Daily Current Affairs (Short Updates): 22 February 2019
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 22 February 2019
Kerala first state to set up Price Monitoring and Research Unit
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 03 February 2019
Doordarshan launches ‘Rag Rag Mein Ganga’ Travelogue Programme and ‘Meri Ganga’ Quiz Series
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 01 February 2019
PETROTECH-2019: 13th International Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 01 February 2019
Srinagar-Alusteng-Drass-Kargil-Leh Transmission Line inaugurated
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 04 February 2019
CJI Ranjan Gogoi lays foundation stone for Andhra Pradesh HC
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 04 February 2019
Government allows women to work in underground mines
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 05 February 2019
NFDC to be felicitated for promotion of SC/ST entrepreneurs
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 06 February 2019
Global Fund: Preparatory Meeting for 6th Replenishment held in New Delhi
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 09 February 2019
President presents Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2017
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 07 February 2019
Himachal Pradesh’s first mega food park inaugurated in Una District
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 11 February 2019
PM lays foundation stone of greenfield airport in Arunachal Pradesh
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 11 February 2019
PM lays foundation of Sela Tunnel Project in Arunachal Pradesh
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 11 February 2019
2nd Phase of River Information System inaugurated
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 08 February 2019
National Conference on Unani Medicine held in New Delhi
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 12 February 2019
India’s first mega aqua food park commissioned in Andhra Pradesh
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 13 February 2019
NITI Aayog to document systemic transformation in education
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 13 February 2019
Foundation stone laid for Subarnarekha port in Odisha
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 14 February 2019
Sushil Chandra appointed as new Election Commissioner
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 15 February 2019
Early Ed Asia 2019: Asia's largest conference on Early Childhood held in Jaipur
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 18 February 2019
President presents Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 16 February 2019
Chandramouli Ramanathan appointed to top UN Strategic Post
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 16 February 2019
Government liberalizes e-Visa regime to make it more tourist friendly
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 16 February 2019
World Bank to provide $40 million loan for Shimla water supply and sanitation project
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 16 February 2019
79th Indian History Congress to be held in Bhopal
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 19 February 2019
Tripura’s first mega food park inaugurated in Agartala
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 22 February 2019
President inaugurates Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 16 March 2019
Airtel and FICCI launches My Circle safety app for women
Tags: miscellaneous
Published on: 15 April 2019
5th volume of Dictionary of Martyrs launched
Tags: Literature, Miscellaneous
Published on: 08 March 2019
17 Iconic Tourist Sites to be developed into world class tourist destinations
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 29 July 2019
Indus Valley seals carried meaning like modern coins do, shows study
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 02 August 2019
Oral History Project sees fresh push from Delhi govt
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 07 August 2019
National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), Conferred the Prestigious SKOCH Governance Gold Award
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 30 August 2019
Earliest Sanskrit inscription of south India found in Andhra Pradesh
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 26 December 2019
Aerial photography rules notified by Defence Ministry
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 06 March 2020
Finance minister announces ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 15 May 2020
UP government to set up India’s biggest film city
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 21 September 2020
Andhra Pradesh sets up separate bodies for each backward class
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 20 October 2020
Giant drawing of Cat at UNESCO World Heritage site in Peru
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 22 October 2020
Himachal Pradesh demands GI tag for five products
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 07 December 2020
Climate change led to fall of central Asian river civilizations
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 22 December 2020
Fat residue in Harappan pots indicate meat consumption
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 12 December 2020
Durga Puja added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list
Tags: Miscellaneous
Published on: 17 December 2021
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=> [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'cacategories' } ] $breadcrumb = [ (int) 0 => [ 'name' => 'Home', 'link' => 'https://currentaffairs.studyiq.com/' ], (int) 1 => [ 'name' => 'miscellaneous', 'link' => 'https://currentaffairs.studyiq.com/tags/miscellaneous' ] ] $currentaffairs = [ (int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 237, 'title' => 'Daily Current Affairs (Short Updates): 22 February 2019', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="color:#2980b9"><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">National Current Affairs</span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">India to stop water flowing from eastern rives to Pakistan</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that India will no longer allow its share of eastern river waters under 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) to flow into Pakistan. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">This comes as part of punitive measures that can be imposed against Paksitan following Pulwama terror attack in which 40 soldiers were killed. <a href="https://www.studyiq.com/currentaffairs/daily/22-02-2019/india-stop-water-flowing-eastern-rives-pakistan" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Read more</a></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">President gives assent to amend Indian Stamp Act, 1899</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent (under Article 111 of constitution) to amend Indian Stamp Act, 1899 to rationalise and harmonise stamp duty and help to curb tax evasion. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The amendments to this Act were introduced as part of Finance Act 2019 and was approved by Parliament. <a href="https://www.studyiq.com/currentaffairs/daily/22-02-2019/president-assent-amend-indian-stamp-act" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Read more</a></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Government to conduct All India Citizens Survey of Police Service</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will to conduct ‘All India Citizens Survey of Police Services’, a pan-India survey to gauge public perception of police. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will be conducted by Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) with the help of National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in nine months period. <a href="https://www.studyiq.com/currentaffairs/daily/22-02-2019/govt-conduct-all-india-citizens-survey-police-service" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Read more</a></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">NABH launches HOPE portal</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">National Certification Board for Hospitals and Health Service Providers (NABH) has revised entry level certification process to make it simple, quick, digital and user-friendly. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The revamped certification process will be driven through new launched HOPE portal. HOPE stands for Healthcare Organizations’ Platform for Entry-Level-Certification. <a href="https://www.studyiq.com/currentaffairs/daily/22-02-2019/nabh-launches-hope-portal" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Read more</a></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Tripura’s first mega food park inaugurated in Agartala </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Tripura’s first mega food park viz. Sikaria Mega Food Park Pvt Ltd was recently inaugurated at Village Tulakona in state capital Agartala. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is 18th of its kind food park in the country set up under Mega Food Park Scheme implemented by Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries. <a href="https://www.studyiq.com/currentaffairs/daily/22-02-2019/tripura-first-mega-food-park-agartala" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Read more</a></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="color:#2980b9"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Banking &Economy Current Affairs </span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">EPF interest rate hiked to 8.65 percent</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has hiked interest rate on PF deposits to 8.65% for 2018-19 from 8.55% in the previous financial year.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">This is a 10 basis point increase from the 8.55 percent EPF interest rate announced by the retirement fund for 2017-18. One basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">CBT is the apex decision-making body of EPFO and is headed by Union Labour Minister. It has representatives of employees, employers and government.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Note:</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif"> CBT's proposal on interest rate hike will now go to Finance Ministry for approval. The interest rate is credited into the accounts of subscribers after it receives approval of Finance Ministry</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">NITI Aayog organises Conference on Future of Indian Banking</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">NITI Aayog organised the ‘Conference on Future of Indian Banking and role of technology’ in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was aimed at increasing and elevating discourse on banking sector in India and help develop insights to inform continued evolution of banking sector in India.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It saw participation of 200 domestic and international participants, including policy makers, researchers, professionals, academicians and students from various banks, universities and institutes.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">4th India-ASEAN Expo Summit held in New Delhi</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The 4th India-ASEAN Expo and Summit was held in New Delhi from 21-23 February 2019. Its theme was “Reviving the Millennial Partnership”.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), with the support of Government of India.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It attended by Ministers, government officials and business delegations from 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam).</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Its aim was to build upon success of previous edition of ASEAN-India Business and Investment Meet and Expo which was held in 2018 as precursor to India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It provided platform for policy makers, business leaders and industry captains to come together and forge common vision for India and ASEAN’s mutual growth and progress.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">FDI inflows to India: April-December 2018</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">According to data released by Ministry of Commerce, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to India declined by 7% to US $ 33.49 billion during April-December in the financial year 2018-19. It was US $35.94 billion during same period in 2017-18. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Contraction of FDI inflows may have impact on country’s balance of payments (BoP) and also adversely affect value of rupee (resulting in depreciation).</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Sectoral wise breakup of FDI:</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif"> Services ($5.91 billion), computer software and hardware ($4.75 billion), telecommunications ($2.29 billion), trading ($2.33 billion), chemicals ($6.05 billion) and automobile industry ($1.81 billion). </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Top FDI countries:</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif"> Singapore ($12.97 billion) followed by Mauritius ($6 billion), Netherlands ($2.95 billion), Japan ($2.21 billion), US ($2.34 billion) and UK ($1.05 billion). </span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">DPIIT launches 2nd edition of Startup Ranking of states</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under Ministry of Commerce & Industry has launched second edition of Startup Ranking for 2019. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It aims to rank States/UTs for establishing a robust ecosystem for supporting Startups. It also seeks to encourage States/UTs to identify, learn and replicate good practices from each other. <a href="https://www.studyiq.com/currentaffairs/daily/22-02-2019/dpiit-launches-2nd-edition-startup-ranking-of-states" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Read more</a></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="color:#2980b9"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Science & Technology Current Affairs</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Hippocamp: New moon of Neptune discovered</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Astronomers have confirmed existence of Hippocamp- a new tiny moon orbiting Neptune. It was discovered using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Hippocamp has diameter of only 20 miles, making it smallest moon yet discovered in orbit around the outermost planet. It is named after mythical half-horse, half-fish sea creature. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">With this discovery, Neptune now has 14 moons. There are seven inner moons (including Hippocamp), and six outer moons. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Neptune’s largest moon, Triton. It is eighth and farthest known planet from Sun in the Solar System.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">First Drone Olympics Competition</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">India’s first ever Drone Olympics’ competition for UAV’s was held recently at Air Force Station, Bengaluru alongside Aero India exhibition. It was organized by Ministry of Defence.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was aimed at encouraging UAV industry to connect with potential buyers and business partners in the country and also provide opportunity to Armed Forces to assess the capabilities of UAVs.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The competition was held in two categories: Hybrid Designs and Fixed VTOL, which was further classified into two weight categories- 4 kg and 4-7 kg.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Besides there were also UAV formation flying challenge and weight-drop challenge. The prize money for the three competition categories ranged between Rs 50,000 and Rs 3 lakh.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Xin Xiaomeng: China unveils world’s first female AI news anchor</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">China’s state-run press agency Xinhua has unveiled world’s first female Artificial Intelligence (AI) news anchor named <strong>Xin Xiaomeng.</strong> </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">She has been developed by Xinhua news agency in collaboration with Sogou Inc, a Chinese search engine company. She is modelled after real-life Xinhua news anchor Qu Meng. i.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Earlier, this news agency also unveiled Qiu Hao, world’s first male AI news anchor at World Internet Conference in Wuzhen held in November 2018. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">This male news anchor is capable of mimicking human mannerisms and facial expressions while reading out news-reports.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">KP-Bot: Kerala Police inducts country’s first humanoid robot </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Kerala State Police has inducted first humanoid robot named KP-Bot into force. It makes it world's first and the very first police force in the country to induct humanoid robots. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It has been designed to provide round-the-clock service, involving public interface and front office administration and overcome human limitations to avoid, to the extent possible, human error. <a href="https://www.studyiq.com/currentaffairs/daily/22-02-2019/kp-bot-kerala-police-first-humanoid-robot" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Read more</a></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="color:#2980b9"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Defence Current Affairs</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">BEL signs teaming agreement with Hughes India </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has inked teaming agreement with Hughes India for satellite communication solutions for helicopters.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">This agreement is for design, development, supply, installation, integration and commissioning of Satellite Communication solutions for helicopters.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will enable Defence Ministry’s strategic users to get enabled with helicopter-based Satellite Communication links for real-time and assured communications using ISRO's Ku band satellites.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Hughes India is subsidiary of Hughes Network Systems, US (commonly known as Hughes). Hughes is world’s largest provider of broadband satellite networks and services.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Velayat 97: Iran to conduct navy drill</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Iranian Navy will conduct naval drill Velayat 97 in the waters of Strait of Hormuz, Makran coast, Oman Sea and north of Indian Ocean through which vital global shipping routes passes.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is aimed at evaluating navy’s equipment, practice launching weapons and enable the troops to gain readiness for real battle </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The drill also includes missile launches from the vessels. It will also showcase Iran’s warships, submarines, helicopters and drones.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">BrahMos NG: New deadlier version of BrahMos Missile</span></strong> </span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">New smaller and deadlier version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile dubbed as BrahMos NG is under developmental phase. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Its prototype will be ready for testing in about three years. It is being designed to take down slow moving `force multipliers’ deep within enemy territory. <a href="https://www.studyiq.com/currentaffairs/daily/22-02-2019/brahmos-ng-deadlier-version-brahmos-missile" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Read more</a></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="color:#2980b9"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Awards Current Affairs</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">PM Narendra Modi awarded 2018 Seoul Peace Prize </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred 2018 Seoul Peace Prize. He is 14th recipient of this prestigious award. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">He was awarded for his contribution to international cooperation and fostering global economic growth and promoting global peace and harmony through inclusive economic growth and improving quality of life of people in India. <a href="https://www.studyiq.com/currentaffairs/daily/22-02-2019/narendra-modi-awarded-2018-seoul-peace-prize" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Read more</a></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Sushma Swaraj awarded Spain’s Grand Cross of Order of Civil Merit</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Government of Spain has conferred Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with its state order (prestigious award)-Grand Cross of Order of Civil Merit. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was bestowed upon her in recognition of India's support in evacuating 71 Spanish nationals through Operation Maitri from Nepal during disastrous earthquake in April 2015.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Grand Cross of Order of Civil Merit: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It honours extraordinary service by Spanish and foreign citizens for the benefit of Spain. It was as established by King Alfonso XIII of Spain in 1926.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="color:#2980b9"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Miscellaneous</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Festival of India organized in Nepal</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was organized by Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center at Indian embassy in Kathmandu (capital of Nepal) with support from Union Ministry of Culture.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The month-long festival will host cultural performances, exhibition on Mahatma Gandhiji and seminar on Sanskrit. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Its objective is to consolidate and strengthen existing age-old relations between both countries, reinforce sensibilities, affinities and shared cultural bonds between people.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It also seeks to contribute towards sustaining and enhancing mutual understanding between both neighbouring countries.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Waste to Wonder Park inaugurated in South Delhi</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh under South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC).</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Its main attractions is “Seven Wonders Park” which has different sized tall replicas of all seven wonders of world viz. <em>Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Great Pyramid of Giza, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, Rome’s Colosseum and New York’s Statute of Liberty</em>.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">These replicas have been made with total 150 tonnes of scrap and waste comprising of automobile parts and other metal waste like rods, iron sheets, nut- bolts, bicycle and bike parts etc. </span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">President Ram Nath Kovind recently unveiled statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha (DBHPS) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">DBHPS is national organisation that aims to improve Hindi literacy among non-Hindi speaking people of South India. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1918 to prorogate Hindi languate in South India. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Its main purpose is to unite northern and southern states of the country in greatest interest of integration of the nation. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Gandhiji was its founder president. Its first Pracharak was Devadoss Gandhi, son of Mahatma Gandhi.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is divided into four divisions one each for south states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh (includes Telagnana), Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In 1964, it was declared Institutes of National Importance. </span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Shisht Bharat Campaign</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Shisht Bharat campaign was launched by NGO in New Delhi to inculcate public civic sense.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Its aim was to strengthen moral character of citizens by sensitizing them about values of morality, civic sense, politeness, decorum and dignity.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Its theme was to discuss importance of moral science education in schools and colleges and include moral science as subject in educational curriculum.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It brought together policy-makers, NGOs, media personalities, RWAs, Delhi traffic police, corporate houses and multinationals together for promotion of the cause.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">International Vision Zero Conference </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was held in Mumbai, capital of Maharashtra from 18-20 February 2019 to promote Occupational Safety and Health. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was organized by Directorate General Factory Advice and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI), IIT Bombay and German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV).</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It provided platform for promoting safety and health at work by exchanging knowledge, practices and experience. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It saw participation of more than 1200 national and international delegates comprising of occupational safety and health professionals from manufacturing, mining and construction sectors.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Vision Zero concept:</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif"> It is based on four fundamental principles viz. <em>life is non-negotiable, humans are fallible, tolerable limits are defined by human physical resistance and people are entitled to safe transport and safe workplaces. </em></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is based on principles of <em>controlling risks, ensuring safety and health in machines, equipment and workplaces and skill upgradation of workforce.</em></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="color:#2980b9"><span style="font-size:20px"><strong><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Sports Current Affairs</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">SC appoints Justice DK Jain as ombudsman for BCCI</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Supreme Court has appointed former apex court judge Justice DK Jain as ombudsman for Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">He is first person to be appointed as ombudsman for BCCI (though court-appointed) under terms of newly approved constitution of the cricket board. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Ombudsman’s role will be to resolve disputes relating to players within state cricket associations and also financial issues. </span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'short-current-affairs-22-february-2019', 'image' => '', 'fbimage' => '', 'metatitle' => 'Daily Current Affairs (Short Updates): 22 February 2019', 'metakeyword' => 'Daily Current Affairs, Short Updates, 22 February 2019, Latest Current Affairs, news summary on current events of National, International importance for Banking, SSC, CLAT, UPSC, State PCS, IBPS, Railways and other Competitive Examinations ', 'metadescription' => 'Latest Current Affairs, news summary on current events of National, International importance for Banking, SSC, CLAT, UPSC, State PCS, IBPS, Railways and other Competitive Examinations ', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => '', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 1 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 37, 'title' => 'Rajiv Nayan Choubey sworn in as member of UPSC ', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rajiv Nayan Choubey was sworn in as member of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). He was administered oath of office and secrecy by UPSC Chairman Arvind Saxena. He will have maximum tenure of six-years or till he attains age of 65, whichever is earlier. With his appointment, UPSC attained its full strength, which has maximum of 10 members, besides a chairperson.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Rajiv Nayan Choubey</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He is retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1981 batch, Tamil Nadu Cadre. In his bureaucratic career spanning over more than 35 years, has held several important positions in Central Government as well as in Tamil Nadu Government. His last position in central government was of Civil Aviation Secretary (from June 2015 to January 2019).</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Union Public Service Commission (UPSC</strong>) </span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is India’s premier <strong>central recruiting agency</strong>. It is responsible for conducting examinations and appointments for All India services and group A & group B of Central services.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is <strong>constitutional body,</strong> deriving its mandate from Article 315 to 323 in Part XIV of Constitution. According to Constitution, it is ‘<strong>watch-dog’ of merit system in India</strong>. </span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Composition:</strong> It consists of a Chairman and ten Members appointed and removed by President of India. The term of Chairman and members of UPSC is of six years or until they attain age of 65 years whichever is earlier.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Headquarters:</strong> <em>Dholpur House, New Delhi</em> and functions through its own secretariat.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It conducts prestigious civil services examination to select officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) etc.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Government is required to consult it in matters relating to appointment, transfer, promotion and disciplinary matters.</span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'rajiv-nayan-choubey-sworn-in-member-upsc', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ccba/wpcwpwiedh5bk1s6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ccba/wpcwpwiedh5bk1s6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Rajiv Nayan Choubey sworn in as member of UPSC ', 'metakeyword' => '', 'metadescription' => 'In National Current Affairs, Rajiv Nayan Choubey, UPSC, members, Union Public Service Commission, ', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/6wrabdha1wdwdi9/4.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 2 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 44, 'title' => 'Kerala first state to set up Price Monitoring and Research Unit', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Kerala became first State in the country to set up price monitoring and research unit (PMRU) to track violation of prices of essential drugs and medical devices under Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO). The move comes more than five years after the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) proposed such system for the States and Union Territories (UTs).</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Price Monitoring and Research Unit (PMRU)</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It will serve as watchdog will look at overcharging for medicines and sale of stents. It has been registered as society under Societies Registration Act, 1860 and will get Central assistance for the functioning,</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It is expected to help State Drugs Control wing, which is hit by severe staff shortage, and regulate drug prices more effectively.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Composition:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"> State Health Secretary will be its Chairman and Drugs Controller will be its member secretary. Its members will include State government representative, representatives of private pharmaceutical companies, and those from consumer rights protection forum. It will also have executive committee headed by the Drugs Controller.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Functions</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It will offer technical help to State Drug Controllers and NPPA to monitor notified prices of medicines, detect violation of the provisions of DPCO.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It will look at price compliance, collect test samples of medicines, and collect and compile market-based data of scheduled as well as non-scheduled formulations.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It will also check if pharma companies were hiking the prices of non-scheduled drugs by more than 10% a year. It may also check if there is any shortage of essential medicines.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">NPPA decides ceiling prices and medical devices under Drug (Prices Control) Order. These essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the country’s population. Pharma companies have been accused of overcharging prices of drugs in scheduled category fixed by DPCO and those outside its ambit too. The suggestion to set up PMRUs was made against backdrop of lack of field-level link between NPPA and State Drugs Controllers and State Drug Inspectors to monitor drug prices. NPPA has fixed the prices of around 1,000 drugs and prior to this there was no price review mechanism.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">About National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) </span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It is nodal government regulatory agency that controls prices of pharmaceutical drugs in India. It functions under Union Ministry of Chemical and Fertiliser. It advices Central Government in matters relate to drug policies and pricing. It also renders advice to Central Government on changes/ revisions in the drug policy.</span></span></span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'kerala-first-state-set-up-price-monitoring-research-unit', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/c251/adf29hphxfga6056g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/c251/adf29hphxfga6056g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Kerala first state to set up Price Monitoring and Research Unit', 'metakeyword' => '', 'metadescription' => 'In States Current Affairs, Kerala first State to set up price monitoring and research unit (PMRU) track violation of prices of essential drugs and medical devices under Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO). ', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/1pxuesnm585le33/3.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 3 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 43, 'title' => 'Rishi Kumar Shukla appointed as CBI Director', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed senior IPS officer Rishi Kumar Shukla (58) as Director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He was appointed for two-year term based on recommendation of Lokpal Search Committee, comprising the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and the Leader of the Opposition. Rishi Kumar Shukla<strong> </strong>is 1983-batch IPS officer. Prior to this appointment he was serving as Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Police Housing Corporation and earlier had served as Director General of Madhya Pradesh Police.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Central Bureau of Investigation</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It is premier investigating of central government for cases relating to corruption and major criminal probes. It investigates those crimes having interstate and international ramifications.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It was set up by resolution of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 1963 after Santhanam committee recommendation. <em>It has its origin in Special Police Establishment established in 1941</em>.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Presently it functions as <em>attached office under Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT),</em> Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Headquarters:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"> New Delhi.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Motto:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"> “Industry, Impartiality, Integrity”</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Power Source:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"> It is non-constitutional and non-statutory body. It derives power to investigate from Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Though DSPE Act gives CBI legal power, word ‘CBI’ is not mentioned in DSPE Act, besides, executive order of MHA also does not mention CBI to be constituted under DSPE Act.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Superintendence of CBI rests with Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in corruption cases and with DoPT in other matters.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Jurisdiction:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"> Section 2 of DSPE Act vests CBI with jurisdiction to investigate offences in Union Territories only. However, it can be extended by Central Government to other areas including Railway areas and states under Section 5(1) of Act, provided State Government accords consent under Section 6 of Act (Thus, consent of state government is mandatory for conducting investigation in that state).</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Functions of CBI include solving:</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Corruption Cases:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"> It investigates corruption and fraud committed by public servants of all Central Governmetn Departments, Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Central Financial Institutions. </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Economic Crimes:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"> It investigates crimes such as bank frauds, financial frauds, Import Export & Foreign Exchange violations, large-scale smuggling of narcotics, antiques, cultural property and smuggling of other contraband items etc. </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Special Crimes:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"> It handles cases such as terrorism, sensational homicides, bomb blasts, kidnapping for ransom and crimes committed by mafia or underworld.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">International representation:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"> It is the nodal police agency in India to coordinate with Interpol. </span></span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'rishi-kumar-shukla-appointed-cbi-director', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/b86b/h2p4pet912gcyym6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/b86b/h2p4pet912gcyym6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Rishi Kumar Shukla appointed as CBI Director | Current Affairs', 'metakeyword' => 'Rishi Kumar Shukla appointed as CBI Director', 'metadescription' => 'In Persons in News Current Affairs, IPS officer Rishi Kumar Shukla ,appointed as Director of Central Bureau of Investigation , CBI', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/al8vpc8jr4wa3cv/6.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 4 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 35, 'title' => 'Doordarshan launches ‘Rag Rag Mein Ganga’ Travelogue Programme and ‘Meri Ganga’ Quiz Series ', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">State broadcaster Doordarshan launched travelogue programme ‘Rag Rag Mein Ganga’ and ‘Meri Ganga Quiz’ series. Both programmes are funded by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under Namami Gange programme.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Rag Rag Mein Ganga</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">This travelogue showcases spiritual, religious, cultural and socio economic heritage of River Ganga and its present ecological condition. It covers Ganga’s journey from Gomukh to Ganga Sagar. </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It will be aired on DD National and will be 21-episode series anchored by a well-known actor, Rajeev Khandelwal.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It is embedded with many take-home messages for viewers on need of rejuvenating Ganga. It will highlight the present situation of Ganga in terms of cleanliness along with call for action to people.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">‘Meri Ganga Quiz’ series</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It has been designed by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) along with Doordarshan. </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It aims to cover school children from all zones of India to trigger curiosity in younger generation and to encourage them to take up the cause to conserve and rejuvenate Ganga.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">The 16-episode quiz series will be telecast on DD National from 2nd February 2019 every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Namami Gange Programme</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It is an Integrated Conservation Mission to accomplish twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It was approved as ‘Flagship Programme’ by Union Government in June 2014 with budget outlay of Rs. 20,000 Crore for integrating various efforts to clean and protect River Ganga in comprehensive manner. </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Its main pillars are sewerage treatment infrastructure, river-surface cleaning, river-front development, bio-diversity, afforestation, public awareness, industrial effluent monitoring and ganga gram. </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It will cover 12 rivers across 8 states, 47 towns. It seeks to benefit vast population dependent on River Ganaga in terms of job creation, improved livelihoods and health benefits. </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It also endeavours to deploy best available knowledge and resources international countries that have expertise in river rejuvenation for Ganga rejuvenation.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) </span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It is implementation wing of National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (also referred as National Ganga Council which is chaired by Prime Minister). </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It was established as a registered society under Societies Registration Act, 1860 in 2011.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It has a two tier management structure and comprises of Executive Committee and Governing Council Both of them are headed by Director General (DG), NMCG.</span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'doordarshan-rag-rag-mein-ganga-meri-ganga-quiz- series ', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/d391/8h88pcpn7cbezp16g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/d391/8h88pcpn7cbezp16g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Doordarshan launche Rag Rag Mein Ganga and Meri Ganga Quiz Series', 'metakeyword' => 'Rag Rag Mein Ganga, Doordarshan launche Rag Rag Mein Ganga, Meri Ganga Quiz Series', 'metadescription' => 'Doordarshan launched travelogue programme Rag Rag Mein Ganga, Meri Ganga Quiz series. National Mission for Clean Ganga, Namami Gange programme', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/s4s611e1rh6x436/current_affair_1.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 30, 'title' => 'PETROTECH-2019: 13th International Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition', 'description' => '<h2 style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">The 13th International Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition viz. <strong>PETROTECH-2019</strong> will be held in Greater Nodia, Uttar Pradesh from February 10 to 12, 2019. It will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The theme for this year is <em>“<strong>Shaping the New Energy World through Innovation</strong> <strong>and Collaboration</strong>”</em>. The three-day mega event will showcase recent market and investor friendly developments that have taken place in the India’s oil and gas sector.</span></span></span></span></h2> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">PETROTECH </span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It is India’s flagship hydrocarbon international conference organised under aegis of Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. <strong>It is Asia’s largest oil and gas event. </strong>It is held biennially. </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It brings together energy ministers, professionals, industry leaders, academicians and domain experts from energy sector on a common platform to exchange views and share knowledge, expertise and experiences</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It aims to explore areas of growth in petroleum technology, exploration, drilling, production and processing, refining, pipeline transportation, petrochemicals, natural gas, Liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum trade, economics, legal and human resource development, marketing.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It also showcases strengths and potential of Indian Hydrocarbon industry to world besides providing vibrant platform for sharing of experience, exchange of ideas, knowledge and technological development across various segments of hydrocarbon industry.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">PETROTECH 2019 </span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">It will see participation of over 86 eminent speakers and 7000 delegates from around 70 countries, including technologists, scientists, planners, policy-makers, management experts, entrepreneurs, service-providers and vendors.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Exhibition organized on sidelines of it will see participation of over 13 country pavilions and about 750 exhibitors from over 40 countries, with exclusive areas on Make in India and Renewable Energy theme.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">This exhibition will focus on development in technologies for exploration & production, process control, refining and pipeline and services, systems, products, oil field hardware, software, Renewable, R&D, training and publications of technical literature etc.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'petrotech- 2019-to-be-held-in-nodia', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/cfba/sdd225yq6mb17ih6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/cfba/sdd225yq6mb17ih6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'PETROTECH 2019 to be held in Noida | Current Affairs', 'metakeyword' => 'PETROTECH 2019 to be held in Noida', 'metadescription' => '13th International Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition PETROTECH 2019 will be held in Noida, theme, PETROTECH 2019', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/d7xehni42xfensw/current_affair_3.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 28, 'title' => 'Sahitya Akademi Award 2018 awarded to 24 writers', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sahitya Academy, India’s national academy of letters has awarded prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for year 2018 on 24 poets and authors for their premier literary works in 24 Indian languages. The awards were presented by President of Sahitya Akademi Chandrasekhar Kambarat at function held in New Delhi. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>2018 Recipients are</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Six Short stories:</strong> Prof Bina Thakur (Maithili), Rituraj Basumatary (Bodo), Sanjib Chattopadhyay (Bengali), Mushtaq Ahmed Mushtaq (Kashmiri), Nath Upadhyay Chapagain (Nepali) and Prof. Budhichandra Heisnamba (Manipuri).</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Seven Poetry:</strong> Paresh Narendra Kamat (Konkani), Sananta Tanti (Assamese), Dr. Mohanjit (Punjabi), S Ramesan Nair (Malayalam) and Dr Rama Kant Shukla (Sanskrit), Khiman U Mulani (Sindhi) and Dr. Rajesh Kumar Vyas (Rajasthani).</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Six Novels:</strong> Anees Salim (English), Shyam Besra (Santali), Inderjeet Kesar (Dogri), Chitra Mudgal (Hindi), Ramkrishnan (Tamil) and Rahman Abbas (Urdu).</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>3 Literary Criticism:</strong> Ma. Su. Patil (Marathi), KG Nagarajappa (Kannada) and Prof. Dasarathi Das (Odia).</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>2 Essays:</strong> Prof. Sharifa Vijliwala (Gujarati) and Dr. Kolakaluri Enoch (Telugu).</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Sahitya Akademi Awards</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is literary honour conferred annually by Sahitya Akademi on Indian writers for their outstanding works of literary merit. </span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was established in 1954. </span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It awarded on writers for their outstanding works in one of twenty-four major Indian languages (22 Scheduled Languages under Eight Schedule of Constitution+ Rajasthani and English.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The award consists of casket containing engraved copper-plaque (designed by film-maker Satyajit Ray), a shawl and monetary cheque of one lakh rupees.</span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'sahitya-akademi-awards-2018', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ef8d/binb8ob2n9yxb7f6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ef8d/binb8ob2n9yxb7f6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Sahitya Akademi Award 2018 awarded to 24 writers', 'metakeyword' => '', 'metadescription' => 'Sahitya Academy, India’s national academy of letters has awarded prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for year 2018 on 24 poets', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/7xbboub337x76g8/current_affair_4.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 7 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 52, 'title' => 'Srinagar-Alusteng-Drass-Kargil-Leh Transmission Line inaugurated', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated <strong>220 kV Srinagar-Alusteng-Drass-Kargil-Leh Transmission System</strong> to nation. With this, Leh-Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) now has been connected to national grid under <em>One-Nation, One-Grid project</em>.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Srinagar- Alusteng - Drass- Kargil – Leh Transmission Line </strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This 335 km (approx) long transmission line projected was executed by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID).</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was flagship project of Central Government of India, under Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) scheme aimed to improve reliability and quality of power supply in Ladakh region by connecting with National Grid.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Its foundation stone was laid in August, 2014 and was completed within record 4.5 years timeframe.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It has been built at height of around 3000-4000 meters.In this project, four new state-of-the-art 220/66 kV Gas Insulated Sub-stations built at Drass, Kargil, Khaltsi and Leh.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Towers of this line are specially designed and constructed with assistance from Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) as it remains snow covered for nearly six months.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Funding for this Rs. 2266 crore project was in ratio of 95:05 (95% Central Government share and 5% J&K state share).</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Benefits to region</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It will ensure 24x7 quality power supply to Ladakh round the year in all weather conditions especially during in harsh winters.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It will help in evacuation of surplus power of Kargil and Leh Hydel stations of NHPC in summers. Thus, it will help to meet power demand of Ladakh region at economical rates.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It will also provide reliable quality power supply to strategically important Ladakh region including defence establishments in the area.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It will give huge boost to tourism sector and enhance socio-economic development of Leh-Ladakh region due to availability of electricity at reasonable rates.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It will also result in minimizing massive use of diesel generating sets during winters, and thus will help in protection of beautiful environment of this pristine region.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>POWERGRID</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is state-owned electric utilities company under Ministry of Power. It wholly owned by Central Government.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is Navratna Company and is one of world’s largest power transmission utility.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was established in October 1989 and headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It transmits about 50% of total power generated in India on its transmission network.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It has wide network of 150,874 circuit kilometers transmission lines, with 238 sub-stations and transformation capacity of 351,106 MVA.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It also operates a telecom business under name POWERTEL. </span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'srinagar-alusteng-drass-kargil-leh-transmission-line-inaugurated', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/bef5/csgn9tog3ucbnxp6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/bef5/csgn9tog3ucbnxp6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Srinagar-Alusteng-Drass-Kargil-Leh Transmission Line inaugurated', 'metakeyword' => 'One-Nation, One-Grid project, Srinagar-Alusteng-Drass-Kargil-Leh, One-Nation, One-Grid, ', 'metadescription' => 'PM Narendra Modi dedicated 220 kV Srinagar-Alusteng-Drass-Kargil-Leh Transmission System to nation now has been connected to national grid under ONOG project', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/yottb36va2tcw52/current_affair_4.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 50, 'title' => 'CJI Ranjan Gogoi lays foundation stone for Andhra Pradesh HC', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi laid foundation stone for Andhra Pradesh High Court building in Nelapadu in Amaravati capital region of the state where Justice City is being developed. He also inaugurated interim Andhra Pradesh High Court complex at Amaravati. Interim complex is two-storied building constructed at Nelapadu and has 16 court halls, including 12 on the first floor.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Separate HC for Andhra Pradesh came into existence on January 1, 2019, four and a half years after bifurcation of state on June 2, 2014.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was created through Presidential order notified <strong>under Article 214 of Constitution. </strong><em>With this, the total strength for high courts in the country is now 25.</em></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Prior to it, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were having common high court at Hyderabad, the latter’s capital city.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Section 30 of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 (which was enacted with view to provide reorganisation of existing Andhra Pradesh) calls for setting up separate HC for Andhra Pradesh.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is having total 16 judges including Chief Justice. Justice Praveen Kumar is currently acting Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh HC.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Andhra Pradesh High Court</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Both Judicial Complex and High Court are being developed as part of Justice City, to be developed on 450 acres of land. Justice City will be completed in two phases in 2022 and 2036.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The permanent High Court complex will be built in total site area of 42 acre of land with built up area of about 12.2 lakh sq ft. Its design will be based on Buddhist Stupa.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It will comprise construction of 36 court halls in first phase with provision for additional 24 court halls for future expansion.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">High Court is proposed to be developed along with ancillary supporting ecosystem, including tribunals, City Courts, residences and other facilities.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Shapoorji and Pallonji Group has been entrusted with responsibility to develop it at estimated cost of Rs. 1,400 crore.</span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'cji-ranjan-gogoi-lays-foundation-stone-for-ap-hc', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/67ff/95klkh48q5aqvq16g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/67ff/95klkh48q5aqvq16g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'CJI Ranjan Gogoi lays foundation stone for AP HC - Study IQ', 'metakeyword' => 'CJI Ranjan Gogoi, CJI Ranjan Gogoi lays foundation, lays foundation stone for AP HC, foundation stone for AP', 'metadescription' => 'CJI Ranjan Gogoi laid foundation stone for AP High Court building in Nelapadu in Amaravati capital region of the state where Justice City is being developed', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/4j2wk720e46z4w9/current_affair_5.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 49, 'title' => 'World Cancer Day observed on 4 February', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. It aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year through education, raising awareness and by pressing governments and individuals across world to take action against the deadly disease.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>New 3-year campaign </strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) which organises this Day every year has launched new 3-year campaign with theme “<em>I Am and I Will</em>”. The campaign aims at empowering call-to-action, urging for personal commitment and represents power of individual action to impact the future.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>World Cancer Day </strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was founded by UICC to support goals of World Cancer Declaration, written in 2008. Its institution can be traced at first World Summit Against Cancer, which was held in Paris, France in 2000.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The primary goal of this day is to significantly reduce illness and death caused by cancer.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It also seeks to provide opportunity to rally international community to end injustice of preventable suffering from cancer. It also targets misinformation, raises awareness, and reduces stigma.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is non-governmental organization that exists to help global health community accelerate the fight against cancer.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Its mission is to unite cancer community to reduce global cancer burden, to promote greater equity, and to integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was founded in 1933 and based in Geneva, Switzerland.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It has membership of over 800 organisations across 155 countries and features world’s major cancer societies, ministries of health, research institutes and patient groups.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It also partners with its members, key partners, World Health Organization (WHO), World Economic Forum (WEF) and others, to tackle cancer on a global scale.</span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'world-cancer-day-observed-on-4-february', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/d1c1/jfwrbd9wsmctd866g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/d1c1/jfwrbd9wsmctd866g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'World Cancer Day observed on 4 February - Study IQ', 'metakeyword' => 'World Cancer Day, World Cancer Day free PDF, 4 February World Cancer Day, ', 'metadescription' => 'World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/eh0w0xk8mby0ghl/current_affair_10.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 67, 'title' => 'Government allows women to work in underground mines', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Union Ministry of Labour has allowed women to work in underground mines and eased restrictions that prohibited them from working night shifts (7 pm and 6 am) in surface mines or open cast mines. This move is aimed at bringing about greater gender equality and generates more employment opportunities for women in mining sector.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>New Rules</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It amends Section 46 of Mines Act, 1952 which earlier restricted women from working in mines as it was considered hazardous.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It allows owner of mine to deploy women between 7 pm and 6 am in any mine above ground.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the case of underground mines, women can be deployed between 7 pm and 6 am in supervisory, technical and managerial work where continuous presence may not be required.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Such deployments will be made after obtaining written consent of woman and shall be in a group of not less than three women in a shift.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Women will be also provided with adequate facilities and safeguards regarding occupational safety, security and health.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition, deployment will be subject to framing and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on basis of guidelines issued by Chief Inspector of Mines from time to time.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Earlier, employment of women in opencast and underground mines was restricted under Mines Act, 1952 due to hazardous nature of work. It also restricted employment of women in opencast or above ground workings of mine during night hours between 7 pm and 6 am. There was demand from several women employees’ groups, mining industry and students enrolled with various institutions pursuing mining engineering courses at different forums, requesting government to provide women equal employment opportunity for working in mines.</span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'govt-allow-women-to-work-in-underground-mines', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/1428/uj5dkjl1dcam5906g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/1428/uj5dkjl1dcam5906g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Government allows women to work in underground mines - Study IQ', 'metakeyword' => 'women to work, Government allows women, Shift timing of woman, woman work time', 'metadescription' => 'Union Ministry of Labour has allowed women to work in underground mines and eased restrictions that prohibited them from working night shifts 7 PM to 6 AM', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/pix5iulzrbmk9j5/2.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 82, 'title' => 'NFDC to be felicitated for promotion of SC/ST entrepreneurs', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has declared National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) winner under Miniratna Category (Category II) for exemplary work amongst CPSEs for promotion of SC/ST entrepreneurs</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This is part of Ministry of MSME’s endeavour to felicitate select CPSEs to recognize their exemplary work towards promotion of SC/ST entrepreneurs. The performance parameters for such recognition are number of vendor development programmes for SC/ST, procurement from SC/ST entrepreneurs and number of SC/ST entrepreneurs benefitted as per data uploaded on Sambandh Portal.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Sambandh Portal:</strong> It was launched to monitor implementation of Public Procurement from MSMEs by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). It also assists MSMEs for participation process and also helps Ministries and CPSEs to assess their performance in procurement process as stipulated in Procurement Policy, 2012.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>National Film Development Corporation (NFDC)</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is central agency to encourage high quality Indian cinema. It functions under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was incorporated in 1975 by Central Government with aim of planning and promoting an organized, efficient, and integrated development of Indian film industry.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Its primary goal is to plan, promote and organise an integrated and efficient development of the Indian Film Industry and foster excellence in cinema.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Primary activities of NFDC </strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Film Production – 100% finance for debutant directors and co-Production with foreign and Indian film makers.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Promote Indian Films at various International film festivals and markets in India and abroad.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Organise Film Bazaar has now become one of the leading platform for promoting & showcasing Indian cinema to the world.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Objectives</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Develop talent and facilitate growth of Indian cinema in all languages through productions and co-productions, script development and need based workshops.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Promote Indian culture through cinema in India and abroad.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Build lean and flexible organisation responsive to the needs of the Indian film industry.</span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'nfdc-to-be-felicitated-for-promotion-of-sc-st', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/1f92/rzeyhb57gxfv9vl6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/1f92/rzeyhb57gxfv9vl6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'NFDC to be felicitated for the promotion of SC/ST entrepreneurs', 'metakeyword' => 'Awards Current Affairs, MSME, National Film Development Corporation of India, Miniratna PSU, SC,ST welfare, Government Oraganisations', 'metadescription' => 'NFDC to be felicitated for promotion of SC/ST entrepreneurs, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has declared NFDC winner under Miniratna ', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/1d5fsjs2bnxaihv/current_affair_2.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 115, 'title' => 'Global Fund: Preparatory Meeting for 6th Replenishment held in New Delhi', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Preparatory Meeting of Global Fund’s Sixth Replenishment was held in New Delhi. It was hosted by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It had brought together governments, donors, technical partners and civil society groups in demonstration of global solidarity to pursue <em>Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3)- “health and well-being for all”.</em> Global Fund is seeking to raise at least US $14 billion for next three years to help save 16 million lives, cut mortality rate from HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria by half and build stronger health systems by 2023.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is international financing organization that aims to attract, leverage and invest additional resources to end epidemics of <strong>HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria</strong> to support attainment of SDG established by UN.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is public-private partnership organization i.e. operates in partnership model between governments, civil society, private sector and people to accelerate end of three diseases.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is <em>world's largest financier of AIDS, TB, and malaria prevention, treatment, and care programs.</em> It was started in January 2002. It maintains its secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is financing mechanism rather than an implementing agency. Programs are implemented by in-country partners such as ministries of health, while Global Fund secretariat monitoring programs.</span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'preparatory-meeting-global-fund', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/1cdf/ifok5nskkt2426p6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/1cdf/ifok5nskkt2426p6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Preparatory Meeting for Global Fund's 6th Replenishment', 'metakeyword' => 'In National Current Affairs, Preparatory Meeting, Global Fund, Sixth Replenishment, New Delhi, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare', 'metadescription' => 'Preparatory Meeting of Global Fund’s Sixth Replenishment was held in New Delhi. It was hosted by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/aafi1g0ct8ffzsz/9FEB_GLOBALFUND.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 91, 'title' => 'President presents Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2017', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Ram Nath Kovind presented Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for the year 2017 at function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Forty-two artists (one joint awardee) from fields of Music, Dance and Theatre were awarded. Ten artists were awarded in the category of Traditional, Folk and Tribal Music. Two people were awarded in the field of Overall Contribution in the Performing Arts.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>2017 Awardees</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Music: </strong>Lalith J Rao (Hindustani Vocal), Umakant Gundecha and Ramakant Gundecha (famously known as Gundecha Brothers) (Joint Award for Hindustani Vocal), Yogesh Samsi(Hindustani Instrumental- Tabla), Rajendra Prasanna (Hindustani Instrumental-Shehnnai/Flute), M.S.Sheela (Carnatic Vocal), Suma Sudhindra (Carnatic Instrumental – Veena), Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan (Carnatic Insrumental – Mridangam), Shashank Subramanyam (Carnatic Instrumental –Flute), Madhurani (Other Major Traditions of Music -Sugam Sangeet), Haimanti Sukla (Other Major Traditions of Music -Sugam Sangeet), Gurnam Singh (Other Major Traditions of Music – Gurbani). </span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Dance</strong>: Rama Vaidyanathan (Bharatanatyam), Shobha Koser (Kathak), Madambi Subramanian (Kathakali), L.N.Oinam Ongbi Dhoni Devi (Manipuri), Deepika Reddy (Kuchipudi), Sujata Mohapatra (Odissi), Ramkrishna Talukdar (Sattriya), Janmajay Saibabu (Chhau), Aashit Desai (Music for Dance). </span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Theatre:</strong>Abhiram Bhadakamkar (Playwriting), Sunil Shanbagh (Direction), Bapi Bose (Direction), Hema Singh (Acting), Deepak Tiwari (Acting), Anil Tickoo (Acting), Nuruddin Ahmed (Allied Theatre Arts-Stage Craft), Avtar Sahani (Allied Theatre Arts-Lighting), Shougrakpam Hemanta Singh (Other Major Traditions of Theatre - Shumang Leela, Manipur).</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Traditional/Folk/Tribal Music/Dance/Theatre and Puppetry:</strong> Anwar Khan Manganiyar (Folk Music, Rajasthan), Prakash Khandge (Folk Arts, Maharashtra),Rakesh Tiwari (Folk Theatre, Chhattisgarh), Ramchandra Majhi (Folk Music, Bihar), Parvathy Baul (Folk Music -Baul, West Bengal), Saravjit Kaur (Folk Music, Punjab), Jagannath Bayan (Traditional Music - Khol, Assam), K.C. Runremsangi(Folk Music, Mizoram), Mukund Nayak(Folk Music, Jharkhand), Sudip Gupta(Puppetry, West Bengal).</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Field of Overall Contribution/Scholarship in the Performing Arts: </strong>Vijay Verma and Sandhya Purecha</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It annual award given by Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama (autonomous body) under Ministry of Culture.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is highest recognition given to practicing artists in India.It was established in 1952. Awardees are selected by General Council of Sangeet Natak Akademi.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The awards are given in categories of music, dance, theatre, other traditional arts and puppetry, and for contribution/scholarship in performing arts.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It carries cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh), a citation, angavastram (a shawl), and tamrapatra (a brass plaque).</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0.5in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"> </p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'sangeet-natak-akademi-awards-2017', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/039c/s81d7982dleqx596g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/039c/s81d7982dleqx596g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'President presents Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2017 | Study IQ', 'metakeyword' => 'Awards Current Affairs, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, 2017, Art and Culture', 'metadescription' => 'President Ram Nath Kovind presented Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for the year 2017 at function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Forty-two artists ', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/jgz2lesfcmzmrds/current_affair_7.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 117, 'title' => 'Himachal Pradesh’s first mega food park inaugurated in Una District', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Himachal Pradesh’s first mega food park viz. Cremica Mega Food Park Pvt Ltd was recently inaugurated at Singhain village in Una District of state. This first mega food park in state to be operationalised under Central Government’s Mega Food Park Scheme.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Cremica Food Park</span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It has been set up in 52.40 acre of land. Its Central Processing Centre (CPC) has facilities like multi-crop pulping line with bulk aseptic packaging (24 MT/ hour), drozen storage (1,000 MT), deep freeze, dry warehouse, Quality Control (QC) Laboratory and other food processing facilities. It will benefit people of Una district and nearby districts of Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Benefits of mega food park</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It creates modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along value chain from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through cluster based approach.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Its modern infrastructure for food processing will benefit the farmers, growers, processors and consumers of state and adjoining areas. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will give impetus to growth of food processing sector in the state and provide direct and indirect employment to 5,000 persons.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Mega Food Park Scheme </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It is implemented by Ministry of Food Processing Industries to give fillip to food processing sector by adding value and reducing food wastage at each stage of supply chain with prime focus on perishables. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It aims to create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along value chain from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through cluster based approach. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It seeks to make food processing sector major contributor to doubling the farmers' income and 'Make in India' initiative of the government.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Under it, common facilities and enabling infrastructure is created at Central Processing Centre (CPCs). Besides, facilities for primary processing and storage is created near farm in form of Primary Processing Centers (PPCs) and Collection Centers (CCs). </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">For it, Central Government provides financial assistance upto Rs. 50.00 Crore per Mega Food Park project.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Projects under it are merged under ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana’, a comphrehensive flagship scheme which aims to make India resilient food economy and Food Factory of the World. </span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'himachals-first-mega-food-park ', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/98f7/qz1k266fblul5un6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/98f7/qz1k266fblul5un6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Himachal's first mega food park inaugurated in Una District', 'metakeyword' => 'In States Current Affairs, Himachal Pradesh, first mega food park,Cremica Mega Food Park, Singhain village, Una District, Food Processing, Mega Food Park Scheme', 'metadescription' => 'Himachal Pradesh’s first mega food park-Cremica Mega Food Park Pvt Ltd was recently inaugurated at Singhain village in Una District of state', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/nc121kr1xor7d42/11feb_Himachal_Pradesh%25E2%2580%2599s_first.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 122, 'title' => 'PM lays foundation stone of greenfield airport in Arunachal Pradesh', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone for construction of greenfield Airport at Hollongi near Itanagar, capital of Arunachal Pradesh. He also inaugurated upgraded and retrofitted Airport at Tezu in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh. Tezu airport will connect Guwahati, Jorhat and Hollongi. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Greenfield airport at Hollongi </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will have various sustainability features like green belt along approach road to act as noise barrier, use of energy efficient equipment, rain water harvesting.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will provide great help to people Itanagar as at present nearest airport to Itanagar is at Lilabari in Assam at a distance of 80 km.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will reduce distance by a fourth. In addition, it will also provide better connectivity to region. It will also unravel the tourism potential of the state.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It also will boost economic growth of the region and will be of strategically important to the nation.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">7 Extra High Voltage Sub-stations, 24 Low Tension Sub-stations Project</span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Prime Minister Narendra Modi also laid foundation stone for 7 Extra High Voltage (EHV) Sub-stations and 24 Low Tension (LT) Sub-stations projects in Itanagar, capital of Arunachal Pradesh. This project is aimed at meeting objectives of affordable 24X7 power to all, especially in the remote locations. He also declared 100% household electrification in Arunachal Pradesh under Saubhagya Scheme. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">About Project</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will be implemented by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Navratna Company under Union Ministry of Power.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will come under ‘Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Systems in Arunachal Pradesh’, a Central Sector Plan Scheme of Union Ministry of Power that was sanctioned in October 2014 at estimated cost of Rs. 3,199.45 crores.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Significance of Project</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will enhance consumers’ access to affordable grid connected power supply and boost local economy of Arunachal Pradesh.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will reduce dependency on operation of Diesel Generating Plants in Arunachal Pradesh, thus bringing socio-economic and environmental benefits to the people of the state. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will facilitate development of small scale industries, cottage industries and tourism sector in the region. It will facilitate lying of optical fiber to extend communication facility to the small villages. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will give impetus to integration of upcoming Hydro Power Generating Plants in Arunachal Pradesh with the National Grid.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'greenfield-airport-arunachal-pradesh', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/aa84/371b5etuvb2mlju6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/aa84/371b5etuvb2mlju6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Foundation Stone of Greenfield airport in Arunachal Pradesh', 'metakeyword' => 'Prime Minister laid foundation stone for construction of greenfield Airport at Hollongi near Itanagar, capital of Arunachal Pradesh. ', 'metadescription' => 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone for construction of greenfield Airport at Hollongi near Itanagar, capital of Arunachal Pradesh. ', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/l52qp8bbjlxxsn6/11feb_PM_lays_foundation_stone_of_greenfield.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 16 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 121, 'title' => 'PM lays foundation of Sela Tunnel Project in Arunachal Pradesh', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone of strategically important Sela Tunnel Project in Arunachal Pradesh. It will provide all-weather connectivity between Guwahati in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Till now, entry to area was only through 13,700-feet Sela Pass, which is covered in snow in the winters making the movement of vehicles difficult.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Sela Tunnel Project</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">The tunnel gets its name from 4170 m (13,700-feet) Sela Pass which it will cut across. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will be implemented by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in next three years (by 2022). </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will cover total distance of 12.04 kms and will consists of two tunnels of 1790 meters and 475 meters.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Significance</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will provide all weather connectivity to Tawang valley and forward areas bordering China. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will give fillip to overall development of this remote area, thus giving boost tourism and related economic activities in the region.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will reduce distance between Dirang and Tawang by 10 km and also reduce the travelling time from Tezpur to Tawang by more than an hour.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will be game changer and give much needed strategic edge to security forces and local population ahead of Sela. It will allow travellers to avoid dangerous snow covered Sela top (height of 13,700 feet).</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Background</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">The lack of motorable roads and rail connections in northeast India and Arunachal Pradesh in particular were seen as distinct disadvantages for India vis-a-vis China in the region. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Many security analysts had been warning of China building infrastructure including access roads right up to the Indian border that would give it strategic advantage in any conflict with India.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">However, in past few years Central Government is stepping up infrastructure connectivity projects in northeast with new airports and railway connections coming up in the region.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'sela-tunnel-project-arunachal-pradesh', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ff6e/vrzz8v1xsfws4xz6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ff6e/vrzz8v1xsfws4xz6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'PM lays foundation of Sela Tunnel Project in Arunachal Pradesh', 'metakeyword' => 'PM lays foundation of Sela Tunnel Project in Arunachal Pradesh', 'metadescription' => 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone of strategically important Sela Tunnel Project in Arunachal Pradesh', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/cccuzaduadcmua5/11feb_PM_lays_foundation.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 17 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 102, 'title' => '2nd Phase of River Information System inaugurated', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The second phase of River Information System (RIS) was recently inaugurated on National Waterway-1 (River Ganga) between Farakka and Patna (with total length of 410 km). New navigation lock at Farakka was also unveiled to enable breeding of Hilsa fish. Both projects are aimed at boosting movement of cargo, fishery development in river Ganga and help to preserve the river ecosystem.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Phase II of RIS</strong>: It is deployed on 410 km Farakka-Patna stretch of NW-1. Under it, five base stations – Manihari, Bhagalpur, Munger, Barh and Hatidah and one control station have been made at Patna.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>River Information System (RIS)</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is form of vessel traffic management using next generation technology. It aims to streamline exchange of information between waterway operators and users.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It works on lines of Air Traffic Controls. It is designed to optimize traffic and transport processes in inland navigation.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Its services are combination of sensors like automated identification system, meteorological and hydrological equipment and software related services.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is nodal implementing authority of RIS project in India. It is being deployed in three phases on NW-1.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Earlier, in 2016, first phase of RIS was commissioned on 545 km Haldia- Farakka stretch of NW-1. Work on phase III is currently in progress on356 kms Patna-Varanasi stretch.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Significance of RIS</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It will enhance swift electronic data transfer between mobile vessels and base stations on shore through advance and real-time exchange of information.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It will help in crises management and enhanced inland navigation safety by preventing ship-to-ship collisions, ship - bridge collisions, groundings etc.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It will immensely help in optimization of navigation and minimize collision risks in the waterway thus benefitting the users greatly.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Hilsa Passage through Farakka Navigation Lock</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is envisaged for free movement of Hilsa fish at Farakka Navigation Lock. This fish species has significant cultural importance in West Bengal and is national fish of Bangladesh.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This navigation Lock has been synchronised to suit requirements of Hilsa fish movement from Hoogly-Bhagirathi-River system to the upstream in river Ganga and vice-versa.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The time of opening gates at this kock will be based on nature and time of movement of Hilsa fish, period of migration and breeding of species etc.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This Hilsa migration will lead to increase in its production in region. It will also increase river biodiversity and boost economy of local fishermen.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Fish way/Fish passis structure on or around artificial and natural barriers (such as dams, waterfalls and locks) to facilitate natural fish migration. It enables fish to pass around barriers by swimming into the waters on other side. After construction of Farakka Navigation Lock in 1976, movement of Hilsa fish, which once reached up to Prayagraj also, was restricted up to Farakka only.</span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => '2nd-phase-of-river-info-system', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/98dc/7l3a46d7tt89sl16g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/98dc/7l3a46d7tt89sl16g.jpg', 'metatitle' => '2nd Phase of River Information System inaugurated | Study IQ', 'metakeyword' => 'In National Current Affairs, River Information System, RIS, National Waterway 1, River Ganga Farakka, Patna, Hilsa Passage, Farakka Navigation Lock', 'metadescription' => 'The second phase of River Information System (RIS) was recently inaugurated on National Waterway-1 (River Ganga) between Farakka and Patna', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => '<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/o1xhhy3ww8x27zm/8_FEB_2nd_Phase_of_River.pdf/file" target="_blank">http://www.mediafire.com/file/o1xhhy3ww8x27zm/8_FEB_2nd_Phase_of_River.pdf/file</a>', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 103, 'title' => 'Monetary Policy: RBI cuts repo rate by 25 bps', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its sixth and last bimonthly monetary policy review for financial year 2018-19 has <strong>cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%</strong>. It also <em>changed stance of monetary policy to ‘neutral’ from ‘calibrated tightening’</em>.<em>One basis point is equal to onehundredth of percentage</em>.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This decision was taken by RBI’s six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) headed by RBI GovernorShaktikanta Das in a 4-2 vote. It was first bimonthly monetary policy review of RBI under Shaktikanta Das after taking office in December 2018.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Policy Rates </strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Repo rate (repurchase rate): </strong>It was changed by 25 basis points to 6.25.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Reverse Repo Rate: </strong>It was unchanged at 6.00%.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Marginal Standing Facility Rate:</strong> It was unchanged at 6.50%.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Bank Rate: </strong>It was unchanged at6.50%.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Key Terms</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Repo rate (repurchase rate)</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is rate at which RBI lends to banks for short periods against government securities. Its objective is to inject liquidity in the system. Increase in repo rate squeezes liquidity out of system and increase interest rates, which will then reduce demand for funds and reduce inflation. Similarly, when decreased, it injects liquidity in system making it cheaper for banks to borrow money. This is done by RBI by buying government securities/bonds from banks with agreement to sell them back at fixed rate.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Reverse repo </strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is rate at which banks lend funds to RBI or RBI borrows funds from other banks in short term. This is done by RBI selling government securities/ bonds to banks with commitment to buy them back at future date.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) </strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is rate at which scheduled banks can borrow funds overnight from RBI against government securities, if later doesn’t have the required eligible securities above SLR limit. It is very short term borrowing scheme for scheduled banks to meet.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Bank Rate</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is rate charged by RBU for lending funds to commercial banks. It influences lending rates of commercial banks. Higher bank rate results in higher lending rates by banks. RBI can resort to raising the bank rate in order to curb liquidity and vice versa.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It certain percentage of total deposits that commercial banks are required to maintain in form of cash reserve with central bank. RBI uses it to drain out excessive money from system. <em>This money earns no interest</em>.</span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is portion of bank deposits that banks have to maintain or invest in government bonds in form of liquid assets like cash, gold and unencumbered securities, treasury bills, dated securities etc. It has to be maintained at close of business on every day. RBI does not pay any interest to banks for SLR.</span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'monetary-policy-rbi-cuts-repo-rate-by-25-bps', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/d124/jr0li3vzoi9bd766g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/d124/jr0li3vzoi9bd766g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Monetary Policy: RBI cuts repo rate by 25 bps | Study IQ', 'metakeyword' => 'Reserve Bank of India, RBI Current Affairs, RBI Current Affair, Current Affairs of RBI', 'metadescription' => 'Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its sixth and last bimonthly monetary policy review for financial year 2018-19 has cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%.', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/j0fjp64456glfeq/8_FEB_Monetary_Policy.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 19 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 136, 'title' => 'UP Government launches Sarthi Sandesh Vahini', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Uttar Pradesh Government has launched 'Sarthi Sandesh Vahini' campaign with an aim to spread awareness regarding family planning in urban and rural areas. It is initiative of State Family Welfare Department. According to Population Census 2011, Uttar Pradesh has population of 19.98 Crores, making it most populous state in the coutry.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Sarthi Sandesh Vahini campaign</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">As part it, State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off 33 'Sarthi Sandesh Vahini' vehicles. These vehicles will provide family planning information to viewers through various documentaries and films.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">They will also make people aware of infections of Japanese encephalitis and other communicable diseases. Besides, needy will be provided with medical assistance.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">State health department has appointed nodal officers to supervise campaign and ensure that several targets set by it including women and child development and education for all are being fulfilled.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'up-govt-launches-sarthi-sandesh-vahini', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ed24/e0bjqfw1em39y9l6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ed24/e0bjqfw1em39y9l6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'UP Government launches Sarthi Sandesh Vahini', 'metakeyword' => 'In States Current Affairs, UP Government launches Sarthi Sandesh Vahini. ', 'metadescription' => 'Uttar Pradesh Government has launched 'Sarthi Sandesh Vahini' campaign with an aim to spread awareness regarding family planning in urban and rural areas.', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/f79j9totye7y79v/12feb_UP_Government_launches.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 20 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 130, 'title' => 'Sanjay Subrahmanyam awarded Dan David Prize 2019', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Indian historian Sanjay Subrahmanyam was awarded prestigious Dan David Prize of Israel for year 2019 for his work on inter-cultural encounters between Asians, Europeans and people of North and South America during early modern era. He won this prestigious US $1 million prize in <em>category of ''Past Time Dimension'' for his work in macro history (past)</em>. He will share this award in this category with Professor Kenneth Pomeranz of University of Chicago.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Other category winners of Dan David Prize 2019</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Present category:</span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif"> It was awarded jointed to Reporters without Borders and Professor Michael Ignatieff for "Defending Democracy". </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Future dimension category: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It was awarded to Costa Rican diplomat Christina Figueres for her role in combating climate change.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Sanjay Subrahmanyam</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">He is son of strategic analyst K Subrahmanyam and brother of former foreign secretary S Jaishankar. He specialises in the early modern period.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">He is alumnus of University of Delhi and did his doctorate from Delhi School of Economics. He had started his career as economic historian but later, worked on political, intellectual and cultural history.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">He holds the Irving and Jean Stone Endowed Chair in Social Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which he joined in 2004. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif"> He is the recipient of prestigious Infosys Prize for humanities, awarded in 2012 for his path-breaking contribution to history.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">About Dan David Prize</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It is awarded to persons/institutions who have made outstanding scientific, technological and humanistic accomplishments in fields representing past, present and future of human achievement.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It is awarded annually by Dan David Foundation, headquartered at Tel Aviv University, Israel. It carries award of US $1 million.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It was established by and named after late Dan David, philanthropist and international businessman. Every year it awarded in three categories viz. <strong>Past, Present and Future.</strong></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It winners are required to donate 10% of their prize money towards scholarships for graduate or post-graduate researchers in their respective fields to encourage and foster new generations of scholars.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Some of its previous recipients are cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales and filmmakers Joel, novelist Margaret Atwood, Ethan Coen, former US Vice President Al Gore, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Some of its prominent Indian laureates are music conductor Zubin Mehta, author Amitav Ghosh, renowned scientist CNR Rao and astronomy professor Shrinivas Kulkarni.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'sanjay-subrahmanyam-dan-david-prize', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/cee1/gc4un7gapyho32t6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/cee1/gc4un7gapyho32t6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Sanjay Subrahmanyam awarded Dan David Prize 2019', 'metakeyword' => 'In Awards Current Affairs, Indian historian Sanjay Subrahmanyam awarded Dan David Prize of Israel 2019', 'metadescription' => 'Indian historian Sanjay Subrahmanyam was awarded prestigious Dan David Prize of Israel for year 2019 for his work on inter-cultural encounters between Asians,', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/wykr96pc4ts91mz/12feb_Sanjay_Subrahmanyam_awarded.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 21 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 126, 'title' => 'Swachh Shakti 2019 held in Kurukshetra, Haryana', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Swachh Shakti 2019, a convention of Women Sarpanches in Kurukshetra, Haryana. He also awarded Swachh Shakti-2019 awards. Swachh Shakti 2019 is being organized by Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation in association with Haryana Governmet.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Swachh Shakti-2019 </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It is national event aimed at bringing in to focus leadership role played by rural women in Swachh Bharat Mission and also empower women.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will be attended by women Sarpanches and Panches from all over the country. This year it is expected to see participation of around 15,000 women.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will provide platform to share best practices from grass root level in the rural areas for Swachh Bharat. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It will also showcase achievements of Swachh Bharat and recently conducted Swachh Sunder Shauchalay (neat and clean toilet) - a unique and first of its kind in the world campaign. </span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Swachh Shakti program </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It was launched in 2017 by Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation to recognise and felicitate women sarpanches, women Swachhagrahis and women champions from across country for their outstanding contribution towards making Swachh Bharat.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It aims to showcase how rural women champions at the grass root level are acting as agent of change to mobilize community and lead from front women taking initiatives for Swachh Bharat. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It is part of ongoing activities under aegis of Swachh Bharat Mission, launched on October 2nd, 2014, and aimed at achieving Clean and Open Defecation Free (ODF) India by 2nd October, 2019.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Its first edition was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on occasion of 2017 International Women’s Day (March 8). In it 6000 women sarpanches from across the country had participated.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Second editin- Swachh Shakti-2018 was held at Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. It had seen participation of 8000 women sarpanches, 3000 women Swachhagrahis from across the country.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'swachh-shakti-2019', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/95c3/s70m8vjaaymzdkg6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/95c3/s70m8vjaaymzdkg6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Swachh Shakti 2019 held in Kurukshetra, Haryana', 'metakeyword' => 'In National Current Affairs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Swachh Shakti 2019, a convention of Women Sarpanches in Kurukshetra, Haryana', 'metadescription' => 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Swachh Shakti 2019, a convention of Women Sarpanches in Kurukshetra, Haryana.', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/uoz2c6o5x9xl702/12feb_Swachh_Shakti_2019.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 22 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 131, 'title' => 'National Conference on Unani Medicine held in New Delhi ', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">The National Conference on Unani Medicine was recently held in New Delhi. It was organized by Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), under Ministry of AYUSH as a part of 3rd Unani Day celebration (11 February). The theme of this conference was <em>“Unani Medicine for Public Health”</em> to highlight important role played by Unani medicine in public health especially in combating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), lifestyle disorders and various chronic diseases by providing cost effective Unani treatment and quality products for patient healthcare.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Unani Day</span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It is observed every year on 11 February to mark birth anniversary of great Unani researcher Hakim Ajmal Khan. He was eminent Indian Unani physician, freedom fighter, educationist and founder of scientific research in Unani Medicine. This year it was 151st birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Unani system of medicine </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Unani is term used for Perso-Arabic traditional medicine as practiced in Mughals in India and in Muslim dominated cultures in South Asia and modern day Central Asia. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">The term Yunani</span><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif"> in Greek means Perso-Arabic system of medicine. It had originated in Greece. <strong>Hippocrates </strong>is known as father of this system of traditional medicine.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It was introduced to India in 13th century with establishment of Delhi Sultanate. Later on it took its own course of development during Mughal empire rule with Indian context after it was influenced by Indian medical teachings of Sushruta and Charaka.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:quicksand,serif">Hellenistic origin of Unani medicine is still visible in its being based on classical four humours: phlegm (balgham), blood (dam), yellow bile (</span><span style="font-family:Cambria,serif">s</span><span style="font-family:quicksand,serif">afr</span><span style="font-family:Cambria,serif">a</span><span style="font-family:quicksand,serif">) and black bile (sauda</span><span style="font-family:quicksand,serif">). But it also has been influenced by Indian and Chinese traditional systems.</span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Like Ayurveda, it is also based on theory of presence of elements in human body. According to followers of Unani medicine, these elements are present in bodily fluids and their balance leads to health and their imbalance leads to illness.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'national-conference-unani-medicine', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/0577/21lhi25552r2bhe6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/0577/21lhi25552r2bhe6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'National Conference on Unani Medicine | Current Affairs Daily', 'metakeyword' => 'In Art & Culture Current Affairs, National Conference on Unani Medicine held in New Delhi, Unani Day celebration ', 'metadescription' => 'National Conference on Unani Medicine was recently held in New Delhi. It was organized by Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine ', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/mcsfmv56y2n41lx/12feb_National_Conference_on_Unani.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 23 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 129, 'title' => '61st Grammy Awards 2019', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">The 61st Annual Grammy Awards were presented by Recording Academy at Staples Center in Los Angeles. It recognized best recordings, compositions, and artists of eligibility year, which ran from October 2017, to September 2018. The award ceremony was hosted by singer-songwriter Alicia Keys. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">In this edition of awards, Childish Gambino and Kacey Musgraves won most awards, four each in different categories. Kendrick Lamar was nominated signer this with eight nominations in different categories. Dolly Parton was honored as MusiCares Person of Year.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Note:</span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif"> 2019 Grammy’s award record 31 women or female led bands winning awards in different categories. In 2018, only 17 of the 86 award categories were won by women or female led bands.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">2019 Grammy Awards Winners</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Album of The Year: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Record of The Year: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">“This Is America,” Childish Gambin</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Song of The Year: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">This Is America,” Childish Gambino.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Country Album: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Rap Album: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Invasion of Privacy, Cardi B.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Pop Solo Performance: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Joanne (Where Do You Think You’re Goin’?), Lady Gaga.</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best New Artist: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Dua Lipa</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Rap/Sung Performance: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">“This Is America,” Childish Gambino.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Comedy Album: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Equanimity & The Bird Revelation, Dave Chappelle.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">My Way, Willie Nelson.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Shallow,” Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper.</span></strong></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Pop Vocal Album: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Sweetener, Ariana Grande.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Rock Album: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">From The Fires, Greta Van Fleet.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Rap Song: “</span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">God’s Plan,” Drake<strong>.</strong></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Rap Performance: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">King’s Dead, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future & James Blake / Bubblin, Anderson. Paak.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Urban Contemporary Album: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Everything Is Love, The Carters.</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best R&B Album: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">H.E.R., H.E.R.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best R&B Performance: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Part H.E.R. Featuring Daniel Caesar.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best R&B Song: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">“Boo’d Up,” Ella Mai<strong>.</strong></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Dance/Electronic Album: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Woman Worldwide, Justice.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Jazz Instrumental Album: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Emanon, The Wayne Shorter Quartet.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">The Greatest Showman, Hugh Jackman (& Various Artists).</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Best Music Video: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">This Is America,” Childish Gambino.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">About Grammy Award </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It is recording industry’s most prestigious award. It is also called as Gramophone Award.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It is awarded to artists and technical professionals outstanding achievement in mainly English-language music industry by Recording Academy at annual presentation ceremony</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Its prime motive is to recognise positive impact of lives of musicians, industry members and society at large.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Its four main categories are <em>Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist.</em></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Its first awards ceremony was held on 4 May 1959. Now its annual presentation ceremony features performances by prominent artists, and presentation of awards that have more popular interest.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => '61st-grammy-awards-2019', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/2fe1/ydcyl5n6corbwok6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/2fe1/ydcyl5n6corbwok6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => '61st Grammy Awards 2019 | Grammy Awards', 'metakeyword' => 'In Awards Current Affairs, The 61st Annual Grammy Awards were presented by Recording Academy at Staples Center in Los Angeles', 'metadescription' => 'The 61st Annual Grammy Awards were presented by Recording Academy at Staples Center in Los Angeles', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/8ccc1stb240529a/12feb_61st_Grammy_Awards_2019.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 24 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 150, 'title' => 'India’s first mega aqua food park commissioned in Andhra Pradesh', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">India’s first mega aqua food park- <strong>Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park</strong> was recently commissioned at Tundurru Village in Bhimavaram Mandal, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. This aqua food park is exclusively for fish and marine products processing. It has been set up under Central Government’s Mega Food Park Scheme.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Note:</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif"> Besides this aqua food park, Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries also had sanctioned two other mega food parks, one in Chittoor District (operational since 2012) and another one in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is promoted by Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park Pvt. Ltd. It has been set up on 57.81 acre of land at a cost of Rs. 122.60 crores.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Its Central Processing Centre (CPC) has facilities for pre-processing line for fish, pre-processing line for shrimp, freezing of fish, freezing of shrimp, cold storage for fish (2000MT).</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It also has facilities for cold storage for shrimp of 1000MT, ice plant, food testing laboratory besides state of art enabling infrastructure.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Significance</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will benefit people of Andhra Pradesh Coastal city West Godavari-District as well as nearby Districts of East Godavari, Krishna and nearby districts of Telangana.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Its modern infrastructure for food processing especially fisheries will also benefit farmers, growers, processors and consumers of Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas immensely.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will give big boost to the growth of food processing sector in fisheries sector in Andhra Pradesh and also in other coastal states of country.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'indias-first-mega-aqua-food-park-andhra-pradesh', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/9f8b/azccrtu5u454dn06g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/9f8b/azccrtu5u454dn06g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'India’s first mega aqua food park commissioned in Andhra Pradesh', 'metakeyword' => 'In States Current Affairs, India’s first mega aqua food park commissioned in Andhra Pradesh', 'metadescription' => 'India’s first mega aqua food park- Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park was recently commissioned at Tundurru Village in Bhimavaram Mandal, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/22n94a7b53242j5/13feb_India%25E2%2580%2599s_first_mega_aqua.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 25 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 137, 'title' => 'NITI Aayog to document systemic transformation in education ', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">NITI Aayog inked Statement of Intent (SOI) with Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF) to codify, document and share best practices to improve learning outcomes in public school education. This will be through systemic reforms, based on collective experiences of NITI Aayog and MSDF while working with various state governments in India. It will help to improving learning outcomes with coordination and simultaneous effort with both academic and governance reforms.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Under this partnership</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">NITI Aayog and MSDF will document reforms pursued by various state governments that have initiated systemic reforms in education and have seen improved learning outcomes over the past few years. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Joint team comprising of state leaders, research agencies, consultants and educators will work together to develop ‘theory of change’ based on learnings from states.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">They will document impact on ground by commissioning third party studies to evaluate impact of systemic reforms in education.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">The key findings and takeaways from this exercise will be disseminated to relevant decision-makers and policymakers in other states after consultative process through workshops and publications.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Other initiatives of NITI Aayog in Education Sector</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">School Education Quality Index (SEQI):</span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif"> It ranks states/UTs on educational outcomes, with high weightage to learning outcomes. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH-E) initiative:</span></strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif"> It is being implemented to induce systemic transformation in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">MSDF </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It is philanthropic organisation set up in 1999 by Susan and Michael Dell by investing their proceeds of sales of shares of Dell Inc.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"quicksand",serif">It is dedicated to transforming lives of children living in urban poverty through improving their education, health and family economic stability.</span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'niti-aayog-systemic-transformation-education ', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/9b8e/hgulg664ignaspk6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/9b8e/hgulg664ignaspk6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'NITI Aayog to Document Systemic Transformation in Education', 'metakeyword' => 'In National Current affairs, NITI Aayog,Statement of Intent , Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, codify, document and share best practices to improve learning outcomes in public school education.', 'metadescription' => 'NITI Aayog inked Statement of Intent (SOI) with Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF) to codify, document and share best practices to improve learning outcomes in public school education.', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/znma4zmc0v7e262/13feb_NITI_Aayog_to_document.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 26 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 162, 'title' => 'Foundation stone laid for Subarnarekha port in Odisha', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The foundation stone of <strong>Subarnarekha port </strong>was laid by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik near Chaumukh at Subarnarekha river mouth in coastal Balasore district of state. The proposed port is being jointly developed by state government with help of Tata Steel on build, own, operate, share and transfer (BOOST) model.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Subarnarekha port</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is all-weather port that will be built on <em>Subarnarekha river mouth on Bay of Bengal</em>. It is expected to be built in four years with total investment of Rs. 5000 crores. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will have 12 berths. It will have initial capacity of 25 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), which will be raised to 55 MTPA in phases<strong>.</strong></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">State government will get revenue share from port operations. It has already provided 692 acres of land for the port of total required 962 acres. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">On completion it will be one of biggest port in eastern India. It will help speed up industrialisation in Odisha and contribute to State’s economic growth. It will generate employment for 12,000 people.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif"> It will also serve industries in Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and trans-border countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and others in South East Asia.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Tata Steel will use this port for its steel plant at Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, apart from other steel plants in Odisha and West Bengal.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'foundation-stone-subarnarekha-port-odisha', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/de94/ve8tu8ljo6w94xt6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/de94/ve8tu8ljo6w94xt6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Foundation stone laid for Subarnarekha port in Odisha', 'metakeyword' => 'In States Current Affairs, Foundation stone, Subarnarekha port, Odisha, Chaumukh, Subarnarekha river mouth, Balasore district', 'metadescription' => 'The foundation stone of Subarnarekha port was laid by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik near Chaumukh at Subarnarekha river mouth in coastalBalasore district of state', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/m77o9hxh9ylox2t/14_FEB_Foundation_stone_laid.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 27 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 156, 'title' => 'Government launches e-AUSHADHI portal', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Union Ministry of AYUSH has launched e-AUSHADHI portal, an online licensing portal for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs and related matters to increase transparency and accountability. e-AUSHADHI is acronym for <strong>Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy Automated Drug Help Initiative</strong>. It will help to address problems faced by practitioners, manufactures and consumers of AYUSH medicines. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">e-AUSHADHI portal</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It aims to increase transparency, improved information management facility, improved data usability and increased accountability. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will aid licensing authority, manufactures and consumers. It will also provide real time information of licensed manufactures and their products.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will also have feature of complaining cancellation of spurious drugs and shall consists of contact details of the concerned authority for specific grievances.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The processing of application through this portal will be done in fixed timeline and status at each step of the process will be updated through SMS and e-mail status updates.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'govt-launches-e-aushadi-portal', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/dd72/ga0zhb94lax5xo96g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/dd72/ga0zhb94lax5xo96g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Government launches e-AUSHADHI portal', 'metakeyword' => 'In National Current Affairs, Ministry of AYUSH, launches e-AUSHADHI portal, an online licensing portal for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homoeopathy drugs ', 'metadescription' => 'Ministry of AYUSH has launched e-AUSHADHI portal, an online licensing portal for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs and related matters to increase transparency and accountability', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/5mw0ii1ddbrstyz/14_FEB_Government_launches_e-AUSHADHI.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 28 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 167, 'title' => 'Sushil Chandra appointed as new Election Commissioner ', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Sushil Chandra (61) as Election Commissioner of India in pursuance of his powers under Article 324 (2) of Constitution. He is 1980 batch officer of Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax cadre). </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Prior to this appointment, Chandra was chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). With this he becomes <strong><em>second IRS officer</em></strong> <strong><em>to be appointed to Election Commission</em></strong> after T.S. Krishnamurthy, who went on to become CEC in 2004. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">With his appointment, election commission attained its full strength of three members including Chief Election Commissioner. Two members of EC are Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora and Election Commissioner (EC) Ashok Lavasa. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Election Commission of India</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is permanent and independent constitutional body established directly by Constitution under Article 324 to ensure fair and fair elections in the country. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is multi-member body and currently has three members including Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners appointed by President of India.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It administers elections to both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and state Legislative Assemblies and Councils and offices of President and Vice President in the country.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'sushil-chandra-appointed-election-commissioner ', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/f20f/cx3mlnn3pcn0cgi6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/f20f/cx3mlnn3pcn0cgi6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Sushil Chandra appointed as new Election Commissioner ', 'metakeyword' => 'In Persons in News Current Affairs, President Ram Nath Kovind, appointed Sushil Chandra, Election Commissioner of India., Article 324 (2) of Constitution, ', 'metadescription' => 'President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Sushil Chandra (61) as Election Commissioner of India in pursuance of his powers under Article 324 (2) of Constitution.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/da8xpfdx2b0795e/15FEB_Sushil_Chandra_appointed.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 29 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 166, 'title' => 'P C Mody appointed as Chairman of CBDT', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has appointed senior IRS officer Pramod Chandra Mody as chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). He will succeed Sushil Chandra, who was recently appointed Election Commissioner. He is 1982 batch Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax cadre). Prior to this appointment, he was member in CBDT. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is nodal policy-making body of Income Tax (IT) department functioning under Department of Revenue, Union Ministry of Finance.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is a statutory authority established under The Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is supreme body in India for framing policies related to direct taxes and is also tasked to enforce direct tax laws in the country. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Composition of CBDT: </span></strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is headed by Chairman and can have maximum of six members.<strong> </strong></span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'pc-mody-appointed-cbdt-chairman', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/5548/51185z03gg0az8x6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/5548/51185z03gg0az8x6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'P C Mody appointed as Chairman of CBDT', 'metakeyword' => 'In Persons in News Current Affairs, PC Mody appointed as Chairman of CBDT', 'metadescription' => 'Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has appointed senior IRS officer Pramod Chandra Mody as chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/ic1s1gq8vt84lc6/15FEB_P_C_Mody_appointed.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 30 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 187, 'title' => 'Early Ed Asia 2019: Asia's largest conference on Early Childhood held in Jaipur', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Asia's largest conference on Early Childhood “Early Ed Asia 2019” held in Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. It was organized by Early Childhood Association (ECA) and ScooNews under patronage of Royal Family of Jaipur. It was for first time such conference of on early childhood education was held in India.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Early Ed Asia 2019</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was aimed at sparking debates, encourage sharing of best practices and institute widely accepted procedures amongst early childhood educators.</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was held pink city's most revered heritage structure - The iconic City Palace. Its theme/motto was “<em>Our Children, Our Future</em>”.</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It saw participation of over 600 eminent early childhood educators, policy makers, researchers and other stakeholders from India and foreign countries especially from Asia, Europe and US.</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It provided platform for discussion of latest trends in teaching and research to provide stronger foundation to children at early ages.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Early Childhood Association (ECA)</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is initiative that aims at enrichment, networking, awareness and advocacy of childhood and everything that affects them.</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It brings together all stakeholders in early childhood education including teachers, media, parents, experts and more on one platform.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'early-ed-asia-2019-conference-jaipur', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/98a5/o41d5w19fwjekij6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/98a5/o41d5w19fwjekij6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Asia's largest conference on Early Childhood held in Jaipur', 'metakeyword' => 'In Social Current Affairs, Early Ed Asia 2019, Asia's largest conference, Early Childhood, Jaipur, Early Childhood Association ', 'metadescription' => 'Asia's largest conference, Early Childhood, Early Ed Asia 2019, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Early Childhood Association, ScooNews, Royal Family', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/em5a8i01humqb2v/18feb_Early_Ed_Asia_2019.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 31 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 181, 'title' => 'Hina Jaiswal: First woman flight Engineer of IAF', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal became first woman flight Engineer of Indian Air Force (IAF). She achieved this feat after successfully completing six-month flight engineer course from 112 Helicopter Unit attached to Air Force Station in Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Flight engineer</span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Flight engineer is member of aircraft’s flight crew who monitors and operates its complex aircraft systems requiring specialised skill set. Earlier this field in IAF was restricted to men and was opened to women officers in 2018.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Key Facts</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">During course of six months of training, Hina trained shoulder to shoulder with her male counterparts.</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Now she will be posted to helicopter squadron where she will monitor and operate IAF’s complex aircraft in various conditions, including Siachen Glacier and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">This highlights measures by Indian armed forces in past decades to become more gender inclusive. </span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">IAF since 1993, has commissioned women in officer cadre and they have also been successfully inducted as pilots in various streams of IAF.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">About Hina Jaiswal</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">She was born in Chandigarh and was commissioned in engineering batch of IAF in January 2015. </span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">She has completed her Bachelors of Engineering degree from University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET) Panjab University.</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">She has served as chief of firing team and battery commander in frontline surface to Air Missile Squadron.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'hina-jaiswal-first-woman-flight-engineer-iaf', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/69d0/28drl3aw8bf0tmd6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/69d0/28drl3aw8bf0tmd6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Hina Jaiswal: First woman flight Engineer of IAF', 'metakeyword' => 'In Persons in News Current Affairs, Hina Jaiswal, First woman, flight Engineer, IAF', 'metadescription' => 'Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal became first woman flight Engineer of Indian Air Force (IAF). ', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/d5880uf3bb4r87l/16feb_Hina_Jaiswal.pdf', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 32 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 173, 'title' => 'President presents Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">President Ram Nath Kovind presented Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony to Rajkumar Singhajit Singh (doyen of Manipuri dance), Bangladesh cultural organisation Chhayanaut and renowned sculptor Ram Sutar for years 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively. They were selected for this prestigious award by award jury headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which also included Chief Justice of India Justice (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi, former chief election commissioner (CEC) N Gopalaswami and national vice president of BJP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is annual award instituted by Central Government in 2011 as part of commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is given to individuals, associations, institutions or organisations for their outstanding contribution towards promoting values of cultural harmony.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It carries monetary amount of Rs. 1 crore, plaque, citation in scroll as well as exquisite traditional handicraft or handloom item. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or sex. It can be divided between two persons or institutions who are considered by jury.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Its jury comprises Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha or leader of single largest opposition party in House and two eminent persons. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Note:</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif"> First Tagore award was awarded to Sitar Maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar in 2012 and second to Maestro Zubin Mehta in 2013.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'president-tagore-award-for-cultural-harmony', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/51b0/nuce6fd8zj1ohax6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/51b0/nuce6fd8zj1ohax6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'President presents Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony', 'metakeyword' => 'In Awards Current Affairs, Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony, 2014, 2015, 2016, Rajkumar Singhajit Singh, Chhayanaut, Ram Sutar', 'metadescription' => 'President Ram Nath Kovind presented Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony to Rajkumar Singhajit Singh, Chhayanaut and Ram Sutar', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/53q32jyc63yef6a/16feb_President_presents_Tagore_Award.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 33 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 171, 'title' => 'Chandramouli Ramanathan appointed to top UN Strategic Post', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Indian official Chandramouli Ramanathan as Controller, Assistant Secretary-General for Programme Planning, Budget and Finance in Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Department. <strong>It is one of top most strategic post in UN. </strong>He succeeds Bettina Tucci Bartsiotas of Uruguay.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Chandramouli Ramanathan</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">He has served as Acting Controller since September 2018, concurrently with his position as Assistant Secretary-General for Enterprise Resource Planning since 2016.</span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Prior to this, he had served at UN as Deputy Controller, Director of Accounts Division, and Chief of Service in IT Services Division.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">He has nearly 40 years of executive international experience in UN in diverse organisational settings in finance and budget, management and information technology.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">He has played leading role in complex management change initiatives of UN, including implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and UN Enterprise Resource Planning solution (Umoja).</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">He also served as Assistant Auditor General, India (1993-1995) and Director of Accounts for Auditor General of India (1989-1993). He holds master's degree in economics and is cost accountant.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'chandramouli-ramanathan-top-un-strategic-post', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/70f7/dn07wpldydd5cko6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/70f7/dn07wpldydd5cko6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Chandramouli Ramanathan appointed to top UN Strategic Post', 'metakeyword' => 'In Persons in News Current Affairs, Indian, Chandramouli Ramanathan, Controller, Assistant Secretary-General for Programme Planning, Budget and Finance in Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Department. Top most, strategic post,United Nations', 'metadescription' => 'Indian official Chandramouli Ramanathan as Controller, Assistant Secretary-General for Programme Planning, Budget and Finance in Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Department', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/8qhzb7hetqj13dp/16feb_Chandramouli_Ramanathan.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 34 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 180, 'title' => 'Government liberalizes e-Visa regime to make it more tourist friendly ', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Union Government has made series of amendments in e-visa regime to liberalize it further and mak it more tourist friendly. Union Ministry of Tourism has been working very closely with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for easing of the Visa Regime in the country over a period of time. e-Tourist Visa was introduced in September 2014 with applicability to 46 countries and now it has expanded to 166 countries.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Important modifications </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Duration of stay of e-Tourist and e-Business Visas increased from 60 days to 1 year with multiple entries subject to stay stipulations. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Existing restriction of allowing foreigner for maximum of three times has also been removed.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Changes in e-Tourist Visa</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Continuous stay under this vis during each visit cannot exceed 90 days in case of nationals of all countries eligible for e-visa except nationals of US, UK, Canada and Japan.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">In case of nationals of US, UK, Canada and Japan, continuous stay limit during each visit is 180 days. In all cases no registration will be required.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Changes in e-Business Visa</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Continuous stay during each visit cannot exceed 180 days in case of nationals of all countries who are eligible for grant of e-visa.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">No registration is required if stay is for period of less than 180 days.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Other changes:</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">e-Visa is valid for entry through two more designated Airports (Port Blair and Bhubaneswar). It raises total number of such airports to 28.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Now there is no separate category of Destination Wedding Visa as it has been covered under normal e-Tourist visa or Tourist visa.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Foreign nationals need not convert their visa in medical visa if they fall sick during their stay in India to avail medical treatment. This will take care of sudden medical emergencies.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Visa-on-Arrival facility extended to nationals of South Korea.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">e-Visa scheme </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It electronic authorization for foreigners to travel to India for business, tourism, or medical visits. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It provides pre-authorization of visa to foreigners prior to travel to India. It covers tourist and business categories. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is implemented by foreigner’s division of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It aims to improve efficiency and transparency of various services being provided to foreign nationals.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">To avail it, applicant need to submits online application. On approval applicant receives e-mail authorizing him or her to travel to India before departure.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">On arriving India, actual visa is placed inside passport of applicant at the immigration checkpoint.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'govt-liberalizes-e-visa-regime', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/05b8/s5t307w24mialq66g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/05b8/s5t307w24mialq66g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Government liberalizes e-Visa regime to make it more friendly', 'metakeyword' => 'Government liberalizes e-Visa, Government policy on e-visa, ', 'metadescription' => 'Union Government has made series of amendments in e-visa regime to liberalize it further and mak it more tourist friendly. ', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/7ems5aaqa5zyb1b/16feb_Government_liberalizes_e-Visa.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 35 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 176, 'title' => ' World Bank to provide $40 million loan for Shimla water supply and sanitation project', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Union Government has inked $40 million loan agreement with World Bank for water supply and sanitation project in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. This loan will be provided by World Bank’s lending arm International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). It has maturity of 15.5 years and grace period of 4 years.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Key Facts</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">This project aims to provide clean and reliable drinking water to citizens of Greater Shimla area. It is expected to improve water supply and sanitation (WSS) services in and around the iconic hill city of Shimla.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is first in series of three development policy loans (DPL) to be provided by World Bank to Shimla to improve WSS infrastructure. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Besides monetary support, it will support city’s existing program of policy and institutional reform needed to bring continuous, pressurized 24x7 water supply, efficient sewage collection and treatment for all households in the city.</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Background</span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Shimla area has been facing severe water shortages and water-borne epidemics in last few years. Growing urbanization, leakages, unauthorized siphoning and heavy tourist load in summer months is putting huge demand on existing water supply infrastructure and sanitation facilities in city. Moreover. 30-40% of city’s population of around 200,000 is not covered by sewerage system, making sanitation a public health issue in the city. Himachal Pradesh Government also has developed comprehensive policy and institutional reform program to put in place systems to improve water supply and sewerage services in efficient and sustainable manner.</span></span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'world-bank-40-million-loan-shimla-water-supply-sanitation- project', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/53c6/osencb4wsx00t546g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/53c6/osencb4wsx00t546g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'World Bank to provide $40 million loan for Shimla water supply', 'metakeyword' => 'In States Current Affairs, World Bank to provide $40 million loan for Shimla water supply and sanitation project', 'metadescription' => 'Union Government has inked $40 million loan agreement with World Bank for water supply and sanitation project in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/wzcp76335ifpocw/16feb_World_Bank_to_provide_%252440_million.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 36 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 198, 'title' => '79th Indian History Congress to be held in Bhopal', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">79th Indian History Congress (IHC) will be held at Barkatullah University in Bhopal, capital city of Madhya Pradesh from 26 to 28 February 2019. Over 1,000 delegates including prominent historians are expected to participate in it. This will be second time Madhya Pradesh will host IHC after it was held earlier in 2011.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Note:</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif"> 79th IHC was scheduled to held at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra but was cancelled due to financial constraints. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Indian History Congress </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is the largest professional and academic body of Indian historians with over 10,000 members. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was established in 1935 and its first session was held at Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal, Pune.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Its primary objective is to promote and encourage scientific study of Indian history.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It holds annual sessions on five sections (ancient India, medieval India, modern India, History of Countries other than India and Archaeology) and publishes their proceedings mainly comprising research papers.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => '79th-indian-history-congress-bhopal', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/869a/f9434t1caah429a6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/869a/f9434t1caah429a6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => '79th Indian History Congress to be held in Bhopal', 'metakeyword' => 'In Events Current affairs, 79th Indian History Congress to be held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh', 'metadescription' => '79th Indian History Congress (IHC) will be held at Barkatullah University in Bhopal, capital city of Madhya Pradesh from 26 to 28 February 2019.', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/kb72puwq98lgjqw/19feb_79th_Indian_History.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 37 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 228, 'title' => 'Tripura’s first mega food park inaugurated in Agartala', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Tripura’s first mega food park viz. Sikaria Mega Food Park Pvt Ltd was recently inaugurated at Village Tulakona in state capital Agartala. It is 18th of its kind food park in the country set up under Mega Food Park Scheme implemented by Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Sikaria Mega Food Park Pvt Ltd</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It has been set up by Kolkata-based Sikaria Mega Food Park Private Ltd. on 50 acres land provided by Tripura Industrial development corporation Ltd.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will provide excellent infrastructural facilities for food processing and allied industries along with the value chain from the farm market and centralised processing centres.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It has fully operationald facilities like dry warehouse and material handling of 5000 MT, Pineapple canning and Pulping line, Packing Unit, Ripening Chambers, Cold Storage with Frozen Storage, Quality Control, Research & Development Centre.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will also provide direct and indirect employment to 5000 people in primary field of food processing, agriculture, agro processing and post-harvest agri infrastructure. It will benefit about 25000 farmers.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'tripura-first-mega-food-park-agartala', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/5618/4h7506wc9w7vxfr6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/5618/4h7506wc9w7vxfr6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Tripura’s first mega food park inaugurated in Agartala', 'metakeyword' => 'In States Current affairs, Tripura, first, mega food park, Sikaria Mega Food Park Pvt Ltd, Village Tulakona, Agartala,Mega Food Park Scheme', 'metadescription' => 'Tripura’s first mega food park viz. Sikaria Mega Food Park Pvt Ltd was recently inaugurated at Village Tulakona in state capital Agartala.', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/7pes9krmgdbuezt/22feb_Tripura_s_first_mega_food.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 38 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 412, 'title' => 'Kerala’s Marayoor Jaggery receives GI tag', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The traditional and handmade Marayoor Jaggery from Idukki district of Kerala was recently accorded Geographical Indication (GI) tag by Chennai based Geographical Indication Registry. It received this coveted tag two year after Agricultural Department of the state had applied for it. It will provide more windows of opportunity to traditional sugarcane farmers in Marayoor region of Kerala.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Marayoor Jaggery</span></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is produced in Marayoor town in Idukki district of Kerala. It is one of sweetest jaggeries produced in Idukki. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is dark brown in colour and high in sweetness and iron. It has less sodium content and insoluble impurities.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is made from sugarcane which is completely chemicals free (pesticides and fertilizers free). </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is prepared in traditional way in small sheds located on the sugarcane farm and not in commercial scale in modern factories or using modern equipment. </span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Significance of GI Tag </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will provide more windows of opportunity to traditional sugarcane farmers in Marayoo to get more market and price. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will also rejuvenate traditional way of production and ensuring safe market for Marayoor Jaggery in future.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will allow only natives of the area to produce and market Marayoor jaggery exclusively.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will help prevent fake product being sold as Marayur jaggery, especially from Tamil Nadu which has crashed prices and harmed traditional farmers. </span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Geographical Indication (GI)</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is name or sign used on products which corresponds to specific geographical location or origin (can be town, region or country).</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It acts as authenticity certification that product possesses certain qualities and is made according to traditional methods and enjoys certain reputation due to its geographical origin. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It plays very important role to increase realm of market for the original product. It also indirectly leads to sustainable development, boosts exports as well tourism.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'kerala-marayoor-jaggery-receives-gi-tag', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/9e55/i956gvlxlxxodmo6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/9e55/i956gvlxlxxodmo6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Kerala’s Marayoor Jaggery receives GI tag', 'metakeyword' => 'In States Current Affairs, Kerala’s Marayoor Jaggery receives GI tag', 'metadescription' => 'The traditional and handmade Marayoor Jaggery from Idukki district of Kerala was recently accorded Geographical Indication (GI) tag by Chennai based', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/qjy8xr3eoux1l7r/11Mar_Kerala_s_Marayoor_Jaggery.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 39 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 471, 'title' => 'President inaugurates Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">President of India Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FINE) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. On this occasion, he also presented 10th Biennial National Grassroots Innovation Awards.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FINE)</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is unique initiative of President of India’s Office to recognize, respect and reward grassroots innovations and foster a supportive ecosystem. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was launched in 2015 and was previously known as Festival of Innovation (FOIN). Since then it is organized every year to celebrate country's innovation potential, particularly.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is organised by Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Secretariat) in association with National Innovation Foundation-India (NIFI) and Department of Science and Technology (DST).</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It aims to provide provides platform to innovators for building linkages with potential stakeholders whose support can improve their prospects in coming years for the larger social good. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It also promotes lateral learning and linkages among the innovators to enrich the ecosystem for new India. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It celebrates ideas which stem from grassroots level including citizen at the last mile and also seek to reflect power of children’s creativity.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It provides window to creative and innovative solutions for social development through grassroots innovations, student ideas and other technologies for rural development, agriculture, health, sanitation, women and child development, medical innovation and biotechnology for grassroots level.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'president-inaugurates-festival-innovation-entrepreneurship', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4c57/kys442wmr9lz90a6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4c57/kys442wmr9lz90a6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'President inaugurates Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship', 'metakeyword' => 'In National Current Affairs, President of India,Ram Nath Kovind,inaugurates, Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, FINE,Gandhinagar, Gujarat', 'metadescription' => 'President of India Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FINE) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/kuurr2rqvkfp3v0/16_Mar_President_inaugurates_Festival.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 40 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 678, 'title' => 'India to host NuGen Mobility Summit 2019', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">India will host NuGen Mobility Summit 2019 to be organized by<strong> </strong>International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) at Manesar, National Capital Region (NCR) in November 2019. It will be organized in association with SAE INDIA SAENIS, SAE International, NATRiP, DIMTS, Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, SIAM and ACMA.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">NuGen Mobility Summit 2019</span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The objective of this summit is to share new ideas, learnings, global experiences, innovations and future technology trends for faster adoption, assimilation and development of advanced automotive technologies for a smarter and greener future. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It aims to bring together automotive OEMs, researchers, professionals, academic experts, vehicle system suppliers, quality managers, test equipment supplier, product planners, component developers, SAE members and students from all over the world.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will help in building platform for bringing together all stakeholders in the automotive industry to understand global advancements in technologies. It will see participation of more than 2500 participants and over 250 exhibitors.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Experts working with leading international scientific and research organizations and testing laboratories from various countries like US, Europe, Japan and other Asian countries will also participate and share their experiences and knowledge on development of smart and green technologies.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will demonstrate upcoming vehicle technologies like autonomous vehicles, connected mobility, electric mobility, alternate fuels, intelligent transportation system, hydrogen fuel cell, vehicle dynamics, hydrogen IC engine, advance materials and lightweighting, end of life vehicles and recycling.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">ICAT Manesar </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is division of NATRIP Implementation Society (NATIS) under Department of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Heavy Industries.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It provides services for testing, validation, design and homologation of all categories of vehicles.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It assists automotive industry in adopting cutting edge technologies in vehicle evaluation and component development to ensure reliability, durability and compliance to current and future regulations in new generation mobility solutions.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'india-to-host-nugen-mobility-summit-2019', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/3024/2m1hyhljilkazvy6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/3024/2m1hyhljilkazvy6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'India to host NuGen Mobility Summit 2019', 'metakeyword' => 'In National Current Affairs, India, host ,NuGen Mobility Summit 2019', 'metadescription' => 'India to host NuGen Mobility Summit 2019, India will host NuGen Mobility Summit 2019 to be organized by International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) at Manesar', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/fstla2wls35y3a6/India_to_host_NuGen.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 41 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 718, 'title' => 'GRIDTECH 2019 held in New Delhi', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The 6th International Exhibition and Conference GRIDTECH-2019 on new technologies in Transmission, Distribution, Integration, Renewable, Smart Grid and Communication was held in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">GRIDTECH 2019</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It was organised by POWERGRID, with support of Union Ministry of Power and in association with Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA) and Central Board of Irrigation & Power (CBIP).</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It provided common platform for exhibitors, power utilities, planners, policy makers, regulators, manufacturers, research institutions, academicians, consultants, visitors etc. </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It provided opportunity to participating companies to showcase their expertise in various domains of power sector and technology knowhow for their awareness and benefit of overall public sector.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">POWERGRID</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is Navaratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and central transmission utility (CTU) of India. It is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is largest electric power transmission utility in India. It transmits around 50% of total power generated in India on its transmission network.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It operates 90% of inter-state and inter-regional networks. Government owns 56.91% of stake in it and balance 43.09% is owned by public. </span></span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'gridtech-2019-held-new-delhi', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/1319/qhno2d176pvm55d6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/1319/qhno2d176pvm55d6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'GRIDTECH 2019 held in New Delhi | Daily Current Affairs GK News', 'metakeyword' => 'GRIDTECH 2019 held in New Delhi ', 'metadescription' => 'GRIDTECH 2019 held in New Delhi, The 6th International Exhibition and Conference GRIDTECH-2019 on new technologies in Transmission, Distribution ', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/ofel0271ig78udd/GRIDTECH_2019_held.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 42 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 764, 'title' => 'Airtel and FICCI launches My Circle safety app for women', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">India's second largest telecom operator Bharti Airtel and FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) has launched My Circle safety app for women to help them in the event of any distress or panic situation. It is carrier-agnostic app that can be installed by both Airtel and non-Airtel customers.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">My Circle app </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The app aims at building safer environment for women by levering power of technology to empower women with simple and intelligent tool that can respond in real time during an emergency situation.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It enables women to send SOS alerts to any five of their family or friends in any distress or panic situation.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">SOS alert can be launched by simply pressing SOS prompt on app. It can also be activated via voice command through Siri on apple devives with iOS. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It will instantly send an SOS alert along with the user's location over SMS to the five contacts selected by the user and advise them to immediately reach out/respond to the emergency situation. The app operates by estimating the accurate location of the user which their family/friends can track real time on a link that is sent as part of the alert SMS.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It is available in 13 languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Bangla, Urdu, Assamese, Oriya, and Gujarati.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'arrtel-ficci-launches-my-circle-safety-app-for-women', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ab1a/79ckd79g99ied626g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ab1a/79ckd79g99ied626g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Airtel and FICCCI launches My Circle safety app for women', 'metakeyword' => 'Airtel, FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), launched, My Circle safety app, women,help them, distress or panic situation', 'metadescription' => 'India's second largest telecom operator Bharti Airtel and FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) has launched My Circle safety app for women to help them in the event of any distress or panic situation', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/41h1p3ksiwsdmba/Airtel_and_FICCI_launches.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 43 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 817, 'title' => 'AYUSH Ministry, CSIR inks MoU for cooperation', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Union Ministry of AYUSH and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has inked Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in research and education in areas of traditional systems of medicine and its integration with modern science. It is aimed at bringing both Ayush Ministry and CSIR under umbrella understanding for pursuing focused Research & Development efforts. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Under this MoU, both organizations will jointly endeavor to pursue: </span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">R&D covering fundamental research.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">AYUSH specific diagnostic tools.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">linking microbiome, gene expression and prakriti.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">multi-ingredient herbal formulations, including their standardization.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Explore modern scientific methods for integrating with traditional Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM). </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">linking disease signatures etc. </span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">They will also further collaboration in preserving and protecting traditional knowledge related to Indian systems of healthcare, through existing Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) platform. They will also develop international standardized terminologies (disease-morbidity codes) in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU), database on medicinal plants, foods, etc.</span></span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'ayush-ministry-csir-mou-cooperation', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/a032/65bz63aj37m77kv6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/a032/65bz63aj37m77kv6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'AYUSH Ministry, CSIR inks MoU for cooperation', 'metakeyword' => 'In National Current Affairs, Ministry of AYUSH, CSIR, cooperation, research and education, traditional systems of medicine, integration, modern science', 'metadescription' => 'Ministry of AYUSH and CSIR sign MoU for cooperation in areas of traditional systems of medicine and its integration with modern science', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/h6hare33yqiprre/AYUSH_Ministry%2C_CSIR.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 44 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 1478, 'title' => 'World Food India 2019 to be held in New Delhi', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal has announced that World Food India 2019 (WFI 2019) will be held from 1st to 4th November 2019 in New Delhi. WFI is gathering of all global and domestic stakeholders in Food Processing Sector with the objective of promoting food processing sector at global level.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Features of WFI 2019</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">The theme or tagline of the event will be “Forging Partnerships for Growth”. It will be the 2nd edition of World Food India.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">It will consist of several top level seminars, investment opportunities, exhibitions, high level CEO roundtables, country sessions, B2B and B2G networking etc. </span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">For WFI 2019, Government is targeting to partner with at least 15 countries and participation from at least 80 countries.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">WPI 2019 will be biggest gathering of all global and domestic stakeholders in Food Processing Sector and will position India as Food Processing Destination of the World.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">The Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India had initiated World Food India (WFI) as biennial event in 2017 to promote food processing sector at global level. The first edition of WFI was held in 2017. </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">WFI 2017 had received global success and created Brand India in global food map by positioning India as World Food Factory. It had seen participation of over 61 countries, ministers from several countries. Besides, more than 8,000 B2B meetings were held and MoUs worth USD 14 Billion were signed.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Food Processing:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> It is one of the six superstar sectors recognized under Union Government’s flagship Make in India initiative. Indian has potential to transform India as a leading food processing destination of the World. However, the processing levels in India remain low at 7.7</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">%</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> behind several economies such as China, Malaysia and US. India’s share is only of 2</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">%</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> in global exports of processed food.</span></span></span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'world-food-india-2019-new-delhi', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/35a8/82zdff4ugu549326g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/35a8/82zdff4ugu549326g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'World Food India 2019 to be held in New Delhi', 'metakeyword' => ' World Food India 2019 (WFI 2019) will be held from 1st to 4th November 2019 in New Delhi', 'metadescription' => ' World Food India 2019 (WFI 2019) will be held from 1st to 4th November 2019 in New Delhi', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/4309qfqfee59ixi/World_Food_India.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 45 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 386, 'title' => '5th volume of Dictionary of Martyrs launched', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Prime Minister Narendra Modi released fifth and last volume of “Dictionary of Martyrs”. This five-volume dictionary contains account of </span></span><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">1450 </span><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">martyrs from India’s First War of Independence in 1857 to India’s Independence in 1947 from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Dictionary of Martyrs</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">The project was commissioned by Union Ministry of Culture in 2009 under to commemorate 150th anniversary of the first war of independence in 1857.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It has been executed by the Indian Council of Historical Research and focuses on 15,000 martyrs who sacrificed their lives from the first war of independence till 1947.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It has total five volumes and each volume covers different geographical zone. First three volumes were released between 2011 and 2014. Volume 4 and 5 were released thereafter.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It defines martyr as person who died or who was killed in action or in detention or was awarded capital punishment while participating in national movement for emancipation of India.</span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">It has information of about 13,500 martyrs has been recorded in these volumes. It includes martyrs of 1857 Uprising, Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919), Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34), Quit India Movement (1942-44), Revolutionary Movements (1915-34), Kissan Movements, Tribal Movements, Agitation for Responsible Government in Princely States (Prajamandal), Indian National Army (INA, 1943-45), Royal Indian Navy Upsurge (RIN, 1946), etc. </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">Significance:</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif"> This dictionary is first attempt undertaken by Government at compiling names of martyrs on this scale. It </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand",serif">is effort of government is to nurture and recall brave deeds of heroes of our freedom struggle. It seeks to have positive influence on future generations and inspire them to think of ‘India First’.</span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => '5th-volume-dictionary-of-martyrs-launched', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/5f20/cdv3cd24i19j8586g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/5f20/cdv3cd24i19j8586g.jpg', 'metatitle' => '5th volume of Dictionary of Martyrs launched', 'metakeyword' => 'In History Current Affairs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released fifth and last volume of “Dictionary of Martyrsâ€.', 'metadescription' => 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi released fifth and last volume of “Dictionary of Martyrsâ€.', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/myo3gx9d9idds5v/8Mar_5th_volume_of_Dictionary.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 46 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 1729, 'title' => 'Broadband Readiness Index: DoT, ICRIER inks MoU', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Department of Telecom (DoT), Ministry of Communications and Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) signed MoU to develop Broadband Readiness Index (BRI). The new index will assess digital readiness both on demand and supply parameters of States/UTs and rank them accordingly. This will help to spur competitiveness among them and create new opportunities in wireless infrastructure space. The first BRI estimate will be made in 2019 and subsequently every year until 2022. It is in pursuance of of National Digital Communication Policy (NDCP) 2018, which had recommended developing BRI for States/ UTs to attract investments and address Right of Way (RoW) challenges across India.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">About Broadband Readiness Index (BRI)</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Objective:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> It will appraise the condition of the underlying digital infrastructure and related factors at the State/UT level. </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">It consists of two parts:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> (i) <strong>Part I: </strong>It will focus on infrastructure development based on the measurement of 9 parameters (mentioned below). (ii) <strong>Part II</strong>: It will consists of demand side parameters such as percentage of households using computers with internet connection, internet users as a percentage of the population, smart phones density etc. </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Stakeholders involved in development of BRI:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> State governments and industry associations like Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), Tower and Infrastructure Providers Association (TAIPA) and Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI).</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Proposed 9 BRI Indicators (Part I): </span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">(i)<strong> </strong>Availability of State Policy on RoW and Towers (based on DoT RoW Rules 2016. (ii) Percentage of ROW cases given permission within 60 days of the first application. (iii) Availability of centralized IT Portal for ROW clearances across all Government land and building owning authorities. (iv) Adoption of National Building Code 2016 by State (v) Percentage of mobile towers connected with fibre. (vi) Number. of fibre kms per sq. KM/ per capita/ per 100 households. (vii) Percentage of public institutions/offices connected by FTTX (Hospitals including PHCs, Police stations, Schools and CSCs). (viii) Percentage of towers receiving grid supply (Duration: Urban 20 hours; Rural 12 Hours) and (ix) <strong><em>NagarNet</em></strong> (Number of Public Wi-Fi Hotspots in urban areas) and <strong>JanWiFi (</strong>Number of Public Wi-Fi Hotspots in rural area).</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Significance of BRI</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">It will provide useful insights into strategic choices made by States for investment allocations in ICT programmes. In the spirit of competitive federalism, it will encourage States/UTs to cross learn and jointly participate in achieving overall objective of digital inclusion and development in India. </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">It will evaluate state’s relative development and also allow for better understanding of state’s strengths and weaknesses that can feed into evidence-based policy making. The methodology developed as a part of it will be adapted and used on annual basis for systematic evaluation of state-performance on metrics set out as goals for 2022 under new policy. </span></span></span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'broadband-readiness-index', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/9956/7op6cy8wm8a2hpm6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/9956/7op6cy8wm8a2hpm6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Broadband Readiness Index: DoT, ICRIER inks MoU', 'metakeyword' => 'Department of Telecom (DoT), Ministry of Communications and Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) signed MoU to develop Broadband Readiness Index (BRI).', 'metadescription' => 'Department of Telecom (DoT), Ministry of Communications and Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) signed MoU to develop Broadband Readiness Index (BRI).', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/q6w9dvm7orklsfo/Broadband_Readiness_Index.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 47 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 1796, 'title' => '5th Dharma-Dhamma conference held in Rajgir, Bihar', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">5th International Dharma-Dhamma conference was held at International Convention Centre in Rajgir, Bihar from 27 to 28 July 2019. It was inaugurated Union Minister of State Kiren Rijiju who was also its Chief Guest. It was hosted in Rajgir for second time, which also had hosted previous fourth edition of conference. Dharma-Dhamma conference being hosted by India benefit international community as well and also act as platform for Hindu and Buddhist thinkers to express their views.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">About 5th International Dharma-Dhamma conference </span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Objective:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> To address people about terror, violence and global warming prevalent in world. It was also aimed to addresses subjects of Sat-Chit-Ananda and Nirvana Dharma-Dhamma Tradition which are pivotal topics of Buddhism. </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Organised by:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> Nalanda University (NU) in collaboration with New Delhi’s Centre for Study of Religion and Society-India Foundation (CSRS-IF). </span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Guest of Honour:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> Gamini Jaiwickrama Perera (Sri Lanka’s Home Minister), Lyonpo Sherub Gyeltshen (Bhutan’s Home and Culture Minister) and Awadheshananda Giri Ji Maharaj (Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara).</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Participants:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> It had seen participation of around 250 scholars and delegates from over 15 countries are participating in Conference. </span></span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => '5th-dharma-dhamma-conference', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/0d0f/d1mpt8kqgyr0fij6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/0d0f/d1mpt8kqgyr0fij6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => '5th Dharma-Dhamma conference held in Rajgir', 'metakeyword' => '5th International Dharma-Dhamma conference was held at International Convention Centre in Rajgir, Bihar ', 'metadescription' => '5th International Dharma-Dhamma conference was held at International Convention Centre in Rajgir, Bihar ', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/hbhbfthk9767ftp/5th_Dharma-Dhamma_conference.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 48 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 1791, 'title' => 'Goa to launch solar powered water taxis', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Goa Government is planning to introduce 'water taxis' (i.e. fast solar energy-operated hybrid ferry boats) in its inland waterways between Panaji and Old Goa. This announcement was made while tabling the performance budget of the River Navigation department (RND) for the financial year 2019-2020.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Key Facts</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Goa’s RND has a fleet of 34 ferry boats which cater to different inland routes, connecting islands to the mainstream areas. It is also planning to upgrade existing ferry ramps and jetties and provide better facilities on all the ferry routes. Techno-feasibility study of these facilities has been completed and actual construction (of jetties) will start later this year. Sagarmala project of Central government also has funded reconstruction of nine jetties in Goa.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Sagarmala Programme </span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">It is the flagship programme of the Ministry of Shipping to promote port-led development in the country by exploiting India's 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and its strategic location on key international maritime trade routes.</span></span></span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'goa-first-launch-solar-powered-water-taxis', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/7159/11jo0ynmmu3efds6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/7159/11jo0ynmmu3efds6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Goa to launch solar powered water taxis', 'metakeyword' => 'Goa Government is planning to introduce 'water taxis' in its inland waterways between Panaji and Old Goa', 'metadescription' => 'Goa Government is planning to introduce 'water taxis' in its inland waterways between Panaji and Old Goa', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/c0tfyb11562g8m8/Goa_to_be_first_to_launch_solar_powered_water_taxis.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 49 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 1806, 'title' => '17 Iconic Tourist Sites to be developed into world class tourist destinations', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech (2019) had announced that <strong>17 Iconic Tourist Sites </strong>in the country will be developed by Government into world class tourist destinations to serve as model for other sites to boost tourism potential.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">About Iconic Tourist Sites Initiative</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Objective:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> To develop these 17 monumnets (sites) into world class tourist destinations, to serve as a model for other tourism sites. It also aims at enhancing India’s soft power.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">17 Sites:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh), Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar (Delhi), Colva (Goa), Ajanta & Ellora (Maharashtra), Amer Fort (Rajasthan), Somnath and Dholavira (Gujarat), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), Hampi (Karnataka), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Kaziranga (Assam), Kumarakom (Kerala) and the Mahabodhi Temple (Bihar).</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Implementation Strategy:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> It involves overall development of these from tourism point of view in and around these sites — which includes roads and infrastructure, hotels and lodges, connectivity and access. The development works will be undertaken as per international standards. The interventions in and around these monuments will have elements of universal accessibility, green technology, and enhanced security for tourists.</span></span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif"">Implementing Agencies:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Quicksand","serif""> Union Ministry of Tourism will be the nodal implementing agency. Besides it will also involve several other ministries, from Railways to Civil Aviation.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => '17-iconic-tourist-sites', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/04e0/6sbguciva3ai7rq6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/04e0/6sbguciva3ai7rq6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => '17 Iconic Tourist Sites: Developed into world class', 'metakeyword' => 'Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech (2019) had announced that 17 Iconic Tourist Sites in the country will be developed', 'metadescription' => 'Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech (2019) had announced that 17 Iconic Tourist Sites in the country will be developed', 'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude', 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/zoakwcedvu5r9g6/17_Iconic_Tourist_Sites_to_be_developed.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 50 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 1825, 'title' => 'Indus Valley seals carried meaning like modern coins do, shows study', 'description' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Context:</strong> A majority of the Indus Valley inscriptions were <strong>written logographically </strong>(by using word signs) and not by using phonograms (speech sounds units), <strong>claims a recent research paper published in Palgrave Communications, a Nature group journal.</strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>About the research: </strong>The paper, titled "<strong>Interrogating Indus inscription to unravel their mechanism of meaning conveyance"</strong>, points out that <strong>the inscriptions can be compared to the structured messages found on stamps, coupons, tokens and currency coins of modern times.</strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Epigraphic analysis:</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Discovered from nearly 4,000 ancient inscribed objects, including seals, tablets, ivory rods, pottery shards, etc., the <strong>Indus inscriptions are one of the most enigmatic legacies of the </strong>Indus Valley civilisation which <strong>have not been deciphered due to the absence of bilingual texts, extreme brevity of the inscriptions, and ignorance about the language(s)</strong> encoded by the Indus script.</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“This article mainly focuses on understanding <strong>how Indus inscriptions conveyed meanings, rather than on deciphering what they conveyed,” </strong>Bahata Ansumali Mukhopadhyay, the author of the paper said.</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For the study, Ms. Mukhopadhyay has <strong>used the digitised corpus of Indus inscriptions compiled by well-known epigraphist and Indus scholar Iravatham Mahadevan. </strong>She studied it using <strong>computational analyses and various interdisciplinary measures.</strong></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Ancient tokens</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the publication that runs into 37 pages, Ms. Mukhopadhyay <strong>classifies the signs into nine functional classes.</strong> Based on archaeological evidence, she says, “The <strong>inscribed seals and tablets were used in some administrative operation that controlled the commercial transactions prevalent in the trade-savvy settlements of the ancient Indus Valley civilisation. </strong>These inscriptions can be compared to the messages found on stamps, coupons, tokens and currency coins of modern times, where we expect formulaic texts that encode certain type of information in some pre-defined ways, rather than freely composed narrative.”</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>A common perception among some scholars is that the Indus script is logo-syllabic,</strong> where <strong>one symbol can be used as a word sign at one time and as a syllable sign at another</strong>. </span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The researcher said that <strong>the popular hypothesis that the seals were inscribed with Proto-Dravidian or Proto-Indo-European names of the seal-owners does not hold water. </strong>It is not that no other Indus scholar has proposed the logographic theory before. Mr. Mahadevan himself tried to read these inscriptions logographically for decades, just that the logographic theory was not articulated well enough. <strong>Ms. Mukhopadhyay said her current work could serve as a basis in future for the deciphering of the script.</strong></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'indus-valley-seals-carried-meaning', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/548e/s7e6uy54x3xblq76g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/548e/s7e6uy54x3xblq76g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Indus Valley seals carried meaning like modern coins', 'metakeyword' => 'Indus Valley seals , modern coins do', 'metadescription' => 'A majority of the Indus Valley inscriptions were written logographically (by using word signs) and not by using phonograms (speech sounds units)', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/w3h1zcdizy7nhfo/Indus_Valley_seals_carried_meaning_like.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 51 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 1847, 'title' => 'Oral History Project sees fresh push from Delhi govt', 'description' => '<p><strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Context: </span></span></strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Delhi government <strong>launched the ‘Oral History Programme’ </strong>at the India International Centre on Monday (5/08/2019) . <strong>An MoU </strong>(Memorandum of Understanding) was signed between <strong>Delhi Archives department and the Ambedkar University (AUD).</strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background:</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was in the <strong>‘80s that the Delhi Archives department first began an oral history project</strong> by interviewing 56 personalities about the city, its history and changing nature. </span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">From politician <strong>Gulzari Lal Nanda</strong>, who served as the acting Prime Minister twice in the ‘60s, to <strong>Sushila Naya</strong>r, a close aide of Mahatma Gandhi <strong>the interviews, stored in audio cassettes, detail their memories of Delhi.</strong></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">However, <strong>this project was stopped due to lack of resources and manpower.</strong></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Now, <strong>the Delhi govt, is trying to revive the project </strong>and they are planning to <strong>add 100 more interviews.</strong></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Significance:</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Unlike “written history,” <strong>oral history empowers the voiceless. </strong></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">“<strong>An illiterate person cannot write down what s/he knows but s/he can tell that story and that needs to be recorded.”</strong></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'oral-history-project-sees-fresh-push', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/0b1a/pemefnj7tkh5du36g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/0b1a/pemefnj7tkh5du36g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Oral History Project sees fresh push from Delhi govt', 'metakeyword' => 'Oral History Project sees fresh push from Delhi govt', 'metadescription' => 'Delhi government launched the ‘Oral History Programme’ at the India International Centre on Monday (5/08/2019) ', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/o4d4gw6e02j30x1/Oral_History_Project_sees.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 52 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 1978, 'title' => 'One Nation One Ration Card', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Issue</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="color:black">The government has launched a pilot project for the inter-state portability of ration cards between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and between Maharashtra and Gujarat. This is part of ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="color:black">A ration card is issued to the head of the family, based on the number of members in a family and the financial status of the applicant.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="color:black"> It is used by households to get essential food grains at subsidized prices from designated ration shops (also called fair price shops) under the <strong>Targeted Public Distribution System</strong> (TPDS)</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Details</span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="color:black">Ration cards are issued by state governments, which implied that beneficiaries could procure food grains only from the designated ration shops within the concerned state.</span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="color:black"> If a beneficiary needs to shift to another state, he/she will have to apply for a new ration card in the second state.</span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="color:black">The new scheme tries to address this problem and make ration procurement process easy for beneficiaries.</span></span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Importance</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="color:black">There are many complications in current scheme. For instance, after marriage, a woman needs to get her name removed from the ration card issued to her parents, and get it added to the ration card issued to her husband’s family. </span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="color:black">This can be avoided under the new scheme. The scheme has been launched keeping in mind the internal migration of our country, since people keep moving to different states in search of better job opportunities and higher standards of living.</span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><span style="color:black">The ONORC scheme being implemented in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the beneficiary can buy food grains from ration shops located in either of the states. The same is the case with Maharashtra and Gujarat. </span></span></span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'one-nation-one-ration-card', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/0279/3ewu57t3h6gebji6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/0279/3ewu57t3h6gebji6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'One Nation One Ration Card', 'metakeyword' => 'One Nation One Ration Card', 'metadescription' => 'The government has launched a pilot project for the inter-state portability of ration cards between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and between Maharashtra and Gujarat.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/8yfvy03vo45hiar/One_Nation_One_Ration_Card.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 53 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 2041, 'title' => 'National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), Conferred the Prestigious SKOCH Governance Gold Award', 'description' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Context: </strong><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), in a function held at the Constitution Club of India, on 29/08/2019.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">For what?</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="list-style-type:none"> </li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">The award was conferred<strong> </strong>for its Portal for Affordable Credit and Interest Subvention Access (PAiSA).</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">Ministry:</span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="list-style-type:none"> </li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The scheme is under <span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">About Portal for Affordable Credit and Interest Subvention Access (PAiSA): </span></span></strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="list-style-type:none"> </li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">It was <strong>launched in Nov, 2018.</strong></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">It is a <strong>centralized IT platform which simplifies and streamlines release of interest subvention under the Mission.</strong></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black"> It offers <strong>end to end online solution</strong> for processing, payment, monitoring and tracking of interest subvention claims from banks on a monthly basis.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">Claims for subvention are uploaded by banks through their CBS</span></span></strong><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black"> (Core Banking Solution) in respect of the beneficiaries of the Self Employment Programme, which are verified and approved by the ULB and State concerned.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">The <strong>approved claim amount gets credited directly to the beneficiary’s loan account</strong> through DBT mode.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">SMS is also sent to the beneficiary’s mobile number</span></span></strong><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black"> intimating the credit of subvention amount. </span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">The portal has <strong>been designed and developed through the Allahabad Bank. </strong></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">As of now, <strong>28 States/UTs and 74 Banks including 21 Public Sector, 18 Private and 35 Regional Rural Banks have been on boarded on the portal. </strong></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="color:black">Till now <strong>approximately 1.50 lakh beneficiaries have been paid Rs. 27 Cr (approx.) as interest subvention through PAiSA.</strong></span></span></span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'national-urban-livelihoods-mission-day-nulm', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/49bd/4ptwc729f2nulpi6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/49bd/4ptwc729f2nulpi6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)', 'metakeyword' => 'National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)', 'metadescription' => 'Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), in a function held at the Constitution Club of India, on 29/08/2019.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/e74sbop0gd0mnmo/National_Urban_Livelihoods_Mission_%28DAY-NULM.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 54 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 2131, 'title' => 'Ration card portability', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The Centre is in the process of expanding PDS benefits nationally called the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme. It is scheduled to come into full effect by June 2020.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">India runs the world’s largest food security programme, distributing more than 600 lakh tonnes of subsidised food grain to more than 81 crore beneficiaries every year. This is done through a vast network of more than five lakh ration or fair price shops. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Under the new scheme, the ration card holder can buy subsidised grain at any fair price shop in the country regardless of his origin state.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">This current PDS has been a location-linked benefit, leaving crores of migrant workers and families out of the food safety net.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> Each household’s ration card is linked to a specific fair price shop and can only be used to buy rations in that particular shop.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Over last few years, 10 States (partially in one) have implemented the Integrated Management of Public Distribution System, which allows beneficiaries to buy rations from any fair price shop within that State.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The steps taken by centre is an extension of this Integrated Management of PDS.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><strong>Benefits</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The main beneficiaries of the scheme are the country’s migrant workers. Registering for ration cards at their new location is difficult process, especially if some members of the household still remain in their original home. This scheme removes need for ration card portability.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Women who change locations after marriage also find it difficult to start accessing ration benefits using a new household’s card.This scheme works for their benefits.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Allowing ration card portability will also curb corruption and improve access and service quality by removing monopolies.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Under the new system, if they are denied service or face corruption or poor quality in one shop, they are free to head to a different shop.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><strong>Drawbacks of Digital PDS</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">There have been widespread complaints of denial of food due to system failures.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Aadhaar seeding is also important as the unique biometric ID will be used to authenticate and track the usage of ration by beneficiaries anywhere in the country. Failure in seeding can lead to loss of benefits.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">There are no data available on short term migration. This can create shortages or excesses if migrant population changes quickly.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'ration-card-portability', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/c202/z98xvahrp9wcwr86g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/c202/z98xvahrp9wcwr86g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Ration card portability', 'metakeyword' => 'Ration card portability', 'metadescription' => 'The Centre is in the process of expanding PDS benefits nationally called the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme. It is scheduled to come into full effect by June 2020.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/h2a2xrkxfvxd64n/Ration_card_portability.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 55 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 2241, 'title' => 'Government to link MGNREGA wages to inflation', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Centre plans to inject more money into the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme by linking wages under the Act to an updated inflation index, which will be revised annually. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government has observed a slump in rural demand and a slowdown in the rural economy.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Droughts and floods in several states have led to an increased demand for work in the early part of the year and the economic slowdown could spur demand after planting season is over.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The national average wage of an MGNREGA worker is ?178.44 per day, less than half of the ?375 per day minimum wage recommended by a Labour Ministry.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The consumption basket of CPI-AL ,which determines MGNREGA wage revisions has not been updated for more than three decades, and rural consumption patterns have changed drastically.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government is planning to update the indices annually. MGNREGA wages will be linked to higher index in a particular State.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Estimation of the increased wages based on updated inflation indices may result in 10% higher government expenditure on the scheme.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Implications</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If transferring expenditure via MGNREGA is done, rural wages could increase and that could percolate down into more purchasing power in the hands of the consumer<span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="background-color:whitesmoke"><span style="color:#282828">.</span></span></span></span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'government-to-link-mgnrega-wages-to-inflation', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/2420/v68m7hvxexvtasq6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/2420/v68m7hvxexvtasq6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Government to link MGNREGA wages to inflation', 'metakeyword' => 'Droughts and floods in several states have led to an', 'metadescription' => 'Droughts and floods in several states have led to an increased demand for work in the early part of the year and the economic slowdown could spur', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/01bqmwzqrw8n7oy/Government_to_link_MGNREGA_wages_to_inflation.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 56 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 2282, 'title' => 'Government cuts corporate taxes', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> The government issued an ordinance to reduce the corporate tax rate for domestic firms and new manufacturing units by 10 to 12 percentage points.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The corporate tax cut is part of a series of steps taken by the government to tackle the slowdown in economic growth, which has dropped for five consecutive quarters to 5% in the June quarter.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The effective tax rate for domestic corporates, inclusive of surcharges, will fall from 34.94% to 25.17% if they stop availing any other tax sops.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For new manufacturing firms set up after October 1, 2019 and commencing operations by March 31, 2023, the effective tax rate will fall from 29.1% to 17%.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Reason for Tax Cuts</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Many investors were scared by the additional taxes on them that were announced by the government during the budget in July and began pulling money out of the country.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government hopes that the new, lower tax rates will attract more investments into the country and help revive the domestic manufacturing sector which has seen lackluster growth.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Effects</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Tax cuts puts more money in the hands of the private sector and can offer people more incentive to produce and contribute to the economy.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The present cut in taxes can make India more competitive on the global stage by making Indian corporate tax rates comparable to that of rates in East Asia.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The tax cut, however, is expected to cause a yearly revenue loss of ?1.45 lakh crore to the government which is struggling to meet its fiscal deficit target.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'government-cuts-corporate-taxes', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/157f/t5s0uqlrq3fmiyc6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/157f/t5s0uqlrq3fmiyc6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Government cuts corporate taxes', 'metakeyword' => 'For new manufacturing firms set up after October 1, 2019 and', 'metadescription' => 'For new manufacturing firms set up after October 1, 2019 and commencing operations by March 31, 2023, the effective tax rate will fall from 29.1% to 17%.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/0sk879ebeke8qcy/Government_cuts_corporate_taxes.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 57 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 2406, 'title' => 'Inter state portability ration card', 'description' => '<p><strong>Issue</strong></p> <p>The Centre has launched an inter-state portability ration card in Rajasthan and Haryana in a bid to implement its ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Background</strong></p> <p>This will enable beneficiaries from either of the States’ cluster to avail the benefits accruing to them under the National Food Security Act from any of the two States.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Details</strong></p> <p>At present 11 States/Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana and Tripura, have implemented the intra-State portability of ration card holders to lift the entitled foodgrains from any Fair Price Shops (FPSs) within their State.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>One Nation One Ration card (ONORC)</strong></p> <p>It is a scheme under Ministry of Consumer affairs, that enables nation-wide portability of ration card holders to receive subsidized foodgrains under NFSA from anywhere in the country.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Benefits</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>This initiative shall be very helpful for the large migratory population of the country who migrate from one part of the country to other in search of job/employment, marriage, or any other reason and find difficulty in accessing subsidized foodgrains in the present system.</p> </li> <li> <p>The migrant member can pick up grains at his location while the family staying back in rural areas pick their share there.</p> </li> <li> <p>ONORC will give the beneficiaries the opportunity to opt for the dealer of their choice. If any dealer misbehaves or mis-allocates, the beneficiary can switch to another FPS shop instantly.</p> </li> <li> <p>Digitalisation would make the system more beneficial and self-correcting.</p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'inter-state-portability-ration-card', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/da64/b6jp39dnglim4hr6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/da64/b6jp39dnglim4hr6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Inter state portability ration card', 'metakeyword' => 'It is a scheme under Ministry of Consumer affairs, that enables', 'metadescription' => 'It is a scheme under Ministry of Consumer affairs, that enables nation-wide portability of ration card holders to receive subsidized foodgrains under NFSA from ', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/91oioscx239va7r/Inter_state_portability_ration_card.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 58 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 2747, 'title' => 'Seaweed shows anti-retrovial activity', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A team from Chennai has extracted sulphated polysaccharide known as<strong> fucoidan</strong> from two seaweed species which have shown anti-retrovial properties that help in containing HIV-1 strain.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The medicinal properties of compounds extracted from seaweed have been used for medicinal purposes since long time. These compounds, as a class called sulphated polysaccharides, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Two species of marine brown algae, also known as macroalgae (seaweed), <em>Dictiyota bartaysiana </em>and <em>Turbinaria decurrence </em>were chosen by the team for extraction of the bioactive compound.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The team research shows that, <em>in vitro,</em> this compound inhibits the functioning of the HIV-1 strain of the human immunodeficiency virus to a degree that is comparable to the drug tenofovir that is presently in vogue for antiretroviral action.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">HIV comes in two strains, HIV-1 and HIV-2, and of these the former strain is more widespread and this is the strain that the group studied. The proliferation of HIV in cells is related to the expression of a protein called gagP24. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bioactive compound extracted from the seaweed and purified was used to treat cell lines <em>(in vitro)</em> and these were compared with two types of control cells. One set of controls were not treated with any chemical, and the second set was treated with tenofovir. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The HIV cell lines treated with fucoidan did show a high percentage of inhibition (close to 90%) of the expression of the protein as compared with untreated controls. The drug tenofovir had a high degree of inhibition effect also.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Sea weeds</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Seaweed, or macroalgae, refers to several species of macroscopic, multicellular, marine algae. The term includes some types of Rhodophyta (red), Phaeophyta (brown) and Chlorophyta (green) macroalgae.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Uses of seaweeds</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Fertilizers and soil conditioners</strong></span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Seaweeds contain many properties that help in increasing soil quality and benefits agriculture.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Animal feed</strong></span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Nutrient property of seaweeds allow them to be used as feed for animals especially horses and cattle.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Biomass for fuel</strong></span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There are techniques for turning seaweeds into bio-fuel.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Cosmetics</strong></span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Skin care industry has many applications of seaweeds in manufacturing cosmetics.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Human consumption</strong></span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is well known that seaweeds are regularly consumed in countries like Japan and some other countries. They are considered as superfoods.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Waste water treatment</strong></span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Seaweeds have unique property of seperating toxic elements from water. They are very good bio-remediators.</span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'seaweed-shows-anti-retrovial-activity', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/d2b5/pwby93vmt3rfa6o6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/d2b5/pwby93vmt3rfa6o6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Seaweed shows anti-retrovial activity', 'metakeyword' => 'Seaweed shows anti-retrovial activity', 'metadescription' => 'A team from Chennai has extracted sulphated polysaccharide known as fucoidan from two seaweed species which have shown anti-retrovial properties', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/anm44dxs8rmguvm/Seaweed_shows_anti-retrovial_activity.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 59 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 2974, 'title' => 'One Nation One Ration Card', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Union Minister for Consumer affairs, Ram Vilas Paswan has said that the One Nation one Ration Card scheme will come into effect from June 2020.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The central and state governments coordinate this complex public distribution system. While the Centre allocates and transports the foodgrain from Food Corporation of India godowns to the ration shops, the onus of ensuring that right beneficiaries get the subsidised foodgrain falls on the states and Union territories</span></span><br /> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Under the initiative, eligible beneficiaries would be able to avail their entitled food grains under the National Food Security Act from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) in the country using the same ration card.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This would be made available after biometric/Aadhaar authentication on ePoS (electronic Point of Sale) devices.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This system would largely benefit the numerous migrant beneficiaries such as labourers, daily wagers, blue-collar workers etc. who frequently change their place of dwelling in search of employment or for other reasons across the country.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">One Nation One Ration Card would offer public distribution system benefits from any of the ration shops with the help of a single digital card linked to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Challenges</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">All fair price shops would need ePoS devices for seamless biometric authentication. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Getting the current location of the migrant worker to avoid duplication.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The other challenge is ending duplication of ration cards, whereby a beneficiary is denied foodgrain since someone else took away the quota using a fake card.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government will have to make fresh estimates for foodgrain required to meet the demand due to seasonal migration and fluctuation in demand based on movement of labourers.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Way Ahead</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">There is no logic in giving foodgrain under PDS to food-surplus and infrastructurallybetter-off states such as Punjab and Haryana. It is time the government shifts to direct benefit transfer in such regions.</span></span><br /> </p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'one-nation-one-ration-card', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/cd35/fo610o5oymsbn7j6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/cd35/fo610o5oymsbn7j6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'One Nation One Ration Card', 'metakeyword' => 'One Nation One Ration Card', 'metadescription' => 'Union Minister for Consumer affairs, Ram Vilas Paswan has said that the One Nation one Ration Card scheme will come into effect from June 2020.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/hf0o1bxoqntfssf/One_Nation_One_Ration_Card.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 60 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 3187, 'title' => 'Atal Bhujal Scheme ', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the Birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) for managing groundwater resources through community participation.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Groundwater storage offers many opportunities to increase storage and enhance the general water supply. The value of groundwater will increase as scarcity intensifies and effective groundwater management will be required if groundwater values are to be reaped.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Atal Bhujal Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme under <strong>Jalshakti Ministry</strong>, with a total outlay of Rs.6000 crore to be implemented over a period of 5 years</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It aims to improve ground water management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven States, viz. Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8350 Gram Panchayats in 78 districts in these States.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The scheme will promote panchayat led ground water management and behavioural change with primary focus on demand side management.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Out of the total outlay of Rs. 6000 crore, 50% shall be in the form of World Bank loan, and be repaid by the Central Government.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The remaining 50% shall be through Central Assistance from regular budgetary support.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Community led water shed management</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Aspects:</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Participation</strong></span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The communities of the selected catchment area need to be involved in all stages of the watershed development process, i.e. planning, implementation, and management.</span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Gender sensitive</strong></span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Women are the main sufferers if water management is uncoordinated, since they have to gather the water for household use. They are the key to ensuring the practicality and sustainability of the process.</span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Realistic, integrated, productive, and manageable </strong></span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Watershed development planning should be realistic and build on local capacity and locally available resources. Integrated management of the local natural resources and optimal use of social resources are essential parts of watershed development.</span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Cost sharing</strong></span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Cost-sharing by stakeholders contributes to the sustainability of a project. Also other forms of local contributions are possible, such as labour and local materials.</span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'atal-bhujal-scheme', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/3370/4ple32knexat5ck6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/3370/4ple32knexat5ck6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Atal Bhujal Scheme | (ATAL JAL)', 'metakeyword' => 'Atal Bhujal Scheme ', 'metadescription' => 'On the Birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL)', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/d51a97wiqv4c0xl/Atal_Bhujal_Scheme.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 61 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 3188, 'title' => 'Earliest Sanskrit inscription of south India found in Andhra Pradesh', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India has discovered the earliest epigraphic evidence so far for the Saptamatrika cult. It is also the earliest Sanskrit inscription to have been discovered in South India as on date.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The inscription was discovered in Chebrolu village in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. There are references of Saptamatrika worship in the early Kadamba copper plates and the early Chalukyas and Eastern Chalukya copper plates. But the new discovery predates them by almost 200 years.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Saptamatrikas are a group of seven female deities worshipped in Hinduism as personifying the energy of their respective consorts. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The inscription is in Sanskrit and in Brahmi characters and was issued by Satavahana king Vijaya in 207 A.D.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The verification of all the available records proved that the Chebrolu inscription of Satavahana king Vijaya issued in his 5th regnal year, 207 A.D. is also the earliest datable Sanskrit inscription from South India so far.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">So far the Nagarjunakonda inscription of Ikshavaku king Ehavala Chantamula issued in his 11th regnal year corresponding to the 4th century A.D. was considered the earliest Sanskrit inscription in South India.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Satavahana dynasty</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Satavahanas, also referred to as the Andhras in the Puranas, were an ancient Indian dynasty based in the Deccan region.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Satavahanas were early issuers of Indian state coinage struck with images of their rulers. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">They formed a cultural bridge and played a vital role in trade and the transfer of ideas and culture to and from the Indo-Gangetic Plain to the southern tip of India. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">They supported Brahmanism as well as Buddhism, and patronised Prakrit literature.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Administration</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rajan, the hereditary rulers</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rajas, petty princes who struck coins in their own names</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Maharathis, hereditary lords who could grant villages in their own names and maintained matrimonial relations with the ruling family</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mahabhojas</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mahasenapati (civil administrator under Pulumavi II; governor of a janapada under Pulumavi IV)</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mahatalavara ("great watchman")</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The royal princes (kumaras) were appointed as viceroys of the provinces. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The ahara appears to have been the largest geographical subdivision of the Satavahana polity. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The inscriptions of Gautamiputra Satakarni suggest the existence of a bureaucratic structure. The Satavahana-era inscriptions mention three types of settlements namely nagara (city), nigama (market town) and gama (village).</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Cultural contributions</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Satavahanas patronised the Prakrit language instead of Sanskrit. The Satavahana king H?la is famous for compiling the collection of Maharashtri poems known as the Gaha Sattasai.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The sculptures of the Amaravati Stupa represent the architectural development of the Satavahana periods. The most famous of these monuments are the stupas, the most famous among them being the Amravati Stupa and the Nagarjunakonda Stupa.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Caves IX and X, containing Ajanta paintings, were patronised by Satavahana, and the painting throughout the caves appear to have started with them.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'earliest-sanskrit-inscription', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/1cf9/ph70zdjwvkpobz86g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/1cf9/ph70zdjwvkpobz86g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Earliest Sanskrit inscription of south India found in AP', 'metakeyword' => 'Earliest Sanskrit inscription of south India found in Andhra Pradesh', 'metadescription' => 'The Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India has discovered the earliest epigraphic evidence so far for the Saptamatrika cult.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/1vqf512k24rtfny/Earliest_Sanskrit_inscription_of_south_India_found_in_Andhra_Pradesh.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 62 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 3211, 'title' => 'MGNREGA trends show fewer jobs this year', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Jobs generated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) have shown a dip compared to last year after July. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">MGNREGA is supposed to guarantee 100 days of total employment to adult members of any rural household that demands such employment.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The current year has witnessed a clear dip in the person-days of employment under MGNREGA, which is visible after July.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The fall in MGNREGA employment after July has been largely due to the onset of the southwest monsoon. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rainfall during the monsoon season (June-September) this year was 10% above the historical long-term average, whereas it was 9.4% below average in 2018. An above-normal monsoon meant there was lower demand for MGNREGA work.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Data also shows that gap between the number of households demanding MGNREGA work and the number who were provided work has been the highest in 2019-20. This indicates that even if demand fell, supply of work fell even more.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is not MGNREGA alone that is witnessing a deceleration of activity this fiscal. The same goes for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), the government’s farm income support scheme.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The total amount disbursed under the income support scheme in the year 2019-20 is Rs 32,320.86 crore, which is significantly short of the Rs 75,000 crore budgeted for it.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The number of rural houses built under PM Awas Yojana-Gramin has also seen a sharp drop so far in 2019-20. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>MGNREGA</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">MGNREGA is an employment guarantee scheme which aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>PM- Awas Yojana</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is an initiative by Government of India in which affordable housing will be provided to the urban poor with a target of building 20 million affordable houses by 31 March 2022.</span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'mgnrega-trends-show-fewer-jobs-this-year', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/5d82/d013zovf0ky062g6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/5d82/d013zovf0ky062g6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'MGNREGA trends show fewer jobs this year', 'metakeyword' => 'MGNREGA trends show fewer jobs this year', 'metadescription' => 'Jobs generated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) have shown a dip compared to last year after July. ', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/zxx39ew3kdtmhk3/MGNREGA_trends_show_fewer_jobs_this_year.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 63 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 3490, 'title' => 'Indian National Army', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Web series ‘The Forgotten Army: Azadi Ke Liye’ started streaming on Amazon Prime, which is based on the stories of the men and women who fought in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA).</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The INA was formed in <strong>Singapore</strong> in <strong>1942</strong> under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose. At the behest of their Japanese captors, over 20,000 Indian prisoners of war came together to form this army with the aim of freeing India from British colonial rule.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After the fall of Singapore, on February 17, 1942, over 45,000 Indian prisoners of war were handed over by the British to the Japanese forces.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Japanese pledged their support for India’s independence, following which, <strong>Mohan Singh</strong> who was a captain in the 1/14th Punjab Regiment in the British Army, called upon Indians to form an army to free India. Hence the INA was formed.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> <strong>The INA trials</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Indian National Army trials (INA trials), which are also called the Red Fort trials, were the British Indian trial by courts-martial of a number of officers of the Indian National Army (INA) between November 1945 and May 1946, for charges variously for treason, torture, murder and abetment to murder during World War II. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The first of these, and the most celebrated one, was the joint court-martial of Colonel <strong>Prem Sahgal</strong>, Colonel <strong>Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon</strong>, and Major General <strong>Shah Nawaz Khan.</strong></span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Indian National Congress made the release of the three defendants an important political issue during the agitation for independence of 1945-6. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The INA Defence Committee was a committee established by the Indian National Congress in 1945 to defend those officers of the Indian National Army who were to be charged during the INA trials.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The committee declared the formation of the Congress' defence team for the INA and included famous lawyers of the time, including<strong> Bhulabhai Desai, Asaf Ali, Jawaharlal Nehru, Tej Bahadur Sapru, Kailash Nath Katju.</strong></span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'indian-national-army', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4aa1/3ebmyr6d7eo1tnx6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4aa1/3ebmyr6d7eo1tnx6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Indian National Army', 'metakeyword' => 'Indian National Army', 'metadescription' => 'The Web series ‘The Forgotten Army: Azadi Ke Liye’ started streaming on Amazon Prime, which is based on the stories of the men and women', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/xidu5b9kpsymyby/Indian_National_Army.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 64 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 3698, 'title' => 'Dara Shikoh', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Ministry of Culture recently set up a seven-member panel of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to locate the grave of the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh (1615-59).</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The panel will use architectural evidence from that time, and also written history and any other information that can be used as evidence.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The eldest son of Shah Jahan, Dara Shikoh was killed after losing the war of succession against his brother Aurangzeb. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dara Shikoh is described as a “liberal Muslim” who tried to find commonalities between Hindu and Islamic traditions. He translated into Persian the Bhagavad Gita as well as 52 Upanishads.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dara Shikoh realised the greatness of the Upanishads and translated them, which were earlier known only to a few upper caste Hindus.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Some historians argue that if Dara Shikoh had ascended the Mughal throne instead of Aurangzeb, it could have saved thousands of lives lost in religious clashes.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the <strong>Shahjahannama</strong>, after Aurangzeb defeated Dara Shikoh, he brought the latter to Delhi in chains. His head was cut off and sent to Agra Fort, while his torso was buried in the Humayun’s Tomb complex.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Italian traveller <strong>Niccolao Manucci</strong> gave a graphic description of the day in Travels of Manucci, as he was there as a witness to the whole thing. That is the basis of the thesis.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Shahjahannama compiled by <strong>Muhammad Saleh Kambo</strong> has dedicated at least two pages to the last days of Dara Shikoh, on how he was brutally murdered and buried somewhere in the complex.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The ASI’s biggest problem is that most graves in the complex have no names. This will complicate the process further as the exhumation of graves is not permitted.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'dara-shikoh', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/7d19/6ujqlyrdvuw1z216g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/7d19/6ujqlyrdvuw1z216g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Dara Shikoh | Mughal prince Dara Shikoh', 'metakeyword' => 'Dara Shikoh, The Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India', 'metadescription' => 'The Ministry of Culture recently set up a seven-member panel of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to locate the grave of the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/gazp6zu1p6ctzz4/Dara_Shikoh.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 65 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 3855, 'title' => 'Aerial photography rules notified by Defence Ministry', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Obtaining defence and regulatory permissions for aerial photography or remote sensing surveys has become simpler, with the government launching a web portal for quicker permissions and transparency.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The new paperless system developed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) came into force from March 1 and hopes to cut down delays, bringing in efficiency.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Currently aerial photography and surveys are done for establishing everything from encroachments around the Dal Lake in Srinagar to ensuring reliable power supply to residents in Delhi and mapping of several mineral mines in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Aerial surveys are being regularly proposed by various government agencies, autonomous bodies for developmental projects and also by private agencies or individuals for private purposes.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As per the existing procedure, applications for grant of No Objection Certificate (NoC) for aerial photography/surveys received by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are forwarded to various stakeholders of Single Point Clearance Committee (SPCC) under the MoD for their recommendations. Bases on the inputs of the authorities concerned, the Ministry decides upon grant/refusal of NoC.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Aerial surveys help provide information on many things that are not visible from the ground and are much sought after by both the government and private agencies besides individuals.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The newly developed MoD web portal is aimed at facilitating the vendors for submission of applications online for grant of permission for aerial photography or remote- sensing survey. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The automated or online system will help in reducing the time, bringing in more transparency, accuracy and speedy disposal of applications for grant of NoC by MoD and permission by DGCA.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Aerial Survey</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The aerial survey is a geomatics method of collecting information by using aerial photography, LiDAR (using laser lighting) or from remote sensing imagery using other bands of the electromagnetic spectrum such as infrared, gamma or ultraviolet.</span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'aerial-photography-rules-notified-by-defence-ministry', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4ec1/7uygqndxyjum6ez6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4ec1/7uygqndxyjum6ez6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Aerial photography rules notified by Defence Ministry', 'metakeyword' => 'Aerial photography rules notified by Defence Ministry', 'metadescription' => 'Obtaining defence and regulatory permissions for aerial photography or remote sensing surveys has become simpler, with the government launching a web portal for quicker permission', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => '<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/iicnwsd4guvcpb4/Aerial_photography_rules_notified_by_Defence_Ministry.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.mediafire.com/file/iicnwsd4guvcpb4/Aerial_photography_rules', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 66 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 3865, 'title' => 'Tax on disability pension', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government has withdrawn a circular of February 20 that had directed banks to deduct income tax on pension and disability benefits provided to disabled retired military personnel.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Although the letter provided exemption to those invalidated from service due to bodily disabilities, the sudden deduction of tax liabilities by the banks led to a public outrage, forcing the government to keep the decision in abeyance. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Those military personnel who have been disabled due to wounds or injuries suffered by them in operations with the enemy or terrorists/ insurgents or suchlike operations are battle casualties (war wounded).</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Personnel who have been declared battle casualties but have not suffered injuries due to physical wounds are classified under battle casualties. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The third category pertains to personnel who have been disabled due to conditions of service, wherein some of the disabilities akin to lifestyle diseases are also included.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Benefits are based on the percentage of disability: less than 20% disability is not entitled to any benefits while those with disability from 21% to 50% are categorised as 50% disabled, those with 51% to 75% disability are classified as 75% disabled, and those with 76% or more disability are classified as 100% disabled.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The amount of disability pension is based on two categories. The first rate is for battle casualties (war wounded) and battle casualties: For 21% to 50% disability, 30% of the last pay drawn is given as disability pension; for 51% to 75% disability, 45% of the last pay; and for 76% of more disability, 60% of last pay drawn on retirement is given as disability pension.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The second rate applies to personnel with disabilities due to service conditions: For 21% to 50% disability, 15% of the last pay drawn is the disability pension; for 51% to 75% disability, 22.5% of the last pay; and for 76% of more disability, 30% of the last pay drawn on retirement is given as disability pension.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The entire pension and disability element of pension in all the categories is exempt from payment of income tax. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">But the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had said that tax exemption on disability pension would be available only to personnel who had been invalidated from service and not to personnel who had retired otherwise.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'tax-on-disability-pension', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/64c5/s7l9hjl3gqtbyhg6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/64c5/s7l9hjl3gqtbyhg6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Tax on disability pension', 'metakeyword' => 'Tax on disability pension', 'metadescription' => 'The government has withdrawn a circular of February 20 that had directed banks to deduct income tax on pension and disability benefits provided to disabled retired military personnel.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/qs4zd7gkh4c74bu/Tax_on_disability_pension.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 67 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 3896, 'title' => 'Micro-irrigation hit by lack of funds', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The prevailing economic slowdown appears to have affected the implementation of the projects to provide drip and sprinkler implements to farmers in state of Telangana.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For providing the drip and sprinkler implements to the targeted extent of land, an amount of ?669 crore is required, including ?270 crore contribution of the Centre and about ?400 crore share of the State.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Micro-irrigation</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Drip irrigation is a type of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro-irrigation" title="Micro-irrigation">micro-irrigation</a> system that has the potential to save water and nutrients by allowing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water" title="Water">water</a> to drip slowly to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root" title="Root">roots</a> of plants, either from above the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil" title="Soil">soil</a> surface or buried below the surface. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The goal is to place water directly into the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhizosphere" title="Rhizosphere">root zone</a> and minimize <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evaporation" title="Evaporation">evaporation</a>. Drip irrigation systems distribute water through a network of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valve" title="Valve">valves</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipe_(fluid_conveyance)" title="Pipe (fluid conveyance)">pipes</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_(fluid_conveyance)" title="Tube (fluid conveyance)">tubing</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drip_irrigation#Emitter">emitters</a>. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Depending on how well designed, installed, maintained, and operated it is, a drip irrigation system can be more efficient than other types of irrigation systems, such as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_irrigation" title="Surface irrigation">surface irrigation</a> or sprinkler irrigation.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Advantages</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Fertilizer and nutrient loss is minimized due to a localized application and reduced leaching.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Water application efficiency is high if managed correctly.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Field leveling is not necessary.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Fields with irregular shapes are easily accommodated.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Recycled non-potable water can be safely used.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Moisture within the root zone can be maintained at field capacity.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Soil erosion is lessened.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Weed growth is lessened.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Water distribution is highly uniform, controlled by the output of each nozzle.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Labour cost is less than other irrigation methods.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Disadvantages</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Initial cost can be more than overhead systems.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The sun can affect the tubes used for drip irrigation, shortening their lifespan.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If the water is not properly filtered and the equipment not properly maintained, it can result in clogging or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioclogging" title="Bioclogging">bioclogging</a>.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Drip tape causes extra cleanup costs after harvest. Users need to plan for drip tape winding, disposal, recycling or reuse.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In lighter soils subsurface drip may be unable to wet the soil surface for germination. Requires careful consideration of the installation depth.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The PVC pipes often suffer from rodent damage, requiring replacement of the entire tube and increasing expenses.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'micro-irrigation-hit-by-lack-of-funds', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/cbeb/zuxy24gtb9biusx6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/cbeb/zuxy24gtb9biusx6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Micro-irrigation hit by lack of funds', 'metakeyword' => 'Micro-irrigation hit by lack of funds', 'metadescription' => 'The prevailing economic slowdown appears to have affected the implementation of the projects to provide drip and sprinkler implements to farmers in state of Telangana.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/uzk4zljb8xklv50/Micro-irrigation_hit_by_lack_of_funds.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 68 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 3996, 'title' => 'Defence Ministry’s draft procurement policy', 'description' => '<p style="margin-left:36pt; margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:36pt; margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Defence Ministry has released a draft of its new procurement policy, which, for the first time, allows for lease of defence equipment, pushes for more indigenous content and brings in after-sales support under the contract of capital acquisition.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:36pt; margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-left:36pt; margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:36pt; margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A high-level review committee headed by DG Acquisition and created in August 2019 had recommended these changes based on the recommendations of stakeholders, including from the private industry.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left:36pt; margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-left:36pt; margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The main aim of the policy is to make India self-reliant and a global manufacturing hub. The government is constantly striving to formulate policies to empower the private industry including MSMEs in order to develop the eco-system for indigenous defence production.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The draft Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2020 aims to increase indigenous manufacturing and expedite procurement of defence equipment.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The defence industry of India is a strategically important sector having huge potential for growth. It needs to be the catalyst for India’s economic growth and realisation of global ambitions.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-left:0cm; margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> <strong>Highlights</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Draft Defence Procurement Procedure 2020 will increase the indigenous content for various categories of equipment by 10 per cent. It has also introduced a new category of Buy Global-Manufacture in India, under which a minimum of 50 per cent indigenous content on cost basis of total contract value will be necessary.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Only the minimum necessary will be bought from abroad while the balance quantities will be manufactured in India and manufacturing will happen in India.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It will also have a ‘<strong>price variation clause’</strong> for any project worth Rs 1,000 crore or more, with a delivery schedule of 60 months or more to cater for the escalation of price from the last date of submission of bids till the finalisation of the negotiations.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The <strong>leasing model</strong>, included for the first time, will help substitute huge initial capital outlays with periodical rental payments and will be useful for equipment like transport fleets, trainers etc that are not used in warfare.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Another chapter in the draft is for procurement of software and systems-related projects because in projects like these obsolescence is very fast due to rapid changes in technology and flexibility in the procurement process is required to keep up with the technology.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The other significant addition is the Post Contract Management, which will provide clear guidelines for issues arising during the contract period as typically defence contracts last for a long period. The capital acquisition contract will also include support for five years beyond the warranty period.</span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'defence-ministrys-draft-procurement-policy', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/740c/pf0mlasvz9f38k36g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/740c/pf0mlasvz9f38k36g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Defence Ministry’s draft procurement policy', 'metakeyword' => 'Defence Ministry’s draft procurement policy', 'metadescription' => 'The Defence Ministry has released a draft of its new procurement policy, which, for the first time, allows for lease of defence equipment', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/aqy6762iie328vc/3.Defence_Ministry%25E2%2580%2599s_draft_procurement_policy.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 69 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 4235, 'title' => 'The Nihangs', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Patiala incident, in which a group of Nihangs attacked a Punjab police party when stopped for a curfew pass, and the subsequent seizure of weapons and narcotics, has put the spotlight on the Nihangs.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Etymologically the word nihang in Persian means an alligator, sword and pen but the characteristics of Nihangs seem to stem more from the Sanskrit word nihshank which means without fear, unblemished, pure, carefree and indifferent to worldly gains and comfort.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Nihang is an order of Sikh warriors, characterised by blue robes, antiquated arms such as swords and spears, and decorated turbans surmounted by steel quoits.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This order can be traced back to the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. There are some sources which trace their origin to Guru Gobind Singh’s younger son, Fateh Singh (1699-1705), who once appeared in the Guru’s presence dressed in a blue chola and blue turban with a dumala (piece of cloth forming a plume). </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As per an account by the East India Company’s Colonel James Skinner, Khalsa Sikhs were divided into two groups: Those who put on blue attire which Guru Gobind Singh used to wear at the time of battle and those who do not follow any restrictions on the colour of their dress though both of them follow the profession of soldiery.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Nihangs observe the Khalsa code of conduct in its strictest sense. They do not profess any allegiance to an earthly master. Instead of saffron they hoist a blue Nishan Sahib (flag) atop their shrines.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Nihangs are fond of a popular drink called shardai or sharbati degh (sacrament drink) which contains grounded almonds, cardamom seeds, poppy seeds, black pepper, rose petals and melon seeds. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When a small measure of cannabis is added to it, it is termed sukhnidhan (treasure of comfort). A higher dose of cannabis in it was known as shaheedi deg, sacrament of martyrdom. It was taken (while) battling enemies.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Nihangs had a major role in defending the Sikh panth after the fall of the first Sikh rule (1710-15) when Mughal governors were killing Sikhs, and during the onslaught of Afghan invader Ahmed Shah Durrani (1748-65).</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Nihangs today constitute a small community. About a dozen bands, each headed by a jathedar (leader), are still carrying on with the traditional order. Prominent among these are Budha Dal, Taruna Dal and their factions.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">In the absence of a centralised command, the Nihangs are loosely organised. For the whole year they remain stationed at their respective deras (centres) but set out on their annual pilgrimage of Anandpur Sahib, Damdama Sahib Talwandi Sabo and Amritsar, take part in religious events and exhibit their martial skills and horsemanship. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'the-nihangs', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/3547/zsbrg144r9ez1fp6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/3547/zsbrg144r9ez1fp6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'The Nihangs', 'metakeyword' => 'The Nihangs', 'metadescription' => 'The Patiala incident, in which a group of Nihangs attacked a Punjab police party when stopped for a curfew pass, and the subsequent seizure of weapons and narcotics', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/ij31sp4wmgvcnwc/3.The_Nihangs.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 70 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 4285, 'title' => 'Intangible Cultural Heritage', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Manipur’s tradition of making rice beer, the practice of tying turbans in Rajasthan and several different dances, forms of music and festivals from across the country were among the 106 items listed as intangible cultural heritage in a draft released by the Union Culture Ministry .</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The initiative is a part of the ministry’s Vision 2024 programme. UNESCO has already recognised 13 such cultural traditions and the national list was an attempt to further awareness and protection to more such elements.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As per the 2003 UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the list has five broad categories — oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, knowledge and practices related to nature and traditional craftsmanship.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Among the traditions seen across the country are the devotional music of <strong>Qawwali</strong> and the music of the oldest instrument in the country, the <strong>Veena</strong>. The Kumbh Mela and Ramlila traditions of different States have also been included.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The list includes the traditional folk festival of <strong>Pachoti</strong> in Assam, where the birth of a baby, particularly a male infant as the tradition “<strong>relates to the birth of Krishna</strong>”, is celebrated with relatives and neighbours.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The oral traditions of the transgender community called <strong>Kinnar Kanthgeet</strong> and <strong>compositions of Ameer Khusro</strong> are among the entries from Delhi.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Gujarat’s <strong>Patola silk textiles from Patan</strong> with its geometric and figurative patterns also made it to the list. The practice of tying a <strong>turban </strong>or<strong> safa </strong>across Rajasthan was a part of the list.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">From Jammu and Kashmir, the <strong>Kalam Bhat or Qalambaft gharana of Sufiana music</strong> in Budgam district and from Ladakh, the Buddhist chanting across both Leh and Kargil districts were on the list of intangible cultural heritage.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The making of <strong>khor</strong>, a rice beer, by the Tangkhul community in <strong>Manipur</strong> as well as other crafts associated with it, like making <strong>gourd vessels</strong> and <strong>wicker baskets</strong>, were also on the list.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kerala’s martial art form, <strong>Kalaripayuttu</strong>, and the practice of making designs at the entrance of homes and temples called <strong>kolam in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu </strong>and<strong> Andhra Pradesh</strong> were also included in the list. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Different forms of <strong>shadow puppet theatre</strong> — <strong>Chamadyacha Bahulya in Maharashtra, Tolu Bommalatta in Andhra Pradesh, Togalu Gombeyatta in Karnataka, Tolu Bommalattam in Tamil Nadu, Tolpava Kuthu in Kerala and Ravanchhaya in Orissa</strong> — have also been included.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'intangible-cultural-heritage', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/cdef/ig66mxvrldy6sud6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/cdef/ig66mxvrldy6sud6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Intangible Cultural Heritage', 'metakeyword' => 'Intangible Cultural Heritage', 'metadescription' => 'Manipur’s tradition of making rice beer, the practice of tying turbans in Rajasthan and several different dances, forms of music and festivals from across the country', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/1akt95h0jsv9wya/3.Intangible_Cultural_Heritage.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 71 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 4584, 'title' => 'Sovereign Gold Bonds', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government has issued Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) in six tranches beginning April 20. Sovereign Gold Bond 2020-21 will be issued by Reserve Bank India on behalf of the Government of India.</span></span><br /> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sovereign gold bond is a substitute for holding physical gold. The bonds are issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the government and are a bond denominated in gold. The government issues such bonds in tranches at a fixed price that investors can buy through banks, post offices and also in the secondary markets through the stock exchange platform.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These bonds are backed by a sovereign guarantee and can also be held in demat form. Further, they are priced as per the underlying spot gold prices. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Hence, investors who want to invest in gold can buy the bonds without worrying about safekeeping of physical gold along with locker charges, making charges or purity issues. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Plus, these bonds offer an interest at the rate of 2.5% per annum on the principal investment amount. While the interest on the bonds is taxable, the capital gains at the time of redemption are exempt from tax. These bonds can also be used as collateral for availing loans from banks and NBFCs.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">SGB has a fixed tenure of eight years, though early redemption is allowed after the fifth year from issuance. Since the bonds are listed on the exchange, these can be transferred to other investors as well. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bonds are priced in rupees based on the simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity, published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association for the last three business days of the week preceding the subscription period. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">At the time of redemption, cash equivalent to the number of units multiplied by the then prevailing price would be credited to the bank account of the investor.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Capital loss is a risk since the bond prices would reflect any change in gold prices. If gold prices fall, the principal investment would fall proportionately.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'sovereign-gold-bonds', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/1a1a/nc5wr0shtgdzxhi6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/1a1a/nc5wr0shtgdzxhi6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Sovereign Gold Bonds', 'metakeyword' => 'Sovereign Gold Bonds', 'metadescription' => 'The government has issued Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) in six tranches beginning April 20. Sovereign Gold Bond 2020-21 will be issued by Reserve Bank India on behalf', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/uwtieclji96eac4/2.Sovereign_Gold_Bonds.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 72 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 4543, 'title' => 'Finance minister announces ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the second tranche of Centre's Rs 20 lakh crore fiscal stimulus, focused exclusively on migrant workers, street vendors and small farmers. This included extra ration, a universal ration card that would work across the country and affordable rental housing scheme.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This system will enable migrant workers and their family members to access PDS benefits from any Fair Price Shop in the country.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the present system, a ration cardholder can buy foodgrains only from an FPS that has been assigned to her in the locality in which she lives. However, this will change once the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ system becomes operational nationally.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Suppose a beneficiary lives in the district of Basti in Uttar Pradesh and migrates to Mumbai for work. Currently, she is no longer able to purchase subsidised foodgrains from a PDS shop in her new locality in Mumbai. However, under the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ system, the beneficiary will be able to buy subsidised foodgrains from any FPS across the country.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The new system, based on a technological solution, will identify a beneficiary through biometric authentication on electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices installed at the FPSs, and enable that person to purchase the quantity of foodgrains to which she is entitled under the NFSA.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While the Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS) portal provides the technological platform for the inter-state portability of ration cards, enabling a migrant worker to buy foodgrains from any FPS across the country, the other portal hosts the data of distribution of foodgrains through E-PoS devices within a state.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Annavitran portal enables a migrant worker or his family to avail the benefits of PDS outside their district but within their state. While a person can buy her share of foodgrains as per her entitlement under the NFSA, wherever she is based, the rest of her family members can purchase subsidised foodgrains from their ration dealer back home.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">So far, 17 states and UTs — Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu — have come on board to roll out the inter-state portability of ration cards under the NFSA.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The data shows that about one crore transactions took place using the facility last month. It means that usages of intra-state ration card portability are way higher than the inter-state portability.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'finance-minister-announces-one-nation-one-ration-card-scheme', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/0304/mwao3w4sex7o6x16g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/0304/mwao3w4sex7o6x16g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Finance minister announces ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme', 'metakeyword' => 'Finance minister announces ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme', 'metadescription' => 'Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the second tranche of Centre's Rs 20 lakh crore fiscal stimulus, focused exclusively on migrant workers, street vendors and small farmers', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/15w43smzxpf2q99/1.Finance_minister_announces_%25E2%2580%2598One_Nation%252C_One_Ration_Card%25E2%2580%2599_scheme.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 73 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 4907, 'title' => 'PM Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an employment scheme for migrant workers, who returned to villages from cities during lockdown.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The <em>Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyaan</em> was launched by Mr. Modi via video conference in a village in Bihar in the presence of Chief Ministers of five states Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and a minister of Odisha.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The scheme will work in a mission mode in 116 districts across these six States where the maximum number of the migrant workers have returned.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Public works undertaken under this campaign will have a resource envelope of ?50,000 crore with the objective to provide livelihood opportunity to workers who have returned to their native places and other affected people residing in villages. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Highlights</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The campaign will be run on a mission mode for 125 days, involving intensified and focused implementation of 25 different types of works to provide jobs to the migrant workers.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Industry groups will be formed near villages, towns, and small cities for making make different products from local produce, and packing things.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Cold storage facilities to be developed at the cost of 1 lakh crore to store farm produce locally. The way to sell crops at higher prices will be opened when farmers will connect with the market.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The government has also started Ek Desh Ek Ration Card Scheme so that workers do not have a problem of food grains from the government shop.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'pm-garib-kalyan-rozgar-abhiyan', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/fa45/nmc75j7n1ibmb0r6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/fa45/nmc75j7n1ibmb0r6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'PM Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan', 'metakeyword' => 'PM Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan', 'metadescription' => 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an employment scheme for migrant workers, who returned to villages from cities during lockdown.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/un6kv70by2ca4mk/5.PM.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 74 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 4877, 'title' => 'Axone', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Axone is a fermented soya bean of Nagaland, known for its distinctive flavour and smell. The name is a subject of much talked about feature film.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Axone is cooked, eaten and loved in Nagaland, and many tribal communities in different parts of Northeast India and beyond. It has a major role in preserving tribal identity and culture.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Axone is used to make pickles and chutneys, or curries of pork, fish, chicken, beef etc. It is a condiment as well as ingredient.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While it is called ‘axone’ in parts of Nagaland, fermented soya bean is cooked with, eaten and known by different names in different parts of Northeast India, including Meghalaya and Mizoram, Sikkim, Manipur as well in other South, Southeast and East Asian countries of Nepal, Bhutan, Japan, Korea, China, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It belongs to the broader phenomena of fermentation necessary for food preservation in certain ecological contexts. In that way, flavours generated by axone are comparable to that of Japanese <em>miso</em>, which is quite mainstream in Japanese restaurants.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Axone is prepared and eaten across Nagaland but is particularly popular among the Sumi (also Sema) tribe. They use it in every meal.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There are two ways of making axone: either dry or like a paste. The preparatory steps for both are the same. After making, it is then kept over a fireplace in the kitchen for the process of fermentation to start. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After it is fermented, the beans are mashed, made into cakes and wrapped in banana leaves and kept near the fireplace to ferment further. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">This paste-like form of axone is used to make curries and stews of fish, pork, chicken etc. The drier form of axone, on the other hand, is not mashed, but further dried in the sun till it becomes dehydrated. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'axone', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/e57e/m2q7aqkmfpdcit26g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/e57e/m2q7aqkmfpdcit26g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Axone', 'metakeyword' => 'Axone', 'metadescription' => 'Axone is a fermented soya bean of Nagaland, known for its distinctive flavour and smell. The name is a subject of much talked about feature film.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/bppymtcejnxtdhr/5.Axone.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 75 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5025, 'title' => 'Legend of Bon Bibi of Sundarbans', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> A centuries-old folk theatre form and the worship of a forest goddess helped the islanders of Sundarbans understand the power of nature.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Sundarbans is one of the most ecologically vulnerable terrains in the world. Spread between India and Bangladesh, the cluster of islands is highly vulnerable to changing climate.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Shrines to Bon Bibi and her twin brother Shah Jongoli dot the landscape of the Sundarbans. The followers of Bon Bibi are fishermen, crab-collectors and honey-gatherers — a large chunk of the population of the islands, </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Many of them go into the wild mangroves, teeming with wild animals such as tigers and crocodiles, to earn a livelihood. They believe that only Bon Bibi protects them when they enter the forest.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">One of the important ways in which people express their belief in Bon Bibi is through <strong>Bon Bibi's Palagaan</strong>, a dramatic storytelling form that is enacted throughout the island. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Traditionally, the performances are held near Bon Bibi temples or villages bordering the forests in the light of solar lamps or bulbs powered by generators. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Bon Bibi faith is a check on human greed and acquisition. An unwritten code prohibits islanders from carrying guns or weapons into the forest. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">They must enter the forest only if they absolutely need to earn a livelihood and not take more — honey or crabs, fish, or prawns — than they need. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">They must not desecrate the forest in any way, by smoking, defecating or washing utensils. According to local lore, poachers, pirates, and those who disobey Bon Bibi are attacked by tigers as punishment.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Hindus and Muslims worship Bon Bibi equally. Legend has it that Bon Bibi came to the Sundarbans with her twin, Shah Jongoli, from Saudi Arabia.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The Bon Bibi's Johuranama (Chronicles of Bon Bibi’s Greatness), a 19th-century text, is written in Bengali script, but with the book opening to the right, in Arabic style.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'legend-of-bon-bibi-of-sundarbans', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/63e2/ierm1wqz0o3bbqu6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/63e2/ierm1wqz0o3bbqu6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Legend of Bon Bibi of Sundarbans', 'metakeyword' => 'Legend of Bon Bibi of Sundarbans', 'metadescription' => 'The Sundarbans is one of the most ecologically vulnerable terrains in the world. Spread between India and Bangladesh, the cluster of islands is highly vulnerable', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/9v0sp63dmy7i5kf/4.Legend_of__Bon_Bibi_of_Sundarbans.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 76 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 4794, 'title' => 'Uttarakhand’s new summer capital', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Governor Baby Rani Maurya gave her assent for declaration of Bhararisen (Gairsain) in Chamoli district as the summer capital of Uttarakhand.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is expected that the declaration of a summer capital in the region will expedite development of the hilly areas. The development came three months after Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat announced in the Budget Session of the Assembly held in Gairsain that the town will become summer capital of the state.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Gairsain is located nearly 270-km from existing temporary capital of Dehradun. Even when Uttarakhand was carved out as a separate state from Uttar Pradesh, statehood activists had contended that Gairsain was best suited to be the capital of the mountainous state since it was between both Kumaon and Garhwal regions. But it was Dehradun in the plains that was named the temporary capital.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In its Vision Document, released before the 2017 Assembly elections, the BJP had promised to equip Gairsain with top-class infrastructure and consider declaring it as a summer capital with the consensus of all.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Former CM Vijay Bahuguna (then as Congress leader) had held first cabinet meeting in Gairsain in the local block office building in 2012. It was then announced that Gairsain will host at least one session in a year. Harish Rawat and the present BJP government too have held Assembly sessions in Gairsain.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">With the announcement of Gairsain as the summer capital, there is a lack of clarity on the status of Dehradun. The recently published directory of the state Information department still mentions this colonial town as the temporary capital.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'uttarakhands-new-summer-capital', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/8a6b/qa94oke17bfg0oz6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/8a6b/qa94oke17bfg0oz6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Uttarakhand’s new summer capital', 'metakeyword' => 'Uttarakhand’s new summer capital', 'metadescription' => 'Governor Baby Rani Maurya gave her assent for declaration of Bhararisen (Gairsain) in Chamoli district as the summer capital of Uttarakhand.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/dvehqjasc51ljvd/2.Uttarakhand%25E2%2580%2599s_new_summer_capital.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 77 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5053, 'title' => 'Samadhan-se-vikas', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> The Haryana government has now introduced a one-time settlement scheme for recovery of EDC, known as Samadhan-se-vikas.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Several real estate giants in Haryana have not deposited hundreds of crores of rupees worth mandatory External Development Charges (EDC) and Infrastructural Development Charges (IDC) for the residential and commercial colonies they have built across Haryana. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The documents reveal that in certain cases, the bank guarantee for several developers is nil, while their outstanding EDC is in crores. The outstanding amount continues to get accumulated over the years. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The new scheme is called ‘Samadhan se Vikas’. It is modelled on the central scheme of ‘Vivad se Vishwas-2020’. The scheme will be applicable to the full outstanding EDC including interest as well as penal interest.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In case a coloniser deposit 100 percent of the outstanding principal amount against EDC as well as 25 percent of the accumulated interest and penal interest within six months from the date of notification of this scheme, the balance 75 percent of the accumulated interest and penal interest shall be waived off.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In case a coloniser deposits at least 50 per cent of the outstanding principal amount against EDC as well as 50 per cent of the accumulated interest and penal interest, within six months from the date of notification of this scheme, the balance 50 per cent of the accumulated interest and penal interest shall be waived off.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In case the coloniser does not clear alleged EDC dues within the said two-year period, the waiver of balance 50 per cent of the accumulated interest and penal interest will stand annulled and the original EDC schedule shall come into play.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong> EDC and IDC</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The developer is supposed to pay External Development Charges (EDC) to civic authorities for maintenance of civic amenities within the periphery of the developed project including construction of roads, water and electricity supply, landscaping, maintenance of drainage and sewage systems, waste management etc. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The EDC is decided by the civic authorities. In many cases, the developer collects it from home buyers, but does not pay it to civic authorities. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Infrastructure Development Charges (IDC) is collected by the state government for the development of major infrastructure projects across the state. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">These funds are utilised for socio-economic growth including construction of highways, bridges, and transportation network etc.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'samadhan-se-vikas', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/3384/5effpsbsu3k8c9c6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/3384/5effpsbsu3k8c9c6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Samadhan-se-vikas', 'metakeyword' => 'Samadhan-se-vikas', 'metadescription' => 'Several real estate giants in Haryana have not deposited hundreds of crores of rupees worth mandatory External Development Charges (EDC) and Infrastructural', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/fv650hrakbqmce2/2.Samadhan-se-vikas.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 78 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5194, 'title' => 'Government’s new policy on strategic sector', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government will soon come out with a policy on strategic sectors and simultaneously kick into motion a process of complete privatisation for companies in the non-strategic sectors.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This is the first time since 1956 that the government has said it will not have state-owned companies in the non-strategic sector — and that the number in the strategic sectors too would be reduced.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Banking, insurance, defence, and energy are likely to be part of the strategic sector list.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In all other sectors, the government plans to privatise public sector enterprises, depending upon feasibility. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The number of enterprises in strategic sectors will be only one to four, and others would be privatised/merged/brought under a holding company structure.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The policy will put out a “general framework” — and that specific decision on which company is to be privatised, merged, or put under a holding company structure, would be taken later on.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This is expected to be a long-term process rather than a one-time move on the privatisation of companies. After inter-ministerial consultations to finalise strategic sectors, the policy will be put up before approval of the Union Cabinet.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government has already set in motion privatisation plans for large PSU companies BPCL, Air India, Container Corporation of India, and Shipping Corporation of India.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Budget 2020-21 had announced plans to sell part of the Centre’s stake in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) through an initial public offer (IPO), and the sale of equity in IDBI Bank to private, retail and institutional investors.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The emphasis on privatisation could see companies in chemicals and infrastructure space being privatised, while the government has stated its intent to reduce the number of state-owned banks. This could see some smaller banks being privatised in due course.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">A holding company structure could also be used to house equity of smaller banks in one entity. The government has shifted its focus to having a few very large banks under its fold, and a decision regarding the smaller banks is expected after the policy is unveiled.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'governments-new-policy-on-strategic-sector', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/7110/3wep4kmmm52y3896g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/7110/3wep4kmmm52y3896g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Government’s new policy on strategic sector', 'metakeyword' => 'Government’s new policy on strategic sector', 'metadescription' => 'The government will soon come out with a policy on strategic sectors and simultaneously kick into motion a process of complete privatisation for companies', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/32g3t0vvqjf3s06/Government%25E2%2580%2599s_new_policy_on_strategic_sector.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 79 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5242, 'title' => 'Covid’s effect on learning', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Covid-19 crisis is unprecedented. Time will tell what the implications of prolonged school closure will be on the learning status of children.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">From the first Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) in 2005 to ASER 2018, data provide estimates of children’s basic learning levels for almost all rural districts of India.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These data show that while overall school enrolment levels have been well above 95% nationally for more than a decade, the proportion of girls (age group 15 to 16) still out of school has declined slowly 22.6% to 13.5% between 2006 and 2018. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These hard-won gains of enrolment and school completion must not get eroded due to the combination of schools being closed and economic hardships in the family related to Covid-19.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As far as attendance is concerned, in pre-COVID times, there was wide variation across the country, ranging from less than 60% of enrolled children present in school on any random day in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand to well over 85% attendance in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As schools reopen, bringing every child back to school on a regular basis will be a big challenge, especially in states where normal attendance patterns are relatively low and variable.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Even before COVID hit us earlier this year, the wide diversity of learning levels has been a chronic problem of our classrooms for years. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The majority of children, especially in government schools, are several years behind grade level. When schools reopen it is likely that this variation of learning levels in each grade will have widened further; the lower end of the distribution will have become thicker.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There is not much research on “learning loss” in India. One possible recent source of data is available from Uttar Pradesh. In the 2018-19 school year, the UP government in partnership with Pratham conducted a foundational learning improvement intervention called Graded Learning Programme (GLP).</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Given the sudden and prolonged school closure, there is a strong likelihood that learning loss will be deeper than the usual summer loss. Hence, the overall learning for the 2020-21 school year will depend very much on activities that are started and sustained after schools reopen.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A strong concerted effort on foundational skills — basic reading and arithmetic is needed as soon as schools open and attendance stabilises. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Helping children who have fallen behind to “catch up” is the single most important act for effectively addressing concerns about equity. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'covids-effect-on-learning', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/99d2/4yc2i2e91z84cac6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/99d2/4yc2i2e91z84cac6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Covid’s effect on learning', 'metakeyword' => 'Covid’s effect on learning', 'metadescription' => 'The Covid-19 crisis is unprecedented. Time will tell what the implications of prolonged school closure will be on the learning status of children.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/y0ygc4k1bct5b5y/2.Covid’s+effect+on+learning.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 80 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5375, 'title' => 'Negative import list for defence', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has announced a list of 101 items that the Defence Ministry will stop importing. It essentially means that the Armed Forces—Army, Navy and Air Force—will only procure all of these 101 items from domestic manufacturers.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India has been the second-largest importer between 2014 and 2019 with US$ 16.75 billion worth of imports during this period.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For years India has been among the top three defence importers in the world, the government wants to reduce the dependence on imported items in defence and give a shot in the arm to the domestic defence manufacturing industry. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">By denying the possibility of importing the items on the negative list, the domestic industry is given the opportunity to step up and manufacture them for the needs of the forces.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The items mentioned in the negative imports list include water jet fast attack craft to survey vessels, pollution control vessels, light transport aircraft, GSAT-6 terminals, radars, unmanned aerial vehicles, to certain rifles, artillery guns, bulletproof jackets, missile destroyers, etc.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government announced that the list was announced after due consideration by all stakeholders involved, including the three services who use the equipment, weapons and platforms that will be embargoed.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 to 2024 and the government wants to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the Armed Forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The announcement was not unexpected as the government had already declared that it will come out with a negative imports list for the defence sector in May.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'negative-import-list-for-defence', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/96b7/5ym7zj87yu4ujdg6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/96b7/5ym7zj87yu4ujdg6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Negative import list for defence', 'metakeyword' => 'Negative import list for defence', 'metadescription' => 'Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has announced a list of 101 items that the Defence Ministry will stop importing. It essentially means that the Armed Forces—Army,', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/4m4nezb86rmbvja/5.Negative+import+list+for+defence.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 81 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5452, 'title' => 'Expansion of NCC', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in coastal and border districts of India.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">PM announced that from the 173 coastal and border districts, one lakh cadets, a third of them girls, will be trained.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In border areas, the Army will train the cadets. In the coastal area, the Navy will train the cadets. And where there are air bases, the Air Force will undertake training activities. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Border and coastal areas will get trained manpower to fight with disasters. Youth will acquire required skills for careers in armed forces.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Expansion of NCC in the border and coastal area has been under consideration of the Ministry of Defence for quite some time. There have also been discussions about increasing the footprints of the organisation in the tribal areas too.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The NCC, which was formed in 1948, has its roots to British era uniformed youth entities like University Corps or University Officer Training Corps.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It enrolls cadets at high school and college level and also awards certificates on completion of various phases. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Headed by a Director-General of three-star military rank, the NCC falls under the purview of MoD and is led by serving officers from the Armed forces at various hierarchical positions.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The NCC cadets receive basic military training at various levels and also have academic curriculum basics related to Armed forces and their functioning. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Various training camps, adventure activities, and military training camps are an important aspect of NCC training.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">NCC cadets have played an important role over the years in relief efforts during various emergency situations.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Restructuring of the NCC was one of the key recommendations of the Committee of Experts (CoE) headed by Lt Gen DB Shekatkar (Retd).</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the coastal regions, where youth are already familiar with the sea, the training will increase interest in careers in Navy, Coast Guard, and also Merchant shipping avenues.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">In the border area, the trained cadets can play an important role in various contingencies and also in supporting roles to the Armed forces in various roles.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'expansion-of-ncc', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/38d6/g3abn8ppmtqtt7f6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/38d6/g3abn8ppmtqtt7f6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Expansion of NCC', 'metakeyword' => 'Expansion of NCC', 'metadescription' => 'In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in coastal and border districts of India.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/opb9wvidlvpuhe1/4.Expansion+of+NCC.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 82 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5502, 'title' => 'Changes in CSR rules for vaccine companies', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In a move to boost India’s efforts to find effective medicines and vaccines against Covid-19, the government is temporarily allowing investment towards such efforts to be considered as fulfillment of a company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has inserted a provision that would allow firms to claim CSR benefits for such activities until the 2022-2023 financial year.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This includes pharmaceutical, vaccine and medical device firms, which are expected to undertake research and development of new drugs, vaccines and medical devices as part of their regular business activities.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For now, firms engaged in research and development activity of new vaccine, drugs, and medical devices in their normal course of business will be eligible for CSR benefits for their R&D work related to such activities for Covid-19 products.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The ministry has also amended this schedule to substitute it with incubators or research and development projects in the field of science, technology, engineering and medicine that are funded by the central or state Government.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It also now includes public-funded universities, Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), National Laboratories and autonomous bodies established under Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and other bodies like the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) can also be eligible.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'changes-in-csr-rules-for-vaccine-companies', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/2d61/97admkoo1i56xi46g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/2d61/97admkoo1i56xi46g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Changes in CSR rules for vaccine companies', 'metakeyword' => 'Changes in CSR rules for vaccine companies', 'metadescription' => 'In a move to boost India’s efforts to find effective medicines and vaccines against Covid-19, the government is temporarily allowing investment towards such', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/te9oxmh2aj9efd5/4.Changes+in+CSR+rules+for+vaccine+companies.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 83 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5641, 'title' => 'History of Karlsruhe', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Karlsruhe, a light armoured cruiser, was the last of the big German World War II-era warships to remain missing – until its wreckage was found on June 30.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The wreckage of the ship, sunk by a British submarine in 1940, was discovered around 11 nautical miles (20 km) off Kristiansand, Norway, during a routine inspection of undersea electricity cables. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Karlsruhe was built in the mid-1920s and commissioned into the German Navy in 1929. It was used mostly as a training vessel until World War II. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">By the time it was used in battle, its structure and weapons systems had been upgraded several times, making it one of Germany’s most effective warships of its class.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As German forces set out to invade Norway, the Karlsruhe led a fleet of warships to attack the city of Kristiansand. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The advanced guns and cannons on the ship, supported by other smaller ships in the fleet, destroyed the city’s maritime defences in just a few hours. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The fleet dropped off soldiers in Kristiansand, and they, with the help of German warplanes, would go on to take over the city and eventually occupy the whole of Norway.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When British submarine HMS Traunt spotted the Karlsruhe emerging from the harbour, the submarine fired multiple torpedoes in its direction, hitting it twice and causing severe damage.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The exact location of the Karlsruhe’s wreckage had remained a mystery for the past 80 years due to the discrepancies in the testimonies given by the captain and crew of the ship and others who witnessed its sinking.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The wreckage was first discovered in 2017 though it wasn’t identified then as belonging to the Karlsruhe.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Experts estimate that thousands of litres of oil and other substances could still be inside the shipwreck, and that it could cause an ecological disaster in case of a leak.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For this reason, salvaging the wreck could be dangerous, apart from being a very expensive process. It is also not yet clear whether the site will be classified and protected as an underwater war grave. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">This would depend on whether any of the Karlsruhe’s crew went down with it, though most of them were known to have been evacuated before the ship was sunk.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'history-of-karlsruhe', 'image' => '', 'fbimage' => '', 'metatitle' => 'History of Karlsruhe', 'metakeyword' => 'History of Karlsruhe', 'metadescription' => 'The Karlsruhe, a light armoured cruiser, was the last of the big German World War II-era warships to remain missing – until its wreckage was found on June 30.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => '', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 84 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5533, 'title' => 'Damaging valuable art', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A student of architecture was sentenced to 18 months in jail earlier this week by a court in London for damaging a Picasso painting.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Titled ‘Bust of a Woman’, the 1944 work depicts Picasso’s well known muse, the photographer Dora Maar. The work is owned by a private collector, and has been loaned to Tate Modern since 2011.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While art lovers were shocked after the incident, this isn’t the first time that a valuable work of art has been vandalised.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">One of the most closely watched art vandalism trials was that of the Russian Igor Podporin, who was charged with causing serious damage to Ilya Repin’s famous late 19th century painting of the grief-stricken Ivan IV Vasilyevich.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In May 2014, a painting by the American abstract expressionist master Mark Rothko was put back on display at Tate Modern after 18 months of restoration work.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The painting was vandalised by a Polish man named Wlodzimierz Umaniec who, on October 7, 2012, painted the words ‘A Potential Piece of Yellowism’ in a corner.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Monalisa has been attacked multiple times. Most recently, a Russian woman who was angry at having been denied French citizenship, threw a coffee mug at the painting in 2009.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The first of the recent attacks on the masterpiece happened in the winter of 1956, when a homeless man threw a rock at it, apparently because he wanted to go to prison so he would get a warm bed.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Only a few months previously, acid had been thrown at the lower part of the painting when it was being shown in a museum in Montauban, France.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Then in 1974, a woman with disabilities sprayed the work with red paint while it was on display at the Tokyo National Museum.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Prior to this, at the Sao Paulo International Biennial in 1996, a painting from Andy Warhol’s 1977 Torsos series, which featured male and female nudes, was kissed by a Brazilian woman.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'damaging-valuable-art', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/df9e/yli2d673lacig7l6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/df9e/yli2d673lacig7l6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Damaging valuable art', 'metakeyword' => 'Damaging valuable art', 'metadescription' => 'Titled ‘Bust of a Woman’, the 1944 work depicts Picasso’s well known muse, the photographer Dora Maar. The work is owned by a private collector, and has been', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/0whhq47c5l7kp0b/5.Damaging+valuable+art.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 85 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5430, 'title' => 'History of National flag', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On July 22, 1947, when members of the Constituent Assembly of India met in the Constitution Hall in Delhi, the first item on the agenda was about adopting a national flag for free India.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While the finer nuances were subsequently discussed in the meeting, the final design of the Indian National Flag, hoisted by Prime Minister Nehru on August 16, 1947 at Red Fort, had a history of several decades preceding independence.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was proposed that “the National Flag of India shall be horizontal tricolour of deep saffron (kesari), white and dark green in equal proportion.” </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The white band was to have a wheel in navy blue (the charkha being replaced by the chakra), which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While an Indian flag was reportedly designed by Sister Nivedita, arguably the first national flag of India is said to have been hoisted on August 7, 1906, in Kolkata at the Parsee Bagan Square (Green Park).</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It comprised three horizontal strips of red, yellow and green, with Vande Mataram written in the middle. Believed to have been designed by freedom activists Sachindra Prasad Bose and Hemchandra Kanungo, the red strip on the flag had symbols of the sun and a crescent moon, and the green strip had eight half-open lotuses.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Next year, in 1907, Madame Cama and her group of exiled revolutionaries hoisted an Indian flag in Germany in 1907, this was the first Indian flag to be hoisted in a foreign land.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In 1917, Dr Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak adopted a new flag as part of the Home Rule Movement. It had five alternate red and four green horizontal stripes, and seven stars in the saptarishi configuration. A white crescent and star occupied one top corner, and the other had Union Jack.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The design of the Indian tricolour is largely attributed to Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter who reportedly first met Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa during the second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), when he was posted there as part of the British Indian Army.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Years of research went into designing the national flag. In 1916, he even published a book with possible designs of Indian flags. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">At the All India Congress Committee in Bezwada in 1921, Venkayya again met Gandhi and proposed a basic design of the flag, consisting of two red and green bands to symbolise the two major communities, Hindus and Muslims. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Gandhi suggested adding a white band to represent peace and the rest of the communities living in India, and a spinning wheel to symbolise the progress of the country.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Several changes continued to be made till a decade later, when in 1931 the Congress Committee met in Karachi and adopted the tricolour as our national flag. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Red was replaced with saffron and the order of the colours was changed. The flag was to have no religious interpretation.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Tricolour was altered to become the flag of Independent India. Saffron on top symbolises “strength and courage”, white in the middle represents “peace and truth” and green at the bottom stands for “fertility, growth and auspiciousness of the land”. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The Ashok Chakra with 24 spokes replaced the spinning wheel as the emblem on the flag. It is intended “to show that there is life in movement and death in stagnation”.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'history-of-national-flag', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/8097/0622j7vhbhvawzd6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/8097/0622j7vhbhvawzd6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'History of National flag', 'metakeyword' => 'History of National flag', 'metadescription' => 'On July 22, 1947, when members of the Constituent Assembly of India met in the Constitution Hall in Delhi, the first item on the agenda was about adopting a national', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/m6kym9awchbpp79/2.History+of+National+flag.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 86 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5443, 'title' => 'National Health ID', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">PM Modi has announced a National Health ID during his Independence Day speech that aims to store medical records of an individual.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National ID finds it roots in a 2018 Niti Aayog proposal to create a centralised mechanism to uniquely identify every participating user in the National Health Stack.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The national health ID will be a repository of all health-related information of a person. According to the National Health Authority (NHA), every patient who wishes to have their health records available digitally must start by creating a Health ID. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Each Health ID will be linked to a health data consent manager — such as National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) — which will be used to seek the patient’s consent and allow for seamless flow of health information from the Personal Health Records module. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Health ID is created by using a person’s basic details and mobile number or Aadhaar number. This will make it unique to the person, who will have the option to link all of their health records to this ID.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The National Health Policy 2017 had envisaged creation of a digital health technology eco-system aiming at developing an integrated health information system that serves the needs of all stakeholders and improves efficiency, transparency, and citizens’ experience with linkage across public and private healthcare.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As envisaged, various healthcare providers — such as hospitals, laboratories, insurance companies, online pharmacies, telemedicine firms — will be expected to participate in the health ID system. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The strategy overview document points out that while option of digital Health ID will be there, in case a person does not want Health ID, then also treatment should be allowed.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'national-health-id', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4384/yzdl6l6mql0f3u56g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4384/yzdl6l6mql0f3u56g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'National Health ID', 'metakeyword' => 'National Health ID', 'metadescription' => 'The National ID finds it roots in a 2018 Niti Aayog proposal to create a centralised mechanism to uniquely identify every participating user in the National Health', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/e5rr0zek893znx2/5.National+Health+ID.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 87 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5573, 'title' => 'Pokkali rice', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Farmers from South Bengal are trying to introduce Kerala variety of rice to deal with severe salt water incursion in their fields after the cyclone Amphan.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The pokkali variety of rice is known for its saltwater resistance and flourishes in the rice paddies of coastal Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The uniqueness of the rice has brought it the Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is the subject of continuing research.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pokkali rice had been in the news because of its uniqueness and also because a group of people in Kerala have been trying to revive the cultivation of the rice variety in the State. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">About 80% of the rice paddies in the Sundarbans faced the problem of saltwater incursion and if the pokkali experiment succeeded, it would be a good step to turn around the fortunes of the farmers. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The name ‘pokkali’ is derived from two words in Malayalam, ‘pokkathil’ and ‘aali’ meaning that which grows high. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">An average crop’s height ranges between 1.5 metres and 2 metres which is quite tall for a rice crop. The method of farming is entirely organic. It needs no fertilisers or pesticides.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">If the experiment proves successful, more farmers in the region can be persuaded to sow the Pokkali seedlings in the next season.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'pokkali-rice', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ba71/qeaqrzwmeua13r26g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ba71/qeaqrzwmeua13r26g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Pokkali rice', 'metakeyword' => 'Pokkali rice', 'metadescription' => 'Farmers from South Bengal are trying to introduce Kerala variety of rice to deal with severe salt water incursion in their fields after the cyclone Amphan.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/ei33tpa45cgkrsx/4.Pokkali+rice.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 88 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5583, 'title' => 'Mission Karmayogi', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Union Cabinet has approved ‘Mission Karmayogi’, a new capacity-building scheme for civil servants aimed at upgrading the post-recruitment training mechanism of the officers and employees at all levels.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is said to improve the government’s human resource management practices and asserted it will use state-of-the-art infrastructure to augment the capacity of civil servants.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Officers and employees in the government will get an opportunity to improve their performance under the Mission Karmayogi. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mission Karmayogi aims to prepare Indian civil servants for the future by making them more creative, constructive, imaginative, innovative, proactive, professional, progressive, energetic, enabling, transparent, and technology-enabled.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Highlights</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mission Karmayogi programme will be delivered by setting up a digital platform called iGOTKarmayogi. Empowered with specific role-competencies, a civil servant will be able to ensure efficient service delivery of the highest quality standards.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The platform will act as a launchpad for the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), which will enable a comprehensive reform of the capacity building apparatus at the individual, institutional, and process levels.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">NPCSCB will be governed by the Prime Minister’s Human Resource Council, which will also include state Chief Ministers, Union Cabinet ministers, and experts. This council will approve and review civil service capacity building programmes.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There will be a Capacity Building Commission, which will include experts in related fields and global professionals. This commission will prepare and monitor annual capacity building plans and audit human resources available in the government.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There will be a wholly-owned <strong>Special Purpose Vehicle</strong> (SPV), which will govern the iGOT-Karmayogi platform. It will be set up under <strong>Section 8 of the Companies Act</strong>, <strong>2013</strong>. The SPV will own all Intellectual Property Rights on behalf of the Government of India.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">A sum of Rs 510.86 crore will be spent over a period of 5 years from 2020-21 to 2024-25. The expenditure is partly funded by multilateral assistance to the tune of $50 million.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'mission-karmayogi', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4bd1/uggdgxitwd5bufh6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4bd1/uggdgxitwd5bufh6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Mission Karmayogi', 'metakeyword' => 'Mission Karmayogi', 'metadescription' => 'The Union Cabinet has approved ‘Mission Karmayogi’, a new capacity-building scheme for civil servants aimed at upgrading the post-recruitment training mechanism', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/hx6em548y9yi475/4.Mission+Karmayogi.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 89 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5762, 'title' => 'UP government to set up India’s biggest film city', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that his government will establish the country’s ‘biggest’ film city<strong> </strong>in Gautam Buddh Nagar.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">With several films and web series now being shot in the state, the dedicated film city is likely to bring employment while providing a haven for filmmakers.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Though a proposal for the film city is yet to be prepared, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Authority (YEIDA) is in the process of looking for appropriate land for the ambitious project. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The proposal will also include suggestions of members of the film industry to make it the most conducive environment for filmmaking.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The film city will also include its police station and a separate wing will be formed under the police department to look into film security, as per the policy. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Fire stations, roads and other physical paraphernalia required for the film city will also be taken care of by the state government.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In 2019, the government announced an incentive of Rs 50 lakh to any Indian or overseas filmmaker if the movie was shot in English or any regional language except a regional language of UP.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A Film City has already been established in Noida’s Sector 16 A area. Spread over 100 acres, with 75 acres outdoor and 25 indoor, the Film City houses several studios belonging to media houses. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Even though the area is called Film City, over the years it has developed into a commercial complex with corporate offices taking up most space.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">As per the Film Policy, the government is looking to set up film processing production facilities in Lucknow and Varanasi, besides Western UP. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'up-government-to-set-up-indias-biggest-film-city', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/704d/0n72aohk9wt63ne6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/704d/0n72aohk9wt63ne6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'UP government to set up India’s biggest film city', 'metakeyword' => 'UP government to set up India’s biggest film city', 'metadescription' => 'Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that his government will establish the country’s ‘biggest’ film city in Gautam Buddh Nagar.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/id0s2r8b86drlt8/5.UP+government+to+set+up+India’s+biggest+film+city.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 90 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5691, 'title' => 'Biggest jump in new NREGA job cards', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This summer, the number of households enrolled under the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has soared to record levels.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While the demand for unskilled work under NREGS had been steadily rising in recent years amid the economic slowdown, it soared to unprecedented levels during the pandemic.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to government estimates, more than 67 lakh migrants have returned to 116 districts across six states — Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Odisha — where the Centre had launched the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Data show 5.79 crore households availed NREGS between April 1 and September 10 during the current financial year, the highest since the scheme was launched on February 2, 2006.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Behind these numbers lie the story of how NREGA has emerged as a safety net for lakhs of households across the country at a time of deep social and economic distress amid the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">An analysis of data for 690 districts shows that of the Top 10 districts that saw an increase of over 1 lakh in the number of households that availed NREGA this year in June.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The unprecedented demand in NREGA across India has led to the utilisation of 67 percent of the entire fiscal’s labour budget of Rs 292.79 crore with half the financial year still left.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While NREGA has served to provide jobs, the implementation of the scheme faces several challenges. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For instance, despite a hike of NREGS wage across states, there have been complaints of workers not being paid the notified rate in several states. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Besides, there is worry that the quota of 100 days of employment in a financial year that the job scheme guarantees will fast run out, leaving many families with little security in the remaining months of the year.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'biggest-jump-in-new-nrega-job-cards', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/d75c/ouvv7a9b7t4sdai6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/d75c/ouvv7a9b7t4sdai6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Biggest jump in new NREGA job cards', 'metakeyword' => 'Biggest jump in new NREGA job cards', 'metadescription' => 'This summer, the number of households enrolled under the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has soared to record levels.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/crn8oxy90el86qo/3.Biggest_jump_in_new_NREGA_job_cards.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 91 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 5563, 'title' => 'Native dog breeds of India', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">PM Narendra Modi spoke about the beauty and resilience of Indian dogs and the induction of several indigenous breeds into the Armed Forces. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Centuries ago, native dogs were not relegated to the back benches of the breed hierarchy as they have been in India today. They were constant companions of kings, queens and aristocrats as adept hunters and symbols of stature.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In general, different dog breeds in world are classified based on their utility like protection/guarding, herding, flocking, mountain, companion, fighting, scent etc.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In India, some breeds of dogs viz., Caravan Hound, Combai, Chippiparai, Rajapalayam, Rampur Hound, Kanni, Mudhol Hound, Indian Mastiff (Bulli), Himalayan sheep dog, Bhutia dogs, etc., contribute to the domestic animal biodiversity of our country.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Indigenous dog breeds are mainly utilised for guarding and shepherding of livestock and agriculture farm, in comparison to exotic breeds, which are reared a fancy and as companion animal at home. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Very scanty information is available regarding the phenotypic characters of our indigenous dog breeds and their utility by the livestock keepers. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Most of the hunting dogs that are originally from the southern parts of India, while Himalayan sheep dogs and Bhutia dogs are from northern India and used by tribes to maintain herds.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Most of India’s indigenous breeds are from the hound family with ancestors that came from Afghanistan, the Middle East. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">They have a keen sense of smell, high energy, and drive. Their typical physical characteristics are deep cavity chests and long legs.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Indian dogs have thrived in the USA and Canada as long as they receive positive reinforcement training and exercise. They tend to be high energy dogs which excel when given proper training.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Indian dogs have fewer genetic defects, strong immunity. Their life span is also longer, around 16-17 years. They are very intelligent and can adjust to different types of climate.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'native-dog-breeds-of-india', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ad33/43p8j5tbupjw8i36g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ad33/43p8j5tbupjw8i36g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Native dog breeds of India', 'metakeyword' => 'Native dog breeds of India', 'metadescription' => 'Centuries ago, native dogs were not relegated to the back benches of the breed hierarchy as they have been in India today. They were constant companions of kings', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/h8xvdfryqdk9uxo/5.Native_dog_breeds_of_India.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 92 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6024, 'title' => 'Andhra Pradesh sets up separate bodies for each backward class', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Andhra Pradesh government has set up separate corporations for 56 major castes under the Backward Classes category.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy’s padayatra before the elections, he received several complaints from people belonging to several backward castes that benefits and schemes of the government were not reaching them properly. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government will set up separate corporations for BC castes which have a population of more than 30,000 so that each corporation can micro manage a particular caste’s people and their needs. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">These corporations will receive funding from the government which will be used to deliver government’s schemes and benefits to the beneficiaries.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This is the first time that separate corporations have been set up for various sub-castes under Backward Classes. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Earlier, a BC Welfare Corporation catered to the needs of all the 139 sub-castes listed under the Backward Classes. There were separate caste-based cooperative federations. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The setting up of the corporations fulfils the poll promise as well as empowers backward classes leaders by appointing one chairperson and 12 directors to each corporation. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The chairperson and 12 directors would each represent the 13 districts in the state whose job is to identify the eligible beneficiaries of a particular sub-caste under a corporation and ensure that the welfare is directed at them.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">According to recent government surveys, about 49.55 percent of the population comes under Backward Classes in Andhra. There are 139 sub-castes covering a range of communities which are divided into A, B, C, D, and E categories.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'andhra-pradesh-sets-up-separate-bodies-for-each-backward-class', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/455c/qhueyova1qyp3un6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/455c/qhueyova1qyp3un6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Andhra Pradesh sets up separate bodies for each backward class', 'metakeyword' => 'Andhra Pradesh sets up separate bodies for each backward class', 'metadescription' => 'During Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy’s padayatra before the elections, he received several complaints from people belonging to several backward castes that benefits', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/ruwvtt9ke6yjfms/Andhra_Pradesh_sets_up_separate_bodies_for_each_backward_class.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 93 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6025, 'title' => 'Haryana’s flexi-examination system', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Considering that the disruption in studies may continue for an uncertain period, Haryana State Higher Education Council has come out with a “flexi-examination system”.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The disruption in the education system in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated several education reforms to be put on fast track. One important dimension of the education system is examinations.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">To begin with, at least seven out of the 17 government-aided universities of Haryana have agreed to introduce the system that will impact thousands of students of post-graduation courses.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Gradually, the system will be adopted by all the 17 universities in post-graduation courses, followed by professional courses.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If the results are encouraging, then the flexi-examination system will also be introduced to the graduation courses.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As the name suggests, the examination schedule shall be flexible for the students. There are two dimensions to this system.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">One, it provides a second chance to weaker students to clear their exams more easily.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As of now, those students who are not able to pass their regular examination in the first attempt, have to wait for six months or a year to sit for re-examination, depending on the regulations in force in their universities. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If the student is in the final year, he/she has to wait for a full year for the re-examination. As a result, his/her further studies as well as employment opportunities get impacted.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">With the flexi-examination system, a student who gets a compartment or wants to re-appear in one, two, or more papers can ask the university for a suitable time when he/she is ready for the re-examination. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The university will give the student an opportunity at a mutually convenient time and date to take the re-examination.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Under the flexi-examination system, universities shall keep a comprehensive question bank ready. When a student wants to sit for an examination, either physically or in online mode, a randomised question paper will be generated.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The first aim is to cover the post-graduation courses, then the professional courses like engineering, medical, and others, and, depending upon the success of the project, this system will also be gradually implemented in graduation courses.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'haryanas-flexi-examination-system', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/bf4d/t18yhtzoffo2j336g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/bf4d/t18yhtzoffo2j336g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Haryana’s flexi-examination system', 'metakeyword' => 'Haryana’s flexi-examination system', 'metadescription' => 'Considering that the disruption in studies may continue for an uncertain period, Haryana State Higher Education Council has come out with a “flexi-examination system”.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/47r0i4gmcpizagu/Haryana%25E2%2580%2599s_flexi-examination_system.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 94 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6026, 'title' => 'SVAMITVA', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On October 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the distribution of property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme through video conferencing. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> The government aims to provide such property cards to each household in the next three to four years in every village across the country.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The acronym SVAMITVA stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at “providing ‘record of rights’ to village household owners possessing houses in inhabited rural areas in villages and issuance of property cards to the property owners.” </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The plan is to survey all rural properties using drones and prepare GIS based maps for each village.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During the current financial year, the scheme is being implemented as a pilot project in about 1 lakh villages across 8 states – <strong>Maharashtra</strong>, <strong>Karnataka</strong>, <strong>Haryana</strong>, <strong>Uttar</strong> <strong>Pradesh</strong>, <strong>Uttarakhand</strong>, <strong>Madhya</strong> <strong>Pradesh</strong>, <strong>Punjab,</strong> and <strong>Rajasthan</strong>.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The framework for implementation of SVAMITVA scheme, finalized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, provides a multi-stage process of generating a property card, which starts with signing of a memorandum of understanding between Survey of India (SoI) and respective state governments. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The SoI is responsible for preparing the National Topographic database on all scales, using technology for topographical mapping at various scales including the use of airborne photography drones, satellite imageries, and Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) or drone platforms.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Once the MOU is done, a Continuously Operating Reference System (CORS) is established. It is a network of reference stations that provide a virtual base station that allows access to long-range high-accuracy Network RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) corrections.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The next step is the identification of villages to be surveyed during the pilot phase, and make people aware of the process of mapping properties. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Benefits</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It will enable rural households to use their property as a financial asset for taking loans and other financial benefits. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It will help in determination of property tax, which would accrue to the Gram Panchayats directly in states where they are empowered to collect such taxes. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The cards will help increase liquidity of land parcels in the market and increase the financial credit availability to the village. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The scheme will also pave the way for creation of accurate land records for rural planning. All the property records and maps will be available at Gram Panchayat, which will help in taxation of villages, construction permits, elimination of encroachments, etc.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The property maps will be made using the GIS technique and the same can also be used for better-quality Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'svamitva', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/6d2c/iehb555v07ddoth6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/6d2c/iehb555v07ddoth6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'SVAMITVA', 'metakeyword' => 'SVAMITVA', 'metadescription' => 'On October 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the distribution of property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme through video conferencing. ', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/jpqeegq9vvcto4b/SVAMITVA.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 95 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6043, 'title' => 'Giant drawing of Cat at UNESCO World Heritage site in Peru', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The discovery of a hitherto unknown massive carving of a resting cat on the slope of a steep hill has gained attraction on social media.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Peru’s famous Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its depictions of larger-than-life animals, plants, and imaginary beings.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Considered among the top places to visit in Peru, the Nazca Lines are a group of geoglyphs, or large designs made on the ground by creators using elements of the landscape such as stones, gravel, dirt or lumber.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Drawn more than 2 millennia ago on the surface of southern Peru’s arid Pampa Colorada (“Red Plain” in Spanish), the geoglyphs feature different subjects, but mainly plants and animals. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The figures include pelicans (the largest ones sized around 935 feet long), Andean Condors (443 feet), monkeys (360 feet), hummingbirds (165 feet), and spiders (150 feet).</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There are also geometric shapes, such as triangles, trapezoids, and spirals, and some have been associated with astronomical functions.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Lines were first discovered in 1927, and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The cat geoglyph, believed to be older than the ones previously found at Nazca, was discovered by archaeologists carrying out maintenance in the area during the Covid-19 pandemic.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Representations of felines of this type are frequent in the iconography of ceramics and textiles of the Paracas society.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'giant-drawing-of-cat-at-unesco-world-heritage-site-in-peru', 'image' => '', 'fbimage' => '', 'metatitle' => 'Giant drawing of Cat at UNESCO World Heritage site in Peru', 'metakeyword' => 'Giant drawing of Cat at UNESCO World Heritage site in Peru', 'metadescription' => 'Peru’s famous Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its depictions of larger-than-life animals, plants, and imaginary beings.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => '', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 96 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6063, 'title' => 'India’s stolen treasures around world', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Earlier this month, some of Netherlands’ most famous museums, supported a report proposing the repatriation of thousands of works of art to their country of origin, where they were forcibly taken from during colonial times.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While repatriation of colonial-era objects in European museums has often been under discussion and recurrent demand for their return raised, the Black Lives Matter movement has brought attention to the issue once again.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">With museums from the Netherlands promising to return over one lakh artefacts looted from Sri Lanka and Indonesia, there is demand in Hyderabad that the Dutch should also give India 17th century miniature paintings from the erstwhile Golconda kingdom. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There are also appeals for the return of a royal charter of the Chola kings, lost 300 years ago from Tamil Nadu, and now at the Leiden University in the Netherlands.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While this year saw the handing over of Natesha Shiva statue stolen from the Ghateshwar temple in Baroli, Rajasthan, to the Archeological Survey of India, two antiques – a 17th century bronze idol of Navaneetha Krishna and a 2nd century limestone carved pillar motif — were also returned to India.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Last month, Britain returned three 15th century idols of Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Sita to India which was stolen from a temple built in the Vijayanagar period in Tamil Nadu.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This year, US authorities returned a set of antiques to India, including a limestone relief of Shiva and Parvati and a marble Apsara.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Australian Government returned a pair of door guardians from the 15th century, from Tamil Nadu; and a sculpture of the serpent king, from Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, made in the sixth to eighth centuries.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There are several significant national artefacts that India has been pressing to be returned from across the world, especially from the UK. Topping the list is the world famous Kohinoor Diamond. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Likewise, both India and Pakistan want the return of Tipu’s Wooden Tiger, currently on display at a London museum.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">India also wants Britain to return the 7.5-foot tall Buddha statue on display at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the throne of Maharaja Ranjit Singh taken away by the British as state property when Punjab was annexed in 1849.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'indias-stolen-treasures-around-world', 'image' => '', 'fbimage' => '', 'metatitle' => 'India’s stolen treasures around world', 'metakeyword' => 'India’s stolen treasures around world', 'metadescription' => 'Earlier this month, some of Netherlands’ most famous museums, supported a report proposing the repatriation of thousands of works of art to their country of origin,', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => '', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 97 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6064, 'title' => 'Cheese making in ancient India', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A study published in the journal Nature presents what could be the earliest evidence of cheese-making in South Asia. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The study is based on archaeological finds from the Kotada Bhadli settlement, located in modern day-Gujarat’s Kutch district, which was an agro-pastoral settlement in the Indus Valley civilisation.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The organic compounds found in plant and animal products ––which had been absorbed into pottery remnants found at archaeological sites were extracted and analysed to identify what the people who used these vessels might have eaten.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Among other types of food is evidence of dairy processing, that is, the preservation of milk through fermentation and other techniques.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The significance of the finding lies in the revelation that cheese was very likely made and consumed in the subcontinent during what is known as the Mature Harappan period. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This would make it the earliest evidence of cheese-making in the region. Until now, there has only been speculation about when cheese was first made in the subcontinent.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Historians note the existence of the Aryan taboo on deliberate milk curdling. They speculate that the taboo may have been lifted when the Portuguese, who came to India in the 16th century and had formed settlements by the mid-17th century, made cottage cheese.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While the new study could establish the existence of dairy processing in India as far back as 4,500 years ago, previous studies have shown that cheese was likely being made even earlier in other parts of the world.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In 2018, a study used carbon dating of lipid residues in pottery from the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia to establish the practice of dairy processing in the Mediterranean over 7,000 years ago in 5200 BPE.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">In another paper published in 2012, researchers found chemical evidence in pottery shards from Neolithic sites in northern Europe that showed the existence of cheese-making in the region about 7,500 years ago, in the sixth millennium BCE.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'cheese-making-in-ancient-india', 'image' => '', 'fbimage' => '', 'metatitle' => 'Cheese making in ancient India', 'metakeyword' => 'Cheese making in ancient India', 'metadescription' => 'The study is based on archaeological finds from the Kotada Bhadli settlement, located in modern day-Gujarat’s Kutch district, which was an agro-pastoral settlement', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => '', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 98 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6086, 'title' => 'Cash back scheme for borrowers', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lakhs of borrowers, irrespective of whether they availed of moratorium or not during lockdown, stand to get some cash back from the government.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The cash-back is the difference between the compound interest and simple interest which are applicable to certain categories of borrowers, including housing, credit card, and MSMEs, for the period March 1, 2020 and August 31, 2020.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A borrower with a Rs 50 lakh home loan outstanding, for example, will get a benefit of around Rs 12,425 in the form of savings on accounts of compound interest for a six months period, assuming the rate of interest at 8 percent. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">At this rate, six months simple interest cost comes roughly to Rs 2 lakh, and along with the compound interest it becomes Rs 2,12,425 — with the government paying the difference of Rs 12,425. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The ex gratia payment under this scheme will be admissible irrespective of whether the borrower had fully availed or partially availed or not available of the moratorium on repayment. It is for those loan accounts which are standard and not non-performing assets (NPAs) as on February 29.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The compound interest waiver is for most of the loans — housing, MSME, education, consumer durable, credit card dues, automobile, consumption, and personal loans to professionals.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The waiver will be provided by all private and state-owned banks, cooperative banks, regional rural banks, housing finance companies, and non-banking financial institutions. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The rate of interest used to calculate the ex gratia amount will be based on the contracted rate specified for most loans.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'cash-back-scheme-for-borrowers', 'image' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/693a/zmjmrp4pqasji3t6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/693a/zmjmrp4pqasji3t6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Cash back scheme for borrowers', 'metakeyword' => 'Cash back scheme for borrowers', 'metadescription' => 'Lakhs of borrowers, irrespective of whether they availed of moratorium or not during lockdown, stand to get some cash back from the government.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/b4i1e5fyj8c0gtb/5.Cash_back_scheme_for_borrowers.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 99 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6094, 'title' => 'Oaxaca khadi village in Mexico', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In his Mann ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cited example of Oaxaca village in Mexico to convey importance and popularity of Khadi.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Modi narrated an anecdote about how khadi reached the Latin American country after a local resident became influenced by a film on Mahatma Gandhi.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Khadi Oaxaca is a farm-to-garment collective which comprises around 400 families, which live and work on traditional farms and homesteads in the Oaxaca region of southern Mexico.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It has been founded by Mark “Marcos” Brown, an American living in Mexico, and his wife, Kalindi Attar.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The product uses cotton produced and cultivated on the Oaxaca coast, and produces chemical-free clothing, relying on locally harvested plant-based dyes.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Before starting the project, Brown lived in India for 12 years, and was strongly influenced by Gandhi. For two years (1986-88), he lived in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Ashram, where he learned about khadi.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the San Sebastián Rio Hondo village, he began teaching spinning to local families, and eventually started Khadi Oaxaca in 2010.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Khadi Oaxaca is evolving as a model for any village wishing to live those traditions that sustain life and help it to thrive.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Gandhiji saw the truth of where modern industry and politics were leading. He was tried to show us the way. Today we must also see that vision of non-violence in our industries and politics.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'oaxaca-khadi-village-in-mexico', 'image' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/8eaa/btkn29lqgvb73oc6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/8eaa/btkn29lqgvb73oc6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Oaxaca khadi village in Mexico', 'metakeyword' => 'Oaxaca khadi village in Mexico', 'metadescription' => 'Modi narrated an anecdote about how khadi reached the Latin American country after a local resident became influenced by a film on Mahatma Gandhi.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/t5o0pqn2sn9wu4x/3.Oaxaca_khadi_village_in_Mexico.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 100 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6163, 'title' => 'Maharani Jindan Kaur', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Maharani Jindan Kaur is in news for the auction of some of her jewellery at an Art sale in London earlier this week. She is the last wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Jindan Kaur led a spirited resistance to the encroachment of the British into the Punjab, but was eventually forced to surrender.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">She was the youngest wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, founder of the Sikh empire, whose boundaries stretched from Kabul to Kashmir and the borders of Delhi. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">She was also the mother of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last ruler of the empire, who was raised by the British.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kaur was born at Chachar in Gujranwala in 1817. She was the youngest of three siblings. Her father Manna Singh Aulakh was the overseer of the royal kennels.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Duleep Singh was five years old when he was placed on the throne in 1843 after the death of two heirs to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. She was made the reagent as he Duleep Singh was minor.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The British declared war on the Sikh empire in December 1845. After their victory in the first Anglo-Sikh war, they retained Duleep Singh as the ruler but imprisoned Jindan Kaur.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kaur escaped to Nepal from the Chunar fort where she was imprisoned. She tried to support rebellion from her hiding.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">She established contact with Bhai Maharaj Singh in Jammu and Kashmir. She also sent emissaries to Maharaj Gulab Singh of Jammu.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Anglo-Sikh wars</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The <strong>first war</strong> was caused by mutual suspicions and the turbulence of the Sikh army. The Sikh state in the Punjab had been built into a formidable power by the maharaja Ranjit Singh, who ruled from 1801 to 1839.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Relations with the British had already been strained by the refusal of the Sikhs to allow the passage of British troops through their territory during the First Anglo-Afghan War (1838–42). </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Sikhs crossed the Sutlej River in December 1845 under the pretext of stopping a British attack.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The British annexed Sikh lands east of the Sutlej and between it and the Beas River; Kashmir and Jammu were detached, and the Sikh army was limited to 20,000 infantry and 12,000 cavalry. A British resident was stationed in Lahore with British troops.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The <strong>Second Sikh War</strong> began with the revolt of Mulraj, governor of Multan, in April 1848 and became a national revolt when the Sikh army joined the rebels on September 14. The Sikh army surrendered on March 12, and the Punjab was then annexed.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'maharani-jindan-kaur', 'image' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/05ca/6k19xdbz2g5kz8h6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/05ca/6k19xdbz2g5kz8h6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Maharani Jindan Kaur', 'metakeyword' => 'Maharani Jindan Kaur', 'metadescription' => 'Maharani Jindan Kaur is in news for the auction of some of her jewellery at an Art sale in London earlier this week. She is the last wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/ou9rskqjful4fnq/2.Maharani_Jindan_Kaur.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 101 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6176, 'title' => 'Miyas of Assam', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Government of Assam has rejected suggestions to construct a museum showcasing Miyas and their culture involving their heritage of Char-chaporis.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Char-chaporis are shifting riverine islands of the Brahmaputra and are primarily inhabited by the Muslims of Bengali-origin.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The ‘Miya’ community comprises descendants of Muslim migrants from East Bengal (now Bangladesh) to Assam. They came to be referred to as ‘Miyas’, often in a derogatory manner.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The community migrated in several waves, starting with the British annexation of Assam in 1826, and continuing into Partition and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and have resulted in changes in demographic composition of the region. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Years of discontent among the indigenous people led to the six-year-long (1979-85) anti-foreigner Assam Agitation to weed out the “illegal immigrant”, who was perceived as trying to take over jobs, language, and culture of the indigenous population.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A char is a floating island while chaporis are low-lying flood-prone riverbanks. Prone to floods and erosion, these areas are marked by low development indices. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A UNDP Assam Human Development report from 2014 describes the char areas as suffering from communication deficits, lack of adequate schooling facilities beyond primary, girl child marriage, poverty, and illiteracy.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While Bengali-origin Muslims primarily occupy these islands, other communities such as Misings, Deoris, Kocharis, Nepalis also live here.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Over the years, the community has tried to integrate into the larger Assamese society, by speaking Assamese, sending their children to Assamese schools, and declaring Assamese as their language since the 1951 census.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Sankaradeva</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He was a saint-scholar, poet, playwright, social-religious reformer, and a figure of importance in the cultural and religious history of Assam, </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He is widely credited with building on past cultural relics and devising new forms of music (<strong>Borgeet</strong>), theatrical performance (<strong>Ankia</strong> <strong>Naat</strong>, <strong>Bhaona</strong>), dance (<strong>Sattriya</strong>), literary language (<strong>Brajavali</strong>). </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Besides, he has left an extensive literary oeuvre of trans-created scriptures (Bhagavat of Sankardev), poetry, and theological works written in Sanskrit, Assamese, and Brajavali.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The Bhagavatic religious movement he started, Ekasarana Dharma and also called Neo-Vaishnavite movement.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'miyas-of-assam', 'image' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/25a0/0g1pbly07v43jng6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/25a0/0g1pbly07v43jng6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Miyas of Assam', 'metakeyword' => 'Miyas of Assam', 'metadescription' => 'Government of Assam has rejected suggestions to construct a museum showcasing Miyas and their culture involving their heritage of Char-chaporis.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/xzchjoqf6oi2aos/5.Miyas_of_Assam.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 102 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6197, 'title' => 'Biden administration and India', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Democrat candidate Joe Biden has been declared the winner of the 2020 US presidential election, defeating Donald Trump, according to news agency The Associated Press.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Much before he became Vice President in the Barack Obama administration, Biden had advocated a stronger relationship with India.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Biden played an important role, both as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and later as Vice President, in systematically deepening strategic engagement with India.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Although (then) Senator Obama was initially hesitant to support the Indo-US nuclear deal, Biden led the charge and worked with both Democrats and Republicans, to approve the nuclear deal in the US Congress in 2008.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Biden was one of the key advocates of strengthening the Indo-US partnership, especially in strategic areas. During that time, the US officially declared its support for India’s membership in a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Obama-Biden Administration also named India a “Major Defence Partner”, which made it easier to share advanced and critical technology to India to strengthen defence ties. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This was crucial since it was for the first time that any country was given this status, outside of the US’s traditional alliance system.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In August 2016, the two sides signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), the first of the three “foundational pacts” for deeper military cooperation.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As Democrats are seen to be more liberal on immigration, Biden is expected to be softer towards Indians who go to the US to study, work and live there, and aspire for a better life.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He has promised to support family-based immigration, increase the number of visas offered for permanent, work-based immigration, reform the temporary visa system for high-skill, specialty jobs and eliminate the limits on employment-based green cards. He has also promised to restore the naturalisation process for green card holders.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Over the last 20 years, every US President had differences on many issues, but if there was one common theme on which all of them agreed was this: a stronger relationship with India.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>LEMOA</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">LEMOA allows the militaries of the US and India to replenish from each other’s bases, and access supplies, spare parts and services from each other’s land facilities, air bases, and ports, which can then be reimbursed.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">LEMOA is extremely useful for India-US Navy-to-Navy cooperation, since the two countries are cooperating closely in the Indo-Pacific. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'biden-administration-and-india', 'image' => '', 'fbimage' => '', 'metatitle' => 'Biden administration and India | What a Biden administration', 'metakeyword' => 'Biden administration and India | What a Biden administration', 'metadescription' => 'Democrat candidate Joe Biden has been declared the winner of the 2020 US presidential election, defeating Donald Trump, according to news agency', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => '', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 103 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6352, 'title' => 'Bru unrest in Tripura', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The situation in Tripura remains tense after protests against the planned permanent resettlement of thousands of Bru migrants.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">An agreement was signed in January this year to allow Brus remaining in the camps of Tripura to permanently settle in the state. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bengali and Mizo communities in Tripura felt that settling would lead to a demographic imbalance, exert pressure on local resources and potentially lead to law and order problems.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mizo Convention has paired up with the Mancha to create a platform called Joint Movement Committee (JMC) and proclaimed that not more than 1,500 Bru families would be allowed to settle at Kanchanpur.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">According to the four-corner agreement for resettling them in Tripura, the central government announced a special development project with funding of Rs 600 crore. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Each resettled family is estimated get 0.03 acre of land for building a home, Rs 1.5 lakh as housing assistance, and Rs 4 lakh as a one-time cash benefit for sustenance, monthly allowance of Rs 5,000, and free rations for two years from the date of resettlement.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Bru</strong> </span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Bru or Reang are a community indigenous to Northeast India, living mostly in Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam. In Tripura, they are recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">They were targeted by the Young Mizo Association (YMA), Mizo Zirwlai Pawl (MZP), and a few ethnic social organisations of Mizoram who demanded that the Bru be excluded from electoral rolls in the state.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In October 1997, following ethnic clashes, nearly 37,000 Bru fled Mizoram to Tripura, where they were sheltered in relief camps. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Since then, over 5,000 have returned to Mizoram in nine phases of repatriation, while 32,000 people still live in six relief camps in North Tripura.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'bru-unrest-in-tripura', 'image' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/da7d/8abh6jt7ghb9im16g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/da7d/8abh6jt7ghb9im16g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Bru unrest in Tripura', 'metakeyword' => 'Bru unrest in Tripura', 'metadescription' => 'Bengali and Mizo communities in Tripura felt that settling would lead to a demographic imbalance, exert pressure on local resources and potentially lead', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/ximn5sau2jhknr5/5.Bru_unrest_in_Tripura.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 104 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6253, 'title' => 'Economic stimulus package 3.0', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a fiscal stimulus package to boost demand and help economy to recover from slowdown.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A new 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana' to incentivize job creation. Beneficiaries under the new scheme include any new employee joining employment in EPFO registered establishments on monthly wages less than Rs 15,000.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Emergency Credit line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) has been extended till March 31, 2021. Also, tenor of credit under ECLGS 2.0 to be five years, including one year moratorium on principal repayment.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rs 1.46 lakh crore boost manufacturing sector with production-linked incentive for 10 sectors such as mobile manufacturing, electronic components, and pharma. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rs 18,000 crore additional outlay for PM Awaas Yojana (PMAY- Urban). This will help 12 lakh houses to be grounded and 18 lakhs to be completed.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Support for construction and infrastructure - relaxation of earnest money deposit (EMD) and performance security on government tenders. Performance security on contracts to be reduced to 3% instead of 5 to 10%.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rs 6,000 crore equity infusion in National Infrastructure & Investment Fund (NIIF) debt platform by 2025.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rs 900 crore provided for COVID Suraksha Mission for research and development of the Indian COVID vaccine to the Department of Biotechnology.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rs 3,000 crores to be released to EXIM Bank for promotion of project exports through Lines of Credit under IDEAS Scheme.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rs 65,000 crore to be provided for subsidised fertlisers. This will help 140 million farmers.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Economic stimulus</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Economic stimulus is action by the government to encourage private sector economic activity by engaging in targeted, expansionary monetary or fiscal policy.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Economic stimulus is commonly employed during times of recession. Policy tools often used to implement economic stimulus include lowering interest rates, increasing government spending, and quantitative easing, to name a few.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The goal with economic stimulus is to achieve this stimulus-response effect so that the private sector economy can do most of the work to fight the recession and to avoid the various risks that might come with massive government deficits or extreme monetary policy.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'economic-stimulus-package-3-point-0', 'image' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/79de/1ho5e5eax25gui06g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/79de/1ho5e5eax25gui06g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Economic stimulus package 3.0 | Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0', 'metakeyword' => 'Economic stimulus package 3.0 | Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0', 'metadescription' => 'Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a fiscal stimulus package to boost demand and help economy to recover from slowdown.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/xh8b2lyunqjrnf6/1.Economic_stimulus_package_3.0.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 105 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6452, 'title' => 'Kimchi', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">South Korean social media users have been upset after Chinese citizens have claimed that the popular South Korean dish Kimchi has Chinese origin.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The debate was sparked after one of the China’s fermented dishes received certification from the International Organisation for Standardisation [ISO].</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">South Korean social media users have taken to the internet and accused China of Plagiarism. Chinese users have defended the move.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Rice and Kimchi (fermented cabbage) is a staple dish in the Korean peninsula and both Korea have made Kimchi their national dish.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">South Korea has invested lot of resources for promotion of Kimchi such as World Institute of Kimchi and Korean Kimchi Association. There is also a museum to trace history of Kimchi.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The issue was started due to excessive import of Chinese made Kimchi to supplement domestic demand. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This made Chinese made Kimchi to contribute towards 90% of South Korea’s consumption due to its cheaper prices.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">China has also pushed back Korea while exporting Kimchi to Japan, one of the largest food markets in the region.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">South Korea has demanded for a Kimchi standard to prevent copied version of the food from originating and also protecting interests of Korean culture.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The UN appears to agree that Kimchi is South Korean, with Unesco adding Kimjang – the communal act of making Kimchi – to its intangible cultural heritage list in 2013.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'kimchi', 'image' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/650d/w78cvrr3jupakuu6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/650d/w78cvrr3jupakuu6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Kimchi | What is kimchi', 'metakeyword' => 'Kimchi | What is kimchi & why are South Korea & china fighting over it', 'metadescription' => 'South Korean social media users have been upset after Chinese citizens have claimed that the popular South Korean dish Kimchi has Chinese origin.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/d734xktv9o739b8/1.Kimchi.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 106 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6485, 'title' => 'Himachal Pradesh demands GI tag for five products', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Himachal Pradesh Government is trying to get GI tag status for five products from the state—Karsog Kulth, Thangi of Pangi, Chamba metal crafts, Chamba Chukh and Rajmah of Bharmour.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">World Intellectual property organisation defines GI as a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Karsog Kulth</strong>: It is a variety of horse gram legume grown as a kharif crop in Himachal Pradesh. Kulth grown in Karsog area is said to be rich in amino acids.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Thangi of Pangi</strong>: It is a type of hazelnut particularly grown in Pangi valley of Himachal. It is known for its unique flavour and sweetness.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Chamba metal crafts</strong>: These include items such as metal idols and brass utensils which were historically made by skill artisans of Chamba valley. There have been efforts to revive the trade.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Chamba Chukh</strong>: It is a type of chutney made from red and green chillies grown in Chamba valley and prepared in unique and traditional way. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Rajmah of Bharmour</strong>: It is specifically called Kugtalu Rajmah since it is grown near the Kugti pass. It is rich in proteins and has rich flavours.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>GI tags of Himachal Pradesh</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kangra paintings of Kangra valley, Kullu shawl of Kullu valley and Chamba rumal from Chamba. In addition, Kinnauri Kala Jeera is still pending.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Geographical Indication</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town, region, or country). </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The use of a geographical indication, as an indication of the product's source, acts as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to traditional methods, or enjoys a good reputation due to its geographical origin.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Geographical Indications protection is granted through the TRIPS Agreement.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Benefits of GI tag</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">GI provides better market for the products and prevents misuse of the name. A GI tag is given to a area and not a trader. Once a tag is given, a trader can apply for selling a product using GI tag.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Unregistered trader selling GI tag product can be prosecuted under the geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">GI are also expected to boost or revive the items whose production has declined or under the verge of extinction.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'himachal-pradesh-demands-gi-tag-for-five-products', 'image' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/592c/o1bj903zsd7kee46g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/592c/o1bj903zsd7kee46g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Himachal Pradesh demands GI tag for five products', 'metakeyword' => 'Himachal Pradesh demands GI tag for five products | here is why', 'metadescription' => 'The Himachal Pradesh Government is trying to get GI tag status for five products from the state—Karsog Kulth, Thangi of Pangi, Chamba metal crafts,', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/dtfjxj8uqv76yro/4.Himachal_Pradesh_demands_GI_tag_for_five_products.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 107 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6591, 'title' => 'Khudiram Bose', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the native village of Bengali revolutionary Khudiram Bose in Midnapore, West Bengal.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">One of the youngest leaders of the Independence movement, Bose is highly regarded in Bengal for his fearless spirit.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He is most remembered for his attempt to assassinate the British judge, Magistrate Douglas Kingsford, which ultimately led him to be sentenced to death at the young age of 18. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In 1905, when Bengal was partitioned, he actively participated in protests against the British. At the age of 15, Bose joined the Anushilan Samiti, an early 20th century organisation that propounded revolutionary activities in Bengal.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bose along with Prafulla Chaki were assigned the task of assassinating the district magistrate of <a href="https://indianexpress.com/elections/muzaffarpur-lok-sabha-election-results/">Muzaffarpur</a>, Kingsford.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There were multiple attempts to assassinate Kingsford. Initially the plan was to throw the bomb in the court, which was abandoned.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Thereafter, on April 30, 1908, Bose threw a bomb on a carriage which he suspected was carrying Kingsford. Bose was arrested when he tried to escape by a train.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On May 21, 1908, the historic trial of Bose began presided by Judge Corndoff, Nathuni Prasad and Janak Prasad in the Jury. On July 13, 1908, Bose was finally sentenced to death.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'khudiram-bose', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/8495/tq8ucgrykerz0rs6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/8495/tq8ucgrykerz0rs6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Khudiram Bose | Khudiram Bose in Midnapore, West Bengal', 'metakeyword' => 'Khudiram Bose | Khudiram Bose in Midnapore, West Bengal', 'metadescription' => 'Khudiram Bose- Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the native village of Bengali revolutionary Khudiram Bose in Midnapore, West Bengal.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/q1a4ens9j1j6206/4.Khudiram+Bose.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 108 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6628, 'title' => 'Climate change led to fall of central Asian river civilizations', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">New research has shown that decline of central Asian river civilizations was due to climate change and not Mongol invasion as widely believed.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Researchers conducted analysis on the region and found that falling water levels may have led to the fall of civilizations around the Aral Sea Basin, as they depended on the water for irrigation-based farming.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Aral Sea basin in Central Asia and the major rivers flowing through the region were once home to advanced river civilizations which used floodwater irrigation to farm.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Researchers reconstructed the effects of climate change on floodwater farming in the region and found that decreasing river flow was equally important for the abandonment of these previously flourishing city states.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Central Asia recovered quickly following Arab invasions in the 7th and 8th centuries CE because of favourable wet conditions. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">But prolonged drought during and following the later Mongol destruction reduced the resilience of local population and prevented the re-establishment of large-scale irrigation-based agriculture.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The research focused on the archaeological sites and irrigation canals of the Otrar oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once a Silk Road trade hub located at the meeting point of the Syr Darya and Arys rivers in present southern Kazakhstan.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The researchers investigated the region to determine when the irrigation canals were abandoned and studied the past dynamics of the Arys river, whose waters fed the canals. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The abandonment of irrigation systems matches a phase of riverbed erosion between the 10th and 14th century CE, that coincided with a dry period with low river flows, rather than corresponding with the Mongol invasion.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'fall-of-central-asian-river-civilizations', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/e47a/yljh4bxetr8mg126g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/e47a/yljh4bxetr8mg126g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Climate change led to fall of central Asian river civilizations', 'metakeyword' => 'Climate change led to fall of central Asian river civilizations', 'metadescription' => 'New research has shown that decline of central Asian river civilizations was due to climate change and not Mongol invasion as widely believed.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/lbo44s15tvxfrfl/1.Climate+change+led+to+fall+of+central+Asian+river+civilizations.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 109 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6532, 'title' => 'Fat residue in Harappan pots indicate meat consumption', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A new study has found the presence of animal products, including cattle and buffalo meat, in ceramic vessels dating back to seven Indus Valley Civilisation sites in present-day Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The study analysed the lipid residue in pottery found at the ancient sites using modern technology and same to the conclusion.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The high proportions of cattle bones may suggest a cultural preference for beef consumption across Indus populations, supplemented by the consumption of mutton/lamb.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The analysis of lipid residues involved extraction and identification of the fats and oils that were absorbed in the vessels.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lipids are relatively less prone to degradation and have been discovered in pottery from archaeological contexts around the world. However, they have seen very limited investigation in ancient ceramics from South Asia.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The study was the first to look into the absorbed lipid residues in pottery from multiple sites, including Rakhigarhi, Farmana, and Masudpur.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Indus Valley Civilization</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Indus Valley Civilisation was a Bronze Age civilisation in the north-western regions of South Asia, lasting from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The civilization was first identified in 1921 at Harappa in the Punjab region and then in 1922 at Mohenjo-Daro, near the Indus River in the Sindh (Sind) region.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Rakhigarhi</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The site of Rakhigarhi is one of the five known biggest townships of Harappan civilization on Indian sub-continent. Five interconnected mounds spread in a huge area from the Rakhigarhi's unique site. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The archaeological excavations revealed mature Harappan phase represented by planned township having mud-brick as well as burnt-brick houses with proper drainage system. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Other antiquities included blades; terracotta and shell bangles; beads of semiprecious stones, terracotta, shell and copper objects; animal figurines, toy cart frame and wheel of terracotta; bone points; inscribed steatite seals.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'fat-residue-in-harappan-pots-indicate-meat-consumption', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4be9/11f51icisgt4hqn6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4be9/11f51icisgt4hqn6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Fat residue in Harappan pots indicate meat consumption', 'metakeyword' => 'Fat residue in Harappan pots indicate meat consumption | Indus Valley Civilization | Rakhigarhi', 'metadescription' => 'A new study has found the presence of animal products, including cattle and buffalo meat, in ceramic vessels dating back to seven Indus Valley Civilisation sites', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/p2jxakyrxc7997k/1.Fat+residue+in+Harappan+pots+indicate+meat+consumption.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 110 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6858, 'title' => 'Jallikattu', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Jallikattu sport took place during the Pongal festival held across Tamil Nadu. The sport has gained traction since revocation of ban.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Jallikattu is a traditional event in which a bull is released into a crowd of people, and multiple human participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull's back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Participants hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags on the bull's horns. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Jallikattu is typically practised in the state of Tamil Nadu during Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day, which occurs annually in January.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As there were incidents of injury and death associated with the sport, both to the participants and to the animals forced into it, animal rights organizations have called for a ban to the sport, resulting in the court banning it several times over the past years.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Jallikattu has been known to be practiced during the Tamil classical period (400-100 BCE). It was common among the Ayar people who lived in the ‘Mullai’ geographical division of the ancient Tamil Nadu. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Later, it became a platform for display of bravery, and prize money was introduced for participation encouragement. A seal from the Indus Valley Civilization depicts the practice.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Variations</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Vadi manjuvirattu</strong>: This is the most common category of jallikattu. The bull is released from a closed space and the contestants attempt to wrap their arms or hands around the hump of the bull and hold on to it to win the award. Only one person is allowed to attempt at a time. </span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Veli virattu</strong>: In this variant the approach is slightly different as the bull is directly released into open ground. The rules are the same as that of vadi majuvira??u. This is a popular variant in the districts of Sivagangai and Madurai.</span></span></li> <li><strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Vatam manjuvirattu</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">: In this variant, the bull is tied with a 15 m (49 ft) rope. There are no other physical restrictions for the bull and hence it can move freely anywhere. The maximum time period given is 30 minutes. A team of seven to nine members can attempt to untie the gift token that is tied on the bull's horn.</span></span></li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'jallikattu', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ad93/00bhd2mfnlw46k26g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ad93/00bhd2mfnlw46k26g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Jallikattu | A Jallikattu like never before', 'metakeyword' => 'Jallikattu | As Jallikattu begins, recalling the cultural argument for an ancient tradition | A Jallikattu like never before', 'metadescription' => 'Jallikattu is a traditional event in which a bull is released into a crowd of people, and multiple human participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull's', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/z9s764d8q0d3dxx/3.Jallikattu.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 111 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6828, 'title' => 'Hazaras community', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pakistan’s Hazaras finally ended a protest and agreed to bury the bodies of 11 coal miners from the community killed by the Islamic State.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Islamic State terrorists had killed Hazara coal miners in Balochistan province due to their ethnic and Shiite identity. They consider Hazaras as inferior.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Persecution of the Shiite Hazaras is nothing new in Pakistan or neighbouring Afghanistan. They have been frequently targeted by Taliban and Islamic State militants and other Sunni Muslim militant groups in both countries.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Around 1773, the mountainous region of Hazarajat in modern-day central Afghanistan was annexed and made a part of the territories of Afghan Empire under Pashtun ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Sunni Muslim majority under the Pashtun ruler resulted in further marginalisation of the Shiite Hazara community, </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">They were forced to leave fertile lowlands in central Afghanistan and make the dry, arid mountainous landscape their new home.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Hazaras</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Hazaras speak Hazaragi, which is close to Dari Persian, the official language of modern-day Afghanistan. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Research indicates that their unique identity, ethnicity, and religion always made the Hazaras stand out among the other communities. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The community also shares physical similarities with the Mongols and their speech, specific terms, and phrases, reflect strong Central Asian Turkic influences, setting them apart from their people in Pakistan and other communities within Afghanistan.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>History of attacks</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In 2013, three separate bombings killed more than 200 people in Hazara neighbourhoods of Quetta, Pakistan.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Shia community in Pakistan had erupted in anger over the Pakistani government’s lack of protection of the city.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">They had refused to bury the dead till the government made steps to improve security. The Sunni militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed one of the three deadly attacks. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'hazaras-community', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/dacc/bmaukqdr9zyjriw6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/dacc/bmaukqdr9zyjriw6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Hazaras community', 'metakeyword' => 'Hazaras community | Pakistan government fails to protect Hazara community | Why the Hazaras have become regular targets in Pakistan | History of attacks', 'metadescription' => 'The Islamic State terrorists had killed Hazara coal miners in Balochistan province due to their ethnic and Shiite identity. They consider Hazaras as inferior.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/gg32vu66pxfiynh/2.Hazaras+community.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 112 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6958, 'title' => 'Maharashtra’s jail tourism', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> The Prison Department of Maharashtra launched its jail tourism initiative starting from the 150-year-old Yerawada Central Prison in Pune. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Many of the prisons in Maharashtra housed leaders of the independence struggle and countless freedom fighters. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Yerawada Central Prison is the largest jail in Maharashtra and one of the largest maximum security prisons in the country. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Maharashtra, there are 16 functioning prisons that were built in the 19th century, the oldest being Byculla District Prison in Mumbai which started in 1840. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Along with the Yerawada Prison —Thane, Nashik, Dhule, and Ratnagiri jails —will be added to jail tourism initiative in subsequent phases.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Historical importance</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned at Yerawada jail three times. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Pandit Motilal Nehru, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Sarojini Naidu, and Subhas Chandra Bose were also imprisoned.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The cell where Mahatma Gandhi was lodged is called the Gandhi Yard, which is also the place where the historic Poona Pact between Gandhi and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was signed.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Poona pact</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Poona Pact was an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar on behalf of depressed classes and upper caste Hindu leaders on the reservation of electoral seats for the depressed classes in the legislature of British India.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was signed by Ambedkar on behalf of the depressed classes and by Madan Mohan Malviya on behalf of the upper caste Hindus and Gandhi as a means to end the fast undertaken by Gandhiji. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Gandhiji was fasting in jail as a protest against the decision made by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald to give separate electorates to depressed classes for the election of members of provincial legislative assemblies.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Communal award</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Communal Award was made by the British prime minister after Round Table Conference (1930–32) and extended the separate electorate to depressed Classes (now known as the Scheduled Caste) and other minorities. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The separate electorate was introduced in [Indian council Act 1909] for Muslims and extended to Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, and Europeans by Government of India Act 1919. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Award favoured the minorities over the Hindus causing disappointment and eliciting anger from Gandhi.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The Award was controversial as it was believed by some to have been brought in by the British to create social divide among the Hindus. Gandhi feared that it would disintegrate Hindu society. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'maharashtras-jail-tourism', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/f8f8/ysoq25wt4wt61qv6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/f8f8/ysoq25wt4wt61qv6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Maharashtra’s jail tourism', 'metakeyword' => 'Maharashtra’s jail tourism | What is Maharashtra’s jail tourism initiative launched from Pune’s Yerawada Jail | Maharashtra CM inaugurates jail tourism in Pune', 'metadescription' => 'In Maharashtra, there are 16 functioning prisons that were built in the 19th century, the oldest being Byculla District Prison in Mumbai which started in 1840.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/7ov533n8s88ultc/3.+Maharashtra’s+jail+tourism.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 113 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6745, 'title' => 'Fukubukuro', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Japanese tradition of Fukubukuro has turned out to be a dull affair due to the coronavirus pandemic.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The term fukubukuro is comprised of two Japanese words: fuku, meaning good fortune or luck, and bukuro meaning bag. It is a practice of gifting lucky bag.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Fukubukuro typically go on sale at the start of the New Year, with outlets ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to discount liquor stores bagging up a selection of items.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There may be no way of knowing just what is inside, but the understanding is that it will be worth around double of what the buyer pays.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Fukubukuro are an easy way for stores to unload excess and unwanted merchandise from the previous year, due to a Japanese superstition that one must not start the New Year with unwanted items from the previous year and start clean.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Fukubukuro come at a variety of different prices. Most bags are priced ranging from a few hundred to a few 10,000 yen (1–100 USD). However, every year there are also a few extremely expensive fukubukuro available.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Merchants plan out what will go into these grab bags and what the selling price will be months in advance. In major department stores, grab bags are usually themed to specific departments.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In other stores (especially smaller stores), many fukubukuro are often filled with items that relate to the store or think kindly of the customers’ needs.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Bags containing nothing but unwanted items are known colloquially as fuk?bukuro ("misfortune bags") or utsubukuro ("depressing bags"), and some stores which have nothing good to offer inside actually name their bags this and offer them at extremely low prices.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'fukubukuro', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ef50/lz4tzr8bhqu6e8c6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/ef50/lz4tzr8bhqu6e8c6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Fukubukuro', 'metakeyword' => 'Fukubukuro', 'metadescription' => 'The term fukubukuro is comprised of two Japanese words: fuku, meaning good fortune or luck, and bukuro meaning bag. It is a practice of gifting lucky bag.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/yb1q4x85g80jhds/4._Fukubukuro.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 114 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6714, 'title' => 'Jack Ma', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Absence of Chinese billionaire and founder of Alibaba Group, Jack Ma from a TV show has fuelled speculations about his whereabouts.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This comes at a time when Ma and his companies are facing a crackdown from Chinese regulators after he made a speech that criticised Chinese regulatory system.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Jack Ma was born in 1964 as Ma Yun in China’s Hangzhou city. He became interested in the English language at a young age and worked as a guide for foreign tourists to Hangzhou in his teens.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ma attended Hangzhou Teacher’s Institute (now known as Hangzhou Normal University) and graduated in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in English.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ma applied for 30 jobs but got rejected every time. He then got a job at a local university where he taught English. He separately began a translation company with some of his friends.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ma got to witness the internet and its potential for the first time in 1995 during a US trip. After his return to China, he thought of building something which would put China on the world’s internet map.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He founded China Pages, a yellow pages website that didn’t succeed. Then he helped set up a website for a government agency in Beijing.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ma founded Alibaba Group in June 1999 along with his wife and a group of friends. Initially, the platform allowed businesses to sell products to each other. In 2000, Alibaba raised $25 million from investors including Goldman Sachs and SoftBank.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After dominating the e-commerce industry in China, Alibaba expanded to other businesses as well such as cloud computing, video-streaming, movie production, healthcare, sports, retail, and news media.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">With a net worth of $48.2 billion, Ma is the second-wealthiest person in China (after Ma Huateng), as well as one of the wealthiest people in the world.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'jack-ma', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/6d87/drr5o1fo11hmgl66g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/6d87/drr5o1fo11hmgl66g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Jack Ma | Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma missing or arrested', 'metakeyword' => 'Jack Ma | Where is Jack Ma | Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma missing or arrested | Alibaba founder’s ‘disappearance', 'metadescription' => 'This comes at a time when Ma and his companies are facing a crackdown from Chinese regulators after he made a speech that criticised Chinese regulatory system.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/ru5wlz7qxzy1shm/3._Jack_Ma.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 115 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6968, 'title' => 'Determining age of Ram Setu', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Indian scientists will undertake a scientific expedition to date the chain of corals and sediments forming the Ram Setu.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ram Setu or Adam’s bridge is a bridge-like structure between India and Sri Lanka which finds mention in the Ramayana but little about its formation is known or scientifically proven. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">CSIR-NIO will undertake a three-year scientific project. The idea is to see whether Ram Setu is a man-made structure or not.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The most important aspect of the project is to establish its age, scientifically. Once it is known, the information can be verified and co-related with its mention in the Ramayana and similar scriptures.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Carbon dating techniques, which are now available in India, will be primarily used to determine the age of the sediments.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Broadly, the explorers will apply a number of scientific techniques while attempting to date the Ram Setu, study its material composition, outline the sub-surface structure along with attempting to excavate remnants or artifacts.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Project plan</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">An initial survey will make use of underwater photographs to check if any habitation remains inundated in the area. A geophysical survey will be performed to understand the structure.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Initially, only physical observation, and no drilling, will be done. A scientific survey will be performed to understand the sub-surface structure.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The team will mainly comprise seasoned archaeologists, trained in diving, along with scientists to study ocean floors and perform seismic surveys.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As the locality around Ram Setu is shallow, with depth not more than 3 to 4 meters beneath water, the scientists will use local boats to ferry along the Setu. This is because large vessels or ships cannot sail at such shallow depths.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Ram Setu location</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Adam's Bridge, also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu, is a chain of limestone shoals, between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Geological evidence suggests that this bridge is a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka. It separates the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'determining-age-of-ram-setu', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/49f4/nr3m7t4z5yq5u836g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/49f4/nr3m7t4z5yq5u836g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Determining age of Ram Setu', 'metakeyword' => 'Determining age of Ram Setu | What upcoming expedition to Ram Setu could reveal about structures of history, myth | Underwater Scientific study to determine the age of “Ram Setu”', 'metadescription' => 'Ram Setu or Adam’s bridge is a bridge-like structure between India and Sri Lanka which finds mention in the Ramayana but little about its formation is known or scientifically', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/1hioepyxzxblphh/4.Determining_age_of_Ram_Setu.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 116 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6849, 'title' => 'Gujarat’s MICE tourism policy', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Gujarat Chief Minister has announced the tourism policy for 2021-25, seeking to position the state as the country’s foremost tourist destination through MICE tourism.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The acronym “MICE” stands for “Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions”, and is essentially a version of business tourism that draws domestic and international tourists to a destination.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">To incentivise international events, the government has announced an assistance of Rs 5,000 to the event organiser per foreign participant staying overnight, subject to an upper limit of Rs 5 lakh.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For domestic events, the policy promises financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh per event, capped at three events per organiser per year.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The policy promises special incentives for building big convention centres, including 15% capital subsidy on the eligible capital investment.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government has also promised land on lease. A precondition to avail the incentive is that the convention centre should have at least one hall that can seat a minimum of 2,500 persons.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Tourism destinations promoted</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> Statue of Unity (World’s tallest statue)</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Gir (Home of Asiatic lion)</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ahmedabad (UNESCO heritage city)</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lothal (India’s first port city)</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Dholavira (Indus civilisation city)</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Shivrajpur (blue-flag beach)</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Seaplane service from the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'gujarats-mice-tourism-policy', 'image' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4648/w1d4remxjch0bxc6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4648/w1d4remxjch0bxc6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Gujarat’s MICE tourism policy', 'metakeyword' => 'Gujarat’s MICE tourism policy | CM unveils new tourism policy, focus on ‘high priority’ centres | What does Gujarat seek to achieve with its new ‘MICE’ tourism policy', 'metadescription' => 'Gujarat Chief Minister has announced the tourism policy for 2021-25, seeking to position the state as the country’s foremost tourist destination through MICE tourism.', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'https://www.mediafire.com/file/8tbc8jcz6k8p6kw/3._Gujarat%25E2%2580%2599s_MICE_tourism_policy.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 117 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 7050, 'title' => 'Lingayats', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Politics around the Lingayat community has once again taken centre stage in Karnataka, with a section of people in the community demanding inclusion of a large Lingayat sub-sect in an OBC quota category.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lingayatism is a Shaivite Hindu religious tradition in India. Initially known as Veerashaivas, The adherents of this faith are known as Lingayats.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The terms Lingayatism and Veerashaivism have been used synonymously, but Veerashaivism may refer to the broader Veerashaiva philosophy which predates Lingayatism.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lingayatism was founded, or revived, by the 12th-century philosopher and statesman Basava in Karnataka. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Philosophy</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The term Lingayat is based on the practice of both genders of Lingayats wearing an i??alinga contained inside a silver box with a necklace all the time. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The istalinga is an oval-shaped emblem symbolising Parashiva, the absolute reality and icon of their spirituality. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lingayatism is generally considered a Hindu sect as their beliefs include many Hindu elements. Worship is centered on Shiva as the universal god in the iconographic form of Ishtalinga. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lingayatism emphasises qualified monism, with philosophical foundations similar to those of the 11th–12th-century South Indian philosopher Ramanuja. Lingayatism rejects any form of social discrimination including the caste system. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">While "Veerashaivas' claim that the two communities are one and the same," orthodox Lingayats claim that they are different. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Lingayats claim that Veerashaivas do not truly follow Basava, accept Vedic literature, and "worship idols of Lord Shiva.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Basavanna (Basava)</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Basavanna was a 12th-century Hindu philosopher, statesman, Kannada poet in the Shiva-focused Bhakti movement, and a social reformer during the reign of the Kalachuri king Bijjala II (reigned 1157–1167) in Karnataka.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Basava grew up in a Brahmin family with a tradition of Shaivism. He developed and inspired a new devotional movement named Virashaivas.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This movement shared its roots in the ongoing Bhakti movement, particularly the Shaiva Nayanars traditions, over the 7th- to 11th-century.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Teachings of Basavanna </strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Basava championed devotional worship that rejected temple worship with rituals led by Brahmins, and emphasized personalised direct worship of Shiva through practices such as individually worn icons and symbols like a small linga. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Basavanna spread social awareness through his poetry, popularly known as Vachanaas. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Basavanna rejected gender or social discrimination, and caste distinctions, as well as some extant practices such as the wearing of sacred thread, and replaced this with the ritual of wearing Ishtalinga necklace, with an image of the Shiva Li?ga. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He introduced new public institutions such as the Anubhava Mantapa, which welcomed men and women from all socio-economic backgrounds to discuss spiritual and mundane questions of life, in open. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Lingayatism suggests giving and donating a part of one's time, effort and income to one's community and to religious mendicants. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'lingayats', 'image' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/5d42/lpy7lqwrckfpobj6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/5d42/lpy7lqwrckfpobj6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Lingayats | A Lingayat sub-sect’s quota demand: context, implications', 'metakeyword' => 'Lingayats | A Lingayat sub-sect’s quota demand: context, implications | Who are the Lingayats and why they want a minority status', 'metadescription' => 'Politics around the Lingayat community has once again taken centre stage in Karnataka, with a section of people in the community demanding inclusion of a large', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/7vj3800lc95yd3e/2._Lingayats.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 118 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'Miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6422, 'title' => 'Golan Heights', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Archaeologists have unveiled a fortified structure from the time of the King David on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The 3,000-year-old fortress is believed to have belonged to the Geshurites, King David's allies.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Diggers found a large stone with an engraving of two horned figures stretching out their arms and a statuette of a woman holding a musical instrument, possibly a drum.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There is source material indicating “family ties” between the Geshur kingdom and the kingdom of David. </span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Golan Heights</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Golan Heights is a region in the Levant, spanning about 1,800 square Km (690 sq mi). The region defined as the Golan Heights differs between disciplines.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> As a geological and biogeographical region, the Golan Heights refers to a basaltic plateau bordered by the <strong>Yarmouk</strong> River in the south, the Sea of Galilee and Hula Valley in the west.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">As a geopolitical region, the Golan Heights refers to the area captured from Syria and occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War, territory which has been administered as part of Israel since 1981. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This region includes the western two-thirds of the geological Golan Heights and the Israeli-occupied part of Mount Hermon.</span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In addition to its strategic military importance, the Golan Heights is an important water resource, especially at the higher elevations, which are snow-covered in the winter and help sustain base flow for rivers and springs during the dry season.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>West Bank</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The West Bank is a landlocked territory near the Mediterranean coast of Western Asia, bordered by Jordan to the east and by Israel to the south, west, and north. The West Bank also contains a significant section of the western Dead Sea shore. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The "West Bank" name was given to the territory after it was captured by Jordan in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War because it sits on the west side of the Jordan river. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Jordan subsequently annexed the territory in 1950 and held it until 1967 when it was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0cm"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Gaza strip</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The Gaza Strip is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest and Israel on the east and north border. Gaza and the West Bank are claimed by the de jure sovereign State of Palestine.</span></span></p> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {}, 'posturl' => 'golan-heights', 'image' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/584b/p956ewv5hx6dcjx6g.jpg', 'fbimage' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/584b/p956ewv5hx6dcjx6g.jpg', 'metatitle' => 'Golan Heights | Golan Heights | History, Map, & Facts', 'metakeyword' => 'Golan Heights | Golan Heights | History, Map, & Facts', 'metadescription' => 'Diggers found a large stone with an engraving of two horned figures stretching out their arms and a statuette of a woman holding a musical instrument,', 'author' => null, 'downlaodpdf' => 'http://www.mediafire.com/file/ddcsyk0rjlepy3v/1.Golan_Heights.pdf/file', '[new]' => false, '[accessible]' => [ [maximum depth reached] ], '[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]], '[repository]' => 'currentaffairs' }, (int) 119 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) { 'tag' => 'Miscellaneous', 'keyword' => 'miscellaneous', 'id' => (int) 6660, 'title' => 'Jharkhand’s farm loan waiver scheme', 'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Jharkhand cabinet has <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jharkhand-cabinet-nod-to-loan-waiver-for-9-lakh-farmers-7117590/">approved a farm loan waiver scheme</a> with a total <a href="https://indianexpress.com/about/budget-2020/">budget</a> of Rs 2,000 crore. </span></span></p> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The number of farmers in Jharkhand is anywhere between 22 lakh to 32 lakh and most are single crop growers. It has 12.93 lakh farmers who have farm loans. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">During first phase of implementation only 10,500 ‘Standard KCC’ crop loan accounts on a sample basis will be benefited on December 29.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Eligibility</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The loan waiver scheme will give relief to 7.83 lakh farmers in the state. In addition to this, Rs 50,000 will be waived for 1.24 lakh farmers. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">For each farmer, the capping is at Rs 50,000.The amount will be paid by the government to their respective banks. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Both landowners and landless farmers will be eligible. The farmer should have repaid instalment at least once during the repayment period.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> <p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Process</strong></span></span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In the first phase, the implementation will be done manually. Banks will collect certified copies of farmers’ <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/what-is-aadhaar-card-and-where-is-it-mandatory-4587547/">Aadhaar</a> and ration cards, and retain them for either uploading on a web portal or producing it to the competent authority. </span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Online Aadhar seeding with respective KCC loan accounts have been done. The banks will charge the farmers Re 1 for the service.</span></span></p> </li> </ul> ', 'created_date' => object(Cake\