Tag: International current affairs

Assam Current Affairs – October 16-18, 2022

Posted on by admin

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

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

October 16-18, 2022

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates ‘PARAM KAMRUPA’ Supercomputer facility at IIT Guwahati

President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated ‘PARAM KAMRUPA’ Supercomputer facility and a high-power active and passive component laboratory of SAMEER at Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.

Key Points

  • PARAM Kamrup, a one of its kind supercomputer in the NorthEast region, has been set up under the National Supercomputing Mission. 
  • It will provide advanced computing, healthcare techniques along with solutions for many issues to this region. Many components of this supercomputer developed indigenously.
  • The SAMEER laboratory will be used for the design and development of high-power microwave passive and active components. This facility will provide a platform for scientists to carry out research and development activities in different areas of high-power microwave engineering.
  • The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) has deployed Supercomputer PARAM Ganga at IIT Roorkee in March 2022.

About National Supercomputing Mission 

  • The National Supercomputing Mission was launched In 2015 with the objective to enhance the research capacities in the country to form a Supercomputing grid. 
  • The mission is being jointly operated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • It supports the government’s vision of ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. 
  • It is implemented by Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune and IISc, Bengaluru.

Meghalaya will host ‘Megha Kayak Festival, 2022’

Meghalaya is all set to host a four-day mega global adventure sports spectacle, the ‘Megha Kayak Festival, 2022’, starting October 13 at the picturesque Umtrew River at Umtham Village.

Key Points

  • The event is organized by Meghalaya Tourism which is in line with Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s vision of showcasing the mesmerizing Meghalaya to the world.
  • The 2022 edition of the festival will see over 100 participants from around 20 countries across the world.
  • The festival will include white water kayaking events in three competition categories – Downriver Time Trial, Extreme Slalom and Downriver Freestyle for professionals as well as intermediate and amateur racers.
  • This festival will be a wonderful opportunity to promote adventure tourism and help establish Meghalaya as one of the major water sports destinations in the world.

Roger Binny elected as the 36th BCCI President

Former cricketer Roger Binny has been officially elected as the 36th Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president. He replaces Sourav Ganguly, who had been on the post since 2019. He was elected unopposed.

Binny has represented India in 27 Tests and 72 ODIs and has also served as a member of the national selection committee.

He was one of the architects of India’s 1983 World Cup triumph and president of Karnataka State Cricket Association. 

He previously served as a member of the BCCI selection committee.

Global Hunger Index 2022

India has ranked 107th out of 121 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2022. The GHI, aims to track prevalence of global hunger by region and by country. 

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is released by Concern Worldwide and Welt Hunger Hilfe. Its ultimate aim is to help the world achieve “Zero Hunger by 2030″.

Key Points

  • The proportion of undernourishment in the population went from 14.8 in 2014 to 16.3 in 2022.
  • India’s child wasting rate under five years jumped from 15.1 in 2014 to 19.3 in 2022.
  • Stunting in children under five has reduced from 38.7 in 2014 to 35.5 in 2022, and under-five mortality reduced from 4.6 in 2014 to 3.3 in 2022.
  • Prevalence of undernourishment has also risen in India from 14.6% in 2018-2020 to 16.3% in 2019-2021. 
  • India is ranked behind its neighbours Nepal (81), Pakistan (99), Sri Lanka (64), and Bangladesh (84).
  • India score of 29.1 which falls in the ‘serious’ category of hunger level.
  • The top of the list is dominated by European nations including Croatia, Estonia and Montenegro. Yemen has ranked in the lowest position at 121. 
  • China and Kuwait have ranked the highest among the Asian countries.
  • The 2022 GHI score (measured by a GHI score of 18.2) for the world is considered “moderate”. 

Indicators

The GHI, focuses on 4 main parameters

Undernourishment: The share of the population with insufficient caloric intake. 

Child stunting: The share of children under age five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition. 

Child wasting: The share of children under age five who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition. 

Child mortality: The share of children who die before their fifth birthday, partly reflecting the fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments.

Ukrainian people win European parliament’s Sakharov prize 

The people of Ukraine have been awarded the Sakharov Prize 2022 by the European Parliament for Freedom of Thought to honour their fight against Russia’s invasion. 

The Prize was bestowed to the people of Ukraine, represented by their president, elected leaders, and civil society.

This award recognizes the bravery of Ukrainians who have been affected by the Russian invasion and their role in defending freedom, democracy, rule of law, and European values on the battlefields. 

The Sakharov Prize involves prize money of 50,000 euros. 

About the Sakharov Prize

  • The Sakharov Prize was established in December 1988 by the European Parliament. 
  • This award is conferred to individuals or groups who have dedicated their life defending human rights and freedom of thought. 
  • The award is named in honor of Russian scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov.
  • The first award was given to South African Nelson Mandela and Russian Anatoly Marchenko. 
  • Previous year, the Sakharov prize was conferred to the imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
  • The first organization to receive the award in 1992 is the Argentine Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo.

Assam Current Affairs – October 13-15, 2022

Posted on by admin

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

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

October 13-15, 2022

IIT Guwahati researchers feature in world’s top 2% scientists’ list released by Stanford University

A total of 21 researchers and faculty members from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has been featured among the world’s top 2% Scientists List created by Stanford University, US.

Professor TG Sitharam along with 20 other faculty members have been ranked for their research publications citations using all Scopus author profiles as of September 1, 2022 and their lifetime contribution to their specific fields of research in the list. 

The IIT Guwahati faculty members featured in the Stanford University list are from various scientific fields, including the Departments of Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Biosciences and Bioengineering, Chemistry, Electrical and Electronics.

Scientists are classified into 22 scientific fields and 176 sub-fields. The selection is based on the top 1 lakh scientists by c-score (with and without self-citations) or a percentile rank of 2 per cent or above in the sub-field.

President Murmu flags off first Kolkata-Agartala express train 

President Droupadi Murmu and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha flagged off the Guwahati-Kolkata-Guwahati train from Agartala Railway Station up to Agartala. 

President Murmu and Chief Minister Saha and also launched another leg of the Agartala-Jiribam-Agartala Jan Shatabdi Express to Khongsang in Manipur.

Key Points

  • President Murmu inaugurated the Tripura Judicial Academy and laid the foundation stone of the National Law University, Tripura.
  • President Murmu will lay the foundation stone for the Supercomputer facility Param Kamrupa and the facility for the design and development of high power microwave components at IIT Guwahati. 
  • The President will also lay the foundation stone of the Regional Institute of Medical College and Hospital at Dhubri, National Institute of Virology (NIV) at Dibrugarh (Assam) and Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh).
  • The President laid the foundation stone for 100 Model Secondary Schools for the tea garden areas. 
  • She introduced 3000 Model Anganwadi Centres and a modern Cargo cum Coaching Terminal at Agyathuri near Guwahati. 
  • The president also inaugurated Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s Rail-Fed Petroleum Storage Depot at Moinarbond in Silchar and also introduced two sections of National Highways connecting Silchar to Badarpur and Gohpur to Holong of Assam.

Logistics Performance Index 2022

According to a report released by the commerce and Industry Ministry, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Gujarat are among the 15 States and UTs categorised as achievers in the logistics index chart 2022.

The index is an indicator of the efficiency of logistical services necessary for promoting exports and economic growth.

Key Points

  • Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Sikkim and Tripura are the other States categorised as fast movers in the ranking.  
  • Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Mizoram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Nagaland, Jammu and Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh are among the 15 States and UTs rated in the aspirers category.
  • The other States and UTs in the achievers category include Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
  • The first logistics report was released in 2018. 
  • The index intends to increase the focus on strengthening the performance of logistics across states for enhancing the nation’s trade and lowering transaction costs. 

About Logistics Performance Index 

  • The Logistics Performance Index (LPI) is an interactive benchmarking tool created created by the World Bank to help countries identify the challenges and opportunities they face in their performance on trade logistics and what they can do to improve their performance. 
  • It is the weighted average of the country scores on six key dimensions: customs performance, infrastructure quality, ease of arranging shipments, logistics services quality, consignments tracking and tracing and timeliness of shipments. 
  • India ranks 44 in the Logistics Performance Index 2018. 

Hyderabad wins World Green City Award 2022 

The city of Hyderabad has won the prestigious ‘World Green City Award 2022’ . Hyderabad is the only Indian city that was selected for the ‘World Green City 2022,’ award, the best across all six categories.

The city has also won ‘Living Green for Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth’ at the International Association of Horticulture Producers (AIPH) 2022 held in Jeju, South Korea. 

Key Points

  •  Hyderabad won the World Green Cities Award for taking initiatives relying on better use of plants and nature to make better city environments and for helping fulfill local aspirations for economic, social, and environmental resilience.
  • The award is a testimony to the continuous efforts and focuses of the Telangana government on increasing the green cover in the state through its flagship program “Telangana Ku Haritha Haram” (TKHH).
  •  The program aims to increase the tree cover of the state from 24% to 33% of the total area of the state.

Category-wise winners

  •  In the Living Green for Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth category:  Green Garland to the State of Telangana, City of Hyderabad, India.
  •  In the Living Green for Biodiversity category: Reverdecer Bogotá, Bogota D.C, Colombia.
  •  In the Living Green for Climate Change category: Mexico City’s Environmental and Climate Change Program, Mexico City, Mexico.
  • In the Living Green for Health and Wellbeing category:Transforming degraded land into Urban Micro Parks, City of Fortaleza, Brazil
  •  In the Living Green for Water category: The Phytotechnology Stations at the Montréal Botanical Garden / Space for Life, City of Montreal, Canada.  
  • In the Living Green for Social Cohesion category: OASIS Schoolyard Project, City of Paris, France.

International Solar Alliance’s Fifth Assembly will be held in New Delhi

International Solar Alliance’s Fifth Assembly to be held in New Delhi from 17th to 20th October, 2022. India currently holds the position of President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly as per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Key Points

  • Ministers, missions and delegates from 109 Member and Signatory Countries are set to participate in this meeting.
  • The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of ISA, in which each Member Country is represented. This body makes decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective. 
  • The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat. 
  • The Fifth Assembly of the ISA will deliberate on the key initiatives of ISA on three critical issues of energy access, energy security, and energy transition.
  • World leaders from ISA Member Countries will also discuss the strategic plan of the ISA in Programmatic Support for LDC and SIDS Member Countries, Capacity Building support to all developing Member Countries, and Analytics & Advocacy support to all Member Countries. 
  • The 5th Assembly is expected to lead to a greater consensus among countries for promotion of solar power. Increased international cooperation will be the backbone of energy transition, propelling investment and creating millions of new green jobs in this crucial decade of climate action.

International Solar Alliance (ISA) 

  • The International Solar Alliance is an international organisation with 109 member and signatory countries. 
  • It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable way to transition to a carbon-neutral future. 
  • ISA’s mission is to unlock US$ 1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost of the technology and its financing. 
  • It promotes the use of solar energy in the Agriculture, Health, Transport and Power Generation sectors. 
  • ISA member countries are driving change by enacting policies and regulations, sharing best practices, agreeing on common standards, and mobilising investments.
  • With the signing and ratification of the ISA Framework Agreement by 15 countries in 2017, ISA became the first international intergovernmental organization to be headquartered in India.

Assam Current Affairs – September 28-30, 2022

Posted on by admin

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

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the September 28-30, 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 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

Posted on by admin

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.

Assam Current Affairs – September 13-15, 2022

Posted on by admin

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

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

Go To Assam Current Affairs                      Go To Assam Current Affairs Quiz

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

September 13-15, 2022

For the first time Sikkim will host three Ranji trophy matches

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

Key Points

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

Nagaland celebrates the first ever Naga Mircha Festival

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

Key Points

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

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

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

Key Points 

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

National Defense MSME Conclave and Exhibition 

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

Key Points

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

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

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

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

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

Kalinga Institute of Social Science

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

Exercise Parvat Prahar

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

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

Key Points

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

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

Assam Current Affairs – September 10-12, 2022

Posted on by admin

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

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

Go To Assam Current Affairs                      Go To Assam Current Affairs Quiz

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

September 10-12, 2022

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

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

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

Key Points

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

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

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

Key Points

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

UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities 2022

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

Key Points

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

About the UNESCO learning cities

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

Neeraj Chopra won the Zurich Diamond League Final 2022

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

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

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

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

President Droupadi Murmu launches‘TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’

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

Key Points

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

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

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

Key Points

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

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

Assam Current Affairs – September 07-09, 2022

Posted on by admin

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

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

Go To Assam Current Affairs                      Go To Assam Current Affairs Quiz

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

September 07-09, 2022

India’s first Bio-Village setup in Tripura

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

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

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

Key Points 

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

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

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

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

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

Key Highlights of the Report

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

Liz Truss elected as the new Prime Minister of Britain

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

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

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

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

Indian-origin Suella Braverman appointed UK Home Secretary 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Points

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

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

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

About Pudhumai Penn Scheme

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

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

Assam Current Affairs – August 07-09, 2022

Posted on by admin

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

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

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 – August 01-03, 2022

Posted on by admin

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

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the August 01- 03, 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 

August 01-03, 2022

IIT Guwahati launches ICMR-DHR Centre of Excellence for biomedical device

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has established the ICMR-DHR Center of Excellence for Biomedical Device and Diagnostics Innovation and Commercialization.

The initiative will help in the technological needs of rural India with a focus on healthcare delivery to the last-mile population.

The key objectives of the ICMR Mission Secretariat at IIT Guwahati include: 

  • Detecting biomarkers using microfluidic and semiconductor nanobiosensors to detect various non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as chronic kidney disorder, post diabetic complications, liver or pancreatic malfunctions, cardiac illnesses, and urinary tract infections. 
  • Develop frugal point-of-care diagnostic devices for the collection, storage, security and analysis of the data specific to rural India. 
  • Develop three indigenous products in the domain of healthcare that can be commercially successful in the near future.
  • Innovate indigenous alternatives to healthcare devices (such as auto-analyzers and semi-auto analyzers) imported from other countries under the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Arunachal Pradesh Inks Tripartite Pact for School Education Transformation

The government of Arunachal Pradesh government inked a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NITI Aayog and an organisation for a large-scale transformation in school education. 

The agreement was signed on the second anniversary of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

It is a three-year partnership (2022 – 25) agreement.

The MoU focuses on the enhancement of the learning outcome of students across 3,000 plus government schools in the state thereby, by reaching out to over two lakh children.

The MoU was signed in presence of Niti Aayog Education Advisor Dr. Prem Singh, state Education Commissioner Padmini Singla, ISSE state Project Director Pige Ligu, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reach to Teach Foundation, Ratna Viswanathan, among others.

Chabahar Day Conference was launched in Mumbai

The Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in association with India Ports Global observed ‘Chabahar Day’ to mark the Chabahar – Link to International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) – Connecting Central Asian Markets in Mumbai. 

Union Shipping Minister Sarbanand Sonowal and Minister of State for Shipping Shripad Naik inaugurated the Chabahar Day conference in Mumbai.

Key Points

  • The inauguration event was attended by dignitaries from Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
  • In May 2016, India and Iran signed a bilateral agreement in which India would refurbish one of the berths at Shahid Beheshti port, and reconstruct a 600-meter-long container handling facility at the port.
  • In 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan had inked a tripartite agreement for developing Chabahar port. They also agreed to set up a trilateral transport and transit corridor.
  • In October 2017, India sent the first shipment of wheat to Afghanistan via the Chabahar Port. 

About Chabahar Port

  • The Chabahar Port is located in southeastern Iran in the Gulf of Oman. 
  • It is the only Iranian port, having direct access to the Indian ocean.
  • It is considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries.
  • It consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti. 
  • It is a key pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific vision to connect Eurasia with the Indian Ocean Region. 
  • The port will also be part of the International North-South Transport Corridor network connecting India. 

Third India-Vietnam Bilateral Army Exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022” begins in Haryana 

The 3rd edition of Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022” is conducted at Chandimandir, Haryana from August 1 to 20, 2022.

The theme of Ex VINBAX – 2022 is the “Employment and deployment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team as part of the United Nations Contingent for Peace Keeping Operations”.

Highlights of EX VINBAX 2022: 

  • It is a significant milestone of strengthening the bilateral relations between both the countries.
  • The exercise is a sequel to a previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2019. 
  • Vietnam is also an important partner in Act East policy of India as well as Indo-Pacific vision.
  • India and Vietnam share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and defence cooperation is a key pillar of this partnership.

Auguste Tano Kouame takes charge as World Bank Country Director for India

The World Bank has appointed Auguste Tano Kouamé as the Country Director for India. Auguste will serve for a period of five years and his term will come into effect from August 01, 2022.

He replaces Junaid Kamal Ahmad who recently completed a five-year term. 

Auguste served as the World Bank’s Country Director for the Republic of Türkiye, where he led the expansion of the Bank’s country program and deepened its support to Türkiye’s climate agenda. 

Prior to this, he served as Director of the Department of Human Development and Economic Management in the World Bank Group’s Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) from January 2017 to April 2019.

Vice – President Venkaiah Naidu presents President’s Colours to Tamil Nadu police

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu presented the President’s colour to the Tamil Nadu Police and  released a Special Cover to honour the occasion. The Tamil Nadu  police will be the first in Southern India to showcase the honour.

The President’s Colour is the highest honour given to the military, paramilitary and police forces of States and Union Territories in recognition of their exceptional service to the nation. 

The Indian Navy was the first Indian Armed Force to be awarded the President’s Colour by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1951. 

Shri Satyendra Prakash assumes charge as Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau

Shri Satyendra Prakash assumed charge as Principal Director General of Press Information Bureau (PIB). 

Prior to this Shri Prakash held the position of Principal DG, Central Bureau of Communication.

He is an Officer of the Indian Information Service, Batch of 1988. He has a wide experience in Central Government in the field of public communication, media management, administration, policy formulation and programme implementation. 

He has represented the Government of India in various national and international forums like UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP etc. He was recognized for his role in the presentation of the first ever tableau of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Republic Day in 2021 on the theme of Vocal for Local.

About Press Information Bureau

  • It is a nodal agency of the Government of India under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 
  • It disseminates information to print, electronic and web media on government plans, policies, programme initiatives and achievements. 
  • It was established in June 1919. 
  • J. Natrajan became the first Indian to head the Bureau as Principal Information Officer in 1941.
  • The organisation’s name was changed to the Press Information Bureau in 1946. 
  • The Bureau has been reconstituted many times since independence of India in 1947.

Assam Current Affairs – July 28-31, 2022

Posted on by admin

 

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

( Covers all important Current Affairs & GK topics for the July 28- 31, 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 

July 28-31, 2022

ONGC has signed a gas selling agreement with GAIL, AGCL at Khubal in North Tripura  

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has signed gas sale agreements with GAIL India and Assam Gas Company Ltd (AGCL), to monetise its upcoming field at Khubal under Panisagar sub-division of North Tripura district.

Key Points

  • According to the agreement, Khubal Gas Gathering Station (GGS) would supply 50,000 standard cubic metres of gas each to GAIL and AGCL totalling 0.1 MMSCMD, from ONGC’s Khubal GCS (Gas Collecting Station). 
  • Once it starts production, Khubal will be the tenth producing field of ONGC in Tripura.
  • According to the source, Khubal GGS will have a capacity to process 0.44 MMSCMD (4,40,000 standard cubic meters) of gas for which the process of construction has already started.
  • GSA is an important milestone in the lifecycle of any gas business, signifying commerciality for producers like ONGC, while ensuring the product reaches the end consumers through marketing and transportation intermediaries such as GAIL and AGCL.

Kargil Vijay Diwas

Every year India celebrates the Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26. The day is dedicated to the martyred soldiers of the Kargil war. Year 2022 marked the 23rd anniversary of India’s victory. 

About Kargil war

  • Kargil War, also known as the Kargil conflict, was fought between 3rd May-26th July of 1999.
  • The war was fought by the Indian Army to recapture the Indian territories from Pakistan intruders in the Kargil-Drass sector in 1999.
  • The war was fought in the Kargil district of Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LOC)  in which India got the victory.
  • The Indian Army launched ‘Operation Vijay’ to clear the infiltration of the Kargil sector from Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants on the Indian side of the Line of Control. 
  • The Indian Air Force launched the ‘Safed Sagar’ operation; it was a major part of the Kargil war.
  • On this day, the Prime Minister of India pays tribute to martyrs, every year at the Amar Jawan Jyoti. 
  • In a tribute, the Indian Army has built the “Kargil War Memorial”, at the foothills of Toloing Hills in Drass. 

International Tiger Day 2022

Every year International Tiger Day is celebrated on July 29 across the world. It is also known as World Tiger Day. Year 2022 is marking the 12th International Tiger Day,

India prepares the tiger estimation report every four years and the last report was released in 2018.

Key Points

  • International Tiger Day was established in 2010 at Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia to raise awareness on the importance of tiger conservation.
  • This day is observed by many international organisations, including the World Wide Fund for Nature, the International Fund for Animal Welfare etc.
  • It aims at protecting and expanding tiger habitats apart from preserving these species. 
  • The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change constituted under enabling provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation, as per powers and functions assigned to it under the said Act. 
  • Project Tiger: Project Tiger is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched in 1973. 
  • Its objective is to ensure maintenance of a viable population of Tigers in India for scientific, economic, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values.

Gujarat becomes the first state in India to release a dedicated semiconductor policy 

Gujarat becomes the first state in India to launch the Semiconductor Policy 2022-27. The policy aims to create at least 2,00,000 new employment opportunities over the five years.

Government has also proposed to develop a special ‘Semicon City’ as a part of the Dholera Special Investment region. 

Key Points

  • Under the Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-27, Gujarat Government will provide heavy subsidies on power, water and land tariffs for entrepreneurs who are interested in investing in semiconductors or display fabrication manufacturing in Gujarat.
  • The policy will provide for effective and timely execution of eligible projects, in a bid to set up a robust semiconductor and display fabrication ecosystem. 
  • It focuses on providing guidance to a significant portion of investments under the India Semiconductor Mission policies towards Gujarat. 
  • The policy will provide additional capital assistance at 40 percent of the capex assistance extended by the Centre for the projects approved under ISM. 

Rajasthan has announced to set up India’s first all women-run cooperative bank

Recently, the government of Rajasthan has signed a MoU with the Stree Nidhi Credit Cooperative Federation of Telangana government for setting up the state’s first ‘Women’s Financial Institution’ in Rajasthan. 

The MoU was signed between Rajasthan Grameen Ajeevika Vikas Parishad’s (Rajeevika) Mission Director Manju Rajpal and Stree Nidhi Managing Director G. Vidya Sagar Reddy in the presence of Rural Development Minister Ramesh Chand Meena.

Key Points

  • The ‘Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi’ in the state is being set up on the lines of the Stree Nidhi model.
  • Mahila Nidhi will strengthen the women’s self-help groups in the State by extending timely loan facilities for their enterprises. 
  • The institution will be operated entirely by women and will act as a complementary body to the formal banking system. 
  • It is also expected to bring down the number of loan applications pending in the banks.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky received the Winston Churchill Leadership Award

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has presented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the Sir Winston Churchill Leadership Award after comparing the two leaders in times of crisis.

Volodymyr Zelensky was presented this award for standing against Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 and fighting back. The situation was similar to what Churchill had faced in 1940.

He received the award in virtual mode, during a ceremony held at London Office of Boris Johnson.

About the Churchill leadership award

  • The Churchill leadership award was first presented in 2006. 
  • It has been awarded to Prince Charles, former British Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major, and former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in the past.

Go To Assam Current Affairs                      Go To Assam Current Affairs Quiz

Current Affairs GK & Quiz Monthly – July 2022