Category: India Art & Culture

Assam Current Affairs – January 25-27, 2024

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

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

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Current Affairs Assamexam

January 25-27, 2024 

PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme (PM YASASVI)

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

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

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

About PM YASASVI 

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

Eligibility: 

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

There are five sub-Schemes under the Scheme. 

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

Arvind Panagariya Appointed Head Of Sixteenth Finance Commission 

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

Major Terms of Reference for the 16th Finance Commission: 

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

About Finance Commission 

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

Functions

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

Composition: 

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

Padma Awards 2024

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

Padma Awards 2024 List

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

About Padma Awards 

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

Padma Vibhushan 2024 

Name                                   Field                State/ Region 

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

(Posthumous)  

  1. Ms. Padma Subrahmanyam    Art                 Tamil Nadu

Padma Bhushan Awardees 2024 

Name                                   Field           State/Country 

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

Padma Awards 2024

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

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

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

Sapinda Marriage

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

About Sapinda Marriage

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

Exceptions to the Prohibitions Against Sapinda Marriages

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

Cabinet approves the scheme for promotion of Coal/Lignite

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

The cabinet has approved the scheme as follows: 

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

Finance under 3 categories

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

Project Veer Gatha

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

About Project Veer Gatha

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

Assam Current Affairs – January 01-03, 2024

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – January 01-03, 2024

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the January 01-03, 2024)

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Current Affairs Assamexam

January 01-03, 2024 

MoU signed between the Government of India, Assam, and representatives of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA)

Memorandum of Settlement signed between the Government of India, Government of Assam and representatives of United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), in New Delhi to end insurgency in the NorthEast region. 

Key Points

  • The tripartite agreement is very important for peace in Assam and the entire Northeast. Under this agreement, ULFA representatives have agreed to abjure a path of violence, lay down all their arms and ammunition and disband their armed organisation. 
  • Apart from this, ULFA has also agreed to vacate all camps occupied by its armed cadres, engage in the peaceful democratic process established by law and maintain the integrity of the country.
  • The Union Home Minister said that the Modi government has signed the NLFT agreement in 2019, Bru and Bodo in 2020, Karbi in 2021, Adivasi agreement in 2022, Assam-Meghalaya border agreement, Assam-Arunachal border agreement and agreement with UNLF in 2023. 
  • Shri Amit Shah also said that a time-bound program will be made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to fulfill the demands of ULFA and a committee will also be formed for its monitoring.

Uttar Pradesh Plans to Develop India’s First AI City in Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh plans to establish the country’s first AI city in Lucknow. This initiative aims to create a thriving hub for artificial intelligence, integrating cutting-edge technology, research centers, and educational institutions to foster innovation and nurture the workforce of the future.

Key Points

  • The AI city is proposed to be located in the city of Lucknow, according to an Expression of Interest issued by UP Electronics Corporation Ltd. 
  • The city already features Centers of Excellence in areas such as AI and MedTech, thereby forming a sound base for the establishment of the AI city. 
  • The city is expected to become a hub for nurturing a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship among AI/ML startups. 
  • Lucknow’s AI city represents an advanced step in implementing artificial intelligence at a large scale and nurturing the workforce of the future.

Assam CM Launches 200 Eco-Buses In Guwahati To Combat Pollution

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged off 200 electric buses from Guwahati. The government has taken this decision to create a pollution-free environment in Assam.

Key Points

  • Unlike CNG-powered buses, these buses will ply on a total of 13 routes in Guwahati. Furthermore, charging stations have been set up at several places, including Mirza and Jagiroad. 
  • The new initiative aims to establish Guwahati as the country’s first city powered by a 100% green public transportation system by the year 2025.
  • Additionaly, CM Sarma ceremonially launched the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) in Guwahati. The NCMC serves as a versatile transport card designed to simplify various transactions related to travel, toll taxes, and retail purchases, and allows cash withdrawals. 
  • Operating via the RuPay card system, the NCMC can be obtained as a prepaid, debit, or credit card from associated banks.

NEHHDC Establishes Ashtlaxmi Haat for Northeast Arts and Crafts

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) establishing Ashtlaxmi Haat & Experience Centre at Guwahati with a project cost of ₹ 7.6 crore.

Key Points

  • The initiative attempts to develop and promote the indigenous crafts of the region by connecting craftsmen to prospective markets and consumers and generating economic, cultural, and social opportunities for creators while adding cultural value for consumers.  
  • The Haat will have 24 permanent stalls, which will provide market access to artisans of all Northeast states & will have an artisan residency to provide accommodation to artisans from outstation.
  • It provides the artisans a direct city outlet bridging them to contemporary consumers seeking authentic ethnic wares. 
  • The residency component lets craftspeople from remote hills and villages stay during sales exhibitions.
  • The organization procures handicrafts and handlooms from artisans and weavers across the region and retails the same. Moreover, it promotes the products at various National and International Markets through exhibitions and trade fairs. 

Jammu And Kashmir Becomes First UT To Implement PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Jammu & Kashmir has become the first Union Territory to implement the PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMBY) skill training program for craftsmen and artisans. 

The initiative aims to empower and enhance the skills of the craftsmen community in the country. 

The start of training for the first batch of 30 trainees in Darzi craft at the Industrial Training Institute in Shopian. 

This initiative, launched by the Central government in September 2023, aims to uplift and recognize the crucial role these skilled individuals play in preserving and enriching India’s cultural heritage.

Gujarat Sets Guinness Record In Mass Surya Namaskar

Gujarat sets Guinness record for performing mass Surya Namaskar simultaneously in the state on the first day of the new year.

Over 4,000 participants across 108 locations and 51 different categories performed Surya Namaskar, solidifying the state’s commitment to wellness and cultural heritage. 

The record-breaking event was held at the majestic Modhera Sun Temple. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from diverse groups, including families, students, yoga enthusiasts, and even senior citizens.

India, UAE Launch Maiden Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’

The collaborative military exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ involving India and the UAE is scheduled to take place in Rajasthan from January 2 to January 15. 

Key Points

  • The UAE contingent is being represented by troops from the Zayed First Brigade.  The Indian Army contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented mainly by a Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. 
  • The aim of this Exercise is to enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations including Fighting in Built-Up Area (FIBUA) in desert/ semi desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations. 
  • The Exercise will enhance cooperation and interoperability between both the sides during Peace Keeping Operations. 
  • Drills planned to be rehearsed during Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ include Establishment of a Joint Surveillance Centre, Cordon and Search Operation, Domination of Built-Up Area and Heliborne Operations. 
  • The Exercise will also foster collaborative partnership and help in sharing best practices between the two sides. 
  • Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ signifies further strengthening of bonds of friendship and trust between India and the UAE. 
  • The Exercise aims to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.

India, Pakistan Exchange List of Nuclear Installations

India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad. 

About Non-Nuclear Aggression Agreement

  • The Non-nuclear aggression agreement is a bilateral and nuclear weapons control treaty between India and Pakistan, on the reduction (or limitation) of nuclear arms.
  • It is also known as the India-Pakistan Non-Attack Agreement, that was signed on 31 December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991.
  • It provides that India and Pakistan inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first of January of every calendar year. 
  • Each party shall refrain from undertaking, encouraging or participating in, directly or indirectly, any action aimed at causing the destruction of, or damage to, any nuclear installation or facility in the other country.

Importance of this agreement

  • Both the countries reaffirm their commitment to durable peace and the development of friendly and harmonious bilateral relations. 
  • They are conscious of the role of confidence building measures in promoting such bilateral relations based on mutual trust and goodwill.

Assam Current Affairs – December 07-09, 2022

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

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December 07-09, 2022

Assam’s Nayanmoni Saikia receives Arjuna Award

Assam’s Nayanmoni Saikia was conferred with the Arjuna Award at Rashtrapati Bhawan by President Draupadi Murmu.

Nayanmoni Saikia was nominated for the award for her achievements in Lawn Bowl.

Apart from Nayanmoni Saikia, Shushila Devi from Manipur was also presented with the prestigious award for her remarkable contributions and achievements in the field of boxing. 

Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sharma congratulated Commonwealth Games gold medalist Nayanmoni Saikia for receiving Arjuna Award, 2022 from Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu.

Mirabai Chanu won silver medal in World Championship 2022 

Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has won a silver medal at the weightlifting World Championships in Bogota, Colombia. 

Mirabai won a silver medal at the World Championships with a total lift of 200kg. China’s Jiang Huihua, who won the gold with a total effort of 206kg (93kg+113kg) while Tokyo Olympics champion Hou Zhihua who won the bronze with a total effort of198kg (89kg+109kg).

Mirabai had previously won gold in the 2017 world weightlifting championship. This was Mirabai’s second medal at the World Championships. 

Tripura gets its first Film and Television Institute 

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha inaugurated Tripura’s first film and television institute at Nazrul Kalakshetra in Agartala.

The institute has been set up in collaboration with Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). 

This film Institute will promote Tripura’s rich cultural heritage in the global sphere. It will help the youths of the state to nurture their cultural talents and will also help to improve the socio-economic condition of the youths.

The state government has allocated Rs 5.76 crore for the institute. Four short-term courses, including screen acting, film appreciation, production, and management along with news reporting, anchoring and newsroom automation would be started initially.

India ranked 87th in the world’s strongest passport list for 2022

India has been ranked 87 in the world’s strongest passport list for 2022, published by Arton Capital. 

Passport Index 2022 published by Arton Capital ranked the world’s strongest and weakest passports.

Key Points

  • The Passport Index is based on the 139 members of the United Nations and 6 different aspects have been considered to make this list.
  • UAE ranked first in the rating of passports for 2022 followed by Germany, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Spain and France.
  • Travellers with UAE passports can travel visa-free or “visa on arrival” to 180 countries.
  • Countries with the weakest passports are Afghanistan (38) Syria (39), Iraq (40), Pakistan (44).
  • The data for this list has been given by the governments of different countries. 

Indian-American Krishna Vavilala receives US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

Indian-American Krishna Vavilala receives the US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to his community and the country.

The Presidential Lifetime Achievement (PLA) Awards, led by AmeriCorps, is an annual event held to honour citizens, who exhibit outstanding character, worth ethic, and dedication to their communities.

Krishna Vavilala is from Andhra Pradesh and is a retired Electrical Engineer. Currently, he is the founder and Chairman of the Foundation for India Studies (FIS), a non-profit organization whose major project, the Indo-American Oral History Project, won the Mary Fay Barnes Award for Excellence.

He has also received several awards and accolades from various organizations, such as the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, the Indo-American Press Club, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the India Culture Centre.

Oxford dictionary announces ‘goblin mode’ as word of the year 2022

The Oxford English Dictionary recently announces ‘goblin mode’ as word of the year 2022 that was selected by public votes – Goblin mode.

It’s the first time Oxford Languages opened up its annual word of the year listing to a public vote. 

Goblin mode is a slang term that describes a type of behavior that is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, generally rejecting social norms and expectations.

The word goblin mode is used to acknowledge that individuals are not always idealized, curated selves that they force themselves to present in social media platforms.

The term speaks to the current times when people are embracing their inner goblin and choosing to reject the accepted social customs.

American dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster has chosen “gaslighting” as its word of the year for 2022.

Assam Current Affairs – December 04-06, 2022

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

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December 04-06, 2022

Silchar-Sylhet Festival 

The first ever  Silchar-Sylhet Festival, organized to celebrate the cultural ties between the Barak Valley region of Assam and the Sylhet segment of Bangladesh.

Key Points

  • Assam’s Silchar town is hosting the two-day Silchar-Sylhet Festival, to celebrate the linguistic and cultural ties between the Barak Valley region of Assam and the Sylhet segment of Bangladesh. 
  • Silchar-Sylhet Festival is organised by the India Foundation.
  • The Festival coincides with the 75th year of India’s independence and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan.
  • The festival underlines the commonalities between India and Bangladesh, specifically the Sylheti variant of the Bengali language and the Sylheti culture. 
  • The festival will showcase tribal culture, cuisine, arts, crafts and local produce, entertainment and bring together eminent people from both sides to discuss and deliberate on issues of mutual growth and opportunity.

Indo-French Partnership on Kaziranga Project

India and France are collaborating under the Kaziranga Project in the Kaziranga National Park in Assam.

The Kaziranga project is a part of a larger Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC) for which the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has committed funding of €80.2 million for a 10-year period, between 2014-2024.

The project conceptualised the reforestation of 33,500 hectares of land and the training of 10,000 community members in alternate livelihoods by 2024. 

The Assam government, with the support of AFD, launched the APFBC in 2012, to restore forest ecosystems, protect wildlife and enhance the livelihood of the forest-dependent communities.

About Kaziranga National Park

  • Kaziranga National Park is a national park in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam.
  • It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain. 
  • It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950, and notified as Kaziranga National Park in 1974.
  • It is the home of the world’s most one-horned rhinos. 
  • In 1985, Kaziranga was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its unique natural environment.
  • It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for conservation of avifaunal species.

India ranked 48th position in the global aviation safety ranking

India ranked 48th position in the global aviation safety ranking by the International Civil Aviation Organization. 

India was in the 102nd position four years ago in the ranking.The position is the highest-ever spot attained by the country. 

Key Points

  • In the ranking, Singapore is at the top, followed by the UAE and South Korea at the second and third positions.
  • As per Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the audit was conducted in the areas of legislation, organisation, personal licensing, operations, airworthiness and aerodromes.
  • India’s score in terms of effective implementation of key safety elements has improved to 85.49%.
  • India’s score for civil aviation organizations increased from 63.64% to 72.73 %, aircraft operations from 80.34% to 97.44%, personnel licensing and training from 25.58% to 84.71%, and aerodrome and ground aid from 72.36% to 92.68%.

‘Millets-Smart Nutritive Food’ Conclave 

‘Millets-Smart Nutritive Food’ Conclave is being organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through its apex agricultural export promotion body, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

The Conclave is to be a pre-launch event of the ‘International Year of Millets – 2023’ (IYoM-2023). It is organised with the objective of promoting the export of millets.

Key Points

  • At the Millets Smart Nutritive Conclave, stakeholders of the supply chain such as Farmer Producer Organisations, Start-ups, exporters, producers of millet-based value-added products are key participants. 
  • At the Conclave, exhibition and B2B meetings will also be organized to showcase Indian millets and millet-based products.
  • At the first-of-its-kind Millets Conclave, the government will release e-catalogue on 30 potential importing countries and 21 millet producing states of India. 
  • India is one of the leading producers of millets in the world with an estimated share of around 41 percent in the global production. 
  • India recorded 27 percent growth in millet production in 2021-22 as compared to millet production in the previous year was 15.92 MMT. 
  • India’s top five millet producing states are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Share of export of millets is nearly 1% of the total millet production. 
  • Exports of millets from India include mainly whole grain and the export of value-added products of millets from India is negligible.

First G20 Sherpa Meeting under India’s Presidency begins at Udaipur

The first G20 Sherpa Meeting under India’s Presidency begins at Udaipur. Representatives of 19 countries including the European Union and nine unique invitee countries will take part in the discussion. 

The G20 Sherpa Meeting will be presided by Amitabh Kant.

Key Points

  • The Sherpa meeting of G20 will be held in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan from 4 December to 7 December.
  • Important conversations on some of the most pressing issues of recent times will be discussed. 
  • India will have the opportunity to convene discussions on shared global priorities with G20 Members and guests.
  • India formally assumed the year-long Presidency of the G-20 on 1st of December. 
  • During the course of its Presidency, India will be holding about 200 meetings in 32 different sectors in multiple locations across the country.
  • As a host, New Delhi will set the agenda for the G-20 summit meeting to be organized in September 2023.

Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar has been appointed as the chairperson of the National Statistical Commission

Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar has been appointed as part-time chairperson of National Statistical Commission of India (NSCI) for three years.

Karandikar will take up this role as an additional responsibility while continuing as Professor Emeritus at Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI). 

He is widely known for his work on probability theory as well as applications of mathematics and statistics to real world questions. 

He has designed, supervised and analysed nationwide opinion polls for the Indian parliamentary elections as well State assemblies since 1998. 

He is also known for developing a new model and methodology for seat prediction, which has been quite successful for over the last 20 years. 

About National Statistical Commission (NSC) of India

  • The National Statistical Commission (NSC) of India is an autonomous body which was formed in June 2005 under the recommendation of Rangarajan commission.
  • The objective of its constitution is to reduce the problems faced by statistical agencies in the country in relation to collection of data.
  • The Chairperson of the Commission enjoys the status of a Minister of State and the Members of the Commission have the status equivalent to the Secretary to the Government of India. 

Shekhar Pathak has won the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Award for the book based on the Chipko Movement

A book on the Chipko Movement, written by historian-activist Shekhar Pathak, was named the winner of the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize 2022. 

Translated from Hindi by Manisha Chaudhry, “The Chipko Movement: A People’s History” was selected from a diverse shortlist of five books covering a wide expanse of modern Indian history and encompassing distinct topics and perspectives. 

About Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize

  • The Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize recognises and celebrates excellence in non-fiction writings on modern or contemporary India by writers from all nationalities. 
  • The Prize was established in 2018 by the New India Foundation, a charitable organisation which also awards research fellowships and book grants for Indian writers.
  • The foundation provides grants for scholars and writers who are writing non-fiction and fiction books about India, and also provides translation grants for works translated from Indian languages.
  • The award carries a cash award of Rs 15 lakh, a trophy and a citation. 

 

Assam Current Affairs – November 28-30, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – November 28-30, 2022

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the November 28-30, 2022)

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November 28-30, 2022

Meghalaya cabinet approved mental health and social care policy

Meghalaya announced the first-ever draft state mental health and social care policy. The aim of the policy is to promote overall mental health and well-being and facilitate appropriate access and care pathways.

With this, Meghalaya has become the first state in the Northeast and the third state in India to have ‘Mental Health and Social Care Policy’.

According to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma this policy will ensure proper attention to mental health, especially for children, adolescents, and youths. This policy will ensure that proper attention is given to mental health, particularly for our youth and adolescents.

FSSAI approves Himalayan Yak as a ‘food animal’

The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved the Himalayan Yak as a ‘food animal’. 

The move is expected to help slow the decline in the population of the high-altitude bovine animal by making it a part of the conventional milk and meat industry. This was proposed by the National Research Centre (NRC) on Yak at Dirang in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. 

About Himalayan Yak 

  • The Yak is found throughout the Himalayan region – Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, North Bengal, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Yaks are highly valued by Himalayan peoples. They are endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and the adjacent high-altitude regions. 
  • They belong to the Bovini tribe, which also includes bison, buffaloes, and cattle. 
  • They are the lifeline of pastoral nomads in high altitudes of the Indian Himalayan region.
  • Traditionally, yaks are reared through a primitive, unorganized, complex transhumance system.

India, Australia wargames “Austra Hind 22” begins

The bilateral training exercise “AUSTRA HIND 22” between contingents of the Indian Army and the Australian Army is scheduled to take place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (Rajasthan).

Key Points

  • This is the first exercise in the series of AUSTRA HIND with participation of all arms and services contingent from both armies. 
  • The exercise “AUSTRA HIND” will be a yearly event that will be conducted alternatively in India and Australia.
  • The purpose of the exercise is to build positive military relations, and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking multi-domain operations in Semi deserts terrain under a UN peace enforcement mandate. 
  • This exercise will further help in strengthening ties between India and Australia.

NITI Aayog releases study report on ‘Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) Policy Framework 

NITI Aayog has recently released a study report on Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) Policy Framework and its Deployment Mechanism in India. 

Key Points

  • The report explores the importance of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage as an emission reduction strategy to achieve deep decarbonization from the hard-to-abate sectors. 
  • The report outlines broad level policy interventions needed across various sectors for its application.
  • As, India has updated its NDC targets for achieving 50% of its total installed capacity from non-fossil-based energy sources, 45% reduction in emission intensity by 2030 and taking steps towards achieving Net Zero by 2070.
  • The role of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) becomes important as a reduction strategy to achieve decarbonization from the hard-to abate sectors.
  • CCUS can enable the production of clean products while still utilizing our rich endowments of coal, reducing imports and thus leading to an Atmanirbhar Indian economy. 
  • CCUS projects will also lead to a significant employment generation. It estimates that about 750 mtpa of carbon capture by 2050 can create employment opportunities of about 8-10 million on full time equivalent (FTE) basis in a phased manner. 
  • The report indicates that CCUS can provide a wide variety of opportunities to convert the captured CO2 to different value-added products like green urea, food and beverage form application, building materials and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) with wide market opportunities in India, thus contributing substantially to a circular economy.

Global Technology Summit 2022

The 7th edition of the Global Technology Summit will be held from November 29, 2022 till the 1st of December in New Delhi in a hybrid format.

Key Points

  • The Global Technology Summit is India’s flagship annual event on geotechnology and is co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India.
  • The theme for this year’s Summit is ‘Geopolitics of Technology’.
  • Its main purpose is to develop new ways to address various concerns of all parties without hindering technological growth and new ideas. 
  • During the summit, the world’s leading experts in technology, government, security, space, startups, data, law, public health, climate change, academics, and the economy will discuss technological progress and its future opportunities.
  • They will discuss the advantages and challenges of technologies, sustainability, emerging geopolitics in the technology sector, and data for development and ideas for India’s G20 Presidency.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya wins UNESCO Award for cultural heritage conservation

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) in Mumbai has won the Award of Excellence in the 2022 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation is supported by a partnership between UNESCO and Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation since 2021.

Key Points

  • 13 projects from six countries- India, China, Afghanistan, Nepal, Iran, and Thailand- have been acknowledged for awards by the jury in 2022. 
  • Jury deliberations were carried out in November when members reviewed 50 entries from 11 countries from the Asia-Pacific region.
  • The Domakonda Fort of Telangana and Byculla station of Mumbai are among the winners in the ‘Award of Merit’ category.
  • The step-wells of Golconda in Hyderabad have won an award in the ‘Award of Distinction’ category.
  • Topdara Stupa, Charikar, Afghanistan, and Nantian Buddhist Temple, Fujian, China have also received the ‘Award of Merit’.

India-Malaysia joint military exercise ‘Harimau Shakti-2022’

India–Malaysia joint military exercise “Harimau Shakti 2022” commenced at Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia.

The exercise will enhance the level of defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army which in turn will further foster the bilateral relations between the two nations.

Key Points

  • Exercise Harimau Shakti is an annual training event between the Indian and Malaysian Army which has been conducted since 2012.
  • The scope of this exercise involves a Command Planning Exercise (CPX) at the Battalion level and Company level Field Training Exercise (FTX) on sub-conventional operations.
  • Combat-experienced troops of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army and the Royal Malay Regiment of the Malaysian Army are participating in the exercise.
  • The joint exercise schedule includes the establishment of a joint command post, joint surveillance centre, sharing expertise in employment of aerial assets, technical demonstrations, casualty management & casualty evacuation apart from planning logistics at the Battalion level.

Assam Current Affairs – November 22-24, 2022

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

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November 22-24, 2022

Usha Mangeshkar will be conferred with Dr Bhupen Hazarika Award

Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi will present Bishwaratna  Dr. Bhupen Hazarika International Solidarity Award to renowned singer Usha Mangeshkar.

Usha Mangeshkar was chosen for her contributions to the music industries of Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Nepali, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, and Assamese.

The award consists of a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh, an angavastra, a commendation and a collection of books.

A committee is set up by the Assam Sahitya Sabha to carry out the selection process for the award. Notably, the Asam Sahitya Sabha has been presenting this award in collaboration with Numaligarh Refinery Limited since 2013. 

Lubna Marium, a renowned Bangladeshi dancer, art director, researcher, and cultural activist, received the first Dr Bhupen Hazarika International Solidarity Award.

Kokrajhar wins National e-Governance Award

Assam’s Kokrajhar district received a national award for successfully implementing an e-governance project for an effective service delivery system. 

The initiative ‘Infrastructure Snapshot Kokrajhar’ won the award for e-Governance for 2021-2022 under the category ‘Excellence in District Level Initiative in e-Governance’. 

The award was given by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions of the Government of India.

The ‘Infrastructure Snapshot Kokrajhar’ app is a convergence application developed specifically for grievance redressal, supervision and monitoring.

The app was conceptualised by deputy commissioner of Kokrajhar, Varnali Deka, as a 24×7 configurable mobile based application for effective monitoring of all government schemes and public institutions with both offline and online status update facility.

Purnima Devi Barman honoured with the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Champions of the Earth award 2022

Assam’s Purnima Devi Barman is one of the five ‘Champions of the Earth’ for this year, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced.

Dr Purnima Devi has won the award this year in the ‘Entrepreneurial Vision’ category, for her trail-blazing work in protecting the greater adjutant stork, called ‘hargila’ in Assamese. 

Hargilas are five-foot-tall birds that dwell in wetlands in some parts of southeast Asia including India and Cambodia..

Purnima Devi Barman is a wildlife biologist who won the award along with four others from different countries for their transformative action to prevent, halt and reverse ecosystem degradation. 

She dedicated the award to Mother Earth and all the mothers of the planet as the best education begins at home on the mother’s lap.

The other recipients include Lebanon’s environmental enterprise Arceniel, Peru’s Constantino (Tino) Aucca Chuta for pioneering a community reforestation model driven by a local community. Sir Partha Dasgupta of the UK in the Science and Innovation Category. Cameroon’s Cecile Bibian Ndjebet for advocating the rights of women in Africa to secure land tenure.

About the award

  • The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) established Champions of the Earth in 2005 as an annual awards programme to recognize outstanding environmental leaders from the public and private sectors, and from civil society.
  • It is an annual award accorded for transformative action to prevent, halt and reverse ecosystem degradation. 
  • In 2017, the program was expanded to include Young Champions of the Earth.

Two new dwarf varieties of Kalanamak rice has been developed

Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) successfully tested two new dwarf varieties of Kalanamak rice i.e., Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1638 and Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1652 in Uttar Pradesh . 

About Kalanamak rice

  • Kalanamak is a traditional variety of paddy with black husk and strong fragrance. 
  • It is considered a gift from Lord Buddha to the people of Sravasti when he visited the region after enlightenment. 
  • It is grown in 11 districts of the Terai region of northeastern Uttar Pradesh and in Nepal.
  • It is grown mainly without using fertilizer or pesticide residues, making it perfect for crop production.
  • It is protected under the Geographical Indication (GI) tag system.
  • It has been awarded under ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) scheme as an ODOP product of Siddharthnagar which is an aspirational district located in Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh.

Russia  becomes India’s biggest supplier of fertilizers 

Russia has become India’s biggest fertilizer supplier in the first half of the 2022-23 fiscal year, overtaking China. 

Key Points

  • Russian exporters reportedly grabbed a 21% share of the Indian fertilizer market in the first half of the 2022-23 fiscal year.
  • Russian exports reportedly surged 371%, to a record 2.15 million tons from April to October. 
  • In monetary terms, India’s imports over this period increased by 765%, to $1.6 billion. 
  • Russia’s share of Indian fertilizer imports was hovering around 6% during the last fiscal year, while China’s stood at 24%. 
  • In the first half of 2022-23, China’s exports to India halved to 1.78 million tons amid growing Russian supplies.

Arittapatti Village in Madurai notified as Tamil Nadu’s first biodiversity heritage site

The Tamil Nadu Government issued a notification declaring Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage site the first biodiversity heritage site in the State. The declaration was made under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Key Points

  • The state government notified 193.215 hectares of area spread across Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram villages in Madurai district as ‘Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site’. 
  • Arittapatti village, known for its ecological and historical significance, houses around 250 species of birds including three flagship raptor species – Laggar Falcon , Shaheen Falcon, and Bonelli’s Eagle.
  • It also has Indian pangolin, python, and slender loris. 
  • The area is surrounded by a chain of seven hillocks or inselbergs that serve as a watershed, charging ‘72 lakes, 200 natural springs and three check dams.’
  • The Anaikondan Lake, built during the reign of Pandiyan kings in the 16th century is one among them.
  • Several megalithic structures, rock-cut temples, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions and Jain beds add to the historical significance of the region.

Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards 2021

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India announced “Tenzing Norgay Adventure Award” (TNNAA) for the year 2021.

The award is given in four categories which are Land Adventure, Water Adventure, Air Adventure, and Life Time Achievement.

Key Points

  • Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards are given every year to recognize the achievements of persons in the field of adventure.
  • The award aims to encourage young people to develop the spirit of endurance, risk-taking, cooperative teamwork, and quick, ready, and effective reflexes in challenging situations.
  • Awardees will receive statuettes, certificates and award money of Rs. 15 lakh each.
  • This year, the National Selection Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Secretary (Youth Affairs). 
  • Based on the recommendations of the Committee and after due scrutiny, the Government has decided to confer awards upon the following: 
  1. Ms. Naina Dhakad  in the Land Adventure category.  
  2. Shri Shubham Dhananjay Vanmali in the Water Adventure category. 
  3. Group     Captain      Kunwar     Bhawani Singh Samyal  in the Life Time Achievement category. 

Assam Current Affairs – October 04-06, 2022

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

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

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

October 04-06, 2022

AFSPA extended in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh for six months

The Central government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act — known as AFSPA for another six months in 12 districts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

It has also been extended in certain parts of five other districts of the two northeastern states to facilitate the armed forces to continue the anti-insurgency operations.

The AFSPA will be extended for six months in nine districts of Nagaland: Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Zunheboto and and 16 police stations areas in four other districts — Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, and Wokha.

Nagaland has 16 districts while Arunachal Pradesh has 26 districts. This was announced in a notification by the Home Ministry. 

About the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)

  • The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), passed by the Indian Parliament in 1958 to the Indian Armed Forces to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”.
  • The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act of 1976 states that once an area is designated as “disturbed,” it must remain that way for at least six months. 
  • One such law, which was passed on September 11, 1958, applied to the Naga Hills, which were then a part of Assam. It gradually expanded to the other Seven Sister States in northeastern India during the next decades.

Indian-origin Vivek Murthy is appointed as US representative on WHO executive board

US President Joe Biden has nominated Indian-origin Dr. Vivek Murthy to serve as the country’s representative on the executive board of the World Health Organisation.

Dr Murthy will serve as the US Representative on WHO Executive Board alongside his continued duties as the US Surgeon General.

Key Points

  • In March 2021, he was confirmed by the US Senate to serve as the 21st Surgeon General of the country. 
  • Previously, he served as the 19th Surgeon General under President Barack Obama. 
  • He is the Vice Admiral of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. 
  • He commands a uniformed service of over 6,000 dedicated public health officers, serving the most underserved and vulnerable populations.
  • He is also the first Indian-origin Surgeon General of the US, he was raised in Miami and graduated from Harvard, the Yale School of Medicine, and the Yale School of Management.

India emerges as the world’s largest producer and consumer of sugar

India emerges as the world’s largest producer and consumer of sugar and world’s 2nd largest exporter of sugar. 

Key Points

  • In Sugar Season (Oct-Sep) 2021-22, a record of more than 5000 Lakh Metric Tons (LMT) of sugarcane was produced in the country out of which about 3574 LMT of sugarcane was crushed by sugar mills to produce about 394 LMT of sugar (Sucrose). Out of this, 35 LMT sugar was diverted to ethanol production and 359 LMT sugar was produced by sugar mills.
  • During 2020-21, India made records with the highest exports of about 109.8 LMT with no financial assistance and earned foreign currency of about Rs 40,000 crore for the country.
  • Timely Government interventions since the last 5 years have been crucial in building the sugar sector step by step from taking them out of financial distress in 2018-19 to the stage of self-sufficiency in 2021-22.
  • During the Sugar season 2021-22, sugar mills procured sugarcane worth more than 1.18 lakh crore and released payment of more than 1.12 lakh crore with no financial assistance (subsidy) from Government of India.
  • Government has been encouraging sugar mills to divert sugar to ethanol and also to export surplus sugar so that sugar mills may make payment of cane dues to farmers in time and also mills may have better financial conditions to continue their operations. 

SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for 2022 

The SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for 2022 will be awarded to Yunqing Tang Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, USA.

Ms. Yunqing’s works “display a remarkable combination of sophisticated techniques, in which the arithmetic and geometry of modular curves and of Shimura varieties play a central role, and her results and methods are bound to have major impact on future research in this area.”

Tang’s latest joint work with Frank Calegari and Vesselin Dimitrov based on modular equations is of great significance and has connections with Ramanujan’s own work.

The prize will be awarded at the International Conference on Number Theory during December 20-22, 2022 at SASTRA University.

About SASTRA Ramanujan Prize

  • The award was instituted by the Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) in 2005. 
  • The award includes a cash prize of $10,000 and it is presented annually to individuals aged 32 and below, who made an outstanding contribution to the field of mathematics.

Ajay Bhadoo has been appointed as the Deputy Election Commissioner 

Ajay Bhadoo has been appointed as the Deputy Election Commissioner of the Election Commission of India. 

Ajay Bhadoo is a 1999-batch Indian Administrative Officer (IAS) officer of the Gujarat cadre. He has been appointed as the deputy election commissioner until July 24, 2024 or till further order, whichever is earlier.

He was appointed as Joint Secretary to former President Ram Nath Kovind in July 2020. His two-month extension as Joint Secretary in the President’s Secretariat ended on September 25. 

Earlier, he has also served as Gujarat’s Vadodara Municipal Commissioner.

Assam Current Affairs – October 01-03, 2022

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

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

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

October 01-03, 2022

Prime Minister will inaugurate sixth edition of India Mobile Congress

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will launch 5G services in the country and will also inaugurate the 6th Edition of India Mobile Congress 2022 (IMC-2022). The IMC 2022 is scheduled to be held from 1st to 4th October with the theme of “New digital Universe”. 

Key Points

  • The cumulative economic impact of 5G on India is estimated to reach USD 450 billion by 2035.
  • The 5G technology will provide seamless coverage, high data rate, low latency, and highly reliable communications. 
  • The 5G service is expected to unleash new economic opportunities and societal benefits, serving as a transformational force for Indian society.
  • The 5G to be launched by the Prime Minister in select cities will progressively cover the entire country over the next couple of years.

Srishti Bakshi wins ‘Changemaker’ award at the UN SDG Action Awards

Srishti Bakshi, a women’s rights activist from India, was honoured with the ‘Changemaker’ award at the UN SDG Action Awards held at a ceremony in Bonn, Germany. 

The activist has traveled 3,800km around the country in less than a year to raise awareness on gender-based violence and inequality. She was awarded for “confronting gender-based violence and advocating for safe access to public spaces.”

The other award winners are ‘SUPvivors say NO MORE’ in the Mobilise category, ‘The Masungi Story’ in the Inspire category honouring youth rewriting the future of forgotten watersheds at Masungi Geosreserve in the Philippines and ‘CyprusInno in the Connect category’.

Asha Parekh will be honoured with 52nd Dadasaheb Phalke award

Veteran actress Asha Parekh has been declared the recipient of the 2020 Dadasaheb Phalke award. The award will be presented at the National Film Award ceremony in New Delhi.

The jury for the selection of 52nd Dadasaheb Phalke award consisted of five members from the film industry.

Ms Asha Parekh is a renowned film actress, director and producer and an accomplished Indian classical dancer. She was conferred the Padma Shri in 1992.

About the Dadasaheb Phalke Award

  • The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s largest laurel in cinema. 
  • The award was first presented in 1969 by the Indian Government to honor Dadasaheb Phalke’s contribution to Indian film.
  • It is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organisation set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • Dadasaheb Phalke award winners are given in the form of a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹1,000,000.
  • The first recipient of the award was actress Devika Rani, who was honoured at the 17th National Film Awards.

SC-ST hub conclave organized by Ministry of MSME in Gujarat

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has organized a national SC-ST hub conclave in Gujarat to spread awareness about the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) Scheme and other Schemes of the Ministry.

Key Points

  • More than 300 SC-ST entrepreneurs participated in the event. The conclave provided a platform for aspiring and existing SC-ST entrepreneurs to interact with CPSEs, lending institutions, GeM, RSETI, TRIFED etc. 
  • Speaking at the event, Dr. Solanki said  more SC-ST entrepreneurs from Gujarat State should take benefits available under the NSSH Scheme. 
  • He also urged the bankers present in the audience to prioritize credit support to the SC-ST entrepreneurs so that they may not face any difficulty in augmenting their business capacities. 
  • He stressed upon Prime Minister’s vision of becoming job providers instead of job seekers and emphasized the participation of SC-ST entrepreneurs in strengthening the Indian Economy.

About NSSH scheme 

  • The ministry of MSME launched the National Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) scheme to promote an inclusive economy and entrepreneurship among SC/ST communities.
  • It has been set up to provide professional support to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Entrepreneurs to fulfil the obligations under the Central Government Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises Order 2012.
  • The hub leverages the Stand Up India programme.

The President of India presented the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2022

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, presented the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2022 at a function held in New Delhi.

Key Points

  • Indore has been adjudged India’s cleanest city for the sixth time in a row, 
  • Surat and Navi Mumbai were named as the 2nd and 3rd cleanest cities respectively. 
  • Madhya Pradesh secured the first position, followed by Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra in the category of best performing states in ‘Swachh Survekshan Awards 2022’. 
  • Haryana was in the second position while Tamil Nadu was third.
  • Among smaller states and Union territories, Andaman and Nicobar secured the first position followed by Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and Sikkim. 
  • Telangana won the first prize under the large states category under the Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2022 which looks into the sanitation status of rural areas.
  • In the category of cities having population fewer than one lakh, Maharashtra’s Panchgani was ranked number one, followed by Chhattisgarh’s Patan (NP) and Maharashtra’s Karhad. 
  • Haridwar was adjudged the cleanest Ganga town in the category of more than 1 lakh population, followed by Varanasi and Rishikesh. 
  • Bijnor was ranked the first among Ganga towns with fewer than one lakh population. followed by Kannauj and Garhmukhteshwar respectively. 
  • In to the survey, Maharashtra’s Deolali was adjudged the country’s cleanest Cantonment Board.

Assam Current Affairs – September 28-30, 2022

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Assam & NE Current Affairs & GK – September 28-30, 2022

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Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

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

September 28-30, 2022

Senior advocate R Venkataramani has been appointed as the new Attorney General of India 

Senior advocate R. Venkataramani has been appointed as the new Attorney General of India for a period of three years from the 1st of October. 

Mr Venkataramani will replace current Attorney General KK Venugopal whose term ends on September 30, 2022.

About R Venkataramani 

  • R Venkataramani was registered as a lawyer with the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu in 1977 and joined the chambers of PP Rao, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court in 1979.
  • In 1982, he had set up an independent practice in the Supreme Court and was designated as Senior Advocate of the SC in 1997. 
  • He has specialised in Constitutional law, Law of Indirect Taxes, Human Rights Law, Civil and Criminal Law.
  • He had also served as a member of the Law Commission of India in 2010 and 2013.

About Attorney-General of India 

  • The Attorney General for India is the Indian government’s chief legal advisor, and is its chief advocate in the courts.
  • The Attorney-General of India is appointed by the President of India under Article 76(1) of the Constitution and hold office during the pleasure of the President. 
  • They must be a person qualified to be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court. Hence, they must have been a judge of a high court for five years or an advocate of a high court for ten years, or an eminent jurist in the opinion of the President.

India ranks 40 in Global Innovation Index of World Intellectual Property Organization

India ranks 40 in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2022 rankings released by World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

India has leapfrogged to 40th position on the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2022 from the 81st spot in 2015.

India continues to lead the world in ICT services exports and holds top rankings in other indicators, including venture capital receipt value, finance for start-ups and scale-ups, graduates in science and engineering, labour productivity growth and domestic industry diversification.

Switzerland is the most innovative economy in the world in 2022 – for the 12th year in a row – followed by the United States, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

About Global Innovation Index

  • The Global Innovation Index is an annual ranking of countries by their capacity for, and success in, innovation, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization. 
  • It was started in 2007 by INSEAD, Cornell University, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), along with other institutions.
  • The index is based on both objective and subjective data compiled from various sources including the World Bank, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the International Monetary Fund.

Samantha Cristoforetti becomes first European woman to command International Space Station 

Samantha Cristoforetti has been appointed as the first woman to command the International Space Station. She succeeded Russian Cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev.

Samantha will be the fifth and first woman European commander of the International Space Station.

The International Space Station is a multinational collaborative project that consists of five participating space agencies including NASA, JAXA, CSA, Roscosmos, and ESA.  The authority and use of the space station are established by intergovernmental treaties and agreements.

Suella Braverman has been named winner of the first-ever Queen Elizabeth II Woman of the Year award

Britain’s Indian-origin Home Secretary Suella Braverman has been named winner of the first-ever Queen Elizabeth II Woman of the Year award. 

She has been recently appointed as Home Secretary by British Prime Minister Liz Truss. 

She was the Attorney General for England and Wales from 2020 to 2022. She has been a member of parliament for Fareham in Hampshire since 2015.

Other Indian-origin winners lists: 

  • Broadcaster Naga Munchetty in the media category.
  • Chairman and CEO of celebrated visual effects firm DNEG Namit Malhotra in the Arts and Culture category. 
  • Captain Harpreet Chandi in the Uniformed and Civil Service category for her solo expedition across the Antarctic to the South Pole earlier this year. 
  • Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian was named Professional of Year for his pioneering DNA sequencing discovery. 
  • Karenjeet Kaur Bains won Sports Personality of the Year as the first female Sikh powerlifter to represent Britain on the global stage. 
  • Sherry Vaswani won Entrepreneur of the Year. 
  • Restaurateur brothers Shamil and Kavi Thakrar were named Business Persons of the Year as the founders of the successful Dishoom chain of restaurants. 
  • The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Kartar Lalvani, the founder of the UK’s well-known health supplements brand Vitabiotics.

Odisha releases India’s first tribal community-based encyclopedia

Odisha became the first state in India to publish an encyclopedia based on tribal communities. The “Encyclopedia of Tribes in Odisha” was unveiled by state chief minister Navin Patnaik. 

Key Points

  • The encyclopedia documents the unique and old-age traditions and culture of Odisha.
  • Schedule Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI)  and Odisha State Tribal Museum published the encyclopedia.
  • Tribes, as per 2011 census, constitute 22.85% of the population in Odisha. A total number of 62 tribal communities live in the state. 
  • Odisha is home to the third largest tribal population of India, but it is the most diverse indigenous communities found in the country. 
  • The encyclopedia consists of five edited volumes. It has 418 research articles on the tribals, including 13 particularly vulnerable groups. 
  • The encyclopedia is of 3800 papers contributed by its own research personnel.

Assam Current Affairs – September 22-24, 2022

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

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

Go To Assam Current Affairs                      Go To Assam Current Affairs Quiz

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022

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

September 22-24, 2022

CM of Manipur N. Biren Singh introduce web portal ‘CM Da Haisi’

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has launched a web portal to enable people to redress their grievances, and provide a platform to raise corruption-related issues. The web portal is called “CM Da Haisi,”(Let’s inform the CM).

The Public Grievances Redressal and Anti-Corruption Cell stationed at CM Secretariat will use the portal to communicate with the relevant departments to redress the grievances of the public within a stipulated time and also to provide the actionable complaints to the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department for further inquiry and investigation. 

This portal will enable fast redressal of public grievances and also provide a platform to raise corruption-related issues.

It will further enable us to bring transparency and accountability in governance and delivery of public services. 

India’s first Avalanche Monitoring Radar installed in Sikkim

The Indian Army and Defence Geoinformatics and Research Establishment (DGRE) have jointly installed the Avalanche Monitoring Radar in north Sikkim. This radar, a first of its kind in India.

Key Points

  • The radar was made operational by DGRE, a laboratory under the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), which is involved in forecasting and mitigation of avalanche hazards faced by the Army in the Himalayan region.
  • It uses a series of short micro wave pulses, which are scattered at the target and can detect an avalanche in less than three seconds. 
  • The radar can permanently scan the targeted slope for avalanche release and track the path of the avalanche and its size in case it is triggered.
  • The radar can see through snow, fog as well as in the night, making it an all weather solution. It covers an area of two sq.km, obviating the requirement to place additional instruments in dangerous avalanche-prone areas, the officer elaborated.
  • The radar is also linked to an alarm system, enabling automatic control and warning measures in case an avalanche is triggered. Images and videos of the event are automatically recorded for future analysis by experts. 

The 10th India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA) Trilateral Ministerial Commission meeting held in New York

The 10th India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA) Trilateral Ministerial Commission meeting was held in New York. Dr. S. Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, presided over the meeting.

The IBSA is a trilateral, developmental initiative between India, Brazil and South Africa to promote South-South cooperation and exchange.

Key Points

  • The agenda of the meeting was on mutual interests including cooperation in multilateral organizations, South-South cooperation, UNSC reform, 2030 agenda, Sustainable Development Goals, climate change, countering terrorism, and financing for developmental activities.
  • They also held discussions on regional issues like the African Union, the Middle East peace process, and the situation in Ukraine. 
  • The Ministers supported the aspiration of African countries to have a permanent presence in the United Nations Security Council. 
  • They also supported India and Brazil’s efforts to get permanent seats in the Security Council. 
  • India will host the 6th IBSA Summit on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in November this year.

India launched the ‘Innovation Roadmap of the Mission Integrated Biorefineries’, at Global Clean Energy Action Forum-2022 

India announces the launch of the “Innovation Roadmap of the Mission Integrated Biorefineries” at the first-ever Global Clean Energy Action Forum-2022 at Pittsburgh, in the United States. 

The Mission Integrated Biorefineries was developed in cooperation with Brazil, Canada, European Commission and the United Kingdom.

Key Points

  • The Mission’s goal is to develop and demonstrate innovative solutions to accelerate the commercialisation of integrated biorefineries.
  • The Mission aims at greater international collaboration and the need for increased financing for Energy RD&D (Research, Development & Demonstration) during the next five years through public-private investment. 
  • It aims to fill the void by identifying gaps and challenges in current biorefining value chains, prioritizing Eight key actions to support the Mission and guiding the Mission’s overall path in achieving its goal.
  • Dr Jitendra Singh said that a pilot plant of 10 Tons/day capacity plant with integrated enzyme production is being set up at Panipat Haryana, which will be commissioned by December 2022. This will be the 1st indigenous technology for on-site enzyme production. 
  • During the conference, India agreed to reach 500-Gigawatt non-fossil energy capacity and reduce carbon intensity of the economy by 45% over 2005 levels and achieve net zero emissions by 2070.

Dilip Tirkey was appointed as President of Hockey India

Former Indian men’s team captain Dilip Tirkey was elected as the new Hockey India (HI) president. He was elected unopposed. 

Bhola Nath has been elected unopposed as secretary general.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has approved Tirkey and his team’s appointments. 

Dilip Tirkey, represented India at three Olympic Games and was a member of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok and silver at the 2012 edition. 

He was also part of the team which won gold medals in the 2003 and 2007 editions of the Asia Cup.