Current Affairs August 2019 - National
1 - President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated exhibitions on Mahatma Gandhi and Khadi in Gambia
President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated exhibitions on Mahatma Gandhi and Khadi in Gambia to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This was the first-ever state visit to Gambia by an Indian President. President Kovind met his Gambian counterpart Adama Barrow.
India has promised to extend an assistance of USD 500,000 in support of skill development and cottage industry projects in Gambia. Both nations also signed MoU on Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy.
2 - Pashmina Products receive BIS Certification
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published an Indian Standard for identification, marking and labelling of Pashmina products to certify its purity. The certification will help curb the adulteration of Pashmina and also protect the interests of local artisans and nomads who are the producers of Pashmina raw material.
Bureau of Indian Standards would set up a Pashmina testing centre in Leh, in partnership with the lab of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. It will have lab, machines and scientists to check the quality of pashmina collected.
3 - One Nation-one Ration Card scheme implemented in 4 States
One Nation-One Ration Card scheme was implemented on a pilot basis in four states - Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Under the scheme, ration cards should be linked with Aadhar Number. This will kick-start inter-state portability of ration card between Telangana-Andhra Pradesh as well as Maharashtra-Gujarat.
The White Card beneficiaries living in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh can buy their quota of ration from the Public Distribution System (PDS), also called ration shops, in either of the states. Similar would be the case in Maharasthra and Gujarat.
4 - Dharmendra Pradhan launched Atal Community Innovation Centre
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched Atal Community Innovation Centre in New Delhi to encourage the spirit of innovation at the community level. This initiative aims to encourage the spirit of innovation through solution-driven design thinking to serve society.
NITI Aayog will open innovation Centres in all Gram Panchayats of the country to promote local innovation and focus on the 484 backward districts where the innovation infrastructure is very weak.
5 - Government launched Facilitation cum Publicity Pavilion and mobile application “Indian Air Force: a cut above”
Minister of Human Resource Development, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank,’ inaugurated the ‘Facilitation cum Publicity Pavilion (FCP)’ and launched 3D Air Combat Mobile Game “Indian Air Force: A Cut Above” in New Delhi. The FCP will be visited by children annually. It comprises of a Flying Simulator, a Self-interactive career information Kiosk, a selfie point with fore drop of pilots in G-suit and miniature models of IAF aircraft, digital flexes etc.
The mobile app would highlight various missions and air combat scenarios undertaken by the IAF and help immerse the player in a game with a “having been there” sensation.
6 - KABIL set up to Ensure Supply of Critical Minerals
The Government is going to set up a joint venture company namely Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) with the participation of three Central Public Sector Enterprises - National Aluminium Company Ltd.(NALCO), Hindustan Copper Ltd.(HCL) and Mineral Exploration Company Ltd. (MECL). The objective of KABIL is to ensure a consistent supply of critical and strategic minerals to Indian domestic market.
The KABIL would carry out identification, acquisition, exploration, development, mining and processing of strategic minerals overseas for commercial use and meeting country’s requirement of these minerals.
7 - UGC recommends 20 educational centres for status of Institutions of Eminence
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a list of 20 institutes - 10 public and 10 private for the grant of the status of Institutions of Eminence (IoE) made the recommendations on the report of the Empowered Expert Committee set up by the government under the chairmanship of N Gopalaswami.
The institutions which are given IoE status from public category includes, Delhi University, BHU, Hyderabad University and IIT Madras and Kharagpur. The Institute of Eminence scheme aimed at developing 20 world-class institutions which would put India on the global education map.
8 - Union HRD Minister inaugurated TechEx at IIT Delhi
Union Human Resource Development Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated theTechEx - technology exhibition at IIT Delhi. TechEx was organized to demonstrate products and prototypes developed under the two flagship schemes of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) namely IMPacting Research, INnovation and Technology (IMPRINT) and UchhatarAvishkar Yojana (UAY).
50 models/prototypes under IMPRINT and 26 under UAY were showcased during the exhibition in addition to 142 posters. IMPRINT provides solutions to the most relevant engineering challenges. UAY aims to promote innovation of a higher order that directly impacts the needs of the Industry and thereby improves the competitive edge of Indian manufacturing.
9 - UNIDO and National Institute of Solar Energy to partner for skill development program
The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) signed an agreement with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to initiate a skill development programme for different levels of beneficiaries in the solar thermal energy sector.
NISE and UNIDO will engage national and international experts to bring the best practices by developing specialized training material. The agreement is part of the ongoing MNRE-GEF-UNIDO project implemented jointly by UNIDO and to support capacity building and skill development of technical manpower in the Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy Technologies (CST).
10 - Second All India Annual Conference of IIS Officers organized
The Second All India Annual Conference of Indian Information Service Officers was organized at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra in New Delhi. The Conference was organized with a view to attain greater integration of all Media Units under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in order to further amplify government communication.
The Conference discussed roadmap for celebration of 550th Anniversary of Guru Nanak, 150th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, 75 Years of India's Independence and Golden Jubilee Edition of International Film Festival of India.
11 - Government sanctioned over 5,000 electric buses under second phase of FAME India scheme
Government has sanctioned 5,095 e-buses to 64 cities/state transport corporations for intra-city operation, 400 e-buses for intercity operation and 100 e-buses for last-mile connectivity to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation under the second phase of Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME-India) scheme.
The objective of the scheme is to encourage faster adoption of electric and hybrid vehicle by way of offering upfront incentives on purchase of electric vehicles. This will give a further push to clean mobility in public transportation.
12 - 22nd National Conference on e-Governance held at Shillong
The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), in association with Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India and the State Government of Meghalaya organized the 22nd National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) 2019 on 8-9th August, 2019 at Shillong, Meghalaya.The theme of this Conference was “Digital India: Success to Excellence”.
The Conference provided a platform to disseminate knowledge on effective methods of designing and implementing sustainable e-Governance initiatives to provide end-to-end Digital Services, exchange experiences in solving problems, mitigating risks, resolving issues and planning for success.
13 - Registration opens for PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana
The Union government has started registration for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY). The scheme is voluntary and contributory for farmers in the entry age group of 18 to 40 years and a monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- will be provided to them on attaining the age of 60 years.
The farmers will have to make a monthly contribution of Rs.55 to Rs.200, depending on their age of entry, in the Pension Fund till they reach the retirement date i.e. the age of 60 years. The Central Government will also make an equal contribution of the same amount in the pension fund.
14 - 2-day exhibition on DAE Technologies held in New Delhi
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) of the Government of India organized a two-day exhibition on DAE Technologies: Empowering India through Technology at New Delhi.
The exhibition is coveringtechnologies developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Raja Ramanna Centre for Advance Technology, Indore and other Units ofDepartment of Atomic Energy (DAE), which are useful for the common man in day-to-day life e.g. in the field of health, agriculture, water, food security and environment.
For Details: https://pib.gov.in/
15 - Hardeep Puri launched Swachh Survekshan 2020 league
Union Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, launched the Swachh Survekshan 2020 (SS 2020). The league will be a quarterly cleanliness assessment of cities and towns in India and will be integrated with Swachh Survekshan 2020, the 5th edition of the annual cleanliness survey of urban India to be conducted between January - February 2020.
Alongside, the Swachh Survekshan 2020 Toolkit, SBM Water PLUS Protocol and Toolkit, Swachh Nagar – an integrated waste management app and AI enabled mSBM App were also launched.
16 - RPF Launches “Operation Number Plate” across Indian Railways
Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Indian Railways launched a Special Drive with a Code Name – Operation “Number Plate” to identify and verify all vehicles parked in Railway premises, circulating area, parkings and even in the ‘No Parking’ areas for longer duration.
This was conducted as a special drive from 9th August to 11th August at 466 Railway Stations all over Indian Railways. 3943 Vehicles were found parked unattended/unclaimed for more than 05 days in the authorized parking lots of Railway stations. 4 vehicles were recovered which were reported to be stolen and cases were registered previously by the Police.
17 - 3rd International Electric Vehicle Conclave held in Manesar, Gurugram
The 3rd International Electric Vehicle (EV) Conclave was held at the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar, Gurugram. The Conclave was held to create a knowledge-sharing platform to ensure flow of information at all levels in the automotive sector.
The EV Conclave was organized by ICAT in association with India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA). The government has made provision of Rs. 10,000 crore for electric mobility in the Union Budget of 2019-20.
18 - India signed UN Convention on International Settlement
The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements (UNISA). Forty-six countries signed the treaty named Singapore Convention on Mediation.
The signing of the Convention will boost the confidence of the investors and shall provide a positive signal to foreign investors about India's commitment to adhere to international practice on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). In order to encourage international commercial arbitration in India, to evolve a comprehensive ecosystem of arbitration the Government is establishing the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) as a statutory body.
19 - MNRE organised Curtain Raiser ceremony for the 3rd RE-INVEST
Ministry of New & Renewable Energy organised Curtain Raiser ceremony for the 3rd Edition of Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST 2019) which will be held from 30th October to 2nd November 2019 in India, coinciding with the Second Assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA). The objective of the event is to attract the right investments in renewable energy (RE) and present India’s RE story to the world.
As of June 30, 2019, India has an installed renewable energy capacity of 80.47 GW, of which solar and wind comprises 29.55 GW and 36.37 GW respectively. Biomass and small hydro power constitute 9.81GW and 4.6GW respectively.
20 - Government plans to expand rotavirus vaccine coverage to all states
The Union Government plans to expand the coverage of Rotavirus vaccine to every child across all 36 states and UTs by September, 2019. The vaccine is currently available only in 28 states and union territories in India.
The government aims to end morbidity and mortality in children due to diarrhoea by 2022. Rotavirus is a leading cause of diarrhoea in children less than 5 years of age. It is estimated that rotavirus causes 8,72,000 hospitalizations, 32,70,000 outpatient visits, and an estimated 78,000 deaths annually in India.
21 - 22nd National Conference on e-Governance 2019 successfully concluded at Shillong
The 22nd National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) 2019 successfully concluded at Shillong, Meghalaya after the adoption of ‘Shillong Declaration’ on e-Governance. The theme of this Conference was “Digital India: Success to Excellence”.
Some of the key points of the declaration are
Improving citizen’s experience with Government services by promoting timely implementation of India Enterprise Architecture (IndEA)
Promoting Digital India Projects with focus on Smart Villages and Smart Cities through Startups and Smart Entrepreneurship
22 - ISRO launched programmes to commemorate birth centenary of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
ISRO launched programmes across the 100 selected cities commencing from August 12, 2019 and ending on August 12, 2020 to commemorate the birth centenary of its founder and eminent space scientist Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. It includes exhibitions, competitions to school children, journalism awards and speeches by eminent personalities.
ISRO unveiled a commemorative coin, a Coffee Table book and a photo album of on life and work of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai also known as father of Indian Space Program. “Space on Wheels” exhibition inside the bus was inaugurated on this occasion.
23 - 16 State Governments signed MoU with Textiles Ministry to impart skill training to workers
Sixteen State Governments signed MoU with Ministry of Textiles to impart skill training under Samarth - Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS). The training programme involves advanced technology oriented features like Aadhaar Based Biometric Attendance System, CCTV recording, dedicated Call Centre, Mobile App based Management Information System and on-line monitoring.
The scheme aims at skill development of 10 lakh youth upto 2020 in the entire value chain of textiles, excluding spinning and weaving in the organized sector, with a projected outlay of Rs. 1300 crore.
24 - Shri Piyush Goyal launched CORAS (Commandos For Railway Security) of Indian Railways
Minister of Railways Shri Piyush Goyal launched CORAS (Commando for Railway Security) of Indian Railways, a new state of the art commando training centre to be established in Jagadhri, Haryana and a new establishment manual for Railway Protection Force.
CORAS, a special Railway Unit, is a result of detailed policy formulation in protecting Railway passengers and Railway property in far and inaccessible threat prone areas. CORAS is a separate Commando Unit of RPF. This special unit is given world class training and best facilities. Commando shall be deployed in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) or terrorism affected railway areas.
25 - President of the Republic of Zambia and India signed various MoUs
India and Zambia signed following 6 MoU during the State Visit of President of the Republic of Zambia, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, to India −
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Geology and Mineral Resources
MoU on cooperation in the field of Defense
MoU on cooperation in the field of Arts & Culture
MoU between Foreign Service Institute of India and Zambian Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies
MoU on EVBAB Network Project
MoU between Election Commission of India and Electoral Commission of Zambia
26 - National Conference on Capacity Building of Sustainable Food Value Chains
A two-day National Conference on Capacity Building of Sustainable Food Value Chains for Enhanced Food Safety and Quality was organized by National Productivity Council (NPC) in collaboration with Asian Productivity Organization, Tokyo, Japan in New Delhi to develop the mitigation strategies for curbing food wastages, enhancing food security and food quality.
The conference discussed developing sustainable strategies for food safety in India and highlighted the relevance of the international standards enacted through the Food Safety and Security Act, 2006.
27 - Union HRD Minister launches NISHTHA to build capacities of 42 Lakh government teachers
Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal launched the National Mission to improve Learning Outcomes at the Elementary level- NISHTHA, National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers Holistic Advancement. The aim of ‘NISHTHA’ is to motivate and equip teachers to encourage and foster critical thinking in students. The teachers will get awareness and develop their skills on various aspects related to Learning Outcomes, Competency Based Learning and Testing, Learner-centered Pedagogy, School Safety and Security.
The training will be conducted directly by 33120 Key Resource Persons and State Resource Persons identified by the State and UTs.
28 - Power Minister Shri RK Singh launched SARAL – ‘State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index’
Shri RK Singh, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, launched the State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index–SARAL, index that evaluates Indian states based on their attractiveness for rooftop development. Index was topped by Karnataka followed by Telangana, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh at 2nd, 3rd and 4th rank respectively. SARAL is the first of its kind index to provide state-level measures adopted to facilitate rooftop solar deployment.
MNRE has set a target of 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 of which 40 GW is expected to come from grid connected solar rooftops.
29 - Government proposed to have different e-visa fee
India has introduced a flexible e-tourist visa regime based on tourist footfall. The e-visa fee for a duration of 30 days during the peak season from July to March will be $25. While, the e-visa fee during the lean period from April to June is to be kept at $10.
A new five-year e-tourist visa will be introduced with USD 80 fee and a one year e-tourist visa with USD 40 fee. In 2018, the government announced plans to increase foreign tourist arrivals to 20 million by 2020. The number stood at 10 million in 2017.
30 - First Central Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology to be set up in Gujarat
The first Central Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology (CICET) will be set up in Gujarat considering the significant presence of Chemical industries in Vapi, Ankleshwar and Vatva to benefit the chemical industry. The first CICET will be set up either in Vatva or Surat.
The Union Government is also planning to set up another campus of the Central Institute of Plastic Engineering & Technology (CIPET) in Valsad at the cost of Rs 54 crore as well as a Plastic Waste Management Centre in Ahmedabad to find out solutions to systematic segregation and recycling of plastic waste.
31 - High Level Committee approved Rs 4432.10 crore of additional Central assistance to 3 states
The High Level Committee (HLC), chaired by the Union Minister for Home Affairs Shri Amit Shah, approved additional central assistance of Rs. 4432.10 crore to three States from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) - Rs. 3338.22 crore to Odisha for Cyclone Fani, Rs 1029.39 crore to Karnataka for drought and Rs 64.49 crore to Himachal Pradesh for avalanches and hailstorm.
During 2018-19, Centre had released Rs 9,658 crore to all states and during 2019-20, till date Centre has released Rs 6,104 crore to 24 States from SDRF.
32 - India-Maldives MoU on Training and Capacity Building Programme for Maldivian Civil Servants operationalised
The India-Maldives MoU on Training and Capacity Building Programme for Maldivian Civil Servants was operationalised following delegation level talks. A consensus was reached between the 2 sides on the dates and participation levels for the first 10 training programmes from September, 2019 to December, 2020.
The Prime Minister of India in his visit to Maldives in June 2019, had emphasised India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. One of the MoUs signed during the visit was between the National Center for Good Governance, India and the Civil Services Commission of Maldives.
33 - IIT Kanpur collaborates with NCPCR to develop kit to spread sexual abuse awareness
IIT Kanpur has collaborated with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and developed a kit to spread awareness about sexual abuse among children. The kit consists of a set of cards, posters, short animation clips and games.
Teachers or NGOs can use the kits for an interactive workshop for children about sexual-abuse awareness. It helps create awareness about personal safety, respecting their body and overcoming guilt among children.
34 - President inaugurated bunker museum at Maha Raj Bhavan
President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the underground 'Bunker Museum' at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. The 15,000 square feet underground bunker museum has virtual reality booths in which visitors can "time travel" to the 19th century.
The bunker was created in the 19th century to fire cannons at approaching enemy ships. Another section depicts the history of Raj Bhavan. The British-era bunker was discovered in 2016 and has 13 rooms such as Shell Store, Gun Shell, Cartridge Store and Central Artillery Store.
35 - Government released Draft National Resource Efficiency Policy
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has released Draft National Resource Efficiency Policy, 2019 inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders including public/private organizations, experts and concerned citizens on the draft policy.
The Draft National Resource Efficiency Policy (NREP) envisions a future with environmentally sustainable and equitable economic growth, resource security, healthy environment (air, water and land), and restored ecosystems with rich ecology and biodiversity.
36 - President Kovind inaugurated the First World Youth Conference on Kindness
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the first World Youth Conference on Kindness in New Delhi. The conference was organised by the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Human Resource Development with the aim to impart critical competencies (i.e. empathy, compassion, mindfulness and critical inquiry) in global youth.
The conference aims to inspire youth to transform themselves and build long-lasting peace in their communities. Youth leaders, representing over 27 countries participated in this Conference.
37 - Union Minister of Health inaugurated state-of-the-art National Food Laboratory of FSSAI
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the first ever state-of-the-art National Food Laboratory-Delhi, NCR of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He released a report “Food Laboratories in India: a Meta Study” and awarded Certificate of Recognition to 13 National Reference Laboratories. The Laboratory will conduct analysis as per global accreditation standards for testing and calibration.
Dr Harsh Vardhan also presented the State of Uttar Pradesh with two “Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) vans” to cater to the food testing requirements in Ghaziabad and Western UP.
38 - India and Bahrain agreed to enhance cooperation in field of security & counter-terrorism
India and Bahrain agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of security and counter-terrorism. The two countries also agreed to focus on enhancing cooperation in energy and strengthen maritime security in the Gulf region and signed MoUs on cultural exchange programme, space technology, solar energy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his visit to Bahrain, met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and PM of Bahrain Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
39 - PM Modi announced to celebrate September as a month of nutrition
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to celebrate September as a month of nutrition to fight malnutrition among children as part of ‘POSHAN Abhiyaan’(National Nutrition Mission). Gujarat Government had launched a pilot project, Poshan Abhiyan which is a statewide mission to eradicate malnutrition among children.
Gujarat Government had also launched PURNA project (Prevention of under Nutrition and Reduction of Nutritional Anaemia among Adolescent Girls) to eliminate malnutrition among girls in age group of 14 to 18 years with a budget of Rs 270 crore.
40 - R K Singh approved proposal to declare ocean energy as Renewable Energy
Minister of New and Renewable Energy R K Singh approved a proposal to declare ocean energy as Renewable Energy. The energy produced using various forms of ocean energy such as tidal, wave and ocean thermal energy conversion will be considered as Renewable Energy. It will be eligible for meeting the non-solar Renewable Purchase Obligations.
Government of India steps up its effort to reach the objectives to contemplate its Renewable Energy and climate change objectives post 2022. MNRE looks over the horizon at development of new technology and considers the various options available to support its deployment.
41 - Government to make FASTag mandatory for all vehicles from Dec 2019
The Union Government has proposed to make FASTags mandatory for all vehicles from December 2019. The move is part of the government’s larger plan to promote digital payments at toll plaza and decongest national highways.
Over 52 lakh FASTags have been issued till date. FASTags are being issued by 22 certified banks. FASTag is attached to the windscreen and uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to enable direct toll payments while the vehicle is moving.
42 - Kiren Rijiju, Baichung Bhutia flagged off Delhi leg of Op-Blue Freedom
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and former India football captain Baichung Bhutia flagged off the Delhi leg of Op-Blue Freedom. This is an initiative in which a group of armed forces veterans train sports enthusiasts in survival training and self-defence.
Op-Blue Freedom is a nation-wide adaptive scuba diving programme for people with disabilities as well as the able bodied. The program aims to train adventure enthusiasts in special forces skills like survival techniques, emergency first response skills, unarmed combat, endurance and fitness.
43 - India to launch e-commerce portal "Bharatcraft" for MSME's
The union Government is planning to launch its own desi version of an e-commerce portal and named it Bharatcraft. The portal will provide a platform for MSMEs to markets and sell their products. It will be on the lines of Alibaba and Amazon.
Bharatcraft portal has a huge potential to generate revenue worth ₹10 lakh crore in next 2-3 years. The MSME sector is likely to contribute 50% to the total GDP in the next five years. At present, the sector currently contributes 29% to the country's GDP and employs 110 million people.
44 - Union Minister launched Project SURE
Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani launched Project SU.RE, a move towards sustainable fashion, at Lakmé Fashion Winter/Festive 2019, in Mumbai. The SU.RE project is a commitment by India’s apparel industry to set a sustainable pathway for the Indian fashion industry. SU.RE stands for ‘Sustainable Resolution’ - a firm commitment from the industry to move towards fashion that contributes to a clean environment.
It was launched by Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI); United Nations in India; and IMG Reliance, the organizers of Lakme Fashion Week.
45 - Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched 10th City Gas Distribution bidding round
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the commencement of work for 10th City Gas Distribution (CGD) bidding round which will cover 50 Geographical Areas (GAs) in 124 districts. As per the minimum work program approved by the PNGRB for the 10th round, 2.02 crore PNG domestic connections will be provided, 3578 CNG stations will open, and 0.58 lakh Inch-km steel pipeline will be laid.
Over 5 lakh crore rupees are being invested in gas infrastructure, which includes exploration, distribution, marketing, regasification, pipeline network laying, etc.
46 - Center to provide Wi-Fi in all villages through GramNet
The Government will provide Wi-Fi in all the villages through GramNet with connectivity between 10mbps to 100 mbps speed. BharatNet also plans to provide 1 GBPS connectivity, which can be expanded up to 10 GBPS.
The government-run Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) launched new products of C-DOT- XGSPON, C-Sat-Fi & CiSTB C-DOT. C-Sat-Fi technology will empower Indian People in rural areas as telephone and Wi-Fi facilities will be available in all corners of the country on any mobile phone.
47 - NACO and DoSJE sign MoU for enhanced outreach on HIV/AIDS prevention
National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) signed MoU for enhanced outreach on HIV/AIDS prevention. NACO comes under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare while DoSJE comes under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE).
The MOU will catalyze in achieving the national goals and objectives of HIV prevention and impact mitigation. Through this MoU, the services of various institutes under DoSJE such as National Centre for Drug Abuse Prevention (NCDAP), National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Integration Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) will be leveraged for execution of activities laid out in the MoU.
48 - 7th Community Radio Sammelan held in Delhi
The 7th Community Radio Sammelan was held in Delhi by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The theme of this year’s Sammelan was ‘Community Radio for SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)’. The representatives of the Community Radio Stations discussed experiences and possibilities of programming for better public awareness on the SDGs and various flagship schemes of the Government like the Jal Shakti Abhiyaan and efforts for Disaster Risk Reduction, broadcasting etc.
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar presented National Awards for Community Radio for 2018 and 2019. He also released the booklet “Jan Connect: Clear Intentions, Decisive Actions”.
49 - MoU signed between Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and National AIDS Control Organization
A MoU was signed between the Department of Social Justice, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and National AIDS Control Organization.
Salient points of MoU are
Inclusion of target groups of NACO and National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction in the programmes for awareness generation.
Create awareness and educate people about the ill-effects of drugs abuse.
Develop human resources to strengthen the service delivery mechanisms for treatment.
Address risk of HIV transmission through preventive risk reduction messaging on HIV.
Reduced incidence of social stigma and discrimination again victims of drug abuse.
50 - Over five lakh local water conservation infrastructures developed by Jal Shakti Abhiyan
Over 3.70 crore people have joined the nationwide Jal Shakti Abhiyan and the initiative has delivered over five lakh local water conservation infrastructures in 256 districts. Out of these, 2.73 lakh are water conservation and rain water harvesting measures, over 44,000 related to the rejuvenation of traditional water bodies.
About 1.50 lakh are water reuse and recharge structures and 1.23 lakh are watershed development projects. The initiative is aimed at making water conservation and promotion of irrigation efficiency a mass movement through asset creation and communication campaigns.
51 - India registered over 80% decline in new HIV cases
The government declared that there has been more than 80% decline in new HIV infection cases in the country since its peak in 1995. The global average of decline in new infection is estimated at 47%. National Aids Control Organization has signed an MoU with 18 Ministries and Departments to augment a comprehensive AIDS response mechanism.
The MoU intends to create awareness and educate people about the ill-effects of drugs abuse on the individual, family, workplace and society at large. It aims to reduce discrimination against individuals based on drugs.
52 - HRD Ministry launched National Digital Library of India
Human Resource Development Ministry under its National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology, NMEICT has launched the National Digital Library of India project to develop a framework of virtual repository of learning resources with a single-window search facility. There are more than 3 crore digital resources available through the National Digital Library.
National Digital Library has been integrated with UMANG App and users can register through www.ndl.gov.in or through the mobile app. More than 50 lakh students have registered themselves in the National Digital Library with about 20 lakh active users.
53 - Smriti Irani laid foundation stone of Integrated Textiles Tourism Complex in Meghalaya
Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani laid the foundation stone of the Integrated Textiles Tourism Complex at Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. The complex and the activities will ensure that those who currently undertake crafts in wood, bamboo, stone carving, embroidering, pottery, dry flower and jewellery get benefitted and aided from the Government of India.
Under the ‘Samarth’ scheme which plans to skill 7,200 youth in apparel and garments, textiles and handloom sectors has now been extended to skill 30,000 citizens.
54 - Union Minister Prakash Javadekar inaugurated National Centre for Avian Ecotoxicology
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar inaugurated National Centre for Avian Ecotoxicology at Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural Sciences (SACON) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It is part of 4 crores project in modernising the facility at SACON.
NCAE will research the impact of chemical contaminants on individual species of birds, study the movement of environmental contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals and drugs through food chain, and their harmful effects on birds.
55 - IIT-Delhi establishes DESMI Centre of Excellence
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and Denmark based DESMI have entered into a partnership under the aegis of the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA), Govt of India, to setup ‘DESMI Centre of Excellence on Waste to Wealth’ at IIT Delhi. The objective of the DESMI Center is removal of floating debris from drains and other water bodies in Delhi and generating resource from the mixed waste feedstock collected.
MoU will include removal of floating solid wastes and automated/energy efficient collection of waste from streams with cost-effective segregation of solid-wastes based on post-processing methodologies.
56 - Microsoft announced Digital Governance Tech Tour to help accelerate Digital India
In line with the government’s Digital India vision, Microsoft India launched the Digital Governance Tech Tour, a National program to deliver critical AI and intelligent cloud computing skills to the Government officials in charge of IT across the country. The initiative comprises a series of physical and virtual workshops and aims to train 5,000 personnel over a period of 12 months.
NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant launched the initiative at Digital Governance Tech Summit 2019 in Delhi. AI and the cloud can enable innovation and drive the next phase of India’s growth to become a $5 trillion economy.
57 - Amazon India launched Military Veterans Employment programme
Amazon India launched Military Veterans Employment program that will create hundreds of opportunities for military veterans and their spouses across Amazon India’s Fulfillment Centers, Sort Centers and Delivery Centers in India. Amazon India is partnering with the Office of the Director General of Resettlement (DGR) and the Army Welfare Placement Organization (AWPO) to create continued work opportunities for military families across India.
Amazon India has already over 17500 military veterans and spouses actively engaged in its different program worldwide such as AWS apprenticeship to Military Leaders Program.
58 - Cabinet approved MoU between India and Peru on Cooperation in the field of Medicinal Plants
The Union Cabinet has approved signing of agreement between the National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of AYUSH and the National Institute of Health of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Peru on Cooperation in the field of Medicinal Plants.
India and Peru both have rich medicinal plants biodiversity and medicinal plants based indigenous traditional system of medicines. Hence the proposed Agreement will further enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the area of Medicinal Plants.
59 - Cabinet approved Establishment of an International Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval for the Establishment of an International Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) along with its supporting Secretariat Office in New Delhi. The CDRI is proposed to be launched at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York, USA on 23rd September 2019.
The CDRI will serve as a platform where knowledge is generated and exchanged on different aspects of disaster and climate resilience of infrastructure. This initiative will benefit all sections of society.
60 - Cabinet approved MoU between India and Gambia on Cooperation in the Field of Traditional Systems of Medicine
The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Gambia in the Field of Traditional Systems of Medicine. The MoU was signed in Gambia on 31st July 2019 during the visit of the President Shri Ram Nath Kovind.
The MoU will provide a framework for cooperation between India and Gambia for the promotion of traditional systems of medicine and will mutually benefit the two countries in this field. Activities mentioned in the MoU will boost the importance of AYUSH Systems of Medicine in Gambia.
61 - Cabinet approved MoU between India and Guinea
The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval for the MoU between the India and the Republic of Guinea on Cooperation in the Field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy. The MoU will enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas of Traditional Systems of Medicine.
As a part of global promotion and propagation of the AYUSH systems of medicine, the Ministry of AYUSH has signed Country to Country MoUs on cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicine with various countries and also established AYUSH academic Chairs in identified Universities in various foreign countries.
62 - Cabinet approved proposal for review of FDI policy on various sectors
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for Review of Foreign Direct Investment on various sectors.
100% FDI under automatic route in coal mining and associated infrastructure has been approved.
100% FDI in contract manufacturing under automatic route has been allowed.
26% FDI allowed under government route for uploading and streaming of News and Current Affairs through Digital Media.
on FDI in single-brand retailing, the Cabinet has expanded 30% domestic sourcing norm and allowed single-brand retailers to start on-line sales
63 - Cabinet approved Sugar export policy
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved for providing a lump sum export subsidy @ Rs. 10,448 per Metric Tonne (MT) to sugar mills for the sugar season 2019-20. The total estimated expenditure is about Rs. 6,268 crore.
The export subsidy will be provided for export of up to 60 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) of sugar limited to Maximum Admissible Export Quantity (MAEQ) allocated to sugar mills for the sugar season 2019-20.
64 - Cabinet approved 75 new Medical Colleges
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved for establishment of 75 additional Government Medical Colleges by 2021-22. The Cabinet also sanctioned an expenditure of Rs. 24,375 crore during the 15lh Finance Commission period i.e. up to 2021-22.
The new proposed medical colleges would lead to addition of at least 15,700 MBBS seats in the country. New medical colleges would be set up in under-served areas having no medical college; with at least 200 bedded District Hospital.
65 - Indian Navy signed MoU with IMD
The Indian Navy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the handing over of Cyclone Detection Radar (CDR) building. The MoU will enable the IN to utilise the CDR building within naval premises at Kochi for meteorological purposes.
The CDR building had been lying vacant and unused after IMD commenced operating a new Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at Mundamveli, Kochi. The CDR building was operated by IMD from 1987-2017.
66 - “Janaushadhi Sugam” launched for locating outlets and searching Generic medicines
Union Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda launched a mobile application “Janaushadhi Sugam” It will enable people to search Janaushadhi generic medicines and the stores at the tip of their fingers. He also announced that “Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-Biodegradable Sanitary Napkin” will now be available at only One Rupee per pad.
Jan Aushadhi Suvidha comes with a special additive, which makes pads biodegradable when it comes in contact with oxygen after being discarded. “Janaushadhi Sugam” mobile application would have user-friendly options such as locating nearby Janaushadhikendra, analyzing product comparison of Generic vs. Branded medicine, etc.
67 - India pledges to restore 50 lakh hectares of degraded land by 2030
India pledged at the Curtain Raiser Press Conference in New Delhi, to restore 50 lakh hectares of degraded land by 2030. Curtain Raiser Press Conference was about 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to be hosted by India in September.
India will convert degraded land of nearly 50 lakh hectares to fertile land in next 10 years; it will implement provisions of New Delhi Declaration which is to be adopted at the end of conference and a Centre for Excellence will be established at Dehradun.
68 - IIP sets up plant to turn plastic waste into diesel
Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated a plant to convert waste plastic into diesel in Dehradun. The plant has been set up in Indian Institute of Petroleum whose scientists will process waste plastics into fuel. It has the capacity to produce 800-litre diesel from one tonne of plastic.
Earlier to this, institute has also developed plant producing biofuel for aircraft. This innovative research of such plant will reduce India’s dependence on other countries for petroleum products.
69 - Union HRD Minister launched Integrated Online junction for School Education ‘Shagun’
Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal launched one of world’s largest Integrated Online Junction for – School Education ‘Shagun’ in New Delhi. School Education Shagun (URL: http://shagun.govt.in/ is a junction for all online portals and websites relating to various activities of the Department of School Education.
The websites of 1200 KendriyaVidyalayas, 600 NavodayaVidyalayas, 18000 other CBSE affiliated schools, 30 SCERTs, 19000 organisations affiliated with NTCE are integrated with Shagun. The website also provides vital information relating to availability of nearby schools, navigable distance and report cards of 15 lakh schools.
70 - India launched world’s first ever Facial Bio-Metric Data Based Seafarer Identity Document
India became the first country in the world to issue Biometric Seafarer Identity Document (BSID), capturing the facial bio-metric data of seafarers. The new facial biometric technology is a marked improvement over the two finger or iris based bio-metric data, with modern security features. It will make the identification of the SID holder more reliable and efficient, while protecting their dignity and privacy.
The BSID introduces modern security features. It will have a biometric chip embedded in it. The total number of Indian seafarers who were employed on Indian or foreign flag vessels increased from 154349 in 2017 to 208799 in 2019.
71 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Fit India Movement
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Fit India Movement at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on the occasion of National Sports Day. Prime Minister urged the people to be less dependent on technology and perform various activities such as cycling, playing sports, swimming, etc., to remain fit physically and mentally.
Various dance performances and martial art forms were presented at the event highlighting the importance of physical activity resulting into fitness. A 28-member committee under the chairmanship of sports minister Kiren Rijiju has been formed to advise the government on the Fit India Movement.
72 - Centre released Rs. 47,436 crores for afforestation to various states
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar handed over Rs. 47,436 crores of CAMPA funds to various states towards forestry activities to achieve the objectives of the Nationally-Determined Contributions (NDCs) of increasing its forest & tree cover. CAMPA is Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority Act.
The fund will be utilised for the Compensatory Afforestation, Catchment Area Treatment, Wildlife Management, Assisted Natural Regeneration, Forest Fire Prevention, Soil and Moisture Conservation Works, Improvement of Wildlife Habitat, Management of Biological Diversity, Research in Forestry and Monitoring of CAMPA works.
73 - Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan launched National Lab Directory
Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan launched the National Lab Directory which is a one-stop-shop for all testing needs of the industries, academia, researchers and other stakeholders who need to get their Testing Facilities accredited / certified / recognised. 4500 labs have now been linked through this directory, which will provide one stop shop for testing where products can also be seen.
The National Lab Directory presently encompasses NABL accredited, BIS Recognised/Empanelled Labs, Hallmarking Labs. The Testing Facilities are being completely digitised so as to make these objective & free from the existing Doc & PDF files.
74 - Government signed MoU to tackle TB through Artificial Intelligence
The Central TB Division of the Union Health Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Mumbai to explore the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fight of the government against tuberculosis (TB) in India.
As part of the collaboration, Wadhwani AI would be supporting National TB programme become AI-ready which would include, developing, piloting, and deploying AI-based solutions. It would support the programme in vulnerability and hot-spot mapping, modelling novel methods of screening and diagnostics.
