Current Affairs September 2019 - National
1 - ECI launched one-stop solution to verify and authenticate voter details
The Election Commission of India launched Electors Verification Programme with the aim of strengthening electoral roll in the country. The main aim of the programme is to improve the health of Electoral rolls and to provide better electoral services to citizens and increase the level of Communication between voters and the Commission.
The program has been launched at all Levels starting from the State/UT Headquarters by 32 CEOs, District level by about 700 DEOs and at around 1 million Polling Stations by BLOs/EROs and will continue from September 1, 2019 to October 15, 2019.
2 - CGHS services to be made available in 100 cities by 2022
Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan launched a new scheme of Annual Health Check-up for CGHS beneficiaries who are pensioners of the age of 75 years and above. He also inaugurated state-of-the-art CGHS Bhawan in New Delhi. The government has plans to make the CGHS services available in 100 cities by 2022.
The CGHS services which started in 1954 from Delhi has been expanded to 71 cities from only 25 cities in the last five years. Also, under the Ayushman Bharat, 150000 Health and Wellness Centres are planned to come up by 2022.
3 - KVIC launched 'Terracotta Grinder' to reuse broken, wasted pottery
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched first-ever 'Terracotta Grinder' at Sewapuri in Varanasi. This machine can be used to grind wasted and broken pottery items for re-use in pottery-making.
The Terracotta grinder was designed by the KVIC Chairman and fabricated by a Rajkot-based engineering unit. It will make grinding of wasted pottery items faster than the traditional mortar and pestle. It will lessen the cost of production, and will also help in solving the problem of shortage of clays.
4 - DG Shipping completed 70 years of Powering the Shipping Industry in the Country
The Directorate General of Shipping celerated its 70th Foundation Day on 3rd September, 2019. The Directorate has made significant contributions since its inception in 1949.
The Directorate has taken several initiatives in the past which include revamping of old Acts, easing of norms for Coastal Shipping, quality training and employment of seafarers and complete revamp of e-Governance modules. The Ship registration in India has gone up by around 200 in the last 4 years. The seafarers' employment number touched a figure of 2,08,000.
5 - MeitY and Google tie up to "Build for Digital India"
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Google signed a statement of intent (SoI) to roll-out 'Build for Digital India' programme. It will provide engineering students a platform to develop market-ready, technology-based solutions that address key social problems.
Build for Digital India programme will invite ideas from students to focus on areas of healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities and infrastructure, women’s safety, smart mobility and transportation, environment, accessibility and disability, and digital literacy.
6 - 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.
7 - Union HRD Minister inaugurated TechEx at IIT Delhi
Union Human Resource Development Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated the TechEx - 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.
8 - PM launched National Animal Disease Control Programme for Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched National Animal Disease Control Programme for Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis in Mathura. He also launched National Artificial Insemination Programme.
National Animal Disease Control Programme for Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis is a 100% centrally funded programme, with a total outlay of Rs.12,652 crore from 2019 to 2024. It aims to control Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis by 2025 with vaccination and eventual eradication by 2030.
9 - NCSM organised exhibition: ‘Superbugs: The End of Antibiotics?’
National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) in collaboration with Science Museum, Group, London, Wellcome (UK) organised exhibition ‘Superbugs: The End of Antibiotics?’. It was organised at National Science Centre, New Delhi. The exhibition is supported by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and British Council, India.
Bacteria, tiny organisms capable of causing disease are becoming resistant to our most powerful weapon against them, antibiotics and turning into Superbugs. Today antibiotic-resistant 'Superbugs' kill up to 7,00,000 people a year. By 2050 that could rise to 10 million.
10 - Ujjwala Yojana achieved target of 8 crore LPG connections 7 months ahead of target date
The government achieved the target of giving 8 crore free cooking gas (LPG) connections nearly seven months ahead of schedule. Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the 8-croreth connection at an event organised in Sendra, Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched on May 1, 2016, with a target to give 5 crore connections by March 2019 and later raised to 8 crore connections by March 2020. The States of UP (1.46 crore), West Bengal (88 lakh), Bihar (85 lakh), MP (71 lakh) and Rajasthan (63 lakh) have topped the list with highest number of beneficiaries under the PMUY.
11 - HRD Ministry awarded IoE tag to IIT-Madras, Kharagpur, DU, BHU and Hyderabad University
The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has awarded Institute of Eminence (IoE) tag to five institutes, which are Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), University of Hyderabad, IIT-Madras and IIT-Kharagpur.
Accoridng to the scheme, Rs. 1000 cr. grant will be given to public institutions. Institutions of Eminence scheme has been launched in order to implement commitment of Union Government to empower Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and to help them become world class teaching and research institutions.
12 - Rs 125 crore allotted to IIT Kharagpur for Centre's SATHI initiative
The union government has nominated IIT Kharagpur to set up a Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institute (SATHI) with a budget of Rs 125 crore over a period of three years. It is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology.
SATHI will be developed as a state of the art shared, professionally managed Science and Technology infrastructure facility. The primary objective of the centre is to extend help to the neighbouring academic Institutes, research establishments and the industries. IIT Delhi has also been chosen for the DST initiative.
13 - Delhi's IGI Airport gets India's Tallest ATC Tower
Delhi Airport (DEL) gets India's tallest ATC tower with tower height of 102 meters to not only enable air traffic controllers and better visibility of all the three runways but also to enhance safety and efficiency of air transport management services. India’s tallest Air Traffic Control tower was inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri at IGI Airport.
The tower consists of additional control positions and control room set-up in the Aerodrome Control Tower, Area & Approach Control Services Building and the Administrative Block, build at the cost of ₹250 crores.
14 - Government sets up a task force for drawing up National Infra Pipeline of Rs 100 lakh cr
The government has constituted a task force for drawing up National Infrastructure Pipeline of Rs 100 lakh crore from the fiscal year 2019-20 to 2024-25. The Task Force will be headed by Economic Affairs Secretary. It has been set up to make the country 5 trillion dollar economy by 2024-25.
The task force will identify technically feasible and financially/ economically viable infrastructure projects that can be initiated in 2019-20. It will list the projects that can be included in the pipeline for each of the remaining five years between fiscals 2021-25.
15 - PM Modi inaugurated first metro coach manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers in Mumbai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first metro coach manufactured by the state-run Bharat Earth Movers in flat 75 days. Over 500 of these coaches will be used for Mumbai Metro’s soon to be completed corridors. He also inaugurated the Bandongri metro station on the Andheri-Dahisar Metro-7.
Mr Modi also laid the foundation stones for three Metro corridors worth over Rs 19,000 crore - Gaimukh-Shivaji Chowk; Wadala-CST and Kalyan-Taloja. He also performed Bhoomi poojan of the 32-storey Metro Bhavan, which will serve as the integrated operations and control centre for all the proposed 14 metro lines of Mumbai.
16 - Project 'Bal Basera' deployed at AIIMS Rishikesh
A Crèche (Bal Basera) has been deployed at AIIMS Rishikesh. The project, executed by CPWD, will work for the welfare of Children of Construction Workers deployed at the site. Bal Basera shall accommodate about 35 Children and shall be run by the CPWD Officers’ Wives Association.
CPWD has signed a MoU with CPWD Officers’ Wives Association for organising heath camps and managing crèches at construction sites in a formal and organised manner on large scale and on pan India basis so that workers and their children could lead a healthy and productive life.
17 - Kargil to Kohima ultra-marathon to mark 20 years of 'Vijay Diwas': IAF
The Indian Air Force organised an ultra-marathon spanning over 4,500 km from Kargil to Kohima in order to commemorate 20 years of 'Vijay Diwas'. The marathon commenced on September 21 and will culminate on November 6.
The run -- Kargil to Kohima (K2K): Glory Run -- will be from Kargil War Memorial at Dras in Jammu and Kashmir, and Kohima War Cemetery in Nagaland. Kohima and Kargil are the two forward most outposts of India in the east and the north where two of the fiercest battles of modern India were fought in 1944 and 1999, respectively.
18 - Center to spend Rs 3.5 lakh cr on Jal Jeevan Mission
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced spending 3.5 lakh crore rupees in the next five years on 'Jal Jeevan Mission' to deliver potable water at every household across the country while addressing the state-level Mahila Saksham Melava or Empowered Women's Meet of Self Help Groups (SHG) organised by Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission.
Jal Jeevan Mission has been launched to free women from the trouble of having to toil hard to fetch water. Marathwada Water Grid initiated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to make the region drought-free was lauded at event.
19 - PM addressed the High Level Segment of the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14)
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi addressed the High Level Segment of the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The Conference is being held at a time when India has assumed the COP Presidency from China for two years.
Around 30 decisions with actions that aim to strengthen land-use policies worldwide were announced. PM Modi announced to set up a centre for excellence at the Indian Council for Forest Research and Education to develop a scientific approach and facilitate induction of technology to land degradation issues.
20 - National Conference on Crop Residue Management organized
Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare inaugurated the National Conference on Crop Residue Management to address concerns of farmers and State Governments for the farmers from the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh & Delhi. More than 1000 farmers attended the conference from the 4 states.
The Minister launched a multilingual Mobile App “CHC Farm Machinery” for the farmers to avail the custom hiring services of CHCs. Around 20 farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were honoured for their valuable contribution in management of crop residue.
21 - DPIIT launched plastic waste management campaign for Swachhta Hi Sewa 2019
Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade launched plastic waste management campaign based on theme of ‘Swachhta hi Sewa’, beginning from 11th September, 2019. DPIIT will ensure recycling of plastic waste collected in cement kilns and collect plastic waste through nationwide shramdaan on 2nd October 2019.
DPIIT has requested State Governments to sensitize Industrial Parks by focusing on Plastic Waste Management on a sustained and continuous basis for collection of plastic waste across all Industrial Estates, Parks, Corridors, Nodes and Industrial Areas.
22 - Prime Minister launched National Animal Disease Control Programme and National Artificial Insemination Programme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NACDP) to control and eradicate the Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis amongst the livestock in the country, at Mathura. The 12,652 Crore fully Central Government sponsored programme will vaccinate over 600 million cattle in the country in an effort to mitigate the two diseases.
He also launched the National Artificial Insemination Programme and a country wide workshop in all the KrishiVIgyanKendras(KVKs) in all the 687 Districts of the country on vaccination and disease management, Artificial Insemination and Productivity.
23 - Union HRD Minister launched several initiatives of MIC and AICTE
Union Human Resource Development Minister, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ organized the first Annual Innovation Festival in coordination with AICTE. During this festival, Innovation cell showcased more than 70 top students’ innovations from across India.
Union Minister also launched the Smart India Hackathon 2020, Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) 2020, and Institution’s Innovation Council 2.0. The event also witnessed the release of the Start-Up Policy Document and SIH Report, launch of Technical Teacher’s Training Module, ATAL Academies, Protsahan Mudra Scheme and Vishwakarma Award.
24 - Niti Aayog roped in McKinsey & Company for first digital capability centre
Niti Aayog has partnered with McKinsey & Company to set up India’s first digital capability centre (DCC). It will include advanced technologies and offer a testbed for the upcoming technological innovations to reform the country’s manufacturing sector to provide a boost to the country’s manufacturing sector.
McKinsey supports five such digital capability centres across the globe – Aachen, Chicago, Singapore, Venice, and Beijing. DCC is a unique digital manufacturing learning centre offering company leaders and their workforces hands-on experience and workshops in next generation technology.
25 - Visakhapatnam railway station sets up ‘fun zone’ for kids
Indian Railways has set up a fun zone at the Visakhapatnam railway station with an aim to cut down the monotony of prolonged waiting periods on railway stations and to make it an enjoyable experience. The gaming zone has various sets of interesting games to enthral children as well as adults.
The fun zone will have all the high-tech gaming activities at par with game parlours. The fun zone has games ranging from video shooting to other indoor games. The fun zone is the first of its kind in the country.
26 - Union Government announced plans to set up National Genomic Grid (Cancer)
The Union Government has plans to set up a National Genomic Grid, which will study genomic data of cancer patients from India. The grid will collect samples from cancer patients to study genomic factors influencing cancer and identifying the right treatment modalities for the Indian population.
The grid to be formed will be in line with the National Cancer Tissue Biobank (NCTB) set up at the Indian Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. NCTB, which has the capacity to stock 50,000 genomic samples from cancer patients, already has samples from 3,000 patients.
27 - Union HRD Minister launched CBSE's portal 'Vidyadhan' on Diksha App
Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ' Nishank'launched CBSE's portal 'Vidyadhan' on Diksha App, a Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing's (National Forum for Teachers) and released CBSE's annual activity calendar.
Apart from this, Minister released 10 CBSE Manuals on various subjects like art integration, experiential learning, enjoyable teaching and learning of maths, new initiatives, school quality assessment and assurance, 10 + 2 post-academic courses, artificial intelligence, hubs of learning and eco-club and water conservation.
28 - Prime Minister launched Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana at Ranchi, Jharkhand. The Scheme shall secure the lives of 5 Crore Small and Marginal Farmers by providing a minimum pension of Rs 3000 per month, to those who attain 60 years of age.
Prime Minister also launched the National Pension Scheme for the traders and self-employed. The scheme aims at providing a minimum assured pension of Rs 3000, to small traders and self-employed after attaining the age of 60 Years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also inaugurated the Multi-Modal Transport Terminal at Sahibganj.
29 - Centre removed 312 Sikh foreign nationals from Adverse List
Government has reviewed the Adverse List containing 314 foreign nationals belonging to Sikh community and brought it down to just two. Now, these Sikh foreign nationals can visit India.
During 1980s, many Sikh Indian nationals and foreign nationals belonging to Sikh community fled India and took asylum outside India. They were placed in the adverse list till 2016, making them ineligible to avail visa services to visit India. All Indian Missions abroad have been advised to grant an appropriate visa to all categories of asylees whose names do not figure in the Central Adverse List.
30 - President Kovind addresses Indian community in Berne, Switzerland
President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the Indian community and friends of India in Berne at Switzerland, as part of his three nation tour to enhance political, cultural and trade ties.
President emphasized that India is making new strides in the fields of startups and smart solutions, hosting the third largest start up network in the world with over 21,000 enterprises working on subject as varied as robotics and vitiligo and on India’s lead on International Solar Alliance to promote solar energy worldwide.
31 - BPR&D organized 2-day National Conference on ‘Criminal Activities and Radicalization in Jails
The Bureau of Police Research and Development organized a two-day National Conference on ‘Criminal Activities and Radicalization in Jails: Vulnerability of Inmates and Jail Staff and their Protection’. During conference, various challenges in the field of correctional services and the need for a conscious policy to improve prison systems and associated human resources were discussed.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, G. Kishan Reddy announced ‘Modernization of Prisons’ – a Central Government scheme with an outlay of 1800 crore rupees that aims to create 199 new jails, 1572 additional barracks and 8568 prison staff quarters.
32 - Ravi Shankar Prasad launched Maritime Communication Services in India
Union Minister for Communications Ravi Shankar Prasad has launched the maritime communication services at Mumbai. Maritime Connectivity will enable high-end support to those in sea by providing access to Voice, Data and Video services while traveling on sailing vessels, cruise liners, ships in India, using satellite technology. Nelco, India's leading VSAT solutions provider is the first Indian company that will now provide quality broadband services to the maritime sector.
Government of India announced the licenses for In-flight and Maritime Communications (IFMC) that allows voice and internet services while flying over the Indian skies and sailing in Indian waters.
33 - Union Minister for Communications launched web portal for reporting of stolen mobiles
Union Minister for Communications, Shri Prasad launched a web portal for reporting of stolen mobiles and tracing purposes. International Mobile Equipment Identity is supposed to be a unique identity of a mobile phone device. IMEI number being programmable, some miscreants do reprogram the IMEI number, which results in cloning of IMEI causing multiple phone devices with same IMEI number. Thus, there is a need to eliminate duplicate/fake IMEI mobile phones from the network.
Accordingly, a project called Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system has been undertaken by the DoT for addressing security and theft.
34 - Indian Railways signed MoU with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII)
Indian Railways signed MoU with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) for facilitation of green initiatives in Indian Railways. Three Coffee Table Publications – one each on Energy Efficiency, GreenCo Rating and Green Buildings were also released.
The objectives of the MoU
Energy efficiency in manufacturing facilities and railway workshops.
Greening of Railway properties.
Demonstrative pilots of ‘net-zero energy buildings/ railway stations’.
Capacity and skill development by sharing of best practices on energy and environment
Development of Green procurement policy, waste management policy, solid waste disposal, carbon neutrality, phytoremediation.
35 - Union Minister for Tribal Affairs launched Tribal Movement at ‘COP 14 UNCCD
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda launched the biggest tribal movement to promote tribal enterprise through Bamboonomics for combating desertification and the climate change at “The Indian Perspective through Bamboonomics” session at ‘COP 14 UNCCD: TRIFED-GIZ’ organized at Greater Noida Expo.
TRIFED introduced the “The 4P1000 Initiative: The Tribal Perspective through Bamboonomics” during the global meet (COP 14 of UNCCD) in New Delhi. TRIFED will involve the tribal community of India for rehabilitating the degraded land. Bamboonomics has been designed in such a way that while doing the environmental services, the tribals will be earning.
36 - Center launched 'Seva Saptah' to mark birthday of PM Modi
BJP President and Home Minister Amit Shah launched a week-long programme 'Seva Saptah' to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the week-long programme, BJP leaders and workers will organize blood donation and health camps and also visit hospitals and orphanages to provide help and relief.
Three pledges will also be administrated among the people related to Swachata Abhiyan, save water and shunning single-use plastic. Exhibitions on Prime Minister Modi’s life journey and service works will also be organized.
37 - Centre to set up 12,500 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres across the country
Union Government has set a target of setting up 12500 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres across the country. Out of which 4000 will be set up during 2019. The government is taking special interest towards health care of the people through AYUSH systems of medicine.
Unani Medical Centre and Siddha Clinical Research Unit will provide holistic health care to patients visiting Safdarjung Hospital from different parts of the country. Ministry of Ayush will cater to 1.5 Lakh Health and Wellness Centres across the country as part of Ayushman Bharat.
38 - Government notified e-assessment process for income-tax payers
The Centre notified the ambitious e-assessment scheme for income-tax payers. The scheme envisages the creation of a National E-Assessment Centre. The centre will serve notices to the assessees specifying the issues for selection of their case for assessment and after a response is received from them within 15 days, the centre will allocate the case to an assessing officer using an automated system.
A person will not be required to appear either personally or through authorized representative in connection with any proceedings under this scheme before the income-tax authority.
39 - India, Slovenia sign seven agreements and MoUs in various fields
India and Slovenia signed seven agreements and MoUs in diverse fields in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind and his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor.
Programme of Scientific and Technological Cooperation
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Sport
Programme of Cooperation in the fields of Culture, Arts, Education, Sports and Mass Media
Programme of Cooperation between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST) on Technical Cooperation in the field of Standardization
MoU between Invest India and SPIRIT Slovenia
MoU between IIT Kanpur (for cGanga / India) and VGB (Slovenia)
MoU between IIT Kanpur (for cGanga / India) and Space-SI (Slovenia)
Cooperation Agreement between Chamber Of Commerce And Industry Of Slovenia (CCIS) and the Associated Chambers Of Commerce And Industry Of India (ASSOCHAM)
40 - Doordarshan completed 60 years of existence
Doordarshan completed its 60 years of existence. The public broadcaster started its journey in 1959 from Delhi. Over 90% of Indian population receives DD programmes.
Over the years, Doordarshan has grown into a network operating 34 satellite channels, besides providing free-to-air DTH service having 104 in its bookings. Doordarshan has served people as a major source of information, education and entertainment since years.
41 - Renovated Jayakar Bungalow in NFAI Pune inaugurated
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar inaugurated the renovated Jayakar Bungalow, a classic heritage site situated inside the premises of National Film Archives of India in Pune.
The bungalow, situated inside the campus of NFAI, comprises digital library, three film review rooms, and some antique articles of value. The bungalow has been renovated with an outlay of Rs 3 crore. The grade I heritage structure, which was built in 1945, has a distinct Tudor style of architecture.
42 - Railways announced slew of Freight incentives to give boost to economy
Indian Railways announced certain Freight incentives to give a boost to the economy. The busy season surcharge of 15% on freight, which is levied between 1st of October to 30th June was deferred. The 5% Supplementary charges applicable on loading on mini and two-point rakes has also been waived off. This is likely to boost loading of smaller cargo sizes and help cement, steel, food grains and fertilizers loading.
A discount of 25% in haulage charge of containers was given to encourage the movement of empty and flat to ports thereby increasing loaded container traffic in return.
43 - Unique Travelling Exhibition flagged off by I & B Minister
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar flagged off the ‘Jaldoot’ a travelling exhibition arranged by Regional Outreach Bureau, Pune under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Jaldoot will visit 8 districts of Maharashtra in next 2 months will also tell about the work done by the government in last 100 days. The exhibition highlights bold initiatives and decisive actions taken by the government.
Jaldoot is a part of JALSHAKTI ABHIYAN, a water conservation campaign focusing on 1592 stressed blocks in 256 districts across the country.
44 - Ministry of Coal signed allotment agreement with WBPDCL
The Central Government entered into an Allotment Agreement with the West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) regarding the Deocha Pachami Dewanganj-Harinsingha coal block. WBPDCL has been allocated the Deocha Pachami Dewanganj-Harinsingha coal block located in the State of West Bengal containing an area of 12.28 sq. km. with estimated reserves of 2102 Million tonnes for generation of power.
The project is slated to generate both direct and indirect employment in West Bengal considerably and also contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
45 - HRD Minister launched Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP) – 2019
Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP) - 2019 and Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT) – 2019 under Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT) in New Delhi.
LEAP programme can develop administrative capabilities and leadership for organizations through this programme. ARPIT is a major and unique initiative of online professional development of 1.5 million higher education faculty using the MOOCs platform SWAYAM.
46 - Centre to set up 12,500 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres
Union Government has set a target of setting up 12500 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres across the country. Out of which 4000 will be set up during 2019. Unani Medical Centre and Siddha Clinical Research Unit inaugurated at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, will provide holistic health care to patients visiting Safdarjung Hospital from different parts of the country.
Ministry of Ayush will cater to 1.5 Lakh Health and Wellness Centres across the country as part of Ayushman Bharat.
47 - 10 crore beneficiaries received e-cards for cashless treatment under Ayushman Bharat
According to Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, 22 thousand health and wellness centres have been made functional and 10 crore beneficiaries have received e-cards under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana provides cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiary at the point of service.
The scheme provides a health assurance cover of 5 lakh rupees per family per year for secondary and tertiary care for serious and catastrophic illnesses.
48 - India joined global antimicrobial resistance research hub
India has joined the Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research and Development (R & D) hub as a new member. The hub is aimed at helping countries decide the allocation of resources for research and development (R&D) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The hub will also promote coordination among governments in the fight against AMR. AMR is the ability of a microbe to resist the effects of medication that once could successfully treat the microbe.
49 - National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development inaugurated
Union Minister of Science & Technology Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru. NCCCR&D is a national consortium on clean coal research and development.
The major problem Indian power plants are facing is a high level of pollutants and low thermal efficiency. Target beneficiaries of NCCCR&D include organisations such as NTPC, GAIL, BHEL, TATA power etc. NCCCR&D would play an important role in fulfilling “nationally determined contributions” like reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by 33% to 35% by 2030.
50 - Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research launched
Union Minister of Science & Technology Harsh Vardhan dedicated the Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research (ICER) equipped with modern facilities for conducting a wide spectrum of energy research through the knowledge network. ICER is a first of its kind in India which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
ICER will help realise the vision of affordable, efficient, compact and reliable clean energy systems. Research conducted here would be in line with various national missions to have more reach.
51 - International Speed Post to New Countries
The Department of Posts has announced commencing of International Speed Post (EMS) Service to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Ecuador, Kazakhstan, Lithuania and North Macedonia. The EMS service to these countries will henceforth be available at major Post offices across India.
EMS or Express Mail Service is a premium service that enables its users to send documents and merchandise faster and with the added facility of being able to track the movement of the item on the internet.
52 - Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched WAWE Summit 2019
Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched the Waste Management Accelerator for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs (WAWE Summit 2019) and 360-degree Feedback of Faculty. It will be held in November-December 2019. It will be jointly organized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Institute of Waste Management (IIWM) at Jaipur.
Theme: Make your own bag – empowering women to take up income generation activity and entrepreneurship in waste management through making a business out of this record creating concept.
53 - International Workshop for National Water Museum in New Delhi
The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India organized an International Workshop on 19th – 20th September 2019, at New Delhi. Ministry of Jal Shakti has taken an initiative to develop National Water Museum to increase awareness among people on conservation of the natural resource.
During the workshop, possible broad composition, content of the museum including highlighting importance of water and its current state in different regions of the country, possible solutions, traditional and modern water management practices and localised success stories were discussed.
54 - Skill India and IBM come together for nationwide Train-the-Trainer program in Artificial Intelligence
The Directorate General of Training (DGT) division of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, has signed an agreement with Global IT major IBM to carry out a nationwide Train-the-Trainer in Basic Artificial Intelligence Skills.
This program aims at enabling the trainers with basic approach, workflow and application of artificial intelligence that they can apply in their training modules. IBM aims at training 10,000 faculty members from ITIs across the country and the program will be executed over a period of one year with 14 trainers across 7 locations with over 200 workshops.
55 - Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot launched MIS Portal under Accessible India Campaign
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has developed a Management Information System (MIS) for stakeholders of Accessible India Campaign (AIC).
The MIS portal will bring all the nodal ministries, and States/UTs on a single platform for monitoring the progress being made against each target of AIC. It will also be useful in maintaining all the function on digital platform and capture data on a real-time basis. The portal is made fully accessible for Divyangjans.
56 - Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana crossed one crore beneficiaries
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) has achieved a significant milestone by crossing one crore beneficiaries and total amount disbursed to the beneficiaries under the scheme has crossed 4000 crore rupees. The PMMVY is a direct benefit transfer scheme under which cash benefits are provided to pregnant women in their bank account directly to meet enhanced nutritional needs and partially compensate for wage loss.
Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Rajasthan are the top five States and Union Territories in the country in implementation of the scheme.
57 - Jal Shakti Ministry mulls to develop National Water Museum
Jal Shakti Ministry has taken an initiative to develop National Water Museum to raise awareness among people on conservation of the natural resource. Ministry organized a two day International Workshop for establishing the proposed National Water Museum under the aegis of Jal Shakti Ministry.
During the workshop, possible broad composition, content of the museum including highlighting importance of water and its current state in different regions of the country, possible solutions, traditional and modern water management practices and localised success stories were discussed.
58 - DoNER Ministry approved more than 200 projects worth Rs 3,000 cr
DoNER Ministry approved more than 200 projects worth Rs 3,000 crores in the Entire North East including ASSAM. 110 projects worth Rs 1699 crore were sanctioned for the development of the North East states where 66 projects costing 820 crores have been completed.
Projects includes construction of double-lane road from Lanka to Umrangso costing 199.50 crore, Digboi town water supply scheme construction worth Rs 44.52 crores, the first Bamboo Industrial Park in Assam.
59 - Union Minister of Fisheries Shri Giriraj Singh released “Handbook on Fisheries Statistics – 2018
The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Giriraj Singh released the “Handbook on Fisheries Statistics - 2018” published by the Department of Fisheries of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. The Handbook on Fisheries Statistics - 2018 is the 13th edition which presents useful statistical information for various aspects of Fisheries sector. The last (12th edition of) Handbook was published in 2014.
The latest edition provides information on year wise fish production from 1990-91 to 2017-18, trend of fisheries exports, fisheries resources, fishing craft etc.
60 - Ministry of HRD announced National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT) Scheme
Ministry of Human Resource Development has announced a new PPP Scheme, National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT) for using technology for better learning outcomes in Higher Education. The objective is to use Artificial Intelligence to make learning more personalised and customised as per the requirements of the learner. This requires development of technologies in Adaptive Learning to address the diversity of learners.
MHRD would create and maintain a National NEAT platform that would provide one-stop access to these technological solutions. AICTE would be the implementing agency for NEAT programme.
61 - Government reconstituted Economic Advisory Council to the PM
The government has reconstituted the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister for a period of two years with effect from 26.09.2019. Dr Bibek Debroy will continue to be the Chairman and Ratan P. Watal will continue to be the Member Secretary of the reconstituted EAC-PM.
Apart from these two Full-Time Members, the EAC-PM will have two Part-Time Members. While Dr. Ashima Goel continues to be one of the Part-Time Members, Dr. Sajjid Chinoy has been made as another Part-time Member.
62 - Jitendra Singh launched CPGRAMS of Department of Posts in New Delhi
Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension Dr Jitendra Singh launched Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System, CPGRAMS of Department of Posts in New Delhi. The launch of the system has marked the successful implementation of the 100 days' agenda of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.
CPGRAMS is an on-line web-enabled system developed by NIC. The system primarily aims to enable submission of Grievances by citizens from anywhere and anytime.
63 - Fit India Plog Run to be organized in more than 1,500 locations on 2nd October
Fit India Plog Run will be organized in more than 1,500 locations across the country to mark 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2nd of October. It is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Fit India Movement.
Plogging as a concept brings together fitness and cleanliness as participants pick up plastic and other waste from road while jogging. Panchayats, Municipal Corporations, Institutions, Schools and Corporates are joining in to organize these runs.
64 - HM Amit Shah launched Private Security Agency Licensing Portal
Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Private Security Agency Licensing Portal at a function in New Delhi. The portal will become functional in all official languages like Hindi, Gujarati, Telugu and Tamil within three months.
The number of licensed agencies in the states will also be available on the portal so that people do not fall prey to the fraudulent private security agencies. It will also help the people cross check police verification of each and every security guard.
65 - Narendra Singh Tomar launched two agriculture-related Mobile Apps
Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched two agriculture-related Mobile Applications - CHC Farm Machinery and Krishi Kisan in New Delhi. The Custom Hiring Service Centers or CHC App will allow farmers to avail the custom hiring services of CHCs located in the radius of 50 Kilometers. Using this App, small level farmers can avail agriculture Machinery on rental basis to enhance their production. The App connects the farmers with Custom Hiring Service Centers in their area.
Krishi Kisan App will provide farmers information of best demonstration of high-yielding crops and seeds at nearby area. The App will also help in geo-tagging and geo-fencing of crop and give weather forecast message to farmers.
66 - First corporate run train from Lucknow to Delhi ‘Tejas Express’ to hit tracks on Oct 4
India's first corporate run train from Lucknow to Delhi, Tejas Express, is all ready to hit the tracks on 4th of October. The train will be run by IRCTC. It would be the fastest train between Lucknow and New Delhi with travel time of about six hours and fifteen minutes.
The train will work on flexi-fare system. It will run six days in a week with advance coaches which will have call bell and toilet indicator facilities and it will be the fastest train between Lucknow and Delhi.
67 - Dr Harsh Vardhan launched ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega’ Campaign
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, launched the new “TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign”, along with the National TB Prevalence Survey. The government has established patient forums in over 95% of all districts in the first 100 days. The Union Health Minister also flagged off a van for the National TB Prevalence Survey.
The Union Minister also announced a partnership with the World Bank which is providing a $400 million credit for accelerating TB response in 9 states through private sector engagement and other critical interventions.
68 - Government launched ‘UMMID’ initiative to tackle inherited genetic diseases of new born babies
Union Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, launched UMMID (Unique Methods of Management and treatment of Inherited Disorders) initiative and inaugurated NIDAN (National Inherited Diseases Administration) Kendras, which is being supported by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), M/o Science and Technology.
DBT has started the UMMID Initiative which is designed on the concept of ‘Prevention is better than Cure’. The UMMID initiative aims (i) to establish NIDAN Kendras to provide counselling, prenatal testing and diagnosis, management, and multidisciplinary care in Government Hospitals wherein the influx of patients is more, (ii) to produce skilled clinicians in Human Genetics, and (iii) to undertake screening of pregnant women and new born babies for inherited genetic diseases in hospitals at aspirational districts.
69 - National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) to be ready by January 2020
The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is expected to start functioning by January 2020. NATGRID is set up to track any terror suspect and prevent terrorist attacks with real time data. It is a robust intelligence gathering mechanism related to banking, immigration, individual tax payers, air and train travels.
In 1st phase, 10 user agencies and 21 service providers will be connected with NATGRID. It is being set up at a cost of Rs 3400 crore.
70 - India to host the second edition of joint international hackathon ‘Singapore India Hackathon 2019’
India held the second edition of joint hackathon with Singapore, the ‘Singapore India Hackathon 2019’ at IIT Madras on Sep 28 and 29, 2019. The aim of this joint international hackathon was to promote engagement and collaboration of student community in India with the rest of the world and to develop innovative and out- of -the- box solutions for some of the daunting problems faced by our societies.
Narendra Modi addressed the participants and gave away prizes to the winning teams of Singapore India Hackathon- 2019.
