...• In the wake of this contentious issue, several non-Hindi speaking states showed anger and...

CURRENTAFFAIR 2020

NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL HIMACHAL PRADESH

JOKTA ACADEMY

JOKTA ACADEMY, SCO 78-79, 2ND FLOOR, SECTOR 15D, CHANDIGARH, PH. 9779464475 1

Index

Sr. no. TopIcS page no.

1 polITy and governance 2-19

2 economIcS 20-27

3 IndIa and World 27-32

4 envIronmenT 32-36

5 ScIence and Technology 36-41

6 hImachal pradeSh currenT affaIrS 41-47

7 defenSe 47-51

8 SporTS 51-52

9 Book and auThorS 52-53

10 SummITS and conferenceS 53-55

11 rank and IndIceS 55-56

12 agreemenTS and mou 56-59

13 commITTeeS 59-60

14 appS & porTalS 60-61

15 appoInTmenTS 61-64

16 aWardS and honorS 64-66

17 dayS and ThemeS 66-68

18 oBITuary 69-70

19 STaTeS mIScellaneouS 71-75


Polity and Governance

One Nation, One Language

Why in News?

Home Minister Amit Shah recently asserted that the nationwide adoption of Hindi is the only way India can be united.

Background

• Constitution on the Hindi Language: Part XVII of the Indian Constitution deals with Official Language. Article 351 says that it is the duty of the Union to encourage the spread of the Hindi language so that it may serve as a medium of communication.

• Article 343(1): As per the article, the official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script. The form of numerals to be used for the official purposes of the Union shall be the international form of Indian numerals.

• Article 343 (2): The article mentioned that Hindi shall be the official language, but for a period of fifteen years from the commencement of this Constitution.

• Language Act: Hindi was voted as the official language by a single vote in the constituent assembly and it added, English would continue to be used as an associate official language for 15 years.

• In early 1959, Jawaharlal Nehru had given an assurance in Parliament that English would continue to be in use as long as non-Hindi speaking people wanted it.

• After that, the Official Languages Act came into effect on the expiry of this 15-year period in 1965 which aggravated anti-Hindi agitation

Recent Protests against Hindi Imposition:

• In the wake of this contentious issue, several non-Hindi speaking states showed anger and protests against the pitch of wordings by the Union Home Minister.

• Many of pro-Kannada organizations took to streets in Bengaluru and other places in Karnataka to protest union home minister’s proposal of ‘One Nation, One Language’.

• Apart from them, other non-Hindi speaking states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh also saw several leaders lead protests against the proposal made.

Need for a Common Language

• Influence of Foreign Language: As per the Indian Home Ministry, there is a need for common language as there is a huge influence of English on the citizens of India.

• Impact on Indian Linguistic Culture: Due to the influence of foreign language, some of the Indian languages have been losing their inherent culture of talking common tongue.

• Making Unique Identity: As per the statements, it is important to have a language of the whole country which should become the identity of India globally.

• Southern people’s perspective: • The people of southern India hold strongly to the idea that they are Dravidian language speakers. • Hindi belongs to the group of Indo-European languages and is no less foreign in their reckoning than English is to

them. • Giving a reason that Hindi is spoken by the largest number is no more than crass majoritarianism. • Uttar Pradesh is perceived as an area of backwardness with mob lynching erupting on the watch of a complicit

state. Pros and Cons of ‘One Nation one Language’ Pros

• Common Identity for India: As India is the country of different languages, one common languages would reflect the identity of India in the world.


• Unity among the people of India: Hindi is the most widely spoken language in India, the common Hindi language will unite people from different parts of the country.

• Glory in the multilingual nation: The people of this nation of different states are sometimes not able to communicate with each other, just because of the diversity in languages. Adopting a common national language helps them communicate with other linguistic groups.

• National Language: Indians can’t accept a foreign language as a national language. As Hindi has already been accepted as the Official language, imposition can provide its national status.

Cons

• Hindi Imperialism: Many of the critics believed that imposition of one common language for India as an imposition of Hindi imperialism for others Non-Hindi speaking

• Breaking the diversity & beauty of the Tongues: As India is a diverse country with many languages, the imposition of Hindi as a common language will break the beauty of diversity in languages.

Way Ahead:

For Hindi to be adopted by the people of southern India today they must hold a similar view of the society of their northern cousins. There may have been some of this during the national movement, as its pre-eminent leaders came from the north, there is little to commend the region to them today.

Threats to Mother Language • When languages fade, so does the world’s rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Opportunities, traditions, memory,

mode of thinking and expression are lost. • At least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered. UN says every two weeks a

language disappears. • Only a few hundred languages have a place in education systems and public domain. • Less than a hundred languages used in the digital world. • Rush to learn foreign languages for better job opportunities have played a deceptive role.

Importance of Mother Language

• It is Important in shaping feelings, emotions and thought processes. • It maintains the languages of an ethnic and cultural group that is critical to preserve cultural heritage and

identify. • Using one’s mother tongue at home makes it easier for children to be comfortable with cultural identity. • It develops fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity

based on understanding, tolerance, and dialogue.

Right to Internet Access

Why in News?

Recently, Citizens have witnessed a number of internet shutdown issues throughout the country whether it is Delhi, Mangalore, Assam, and Jammu. These bans are imposed under various provisions like 144 of CrPC and Section 5(2) of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 etc.

It’s imperative to understand the importance of the internet and are bans justified under the right to internet access?

Importance of internet:


• The Internet is certainly now not only the main source of information & communication and access to social media but it is much more than that.

• Today, the internet has entered into all the walks of life of a person for example: Thousands of delivery workers for Swiggy, Dunzo and Amazon and the cab drivers of Uber and Ola depend on

the Internet for their livelihoods and affect the people involved in India’s gig economy It is a mode of access to education for students who do courses and take exams online. Provides access to transport for millions of urban and rural people. A mode to access health care for those who avail of health services online.

• More than anything, it is a means for business and occupation for thousands of small and individual-owned enterprises that sell their products and services online, especially those staffed by women and home-based workers.

Right to Internet access, Should it be a Fundamental Right?

• By having the view of the above examples, access to the Internet is a right that is very similar to what the Supreme Court held with respect to the right to privacy in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy’s judgment.

• Internationally, the right to access to the Internet can be rooted in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. This right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

• The Human Rights Council of the United Nations Resolution dated July 2, 2018, on the promotion, protection, and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet, made important declarations.

• It noted with concern the various forms of undue restriction on freedom of opinion and expression online, including where countries have manipulated or suppressed online expression in violation of international law.

• The resolution affirmed that the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, in particular, freedom of expression, which is applicable regardless of frontiers and through any media of one’s choice and includes the Internet.

What are the underlying issues?

• Some of the internet shutdowns in India were imposed without any legal basis. • Internet shutdowns impact women, girls and marginalized communities more disproportionately than others.

Way Ahead:

The High Court of Kerala made a start to the domestic recognition of the right to Internet access with its judgment in Faheema Shirin R.K. v. State of Kerala & Others which can be replicated pan India.

Section 144? • Section 144 CrPC, a law retained from the colonial era, empowers a district magistrate, a sub-divisional

magistrate or any other executive magistrate specially empowered by the state government in this behalf to issue orders to prevent and address urgent cases of apprehended danger or nuisance.

• The magistrate has to pass a written order which may be directed against a particular individual, or to persons residing in a particular place or area, or to the public generally when frequenting or visiting a particular place or area.

• In emergency cases, the magistrate can pass these orders without prior notice to the individual against whom the order is directed.

Section 5(2) in The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 • “Section 5 (2) of the Indian Telegraph Act 1885 – read with rule 419 (A) of Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules

2007 obliges telecommunications service providers to maintain extreme secrecy in matters concerning lawful interception.

• Further, under Rule 25(4) of the IT (Procedure and Safeguards for Interception, Monitoring and Decryption of Information) Rules, 2009 (Interception Rules) and Rule 11 of the IT (Procedure and Safeguards for Monitoring and Collecting Traffic Data or Information) Rules, 2009 (the ‘Traffic Data Rules’), ‘strict confidentiality shall be


maintained’ in respect of directions for lawful interception, monitoring, decryption or collection of data traffic.

CENTRAL ADVERSE LIST

Why in News?

The Central Government has removed from its blacklist — or the Central Adverse List as it is officially known — names of 312 Sikh foreign nationals involved in anti-India activities and only two persons figure in the list now.

What is Central Adverse List?

• It is a list by Ministry of Home Affairs and has names of those individuals who are suspected to have links with terrorist outfits or have violated visa norms in their previous visit to India.

• The list also includes the names of those persons who have indulged in criminal activities or have been accused of sexual crimes against children in their respective countries. It has more than 35,000 names on it.

Purpose of Maintaining Such List:

• This list is constantly used by all Indian Missions and Consulates to stop the individuals named in it from entering India. This is done by not granting visa to such persons. It is a step taken by the Indian government to maintain internal security.

• The list is also used to keep serious offenders outside India as somebody may commit a crime in his native nation and then apply for an Indian visa to escape prosecution.

Maintenance of Adverse List:

• The list is maintained by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs with inputs from all the state governments. Various intelligence agencies constantly review this list and add new names to it. Central intelligence agencies as well as the state-level intelligence contributes to the information determining the inclusion of a person in this list.

• Since law and order is a state subject, the state police are also utilized for intelligence gathering in order to update the list.

Eat Right India Movement

Why in News?

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a flagship scheme of the Government for pregnant women and lactating mothers has achieved a significant milestone by crossing one crore beneficiaries.

About PMMVY:

• PMMVY is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) 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.

• Implementation of the scheme started with effect from 01.01.2017. • Under the ‘Scheme’, Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM) receive a cash benefit of Rs. 5,000 in

three instalments on fulfilling the respective conditionality. • They include early registration of pregnancy, ante-natal check-up and registration of the birth of the child and

completion of first cycle of vaccination for the first living child of the family. • The eligible beneficiaries also receive cash incentive under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). Thus, on an average,


a woman gets Rs. 6,000. Performance by states:

• Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Rajasthan are the top five States/UT in the country in implementation of PMMVY.

• Odisha and Telangana are yet to start implementation of the scheme.

Eat Right India Movement

Why in News?

• Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the “Trans Fat Free” logo of Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

• This marked an important milestone in the movement against Trans-Fats and also provided a momentum to accelerate the ‘Eat Right India’ movement of FSSAI.

About the logo

• The food establishments which use trans-fat free oil and do not have industrial trans-fat more than 0.2g/100g of food, in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2018 can display “Trans-fat free” logo at their outlets and on their food products.

• The use of the said logo is voluntary. Why such move?

• Studies have recently shown that 60,000 deaths occur every year due to cardiovascular diseases, which in turn are caused due to high consumption of trans fats.

• Since the impact of trans fats on human health is increasing exponentially, it is very important to create awareness about them.

• India is committed to eliminating it from the food supply and is progressing towards its objective of trans fat elimination by 2022; a year ahead of the global target by WHO.

What are Trans Fats?

• Trans fats are the worst type of fats with known health risks. • Artificial Trans fats are created in an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make

them more solid. • Since they are easy to use, inexpensive to produce and last a long time, and give foods a desirable taste and

texture, they are still widely used despite their harmful effects being well-known. • Trans-fats are largely present in partially hydrogenated vegetable fats/oils, vanaspati, margarine and bakery

shortenings, and can be found in baked and fried foods. The Eat Right Movement

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has unveiled last year ‘The Eat Right Movement’, built on two broad pillars of ‘Eat Healthy’ and ‘Eat Safe’.

• The program aims to engage and enable citizens to improve their health and well-being by making the right food choices.

The aim of the movement

To cut down salt/sugar and oil consumption by 30% in three years.

About Green Purple Initiative


• FSSAI also launched the Green Purple initiative logo. • The initiative aims to qualify the chefs on food safety legal requirements and sustainable cooking methods, in

order to promote trans-fat free cooking. • It will be a six months program that includes key areas of trans-fat free cooking, using less sodium, and hygienic,

seasonal, eco-friendly, less energy consuming cooking methods. • The chefs shall thereafter ensure global standards of food safety and sustainable environment practices.

Sub-categorization of OBCs

Why in News?

A commission headed by Justice (Retd.) G Rohini has been examining sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBC) for almost three years now.

The issue of the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for reservations is also in the highlights after the Supreme Court (SC) has referred it to a larger Bench.

The Union Cabinet has approved an extension to the commission appointed to examine sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes.

The extension is for 6 months, valid till 31st January 2021.

About:

• The Commission requested for an extension till 31at July 2020 in order to have more time to submit its report since the repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of spelling or transcription etc. appearing in the existing Central List of OBCs need to be cleared.

• Due to the nationwide lockdown and restrictions on travel imposed on account of COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission was not able to go perform the task assigned to it.

About the commission:

• The Commission was constituted under Article 340 of the Constitution, headed by Justice (Retd.) Smt. G. Rohini in October, 2017.

• It was tasked to look into the uneven distribution of reservation benefits among different castes in the central OBC list and work out the mechanism and parameters for sub-categorization of OBCs, to identify castes, sub-castes and communities and classify them into sub-categories.

• The Commission has since interacted with all the States/UTs which have subcategorized OBCs, and the State Backward Classes Commissions.

• The expenditure related to the establishment and administration costs of the Commission is borne by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Need for sub-categorization:

• There are an inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes or communities in the central list of OBCs presently, half of these 1,900-odd castes have availed less than three per cent of reservation in jobs and education, and the rest availed zero benefits during the last five years.

• Five-year data on OBC quota implementation in central jobs and higher educational institutions showed that a very small section has cornered the lion’s share.

• The commission is tasked to sort out a mechanism, criteria, norms and parameters for sub-categorization within such OBCs and taking up the exercise of identifying castes, sub-castes and communities and classifying them into respective sub-categories.

Article 340 of the Constitution:

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• The President may by order appoint a Commission consisting of such persons as he thinks fit to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes within the territory of India and the difficulties under which they labour and to make recommendations as to the steps that should be taken by the Union or any State to remove such difficulties and to improve their condition and as to the grants that should be made for the purpose by the Union or any State and the conditions subject to which such grants should be made, and the order appointing such Commission shall define the procedure to be followed by the Commission.

• A Commission so appointed shall investigate the matters referred to them and present to the President a report setting out the facts as found by them and making such recommendations as they think proper.

• The President shall cause a copy of the report so presented together with a memorandum explaining the action taken thereon to be laid before each House of Parliament.

Reservation provisions in India for OBC:

• The Kalelkar Commission set up in 1953, for the first time identified the backward classes other than the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) at the national level.

• The Mandal Commission Report of 1980 estimated the OBC population at 52% and classified 1,257 communities as backward class .It recommended an increase in existing quotas from 22.5% to 49.5% which to include the OBCs.

• The 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018 provided constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), which was previously a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Question Hour and Zero Hour

Why in News?

Recently, the Central government has decided to suspend the Question Hour and curtail Zero Hour for Monsoon Session. This has been done in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the past too, the Question Hour has been suspended. However, they were suspended during national emergencies. The current suspension has been done during a regular session.

Question Hour, and its significance

• Question Hour is the liveliest hour in Parliament. It is during this one hour that MPs ask questions of ministers and hold them accountable for the functioning of their ministries.

• Prior to Independence, the first question asked of government was in 1893. It was on the burden cast on village shopkeepers who had to provide supplies to touring government officers.

• The questions that MPs ask are designed to elicit information and trigger suitable action by ministries. • Over the last 70 years, MPs have successfully used this parliamentary device to shine a light on government

functioning. • Their questions have exposed financial irregularities and brought data and information regarding government

functioning to the public domain. • With the broadcasting since 1991, Question Hour has become one of the most visible aspects of parliamentary

functioning. Zero Hour

• While Question Hour is strictly regulated, Zero Hour is an Indian innovation. The phrase does not find mention in the rules of procedure.

• The concept of Zero Hour started organically in the first decade of Indian Parliament when MPs felt the need for

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raising important constituency and national issues. • During the initial days, Parliament used to break for lunch at 1 pm. • Therefore, the opportunity for MPs to raise national issues without an advance notice became available at 12

pm and could last for an hour until the House adjourned for lunch. • This led to the hour being popularly referred to as Zero Hour and the issues being raised during this time as

Zero Hour submissions. • Its importance can be gauged from the support it receives from citizens, media, MPs and presiding officers

despite not being part of the rulebook. How is Question Hour regulated?

• Parliament has comprehensive rules for dealing with every aspect of Question Hour. • And the presiding officers of the two houses are the final authority with respect to the conduct of Question

Hour. • For example, usually, Question Hour is the first hour of a parliamentary sitting.

What kinds of questions are asked?

• Parliamentary rules provide guidelines on the kind of questions that can be asked by MPs. • Questions have to be limited to 150 words. They have to be precise and not too general. • The question should also be related to an area of responsibility of the GoI. • Questions should not seek information about matters that are secret or are under adjudication before courts. • It is the presiding officers of the two Houses who finally decide whether a question raised by an MP will be

admitted for answering by the government. How frequently is Question Hour held?

• The process of asking and answering questions starts with identifying the days on which Question Hour will be held.

• At the beginning of Parliament in 1952, Lok Sabha rules provided for Question Hour to be held every day. Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, had a provision for Question Hour for two days a week.

• A few months later, this was changed to four days a week. Then from 1964, Question Hour was taking place in Rajya Sabha on every day of the session.

• Now, Question Hour in both Houses is held on all days of the session. • But. There is no Question Hour on the day the President addresses MPs from both Houses in the Central Hall. • Question Hour is not scheduled either on the day the Finance Minister presents the Budget.

How does Parliament manage to get so many questions answered?

• To streamline the answering of questions raised by MPs, the ministries are put into five groups. Each group answers questions on the day allocated to it.

• For example, in the last session, on Thursday the Ministries of Civil Aviation, Labour, Housing, and Youth Affairs and Sports were answering questions posed by Lok Sabha MPs.

• MPs can specify whether they want an oral or written response to their questions. • They can put an asterisk against their question signifying that they want the minister to answer that question on

the floor. These are referred to as starred questions. • After the minister’s response, the MP who asked the question and other MPs can also ask a follow-up question. • This is the visible part of Question Hour, where you see MPs trying to corner ministers on the functioning of

their ministries on live television. How do ministers prepare their answers?

• Ministries receive the questions 15 days in advance so that they can prepare their ministers for Question Hour. • They also have to prepare for sharp follow-up questions they can expect to be asked in the House. • Governments’ officers are close at hand in a gallery so that they can pass notes or relevant documents to

support the minister in answering a question. • When MPs are trying to gather data and information about government functioning, they prefer the responses


to such queries in writing. • These questions are referred to as unstarred questions. The responses to these questions are placed on the

table of Parliament. Are the questions only for ministers?

• MPs usually ask questions to hold ministers accountable. But the rules also provide them with a mechanism for asking their colleagues a question.

• Such a question should be limited to the role of an MP relating to a Bill or a resolution being piloted by them or any other matter connected with the functioning of the House for which they are responsible.

• Should the presiding officer so allow, MPs can also ask a question to a minister at a notice period shorter than 15 days.

Is there a limit to the number of questions that can be asked?

• Rules on the number of questions that can be asked in a day have changed over the years. • In Lok Sabha, until the late 1960s, there was no limit on the number of unstarred questions that could be asked

in a day. • Now, Parliament rules limit the number of starred and unstarred questions an MP can ask in a day. • The total numbers of questions asked by MPs in the starred and unstarred categories are then put in a random

ballot. • From the ballot in Lok Sabha, 20 starred questions are picked for answering during Question Hour and 230 are

picked for written answers. • Last year, a record was set when on a single day, after a gap of 47 years, all 20 starred questions were answered

in Lok Sabha. Have there been previous sessions without Question Hour?

• Parliamentary records show that during the Chinese aggression in 1962, the Winter Session was advanced. • The sitting of the House started at 12 pm and there was no Question Hour held. Before the session, changes

were made limiting the number of questions. • Thereafter, following an agreement between the ruling and the Opposition parties, it was decided to suspend

Question Hour.

Green-Blue Policy

Why in news?

The Green-Blue policy is the focus of the Master Plan for Delhi 2041.

About Delhi’s master Plan 2041:

• The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is holding public consultations for the preparation of the Master Plan for Delhi 2041.

• It is a vision document for the city’s development over the next two decades. • The existing Master Plan 2021 will be outdated next year. • The agency wants to notify the new plan by the time that happens. • The draft policy’s focus on water bodies and the land around it, which is referred to as the “Green-Blue policy”,

would give the city a new shape. What is Green-Blue infrastructure?

• ‘Blue’ infrastructure refers to water bodies like rivers, canals, ponds, wetlands, floodplains, and water treatment facilities.


• ‘Green’ infrastructure stands for trees, lawns, hedgerows, parks, fields, and forests. • The concept refers to urban planning where water bodies and land are interdependent, and grow with the help

of each other. • They will offer environmental and social benefits.

How does DDA plan to go ahead with it?

• The DDA plans to deal with the multiplicity of agencies, which because of the special nature of the state, has plagued it for several years.

• It wants to map out the issues of jurisdiction, work being done by different agencies on drains, and the areas around them.

• Thereafter, a comprehensive policy will be drawn up, which would then act as the common direction for all agencies.

What is the plan for redevelopment?

• Delhi has around 50 big drains (blue) managed by different agencies. • Due to their poor condition and encroachment, the land around them (green) has also been affected. • The DDA, along with other agencies, will integrate them. • They will remove all sources of pollution by checking the outfall of untreated wastewater as well as removal of

existing pollutants. • A mix of mechanized and natural systems may be adopted. • Dumping of solid wastes in any of these sites will be strictly prohibited by local bodies, through the imposition of

penalties. What are the challenges?

• The biggest challenge here is the multiplicity of agencies. • DDA wants to bring together different agencies like Delhi Jal Board, Flood and Irrigation Department, and

municipal corporations as stakeholders in the project. • In a city where even water logging turns into a blame game between different agencies, this will be a tough task. • It will be tough, especially as the DDA has no supervisory power over these bodies. • Cleaning of water bodies and drains has been a challenge for agencies in Delhi for years now. • An IIT-Delhi report on 20 major sewer drains and 5 sites on the River Yamuna found abundant presence of

coliform and other pollutants. • Only rainwater is supposed to flow in these drains, but the study found sewage waste and even industrial waste

in some. • A similar attempt made by DDA earlier, where a special task force was created to check dumping of waste in

Yamuna, has not been successful.

Aircraft (Amendment) Bill 2020

Why in news?

Rajya Sabha has passed the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill 2020.

Key Highlights:

• The bill will amend the Aircraft Act of 1934. • It seeks to provide statutory status to the

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB).


It seeks to expand the role of the two regulators, DGCA and BCAS.

What will change when this Bill becomes law?

• The DGCA will be empowered to impose penalties for certain violations. • It will increase the maximum penalty limit to Rs 1 crore from the existing Rs 10 lakh. • It will allow the Ministry of Civil Aviation to review any order passed by the Director General of Civil Aviation and

the Director General of Civil Aviation Security. • The Ministry can direct them to rescind or modify such order.

Why are these amendments being made to the Aircraft Act?

• The Aircraft Act of 1934 was enacted to control the manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of aircraft.

• It secures the safety of aircraft operations in India. • It makes provisions for carrying out civil aviation operations as per standards, procedures and practices laid

down by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). • From time to time, the government has made amendments to the Act to meet the evolving global and Indian

aviation scenario. • The various changes that needed to be made necessitated amendments to the Aircraft Act.

What was the trigger for these changes now?

• India, as a signatory, is subjected to audits by ICAO and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). • The audits conducted by the ICAO in 2012 and 2015 indicated a need to amend the Aircraft Act,

To give proper recognition to the regulators under the Act, To enhance the maximum quantum of fines, To empower the departmental officers to impose financial penalties on individuals or organizations

involved in violations of the legal provisions and To include certain areas of air navigation services for rulemaking purposes under Section 5 of the Act.

These are the triggers for proposal to amend the Aircraft Act of 1934.

How are the audits conducted?

• ICAO - The ICAO regularly conducts safety and security audits of all countries which are signatory to the Chicago Convention.

• These audits are done to ensure these countries are carrying out their safety and security oversight functions. • These audits are conducted under its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme and the Universal Security

Audit Programme. • FAA - The FAA of the US also conducts safety audits of countries whose airlines operate to the US. • These audits are conducted under its International Aviation Safety Assessment Programme.

International Civil Aviation Organization The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a UN specialized agency, established by States in 1944 to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). Functions:

• ICAO works with the Convention’s 193 Member States and industry groups to reach consensus on international civil aviation Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and policies in support of a safe, efficient, secure, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible civil aviation sector.

• These SARPs and policies are used by ICAO Member States to ensure that their local civil aviation operations and regulations conform to global norms, which in turn permits more than 100,000 daily flights in aviation’s global network to operate safely and reliably in every region of the world.


• ICAO also coordinates assistance and capacity building for States in support of numerous aviation development objectives; produces global plans to coordinate multilateral strategic progress for safety and air navigation.

• Also monitors and reports on numerous air transport sector performance metrics; and audits States’ civil aviation oversight capabilities in the areas of safety and security.

Chicago convention: • Convention on International Civil Aviation (also known as Chicago Convention), was signed on 7 December

1944 by 52 States. • Pending ratification of the Convention by 26 States, the Provisional International Civil Aviation Organization

(PICAO) was established. • It functioned from 6 June 1945 until 4 April 1947. By 5 March 1947 the 26th ratification was received. ICAO

came into being on 4 April 1947. In October of the same year, ICAO became a specialized agency of the United Nations linked to Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

• The Convention establishes rules of airspace, aircraft registration and safety, and details the rights of the signatories in relation to air travel. The Convention also exempts air fuels in transit from (double) taxation.

Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020

Why in news?

The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 that seeks to amend the Essential Commodities (EC) Act, 1955, was passed by Rajya Sabha.

About EC Act, 1955:

• Section 3(1) of the Act gives the Government the powers to regulate the production, supply and distribution of essential commodities.

• The Centre can notify an item as ‘essential’ commodity. • By declaring a commodity as essential, the government can also impose a stock limit. • The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution implements the Act.

What is the Bill about?

• This Bill seeks to introduce a new Subsection (1A) in Section 3. • It aims to deregulate commodities such as cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onion and potatoes. • It takes these items out from the purview of Section 3(1). • The Bill states that such order for regulating stock limit shall not apply to processors and value chain participant

of any agricultural produce under a condition. • Such order shall not apply if the stock limit does not exceed the overall ceiling of installed capacity of processing,

or the demand for export. What will happen after the amendment?

• After the amendment, the supply of certain foodstuffs can be regulated only under extraordinary circumstances. • These circumstances include an extraordinary price rise, war, famine, and natural calamity of a severe nature.

How is an ‘essential commodity’ defined?

• There is no specific definition of essential commodities in the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. • Section 2(A) States that an “essential commodity” means a commodity specified in the Schedule of the Act. • As per the Act, the Centre, if it is satisfied, can add or remove an item as ‘essential’ commodity, in consultation


with state governments. • Currently, there are seven commodities in the Schedule. • The list of items under the Act includes drugs, fertilizers, pulses and edible oils, and petroleum and petroleum

products. Under what circumstances, stock limits can be imposed?

• The 1955 Act did not provide a clear framework to impose stock limits. • But, the amended Act provides for a price trigger. • It says that agricultural foodstuffs can only be regulated under extraordinary circumstances. • However, any action on imposing stock limits will be based on the price trigger. • Exemptions from stock limits will be provided to value chain participants of agricultural produce, and orders

relating to the Public Distribution System. • Price triggers will also minimize the earlier uncertainties associated with the imposition of orders under stock

limits. Why was the need for this felt?

• The 1955 Act was legislated when India was facing a scarcity of foodstuffs due to persistent low levels of food grains production.

• India was dependent on imports and assistance to feed the population. • To prevent hoarding and black marketing of foodstuffs, the EC Act was enacted in 1955. • But now the situation has changed. • The production of wheat, rice and pulses has increased 10 times, 4 times and 2.5 times respectively between

1955-56 and 2018-19. • In fact, India has become an exporter of several agricultural products.

What will be the impact of the amendments?

• The key changes seek to free agricultural markets from the limitations imposed by permits and mandis that were designed for an era of scarcity.

• The move is expected to attract private investment in the value chain of commodities removed from the list of essentials.

• The Act has become a hurdle for investment in the agriculture sector in general, and in post-harvesting activities in particular.

• The private sector had so far hesitated about investing in cold chains and storage facilities for perishable items. • This hesitation is due to the fact that most of these commodities were under the ambit of the EC Act, and could

attract sudden stock limits. • The amendment seeks to address such concerns.

Why is it being opposed?

• This was one of the three ordinances/Bills that have seen protests from farmers in parts of the country. • The Opposition says the amendment will hurt farmers and consumers, and will only benefit hoarders. • They say the price triggers envisioned in the Bill are unrealistic — so high that they will hardly ever be invoked.

CAG Report on Defense Offsets

Why in news?

The latest CAG report on the implementation of defense offsets has been released.

What does it reveal?

• It has brought into sharp focus the broader subject of developing India’s domestic industrial base. • It also raises concerns of some bureaucratic incapacity.


• This is in contrast with an unambiguous political vision of turning India into a strong and vibrant powerhouse via Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Is the report on defense offsets new?

• The 2020 CAG report on defense offsets is not the first one. • Previously, an earlier CAG report in 2011 outlined a number of similar problems with defense offset

management in India. • One should compare the two CAG reports, or with reported findings of the latest CBI charge sheets in the

Augusta case. • This comparison is needed to assess the number and range of mistakes made during offset contract

management. • This qualitative deterioration in defense offset guidelines around 2010-11 is probably more a case of

bureaucracies changing the rules to hide their own inadequacies during defense offset contract lifecycles. • The 2011 guidelines are in contrast to the original guidelines that were issued in 2005-06. • The guidelines of 2005-06 were based on recommendations of Vijay Kelkar committee on defense procurement

and manufacturing. What are Kelkar Committee’s recommendations?

• Kelkar Committee recommendations formed the very basis of India’s Defense Offset Guidelines. • Issued almost a decade-and-a-half ago, it contained some core guiding principles that seem to have been diluted

in 2011. • The original offset guidelines of 2005-06 allowed direct offsets relating to manufacturing of defense products

alone. • This is a principle that the defense bureaucracy could not stick to very long in the face of well-coordinated push

by foreign vendors. • A second core principle was grant of offset credit only for value-addition in India. • This was neglected for almost a decade in offset management before it was able to make some re-entry into the

Ministry of Defense’s procedures. • A third principle was to keep offset contract duration short enough so as to be able to see their visible impacts. • It also insisted on submitting properly crafted offset offers rather than signing of paper promises by foreign

vendors. What does the repetition mean?

The repetition of the same mistakes as highlighted by the CAG twice is,

Reflective of a general apathy to oversight, Demonstrates to some extent bureaucrats’ inability to grasp core policy principles that stakeholders draw

attention to inform proper policymaking in the first place. • The defense list is actually 24 items, but then 10 of these are rings of slightly different types. • Such a tiny list makes one wonder if it has been issued only for demonstrating an optical compliance with the

DPIIT’s mandate. What is needed?

• A reorientation of bureaucracies’ attitudes should be undertaken. • Bureaucrats should upskill technical policymaking skills, and get out of their comfort levels in remaining

conservative and risk-averse. • Navigating highly dynamic domestic and international developments requires a much more collaborative and

strategic approaches, and even much more domain specialization, than achieved so far.

National Recruitment Agency


Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister has decided to set up a National Recruitment Agency (NRA).

The proposed NRA will conduct a common preliminary examination for various recruitments in the central government.

The Agency was proposed in the Budget of 2020-21.

Why National Recruitment Agency (NRA)?

• On an average 2.5 crore to 3 crore aspirants appear for about 1.25 lakh vacancies in the central government every year and at present, the aspirants have to take different exams that are conducted by various agencies like SSC and IBPS for central government jobs.

• Candidates have to pay fees to multiple recruiting agencies and have to prepare for appearing in various exams.

• When the agency will be set up, it will conduct a common eligibility test (CET) and based on the CET score a candidate can apply for a vacancy with the respective agency.

• These multiple recruitment examinations are a burden on the candidates, as also on the respective recruitment agencies, involving avoidable/repetitive expenditure, law and order/security related issues and venue related problems.

• Women candidates, especially from rural areas, face constraints in appearing in multiple examinations as they have to arrange for transportation and places to stay in places that are far away but NRA will ease that constraint.

Salient features of NRA and CET:

Conduction of screening test-

• Initially, it will organize a CET to screen/shortlist candidates for the Group B and C (non -technical) posts, which are now being conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railways Recruitment Board (RRB) and Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) and later on, more exams may be brought under it.

• The agency will have representatives from SSC, IBPS and RRB and the test will be conducted for three levels: graduate, higher secondary (12th pass) and the matriculate (10th pass) candidates.

• The present recruitment agencies I .e.IBPS, RRB and SSC will remain in place. Based on the screening done at the CET score level, final selection for recruitment shall be made through separate specialized Tiers (II, III, etc.) of examination which shall be conducted by the respective recruitment agencies.

• The examinations will be in online mode and in a time-bound manner. The agency will release the schedule for the CET, which will be conducted twice every year.

Curriculum and Score-

• The curriculum for this test would be common as would be the standard. This would greatly ease the burden of candidates who are at present required to prepare for each of the examinations separately as per the different curriculum.

• The score of CET will be valid for three years. There shall be no restriction on the number of attempts to be taken by a candidate to appear in the CET subject to the upper age limit.

Registration and Centre-

• Candidates would have the facility of registering on a common portal and give a choice of centers. Based on availability, they would be allotted centers.

• The NRA will set up examination centers in every district of the country to help youths, especially women, from rural and far-flung areas of the country, as they won’t be required to travel to another place to take recruitment


tests. • A special focus will be on creating examination infrastructure in the 117 ‘Aspirational Districts’.

Language of examinations-

• The CET will be conducted in 12 languages that are in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Finance-

• Initially, the Union Cabinet has approved an amount of Rs 1517.57 crore for the NRA, for a period of 3 years. • The money will be used for setting up of NRA, and examination centers in ‘aspirational districts’.

About NRA :

• National Recruitment Agency will be a Society registered under the Societies Registration Act,1860. • It will be headed by a Chairman of the rank of the Secretary to the Government of India. It will have

representatives of the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Finance/Department of Financial Services, the SSC, RRB & IBPS.

• The NRA will be a specialist body bringing the state-of-the-art technology and best practices to the field of Central Government recruitment.

Advantages:

• It will remove the hassle of appearing in multiple examinations and a single examination fee would reduce the financial burden that multiple exams imposed.

• It will remove the hassle of conducting preliminary/screening tests of candidates which will drastically reduce the time of the recruitment cycle.

• It will bring standardization in the examination pattern and will reduce the cost for different recruiting agencies. Rs 600 crore savings expected.

New National Education Policy, 2020

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Government approved the New Education Policy of 2020.

It replaced a 34 years old National Policy on Education which was framed in 1986. The Cabinet has also approved the renaming of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to the

Ministry of Education. Aim of Policy:

• The aim of the policy is to create an education system that contributes directly to transforming the country, providing high-quality education to all, and making India a global knowledge superpower.

• It aims for an inclusive & equitable Education System by 2030 and to achieve 100 per cent youth and adult literacy in India.

• It aims to increase the public investment in the Education sector to reach 6% of GDP at the earliest. Background:

• A panel headed by former ISRO chief K. Kasturirangan submitted a draft in December 2018, which was made public and opened for feedback after the Lok Sabha election in May 2019.

• After thorough discussions and changes, the new policy was framed to revamp the education scenario in India.

Key Highlights of new National Education Policy 2020:


School Education:

Universal Access- The NEP 2020 has provisions to ensure universal access to school education at all levels- preschool to secondary.

The Policy includes include infrastructure support, innovative education centres to bring back dropouts into the mainstream, tracking of students and their learning levels, facilitating multiple pathways to learning involving both formal and non-formal education modes and association of counsellors or well-trained social workers with schools.

It provides for open learning for classes 3, 5 and 8 through NIOS and State Open Schools, secondary education programs equivalent to Grades 10 and 12, vocational courses, adult literacy and life-enrichment programs.

Early Childhood Care & Education- The 10+2 structure of school curriculum is to be replaced by a 5+3+3+4 curricular structure corresponding to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively.

This will bring the uncovered age group of 3-6 years under the school curriculum, which has been recognized globally.

The new system will have 12 years of schooling with three years of Anganwadi/pre-schooling. Attaining Foundational Literacy and Numeracy- The policy laid emphasis on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, no rigid separation between academic streams, extracurricular, vocational streams in schools. Vocational Education to start from Class 6 with Internships.

A National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy will be set up by the MHRD. A National Book Promotion Policy will also be formulated.

Reforms in School Curricula and Pedagogy- The school curricula and pedagogy will aim for the holistic development of learners by equipping them with the key 21st-century skills, reduction in curricular content to enhance essential learning and critical thinking and a greater focus on experiential learning.

Students will have increased flexibility and choice of subjects. And, Vocational education will start in schools from the 6th grade and will include internships.

A new and comprehensive National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE) 2021, will be devised by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) in consultation with National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

Multilingualism and the Power of Language- The NEP 2020 advocates for mother-tongue/local language/regional language as the medium of instruction at least till Grade 5.

Sanskrit to be offered at all levels of school and higher education as an option for students, including in the three-language formula.

No language will be imposed on any student. Several foreign languages will also be offered at the secondary level.

Assessment Reforms- All students will take school examinations in Grades 3, 5, and 8. Board exams for Grades 10 and 12 will be continued, but redesigned to avoid rote learning and focus on grades.

A new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), will be set up as a standard-setting body.

Equitable and Inclusive Education- The Policy provides for setting up of Gender Inclusion Fund and also Special Education Zones for disadvantaged regions and groups.

Children with disabilities will be enabled to fully participate in the regular schooling process from the


foundational stage to higher education, with support of educators with cross-disability training, resource centers, accommodations, assistive devices, appropriate technology-based tools and other support mechanisms tailored to suit their needs.

Higher Education:

Holistic Multidisciplinary Education- The policy at Higher education level introduces broad-based, multi-disciplinary, holistic undergraduate education with flexible curricula, creative combinations of subjects, integration of vocational education and multiple entries and exit points with appropriate certification.

UG education can be of 3 or 4 years with multiple exit options and appropriate certification within this period. For example, certificate after 1 year, advanced diploma after 2 years, Bachelor’s degree after 3 years and Bachelor’s with research after 4 years.

An Academic Bank of Credit is to be established for digitally storing academic credits earned from different institutes so that these can be transferred and counted towards final degree earned.

Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs), at par with IITs, IIMs, to be set up as models of best multidisciplinary education of global standards in the country.

The National Research Foundation will be created as an apex body for fostering a strong research culture and building research capacity across higher education.

Increase GER to 50% by 2035- NEP 2020 aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education including vocational education from 26.3 per cent (2018) to 50 per cent by 2035. At least 3.5 crore new seats will be added to higher education institutions.

Regulation- Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) will be set up as a single overarching umbrella body for entire higher education, excluding medical and legal education.

HECI will function through faceless intervention through technology and will have powers to penalize higher education institutions for not conforming to norms and standards.

Rationalized Institutional Architecture- Affiliation of colleges is to be phased out in 15 years and a stage-wise mechanism is to be established for granting graded autonomy to colleges.

Over a period of time, it is envisaged that every college would develop into either an autonomous degree-granting college or a constituent college of a university.

Financial support for students-The National Scholarship Portal will be expanded to support, foster, and track the progress of students receiving scholarships.

Private HEIs will be encouraged to offer larger numbers of free ships and scholarships to their students. Open and Distance Learning- Measures such as online courses and digital repositories, funding for research, improved student services, credit-based recognition of MOOCs, etc, will be taken to ensure it is at par with the highest quality in-class programmes.

Online and Digital Education- A dedicated unit for the building of digital infrastructure, digital content and capacity building will be created in the MHRD to look after the e-education needs of both school and higher education.

Promotion of Indian Languages- NEP recommends setting an Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation (IITI), National Institute (or Institutes) for Pali, Persian and Prakrit, strengthening of Sanskrit and all language departments in HEIs, and use mother tongue/local language as a medium of instruction in more HEI programmes.

Professional Education- All professional education will be an integral part of the higher education system.

Stand-alone technical universities, health science universities, legal and agricultural universities etc will


aim to become multi-disciplinary institutions.

Evolution of Education Policy:

University Education Commission (1948-49) Secondary Education Commission (1952-53) Education Commission (1964-66) under Dr D. S. Kothari National Policy on Education, 1968 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976- Education in Concurrent List National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986

Constitutional Provisions:

Article 45 and Article 39 (f) of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), has a provision for state-funded as well as equitable and accessible education. Education is in the concurrent list.

The 86th Amendment in 2002 made education an enforceable right under Article 21-A. Right To Education (RTE) Act, 2009 aims to provide primary education to all children aged 6 to 14 years and

enforces education as a Fundamental Right. It mandates 25% reservation for disadvantaged sections of the society where disadvantaged groups.

Economics

Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF)

Why in News?

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the creation of a Rs 500-crore Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) to encourage the adoption of ‘Points of Sale’ machines by businesses in tier-3 to tier-6 centers and the Northeastern states.

About the fund:

• It will be governed through an Advisory Council managed and administered by RBI. • RBI will make an initial contribution of ₹250 crores to the PIDF and the remaining half will

be garnered from card-issuing banks. Significance

• It would help to cover some of the costs associated with the payments business on a standalone basis, is a loss-making one for banks.

• This move will make the economy more favorable and will significantly increase the merchant base accepting digital payments.

• The PoS machines will allow businesses to accept e-payments, hence mitigating the need to deal in cash. • The fund is also in line with the measures proposed by the vision document on payment and settlement systems

in India 2019-2021..

RBI and Data Technology


Why in news?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to use big data to track and identity tax defaulters.

RBI suggestion:

The RBI’s Annual Report 2020 suggests to use big data analytics to,

Track and identify tax defaulters, Increase the taxpayer base by tracking their income and wealth parameters.

It is not very clear from the report whether the RBI wants to do the tracking by itself or expects the Centre to take the reins.

What is the concern?

• This suggestion is a cause for concern considering the privacy and rights risks involved in such a proposal. • The report claims the move is aimed towards boosting fiscal revenues. • But global experiences, especially from China where such tracking systems already exist in various forms,

suggest that, Such moves have the potential to be misused and Such moves can cause serious damage to individuals’ privacy.

What does the Data Science Lab use?

• The RBI’s Data Science Lab is using advanced technologies to improve data quality, surveillance and early warning detection abilities.

• The lab also employs big data analytics to provide inputs for policy formulation and monitoring. How should such technologies be applied?

• The application of such technologies must remain at a macro level. • Extreme caution must be applied while using tracking technologies at the micro level. • The Centre has been toying with micro-level monetary surveillance through initiatives like the Income Tax

department’s ‘Project Insight’. • ‘Project Insight’ uses algorithmic tools to track individuals’ spending patterns through their social media posts

and match them with their declared income to find anomalies. What are the benefits of using these techs?

• Tracking technologies powered by big data analytics offer great temptation to authorities across the globe. • This temptation is because of their potential to transform the surveillance landscape in unimaginable ways. • Granted, they make regulation a lot easier. • But governments and agencies such as central banks must know where the line of control begins and where it

ends. How should a move be?

• Any move to track individual spending through social media must adhere to global best practices such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation.

• This move must respect the consent of the individuals involved. • Globally, a heated debate is raging over the racial, gender and class biases of algorithmic tools used to track

and filter various candidates. • Hence, it is best advised that such moves should be left open for a public debate before they are made into the

law.


KV Kamath Committee

Why in news?

The KV Kamath committee was set up by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Objective of the committee

• The committee was set up to look into the restructuring needs of large borrowers hit by Covid. • The panel was set up to deal with accounts where the aggregate exposure of the lending institutions at the time

of invocation of the resolution process is ₹1,500 crore and above. What are the findings?

• The committee has identified 26 vulnerable sectors and, the specific financial frailties of each. • The sectors identified cover much of the manufacturing and infrastructure universe, besides retail outlets, hotels

and tourism. What did the panel say?

• The panel spelt out sector-wise thresholds with respect to EBITDA, debt service coverage, current assets and liabilities, total outside liability vis-a-vis adjusted tangible net worth.

• It has spelt out clear restructuring guidelines for banks to ensure that errors with respect to corporate debt restructuring don’t recur.

• Restructuring has seen many avatars over the last decade, be it 5/25 (scheme for infrastructure assets) and S4A, which did not succeed.

• The specific crisis arising out of Covid necessitated a response for large players. • This supplements the earlier efforts to boost the MSME sector as well as units where the aggregate exposure

exceeded ₹100 crore. What are the reliefs?

• MSMEs have received liquidity and solvency packages since September 2019. • The June 2019 RBI circular addresses the ‘resolution plan’ modalities for units whose aggregate exposure is

above ₹100 crore. • Relief to the large units will ensure flow of working capital across the supply chain, spurring industrial recovery. • A relaxed timetable on loan repayments will aid this process.

What could have been done differently?

• Instead of a cast-iron framework for banks, the panel could have allowed for some flexibility in interpretation, both within a sector and over time, especially in a situation of exceptional uncertainty.

• By limiting the restructuring exercise at present to two years, the panel may have taken a rather sanguine view of the economic recovery process.

• Some of these assumptions must be reviewed periodically, if the situation so demands. • The panel leaves little room for banks to deploy their traditional, sector-based expertise.

What could be done?

• The RBI should focus on higher provisioning, and in a graded manner, for restructured loans. • This should allow banks to take some initiative on the lending side. • An ongoing committee that can provide expertise to banks from time to time on loan restructuring can also be

considered. • Over time, a centrally conceived template for lending and restructuring will enhance credit appraisal skills along

the rank and file of the banking system. • That said, the need for such a framework cannot be overstated in these times of crisis. • It seeks to reconcile prudence with higher lending.


• It is for the banking sector to pick up the tab.

InvITs of NHAI

Why in news?

Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has started meeting investor groups.

What is the InvIT issue?

• InvIT is meeting investors as it prepares to come up with its InvIT issue • The issue will enable NHAI to monetize its completed NHs that have a toll collection track record of at least one

year. • The NHAI reserves the right to levy toll on identified highways. • It will help the company raise funds for more road development across the country.

What are InvITs?

• In 2019, InvIT was established as a Trust by NHAI under the Indian Trust Act, 1882 and SEBI regulations. • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified the SEBI (InvITs) Regulations, 2014 for this purpose. • The InvIT Trust was formed with the objective of investment primarily in infrastructure projects. • The InvIT pools investment from various categories of investors. • They invest them into completed and revenue-generating infrastructure projects, thereby creating returns for

the investor. What is the structure?

• They have a trustee, sponsors, investment manager and project manager. • Trustee - Certified by SEBI, the trustee has the responsibility of inspecting the performance of an InvIT. • Sponsors - They are promoters of the company that set up the InvIT. • In case of Public-private partnership (PPP) projects, it refers to the infrastructure developer or a special purpose

vehicle (SPV) holding the concession. • Investment manager is entrusted with the task of supervising the assets and investments of the InvIT. • Project manager is responsible for the execution of the project.

How does it work?

• The fund will be raised by monetizing the completed NHs. • The project SPV would distribute not less than 90% of net distributable cash flow to the trust in proportion of its

holding in each of the SPV. • Further, not less than 90% of the net distributable cash flow of the trust will get distributed to the unitholders. • The unitholders will get the distributions at least once every six months. • The fund can be invested in the project SPVs by way of an issue of debt. • The trust can utilize it to repay their loans or even for prepayment of certain unsecured loans and advances

availed by such project SPVs. How many InvITs were formed so far?

• The Indian InvIT market is not yet mature. • It has supported formation of 10 InvITs till date in roads, power transmission, gas transmission and telecom

towers sectors. • Of this, only two InvITs are listed on the stock exchange: IRB InvIT Fund and India Grid Trust. • The listed are required to maintain a maximum-leverage ratio of 49%


• This can be increased to 70% subject to certain conditions, such as six continuous distributions to unit-holders and AAA-rating.

• With the significant amount of funding required in the infrastructure sector and a gap in availability of long-term funds, this structure helps close that gap by enabling fund raising from capital markets.

Why does NHAI need fund and how will it benefit the economy?

At a time when private sector investment in the economy has declined, fund-raising by NHAI and spending on infrastructure will,

Crowd-in private sector investment, Provide a fillip to the economy.

• So NHAI’s InvIT offer is a way for the government to tap alternative sources of financing to boost public spending in the infrastructure sector.

• In 2017, the Centre launched its Bharatmala Pariyojana, for development of 24,800 km of roads at a total investment of Rs 5,35,000 crore.

• In order to complete the projects, NHAI needs adequate funds. • One of the options is to monetize the completed NH assets and offer attractive schemes to private players to

invest in construction of NHs. How does it benefit the investor?

• A retail or even a large financial investors may not be typically able to invest in infrastructure projects such as roads, power, energy etc.

• InvITs enable these investors to buy a small portion of the units being sold by the fund depending upon their risk appetite.

• Given that such trusts comprise largely of completed and operational projects with positive cash flow, the risks are somewhat contained.

• The investors can benefit from the cash flow that gets distributed as well as in capital appreciate of the units. • Unitholders benefit from favorable tax norms, including exemption on dividend income and no capital gains tax

if units are held for more than three years.

New Labour Codes

Why in news?

The government has introduced new versions of labour codes in Lok Sabha.

Key Highlights:

• Industrial Relations (IR) Code Bill, 2020 - Proposed to introduce more conditions restricting the workers’ rights to strike.

• Code on Social Security Bill, 2020 - Proposed changes for expanding social security and • Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code Bill, 2020 – Proposed to include inter-state migrant

workers in the definition of workers. What are the key proposals in IR Code?

In industrial establishments having 300 or more workers, the IR Code Bill has proposed to,

Introduce more conditions restricting the workers’ rights to strike, Increase the threshold relating to layoffs and retrenchment.

• This number is increased from 100 workers or more at present. • These steps are likely to provide more flexibility to employers for hiring and firing workers without government


permission. What is the proposal regarding strike?

• The IR Code proposes that no employee of a company shall go on strike without a 60-day notice. • It also proposes that no employee during the pendency of proceedings before a Tribunal or a National Industrial

Tribunal and 60 days after the conclusion of such proceedings. What is the proposal regarding standing order?

• The Standing orders are the rules of conduct for workmen employed in industrial establishments. • The IR Code has raised the threshold for requirement of a standing order to over 300 workers. • This implies industrial establishments with up to 300 workers will not be required to furnish a standing order. • This is a move which experts say would enable companies to introduce arbitrary service conditions for

workers. What did the Standing Committee on Labour suggest?

• The Standing Committee on Labour, in its report submitted in April, had also suggested hiking the threshold to 300 workers.

• According to the Labour Ministry, this will result in an increase in employment and decrease in retrenchment. • The Committee desires that the threshold be increased accordingly in the Code itself. • It said that the words “as may be notified by the Appropriate Government” be removed because reform of

labour laws through the executive route is undesirable and should be avoided. What are the concerns raised over the new labour codes?

• The increase in the threshold for standing orders will water down the labour rights for workers in companies having less than 300 workers.

• The IR Code introduces new conditions for carrying out a legal strike. • Elongating the legally permissible time frame before the workers can go on a legal strike has made a legal strike

well-nigh impossible. • The IR code has expanded to cover all industrial establishments for the required notice period and other

conditions for a legal strike. • The Standing Committee had recommended against the expansion of the required notice period for strike

beyond the public utility services like water, electricity, and other essential services. What are the other proposals?

• The IR Code Bill has also proposed a worker re-skilling fund. • The contributions for the fund are only detailed from the employer of a company along with the contribution

from such other sources. • The employer contribution will amount to 15 days wages last drawn by the worker before the retrenchment. • The mention of ‘other sources’ for funding the re-skilling fund is vague.

What does the Social Security Code propose?

• It proposes a National Social Security Board. • This Board shall recommend to the central government for formulating suitable schemes for different sections

of unorganized workers, gig workers and platform workers. • Aggregators employing gig workers will have to contribute 1-2% of their annual turnover for social security. • The total contribution should not exceed 5% of the amount payable by the aggregator to gig and platform

workers. What do the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code propose?

• It has defined inter-state migrant workers. • They are the workers who have come on his own from one state and obtained employment in another state,

earning up to Rs 18,000 a month.


• The proposed definition makes a distinction from the present definition of only contractual employment. • It has proposed a journey allowance to be paid by the employer for to and fro journey of the worker to his/her

native from the place of his/her employment. • However, the Code has dropped the earlier provision for temporary accommodation for workers near the

worksites.

Agriculture Sector Reforms

Why in News?

Recently, the Cabinet has approved a proposal to promulgate three separate ordinances to push agriculture marketing and commodities trade reforms in the country.

• These reforms are part of the third tranche of the economic package announced under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to counter Covid-19 pandemic.

• These ordinances are expected to give effect to the amendments proposed to the Essential Commodities Act and bring in two new Central laws on inter-state trading and engagement of the farmers with processors, exports, etc.

Amendments to Essential Commodities Act (1955)

India has become surplus in most agri-commodities but farmers have been unable to get better prices due to lack of investment in cold storage, processing and export.

The imposition of the curbs on stocking of farm produce and regulation of the prices of commodities, etc. under Essential Commodities Act (ECA) are some of factors responsible for less entrepreneurial spirit and thus less investment in the farm sector.

Benefits of Amendments:

• The amendment would deregulate the commodities such as cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions and potatoes. It will help to lessen the fears of private investors of excessive regulatory interference in their business operations. Any limits under ECA over these commodities will be imposed only in exceptional circumstances such as

war, famine, extraordinary price rise and natural calamity. • The freedom to produce, hold, move, distribute and supply will lead to harnessing economies of scale and

attract private sector/foreign direct investment into the agriculture sector. It will help drive up investment in cold storages and modernization of the food supply chain.

Significance:

• The announced amendment is expected to help both farmers and consumers while bringing in price stability. • It will also create a competitive market environment and also prevent wastage of agri-produce that happens

due to lack of storage facilities. • It is considered as a step towards transformation of agriculture and raising farmers’ income.

Farming Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020

• Currently, there are restrictions for farmers in selling agri-produce outside the notified Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC).


• The farmers are also restricted to sell the produce only to registered licensees of the State Governments. • Further, barriers exist in free flow of agriculture produce between various States owing to the prevalence

of various APMC legislations enacted by the State Governments. Benefits of Ordinance:

It will create an ecosystem where the farmers and traders would enjoy freedom of choice of sale and purchase of agri-produce.

It will also promote barrier-free inter-state and intra-state trade and commerce outside the physical premises of markets notified under State agricultural produce marketing legislations.

The ordinance also proposes an electronic trading in transaction platform for ensuring a seamless trade electronically.

It also proposes to set up a separate dispute resolution mechanism for the farmers.

Significance:

It will open more choices for the farmer, reduce marketing costs for the farmers and help them in getting better prices.

It will supplement the existing Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement system and both will help to provide stable income to farmers.

It will also help farmers of regions with surplus produce to get better prices and consumers of regions with shortages, lower prices.

It is expected to pave the way for creating One India, One Agriculture Market in the country.

Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020

Indian Agriculture is characterized by fragmentation due to small holding sizes and has certain weaknesses such as weather dependence, production uncertainties and market unpredictability.

It makes agriculture risky and inefficient in respect of both input & output management.

Benefits of Ordinance:

It empowers farmers for engaging with processors, wholesalers, aggregators, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters etc. and thus eliminating intermediaries resulting in full realization of price.

Farmers have been provided adequate protection. Sale, lease or mortgage of farmers’ land is totally prohibited and farmers’ land is also protected against any recovery.

It also provides an effective dispute resolution mechanism for with clear timelines for redressal • It contains mechanisms which would transfer the risk of market unpredictability from the farmer to the sponsor.

Significance:

• It also enables the farmer to access modern technology and better inputs. It will reduce the cost of marketing and improve income of farmers

• It will help to attract private sector investment for building supply chains for supply of Indian farm produce to global markets. .

India and World


Hatch Act

Why in News? During this week’s Republican National Convention, many accused Trump, and senior members of his administration, of disregarding ethics norms meant to prevent government interference in political activity. Background Experts believe that these instances are violations of the Hatch Act– a 1939 federal law that limits government meddling in partisan activities. Key Highlights:

• Ever since the United States was founded, leaders like Thomas Jefferson expressed concerns over political activities of government servants while on official duty.

• A federal law to address this issue was finally enacted in 1939 during the Great Depression era and was named after Carl Hatch, a Senator from New Mexico State.

• The law is enforced by the Office of the Special Counsel (OSC), an independent federal agency which also oversees various other laws applying to federal employees, and receives complaints about alleged violations.

• The Hatch Act is regarded as a workplace guideline, and although flouting its provisions does not amount to a crime, punishments can be severe; career government employees can be terminated, demoted, or ordered to pay fines. Political appointees generally face less severe repercussions.

• The Act does not apply to the President and the Vice President of the US, but to all other civilian employees in the executive branch of the federal government.

• While cases involving career employees are adjudicated by a federal agency called the Merit Systems Protection Board, the decision to terminate political appointees is taken by the President.

• Since Trump came to office, critics have accused him of disregarding the Hatch Act on purpose, and few expect him to take action against alleged violators such as Pompeo and Wolf.

Militarization of Quad

Why in news?

The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat made a statement about the Quad in relation to Indo-China tension.

Significance of Quad:

The CDS stated that India believes the Quad would ensure ‘Freedom of Navigation In what will be seen as a significant shift of the government’s posture towards the India-U.S.- Australia-Japan Quadrilateral (Quad), Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat stated that India believes the Quad would be a “good mechanism” to “ensure Freedom of Navigation Operations” (FONOPs) in the Indian Ocean and surrounding oceans including the Indo-Pacific

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)

• It is the informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia with a shared objective to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.

• The idea of Quad was first mooted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. However, the idea couldn’t


move ahead with Australia pulling out of it, apparently due to Chinese pressure. • In November 2017, India, the US, Australia and Japan gave shape to the long-pending "Quad" Coalition to

develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence (especially China).

CDS Suggestion:

• His suggestion is that India is prepared to join Quad military patrols. • This marks a departure from India’s earlier reticence and public statements by the leadership. • The Indian Navy has not taken part in any joint patrols outside the Indian Ocean. • In terms of the engagement with the Quad, India has not yet announced a decision to include Australia in the

annual Malabar exercises (Malabar exercises are held with the U.S. and Japan) although it is expected to do so. • However, the move from conducting exercises together to joint operations would take time, something that

makes the CDS’s assertion significant. • It is easy to surmise that his contention that the Quad operations are needed to ensure there is no “fear of any

other nation singularly trying to dominate the oceans”, is a veiled reference to China. What would be the possible outcome?

• It is clear that the LAC tensions and clashes, as well as the PLA’s refusal to implement border agreements, have convinced New Delhi that new strategies will be required to deal with Beijing-

• India is convinced that it needs new strategies to deal with Beijing because of, The Line of Actual Control tensions and clashes, The PLA’s refusal to implement border agreements.

Still India continues to engage China diplomatically

• India’s External Affairs Minister and Defense Minister have spoken of the importance of a resolution through talks.

• But, an outcome of the tensions will be a strengthening of India’s ties with global powers as well as formations like the Quad. An indication of this is the government’s plans to host a ministerial-level meeting in the next month, possibly when the India-US “2+2” meet of Foreign and Defense Ministers is held

India & the Quad

• While India considers its options, it is necessary to remember some of the reasons for its reticence in terms of militarizing the Quad in any way.

• In 2018, Prime Minister said that India sees the Indo-Pacific as a “geographical concept”, not a “strategy or a club of limited members”.

• It would be important to know whether that formulation has changed. • India is the only Quad member not already tied in a treaty alliance with the others. • External Affairs Minister’s statement that India would never be part of any alliance system would run counter to

what the CDS suggests.

Five-Point Consensus

Why in news?

The five-point consensus was reached by the Foreign Ministers of India and China in Moscow, Russia.

What is the consensus?


• In a joint statement, both India and China agreed that the current situation suits neither side. • They agreed that the troops should quickly disengage, maintain proper distance, and ease tensions. • Both sides said they would abide by all existing agreements, continue dialogue, and expedite work on finding

confidence building measures. • They agreed to take guidance from previous understandings, including on not allowing differences to become

disputes, a formulation of 2017. Will the consensus work?

• It provides a glimmer of hope of a diplomatic solution, while thousands of troops from both countries remain deployed along the border.

• Each point has been affirmed previously by the two neighbors, both in past boundary agreements and in talks held since June 2020.

• Yet, the LAC remains tense, facing its worst crisis since 1962. What was unusual?

• The issuing of the joint statement was unusually accompanied by separate press statements. • India’s statement - It stressed that peace on the boundary was essential for ties. • It also said that recent incidents had impacted the broader relationship. • China’s statement - It has sought to emphasize the importance of moving the relationship in the right

direction. • It also emphasized on putting the border in a proper context. • It quoted India’s Foreign Minister as saying India believed China’s policy toward India had not changed and that

it did not consider relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question. What are the differences?

• While Beijing wants to separate the border conflict from the rest of the relationship, Delhi says the two are inextricably interlinked.

• While India insists that the objective of the exercise is to “restore” the status quo ante, there is no explicit Chinese commitment to that goal.

What is next?

• It is welcome that India and China have found something to agree on. • The consensus, however, is only the first step of a long road ahead. • The continuing rounds of talks should be aimed at disengagement. • It should not be aimed at presenting a veneer of diplomatic engagement even while China strengthens its hold

along the LAC. • India must negotiate with China in good faith, but it cannot again mistake Beijing’s diplomatic words for PLA’s

deeds.

Abraham Accords

Why in news?

The Abraham Accords was signed by the UAE, Bahrain and Israel, under U.S. President Donald Trump’s mediation.

Significance of the agreement:

• This accord clearly marks a new beginning in the relations between the Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdoms and the Jewish state.

• It is the first between Israel and Arab countries since the 1994 Jordan-Israel peace treaty.


• Under the agreement, the UAE and Bahrain would normalize ties with Israel. • This will herald better economic, political and security engagement.

Why did US mediate?

• The accords offer a rare diplomatic win to Mr. Trump, whose other foreign policy bets were either disastrous or stagnant.

• He has called the agreements “the new dawn of a new Middle East”. Who may or may not join?

• More Arab countries are expected to follow suit. • The agreements have the backing of Saudi Arabia, the most influential Arab power and a close ally of the UAE

and Bahrain. • The ruler of the Kingdom is treading cautiously for now. • But Riyadh has opened its airspace for commercial flights between the UAE and Israel.

Will the accord impact West Asia’s conflicts?

• The Abraham Accords have historical and geopolitical significance. • But, it is too early to say whether the accords will have any significant impact on West Asia’s conflicts. • Egypt and Jordan have signed peace treaties with Israel in 1979 and 1994, respectively. • But, the Gulf countries are not frontline states in the Arab-Israeli conflict. • They had established backroom contacts with Israel years ago; what is happening now is their normalization.

Was the Palestinian question addressed?

• The agreements leave the Palestinian question largely unaddressed. • Arab countries are signing diplomatic agreements with Israel bilaterally. • Due to this, the Arab collective support for the Palestinian movement for nationhood is crumbling. • But it does not mean that the Palestinian question would fade away. • The vacuum left by the retreat of the Arab powers from the Israel-Palestine conflict is being filled by the non-

Arab Muslim powers. • These non-Arab Muslim powers include Iran, Turkey and their allies. • The geopolitical sands may be shifting but the core issue concerning Israel is unresolved.

What is the region’s emerging order?

• The UAE-Bahrain agreements are endorsing the region’s emerging order. • With the U.S. in retreat and Turkey and Iran pursuing more aggressive foreign policies, there is a three-way

contest taking shape. • Sunni-ruled Arab kingdoms, all American allies, are realigning their geopolitical interests with Israel. • The Abraham Accords are likely to sharpen this contest.

What could be done?

• Mr. Trump and the signatories to the accords have claimed that they want to bring peace here. • If so, they should address the more structural issues, which include the unresolved question of Palestine.

UN Reforms & India

Why in News?

UNSC established in 1946, is the organ of the UN tasked with the maintenance of security and establishment of Peacekeeping operations.


• The present humanitarian and economic losses associated with Covid-19 pandemic are comparable to that of major wars and unemployment is worse than at any time since the Great Depression 1929. This has highlighted the challenges pertaining to the multilateral UN system.

• Furthermore, there has been a general trend of increasing the number of challenges that are Trans-national in character (for example, terrorism, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, pandemics, climate crisis, cyber-security, and poverty). UN being the epitome of multilateral world order will be much needed in dealing with global issues.

• Therefore, reforms in the UN are necessary in order to strengthen the UN’s effectiveness as a multilateral organization, bring more transparency to the institution and enhance its credibility.

Why the reforms?

• As more number of nations being decolonized, there are sharp contrast between the number of seats and the

total number of member states. • Reform is needed to remove the “Democracy Deficit”. • It has failed to tackle the recent crisis of Syria, Gaza and Ukraine. • Need to make it efficient, effective, and credible and a legitimate body.

The three key areas of reform:

Equitable Representation

There are 10 non-permanent and 5 permanent members. Now various regions e.g. African, Asia Pacific, Latin America etc. need to be accommodated.

Categories of membership

Member states that have demonstrated credibility and capacity to shoulder the responsibilities of the principal UN organ should have a presence to ensure the legitimacy of the council. Thus a new category of “semi-permanent” seats is intriguing as, if properly structured, could ensure legitimacy without preventing flexibility for a changing world.

Veto Reforms

The power of veto is frequently cited as a major problem as the P5 members often influence the resolutions making those countries to suffer , which rather need a platform to grow. Proposals include: limiting the use of the veto to vital national security issues; requiring agreement from multiple states before exercising the veto; and abolishing the veto entirely.

Why India should be made member of it?

The long struggle of India to get into the permanent membership, also supported by UK, Russia and France can be justified on following grounds-

• India, being the world’s largest democracy has second largest population in the world. • It has, since its independence, has become a leading contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping missions. • Today, India has over 8000 peacekeepers, which is more than twice that of the P5 group. • On the economic side, India has maintained the state of World’s 7th largest economy. • Being the 3rd largest active armed force, along with nuclear weapons, India’s candidature is justified. • ISRO’s successful MOM and of placing of Indigenous as well as four of US’s satellites is another landmark point

for its candidature. • India has consistently supported the purposes and principles of the UN and has made significant contributions

to implementing the goals of the UN Charter.

https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1


Environment

Hydrogen Compressed Natural Gas (H-CNG)

Why in News?

In a major step toward adopting substitute clean fuel for transportation, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has allowed the use of H-CNG (18% mix of hydrogen) in CNG engines.

Key Highlights?

• The Ministry has been notifying various alternate fuels under Clean Fuels for transportation. • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has also developed specifications (IS 17314:2019) of Hydrogen enriched

Compressed Natural Gas (H-CNG) for automotive purposes, as a fuel. • A notification for amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, for the inclusion of H-CNG as an

automotive fuel, has been published dated 25th Sept 2020 by the Ministry. What is Hydrogen Compressed Natural Gas (H-CNG)?

• The blending of hydrogen with CNG provides a blended gas termed as HCNG. it stands for hydrogen-enriched compressed natural gas and it combines the advantages of both hydrogen and methane.

• The Hydrogen Compressed Natural Gas (H-CNG) is a mixture of compressed natural gas and 4-9 per cent hydrogen by energy. It can be used as a fuel in an internal combustion engine and also for home appliances.

• As compared to conventional CNG, use of H-CNG can reduce the emission of carbon monoxide (CO) up to 70%, besides enabling up to 5% savings in fuel.

• Hydrogen has been regarded as a future secondary fuel for power system due to carbon-free operation. • Hydrogen is an excellent additive to improve the combustion of hydrocarbon fuel due to its low ignition energy,

high reactivity, diffusivity and burning velocity. • The blending of Hydrogen with CNG is being treated as the first step towards the future hydrogen economy.

Benefits of switching to Hydrogen Compressed Natural Gas (H-CNG):

• HCNG reduces hydrocarbon emissions by up to 70%. • It enables up to 5 % savings in fuel. • The first step towards future Hydrogen economy. • Engines can be calibrated to release lower amounts of NO. • Engines need minimum modification to run on HCNG. • The ideal fuel for high load applications and heavy-duty vehicles. • Better performance due to higher Octane rating of H2.

Concerns:

• The physical blending of CNG and hydrogen involves a series of energy-intensive steps that would make H-CNG more expensive than CNG.

• The cars and autos would not be able to use H-CNG with the prevailing technology because hydrogen is “highly volatile” and there is a possibility of rise in combustion temperature and risk.

• Need change in the structural aspects of the engine and creation of new infrastructure for preparing HCNG. • Determining the most optimized H2/ NG (Natural Gas) ratio.

Pusa Decomposer


Why in News?

Recently, the scientists have developed a bio-decomposer technique called ‘PUSA Decomposers’ for converting crop stubble into compost.

About:

Delhi and many other North Indian States are covered with smoke during winters due to stubble burning in the neighboring States by the farmers.

Key facts about PUSA Decomposers:

• PUSA Decomposers– The decomposers are in the form of capsules made by extracting fungi strains that help the paddy straw to decompose at a much faster rate than usual. The fungi helps to produce the essential enzymes for the degradation process.

• Decomposer Mixture- It involves making a liquid formulation using decomposer capsules and fermenting it over 8-10 days and then spraying the mixture on fields with crop stubble to ensure speedy bio-decomposition of the stubble.

• The farmers can prepare 25 liter of liquid mixture with 4 capsules, jaggery and chickpea flour. The mixture is sufficient to cover 1 hectare of land.

• Time to Decompose- It takes around 20 days for the degradation process to be completed. • Under usual circumstances, shredded and watered paddy straw, which is mixed with soil, takes at least 45 days

to decompose. • It does not give enough time for farmers to prepare fields for the wheat crop on time.

Significance:

• The decomposer improves the fertility and productivity of the soil as the stubble works as manure and compost for the crops and lesser fertilizer consumption is required in the future.

• The soil loses its richness due to stubble burning and it also destroys the useful bacteria and fungi in the soil, apart from causing harm to the environment.

• It is an efficient and effective, cheaper, doable and practical technique to stop stubble burning. • It is an eco-friendly and environmentally useful technology and will contribute to achieve Swachh Bharat

Mission.

Blue Flag’ Certification

Why in News?

Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) recommended eight Indian beaches for the Blue Flag’ Certification on the eve of International Coastal Clean-Up Day.

Key Highlights:

The decision was taken on the basis of the recommendation of an independent National Jury composed of eminent environmentalists & scientists.

The eight beaches are:

Shivrajpur in Gujarat Ghoghla in Daman & Diu Kasarkod and Padubidri beach in Karnataka


Kappad in Kerala Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh Golden beach of Odisha Radhanagar beach of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

• The government also launched its own eco-label Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS) under its Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) project.

• India’s initiative to clean up its coastal and marine ecosystem has been applauded by the World Bank, who believe that India’s strategy for sustainable coastal zone management will act as a Beacon of light for other countries in the region.

• Why Needed -The issue of marine litter and oil spilling has caused disturbances to aquatic life and the government is committed for the sustainable development of coastal regions.

What is Blue Flag’ Certification?

• This Certification is accorded by an international agency “Foundation for Environment Education( Denmark) • It started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and in areas outside Europe since

2001 when South Africa joined. • The ‘Blue Flag’ is a certification that can be obtained by a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism

operator, and serves as an eco-label. • It is based on 33 stringent criteria in four major heads i.e.

Environmental Education and Information Bathing Water Quality Environment Management and Conservation Safety and Services on the beaches.

• Forty-seven countries currently participate in the program, and 4,573 beaches, marinas, and boats have this certification.

• Spain has the highest number of Blue Flag-tagged sites. • The Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world. • Aims – Blue Flag Certification is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them

to learn more about their environment

Kalasa-Banduri Dam Project

Why in News?

India is on the brink of an acute water crisis, which has, to an extent, fabricated a looming threat of trans-boundary water conflicts. The conflict on the Mandovi / Mahadayi River— flowing through Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra— is one such example.

Kalasa-Banduri Project

• The project undertaken by the Karnataka government proposes to divert Mandovi river water from Kalasa and Banduri canals into the Malaprabha river in the state.

• The project received clearance from the Centre in 2002. It aims to construct a total of 11 dams on the river Mandovi.

• The diversion of water from Kalasa and Banduri nullahs, however, has been the point of contention between Karnataka and Goa, with the latter claiming it would strip the state of its flora and fauna.

The conflict

• The Mandovi originates from Karnataka’s Belgaum district. • The Mandovi river basin falls into the states of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. • The river is 81 kilometres (km) in length; 35 km of which flows in Karnataka, 1 km in Maharashtra and 45 km


in Goa. • The seeds of the conflict were sowed over 40 years ago: In 1985, Karnataka initially explored a 350 megawatt-

hydro-electric project to divert 50 per cent of the Mandovi river water in Karnataka for irrigation. • The plan was also to allow a steady flow of water from the power project’s storage dam after using the water for

irrigation purposes in Karnataka. • This would have served to drinking water and irrigation purposes in Goa as well.

World’s Largest Solar Tree

Why in News?

Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur developed the World’s Largest Solar Tree, which is installed at CSIR-CMERI Residential Colony.

Key features of Solar Tree:

Capacity and cost-

• The installed capacity of the Solar Tree is above 11.5 kWp and has the annual capacity to generate 12,000-14,000 units of Clean and Green Power.

• There are a total of 35 Solar PV Panels in each tree and each Solar Tree will cost Rs 7.5 lakhs Maximum exposure to Sunrays:

The Solar Tree has been designed in a manner to ensure maximum exposure of each Solar PV Panel to Sunlight and also the creation of the least amount of shadow area beneath.

Significance & Usages-

• Making farming sustainable- It can have widespread usage in agricultural activities such as high capacity pumps, e- tractors and e-power tillers.

• CO2 emissions saving –Each Solar Tree has the potential to save 10-12 tons of CO2 emissions being released into the atmosphere as Greenhouse Gases when compared with fossil fuel-fired energy generation.

• Collaboration with Grid- The interested MSMEs can align their Business Model with the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha even Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme for farmers, for developing a Renewable Energy based Energy Grid.

• Internet of Thing features- The solar tree also has the capability to incorporate IOT based features. round-the-clock CCTV surveillance in agricultural fields, real-time humidity, wind speed, rainfall prediction and soil analytics sensors.

• Real-time access –The energy generation data can be monitored either real-time or on a daily basis.

Salmonella

Why in News?

Recently, health agencies in the US and Canada have put out alerts asking its citizens to discard onions supplied by Thomson International Inc, linking a salmonella bacteria infection with the bulb.

Key Points:


• The salmonella bacteria is said to be transmitted through contaminated onions, cultivated by Thomson International.

• The Public Health Agency of Canada, the US CDC and Canadian Food Inspection Agency are currently investigating commonalities to identify the source and cause of contamination in the onions.

About Salmonellosis

Cause The salmonella bacteria resides in animals. When it enters a human body it causes salmonellosis.

Transmission Salmonella can transmit to humans through contaminated water or food.

Symptoms

• It creates an infection that attacks the intestine and can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, bleeding in stool and nausea.

• It takes one to six days for symptoms to emerge. • The symptoms of the infection last anywhere between 2 and 7 days. • However, bowel function could sometimes take months before returning to normalcy. • In some cases, the infection spreads the infection from the intestine to the bloodstream.

Vulnerable people

• The infection hits children, below the age of five, and senior citizens the worst. • However, only less than 1 percent of infected people succumb to the infection.

Science & Technology

Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle

Why in News?

Recently, India conducted a successful first test flight of the indigenously developed Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle

(HSTDV). The only other countries that possess this technology are the USA, Russia and China.

More on news

• The vehicle was test launched using the Agni 1 missile platform. • In the test, a missile with the technology demonstrator vehicle mounted on it is launched. • This test marked a landmark achievement in airborne ballistics and reusable rockets. • A successful test could boost the development of a hypersonic cruise missile, the Brahmos II, which is currently

under development with Scramjet technology. Features of HSTDV

• India’s HSTDV was test-fired by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR).

• HSTDV is an unmanned scramjet demonstration vehicle that can cruise up to a speed of mach 6 (or six times the speed of sound) and rise up to an altitude of 32 km in 20 seconds

• It has a range of uses, including missiles of the future, and energy-efficient, low cost and reusable satellite-launch vehicle.

• The HSTDV cruise vehicle is mounted on a solid rocket motor, which will take it to a required altitude, and once


it attains certain mach numbers for speed, the cruise vehicle will be ejected out of the launch vehicle. • The scramjet engine gets ignited automatically later. Besides its utility for long-range cruise missiles of the

future, the dual-use technology will have multiple civilian applications too. • The key areas of technological emphasis in this project include hypersonic propulsion, wind transmission with

minimal drag loss, enhancing aerodynamics, and refining the scramjet engine. • Various electro-optical tracking sensors, telemetry stations and radars tracked the vehicle through its course.

Significance

• It can be used to launch satellites at low cost & will help add to India’s ballistic missile defence capabilities. This test puts India in an elite club of nations definitely

• Security-wise, a hypersonic cruise missile can be key in taking out hostile airborne attacks, giving the Air Force an edge in terms of launching offenses of their own.

• It is also a technological feat that can be incorporated into other areas such as sweeping surveillance tasks, all the while being energy efficient in operation.

About Scram-Jet technology In scram-jet technology, fuel combustion takes place in a chamber in missile at supersonic speeds, while in a ram jet system, the system collects air it needs from atmosphere during flight at subsonic speeds and propellants burn in combustion chamber.

Telecoms and AGR Dues

Why in news?

The Supreme Court held that telecom firms will get 10 years to clear their adjusted gross revenue or AGR dues.

What did the Supreme Court rule on AGR dues?

• The Supreme Court (SC) gave all telcos a 10-year timeline to complete the payments of AGR dues. • [Previously, there was 20-year schedule suggested by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).] • The court also directed telcos to pay 10% of the total AGR dues by March 31, 2020. • Following this, they can make payments in annual instalments between 2021 and 2031. • The non-payment of dues in any year would lead to accrual of interest and invite contempt of court proceedings

against such companies. • The issue of whether the spectrum could be sold under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code will now be decided by

the National Company Law Tribunal. What is the AGR issue?

• All the telecom companies that operate in India pay a part of their revenues as licence fee and spectrum charges to the DoT.

• This is charged for using the spectrum owned by the government. • In its definition of AGR, the DoT had said that telcos must cover all the revenue earned by them, including

from non-telecom sources. • The telecom companies had challenged this definition of AGR in several forums, including the Supreme Court.

What was the 2019 SC verdict?

• In 2019, the SC had upheld the DoT’s definition of AGR. • It also said that since the licensee had agreed to the migration packages, they were liable to pay the dues, the

penalty on dues, and the interest on penalty due to delay in payments.


• The SC had then given the telcos three months to clear their AGR dues. • The telcos sought a review of the judgment. • However, it was dismissed by the SC which had then insisted that telcos clear all the dues by January 23, 2020.

Why did the SC extend the payment timelines?

• The DoT and, the telcos that needed to pay within such a short period of time requested a hearing from the SC. • The court agreed to hear them on a revised timeline, but it refused to reconsider the quantum of AGR to be paid

by them. • In an affidavit to the SC, the DoT had suggested that telcos be given up to 20 years to complete the payment of

pending dues. • The DoT suggested that these dues could be paid by the telcos in annual installments. • It suggested that the interest on the past unpaid amount, penalty and the interest on penalty with respect to

past dues, be frozen as of October 24, 2019. What does the AGR ruling mean for telcos?

• For Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, a payment timeline of 10 year will come as a breather. • Both the companies had sought 15 years for making the AGR payment. • Some telcos will suffer as the SC has not allowed any recalculation of dues.

Jasmonate Hormone and Rice Productivity

Why in News?

A new study by a team of scientists at National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi suggested that targeting a specific plant hormone Jasmonate (JA) would help rice plants have greater tolerance to potassium (K) deficiency and improve productivity.

Key Highlights:

Findings:

• The overexpression of a gene called OsJAZ9 helped make rice plants more tolerant of potassium deficiency. • There was an enhanced accumulation of JA-Ile — a bioactive form of the hormone Jasmonate (JA), in OsJAZ9

overexpressing rice, on potassium deficiency. The JA-lle helps in modulating various K transporters and root system architecture. JA-Ile contributes to several aspects of plant growth and development and levels increase under stress

conditions. • The study suggests that targeting research towards JA could help achieve both, nutrient- efficient crops

and protection against pests. • JA is often associated with the plant’s defense against biotic factors like insects, pests and other pathogens. • Potassium. Potassium (K) is considered a macronutrient for plants and is the most abundant cation within plant

cells. Significance of Potassium:

• Plants require, among other things, a high and stable concentration of potassium ion to activate many enzymes that are involved in respiration and photosynthesis.

• Potassium is also involved in key cellular processes such as energy production, and cell expansion. Cell expansion is the process of taking cells extracted from tissue, culturing them in the lab and


encouraging them to reproduce. • Potassium Deficiency: It affects plants by inhibiting the growth of the roots and the shoots.

Studies have shown that plants that are deficient in potassium are more susceptible to salt, drought,

chilling and other abiotic and biotic stresses. Potassium deficiency occurs frequently in plants grown on sandy soils resulting in a number of symptoms

including curling of leaf tips and yellowing (chlorosis) of leaves, as well as reduced growth and fertility. • Potassium Availability to plant Roots: Despite being among the most abundant minerals in the soil, its

availability to plants is limited. This is because most of the soil potassium (about 98%) is in bound forms and its release into the soil

solution is far slower than the rate of its acquisition by the roots. The availability of potassium in the soil solution or exchangeable form depends on multiple factors like soil

acidity, presence of other monovalent cations like sodium and ammonium ions and the type of soil particles.

Macro and Micro-nutrients • Macronutrients are divided into two groups: primary and secondary. • The primary macronutrients are those that are needed in the highest concentration: nitrogen (N), phosphorus

(P), and potassium (K). In fact, these three primary nutrients are needed in higher concentrations than the rest of the macronutrients combined.

• Secondary macronutrients are also required for sustained plant health, but in lower quantities than the primary macronutrients. Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S) comprise the secondary macronutrients.

• Micronutrients are also essential to plant development and growth but are needed only in trace amounts, compared to their macro-counterparts. The seven critical micronutrients are:

Boron (B) Zinc (Zn) Iron (Fe) Manganese (Mn) Copper (Cu) Molybdenum (Mo) Chlorine (Cl)

Congo Fever Alert in Maharashtra

Why in News?

The Palghar administration has asked authorities to remain alert against a possible spread of the Congo fever in the Maharashtra district.

Background: Congo fever was first discovered in Crimea in 1944 and was named Crimean hemorrhagic fever.

Later in 1969, scientists discovered that the pathogen responsible for causing Crimean hemorrhagic fever and the one that caused illness in Congo in 1956 was the same.

Hence, the name changed to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.


Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF):

Cause: The CCHF is a widespread disease caused by a tick-borne virus (Nairovirus) of the Bunyaviridae family.

Transmission:

The virus is transmitted through bite of Hyalomma tick, an external parasite, living by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds etc.

It can also be contracted through contact with viraemic animal tissues (animal tissue where the virus has entered the bloodstream) during and immediately post-slaughter of animals.

Human-to-human transmission: It can occur resulting from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons.

Hospital-acquired infections can also occur due to improper sterilization of medical equipment, reuse of needles and contamination of medical supplies.

Fatality: CCHF outbreaks constitute a threat to public health services as the virus can lead to epidemics, with a high case fatality ratio (10-40%).

Case fatality rate (CFR) is a measure of the severity of a disease and is defined as the proportion of cases of a specified disease or condition which are fatal within a specified time.

• CCHF is endemic in all of Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and in Asia. Symptoms:

Fever, muscle ache, dizziness, neck pain, backache, headache, sore eyes and photophobia (sensitivity to light). There may be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and sore throat early on, followed by sharp mood

swings, confusion, depression and liver enlargement. Treatment:

General supportive care with treatment of symptoms is the main approach to managing CCHF in people. The antiviral drug ribavirin has been used to treat CCHF infection with apparent benefit. There are no vaccines widely available for human or animal use.

UMMID

Why in News?

Recently the Union Minister for Science & Technology launched UMMID (Unique Methods of Management and treatment of Inherited Disorders) initiative

UMMID initiative aims

• To establish NIDAN Kendras(National Inherited Disorders AdministrationN Kendra) to provide counselling, prenatal testing and diagnosis, management, and multidisciplinary care in Government Hospitals wherein the influx of patients is more

• To produce skilled clinicians in Human Genetics(Training center for Clinicians, in Clinical Genetics and Genetic Diagnosis), and

• To undertake screening of pregnant women and newborn babies for inherited genetic diseases in hospitals at aspirational districts (Aspirational District program).

About UMMID


• It is an initiative of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology to create awareness about genetic disorders amongst clinicians and establish molecular diagnostics in hospitals for the benefit of patients in India.

• The plan of the UMMID initiative is to link the well-established centers of Medical Genetics in India to upcoming centers and to establish clinical genetics facilities in district hospitals

Plan of Training and Diagnostic Services under the UMMID Initiative

UMMID plans to work at three levels of medical care which will work in close collaboration with a close link between training and establishment of diagnostic services. The three components of UMMID are given below:

1. Fellowship in Genetic Diagnostics: Hands-on training for six months will be provided to doctors working in government hospitals by eight departments with state-of-the-art DNA-based diagnostic services for genetic disorders. Each center will train 4 fellows per year thus providing 96 trained doctors in genetic diagnostics during a period of 3 years.

2. NIDAN Kendras (Diagnostic Centers): Hospitals with interested doctors, committed administrators and basic infrastructure have been selected and have been funded to establish genetic laboratories. The financial support and twinning with established Medical Genetics centers will help them to develop state-of-the-art facilities in molecular diagnostics.

3. Prevention of Genetic Disorders in Aspirational Districts: Each of the 7 centers providing genetic training has adopted one aspirational district and will establish a program for the prevention of genetic disorders including beta-thalassemia and newborn screening for treatable disorders. This will be a prototype of an outreach program that will take the latest genetic diagnostics to the population and lead the way to incorporate genetic services in maternal and childcare. This will provide onsite training to the doctors in these district hospitals in addition to creating awareness about genetic disorders amongst the general population.

List of Training Centers

• Department of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Raibarelly Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

• Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi • Genetics Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi • Department of Clinical Genetics, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, Tamil Nadu • Centre for Genetic Studies and Research, The Madras Medical Mission, Chennai, Tamil Nadu • Diagnostics Division, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, Telangana • Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, Tamil Nadu • ICMR-National Institute of Immunohematology (NIIH), KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai

Himachal Pradesh Current Affairs

Agreement for setting up Centre of Excellence at Waknaghat

Why in News?

In the 9th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam, it has been decided to sign a Contract Agreement with the Operating Partners for a period of five years for setting up and operating the


Centre of Excellence for Tourism and Hospitality at Waknaghat in Solan district and thereafter the contract agreement would be extended on the performance of Partner on mutually agreed terms and duration.

Key Highlights:

• The State Government would provide subsidy on tuition fees to the Himachali students but the students would have to pay boarding and lodging charges including internship themselves.

• About sixty percent seats would be reserved for the student of Himachal Pradesh in this institution, but during the first academic session, only Himachali candidates would be eligible for admission in the PET courses.

• A few seats would also be reserved for the NRIs and foreign students.

Government to explore avenues of forest based industry

Why in News?

Forest Minister Rakesh Pathania presided over a meeting of the Forest Department to explore the avenues for setting up of forest based industry in Himachal Pradesh at Shimla. He said that to generate revenues and provide employment opportunities to the local people, multifarious activities need to be set up in the State.

Key Highlights:

• Emphasis on establishing forest based industry for promotion of forest based flower, fruits, dry fruits, herbs, etc.

• Emphasis on the need for setting up of pine unit in the State. • A discussion on policy and guidelines for collection and removal of Chil Pine needles was also held in the

meeting. • A provision of investment subsidy of 50 percent of the capital cost for establishing pine needle based industry

was being provided by the Department and machinery, building, equipment, etc would only be covered. • As per the amendments in HP Forest Produce Transit Rules 1978 during 2006, the pine needles is treated in the

list of Minor Forest Produce and export permit fee has been fixed for rupees five per quintal. • Industries and stakeholders such as panchayats, mahila mandals, yuvak mandals, NGOs and village forest

management societies, etc would be encouraged to involve in removal of chil pine needles.

Shimla-Mataur Highway

Why in news?

The Shimla-Mataur highway was declared unviable by the central government.

About Shimla-Mataur highway:

• The Shimla-Mataur highway is one of Himachal Pradesh’s primary national highways set for four-laning. • It runs northwest from Shimla for around 223 kilometres. • It passes through the districts of Solan, Bilaspur and Hamirpur before ending at the Mataur junction in Kangra

district. Why is it important?

• The highway directly connects the state capital Shimla to Kangra, the state’s most populated district. • Kangra is home to Himachal’s second capital Dharamshala.


• Kangra, Bilaspur and Hamirpur in lower Himachal, primarily connected to Shimla via this highway. • The highway facilitates indirect linking of Shimla with parts of Mandi, Kullu, Una and Chamba districts. • In effect, it connects Shimla with 9 out of 12 districts in the state. • It’s important for religious tourism too, since it provides connectivity to major pilgrimage centers in lower

Himachal. What is the status of the road-widening project?

• In his 2020 budget speech, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur mentioned the highway as a priority project for the state.

• The final DPR is now complete. • The land acquisition process is underway. • However, no construction/excavation work has begun yet.

When was it declared unviable?

• In July 2020, the Union ministry of road transport and highways wrote to NHAI regarding the unviability of 2,887 kms of highways in India.

• This included the Shimla-Mataur highway. • The NHAI asked the ministry to transfer the development, maintenance and repair of the road to the state

public works department. • According to an NHAI official, the projected cost is Rs 10,000 crore. • Of this, Rs 7,000 crore is the project cost and Rs 3,000 crore the land acquisition cost. • The financial crisis caused by the Covid pandemic was one of the factors behind the project being declared

unviable. Is the four-laning cancelled?

• The ministry asked the NHAI to continue to repair, develop and maintain the road instead of handing it to the state.

• But, the state is committed towards the four-laning of this highway. • It is raising this matter with the Centre regularly.

Mukhya Mantri Swavlamban Yojna

Why in News?

The State Government has notified disbursal of subsidy under the Mukhya Mantri Swavlamban Yojna through Nodal Banks instead of Treasury and 60 percent of the subsidy to be front loaded to facilitate the beneficiaries of this Yojna.

About Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojana(MSY):

There is a great need to promote self-employment, whether there is a lack of adequate employment in both the government sector and the private sector. The state government of Himachal Pradesh has taken the step in this direction and announced a new scheme for the youth of the state. These projects will not only explore the possibilities of self-employment but will also encourage all those related to it. In this way, the scheme named Mukhyamantri Swavalamban (MSY) will explore the possibility of new job in the field of self-employment.

Launch details


The first announcement related to the scheme was announced on May 25, 2018 by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.

Main benefits of the plan

Young people wandering in search of employment do not get employment according to their merit or many times the possibility is not made, but if they put their focus on self-employment, the job loss can be reduced to a great extent. With the implementation of this project, the state youth will get a lot of help in setting up their business.

Key Features of the Scheme

Encourage the youth

This is the only way of implementing this scheme that the main purpose of the state government can be to motivate the youth to self-employment, and they are interested in starting their own business.

Decrease of Job Deficiency

With the implementation of this project, the problem of job losses in the state will end. Young people will be able to start their own business instead of wandering in search of a job, so that they will not have to do any job, but they can also start their own business and become an employer to provide them employment. In this way, if they establish their own business, they will not need to find more jobs, rather they will be able to employ themselves unemployed.

Government land for rent

If a self-employed person wants the land, then he can take help from the government for this. If he gets the approval of the HP government and if he wants to take government land as a rent, the state government will charge only 1% of the actual rate of that land.

Reduction in Stamp Duty

The government will also reduce the amount of stamped by them to motivate the youth to participate more and more in self-employment schemes. Under this project, if anybody wants to buy land, instead of 6%, stamp duty up to 3% will be given.

Eligibility Criteria

Any native of Himachal Pradesh, whose age is between 18 to 35, can apply in this employment scheme.

Rule under subsidy

Subsidy for a male investor

If a male entrepreneur wants to start his business and wants to invest up to 40 lakhs for this, then it will be given special subsidy on the machinery cost by the government, the subsidy will be available upto 25%.

Subsidy for women investor

If a woman candidate wants to start her business, then the government will provide subsidy of up to 30% on cost machinery as per her requirement of purchase, although her investment should not be less than 4 million.


Interest subsidy on credit

Interested candidates who want to set their business also have a loan. If a candidate takes a loan of up to 40 lakh margin, then he will get subsidy upto 5% on the interest of the loan. It will be given for 5 years.

H.P. Ranking in Ease of Doing Business Reforms

Why in News?

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman released the State rankings for the implementation of ‘Ease of Doing Business Reforms Action Plan’ for the year 2019 brought out by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Himachal Pradesh has registered a quantum leap of nine positions by securing 7th position amongst all States/ Union Territories in the country from previous year ranking.

About Ease of Doing Business Reforms

It is a joint initiative by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the World Bank to improve the overall business environment in the States.

Ranking of all the States and Union Territories is done, based on the implementation of BRAP by them.

Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP):

• It was launched in 2015. • BRAP 2019 contains a list of 80 reforms (187 reform action points) to be implemented by 19 State

departments. • These reforms cover 12 business regulatory areas such as Access to Information, Single Window System, Labor,

Environment, etc. Objective: It was introduced to encourage a healthy competition between states.

This would help in attracting investments and increasing Ease of Doing Business in each State.

Rs. 840 crore project for HP

Why in News?

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur and World Bank for signing $112 million (Rs. 840 crore) project to support Himachal Pradesh.

Objectives of the Investment:

• Strengthening the transport and road safety institutions by improving the condition, safety, resilience and engineering standards of State's road network.

• In the Rs. 840 crore project signed, $82 million (Rs.615 crore) would be share of World Bank and $30 million (Rs. 225 crore) would be of State Government.


• This is the first project to which loan agreement has been signed with World Bank post Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in the Country.

Mitr Dev Sharma

In News:

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has expressed grief over the demise of Mitr Dev Sharma, the father of Kameshwar Sharma, Editor, Jago Himachal Newspaper who passed away at his at native village Kahano in Tehsil Karsog, District Mandi.

Mahila Shakti Kendra Counter”

Why in News?

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur inaugurated “Mahila Shakti Kendra Counter” at General Post Office the Mall to showcase and sell products prepared by Women Self Help Groups under National Rural Livelihood Mission of State Rural Development Department.

About Mahila Shakti Kendra

Mahila Shakti Kendra is a central Government Scheme to empower rural women through community participation during 2017-18 up to 2019-20.

Key Highlights

• The Scheme is implemented through the State Government /UT Administration and is implemented with a cost-sharing ratio of 60:40 between centre and states except for North East and the Special Category States where the ratio is 90:10.

• It is envisaged to work at the national level (domain based knowledge support) and state level (State Resource Centre for Women) by providing technical support to the respective governments on issues related to women.

• District Level Centre for Women (DLCW) has also been envisaged for 640 districts to be covered in a phased manner. These centres to serve as a link between the village, block and state level in facilitating women-centric schemes and also give a foothold for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme at the district level.

• Community engagement through College Student Volunteers is to play an instrumental role in awareness generation regarding various important government schemes/ programmes as well as social issues as part of Block Level initiatives.

New Radical Approach in interdisciplinary Research

In News?

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur released book on ‘New Radical Approach in interdisciplinary Research’ edited by Dr. Vijay Singh and Aastha Agnihotri.

The Book provides a common platform from various background and they have freely expressed their viewpoints on particular issues

The focus of the book is interdisciplinary approach of research that makes the book important for researchers and scholars.


Atal Tunnel

Why in News?

The Prime Minister has inaugurated the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh’s Rohtang, which connects Solang Valley near Manali to Sissu in Lahaul and Spiti district.

About Atal Tunnel:

• The 9.02-km tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in the world above the height of 3,000 meters. • It cuts through a mountain west of the Rohtang pass and will shorten the distance between Solang Valley and

Sissu by around 46 km and will take around 15 minutes to cover. Earlier, it would take nearly 4 hours to travel between the two points.

Significance:

• All year Connectivity: The Atal tunnel is the first step towards all-year connectivity to Ladakh. The tunnel has the potential to link Ladakh to Manali and Chandigarh throughout the year, as it would bypass Rohtang Pass, which is snowed in through the winter months.

• Strategic: The tunnel provides a strategic advantage to the country's armed forces by providing year-long connectivity to border areas. It will save an entire day for troops and supplies as they move towards forward posts.

• Avail Basic Facilities: The residents of Ladakh who had to face immense hardship to avail even basic facilities like healthcare and food supplies will now be able to reach Manali and connect with the rest of the country using this new tunnel. Essential commodities like petrol and vegetable supplies would also likely be available throughout the year.

• Boon for Farmers: The drop in travel time will help many, especially farmers whose precious crops like peas and potatoes will no longer rot in trucks before reaching the market.

• Boost to Tourism: Livelihoods in the tourism sector of the residents in Lahaul Valley and Ladakh would get a boost.

MoU signed between HP Police and IIT Mandi

In News:

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Himachal Pradesh Police and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi to set up an institutional mechanism to facilitate the Police Personal in updating their knowledge.

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay Ka Jeevan Darshan

In News:

The book ‘Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay Ka Jeevan Darshan’ written by Dr. Inder Singh Thakur.

The book highlights the life and works of great thinker and nationalist Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay.


Defence

Pinaka Missile System

Why in news?

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) signed contracts with three Indian companies for supply of six regiments of the Pinaka Rocket System.

The contract

The acquisition wing of MoD has signed contracts with,

Bharat Earth Movers Ltd, Tata Power Company Ltd (TPCL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

• The six regiments would be added to the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army at a cost of Rs 2,580 crore. • These Regiments will be operationalized along the Northern and Eastern Borders of our country. • They are long range artillery systems that comprise 114 launchers with,

45 Command Posts to be procured from L&T, Automated Gun Aiming and Positioning System from TPCL and 330 vehicles to be procured from BEML.

The induction is planned to be completed by 2024.

What is the significance of this acquisition?

• India is facing hostilities on both fronts. • So, the announcement enhancing the long range artillery capabilities can be looked as a strong signal to the

adversaries. • The ministry has called this step a major boost to ‘Make in India.’ • This flagship project showcases public private partnership under the aegis of Government of India (DRDO and

MoD). • [DRDO - Defense Research and Development Organization]

About Pinaka System:

• Pinaka attacks the targets prior to the close quarter battles which involve smaller range artillery, armored elements and the infantry.

• The development of the Pinaka was started by the DRDO in 1980s. • It was developed as an alternative to the multi-barrel rocket launching systems of Russian make, called like the

‘Grad’. • Pinaka Mark-1 was first used in the battlefield during the Kargil War of 1999, quite successfully. • Subsequently multiple regiments of the system came up over the 2000s.

What are Pinaka’s capabilities?

• Pinaka is primarily a multi-barrel rocket system (MBRL) system. • It can fire a salvo of 12 rockets over a period of 44 seconds. • One battery of Pinaka system consists of six launch vehicles. • This is accompanied by the loader systems, radar and links with network based systems and a command post. • One battery can neutralize an area one kilometer by one kilometer. • The launchers have to ‘shoot and scoot’ to ensure that they themselves do not become the targets, especially


due to its back blast. • Thus the launcher vehicles should have a high degree of maneuverability.

What are its versions?

• Mark-I version of Pinaka has a range of around 40 kilometers. • Mark-II version can fire up to 75 kilometers. • Over late 2010s, multiple successful tests of the Mark-II version have been carried out by the DRDO. • This version of the rocket has been modified as a guided missile system by integrating it with the navigation,

control and guidance system. • The navigation system of the missile is linked with the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). • In comparison to artillery guns, rockets are less accurate, but with addition of guidance and navigation systems,

this aspect is taken care of. • With its upgrades, the Pinaka Mark-II can be a key element in the “network centric warfare”. • The rocket system can operate various modes. • They can carry different types of warheads.

Chushul Sub-sector

Why in news?

Chushul sub-sector has come into focus in the Indo-China standoff following the movement that took place on the night of August 29-30, 2020.

What is the Chushul sub-sector?

• The Chushul sub-sector lies south of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh. • It comprises high, broken mountains and heights besides passes such as Rezang La and Reqin La, the Spanggur

Gap, and the Chushul valley. • It is situated at a height of over 13,000 feet close to the LAC. • The Chushul Valley has a vital airstrip that played an important role even during the 1962 War with China. • Chushul is one among the five Border Personnel Meeting points between the Indian Army and the People’s

Liberation Army (PLA) of China. • The recent brigade-level meetings between the two sides were held here.

What is its strategic importance to India?

• Chushul enjoys tremendous strategic importance because of its location and terrain, which make it a center for logistics deployment.

• This sector has plains that are a couple of kilometers wide, where mechanized forces can be deployed. • Its airstrip and connectivity by road to Leh add to its operational advantages. • Indian troops have now secured the ridgeline in this sub-sector. • This will allow India to dominate the Chushul bowl on the Indian side, and Moldo sector on the Chinese side. • They have a clear sight of the almost 2-km-wide Spanggur gap, which the Chinese used in the past to launch

attacks on this sector in the 1962 War. • India’s move has neutralized the advantage that China gained when it secured areas between Finger 4 and 8 on

the bank of the Pangong Tso. How is Chushul important to China?

• Simply put, Chushul is the gateway to Leh. • If China enters Chushul, it can launch its operations for Leh.

Did the Chinese try to capture Chushul in the 1962 War?


• After the initial attacks in October 1962, the PLA troops prepared to attack Chushul airfield and the valley to get direct access to Leh.

• However, just before the attacks were launched, the area was reinforced by the 114 Brigade in November 1962. • This brigade had under its command two troops of armor and some artillery. • It’s important to note that the heights secured by Indian soldiers on the intervening night of August 29-30 were

held by them in 1962 as well. • These included Lukung, Spanggur Gap, Gurung Hill, Rezang La, Magger Hill and Thatung Heights.

What are the future challenges in this area?

• An immediate challenge is of a flare-up as troops of the two countries are deployed within a distance of 1 km of each other at Black Top and Reqin La.

• Logistics also pose a major challenge. • Porters are needed to carry water and food to the top. • The troops shouldn’t do that. If they do, they will lose fighting strength. • At this point, villagers of Chushul are helping by ferrying water and essential commodities to the Indian troops

deployed at Black Top. • The harsh winter that lasts for 8 months of the year poses a challenge. • It is very difficult to dig in, and make shelters on the ridgeline. • The mercury plummets to minus 30 degrees Celsius, and there are frequent snowstorms. • The Pangong Tso also freezes, making movement between its north and south banks possible.

Defense One-liner :

India has withdrawn its participation from the multilateral Military Exercise Kavkaz 2020 to be held in Russia between 15th to 26th September 2020.

The Defense Ministry has signed a ₹2,580-crore contract with Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML), Tata Power Company Ltd (TPCL) and Larsen & Toubro to equip the Army with six Pinaka rocket regiments.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh launched “Chhavni COVID: Yodha Sanrakshan Yojana” a group life insurance scheme through the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), for more than 10000 employees working in the 62 military cantonment areas across India.

Defense Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), a Deemed to be University, Pune, under Ministry of Defense has developed "Healthy Air", herbal-based immunity to boost room freshener product.

The 11th edition of the biennial bilateral maritime exercise INDRA NAVY between Indian Navy and Russian Navy has been organized from 4-5 September 2020 in the Bay of Bengal.

Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated the hypersonic air- breathing scramjet technology with the flight test of the Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha on September 07, 2020.

The first batch of five Rafale fighter jets was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 10 September 2020 at the Air Force Station in Ambala.

Ministry of Shipping has launched the SAROD-Ports’ (Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes – Ports) which is a Dispute Redressal Mechanism for all kind of disputes of the maritime sector.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi exuded confidence that India will increase its existing clean energy capacity of 134 GW to 220 GW by 2022 and stressed on reducing tariffs further through technological advancements.

Defence Research and Development Organization, DRDO has developed P-7 Heavy Drop System which is capable of para dropping military stores up to seven-tonne weight class from IL- 76 aircraft.

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has set up eight advanced technology centres to carry out research on futuristic military applications.

For the First Time 2 Women Officers Selected in Indian Navy’s Helicopter Stream. Two women officers have been selected airborne tacticians in the Indian Navy’s helicopter stream.


The successful flight test of ABHYAS - High-speed Expendable Aerial Target was today conducted by Defense Research and Development Organization, DRDO from the Interim Test Range, Balasore in Odisha.

Navies of India and Australia will carry out a two-day mega exercise in the Indian Ocean Region that will involve a range of complex naval man oeuvres, anti-aircraft drills and helicopter operations.

Security forces of Nepal and India have initiated a joint security patrol of the Nepal-India border in Kapilvastu district to control the spread of Covid-19 and check illegal cross-border activities.

The Defence Ministry informed on September 23, 2020, that the Laser-guided Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) has been successfully test-fired from MBT Arjun Tank at KK Ranges, Armored Corps center and school (ACC&S), Ahmednagar.

India recently conducted the test fire of Prithvi II missile, developed indigenously and was successful. The 4th edition of Maritime bilateral exercise between India and Japan "JIMEX 20" has been scheduled to be

held from 26 to 28 September 2020. The Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO) has started the production of Pinaka missiles. Union Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh released the New Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a book titled ‘A bouquet of flowers’ written by Dr. Krishna

Saksena.

Sports

Japanese badminton player, Ayaka Takahashi, who is a doubles specialist has announced her retirement with effect from 31 August 2020.

On the occasion of the National Sports Day on 29 August 2020, the Ministry of Sports has announced a hike in the award money for four of the seven categories of the National Sports and Adventure Awards.

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) has won the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix 2020 held on August 30, 2020.

India and Russia have been jointly announced the winner of first-ever FIDE Online Chess Olympiad 2020. Arsenal beat Premier League champions Liverpool by 5–4 on penalties to claim the 2020 FA Community Shield

after a 1–1 draw. West Indies All-Rounder, Dwayne John Bravo became the first bowler in cricket to scalp 500 wickets in Twenty20

matches. Para-swimmer Satyendra Singh Lohia of Madhya Pradesh is the first Divyanga Indian sportsperson of the country,

who has been awarded today with the Tenzing Norgay Adventure Award. Sumit Nagal stormed into the second round of the ongoing US Open Tennis last night. Nagal defeated Bradley Klahn

of USA 6-1, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in the first round of the US Open to progress further into the tournament. In Uttar Pradesh, sports training camps will start from 1st October and will continue till March next year. Olympic ski champion Viktoria Rebensburg of Germany has announced her retirement due to injury caused during a

race in February 2020, which was keeping her from performing at her best. Indian Grandmaster P Iniyan has won the prestigious 48th Annual World Open online chess tournament. West Indies cricket icon Dwayne Bravo has become the first cricket ambassador for “SBOTOP” sportsbook brand. Pierre Gasly (Scuderia AlphaTauri, France) has won the Formula One Italian Grand Prix 2020 held on September 06,

2020. Cricketer Ian Bell from England has announced that he will retire from all forms of cricket at the end of the 2020

domestic season. The Indo-Canadian pair of Rohan Bopanna and Denis Shapovalov have reached the quarterfinals of the ongoing US

Open tennis. BCCI has announced the schedule for IPL 2020 to be held in UAE. Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Dr G N Itoo in presence of District Youth Services and Sports Officer inaugurated

T20 cricket tournament at Kungamdora Pattan with strict adherence of SOPs and guidelines. World Cup host Qatar is set to play in the Gold Cup next year in the United States after accepting an invitation

from soccer's governing body for North and Central America and the Caribbean.


Indian Police Officer, Poonam Khatri has claimed World Championship status after her silver medal at the Wushu World Championship last year has been upgraded to a Gold medal. Poonam hails from Haryana’s Jhajjar district.

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-Great Britain) has won the Formula One Tuscan Grand Prix 2020 held on September 13, 2020. This was his 6th win of the season and 90th F1 win of his career.

In Tennis, Japan’s Naomi Osaka defeated Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, 1-6, ,6-3, 6-3, to clinch the Women’s Singles title in the 2020 US Open Tennis tournament

Austria’s Dominic Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev to win the men’s singles title at the 2020 US Open tournament.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju is laying foundation stones for various sports facilities in Leh. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced that the Thomas Cup and the Uber Cup, which were

scheduled to be held from 3 to 11 October 2020 in Denmark, has been postponed for 2021. Tata Motors’s Altroz named official partner of Dream11 IPL 2020. The Sports Authority of India’s Northern Regional Centre in Sonepat organized an online interaction earlier today

with 391 participants on the Fit India Freedom Run. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has renamed the Fed Cup, an annual team competition in women tennis,

as the “Billie Jean King Cup.” The 36th National Games allotted to Goa, which was scheduled from October 20 to November 4, 2020, had been

postponed due to outbreak of the Covid-19. Retd. Colonel Dr. Girija Shanker Mungali has been appointed a member of the Asian Football Confederation's task

force. Novak Djokovic has defeated Argentine Diego Schwartzman, 7-6, 5-3, to win 2020 Men’s Single Italian Open title

and his fifth overall Rome title. Ashleigh Barty, who is the top-ranked WTA player in the world, and a former professional cricket player, has now

added another feat in her sporting list by winning golf club championship. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-Finland) has won the Formula One Russian Grand Prix 2020 held on 27 September 2020. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Neetu David, one of finest woman cricketers of India

in the late ’90s and early 2000, as the Chairman of the 5 member women’s national selection panel. In Football, the Indian men’s team Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has won the 2019-’20 AIFF Player of the

year awards in men’s category. Australia wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy has broken MS Dhoni’s record for the most number of dismissals by a

wicketkeeper in T20 internationals.

Books & Authors

• In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today released two Coffee Table Books, one for Labour & Employment Department and another for J&K Entrepreneurship Development (JKEDI) Institute at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar.

• Indian Cricket Coach Gurcharan Singh (85 years old) penned his memoir titled “Pitching It Straight” which is co- authored by sports journalist MS Unnikrishnan and published by Vitasta

• Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has announced his first children’s book titled ‘The Big Thoughts of Little Luv’. • Ramachandra Guha has authored a new book, ‘The Commonwealth of Cricket: A Lifelong Love Affair with the

Most Subtle and Sophisticated Game Known to Humankind‘. • American actor Channing Tatum is a proud dad and wants to honor his 7-year-old daughter by writing his first

children’s book titled ‘The One and Only Sparkella” (Feiwel & Friends). • Pope Francis is set to release the book “Let Us Dream” in December 2020. • A new publication “The Little Book of Green Nudges” has been launched by the United Nations Environment

Programme. • 9 years old Ajnaa Dvivedi sat to author her first book. With more than 20000 words in 120 pages, she is

probably the youngest female writer of a novella in India! The line illustrations are also done by her.


• The book titled “Breaking The Cocoon @ 40″ authored by Radha Nair has been released recently. • Interior designer Gauri Khan has authored her first book titled “My Life In Design”, which will be published by

Penguin Random House India in 2021. • Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Prakash Javdekar and Vice President Shyam Jaju inaugurated a website

and released an e-book on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday. • Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy has come up with her new book titled ‘Azadi: Freedom. Fascism.

Fiction.’ • French-born author, journalist, historian Claude Arpi has written fourth and final volume of his book titled End

of an Era, India Exits Tibet. • Former US President Barack Obama has announced his first presidential memoir titled “A Promised Land.” • Noted Indian Historian and author Romila Thapar has written a new book titled “Voices of Dissent” • Chef Vikas Khanna has authored a book titled “Kitchens of Gratitude” in which he has written about his Feed

India initiative. • Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Jai Ram Thakur releasing book edited by Dr. Vijay Singh and Aastha

Agnihotri at Shimla on 21 Sept. 2020. • Award-winning actor Neena Gupta will to come out with her memoir titled ‘Sach Kahun Toh’, talking about her

personal and professional life. • Fauja Singh (109), the world’s oldest marathon runner, has created history as this ‘young athlete’ has been

featured as a superhero in a children’s book titled ‘Fauja Singh Keeps Going’. • Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay released a book ‘Pandit

Deen Dayal Upadhayay Ka Jeevan Darshan’ written by Dr. Inder Singh Thakur. • “Baahubali” series author Anand Neelakantan has written his debut book in the children’s space which tells

some of the most hilarious stories about child asuras and their antics. • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a book titled ‘A bouquet of flowers’ written by Dr. Krishna

Saksena. • Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and

Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Labour & Employment released a booklet on ‘COVID-19- Safe Workplace Guidelines for Industry’ through virtual platform.

Summits and Conferences

The 8th East Asia Summit (Economic Ministers’ Meeting) was held virtually on 28 August 2020, to strengthen the regional supply chains, become resilient during this challenging time of Covid-19 pandemic, and to spur economic growth.

The Cycling Federation of India (CFI) is all set to host the first-ever Cycling Summit in 2021, with an aim to promote the culture of cycling in the country.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has invited the US business and industry to work with their Indian counterparts to take the bilateral trade to greater heights.

The Third Annual Leadership Summit of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) is being held from 31st August.

The two days National Tribal Research Conclave will be held virtually on 3rd and 4th September 2020. A senior official in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has informed that India will host a summit of the council

of heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on November 30, 2020. The G20 Foreign Ministers’ Extraordinary Meeting held on 3rd September under the current Chair, the

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia virtually. The 5th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting was held under the chairpersonship of Russian Federation. India participated in the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) of the regional grouping BIMSTEC on 2 September 2020

to discuss ways to further expand cooperation among its member nations to effectively deal with key challenges including impact of the coronavirus pandemic.


India will soon be hosting the Quad meet involving Australia, Japan and the United States and the 2+2 dialogue with the United States.

The 35th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC 35), was held from 01 – 04 September 2020, in virtual format due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the Special Key Note Address at the USISPF 3rd Annual Leadership Summit at 9 PM on 3 September 2020, through video conference.

Bangladesh will host the 36th Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC) of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), for the first time in 2022 since joining the organization in 1973.

India will host a summit of the council of heads of government of the SCO on November 30 with a focus on contributing to the trade and economic agenda of the influential grouping.

The Education Ministers Meeting will take place as part of the Sherpa Track for the G20 Leaders Summit 2020, which is to be hosted by Saudi Arabia at the end of 2020.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is going to organize the first World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS) on September 8, 2020.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is organizing a series of webinars during the third Poshan Maah being celebrated in September.

India, Australia and France held their first-ever Trilateral Dialogue on 9 September 2020, with focus on enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Education Ministry is organizing a two-day conclave on School Education in 21st Century under Shikshak Parv through online medium.

The 13th edition of Aero India-21 is scheduled to be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka from 3 to 07 February 2021.

A two-day conclave on ‘School Education in 21st Century’ commenced virtually. The Union Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar co-chaired the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on 12

September 2020, with his Thailand counterpart Don Pramudwinai. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan participated in the 27th ASEAN regional forum. A virtual meeting of G-20 Agriculture and Water Ministers was held. The Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) has announced a three-day Buyer-Seller Meet in virtual mode with

special focus on Australia and adjoining countries to ensure business continuity amid COVID-19 pandemic. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar participated in the inaugural session of the Intra-Afghan negotiations

held in Doha on Saturday via video teleconference. The Health Ministry organized a virtual conclave for private hospitals providing COVID-19 treatment in the

country. India and the United States held the 10th Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) Group Meeting on 15

September 2020 through virtual platform, in the wake of COVID pandemic. The 56th Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) day was observed online by the High Commission of

India in Dhaka. The IBSA Foreign Ministers customary meeting was held through video conferencing on 16th September, 2020. The G20 Environment Ministerial Meeting was held on 17 September 2020 through video conferencing. The fourth edition of the Global Ayurveda Summit was inaugurated by the Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu

through video-conferencing on 15 September 2020. 10th Meeting of the BRICS High Representatives on National Security will be held on September 17, 2020. India, Brazil and South Africa jointly called comprehensive reforms of the UN Security Council at the IBSA Foreign

Ministers’ virtual meeting on September 16, 2020. The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) the first-ever completely online conference cum workshop IMPACT

2020 from 16-18 Sep 2020. Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vaishwik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit

on 2nd October’2020 through video conferencing. The India-UK Water Partnership Forum was recently held. Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare chaired ‘Aarogya Manthan’ 2.0 celebrating the

2nd Anniversary of Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).


PM Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will hold a Virtual Bilateral Summit on 26th of this month.

The Central Pollution Control Board celebrated its 46th Foundation Day. The United Nations is to hold the Global Climate Summit on December 12, 2020 and Britain is to co-host the

summit. Union Minister Piyush Goyal attends G-20 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting Virtually. The Union Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar participated in the Special Ministerial Meeting of Foreign

Ministers of the CICA on 24 September 2020. The external Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation Foreign

Ministers Informal meet virtually. Department of Higher Education and University Grants Commission have conducted a National Webinar on

‘Internationalization of Higher Education’ under Shiksha Parv initiative. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and NITI Aayog will organize a Mega Virtual

Summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI), RAISE 2020- ‘Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020,’ from October 5-9, 2020.

The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar represented India at the virtual Ministerial Roundtable Dialogue on Biodiversity held on 24 September 2020.

A webinar between India and Cambodia was held. Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy under AYUSH Ministry organised a Webinar Nutrition

Science and Advancements named POSHAN AAHAR. A webinar on Early Childhood Care and Education was organized by Ministry of Education under Shiksha Parv

initiative to highlight the salient features of the New Education Policy (NEP 2020). A webinar was held between India and Cambodia. India, Sri Lanka Bilateral Summit held – PM Modi announces 15 million dollars grant assistance for promoting

Buddhist ties. External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar addressed the Ministerial meeting of Alliance for Multilateralism. Education Ministry organised a National Webinar on ‘Credit Mechanism, Mobility and Academic Bank of Credit’. Centre for Disability Sports Foundation Stone was Laid at Gwalior,Madhya Pradesh. The function was

organised by DEPwD which is under Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry. Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Tourism and Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel

addressed a meeting on the theme of Tourism and rural development on World Tourism Day i.e 27 September 2020.

National Webinar will be organised by a National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune, is an premier institute comes under Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India.

Ranks and Indices

Amul, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has been ranked 16th in the Rabobank’s Global Top 20 Dairy Companies list.

The tourism global industry has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, with USD 320 billion lost in exports in the first five months of the year and more than 120 million jobs at risk, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

With an average monthly wage of Rs 32,800 (USD 437), India has been ranked a lowly 72nd among 106 countries in terms of the average wage per month, while Switzerland topped the chart, according to a global ranking of average wages prepared by Picodi.com, an international e-commerce platform which provides discount coupons.

World Bank has stopped the publication of its “Doing Business” report to probe data collection irregularities in the annual ranking of countries’ business and investment climates.

Data Security Council of India and PayPal India, today released a study report on Fraud & Risk Management in Digital Payments.


The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Ministry of Home Affairs released 53rd edition of a report titled “Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) 2019”.

India has joined the group of top 50 countries in the global innovation index for the first time, moving up four places to the 48th rank and keeping the top position among the nations in central and southern Asia.

Indian renewable energy company, Adani Green has been ranked as the world's number 1 solar energy company in terms of capacity.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar expressed happiness that Swadeshi apps are in top 10 on Play Store.

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2021 has been released and under the overall category, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, has topped the list.

India has been ranked third in terms of the largest solar market in 2019 as per Mercer Global listing for 2019. India had 9% of the world’s installed capacity.

Isha and Akash Ambani, Ambani scions, and Jio Board directors have been included by Fortune Magazine in the ’40 under 40’ list of the most influential young leaders for the year under the technology section.

The Vice President, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu released ‘The State of Young Child in India’ report, a comprehensive account of the challenges related to early child development in India.

Andhra Pradesh has topped the 4th edition of the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) ranking of states for 2018- 19.

Kerala, Goa, Tripura, Tamil Nadu and Mizoram are among the top five States for well-being of children, according to a report brought out by non-governmental organization Mobile Creches and launched by Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu.

A report on ‘Household Social Consumption: Education’ was published by the National Statistical Office (NSO). India, Australia and France held their first-ever Trilateral Dialogue on 9 September 2020, with focus on

enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Education Ministry is organizing a two-day conclave on School Education in 21st Century under Shikshak Parv

through online medium. The 13th edition of Aero India-21 is scheduled to be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka

from 3 to 07 February 2021. India is scheduled to host the meeting of Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of Shanghai Cooperation

Organization, SCO on 29-30 November 2020 in New Delhi. Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Gangwar has called upon all G-20 members to continue to work

together for finding solutions to the common problems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan attends 73rd session of WHO South East Asia Region. Gujarat has topped the second edition of States Startup Ranking Results 2019 released by Minister of

Commerce & Industry and Railways Shri Piyush Goyal. India is the second-fastest-growing freelance market in the world with a massive increase in the number of

freelancers this year, according to a report on ‘Freelancing in 2020: An Abundance of Opportunities’ by Pioneer. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) became the second Indian firm to attain a market valuation of over Rs 9 lakh

crore after Reliance Industries Limited. The first all covering all states and Union Territories measuring happiness across the country, which is based on

a nationwide survey covering 16,950 people between March and July 2020 by Professor Rajesh K Pillania. The Indian cities have witnessed a significant drop in their rankings in the Smart City Index 2020, a global list of

smart cities, prepared by the Institute for Management Development (IMD). The World Bank has released the annual Human Capital Index on September 17, 2020. Udit Singhal, an 18-year-old Indian boy, has been included by the United Nations (UN) in the 2020 Class of 17

Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Time Magazine has released the TIME 100 Most Influential People List 2020. India has been ranked at 89th position among 181 countries on the World Risk Index (WRI) 2020 which

describes the natural disaster risk for various countries and regions IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore, country’s top management institutions, have been ranked in the top 50

management institutes in the world for the MBA programme as per the QS Global MBA Rankings 2021.


The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the report of a survey named ‘Health in India’.

The Reliance Industries’ Chairman, and Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani has topped the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2020 for the ninth consecutive year.

Agreements and MoU

Vedanta announced it tie up for a long-term syndicated loan facility for Rs.10000 crore with State bank of India (SBI).

India and France are in discussions to provide Mission Alpha-like equipment to astronauts involved in the ‘Gaganyaan' mission.

Federal Bank partnered with Innovate to provide Affordable Options of Federal Bank Debit Cards through Innoviti Point of Sale (POS)terminals.

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Textiles Committee, India and M/s Nissenken Quality Evaluation Centre, Japan for improving quality and testing of Indian textiles and Clothing for the Japanese market.

The Federal Aviation Administration has granted Amazon approval to deliver packages by drones. India and Russia on September 3, 2020 finalized a deal to manufacture AK-47 203 rifles in India. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd (APIIC) has entered into a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) as a step forward in the direction of setting up a Bulk Drug Park (BDP) under a scheme by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Department of Pharmaceuticals

Rajasthan government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ShriVallabh Pittie (SVP) International Group to develop projects for textile, defense and aerospace.

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to develop the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) ecosystem in the state.

Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited will buy Kishore Biyani’s Future retail for Rs 24,713 crore.

ITC on Friday said it is considering merger of its three wholly-owned subsidiaries - Sunrise Foods, Hobbits International Foods and Sunrise Sheetgrah - with itself.

Adani Group has acquired 74% stake in Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) that operates Mumbai Airport. Mumbai Airport is the second largest airport in India.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has completed the sale of its electrical and automation business to Schneider Electric in an all-cash deal worth nearly ₹14,000 crore.

India’s government has approved Brookfield Asset Management Inc.’s proposal to acquire a 252 billion rupees ($3.4 billion) stake in a trust that manages the wireless infrastructure of the nation’s biggest mobile-phone service provider Reliance Jio Infratel Pvt. through Tower Infrastructure Trust.

Infosys to acquire US based engineering firm 'Kaleidoscope Communication' for $ 42 million (Rs 308 crore). The Facebook-owned WhatsApp has entered into a partnership with the cyber security think tank Cyber Peace

Foundation to create awareness on cyber safety among students. The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee for collaboration in areas of universal design principles and inclusive development in the backdrop of ‘Building Accessible Safe Inclusive Indian Cities’ (BASIIC) program.

Andhra Pradesh Govt signed MoUs with eight companies including the Netherlands government in the food processing sector.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, has partnered with Fresh works Inc., a customer-engagement software company, with an aim to provide robust support to innovators and entrepreneurs in India.

India and Bangladesh have agreed to hold the 6th meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) later this month.


World Bank and the government of Himachal Pradesh signed $82 million loan for the implementation of Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project.

Hyderabad is one of the top five cities in the country to offer jobs in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), a latest report by job portal site Indeed has revealed.

National Statistical Organization (NSO) recently published the report on ‘household social consumption’ in its 75th round of the survey which was conducted between 2017-2018.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India (GoI) signed a $500 million loan on 8 September.

Tata Consultancy Services has partnered with Transnet Port Terminals in South Africa to help the latter develop an integrated online marketplace platform by bringing together cargo owners, shipping lines, clearing and forwarding agents, and road/rail haulers.

CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur and National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram joined hands by signing an online Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a ‘Strategic Association’ to bolster the Solar Energy sector across

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and LinkedIn, the world’s largest online professional networks, have joined hands to provide access to free LinkedIn Learning resources for digital skills.

Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB) to work in cohesion in support of Bank Linkage of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Producer Groups/ Enterprises under ASRLM.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance joined hands with NSDL Payments Bank to provide its products to customers of payments bank.

UNICEF India announced popular Indian film actor and thought-leader, Ayushmann Khurrana, as its celebrity advocate for promoting rights #ForEveryChild.

India, Israel and the United States have begun collaboration in developmental area, and in next generation of emerging technologies, including a transparent, open, reliable and secure 5G communication network.

India and the United States held a bilateral 22 Inter-sessional meeting at the official level in virtual mode. HCL Technologies (HCL), a leading global technology company, today announced it has joined NVIDIA Partner

Network (NPN), the US-based technology company’s partner program, with plans to pursue expanded opportunities in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) space.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and France’s ENGIE group have signed a long-term loan of up to ₹ 466 crore for setting up a 200-MW solar power project in Gujarat.

Microsoft on Thursday joined hands with industry-driven learning ecosystem Nasscom Future Skills to launch a nation-wide initiative that aims to skill 10 lakh students in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by 2021.

IIT Roorkee signs MoU with OUAT for cooperation in agricultural research and education. Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneshwar.

IndiGrid has completed the acquisition of Gurgaon Palwal Transmission Limited (GPTL) from Sterlite Power for ₹1,080 crore. An MoU has been signed between the Government of Odisha and the National Co-operative Development

Corporation (NCDC) at Krushi Bhawan for the promotion and management of Farmer Producer organization (FPO).

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an agreement for $15 million with Suguna Foods Private Limited (Suguna) to help sustain poultry farming operations, as well as rural livelihoods and food security in India during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Industries Minister Parsadi Lal Meena said that Rajasthan’s Department of Industries and Sidbi partnered on September 12, 2020 to provide financial, technical, marketing and export support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.

Mumbai-based Liberty General Insurance has partnered with SpiceJet to offer Liberty Secure Travel’ an insurance policy to consumers who book airline travel through Spice Jet’s website and mobile site.

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneshwar to generate frontier technologies and


produce quality manpower in the field of agricultural research and education for addressing the challenges faced by the rural communities and improving their quality of life.

International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) and India Gold Policy Centre (IGPC) – IIMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the IFSCA, GIFT City Gandhinagar, Gujarat for providing consulting to facilitate the establishment of International Bullion Exchange in India.

BI has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with KU, Gujarat, for collaboration in research, training of staff and students, support studies on equine health, production and allied activities which would benefit the equine and their owners and other relevant stakeholders.

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the principal financial institution engaged in the promotion, financing and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat to develop the MSME ecosystem in the State.

The Punjab Government under the Ghar Ghar Rozgar and Karobar Mission is organizing 6th State Level Mega Job Fair across the state from 24th to 30th, September, 2020.

Titan Company has partnered with the State Bank of India (SBI) to launch India’s first contactless payment watches named “Titan Pay”.

Israel, UAE and Bahrain signed Abraham Accords in a signing ceremony presided over by United States President Donald Trump at the White House on September 15, 2020.

In Gujarat, Industry Department and the Small Industries Development Bank of India- SIDBI entered into a MoU to encourage the MSME sector in the State.

State-run engineering firm BHEL announced it tie up with SwissRapide AG to bring Maglev trains (magnetic levitation) to India.

MasterCard Incorporated MA and SBM Bank India have collaborated to launch SBM World Debit Card, a premium and exclusive card.

IT services major Infosys will acquire Czech Republic-based Guide Vision for up to 30 million euros (about Rs 260.4 crore). Niti Aayog has partnered with the Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP) for mentoring, training, and capacity

building of government officials and public policy scholars. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Women and

Child Development in New Delhi for controlling Malnutrition as a part of POSHAN Abhiyaan. Volvo Car India has partnered with HDFC Bank to launch Volvo Car Financial Services to enable buyers get easy

finance for its vehicles. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has signed a

memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 21 September 2020 to promote adventure sports activities at Tehri Lake.

India and the United Kingdom held a virtual Water Partnership meeting on 22 September 2020 to discuss ways to work together on issues pertaining to water conservation and building better water infrastructure.

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Wipro GE Healthcare announced the inauguration of an advanced center for innovation and research at the IISc campus in Bangalore- ‘WIPRO GE Healthcare – Computational and Data Sciences Collaborative Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical and Healthcare Imaging’.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Himachal Pradesh Police and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi to set up an institutional mechanism to facilitate the Police Personal in updating their knowledge.

Noida-based IT Company HCL Technologies (HCL) announced that it would acquire DWS Limited, an Australian IT, business and management consulting group.

Microsoft announced that it will buy ZeniMax Media, the company that owns well-known video game publisher Bethesda, for $7.5 billion in cash.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its Denmark counterpart in the field of Intellectual Property Cooperation.

India and Sri Lanka have agreed to enhance cooperation to combat terrorism and drug trafficking.


The UK India Business Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC), the premier nodal agency of West Bengal’s Industry, Commerce and Enterprises Department focused on accelerating industrial development in the state.

Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) has signed a performance-based Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Power, Government of India detailing various targets to be achieved by PFC during Fiscal Year 2020-21.

Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding -MoU with Denmark in the water sector. Flipkart has announced a partnership with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company to offer 'Digital Suraksha

Group Insurance' for customers in the country.

Committees

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has set up a three-member committee to review the effective utilization of the Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services (AFHQ CS) cadre.

Insurance regulator IRDAI has constituted a six-member working group on index-linked products following requests for permission from life insurers to introduce such products.

NITI Aayog has constituted a Multidimensional Poverty Index Coordination Committee (MPICC). The Reserve Bank have accepted the recommendations of the KV Kamath Committee on ‘Resolution Framework

for Covid19-related Stress’ which was submitted by panel on September 4, 2020. The World Health Organization’s independent panel for pandemic preparedness and response appointed former

health secretary, Preeti Sudan as one of its 11 panelists from across the world. Former Lok Sabha MP and Bollywood actor, Paresh Rawal have been appointed as the new chief of National

School of Drama by President Ram Nath Kovind. Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) elected Subhash Kamath as its chairman on its 34th annual general

meeting of the body. Government of India has constituted an Expert Committee for making an overall assessment of relief to bank

borrowers related to waiver of interest and waiver of interest on interest on the COVID-19 related moratorium. Government of India has constituted an Expert Committee for making an overall assessment of relief to bank

borrowers related to waiver of interest and waiver of interest on interest on the COVID-19 related moratorium. Central Government has constituted an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) to oversee the process of the

corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is the chairman of this EGoM.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has extended the tenure of the Company Law Committee by one year until September 2021.

SEBI has constituted a Technical group on the social stock exchange (SSE) to develop a framework for onboarding non-profit organizations (NPO) and for-profit enterprises (FPE) on SSE.

The Government of India has constituted five task forces to make the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) future-ready and formulate a concrete strategy to make the country a leading exporter.

The Reserve Bank of India has appointed a 3-member Committee of Directors (CoD) to look after the affairs of Lakshmi Vilas Bank.

Apps and Portals

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched a mobile application ‘Pension Corner’ to cater to the needs of all its retired personnels.

Life Insurance on Monday launched an AI-powered voice chatbot, LiGo, on Google Assistant as part of its customer service initiative.

Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha, launched two citizen-centric mobile applications Ama Sahar and Swachha Sahar Odisha on the occasion of Local Self Government Day which was observed at the Lok Seva


Bhawan over a virtual platform. To further strengthen its drive to preserve and maintain the environment in Punjab and make people

stakeholders in the process, the State Forest Department launched 'I Rakhwali' application to help netizens to become 'Greenery Saviors'.

India’s leading online Instant Credit app LazyPay has launched a digital credit card facility called LazyUPI to offer easy access to credit across online and offline platforms.

Union Minister of Education has launched a free mobile app named as “EnglishPro“. The e-Gopala app is a comprehensive breed improvement marketplace and information portal for the direct use

of farmers. The Andhra Pradesh police department has come up with a unique service. A citizen, using the "AP Police Seva"

mobile application can put in a request asking the police department to monitor his/her house while the family is elsewhere.

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways conducted 2-days Orientation and Training programme on iRAD App on 7 & 8 September for the selected districts of Karnataka, and on 10th & 11th September 2020 for some districts of Uttar Pradesh.

The Maharashtra governments e- peek pahani mobile application will reduce hardships of farmers and help them get the right price and good market for their produce.

In J&K, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is devising new methods so that devotees unable to take nearly 12 Kms trek to the Holy Cave Shrine can still have Darshan from home.

India and Nepal have launched a website dedicated to provide information about the 2015 post-earthquake reconstruction projects funded by New Delhi in the Himalayan nation’s education sector.

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a unified portal called ‘U-Rise’ to guide students in learning, career counselling, and getting employment in the state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the portal in Lucknow.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy launched AP Police Seva App, a mobile application offering 87 types of citizen services.

The Assam government has developed a mobile app through which air passengers can download forms, fill it up, and show it at airports to avoid delay in completing formalities for COVID-19 tests.

The chief minister of Telangana K Chandrasekhar Rao will launch a web portal named “Dharani” for integrated land record management on October 26, 2020 i.e. on the festive occasion of Dussehra.

Appointments

Name Appointed as Other Info

Kiara Advani brand ambassador of Myntra

Aveek Sarkar Chairman of the Press Trust of India He replaces Vijay Kumar Chopra

M Veeralakshmi first-ever woman ambulance driver

Rajeev Kumar Election Commissioner of India Kumar succeeds Ashok Lavasa

Hemant Khatri Chairman and Managing director

(CMD) of Hindustan Shipyard

limited (HSL)

Previously he was serving as

the Director of Strategic

Projects HSL.

S R Sarma Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy


K Padmakar Chairman and Managing Director

(CMD) of Bharat Petroleum

Corporation Limited (BPCL)

He succeeds D Rajkumar

S Krishnan Managing Director and Chief

Executive Officer of Punjab & Sind

Bank.

He will replace S Harishankar

Murali Ramakrishnan Managing Director and CEO of the

South Indian Bank

Raj Kumar Srivastava Ambassador of India to the Republic of Croatia

Kenichi Ayukawa President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

He will replace Rajan Wadhera

Ayushmann Khurrana brand ambassador of Bajaj Allianz Life

Anil Jain President of All India Tennis Association (AITA)

M V Rajasekhar Director (R&D) of Bharat Electronics Ltd’s (BEL)

Charu Sinha first woman IG to lead CRPF in Kashmir

Vinkesh Gulati 35th President of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).

He succeeds Ashish Harsharaj Kale

Anil Jain New President of All India Tennis Association

He will replace Praveen Mahajan

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Smriti Mandhana

brand ambassadors of Playerzpot

Preeti Sudan WHO panelist

Paresh Rawal chairman of National School of Drama

Subhash Kamath Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) Chairman


Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman Chairman of the Supreme Court legal Services committee.

Jane Fraser first female CEO of Citigroup She will succeed Michael Corbat

Rajesh Khullar Executive Director at World Bank

Yoshihide Suga Chief of country’s ruling, Liberal

Democratic Party (LDP) and Prime

Minister designate of Japan.

succeed PM Shinzo Abe

Harivansh Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Sachin Tendulkar brand ambassador for its gaming

platform ‘Paytm First Games’

Arun Srinivas Director of Global Business Group

Virat Kohli Brand Ambassador of EdTech major,

Great Learning

Takeo Konishi Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s

Country Director for India

Suresh Raina brand ambassador of Online poker

platform 9stacks

Shri H D Deve Gowda Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka

Narendra Singh Tomar Additional charge of Food

Processing Industries Ministry.

Anil Dhasmana chief of National Technical Research

Organisation (NTRO)

He will replace former

Intelligence Bureau (IB)

officer Satish Chandra Jha

Khushi Chindaliya Indian Ambassador for UNEP’s

Tunza Eco-Generation

Raghvendra Singh culture secretary

Sonu Sood Brand ambassador of Acer India

Rajat Sud Managing Director of Energy

Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)

Aamir Khan brand ambassador of Ceat Tyres


Shivangi Singh first woman fighter pilot of India to

fly the Rafale combat aircraft.

At present, Shivangi Singh,

who had been flying the MiG-

21 Bison aircraft, is

undergoing conversion

training, which is necessitated

when a combat pilot shifts

from one fighter

to another one. Aamir Khan brand ambassador of online live

Tutoring company Vedantu.

L Adimoolam president of the Indian Newspaper

Society

Alapan Bandyopadhyay Chief Secretary of West Bengal

P D Vaghela chairman of the Telecom Regulatory

Authority of India (TRAI)

He will succeed R S Sharma

Rinki Sethi Chief Information Security Officer of

Twitter

Shekhar Kapur President of Film and Television

Institute of India, FTII Society and

Chairman of Governing Council of

FTII.

Awards

Name Awarded as

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad

International Airport)

‘National Energy Leader’ and ‘Excellent Energy

Efficient Unit’

Jayanti Behera and Deep Grace Ekka Biju Patnaik Sports Award

NTPC Limited All India Management Association (AIMA) Chanakya

(Business Simulation Game) National Management

Games (NMG) 2020 Ja Morant 2019-20 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year,


Sir David Attenborough. Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and

Development for 2019

Professor Aditya Prasad Padhi “Lifetime Achievements Award”

West Bengal govt Sabuj Sathi scheme in WSIS Price Contest.

Kevin De Bruyne and Beth England 2020 PFA player of the year awards

Marathi language feature film ‘The Disciple’ FIPRESCI award for Best Screenplay at the 77th

Venice Film Festival.

Aditya Puri Lifetime Achievement Award by Euromoney Awards

of Excellence 2020. Aleksandr Logunov New Horizons Prize

Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) in Rome,Italy first airport in the world to be certified with “COVID-

19 5-star airport rating” from Skytrax chef Vikas Khanna 2020 Asia Game Changer Award

Margaret Atwood Dayton Literary Peace Prizes

Udit Singhal UN’s 2020 list of Young Leaders for Sustainable Goals

Jineth Bedoya Lima Golden Pen of Freedom

Kerala UN Award For Prevention and Control of Non-

Communicable Diseases (NCD) 2020

Kerala Tourisms Human by Nature campaign 2020 PATA Grand Award

NID-Ahmedabad student’s zero waste manufacturing

process

James Dyson India award

Krushi Bhavan Global Architecture Award

“Aavruthi” (Fence) Best Film At IFFT-Orange Online Film Festival

Sattra Basishta Deva Sarma Srimanta Sankaradeva Award

Usha Mangeshkar Gan Samragni Lata Mangeshkar award for the year

2020-21

Sonu Sood SDG Special Humanitarian Action Award by the

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

72nd Emmy award 2020


• The 72nd Emmy Awards 2020 marks the beginning of Hollywood’s first major show in the times of COVID-19. • The ceremony was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel at an empty theatre in Los Angeles with cutouts of the nominees

placed in the audience. 1. Drama Series: Succession 2. Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Julia Garner, Ozark 3. Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Billy Crudup, The Morning Show 4. Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Succession 5. Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: Succession 6. Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Zendaya, Euphoria 7. Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Jeremy Strong, Succession 8. Limited Series: Watchmen 9. Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Uzo Aduba, Mrs America 10. Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Watchmen 11. Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special: Unorthodox 12. Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series: Watchmen 13. Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: Mark Ruffalo, I Know This Much Is True 14. Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Regina King, Watchmen 15. Comedy Series: Schitt’s Creek 16. Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Annie Murphy, Schitt’s Creek 17. Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Daniel Levy, Schitt’s Creek 18. Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: Schitt’s Creek 19. Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Schitt’s Creek 20. Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Eugene Levy, Schitt’s Creek 21. Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Catherine O’Hara, Schitt’s Creek 22. Competition Program: RuPaul’s Drag Race 23. Variety Talk Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver 24. Outstanding Television Movie: Bad Education

Important Days & Themes

Day Celebrated as Aim/Theme

1st September to 7th September National Nutrition Week (NNW)

September 2 World Coconut Day Theme: ‘Invest in coconut to save the

world’ September 5 International Day of Charity

September 5 teachers’ day

September 7 International Day of Clean Air for

blue skies

The day aims to raise public

awareness at all levels

individual, community,

corporate and government

that clean air is important for

health, productivity,


The economy and the environment.

September 8 International Literacy Day Theme: “Literacy teaching

Beyond.”

September 9 International Day to Protect Education from Attack

September 10 World SuicidePrevention Day (WSPD)

Theme: Working Together to

Prevent Suicide’.

September 12 United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation

Theme: “Pathways toward the

SDGs through South-South

September 12 World First Aid Day 2020

September 16 International Day for the preservation for Ozone layer (World Ozone Day)

Theme: ‘Ozone for life: 35

years of ozone layer

protection’.

September 17 World Patient Safety Day Theme: ‘Safe health workers,

Safe patients.

September 18 World Water Monitoring Day Theme: ‘Solve Water.’

September 18 World Bamboo Day Theme: BAMBOO NOW.’


September 18 International Equal Pay Day Theme: Building back a better

future of work by ensuring

pay equity.

September 19 The International Coastal Clean up Day

Theme: Achieving a

Coastline

September 19 International Red Panda Day (IRPD)

September 21 International Day of Peace (or World Peace Day)

Theme: Shaping Peace

Together

September 21 World Alzheimer’s Day Theme: Let’s talk about

dementia

September 22 World Rhino Day

September 23 International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL)

Sign Languages Are for

Everyone

September 24 World Maritime Day

September 25 World Pharmacist Day Theme: Transforming global

health

September 25 Antyodaya Diwas

September 26 World Environmental Health Day Theme: Environmental health, a key public health intervention in disease pandemic prevention’.

September 26 International Day of Total

Elimination of Nuclear Weapons


September 27 World Tourism Day Theme: Tourism and Rural

Development

September 28 World Rabies Day Theme: End Rabies: Collaborate, Vaccinate’

September 28 International Day for the Universal

Access to Information (commonly

known as Access to Information

Day)

Theme: Access to Information

–Saving lives, Building Trust,

Bringing Hope

September 21-27 International Week of the Deaf (IWD)

Theme: Reaffirming Deaf People’s Human Rights

September 29 World Heart Day Theme: Use Heart to Beat: for

society, your loved ones and you’

last Sunday of September World deaf day or the international

day of sign languages

Theme: Reaffirming Deaf People’s Human Rights

September 29 International Day of Awareness of

Food Loss and Waste

Theme: Stop food loss and waste. For the people. For the planet.

September 30 International Translation Day Theme: Finding the words for a world in crisis

Obituary

Name Field Place

Pranab Mukherjee Former President of India West Bengal

Dr S Padmavati first female cardiologist

Ramdeo Rai Bihar MLA and former Lok Sabha

member

Bihar

David Capel Former England all-rounder and

legendary cricketer

England

Johnny Bakshi producer-director Mumbai, Maharashtra

Katyayani Shankar Bajpai India’s Former Envoy For US, China

and Pakistan

Rajasthan


Tom Seaver Hall of Fame pitcher United States

Jiri Menzel Oscar-winning Czech director Prague, Czechia

Dr. Govind Swarup Father of India's Radio Astronomy Uttar Pradesh

Jayaprakash Reddy Telugu stage and film actor Andhra Pradesh

Narendra Swain Senior BJD leader and former Rajya

Sabha MP

Odisha

Ziauddin Tariq Ali Liberation war fighter and a

prominent public figure

Bangladesh

Ram J Shahaney former Chairman of Ashok Leyland West Bengal

Swami Agnivesh Arya Samaj leader and social activist Andhra Pradesh

Raghuvansh Prasad Singh Former Union minister and veteran

leader of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)

Bihar

Chanesh Ram Rathiya Veteran Congress leader and former

Chhattisgarh minister

Chattisgarh

Allama Zameer Akhtar Naqvi India-born renowned Pakistani Shia

scholar

Baban Naik Former MLA from Panaji Goa

Nadia Bihari Mohanty Eminent litterateur and radio announcer

Sadashiv Patil Former Maharashtra cricketer Maharashtra

Swami Agnivesh Social activist and Arya Samaj leader Haryana

Dhananjoy Mahato Chhau dancer West Bengal

Dr Kapila Vatsyayan scholar of Indian classical dance, art, architecture and art history

Uttar Pradesh

Balli Durga Prasad Tirupati MP Andhra Pradesh

Moussa Traoré former President of Mali Mali

Amitabha Ghosh shortest-serving Governor of the Reserve Bank of India

PR Krishnakumar Ayurveda physician Kerala

Ashok Gasti Rajya Sabha MP Karnataka

Sachin Deshmukh Former Indian cricketer

Babu Sivan Tamil filmmaker Tamil Nadu

Ruth Bader Ginsburg American jurist United States

Purba Dam Rabindra Sangeet exponent West Bengal

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1OKWM_enIN890IN890&sxsrf=ALeKk02c6y38HBrPJGgF5FZpy21cNE6nqA%3A1601475920033&q=Prague&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgVuLQz9U3MK0sT3_EaMwt8PLHPWEprUlrTl5jVOHiCs7IL3fNK8ksqRQS42KDsnikuLjgmngWsbIFFCWml6YCAIn8kdZLAAAA


Bibhuranjan Choudhury Music composer, singer, lyricist and actor

Sardar Tara Singh BJP leader and former Mulund legislator

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Ang Rita Sherpa first man to climb Mount Everest 10 times

Nepal

Zakia Inam former Minister of Rajasthan Rajasthan

Ashalata Wabgaonkar Marati Actress Maharashtra

Suresh Angadi Union Minister of State for Railways Karnataka

Bhupesh Pandya Theatre personality and Bollywood actor

Rajasthan

Dean Jones Cricketer Australia

SP Balasubrahmanyam playback singer Tamilnadu

Dr. Sekhar Basu atomic scientist and former chairman

of Atomic Energy Commission

Bihar

Jaswant Singh former Union Minister Rajasthan

Rockline Sudhakar Kannada actor Karnataka

Isher Judge Ahluwalia Economist Dr. G S Amur writer and critic Karnataka

Syeda Anwara Taimur only woman Chief Minister in the

history of Assam

Assam

Abhilash songwriter

States miscellaneous

The Assam Cabinet has approved the Assam Skill Development University Bill which allows for setting up a state- of-the-art skill University at Mangaldoi in Darrang district of Assam.

To extend a big help to the doctors, attending the infected patients, a scientist at Tripura University has designed a robot which can prevent the doctors, nurses and health staff from getting infected while they come in contact with patients infected with the virus. The robot is named as Covid-19 WARBOT.

Fifty first International Film Festival of India IFFI will be held in Goa, from November 20th to 28th. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has announced free travel arrangements for students

appearing in the NEET and JEE examinations. In Maharashtra, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation

stone and inaugurated National highway projects worth Rs. 777 Cr. in Gadchiroli district. Uttar Pradesh (UP) Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya launched ‘Major Dhyan Chand Vijay path

Yojana’ scheme under which 19 International Players will get road connectivity to their homes. Onam Festival is celebrated in Kerala on 31st August. Following the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to become self-reliant in various businesses including

toys, the Madhya Pradesh government has started initiatives in this direction. India’s first toy manufacturing cluster to come up at Koppal, Karnataka, has the potential to create 40,000 jobs

http://himachalpr.gov.in/ImageGallery/News/19060.jpg

http://himachalpr.gov.in/ImageGallery/News/19060.jpg


in five years and attract over Rs 5,000 crore investment. Seaplane service to provide air connectivity from Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to Statue of Unity in

Kevadia in Gujarat is scheduled to start from October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. Nagaland is observing month long Rashtriya Poshan Abhiyan in the State. Uttar Pradesh government has decided to set up exclusive anti-electricity theft police stations in every district of

state to address the problem of frequent cases of power theft. The Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) received the nod from Insurance Regulatory and Development

Authority (IRDA) to form its Crop Insurance Firm Andhra Pradesh General Insurance Company (APGIC). Madhya Pradesh government has launched a 15-day campaign named ‘Gandagi Bharat Chhodo’. Madhya Pradesh government has instructed concerned officials to establish Command Control Rooms in each

district. Gujarat government has decided to cut down the salaries of MLAs and ministers by 30 per cent for one year due

to COVID-19 pandemic. Uttarakhand and Karnataka are paired under Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat programme to promote national

integration through mutual understanding. The Jammu & Kashmir government has set up a 10-member council for conservation of biological diversity and

sustainable use of its components in the Union territory. Assam Assembly passes bill to protect to protect various heritage sites of the state. Pang Lhabsol, a festival of cultural heritage and historical importance is one of the most historically and

culturally significant festivals celebrated annually by Sikkim people. Two Guwahati-based women entrepreneurs have launched a newspaper specifically designed for kids, to

promote creative thinking among children and inculcate in them the habit to read and write. Union minister Jitendra Singh announced that the first-ever cannabis medicine project will soon be set up in

Jammu. The state government of Assam re-launched an old scheme titled ‘Swami Vivekananda Assam Youth

Empowerment (SVAYEM)’ on 4 September 2020, which aims to provide self-employment to around 2 lakh youths of the state.

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a project titled ‘Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agriculture Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD)’.

The Central government has given approval for setting up a Medical college in Mon district of Nagaland. Banks in West Bengal have sanctioned Rs 5,350 crore of loans till the last week of August to businesses to tide

over liquidity woes amid the COVID-19 crisis. The Delhi government's 10-week anti-dengue campaign started from 6th September. Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, which houses a large number of small and medium enterprises, especially

in the fire crackers and allied sectors, has been selected by the Central Government as the state's first Fully Digital Economy district.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare ministry has approved four crore rupees for up-gradation of Soil Testing labs across the Kashmir valley.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy on September 7, 2020 released the state’s new Electronic Hardware and Manufacturing Policy-2020.

Centre has brought majority of fruits and vegetables grown in Jammu under a fresh initiative of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

The Social Welfare Department in Assam has taken steps to promote nutritious food through Kitchen Garden. In Jammu and Kashmir, in a first of its kind initiative in embracing technology as a medium for inauguration,

Justice Gita Mittal, Chief Justice, J&K High Court and Patron, J&K State Legal Services Authority, e-inaugurated Ahata- e-Waqar (Day Care and Recreation Centre for Senior Citizens), Vulnerable Witnesses Deposition Complex and Crèche facility at District Court Complex, Samba.

In Gujarat, the State Government has formed the Task Force to study and implement the National Education Policy- 2020 for school education.

In Jammu and Kashmir, an awareness cum sensitization programme for newly proposed Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) was organized by NABARD in coordination with District Administration in Anantnag.


Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal lays foundation stone & inaugurates 329 schemes worth Rs 121 cr. Uttar Pradesh government has decided to involve women self-help groups in distribution of nutrition fortified

food for children and pregnant ladies in state. Mumbai International airport has put in place a QR code-enabled contactless check-in mechanism for the

passengers. Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated Organic India Pvt Ltd”s plant at Barabanki in Uttar

Pradesh that has been set up at a cost of Rs 55 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday will inaugurate 1.75 lakh houses built under Pradhan Mantri Awaas

Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The Madhya Pradesh government is all set to launch Deendayal Antyodaya Rasoi Yojana in its districts on the

evening of 7 April 2017. Bringing the healthcare facilities to the doorsteps of people, the Nagaland health and family welfare department

launched the Naga Telehealth platform in Kohima. The central government has increased the scholarship amount under ‘Pragati and Saksham Scholarship

Schemes’ for students of Jammu and Kashmir from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000 per annum. The Heritage Tourism policy has been announced by Gujarat Government. The scheme ‘Garima’ was launched for institutionalising and regulating core sanitation services to provide social

security and financial benefits for the sanitation workers and their families. The state government of Meghalaya has launched India’s Biggest “Piggery Mission” with an outlay of Rs 209

Crores. The Tamilnadu government has embarked on a programme to provide laptops to Village Administrative officers

who work at grassroots levels among the people. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today launched the Jammu & Kashmir Integrated Grievance Redress and

Monitoring System (JK-IGRAMS). Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh handed over a total monetary assistance of over 5. 25 crore rupees to 272

StartUp beneficiaries at the Manipur StartUp Conclave - 2020 held at Imphal. Gujarat Government has ordered the Oxygen producing units to give first priority to medical oxygen supply. Recently, the Jammu & Kashmir government has announced a Universal health Insurance scheme on the lines of

the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat. The insurance cover of Rs.50 lakh under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana has been extended to all health

workers in Goa. On September 17, the Gujarat government would be launching Mukhyamantri Mahila Kalyan Scheme, a special

scheme to provide interest-free loans of Rs.1 lakh to promote self-employment among women in the time of pandemic.

Uttar Pradesh government has decided to constitute a special force. First-ever Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was laid to foundation stone by the Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb at

Sab room which is the southernmost town of the state bordering Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for seven projects related to

urban infrastructure in Bihar through video conferencing. Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan said that a state-wide genetic study on Covid patients will be carried out. The Centre is working to release the funds related to Polavaram Project to the State of Andhra Pradesh at the

earliest. 15th September is the 111th Birth Anniversary of the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu C. N. Annadurai,

popularly known as Arignar Anna. Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray launched a state-wide campaign, ‘My Family, My Responsibility’,

to tackle the coronavirus pandemic amid further relaxation of lockdown curbs. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Horticulture Department has launched the Flagship programme “Backyard

Horticulture” under CAPEX scheme at Panchyat Jaswan in Marh block of Jammu district. Maharashtra Government has set-up a four-member committee to fix the charges for conducting CT-scan tests

across all state hospitals. In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha e-inaugurated an Online


Process- Based Standardized & Scalable Career Education Platform for Students in Srinagar. The foundation stone for setting-up of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Assam was laid by Hon’ble

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on 26th May, 2017. E-learning devices will soon be a new addition for children in Aaganwaadis across the state. Uttar Pradesh Govt to set up special security force that can arrest or search without warrant. French firm EDF to set up ‘centre of excellence’ in civil nuclear space in Maharashtra. The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) launched a health and nutrition helpline to ensure

children under six years of age get nutritional supplements and regular immunisation doses. The Uttarakhand high court's orders, the state police dispatched ten teams to Kedarnath on Wednesday in

search of the thousands of people who went missing in the 'Himalayan Tsunami' of June 2013. Parliament passed a bill to accord the status of an institution of national importance to a Jamnagar-based cluster

of Ayurveda institutes. Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa launched the “Arthika Spandana” programme on 16 September 2020,

under which loans worth Rs. 39,300 crore would be disbursed through various cooperative institutions, for helping people during the times of COVID-19 and floods.

Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Company Bhopal is the first power Distribution Company in India in which e-office system is operated from corporate office to local circle offices level.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a ‘Poshan Sarkar’ program to ensure participation and leadership of local bodies-Gram Panchayats and Urban Bodies in the nutrition campaign.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkarsh Yojana (MMUY), a scheme of providing interest-free loans to women’s groups in the state.

The Gujarat government approved a letter of intent (LOI) for the world’s first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) terminal at Bhavnagar port with a proposed investment of Rs 1,900 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation the historic Kosi Rail Mahasetu on September 18, 2020, through video conference.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur virtually inaugurated the “Swachhata Cafe” at Nalagarh in Solan district on the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Shimla.

E-commerce major Amazon India on it has set up an all-women delivery station in Kadi, Gujarat - its second such facility in the country.

Maharashtra government launched a scheme ‘Late Balasaheb Thackeray Road Accident Insurance Scheme’ to provide financial and medical help, at the government cost, to road accident victims.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur virtually inaugurated the “Swachhata Cafe” at Nalagarh in Solan district on the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Shimla.

Telangana IT and Industries Minister KT Rama Rao (KTR) launched the Primary Agricultural Co-Operative Society (PACS), Pothgal web portal www.pacspothgal.com. The website is available in Telugu and English.

Gujarat State government has announced a subsidy scheme to encourage use of electric vehicles. Tourism India, Hyderabad has taken up a massive campaign to create awareness among tourists and students of

Telangana and Haryana states, the pairing states, under the Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat programme. In Uttar Pradesh, the State Government has decided to launch a massive recruitment drive in the state to

provide government jobs to the youth and fill the vacant post in different departments.Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated different projects apart from laying the foundation stone for several projects.

Tamil Nadu has become the first state in India to launch policies on Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Cybersecurity policies.

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina would set up a cricket academy in Jammu and Kashmir to train aspiring cricketers, particularly youngsters from remote areas of the union territory.

In Madhya Pradesh, Gharib Kalyan Week is being organized from 16th to 23rd September to mark the Birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid foundation stone for nine highway projects worth ₹14,258 crore, paving way for development in poll-bound Bihar.

Madhya Pradesh Govt sets targets to provide tap connections for all households in all rural areas under Jal Jeevan Mission by 2023.


Kerala Government to Set Up Medical Devices Park Worth Rs 260 Crore. Bihar, the Director General of Police (DGP) Gupteshwar Pandey has taken voluntary retirement with immediate

effect. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched nine highway projects and Optical Fiber Internet Services in Bihar. The Union Minister Shri Jitendra Singh unveiled logo and song for the festival “Destination North East, 2020”. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha launched the National Generic Document Registration

System for the union territory. Madhya Pradesh to launch Mukhya Mantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana for farmer. Madhya Pradesh government is

planned to launch the Mukhya Mantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana followed by Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. The Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious plan to set up a Dedicated Infotainment

(film city) Zone and rolled out an open offer to film fraternity to come to the state. The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Ashok Gehlot has approved the Rajasthan State Road Transport

Corporation’s scheme called ‘Moksha Kalash Yojana-2020’. The Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal launched the Mukhyamantrir Grammya Paribahan Achoni of

the state transport department on 23 September 2020. India’s first Coast Guard academy will be established at Mangalore In Kolkata, a unique tram library is being introduced by the WBTC, West Bengal Transport Corporation. The 51st Edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is scheduled to be conducted from 16th to 24th

January, next year in Goa. Union Ministers Shripad Yesso Naik & Jitendra Singh to inaugurate 21 AYUSH Health & Wellness Centers in

Jammu and Kashmir. The Kolkata Port Trust rechristened as the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, is investing on digital technologies and

has lined up at least 40 crore rupees for various projects to bolster ease of doing business. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a grant of 50,000 rupees to each Durga Puja

committee in the state. The National Service Scheme Award 2018-19 were conferred by the President of India to the awardees of

different categories. As per Election Commission of India Bihar assembly elections will be conducted in three phases from October 28

and the votes will be counted on November 10. Union Minister for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik and Union Minister of State PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh today jointly

laid e-foundation of Post-Harvest Management Centre for Medicinal Plants at Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the`Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojna` on 26 September 2020.

Uttar Pradesh’s first vulture conservation and breeding centre is set to be established at Bhari Baisi village in Farenda range of Gorakhpur forest division.

President Ram Nath Kovind today gave assent to the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, which was recently passed by the parliament.

Odisha Government is launching Radio Pathshala program for student’s upto class 8. Madhya Pradesh government will honour Corona warriors from the medical field in Bhopal. Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik today launched a slum upgradation programme to make the state

slum- free in three years. Uttar Pradesh government has bagged 8 awards in Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan (GKRA) launched by the

Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant announced that a world-class government music college will be set up in the

name of renowned musician the late Deenanath Mangeshkar. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, NABARD is embarking on a Sanitation Literacy

Campaign in Karnataka to create awareness on good hygiene and sanitation practices among rural masses. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 29, 2020, will inaugurate 6 mega projects in Uttarakhand under

the Namami Gange Mission through video conference.

...• In the wake of this contentious issue, several non-Hindi speaking states showed anger and...

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