National Current Affairs September 4th Week 2020
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates six mega projects in Uttarakhand under the Namami Gange Mission:
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates six mega projects in Uttarakhand under the Namami Gange Mission on 29th September 2020 through video conference. Also, he will also inaugurate "Ganga Avalokan" museum, the first museum on Ganga which is dedicated to showcasing the culture, biodiversity and rejuvenation activities done in Ganga river. The Ganga Avalokan museum is located at Chandi Ghat, Haridwar. He unveiled the logo of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and `Margdarshika for Gram Panchayats and Paani Samitis under Jal Jeevan Mission.`
Highlights:
♦ The 6 projects include upgradation of the existing 27 MLD at Jagjeetpur, in Haridwar, the construction of a 68 MLD STP, the construction of an 18 MLD STP at Sarai, in Haridwar.
♦ The 68 MLD Jagjeetpur project marks the completion of the first sewerage project taken up on hybrid annuity mode of PPP.
♦ In Rishikesh, a 26 MLD STP at Lakkadghat was inaugurated.
♦ As the Haridwar-Rishikesh zone contributes about 80% wastewater load into the River Ganga, these STPs will play a significant role in keeping the River Ganga clean.
♦ The PM also inaugurated a 5 MLD STP at Chorpani, and two STPs with capacities of 1 MLD and 0.01 MLD at Badrinath.
♦ A book titled `Rowing down the Ganges`, co-published by National Mission for Clean Ganga & Wildlife Institute of India was launched at the event. The book attempts to merge the culture and biodiversity of the Ganga River. The book conceptualizes the story of the Ganga as what one would see when one rows down from Gaumukh.
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Memorandum of Understanding Current Affairs September 4th Week 2020
India, Netherlands sign SoI on Decarbonization and Energy Transition Agenda:
The policy think tank of the Government of India, NITI Aayog and Embassy of the Netherlands, New Delhi, signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) on 28 September 2020. The aim is to support the decarbonization and energy transition agenda for accommodating cleaner and more energy.
Highlights:
♦ The agreement aims for a strategic partnership to create a platform which will enable a comprehensive collaboration among stakeholders and influencers, including industry bodies, policymakers, Original equipment manufacturer (OEMs), private enterprises, and sector experts.
♦ The partnership focuses on co-creating innovative technological solutions by leveraging the expertise of the two entities.
♦ It will be achieved through an exchange of knowledge and collaborative activities.
♦ Key elements include:
i) lowering the net carbon footprint in industrial and transport sectors
ii) realise the target potential of natural gas and promote bio-energy technologies
iii) adopt clean air technologies from monitoring to reducing actual particulates
iv) adopt next-generation technologies, such as hydrogen, carbon capture utilization, and storage for sectoral energy efficiency
v) financial frameworks to deliver and adopt climate change finance
♦ The SoI will enhance Indo-Dutch collaboration, and it will successfully work towards achieving the decarbonization and energy transition agenda.
India-Denmark Bilateral Summit; Partners to Work Towards Supply-chain Diversification:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen held a virtual summit on 28 September. The aim is to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Highlights:
♦ The leaders signed an MoU in the field of intellectual property cooperation between the two countries.
♦ The virtual bilateral summit provided an opportunity for the two leaders to comprehensively review the broad framework of the bilateral relationship between the two countries
♦ The summit gave broad political direction for a strengthened and deepened collaborative partnership on key issues of mutual interest.
♦ A major outcome of teh summit is joining of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by Denmark.
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Important Days Current Affairs September 4th Week 2020
International Day for Universal Access to Information is observed on 28 September:
Worldwide, 28 September is observed as the International Day for Universal Access to Knowledge.
Theme:
The 2020 theme for the 2020 International Day for Universal Access to Information focuses on "Saving lives, building trust, giving hope." In times of crisis, the day focuses on the right to information , especially on the pandemic of Covid-19. The key goal is to ensure public access to information in order to save lives, create morale and help to formulate sustainable policies through and beyond the crisis of COVID-19.
History:
28 September Profile was proclaimed as the International Day for Universal Access to Knowledge by the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO) on 17 November 2015. The International Day for Universal Access to Knowledge has been celebrated by most of the world`s civil society organisations and government bodies. The first observation of the day occurred on 28 September 2016. 28 September was also adopted by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) as the International Day for Universal in 2019 Access to Information.
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Defence Current Affairs September 4th Week 2020
DRDO successfully flight tested BrahMos Missile Featuring Indigenous Booster:
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight testes BrahMos surface-to-surface supersonic cruise missile. The missile was tested for designated range on 30 September 2020 from ITR, Balasore in Odisha. The test is a more major step in enhancing the indigenous content.
BrahMos LACM:
♦ The BrahMos Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) cruise at a top speed of Mach 2.8.
♦ The Missile featured indigenous Booster and Airframe Section along with many other Made in India sub-systems.
♦ This successful launch has paved the way for the serial production of the indigenous booster and other indigenous components of the powerful BrahMos Weapon System. It is in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
MoD accords approval for various arms and equipment worth Rs.2,290 crore:
On 28 September, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, chairman of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), accepted proposals for the acquisition of capital from the various facilities needed by the Indian Armed Forces. The projects are worth Rs.2,290 crore at an estimated cost.
Highlights:
♦ The approved projects include domestic industry procurement and international vendors.
♦ Also, under the Buy Indian (IDDM) group, the DAC approved the procurement of Static HF Tans-receiver sets and Smart Anti-Airfield Arms (SAAW).
♦ The high-frequency (HF) radio sets will allow the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) field units to communicate seamlessly. These will be bought at a cost of approx. Expenses of Rs.540 crore.
♦ The Smart Anti Airfield Arms will be bought at a price of approx. Expenses of Rs.970 crore. It will contribute to the Navy and Airforce`s firepower.
♦ DAC also approved the SIG SAUER Assault Rifles procurement to supply the Army`s Frontline Troops. The cost of procurement is approx. Rs.780 crore.
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Awards Current Affairs September 4th Week 2020
Kerala Tourisms Human by Nature campaign bagged 2020 PATA Grand Award:
Kerala Tourism`s internationally-acclaimed `Human by Nature` campaign has bagged one of the three PATA Grand Awards 2020. The awards were announced live during a virtual presentation ceremony in Beijing, China. The award recognized the campaign`s Marketing, giving a huge stimulus to the state`s tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by COVID-19 pandemic.
PATA Award Highlights:
♦ The PATA Gold Awards 2020 received 121 entries from 62 organisations and individuals across the world.
♦ The winners were selected by a judging committee of 16 personalities from various destinations.
♦ PATA 2020 presented 3 Grand Title Winners and 21 Gold Awards for best of show entries in the categories of Marketing, Sustainability and Human Capital Development.
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Bills Current Affairs September 3rd Week 2020
Monsoon Session 2020 of Parliament Concluded:
Monsson Session 2020 of Parliament commenced on 14th September 2020. The session was scheduled to culminate on 1 October 2020, but due to COVID-19 pandemic risks, the session was adjourned sine-die on 23 September 2020. During the Session, 22 Bills (6 in Rajya Sabha and 16 in Lok Sabha, were introduced. The Lower House and the Upper House individually passed 25 Bills each. 27 Bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament.
Some of the important Bills are listed below:
Covid-19 related Legislations:
Salary, Allowance and Pensions of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020
Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Bill, 2020
Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020
Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020
Agriculture Bills:
Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020
Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Prices Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020
Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020
Education Bills:
National Forensic Sciences University Bill, 2020
Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020
Health Sector:
National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2020
National Commission for Homeopathy Bill, 2020
Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Bill, 2020
Labour Bills:
Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code Bill, 2020
Code on Social Security Bill, 2020
Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2020
Economic Sector Bills:
Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020
Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020
Bilateral Netting of Qualified Financial Contracts Bill, 2020
Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020
Parliament passed three Labour Codes to pave way for enactment of Labour Laws:
Rajya Sabha passed three labour codes namely,
(i) Industrial Relations Code, 2020
(ii) Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020
(iii) Social Security Code, 2020.
Highlights:
♦ These Labour Codes seeks to enhance the welfare of the workers in the country.
♦ The Social Security Code provides a framework to include organized and unorganized sector workers under the ambit of comprehensive social security.
♦ It contains provisions relating to Employees` Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Employees` State Insurance (ESIC), building construction workers, maternity benefits, gratuity and social security fund for unorganized sector workers.
♦ These codes are in line with Centre`s Universal Social Security.
♦ Labour Codes will harmonize the needs of workers and industry and will prove an important milestone for the welfare of the workers
♦ The Labour Codes is expected to give a big boost to Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas with Sabka Vishwas
♦ New Labour Codes will cover over 50 crore workers from organized, unorganized and self-employed for minimum wages, social security
♦ It will enhance the setting up of “Social Security Fund” for 40 crore unorganized workers along with GIG and platform workers.
♦ The Codes will help in widening Universal Social Security coverage.
♦ It will Pay parity to women workers as compared to their male counterparts
♦ Under the Laws, Working journalists definition will include Digital and Electronic Media.
♦ Helpline to redress grievances of Migrant Workers will be established
♦ These Labour Codes will establish answerable, transparent, and simple mechanism reducing to one registration, one license and one return for all codes.
Lok Sabha passed two Farm reform Bills:
Lok Sabha passed the Farmers` Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. The Bills were aimed to transform agriculture in the country and raising farmers’ income. The Bills were introduced in Lok Sabha by Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Narendra Singh Tomar on 14th September 2020. The Bills will replace ordinances promulgated on 5th June 2020.
Farmers` Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020:
♦ The Bill seeks to provide for the creation of an ecosystem where the farmers and traders can sell and purchase of farmers` produce which facilitates remunerative prices through competitive alternative trading channels.
♦ The Bill will promote efficient, transparent and barrier-free inter-State and intra-State trade and commerce of farmers` produce outside physical premises of markets or deemed markets notified under various State agricultural produce market legislations.
♦ The Bill also provides a facilitative framework for electronic trading and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
♦ The Bill open more opportunities for the farmer, reduce marketing costs for the farmers and help them in getting better prices.
♦ The Bill will help farmers of regions with surplus produce to get better prices and consumers of regions with shortages, lower prices.
♦ It also proposed an electronic trading in transaction platform for ensuring a seamless trade electronically.
Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020
♦ The Bill aims to provide for a national framework on farming agreements that protects and empowers farmers to engage with agri-business firms, processors, wholesalers, exporters or large retailers for farm services.
♦ The Bill will transfer the risk of market unpredictability from the farmer to the sponsor. This will enable the farmers to access modern technology and better inputs.
♦ It seeks to reduce the cost of marketing and improve income of farmers.
###Centre launched National Conservation Strategy for Indian One-Horned Rhino:
Environment Ministry launched a National Conservation Strategy for Indian One-Horned Rhino. It was launched by the Union Minister Prakash Javadekar. The conservation initiatives for rhino has also enriched the grassland management as it helps in reducing the negative impacts of climate change.
National Rhino Conservation Strategy:
♦ The Strategy was launched to conserve the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
♦ It aims to work for the conservation of the rhino species under five objectives namely strengthening protection, expanding the distribution range, research, monitoring, and adequate and sustained funding.
Background:
India is home to a huge number of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros in the world. The population of the Rhinos are high in number in Assam, West Bengal and UP. In the beginning of the 20th Century, One-horned rhino was close to extinction with a population of less than 200. Rhino is the only large mammal species in Asia to be down-listed from endangered to vulnerable in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in 2008.
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Defence Current Affairs September 3rd Week 2020
Bilateral Maritime Exercise between Japan and India, JIMEX 20, to Commence on 29 Sept:
The 4th edition of Maritime bilateral exercise between India and Japan "JIMEX 20" has been scheduled to be held from 26 to 28 September 2020. The exercise is conducted biennially between the Indian Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
JIMEX 20:
♦ JIMEX 20 will be conducted in North Arabian Sea.
♦ The exercise will showcase joint operational skills and high degree of inter-operability through conduct of a multitude of advanced exercises, across the spectrum of maritime operations.
♦ The exercise will include Multi-faceted tactical exercises like weapon firings, cross deck helicopter operations and complex surface.
♦ It also incluse anti-submarine and air warfare drills that will consolidate coordination developed by the two navies.
♦ JIMEX 20 will be conducted in a ‘non-contact at-sea-only format’, in view of COVID-19 restrictions.
♦ The exercise aims to enhance the cooperation and mutual confidence between the two navies. It also aims to fortify the long standing bond of friendship between the two countries.
♦ From Indian Side, the indigenously built stealth destroyer Chennai, Teg Class stealth frigate Tarkash and Fleet Tanker Deepak, under the command of Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, will participate in the exercise.
♦ From Japanese Side, JMSDF Ships Kaga, an Izumo Class Helicopter Destroyer and Ikazuchi, a Guided Missile Destroyer, led by Rear Admiral Konno Yasushige, Commander Escort Flotilla – 2 (CCF - 2) will participate in the exercise.
Background:
JIMEX series of exercises commenced in January 2012. The main objective of the exercise is to focus on maritime security cooperation. The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in October 2018 off Visakhapatnam, India.
DRDO Successfully test-fired Laser-Guided ATGM:
DRDO successfully test-fired Laser-Guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) from MBT Arjun Tank at KK Ranges, Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S) Ahmednagar on 22 September 2020. The missile has been developed with multiple-platform launch capability. The ATGM is currently undergoing technical evaluation trials from the gun of MBT Arjun.
Laser Guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM):
♦ ATGM was developed by Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) Pune in association with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) Pune, and Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE) Dehradun.
♦ During the test, ATGM successfully defeated a target located at 3 km.
♦ Using Laser designation, the Laser guided ATGMs lock and track the targets to ensure precision hit accuracy.
♦ The missile employs a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) protected armoured vehicles.
DRDO set up 8 technology centres for research on Military Applications:
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has set up eight advanced technology centres to carry out research on futuristic military applications. The centres will provide support to academia to undertake research on new technologies in niche areas for military use.
Highlights:
♦ DRDO aims to create an enabling infrastructure for developing futuristic military weapons.
♦ It formed a committee headed by Prof V Ramagopal Rao, Director of Delhi IIT, to suggest new measures to improve the efficiency of the DRDO laboratories in India. The main objective is to boost domestic defence production.
♦ The move comes as the Government of India aims to focus on making India self-reliant in defence manufacturing.
♦ Currently, DRDO has over 50 laboratories in India that are engaged in developing defence technologies covering disciplines like aeronautics, combat vehicles, engineering systems, armaments, missiles, advanced computing, and naval systems.
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Memorandum of Understanding Current Affairs September 3rd Week 2020
Niti Aayog partners with ISPP for capacity building:
Niti Aayog has partnered with the Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP) for mentoring, training, and capacity building of government officials and public policy scholars. A statement of intent (SOI) was signed between the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) of the NITI Aayog and the ISPP regarding this.
Highlights:
♦ The partnership aims to build collaboration for faster intermediation of knowledge and use within the public system.
♦ Under the partnership, communications, and outreach, evidence building exercises, organizing joint conferences, and podcast series will be conducted. The ISPP scholars will interact and interview the DMEO and Niti Aayog`s experts on current policy issues, evaluations, and perspectives during all the activities and conferences.
♦ Also, Live projects for ISPP scholars, internships, exchange of experts between DMEO and ISPP will be explored.
###FACT signed MoU with ITI Kalamassery to improve industry-institute interaction:
Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT), a PSU under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Kalamassery to improve industry institute interaction. The Executive Director (Production Co-ordination) of FACT Sri Kesavan Nampoothiri and Principal of ITI Kalamassery Sri Raghunadhan signed the MoU agreement.
Highlights:
♦ The MoU aims to implement anthe adoption programme to share training facilities and facilitate academic interaction between ITI students and FACT employees.
♦ The MoU will enhance exchange knowledge, conduct factory visits, enable experts from FACT to impart training, organize joint projects, participate in research, provide on-the-job training in FACT, mutually intimate courses, seminars, workshops, etc.
###Ministry of AYUSH signed MoU with Ministry of Women and Child Development for Controlling Malnutrition:
Ministry of AYUSH signed MoU with the Ministry of Women and Child Development in New Delhi. The MoU is aimed to control Malnutrition as a part of POSHAN Abhiyaan.
Highlights:
♦ The MoU aims time-tested and scientifically proven Ayush-based solutions being adopted for controlling malnutrition in the country.
♦ The MoU is aimed to tackle the problem of malnutrition in mothers and children in the country.
♦ Centre aims to establish Nutri-gardens and medicinal gardens in every Anganwadi in near future.
♦ The MoU will enable co-operation between the Ministries in identified areas including Integration of AYUSH into POSHAN Abhiyaan and Control of malnutrition through the principles and practices of Ayurveda, Yoga and other Ayush systems.
The collaboration will do the following activities:
♦ At Anganwadi Centres:
Visit of AYUSH workforce to Anganwadi Centre once in a month with Anganwadi workers in coordination with State health Authorities, Department of WCD
Development of PoshanVatika
Yoga programmes
♦ For AYUSH Nutritional Care
Generate baseline data in the nutritional status of the targeted population
Create Provision of Telemedicine, AYUSH call centres/ helpline through Common Service Centres
Customize region-specific nutrition
Prepare proper documentation of all efforts for scientific evaluation
♦ Raise awareness among the community about the traditional indigenous food items.
♦ Introduce the concept of nutrition based on Ayurveda and other AYUSH systems
♦ The Anganwadi worker who provides the Ayurveda nutrition message to the community at ground level may be designated as DHATRI (Dedicated Health Activist to Replenish the Innutrition).
♦ The two Ministries have is set to launch the hashtag #Ayush4Anganwadi for generating awareness about the activities on the digital media.
Important Days Current Affairs September 3rd Week 2020
World Maritime Day is observed on 24 September:
World Maritime Day is observed on 24th September 2020. The day is observed on Last Thursday of September Month. The day aims to mark the contribution of international maritime industries towards the economy of the world especially shipping. The Day focuses on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security, and the marine environment.
Theme:
The theme for 2020 World Maritime Day is "Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet". The theme focus to provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the United Nations` Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
History:
World Maritime Day was initiated by the United Nations (UN), through the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The day is to celebrate the contribution offered by the industry of international maritime towards the world’s economy, especially in shipping. World Maritime Day was observed for the first time on 17 March 1978. The day is observed to mark when the IMO Convention entered into force in the year 1958.
International Maritime Organization (IMO):
Formed on: 17 March 1948
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Secretary-General: Kitack Lim
Parent organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNESC)
IMO was established after the agreement at a UN conference held in Geneva in 1948. It is responsible to regulate shipping. The IMO also focuses on areas such as safety, maritime security, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-operation, and the efficiency of shipping.
International Day of Sign Languages is observed on 23 September:
International Day of Sign Languages is observed on 23 September every year. The day aims to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf. The International Day of Sign Languages offers an opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all sign language users.
Theme:The theme for 2020 International Day of Sign languages is "Sign Languages Are for Everyone!".
History:International Day of Sign Languages was initiated by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). The United Nations passed a resolution and proclaimed the International Day of Sign Languages on 19 December 2017. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has proclaimed 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) with an aim to raise awareness of the significance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf. The International Day of Sign languages was first celebrated in the year 2018 under the theme With Sign Language, Everyone is Included! The 2019 theme for IDSL is Sign Language Rights for All.
World Alzheimers Day is observed on 21 September:
World Alzheimer`s Day is observed on 21 September every year. The day aims to create a global opportunity to raise awareness and highlight issues faced by people affected by dementia. It is also an opportunity for people and organizations to demonstrate several measures to help people live well with dementia.
World Alzheimer`s Day occurs during World Alzheimer`s Month. World Alzheimer`s Month is the international campaign every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds
dementia.
Theme: The theme for World Alzheimer`s Month 2020 is "Let`s talk about dementia".
History: The first diagnosis of Alzheimer`s disease was in 1906. Alzheimer`s Disease International, a non-profit organization, observed its 10th anniversary in 1994. As part of that celebration, the association founded World Alzheimer’s Day to be observed each year on September 21.
Alzheimer`s Disease:
Alzheimer`s Disease is registered every 3.2 seconds totalling up to 9.9 million cases worldwide per year. It is the most common form of dementia.
Symptoms:
The most common symptom of Alzheimer`s disease is forgetfulness. A person will forget important dates, names or events, asking for the same questions over and over. Other symptoms include social withdrawal, mood swings, distrust, irritability, aggressiveness, changes in sleeping habits, wandering, depression, apathy, loss of inhibitions and delusions.
The risk of Alzheimer`s disease can be reduced by exercising regularly, eating a diet of fresh produce, healthy oils and foods which are low in saturated fat are beneficial and breathing exercises that help immensely.
International Equal Pay Day is observed on 18 September:
Every year the International Day of Fair Pay is held on 18 September. The day seeks to illustrate the significance of achieving fair pay for equal value jobs. Under the United Nations plan, Universal Fair Pay Day will be celebrated for the first time in 2020. The day focuses on illustrating the importance of ending sexual harassment with respect to the gender wage gap, which relates to the disparity. in earnings between men and women in paid employment.
The Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) hosted a virtual global call to action on this occasion amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to persuade all the players on the labour market to take the required measures to ensure fair pay is at the core of recovery efforts around the world.
Background:
UN launched the Worldwide Fair Pay Day. The day was set up with a goal of ensuring no one is left behind. The Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) discuss the need for both women and girls to achieve gender equality and empowerment. Also, by pursuing complete and sustainable jobs and decent work for both women and men, it promotes decent work and economic development. On of the crucial implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is Mainstreaming of a gender perspective.
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Schemes Current Affairs September 3rd Week 2020
Gujarat announced subsidy support for e-bike, e-rickshaw:
The government of the state of Gujarat has declared a subsidy scheme to promote electric vehicle use. The scheme will increase charging facilities for e-vehicles, and the State Government has also announced Rs.50 lakh of financial assistance to set up charging infrastructure. The scheme tackles the threats that climate change raises.
Scheme Highlights:
♦ The programme aims to provide students studying above Class 9 with subsidy assistance in order to buy two-wheelers.
♦ Also, three-wheelers will offer subsidy funding for individuals and institutional beneficiaries.
♦ For a battery-operated electric two-wheeler, or Rs.48,000 for such an e-rickshaw (three-wheeler), the scheme would provide a subsidy of Rs.12,000.
♦ The subsidy for the first 10,000 two-wheelers and 5,000 three-wheelers will be made available.
♦ The Gujarat State Government has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 10 organisations for different targets in support of climate change initiatives.
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Environment Current Affairs September 3rd Week 2020
GoI launched National Clean Air Programme:
As a long-term, time-bound, national-level policy, the Government of India ( GoI) has initiated the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The programme aims to resolve the issue of air pollution across the country in a holistic way. The aim is to reach a 20 percent -30 percent reduction in concentrations of particulate matter by 2024, retaining 2017 as the base year for concentration comparison.
Highlights:
♦ 122 non-attainment cities were established across the country under NCAP on the basis of the 2014-2018 Air Quality results.
♦ Actions to improve the surveillance network, minimise vehicle / industrial emissions, raise public awareness, etc. are included in city-specific action plans.
♦ The programme will track the implementation of city-specific action plans, which are periodically reviewed by the Steering Committee, the Implementation Committee and the Monitoring Committee of the Central and State Level Committees.
♦ Cities` air quality is controlled by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) which occasionally publish their results.
♦ In addition, few Smart Cities have set up Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs) which are linked to Air Quality Monitors (AQMs) for efficient monitoring.
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International Current Affairs September 3rd Week 2020
India becomes an observer of Djibouti Code of Conduct:
Following the high-level meeting of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment (DCOC / JA), India has joined the Djibouti Code of Conduct or Jeddah Amendment as an Observer. The meeting took place on basically 26 August 2020.
Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment (DCOC/JA):
♦ Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment (DCOC / JA) is a maritime classification. The group consists of 18 member states adjacent to the Indian Ocean Area (IOR) of the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, the East Coast of Africa and island countries.
♦ India is now joining Norway, Japan , the UK, and the US as DCOC / JA Observers.
♦ India will collaborate with DCOC / JA Member States as an Observer to organise and contribute to enhanced maritime safety in the IOR. The DCOC is supposed to have a strategic heft in the area of the Indian Ocean.
Djibouti Code of Conduct:
In January 2009 the DCOC was formed. The party is aimed at repressing piracy and armed robbery in the Western IOR, the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea against ships. The Djibouti Code of Conduct aims to provide a structure for capacity building to tackle the threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the West Indian Ocean.
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Science & Technology Current Affairs September 3rd Week 2020
Astronomers finds possible hints of life in the clouds of Venus
Astronomers have recently identified a possible sign of life in the Venus atmosphere. Two telescopes have spotted the chemical signature of phosphine in the thick Venutian clouds in Hawaii and Chile. This has provided a hint that the sulfuric acid-laden clouds of Venus could contain bizarre microbes.
Highlights:
♦ The researchers first observed the phosphin using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) in Hawaii. They then used the Chilean Atacama Large Millimeter / Submillimeter Array (ALMA).
♦ Both the establishments detected Venus at a high altitude at a wavelength of around 1 millimetre.
♦ High clouds on Venus could give a habitat for microbes has been speculated.
♦ This extra-terrestrial aerial life may be pointed to by the identification of phosphine molecules consisting of hydrogen and phosphorus.
Note:
Phosphine can only be present in rocky planets such as Earth and Venus. Just like human or microbe, this gas can be rendered by life. Can also manufacture phosphine.
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