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By admin: May 17, 2023

Jal Jeevan Mission Achieves Milestone Of 12 Crore Tap Water Connections

Tags: National Government Schemes National News

The Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship program launched by the Government of India, has achieved a significant milestone by providing 12 crore tap water connections across the country. 

An overview of the news

• This achievement marks a major step towards ensuring access to clean drinking water for every household.

• At the time of announcement of launch of JJM only 3.23 Crore (16.64%) households in villages had access to piped water connection.

• Himachal Pradesh at 98.35%, followed by Bihar at 96.05%, are also set to achieve saturation in the near future.

• Goa, Haryana, Punjab, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, D&NH and D&D are 'Har Ghar Jal' certified States/UTs.

100% tap water coverage

• Till date, 5 states (Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab) and 3 union territories (Puducherry, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Andaman and Nicobar Islands) have reported 100% coverage.

• Three aspirational districts from Telangana (Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Jaishankar Bhupalpally and Bhadrabari Kothagudem), two districts from Gujarat (Dahod and Narmada) and Punjab (Moga and Ferozepur) and one district each from Haryana (Mewat) and Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) 100% tap water coverage has been achieved.

About Jal Jeevan Mission 

• It is a flagship programme of the Government of India which was announced from the ramparts of Red Fort by the Prime Minister on August 15, 2019. 

• The objective of the mission is to supply potable tap water in adequate quantity, prescribed quality and on a regular and long-term basis to every rural household of the country by 2024.

• It is implemented by the Government of India in partnership with the States/Union Territories.

• This mission comes under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

• Funding Pattern :

• The fund sharing pattern between the Center and the states under the mission is 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern states and 50:50 for other states.

• In the case of Union Territories, 100% contribution is made by the Centre.

Cabinet approves Production Linked Incentive Scheme - 2.0 for IT Hardware

Tags: National Economy/Finance National News

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th May approved the Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware with a budgetary outlay Rs 17,000 crore.

An overview of the news

• Electronics manufacturing in India has seen a steady growth with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 17% in the last 8 years.

• This year it crossed a major benchmark in production of USD 105 billion (about Rs 9 lakh crore).

• India has become the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world.

• Mobile phone exports have crossed a major milestone of US $ 11 billion (about Rs 90 thousand crore) this year.

• The global electronics manufacturing ecosystem is coming to India, and India is emerging as a major electronics manufacturing country.

Features of PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT hardware

• It covers laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, servers and ultra small form factor devices.

• The tenure of this scheme is 6 years.

• Expected incremental production is Rs 3.35 Lakh crore.

• Expected incremental investment is Rs 2,430 crore.

• Expected incremental direct employment is 75,000.

What is Production Linked Incentive Scheme?

• It is an initiative that provides incentives to domestic industries to promote production at the local level.

• Through this scheme, the government aims to incentivize companies to increase the sales of manufactured products in domestic units.

• The objective of the scheme is to make domestic manufacturing globally competitive and to become a global champion in manufacturing.

• The government has launched this scheme with an outlay of around Rs 2 lakh crore for 14 sectors including Automobiles and Auto Components, White Goods, Pharma, Textiles, Advanced Chemistry Cell and Specialty Steel.

World Hypertension Day - 17 May

Tags: Important Days

World Hypertension Day is observed annually on 17 May to raise awareness about hypertension (high blood pressure) and promote preventive measures, early detection, and management of this global health issue.

An overview of the news

• The day serves as a platform to educate individuals, communities, health professionals and policy makers about healthy blood pressure levels and the risks associated with high blood pressure.

• The day plays a crucial role in raising awareness about hypertension, its causes, risk factors, and the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring. 

• It seeks to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding hypertension and promote accurate information.

• Theme of 2023 is 'Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer'.

Background of the day

• World Hypertension Day was first established in 2005 by the World Hypertension League (WHL), 

• WHL is an umbrella organization composed of hypertension-related societies and leagues from around the world. 

• The day was created to address the increasing prevalence of hypertension and its associated health risks.

Odisha CM expands ‘Special Development Councils’ in 14 Districts

Tags: State News

The Odisha government has expanded the jurisdiction of Special Development Councils (SDCs) from nine to 23 districts to improve the lives of 84 lakh tribal people.

An overview of the news

• This extension signifies the government's commitment to ensuring the comprehensive development of indigenous communities residing in these districts.

• SDC is targeted intervention aims to uplift and improve the lives of the tribal communities residing in the state.

• The primary objective of extending the jurisdiction of the SDC is to bring positive changes to the lives of the indigenous people in Odisha. 

• By implementing targeted interventions, the government aims to address issues related to education, healthcare, infrastructure, livelihood, and overall socio-economic development in these tribal areas.

Significance of Tribal Community in Odisha

• The tribal community holds great significance in Odisha, accounting for 22.8% of the state's population. 

• These indigenous populations have unique cultural identities, traditional knowledge, and a deep connection with their ancestral lands. 

• Recognizing their contributions and ensuring their well-being is crucial for the overall progress and inclusivity of the state.

About Odisha

• Capital- Bhubaneswar

• Governor- Ganeshi Lal

• Chief Minister- Naveen Patnaik

Nepal's mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa scaled Mount Everest for a record 27th time

Tags: Person in news

Renowned Nepalese mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa has set a new world record by successfully summiting Mount Everest for the 27th time on 17th May.

An overview of the news

• Kami Rita Sherpa, born in Thame village in Solukhumbu district, Nepal, is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished mountaineers in history. 

• He has devoted his life to mountaineering and has made an extraordinary impact on the world of high-altitude climbing.

Setting a New World Record

• With his 27th successful ascent of Mount Everest, Kami Rita Sherpa has surpassed his own record and cemented his place in mountaineering history. 

• His consistent determination, physical fitness, and expertise in navigating the challenging terrain have enabled him to achieve this remarkable feat.

Contributing to the Sherpa Community

• As a Sherpa, Kami Rita Sherpa's achievements have brought immense pride and recognition to the Sherpa community.

• Sherpas have a long tradition of providing essential support to climbers attempting to scale Everest.

• Kami Rita's achievements have further enhanced their reputation as skilled and indispensable members of mountaineering expeditions.

About Mount Everest 

• Mount Everest is the highest peak of the Greater Himalaya mountain range located on the border of Nepal and China (Tibet) in Asia.

• Mount Everest is called Devagiri in Sanskrit, Chomolungma in Tibetan, Chu-mu-long-ma-feng in Chinese and Sagarmatha in Nepali.

• On 29 May 1953, Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tensingh Norgay Sherpa, an Indian citizen of Nepalese origin, climbed Mount Everest for the first time.

• Junko Tabei (Japan) is the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, as well as the first woman to climb the highest peaks on each of the 7 continents.

• Bachendri Pal is the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest in 1984.

• Santosh Yadav is the first Indian woman to climb Everest twice in a row.

Flood Relief Exercise 'Jal Rahat' in Assam

Tags: State News

Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps, along with other disaster management groups, conducted a joint flood relief drill, 'Exercise Jal Rahat', at Hagrama Bridge on Manas River in Assam on 16th May.

An overview of the news

• Apart from Indian Army- SSB, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and Police representatives participated in the exercise.

• The event included coordination and rehearsal for rescue missions of people from inundated areas by joint efforts of expert teams of Army, NDRF and SDRF.

Purpose of "Jal Rahat" Exercise:

• To showcase the Indian Army's preparedness and capabilities in responding to natural disasters, particularly floods. 

• To effectively coordinate relief efforts, rescue operations, and provide essential supplies and medical aid to the affected people in a timely manner.

Response to flood situation

• Assam is prone to annual floods due to heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers.

• The "Jal Rahat" exercise of the Indian Army demonstrated its quick response to the flood situation.

• It demonstrated the Army's expertise in conducting rescue operations, evacuating stranded people and setting up temporary relief camps.

Distribution of Essential Supplies

• As part of the exercise, the Indian Army ensured the distribution of essential supplies to the flood-affected areas. 

• These supplies included food, clean drinking water, medical aid, and other necessary items to meet the immediate needs of the affected population. 

• The army's efforts aimed to mitigate the hardships faced by the flood-affected communities.

About Assam State 

• Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma

• Governor - Jagdish Mukhi

• Number of Districts - 33

• Lok Sabha seats - 14

• Rajya Sabha seats - 7

• State Animal - Indian Rhinoceros

• State Bird - White Winged Duck

• National Parks – Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Nameri National Park, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park

PM to inaugurate International Museum Expo 2023

Tags: National National News

On 18 May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the International Museum Expo 2023 in New Delhi.

An Overview of the News

• The expo is part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebration of Independence and will be organised to mark the 47th International Museum Day.

• PM Modi will inaugurate the virtual walkthrough of the upcoming National Museum in North and South Block.

• The objective of the National Museum is to display and highlight important historical events, personalities, ideas and achievements that have shaped India's past and present.

• The Prime Minister will unveil several items including the mascot of the International Museum Expo, "A Day at the Museum", Directory of Indian Museums, Pocket Map of Duty Path and Museum Card.

• The mascot of the International Museum Expo is a modern representation of the Dancing Girl made in the Chennapatnam art style using wood.

International Museum Day - 18 May

• The first International Museum Day was organised in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

• The adoption of an annual theme for the IMD began in 1992.

• Its 2023 theme is Museums, Sustainability and Wellbeing.

IMD's previous years' themes include:

• 2022: The Power of Museums

• 2021: The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine

• 2020: Museum for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day - 17 May

Tags: Important Days

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is observed on 17 May and is organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

An Overview of the News

• The event was earlier known as World Telecom Day.

• The day emphasises the influence of the Internet and communication technologies.

• It aims to address connectivity challenges in various regions.

• The theme for 2023 is “Enabling the least developed nations through information and communication technologies.”

• The event is held at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland and raises awareness of the role and impact of telecommunications and information technology.

• The day highlights the transformative power of communication tools such as the Internet and mobile networks.

History of World Telecom Day

• It was established on May 17, 1969, and on this day in 1865, the ITU (International Telegraph Union) was established.

• ITU was originally known as International Telegraph Union and later became International Telecommunication Union.

• In 1947, the ITU became a specialised agency of the United Nations and the United Nations General Assembly declared 17 May as World Information Society Day in 2006.

About the International Telegraph Union

Established - 17 May 1865

Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland

Parent Organization - United Nations Economic and Social Council

Secretary General - Doreen Bogdan-Martin

UGC launches redesigned website, UTSAH and two portals POP

Tags: National National News

UGC Chairman Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar redesigned the UGC website, UTSAH and POP portal.

An Overview of the News

• The redesign is part of the UGC's transformational strategies and actions for higher education.

• The updated website aims to provide a user-friendly interface for students, teachers and stakeholders.

• The UGC website, UTSAH and POP portals are now live and accessible.

UTSAH Portal:

• It serves as a platform for detailed information about UGC's initiatives for qualitative improvement in higher education.

• It allows institutions to showcase achievements, share best practices and engage in knowledge-sharing.

• Institutions can access UGC schemes, monitor progress and submit reports online through the portal.

Professor of Practice Portal (POP):

• It is an initiative to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

• It facilitates interaction between industry professionals, faculty members and students.

• The portal provides valuable insights and real world knowledge to the students.

• It aims to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the academic field.

3rd G20 TWG meeting to be held in Srinagar

Tags: Summits State News

The third G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting will be held in Srinagar from 22 to 24 May.

An Overview of the News

• Security arrangements on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) have been reviewed by the Army and other security agencies.

• NH-44 is the only all-weather road connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country.

• A high-level meeting with senior police and CRPF officials was held at Ramban, chaired by a brigadier-level officer.

• Several security forces including Army, BSF, Police, CRPF and Village Defense Committees have been deployed along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC).

About Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir was a state of India until August 2019, which was bifurcated as two union territories namely Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on 31 August 2019.

Capital- Srinagar (May-October), Jammu (November-April)

Lieutenant Governor - Manoj Sinha

Legislative Council - 36 seats

Legislative Assembly - 89 seats

Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Justice - Koteshwar Singh

Paytm appoints Bhavesh Gupta as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Tags: Person in news

On May 16, One97 Communications Ltd, the parent company of Paytm, appointed Bhavesh Gupta as the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the fintech company.

An Overview of the News

• Bhavesh Gupta previously served as Senior Vice President at Paytm.

• He will oversee various verticals within Paytm including credit, insurance, online and offline payments and consumer payments.

• Prior to joining Paytm, he held leadership positions at Clix Capital (formerly GE Capital), IDFC Bank and ICICI Bank.

About Paytm

• Paytm is an Indian multinational financial technology company headquartered in Noida.

• The company specialises in providing a wide range of digital payment solutions and financial services.

• The primary focus of Paytm is to facilitate digital transactions and make payments convenient for the users.

• Paytm provides a comprehensive platform that enables users to pay bills, recharge mobiles, book tickets and shop online.

Establishment - August 2010

Founder/CEO - Vijay Shekhar Sharma

Parent Organization - One97 Communications

Libyan parliament suspends its prime minister Fathi Bashagha

Tags: Person in news International News

Recently, the Libyan Parliament has decided to suspend the Libyan Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha from his post.

An overview of the news

• The suspension reflects the internal conflicts and challenges facing the government in the country.

• Fathi Bashagha has served as Prime Minister of Libya, leading the Government of National Accord (GNA).

• He has been an influential figure in Libyan politics, contributing to stabilization efforts during a challenging period.

Reasons of suspension

• The Libyan parliament's decision to suspend Fathi Bashagha stemmed from various factors and internal disputes.

• These include allegations of mismanagement, corruption, or policy disagreements.

Impact on Libyan governance

• The suspension of Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha has significant implications for Libya's governance and stability.

• This highlights the internal power struggle and the need for political consensus among various factions within the country.

• This event may lead to a reshuffle in government positions and possible changes in the political landscape.

Political disorder and fragmentation

• Libya has been experiencing political disorder and fragmentation since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011.

• The suspension of the prime minister underscores the challenges faced by the Libyan government in achieving stability, consolidating power and meeting the needs of its people.

About Libya

• Libya is a country located in North Africa. Most of the country lies in the Sahara desert.

• Capital - Tripoli

• Currency - Libyan dinar

• Chairman of the Presidential Council - Mohamed al-Menfi

Sanchar Saathi Portal launched by Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnav

Tags: National National News

Union Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnav launched the Sanchar Saathi portal during a function in New Delhi.

An Overview of the News

• Sanchar Saathi Portal aims to empower mobile phone users by providing essential services.

• Essential Services: The portal provides services such as tracking and blocking of lost mobile phones.

• Citizen-centric: The Sanchar Saathi portal focuses on the needs and requirements of mobile phone users.

• Accessibility: The Portal has been designed to be easily accessible to all users.

• Collaborative effort: It is a joint effort between the government and mobile phone service providers.

About Sanchar Saathi Portal:

• It is an initiative developed by the Department of Telecom.

• It allows citizens to control the connections associated with their names.

• The portal consists of three modules to enhance security and reduce fraudulent activities.

• The purpose of the Central Equipment Identity Register is to block lost or stolen mobiles.

• Knowing your mobile connection section provides an easy way to cut unnecessary connections.

• An artificial intelligence and facial recognition solution has been implemented to identify fake customers.

• The portal has detected more than 40 lakh bogus connections and disconnected more than 36 lakh connections.

Bhupendra Yadav launched Meri LiFE App

Tags: National National News

The Meri LiFE app was launched by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav.

news overview

• The Meri LiFE app aims to revolutionise progress tracking for individuals and communities.

• The app is part of a global mass movement inspired by the vision of the Prime Minister.

• The Meri LiFE app encourages people to protect the environment and adopt a sustainable lifestyle.

• This app empowers users to make a positive impact on the environment.

• The Meri LiFE App promotes sustainable living practices.

Mission LiFE:

• The mission was launched by the Prime Minister on October 20, 2022 at Kevadia, Gujarat.

• It is objective to bring about behaviour change in individuals through simple, actionable steps.

• It aims to discourage mindless and wasteful consumption patterns and promote conscious and planned usage.

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal ministry responsible for national level coordination and implementation of Mission LiFE.

• The ministry collaborates with various stakeholders to spread awareness and promote sustainable actions.

Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 8th All India Pension Adalat

Tags: National National News

Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 8th All India Pension Adalat in Delhi.

An Overview of the News

• The objective of the event is to address and resolve old pension cases.

• The Department has organised 7 All India Pension Adalats to handle a total of 24,218 cases out of which 17,235 cases have been resolved successfully.

• The minister will chair the 50th Pre-Retirement Counseling (PRC) workshop, which is being organised by the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare.

• The PRC Workshop has been designed for 1200 officials from various Ministries and Departments who will be retiring within the next 6 months.

• Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare has introduced Bhavishya Platform to achieve transparency, digitization and better service delivery.

• The Bhavishya platform enables end-to-end digitization of pension processing and payments.

About New Delhi

• It is the capital of India and a part of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT).

• Its important landmarks include the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Parliament House and the Supreme Court.

• It was established during the Delhi Durbar of 1911 and its foundation stone was laid by George V.

• It was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.

• It was inaugurated on 13 February 1931 by the Viceroy and Governor-General Irwin.