Miss India USA 2022

Indian American from Virginia, Aarya Walvekar has been crowned Miss India USA in 2022 in New Jersey. 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the pageant which is the longest-running Indian pageant outside of India. It was started by New York-based Indian- Americans Dharmatma and Neelam Saran under the banner of Worldwide Pageants.

Saumya Sharma, a second-year premedical student at the University of Virginia, was declared the first runner up and Sanjana Chekuri of New Jersey was the second runner-up. 

Akshi Jain from Washington has crowned Mrs India USA and Tanvi Grover from New York was crowned Miss Teen India USA.

Assam Current Affairs – August 07-09, 2022

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

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

Assam government inks four MoUs with HCL, Walmart, Flipkart on various fields

The Assam government partnered with HCL, Walmart and Flipkart for various purposes, including skilling the youths, exporting local products and creating talent for e-commerce supply chain.

Key Points

  • The first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the Directorate of Employment and Craftsmen Training (DECT) and HCL Technologies to facilitate the employability of youths from Assam under various programmes.
  • The HCL in collaboration with DECT will provide training to the Class 12 passed students, aiming to reduce regional imbalance in terms of skilled people. 
  • The second MoU was inked between Assam Skill University (ASU) and HCL-TSS to assist applicants in joining the HCL-TSS skilling and employment programmes.
  • The third agreement was signed by Walmart Vriddhi with the Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Department and Skill Employment Entrepreneurship Department. 
  • This tripartite MoU has been exchanged for the development of MSMEs in terms of showcasing and exporting their products, and also exchange ideas for successful commercialization of their products by providing them market access. 
  • According to the last MoU signed between Flipkart and Assam Skill Development Mission, Flipkart will provide opportunities to youth of the state in the Flipkart Supply Chain Operations Academy by training, certifying and creating a pool of e-commerce supply chain talent. 
  • All the four agreements were signed in presence of Assam Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah and other senior officials.

Culture Ministry and Google Launch ‘India ki Udaan’ Initiative

The Union Culture Ministry and Google launched the ‘India Ki Udaan’ initiative. This initiative seeks to celebrate the unwavering, undying, spirit of India and its achievements in the past 75 years.

About the India ki Udaan Initiative

  • India ki Udaan Initiative was launched as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. 
  • It aims to take citizens to the rich culture & heritage of India, by means of its rich archives and featuring artistic illustrations. 
  • India ki Udaan project has been based on the theme ‘Unwavering and undying spirit of India over these past 75 years.
  • This Initiative is being Executed by Google Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture. 
  • Under the initiative, users will be provided with a unique view to witness India’s remarkable moments virtually. They would be able to know more about the iconic personalities of Indian history, leading female personalities, as well as scientific and sports achievements of the country.

Dr N Kalaiselvi becomes the first woman Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Nallathamby Kalaiselvi has become the first woman director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Dr Kalaiselvi will replace and succeed Shekhar Mande, who was superannuated in April.

Her appointment is for a period of two years with effect from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier. 

She will also hold the charge as secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. 

Kalaiselvi started her career in research as an entry-level scientist at CSIR-CECRI.

She is currently involved in the development of practically viable Sodium-ion/Lithium-sulfur batteries and supercapacitors.

Lok Sabha passed the Energy Conservation Amendment Bill 2022

Recently, the Lok Sabha passed the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022. The Bill seeks to amend the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. It promotes energy efficiency and conservation.

The objectives of the proposed Amendment is to reduce India’s power consumption via fossil fuels and thereby minimize the nation’s carbon footprint and also to develop India’s Carbon market and boost the adoption of clean technology. 

Important Provisions of the bill

  • The bill seeks to mandate the use of non-fossil sources, including Green hydrogen, green ammonia, biomass, and Ethanol for energy and feedstock. 
  • Setup Carbon Markets in India and set rules and provisions for the Carbon Trading Scheme.
  • Expand the coverage of the Energy Conservation Regime to Large Residential Buildings.
  • Increase members in the governing council of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
  • Empower the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions  to make regulations for smooth discharge of its functions
  • To put in place enabling provisions to make the use of clean energy, including green hydrogen, mandatory and to establish carbon markets.
  • The bill also empowers the government to issue energy savings certificates and penalize consumers who utilize more energy.

India, US begins joint special forces exercise in Himachal Pradesh

The India-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022”, began on August 08, 2022, at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. 

It is the 13th edition of the annual exercise. It’s objective of this joint exercise is to share the best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics.

The 12th edition of this exercise between India and the US was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, Washington (US) in October 2021.

In addition to this exercise, the India-U.S. Army exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ is scheduled to be held in high altitude area in Uttarakhand which falls in the Central sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

About the Ex Vajra Prahar 2022: 

  • This joint annual exercise is hosted alternatively between India and the US to share the best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics.
  • During the course of the next 21 days, teams of both armies would jointly train, plan and execute a series of special operations, counter-terrorist operations, and airborne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain. 
  • It is a significant step in strengthening the traditional bond of friendship between the special forces of both nations as well as improving bilateral defence cooperation.

Assam Current Affairs – July 25-27, 2022

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

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

July 25-27, 2022

Government of Assam has approved a proposal for the creation of Barak Bhuvan Wildlife Sanctuary

The establishment of ‘Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary’ has been approved by the Governor – Prof Jagdish Mukhi. Assam’s Barak Valley will soon get a second wildlife sanctuary. 

The Governor of Assam is pleased to declare its intention to constitute the area described in the Schedule annexed hereto as the Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary. 

The Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary will be spread over an area of 320 sq km between the Barak river and the Sonai river. 

India designates five new Ramsar wetland sites

India has designated five new Ramsar sites, wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, also known as The Convention on Wetlands. 

Three wetlands are from Tamil Nadu, one from Mizoram and one from Madhya Pradesh. This takes the total number of Ramsar Sites in India to 54. Earlier, the number of Ramsar sites in India stood at 49.

5 New Ramsar Sites in India include; 

  1. Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu: It is a 61.21-hectare protected area located in Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu. It is located at a distance of 75 km from Chennai.
  2. Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest, Tamil Nadu: It is a freshwater marsh in Chennai. It is the only surviving wetland ecosystem in Chennai. It is counted among the last remaining natural wetlands of South India. 
  3. Pichavaram Mangrove, Tamil Nadu: It is located near Chidambaram in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. It covers an area of 1100 hectares and is counted among the largest mangrove forests in the country. 
  4. Pala wetland, Mizoram: It is the largest natural wetland in Mizoram. The wetland is surrounded by green woodlands. It is known for its rich diversity of animal species including several species of animals and birds. 
  5. Sakhya Sagar, Madhya Pradesh: This lake is an integral part of the beautiful ecology of the Madhav National Park in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.

Ramsar Convention

  • The Ramsar convention is an intergovernmental environmental treaty,  named after Ramsar city in Iran on the Caspian Sea, where the treaty was signed. 
  • It was established by UNESCO on February 2, 1971.
  • The Ramsar convention came into force in 1975.
  • It provides for international cooperation and national action regarding conservation of wetlands and sustainable use of their resources. 
  • The Ramsar convention identifies wetlands of international importance across the globe, especially those that are home to diverse biodiversity.

Indermit Gill has been appointed as the Chief Economist of World Bank

The World Bank has appointed Indermit Gill as chief economist and senior vice-president for development economics at the multilateral development bank. 

He will be succeeding Cuban-American economist Carmen M. Reinhart. His appointment will be effective September 1, 2022. 

Indermit Gill is an Indian National, who is currently Vice President for Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions, where he led work on macroeconomics, trade, debt, poverty and governance.

Indermit Gill will be only the second Indian to serve as chief economist at the World Bank. Kaushik Basu was the first, having served in the job from 2012-2016.

India and Bangladesh signed agreement to curb trans-border crimes

India and Bangladesh signed an agreement to curb cross-border crime and launch necessary measures for ensuring peace and tranquillity across the border. 

Key Points

  • Both sides highlighted the importance of a coordinated border management plan in curbing the menace of smuggling contrabands such as narcotics, firearms, FICN, gold etc. 
  • They agreed on facilitating river bank protection works across the common bordering rivers, in line with approval given by the Joint River Commission. 
  • They agreed to remain cautious and steadfast in stopping smuggling through sharing real-time information and active anti-smuggling efforts. 
  • A wide range of issues like smuggling, trans-border crime, insurgent movement, narcotics, human trafficking and cattle lifting were discussed between officials of the two countries and both the parties agreed to take measures against such practices on their respective sides. 
  • Both the parties further agreed to launch public awareness programmes and developmental programmes across vulnerable areas for lowering down the number of incidents of assault and border crime. 

Gujarat will host the 36th National Games 

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat State Government and the Gujarat Olympic Association (GOA) for the joint conduct of the 36th National Games, Gujarat 2022. 

The last edition of the National Games was the 35th edition which was held in Kerala. 

The National Games were first held in Lahore, British India, in 1924.

Key Points

The 36th edition of the National Games will be held in Gujarat between 27 September to 10 October 2022.

The National Games 2022 will be held across 6 cities in Gujarat, viz., Gandhinagar, Surat, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Bhavnagar.

Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Gir Asiatic Lion are logo for the 36th National Game 2022.

Indigenous sports such as kabaddi, kho-kho, mallakhamb and yogasana have also been included in the National Games programme.

IMF reduces GDP forecast of India to 7.4% for FY23

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reduced India’s growth forecast for 2022-23 (FY23) by 80 basis points to 7.4 per cent from 8.2% citing less favourable external conditions and rapid policy tightening by the central bank.

The IMF also cut the global growth outlook and warned that the world may soon be on the brink of a recession. Global economic expansion will likely slow to 3.2% this year, slower than the 3.6% forecast by the fund in April. 

Moreover, the multilateral lender cut the country’s growth forecast to 6.1 per cent for the financial year 2023-2024.

The IMF also cut global growth forecasts, warning that downside risks from high inflation and the Ukraine war were materialising and could push the world economy to the brink of recession if left unchecked. 

China’s growth is estimated to slow to 3.3% in 2022 from 4.4% estimated earlier by the IMF. 

Other emerging markets and developing economies, including Russia, South Africa, and Brazil, saw an upward revision in their economic forecasts on improved outlook. The IMF also cut the global growth outlook and warned that the world may soon be on the brink of a recession.

Global economic expansion will likely slow to 3.2% this year, slower than the 3.6% forecast by the fund in April.

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

Assam Current Affairs – July 07-09, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – July 07-09 2022

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

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 314: July 2022, Week 2 | Watch Quiz Video

July 07-09, 2022

Maryna Viazovska Wins Prestigious Fields Medal 2022

Ukrainian mathematician Maryna Viazovska along with other three mathematicians received the prestigious Fields Medals at a ceremony in Helsinki, Finland.

The four awardees of the prestigious prize include France’s Hugo Duminil-Copin, US-based June Huh, Britain’s James Maynard and Ukraine’s Maryna Viazovska.

About Fields Medal

  • Fields Medal is awarded at the International Congress of the International Mathematical Union (IMU).
  • Every four years, a mathematician under the age of 40 receives the Fields Medal for outstanding mathematical achievement for existing work and for the promise of future achievement.
  • The Fields medal award comprises a gold medal (14 karat gold) bearing the profile of Archimedes and a cash amount. 
  • The Fields medal and cash prizes are funded by a trust established by J.C.Fields at the University of Toronto.
  • The Fields Medal Committee, which is chosen by the Executive Committee of the International Mathematical Union, is normally chaired by the IMU President.
  • The Fields Medals were first awarded in 1936 in Oslo, Norway. The Fields medals were conceived by John Charles Fields, a Canadian mathematician.

PT Usha, Ilaiyaraaja, V Vijayendra Prasad, and Veerendra Heggade nominated to Rajya Sabha

Sports legend P.T. Usha, music composer Ilaiyaraaja, philanthropist Veerendra Heggade and screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasadhave were nominated to the Rajya Sabha in the category of eminent persons by the President.

The president can appoint 12 members for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services. 

The nominees are from the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. 

Ms. Usha, born in Kozhikode in Kerala, is one of India’s best known track-and-field stars. She has been given the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri in the past. 

Mr. Ilaiyaraaja from Tamil Nadu, a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan and many awards for his music, has composed more than 7,000 songs for more then 1,000 films (mainly in southern India), and has more than 20,000 concert performances to his credit. 

Veerendra Heggade has served as the ‘Dharmadhikari’ of the Dharmasthala Temple in Karnataka since the tender age of 20. He has been a devoted philanthropist for more than five decades. He has led various transformative initiatives for rural development and promotion of self-employment.

K.V. Vijayendra Prasad, who is from Andhra Pradesh, is an acclaimed screenwriter and film director, who has penned the scripts of many prominent Telugu and Hindi movies.

India’s first autonomous navigation facility “TiHAN” launched at IIT Hyderabad

India’s first Autonomous Navigation facility, TiHAN inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Jitendra Singh at the IIT Hyderabad campus with an outlay of Rs. 130 crores.

About TiHAN 

  • TiHAN stands for “Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation”. 
  • It is a multidisciplinary initiative that has been launched to make India a global player in ‘smart mobility’ technology for futuristic and next generation. 
  • TiHAN Testbed will act as a unique platform for high-quality research between academia, industry and R&D labs both at the national and international levels. 
  • The TiHAN – IITH will be the source of futuristic technology generation for autonomous vehicles.

Kharchi festival begins in Tripura 

Kharchi Puja is one of the most important Hindu festivals of Tripura. This festival falls in the month of July on the eighth day of the new moon.

It is a week-long traditional festival, offering prayer to 14 gods and goddess, began with thousands of devotees converging at Khayerpur on the eastern outskirts of Tripura.

There are many legends associated with this Puja. The celebrations extend until a week and are held in the temple premises which are attended by thousands of people.

The word “Kharchi” is derived from the word “Khya” which means “Earth”. Kharchi Puja is basically done to worship the earth. 

The Puja is performed to wash out the sins and to clean the post-menstrual phase of Mother Earth’s menstruation. 

India elected to UNESCO panel on Intangible Cultural Heritage

India became part of “Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)” for the third time. 

Key Points

  • India will be a member for a period of 2022-2026. 
  • India has served as a member of the ICH Committee twice — from 2006 to 2010 and from 2014 to 2018.
  • The Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention consists of 24 members and is elected in the General Assembly of the Convention according to the principles of equitable geographical representation and rotation. 
  • States Members to the Committee are elected for a term of four years.

Functions of the Intergovernmental Committee

  • The main functions of the Intergovernmental Committee includes promoting the objectives of the Convention.
  • Providing guidance on best practices, and making recommendations on measures for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. 
  • Examines requests submitted by States Parties for the inscription of intangible heritage on the Lists as well as proposals for programmes and projects.

India’s Vision

India has formulated a clear vision for the protection and promotion of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. India will focus upon 

  • Fostering community participation
  • Strengthening international cooperation through intangible heritage, promoting academic research on intangible cultural heritage.
  • Aligning the work of the Convention with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 
  • This vision was also shared with the other State Parties of the Convention prior to the elections.

Gita Gopinath becomes first woman to feature on IMF’s ‘wall of former chief economists’

Gita Gopinath became the first woman and second Indian to feature on the ‘wall of former chief economists’ of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The first Indian to achieve the honour was Raghuram Rajan who was Chief Economist and Director of Research of IMF between 2003 and 2006. 

Gopinath was appointed as IMF Chief Economist in October 2018 and was later promoted as the IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director in December 2021.

Before joining the faculty of Harvard University in 2005, she was an assistant professor of economics at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international financial institution, headquartered in Washington, D.C. consisting of 190 countries.
  • It was established in 1944 but formally started working on December 27, 1945 at the Bretton Woods Conference. Initially, there were 29 member countries. 
  • It works to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.

Amitabh Kant appointed as G20 Sherpa 

Former CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, has been selected as India’s new Sherpa for the G-20. He will replace Piyush Goyal.

Key Points

  • Amitabh Kant assumed charge as NITI Aayog CEO in 2016. 
  • For about six years, he led as the NITI Aayog CEO and his extended term concluded in June 2022.
  • He has also been the chairman of Empowered Group-3, which is one among the 11 groups set up by the central government for controlling the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
  • The G20 is a major international grouping that brings together 19 major economies of the world and the European Union. 
  • The G20 members account for over 80 percent of global GDP, 75 percent of global trade and 60 percent of global population.

 

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 314: July 2022, Week 2 | Watch Quiz Video

Assam Current Affairs – July 04-06, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – July 04-06 2022

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

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 313: July 2022, Week 1 | Watch Quiz Video

July 04-06, 2022

Government of Assam approves identification of five Muslim sub-groups as indigenous Assamese Muslim communities.

The government of Assam approved the identification of five Assamese Muslim sub-groups as indigenous Assamese Muslim communities. 

These include Goriyas, Moriyas, Julhas, Deshis, and Syeds as indigenous Assamese Muslim communities. 

The decision to identify five sub-groups as indigenous was taken in line with recommendations of seven sub-groups/committees formed by the state government last year to discuss issues concerning Assamese Muslim community.

The ‘indigenous’ status to Assamese-speaking Muslim communities will distinguish them from Bengali-speaking Muslims, who migrated from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to Assam. 

This classification has been a long-standing demand of Assamese Muslim communities. The classification is also important because to identify the people from minority communities who are the original residents of Assam and have not migrated to the state.

Delhi will host a world-class ‘Delhi Shopping Festival’ in 2023

Delhi will host its first ever world-class ‘Delhi Shopping Festival’ from January 28 to February 26, 2023. This major announcement was made by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The Delhi Shopping Festival was one of the ambitious projects proposed in the Rozgaar Budget 2022-23 presented by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in March this year.

About the festival

  • The festival will be organised from January 28-February 26, 2022. 
  • The festival will have a special opening and closing ceremony. 
  • All major markets and malls will be decorated. It will offer an unparalleled shopping experience to people.
  • There will be at least 200 concerts over the span of 30 days.
  •  Exhibitions will  be organised on different themes including spirituality, gaming, technology, health and wellness.
  • The festival will have a lot to offer for the youth, children and families. 
  • All markets and shops will offer heavy discounts on products during this festival. 
  • There will be a lot of entertainment programmes involving top artists from across the country. 

Odisha has ranked number one in State Ranking Index for NFSA 2022 

Recently, the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has released the 1st edition of ‘State Ranking Index for NFSA’.

Key Points

  • Odisha bagged the first position for implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Uttar Pradesh is ranked second and Andhra Pradesh is ranked third.
  • Tripura secured number one, Himachal Pradesh second and Sikkim is at the third position among special category states for the implementation of the National Food Security Act.
  • Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu scored the highest in terms of coverage, targeting and implementing provisions of NFSA. 
  • Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had the best delivery platform displaying the efficiency of the TPDS supply chain.

About National Food Security Act (NFSA) 

  • The National Food Security Act (NFSA) was enacted on July 5, 2013. 
  • It is an Indian Act of Parliament which aims to provide subsidized food grains. 
  • Its aim is to ensure that everyone everywhere has enough good-quality food to lead a healthy life at affordable prices.
  • It includes the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services scheme and the Public Distribution System.
  • The Act legally entitled up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population to receive subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
  • The Act ensures nutritional support to women and children. Pregnant and lactating women would be entitled to nutritious meals, free of charge under the MDM and ICDS schemes.
  • The Act covers two-thirds of the entire population under two categories of beneficiaries: Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households Priority Households (PHH).

Tanuja Nesari was awarded with the Ayurveda Ratna Award by the UK Parliament

Tanuja Nesari, Director of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) was awarded with the Ayurveda Ratna Award by the UK Parliament.  

The UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences (ITSappg) conferred the award  for her contribution to promoting the growth of Ayurveda in India and abroad.

She has been honoured for her exceptional service of the highest order for the promotion of Ayurveda.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences was formed in 2014 with an aim to spread the knowledge of Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Vastu, Unani and Sangeetam in United Kingdom and abroad.

States’ Start-up Ranking 2021 released 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released the 3rd edition of Ranking of States on Support to Startup Ecosystems. 

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been conducting the States’ Start-up Ranking Exercise since 2018. The main objective is to facilitate the ease of building a start-up and doing business across the country.

Key Points

Evaluation Parameters: participants were evaluated across 7 broad Reform Areas consisting of 26 Action Points like– 

  • Institutional Support 
  • Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship 
  • Access to Market 
  • Incubation support
  • Funding Support
  • Mentorship Support
  • Capacity Building of Enablers

Participation: A total of 24 states and 7 Union Territories participated in the States’ Startup Ranking 2021 exercise. In States’ Startup Ranking 2020 exercise, only 25 states and UTs participated. 

Categorization: For the purposes of the States’ Startup Ranking, States and Union Territories are classified into 5 Categories, viz. 

  • Best Performers
  • Top Performers
  • Leaders 
  • Aspiring Leaders
  • Emerging Start-up Ecosystems

States’ Startup Ranking 2021 Results

  • Gujarat and Karnataka appeared as the Best Performers in the States category. 
  • Meghalaya top among UTs and North-eastern States category. 
  • Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa and Telangana won the Top Performers award among states category. 
  • Jammu and Kashmir appeared as the Top Performer among UTs and NE states category.
  • Assam, Punjab, Tamil Nādu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh were adjudged the winners in the Leaders category among states.
  • Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa bagged the Leaders honour among the UTs and NE states. 
  • Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were declared as Aspiring Leadersamong the States. 
  • Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Puducherry and Tripura were the Aspiring Leaders from the UTs and NE states.
  • Andhra Pradesh and Bihar from States category and Mizoram and Ladakh from the UTs/NE States were clubbed under the Emerging Start-up Ecosystem.

Michelle Poonawalla bags the coveted Shiromani Award

Michelle Poonawalla received the coveted Shromani Award at the NRI World Summit 2022, the United Kingdom for her contribution to the field of Art.

Poonawalla also unveiled her artwork at JMS Foundation Charity Gala Dinner at The Dorchester in London. Her film ‘Reserve’ marks water scarcity as a global crisis and accentuated pollution and contamination of water reserves.

The Shiromani Award was also awarded to Shri Sadhu Bhramvihari, Lord Rami Ranger, Rita Hinduja Chhabria, Dr. Kamel Hothi OBE and Falguni Shane Peacock.

Shiromani Award 

  • The Shiromani Award was formed in 1977. 
  • The award has been bestowed on Mother Teresa, Chief Marshal Manekshaw, Raj Kapoor, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, PT Usha, Leander Paes, Vishwanathan Anand, The Dalai Lama, Jaya Bachchan and Asha Bhosle in the past. 

 

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 313: July 2022, Week 1 | Watch Quiz Video

Assam Current Affairs – July 01-03, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – July 01-03 2022

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

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 313: July 2022, Week 1 | Watch Quiz Video

July 01-03, 2022

NITI Aayog and World Food Program Releases Report

NITI Aayog and World Food Program have released a report titled ‘Take Home Ration-Good Practices across the State/Union Territories’.

The report presents a set of good and innovative practices adopted in the implementation of the Take Home Ration value chain by the States and UTs. 

Key Points

  • In this report, various good practices at the State/UTs level have been identified and are documented which would serve as a guidebook to policymakers and administrators in strengthening their Take-Home Ration system.
  • Take-Home ration is provided by Government of India, under Supplementary Nutrition component of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
  • It is provided to fill the gap in nutrition among children as well as Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLW).
  • To generate a document on good practices under the programme, aspects related to production, distribution, formulation, packaging, labelling, quality assurance, monitoring, and social & behavioural change have been reviewed. 
  • This document will help in adopting good practices in Take-Home Ration programmes across states and UTs.

Recommendations made by the report: 

  • In order to realize the full potential of the THR, all components of this value chain need to function at optimum. 
  • Building a robust system for procurement, supply chain management and monitoring that ensures complete transparency, standardized process, sustainability, full coverage, leverages local ties, fosters a culture of collaboration and builds trust within a community.

About World Food Program

  • The World Food Program was founded in 1961 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) headquartered in Rome, Italy. 
  • It is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations. 
  • It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization in the world, saving lives in times of need and utilising food aid to help people recover from war, natural disasters, and the effects of climate change create a road to peace, stability, and prosperity. 
  • The WFP was given the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to provide food assistance in areas of conflict, and to prevent the use of food as a weapon of war and conflict.
  • It is is an executive member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group.

India’s Largest Floating Solar Power Project Commissioned

Recently, the  National Thermal Power Corporation(NTPC) has commissioned India’s largest floating solar power project at Ramagundam, Telangana.

Key Points

  • It is a 100-megawatt(MW) floating solar power photovoltaic project commissioned by the National Thermal Power Corporation(NTPC).
  • It is endowed with advanced technology as well as environment friendly features.
  • The floating platform comprises a transformer, inverter and a HT breaker. 
  • The project spreads over 500 acres of its reservoir divided into 49 blocks and each block has a capacity of 2.5MW and each block comprises one floating platform and a matrix of 11,200 solar modules.
  • The solar modules are kept on floaters which are manufactured with HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) material.

Benefits of this project

  • Minimum land requirement mostly for associated evacuation arrangements.
  • With the presence of floating solar panels, the evaporation rate from water bodies is reduced, thus helping in water conservation. 
  • The water body underneath the solar modules helps in maintaining their ambient temperature, thereby improving their efficiency and generation.

World Cities Report 2022

Recently, United Nations-Habitat(UN-Habitat) has released the World Cities Report 2022. 

Key Points

  • The UN-Habitat World Cities Report 2022 highlights that, rapid urbanization in India was delayed temporarily due to the covid-19 pandemic.
  • According to the report, the urban population in India is estimated to reach 675 million in 2035. It will be the second-highest figure, behind China’s one billion. 
  • In lower income countries, existing urban populations continuing to increase naturally with increasing birth rates. Urban population is expected to grow from 56 percent of the world’s total in 2021 to 68 per cent by 2050.
  • In last two decades, India and China experienced rapid urbanisation and economic growth which led to massive reduction in the number of people living in poverty. 
  • India’s urban population is likely to reach 675,456,000 in 2035, as compared to 483,099,000 in 2020. 
  • The percentage of the population in urban areas of India will be 43.2 percent, by 2035.

About UN-Habitat

  • The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established in 1978 headquartered at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Kenya. 
  • It is a member of the United Nations Development Group.
  • It is the United Nations programme for human settlements and sustainable urban development.
  • It is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. 

IIE, Guwahati signs MoU with IIM, Shillong to boost entrepreneurship ecosystem in North Eastern Region

The Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Incubation and Enterprise Support Centre of Indian Institute of Management Shillong (IIMS) to boost the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the North Eastern Region (NER).

Objectives

  • To encourage entrepreneurship, incubation, and startups in the North Eastern Region. 
  • To support professional development in the areas of management, entrepreneurship, and skill development.
  • To meet the larger demand for capacity building and entrepreneurship promotion in the North Eastern Region. 

By collaborating on this initiative, both institutes will benefit from each other’s strengths in promoting skill development in the NER and the country at large. 

The institutes will together conduct certified courses on entrepreneurship development and also train startups and incubates under the Incubation and Enterprise Support Centre, IIM Shillong. They will also promote educational lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and other knowledge dissemination programmes in the region. 

ISRO launches PSLV-C53 satellites 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the PSLV-C53 with three Singapore Satellites onboard. 

Key Points 

  • PSLV-C53 is the second dedicated commercial mission of New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO. This was ISRO’s 55th mission of PSLV.
  • The rocket placed the three customer satellites in the precise orbit of 570 km with a 10 degree inclination.
  • The four-stage, 44.4-metre-tall rocket had a lift-off mass of 228.433 tonnes. 
  • The launch vehicle has carried three satellites – DS-EO, a 365 kg and NeuSAR, a 155 kg satellite and 2.8 kg Scoob-1 satellite. 
  • DS-EO carries an Electro-Optic, multi-spectral payload which will provide full colour images for land classification, and for serving humanitarian assistance and disaster relief needs. 
  • NeuSAR satellite will provide images in day and night and under all weather conditions and the Scoob-I satellite is the first satellite in the Student Satellite Series (S3-I), which is a hands-on student training programme.

Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022

Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022, under the Forest (conservation) Act, 1980.

Provisions of Forest (conservation) Rules 2022 

  • It constituted an Advisory Committee, a regional empowered committee and a screening committee at each of the integrated regional offices and a screening committee at State/Union Territory (UT) government-level.
  • The Advisory Committee is restricted to advise or recommend with regards to grant of approval under relevant sections in respect of proposals referred to it and any matter connected with the conservation of forests referred to it by the Central government.
  • Integrated Regional Office will be set up to examine all the linear projects (Highways and roads) on land up to 40 hectares and those projects using forest land up to 0.7 canopy density. These rules provide for a fixed time for reviewing each project quickly. 
  • States are given the responsibility of settling forest rights of forest dwellers (Forest Rights Act, 2006) and allowing diversion of forest land. They will also allow diversion of forest land. 
  • Compensatory afforestation (CA) will now be allowed in other states. If the state already has over two-thirds area under green cover or over one-third area under forest cover, then CA could be taken in other states/UTs where the cover is less than 20%.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)  has also proposed the removal of imprisonment as a penalty for the “less severe’’ contraventions and replace it with a monetary penalty. However, serious violations of EPA which lead to grievous injury or loss of life shall be covered under the provision of Indian Penal Code.

Sini Shetty crowned Femina Miss India 2022

Karnataka’s Sini Sadanand Shetty won the Femina Miss India 2022. She will now represent India at the 71st Miss World pageant. 

Sini Shetty hails from Karnataka. Shetty was born in Mumbai in 2001. The 21-yr-old, who holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and financing, is currently pursuing a course in Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Femina Miss India 2022’s first runner-up is Rubal Shekhawat from Rajasthan, while the second runner-up is Shinata Chauhan, who hails from Uttar Pradesh.

Femina Miss India 2022 was the 58th edition of the Femina Miss India beauty pageant.

Raja Kumar has been appointed as the president of Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

T. Raja Kumar has been recently appointed as the president of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the anti-money laundering watchdog.

Raja Kumar, who hails from Singapore has replaced Marcus Pleyer. He will discharge his service for next two years. 

He has been working against global terror financing for quite a long time. As soon as he took over the charge, he presented his objectives for the coming Plenary period (July 2022 -June 2024) to strengthen the FATF. 

During the Singapore Presidency, the FATF will continue its core work of identifying and analysing money laundering and terrorist financing methods and trends, developing and refining the FATF Standards, and evaluating and supporting the assessments of countries within the Global Network.

About Financial Action Task Force

  • The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental organisation. Headquarters at Paris, France.
  • It is also known by its French name, Groupe d’action financière (GAFI).
  • It was founded in 1989 on the initiative of the G7 to develop policies to combat money laundering.
  • The objectives of FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
  • In 2001, its mandate was expanded to include terrorism financing.

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

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Assam Current Affairs – June 13-14, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – June 13-14 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the June 13- 14, 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

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June 13-14, 2022

Rhino reintroduction in Assam

According to the last census, the one-horned rhinos of Assam’s Manas National Park, have an age structure pyramid, indicating higher life expectancy but need translocation support.

Key findings of the 14th Assam rhino estimation

  • The rhino census was carried out in all three ranges: Bhuyanpara, Bansbari and Panbari comprising 71 estimation blocks. 
  • The current rhino population in the park was estimated at 40. 
  • The park’s rhinos have a male-female sex ratio of 1:1. 
  • The number of calves born in the wild reflects the availability of welfare factors to foster rhinos in Manas National Park. 

Methodology: Rhino census was carried out by ‘Total count or Direct count method’. Total count method is preferred, when a single species is targeted to be counted in specific area. This method assumes detection probability as one, meaning that every animal has a 100% chance of being seen during counting period.

Limitations of this method: Undercounting as the assumption of a detection probability of 1 is unrealistic.

Total count requires high visibility to observe the animals from far off, which is not possible in case of “shy, cryptic animals”. The level of precision cannot be measured in total counts either.

Reasons for translocation: The one-horned rhinos of western Assam’s Manas National Park, bordering Bhutan, have an age structure pyramid, indicating higher life expectancy and significant growth in the population. 

The Indian side of the park does not have a wider representation of calves and sub-adults to sustain the population structure unless it is supplemented through conservation translocations.

National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment 2021 Report

Recently, the Minister of State of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions released the second edition of the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) 2021. 

Key Findings 

  • Amongst all the States and UTs, Kerala had the highest overall compliance score. 
  • Among Union Territories, Jammu & Kashmir ranked the highest with an overall compliance of nearly 90%.
  • Among the North-East and Hill States, Meghalaya and Nagaland are the leading State Portals with an overall compliance of more than 90% across all assessment parameters. 
  • Among the Remaining States, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh had a compliance of more than 85%. 
  • Among the focussed Central Ministries, Home Affairs, Rural Development, Education, and Environment, Forest & Climate Change are the leading Ministry Portals with an overall compliance of more than 80% across all assessment parameters. 
  • Ministry Portal of Home Affairs had the highest overall compliance score. 
  • The Central Public Procurement Portal, Digital Police Portal, and Bhavishya Portal are the leading Ministry Services Portals with an overall compliance of more than 85% across all assessment parameters.

About National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA)

  • National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) is a biennial study that assesses States, Union Territories (UTs), and focuses on Central Ministries on the effectiveness of e-Governance service delivery.
  • Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) had constituted the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) in 2019 as part of its mandate to boost the e-government endeavours and drive digital government excellence. 
  • It helps the respective governments improve their delivery of citizen centric services and shares best practices across the country for all States, UTs and Central Ministries to emulate.
  • The assessment covered 56 mandatory services for each States & UTs and 27 services for the focus Central Ministries.
  • It covers services across seven sectors – Finance, Labour & Employment, Education, Local Governance & Utility Services, Social Welfare, Environment and Tourism sectors.

World Day Against Child Labour 2022

World Day Against Child Labour is observed on June 12, every year to raise awareness regarding detrimental consequences of the Child Labour. 

The theme for 2022 is “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour”. It calls for investments into social safety nets and programs to protect children from being forced into child labour.

The day was first launched in 2002 with the aim of raising awareness and activism to prevent child labour. The day is held every year in a bid to foster movement against child labour worldwide. 

The day focuses on providing dignity to the life of children affected by child labour and ensuring support for their education, medical services and other needs. 

India’s first COVID-19 vaccine Anocovax launched for animals 

The Ministry of Agriculture has launched the country’s first homegrown COVID-19 vaccine “Anocovax” for animals. It was developed by Haryana-based ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines (NRC). 

About Anocovax Vaccine

Anocovax is an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Delta (COVID-19) vaccine for animals. 

This vaccine is effective and capable of neutralising both Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2.

The vaccine contains inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (Delta) antigen with Alhydrogel as an adjuvant.

This vaccine is safe for dogs, lions, leopards, mice and rabbits.

India’s first display manufacturing plant to be set up in Telangana

The Telangana government signed an MoU with Karnataka-based Elest for the proposed fabrication unit with an investment worth Rs 24,000 crore. It will be set up under the India Semiconductor Mission Programme of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.

Elest was incorporated specifically for the purpose of manufacturing next generation displays for smartphones, tablet computers, and laptops. It would set up the display fabrication unit with technology inputs from and in technological association with most advanced and finest research centres worldwide.

The government is confident that the setting up of the Gen6 AMOLED Display manufacturing facility will generate a global interest and ensure future technology growth in our country.

India’s life expectancy rose to 69.7

India’s life expectancy at birth has reached up to 69.7 during 2015-2019, data from the sample registration system (SRS) shows. The data released by the demographic survey. 

Key Findings 

  • Data suggests that high under-five mortality and infant mortality could be one of the reasons that India finds it difficult to increase life expectancy at birth. 
  • Gap between life expectancy at birth and life expectancy at one year or five year is largest in states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, where there is highest infant mortality rate (IMR). 
  • Madhya Pradesh has the highest IMR of 43. Uttar Pradesh has second highest IMR of 38, and the life expectancy on completion of first year, increased the highest by 3.4 years. 
  • Gaps between life expectancy at birth and at year one can also be witnessed in states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Assam, Gujarat, and Odisha.
  • India has added 20 years to its life expectancy at birth from 49.7 in 1970-75 to 69.7 in 2015-2019.
  • Among states, Odisha has seen the highest rise from 45.7 to 69.8, followed by Tamil Nadu, where it has increased from 49.6 to 72.6. 
  • Uttar Pradesh, having had the lowest life expectancy at birth of just 43 years in 1970-75 has increased to 65.6 in 2015-2019 – albeit ranking the second lowest life expectancy after Chhattisgarh’s 65.3.
  • The data shows a considerable divide in life expectancy at birth across states and between urban and rural areas. 
  • Urban women in Himachal Pradesh had the highest life expectancy at birth of 82.3 years while at the other end, rural men in Chhattisgarh had the lowest, just 62.8 years, a gap of 15.8 years. 
  • In Assam, the gap in life expectancy between rural and urban areas is nearly eight years, followed by Himachal Pradesh with a five-year gap.
  • Bihar and Jharkhand remained the only states where male life expectancy was higher than for women in both urban and rural areas. 
  • Kerala is the only state where the rural life expectancy at birth was higher than urban for both women and men. 

Haryana won Khelo India Youth Games 2021

Haryana won the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2021 title with 52 gold medals which was held at Panchkula, Haryana. This was Haryana’s second KIYG title. 

Haryana won the inaugural title in 2018 but finished second to Maharashtra in the next two seasons. This was the fourth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games.

Key Points

  • Haryana topped the medal tally with a total of 137 medals with 52 gold, 39 silver and 46 bronze medals. 
  • Maharashtra finished second with a total of 125 medals, including 45 gold, 40 silver and 40 bronze medals.
  • Karnataka with 22 gold, 17 silver and 28 bronze medals finished third with 67 medals.

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 310: June 2022, Week 2 | Watch video explanation

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Assam Current Affairs – June 11-12, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – June 11-12 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the June 11- 12 2022)

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 310: June 2022, Week 2 | Watch video explanation

June 11-12, 2022

Australia – India Water Security Initiative (AIWASI)

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Government of Australia have signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) on Technical Cooperation for Australia –India water Security initiative (AIWASI).

Key points

  • MoU will enable both sides to learn about technological advancements gained by two nations in key areas of urban water security.  
  • It would strengthen institutional capacities at all levels for urban water management; improve accessibility, affordability & quality of water and sanitation services. 
  • It will promote a circular economy of water & water secure cities. 
  • Encourage climate resilient water management practices. 
  • Enhance community participation in water management and improve social inclusion through initiatives for accessible infrastructure. This project will help towards realisation of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.

About Australia-India Water Security Initiative(AIWASI)

  • AIWASI is a project Under South Asia Water Security Initiative (SAWASI) of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia. 
  • It aims to work towards the Water Sensitive City vision which is based on holistic management of the integrated water cycle.
  • This project is also a ‘living laboratory’ with multiple educational, social and environmental benefits like water literacy of students and the community, creation of green spaces etc. 

Government has launched the Rashtriya Puruskar Portal

The Union Government has launched the ‘Rashtriya Puruskar Portal’ to invite nominations for various awards, in order to bring all the Awards of different Ministries or Departments or Agencies under one digital platform. 

It aims to facilitate citizens to nominate individuals and organizations for various awards instituted by the Government of India.

This portal will help in ensuring transparency and public partnership (Jan Bhagidari).

Nominations/recommendations for the following Awards are open: 

  • Padma Awards- Nomination open till 15/09/2022 
  • Sardar Patel National Unity Award- Nomination open till 31/07/2022 
  • Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award- Nomination open till 16/06/2022 
  • Jeevan Raksha Padak series of Awards- Nomination open till 30/09/2022 
  • Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Skill Excellence Award- Nomination open till 16/06/2022.

Thailand ​​becomes the first country in Asia to legalise Marijuana

Thailand becomes the first Asian country to legalize the growing of marijuana which is also known as Cannabis. 

It has legalized Marijuana with the aim of boosting its agriculture and tourism sectors. The government plans to give away a million plants as cash crop to encourage farmers to take up its cultivation.

Under decriminalization, it is no longer a crime to grow and trade marijuana and hemp products, or use parts of the plant to treat illnesses. But the recreational use of the drug remains illegal.

Thailand, which has a tradition of using cannabis to relieve pain and fatigue, legalised medicinal marijuana in 2018. 

Amandeep Singh Gill appointed as UN Chief’s envoy on technology

Amandeep Singh Gill has been appointed as UN Chief’s envoy on technology by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. 

The UN described him as a “thought leader on digital technology” who has a solid understanding of how to leverage the digital transformation responsibly and inclusively for progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Previously, Amandeep Singh Gill was India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva from 2016 to 2018. 

Currently, he is the chief executive officer of the International Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence Research Collaborative (I-DAIR) project at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva.

He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1992 and served in various capacities in disarmament and strategic technologies and international security affairs, with postings in Tehran and Colombo. He was also a visiting scholar at Stanford University.

The Reserve Bank of India decided to increase the Policy Repo Rate by 50 basis points to 4.9 per cent

Recently, Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to increase the Policy Repo Rate by 50 basis points to 4.9 per cent. 

Key points:

  • MPC members voted unanimously to hike rates and to continue the withdrawal of the accommodative stance. According to MPC, inflation is likely to remain above the 6 per cent mark for the first three quarters of the current financial year.
  • In May 2022, RBI increased the repo rate or short-term lending rate by 40 basis points, to check spiraling inflation.
  • The standing deposit facility (SDF rate) also stands adjusted to 4.65% and the marginal standing facility (MSF rate) and bank rate to 5.15%. 
  • The MPC has retained India’s GDP growth forecast for FY23 at 7.2 percent, with risks evenly balanced. 
  • According to the provisional estimates released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on May 31, 2022, India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2021-22 was 8.7 per cent. 

Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated National Museum of Customs and GST in Goa

Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman has inaugurated the National Museum of Customs and GST “Dharohar” in Goa. It was inaugurated as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Iconic week of the Ministry of Finance. 

Key Highlights

  • The Finance Minister removed the golden sand from single rock art installed at the centuries-old heritage building in which the museum is housed. 
  • The two-storey ‘Blue building’, which was earlier known as Alfandega, during the period of Portuguese rule in Goa, has been standing on the banks of the Mandovi River in Panaji for more than 400 years.
  • Dharohar is one of its kind museums in the country that showcases not only the artifacts seized by Indian Customs but also depicts various aspects of work performed by the Customs Department. 
  • GST Gallery is a brand new addition to the Dharohar Museum. A first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, this GST Gallery takes one through the long and arduous journey of GST spanning two decades.

AR Rahman appointed ambassador of Indo-UK culture platform

AR Rahman has been appointed as ambassador of The Season of Culture. The initiative was launched to celebrate India’s 75th anniversary. It was officially launched by Britain’s Deputy High Commissioner to India Jan Thomson and Director (India) of the British Council Barbara Wickham.  

The Season of Culture aims to strengthen India-UK collaboration in the areas of arts, English and education.

People in both nations will get the opportunity to see unique and exciting creative work by UK and Indian artists.

Ministry of Power has notified Green Open Access Rules, 2022

Recently, the Ministry of Power has notified Green Open Access Rules, 2022 to further accelerate our ambitious renewable energy programmes in India. 

Key points:

  • The notified Rules enable simplified procedure for the open access to green power. 
  • It aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and green energy for all.
  • These rules are notified for promoting generation, purchase and consumption of green energy including the energy from Waste-to-Energy plants. 
  • According to the rules, green open access is available to any customer, and the open-access transaction maximum for green energy has been dropped from 1 MW (megawatt) to 100 kW in order to allow small users to acquire renewable energy through open access.
  • It will enable faster approval of Green OA, Uniform Banking, Voluntary purchase of RE power by commercial & industrial consumers, Applicability of OA charges etc.
  • Transparency in the approval process of the open access application. Approval to be granted in 15 days or else it will be deemed to have been approved subject to fulfilment of technical requirements. It will be through a national portal. 
  • Discom Consumers can demand for supply of Green power to them.

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – June 2022

Assam Current Affairs and GK Quiz – Set 310: June 2022, Week 2 | Watch video explanation

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