DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: Aug. 22, 2022

India's first indigenously built Hydrogen Fuel Cell bus launched in Pune

Tags: National National News

Union Minister of State, Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on 21 August launched "India's first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell bus" in Pune.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• The bus is developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and private firm KPIT Limited. 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Hydrogen Vision' is crucial for India to ensure self-reliance.

• PM's ‘Hydrogen Vision' means affordable and accessible clean energy, meeting climate change goals, and creating new entrepreneurs and jobs.

• The central government is going to start operating hydrogen-powered buses on a pilot basis in the Leh region of Ladakh.

What is a hydrogen fuel cell ?

• The hydrogen fuel cell uses hydrogen and atmospheric air to generate electricity, producing only heat and water in the process.

• The hydrogen fuel cells on the bus combine hydrogen and oxygen atoms to generate electricity.

• The two gases i.e. hydrogen and oxygen react in an electrochemical cell, similar to a conventional battery cell, to produce electricity, water, and a small amount of heat.

• This electricity is used by electric motors to propel the vehicle.

• Hydrogen fuel cells continue to produce electricity as long as there is a supply of hydrogen.

• Like a conventional cell, a fuel cell consists of an anode (negative electrode) and a cathode (positive electrode) around an electrolyte.

Advantages of Hydrogen Fuel Cell :

• They produce no tailpipe emissions. They emit only water vapour and warm air. 

• 'Tailpipe' emission standards specify the maximum amount of pollutants allowed in the exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine.

• They are more efficient than internal combustion engine vehicles.

• It is more practical than battery-powered electric vehicles.

• Hydrogen can be refilled in a fuel cell vehicle within minutes.

• Hydrogen-powered vehicles provide an excellent means to eliminate road emissions.

Govt launches 2nd phase of Grameen Udyami Project

Tags: Government Schemes National News

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in partnership with Seva Bharti and Yuva Vikas Society on 20 August launched the second phase of Grameen Udyami Project to augment skill training in tribal communities for their inclusive and sustainable growth.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• The second phase of the pilot project was launched in Ranchi.

• The Central Government has sanctioned a budget of 85 thousand crore rupees exclusively for tribal areas. 

• The initiative aims to provide multi-skilled and functional skills to the youth of India to enable their livelihood.

• The Prime Minister has emphasised on inclusion of tribal communities in the workforce, ensuring their holistic development so as to make them self-reliant and integrated into their respective geographical areas.

Grameen Udyami Project :

• It has been implemented under the Parliamentary Package Scheme.

• It is a unique multi-skill project, funded by NSDC, which aims to train 450 tribal students in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.

• The project is being implemented in six states- Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Gujarat.

• Minister of State Rajiv Chandrashekhar and tribal MPs embodied this concept.

• In the first phase of training, candidates from rural and tribal areas of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat were included.

The training under the project :

• Electrician & Solar PV Installation Technician

• Plumbing & Masonry

• 2-Wheeler Repair & Maintenance

• IT/ITES with e-Governance

• Farm Mechanisation

Objectives of the project :

• Increase in Rural/Local Economy

• Enhance employment opportunities

• Reduce forced migration due to lack of local opportunities

• Conservation of natural resources

S Jaishankar unveils Gandhi's bust in Paraguay

Tags: International Relations International News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on his first ever official visit to South America, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Paraguay on 21 August.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• He appreciated the decision of Asuncion Municipality to establish it on the main waterfront of the city.

• The External Affairs Minister also visited the historic Casa de la Independencia from where Paraguay's independence movement began more than two centuries ago.

• External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar is on an official visit to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina from 22-27 August.

• In Paraguay, S Jaishankar will also inaugurate the new Indian Embassy complex, which started functioning in January 2022.

• EAM's visit is aimed at exploring new areas of cooperation in the post-pandemic era.

About Paraguay :

• It is a land-locked country in south-central South America.

• It is one of the world’s largest exporters of hydropower.

• The rivers provide access to the Atlantic Ocean and serve as sites for hydroelectric power plants.

• Paraguay is a member of MERCOSUR.

• The Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) is a regional integration process, initially established by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, and later joined by Venezuela and Bolivia.

• India has a preferential trade agreement with MERCOSUR.

• Diplomatic relations between India and Paraguay were established in year 1961.

• President - Mario Abdo Benitez

• Capital - Asuncion

• Currency - The guarani

No charges will be levied on UPI services - Finance Ministry

Tags: Economy/Finance

The Finance Ministry on August 21 said that the United Payments Interface (UPI) is a useful digital service for the people and the government does not intend to levy any charges on it.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• This statement of the Finance Ministry allays the apprehensions arising out of the discussion paper of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on charges in the UPI payment system.

• The discussion paper suggests that UPI payments may be charged with different amount categories.

• In this paper, there was talk of levying a special charge (Merchant Discount Rate) on UPI transactions.

• This charge depends on the amount transferred.

• Currently, there are no charges for transactions through UPI.

About UPI :

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a single platform that integrates various banking services and facilities under one umbrella.

• It is developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

• The names of the top UPI apps currently are – PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay, Amazon Pay and BHIM.

• NPCI launched UPI in 2016 with 21 member banks.

For more update please visit news of 2 August.

US, South Korea begin biggest joint military drills since 2018

Tags: Defence International News

South Korea and the United States began their biggest joint military exercise 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' since 2018 on 22 August with the resumption of field training.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• Known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, thousands of military personnel are expected to participate in the exercise.

• It will run for two weeks starting 22 August.

• The US and South Korea have said they are defensive in nature and will conduct exercises to coordinate security forces in response to North Korea's aggression.

• The exercise is likely to involve warships, aircraft and armoured vehicles.

• The US, South Korea and Japan conducted a joint missile defence exercise in Hawaii earlier this month.

• The US, Japan and South Korea have warned that North Korea is preparing for its first nuclear test since 2017.

• North Korea is trying to develop smaller weapons to attack US allies in Asia and could increase the power of those weapons that would be carried to the US by intercontinental ballistic missiles.

• The US still has about 28,500 troops in South Korea and military leaders on both sides have said the exercises are necessary to prepare for any provocation by Pyongyang (North Korea).

• Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise will improve South Korea's combat capability.

South Korea :

• It is in East Asia. It is located on the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.

• In 2017 South Korea had the fastest internet connectivity globally.

• President - Yoon Suk-Yeol 

• Prime Minister - Kim Boo-Kyum

• Capital - Seoul

• Official Language - Korean

Union Home Minister Amit Shah presides over 23rd Central Zonal Council Meeting in Bhopal

Tags: National National News

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the meeting of the Central Zonal Council in Bhopal on 22nd August where issues related to connectivity, electricity, sharing of river water and common interest were discussed.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers, Ministers, Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and senior officials of Member States and Central Government.

• In this meeting of the Central Zonal Council, the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are included.

• UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan were present in the Central Zonal Council meeting.

• The Central Government holds regular meetings of the Zonal Councils from time to time as part of the overall strategy to strengthen and promote cooperative and competitive federalism in the country.

• These regional councils enable dialogue and discussion on issues affecting one or more states.

About Zonal Councils :

• In 1956 first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru give the idea of creation of Zonal Councils.

• There are five Zonal Councils in India which were established in 1957 under Section 15-22 of the States Reorganization Act, 1956.

• A Standing Committee is constituted by each Zonal Council consisting of the Chief Secretaries of their respective Zonal Councils of the Member States.

• These Standing Committees meet from time to time to resolve the issues.

• Chairman - The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of each of these Councils

• Vice-chairman - Chief Minister of the host state

Five Zonal Councils :

1. The Northern Zonal Council - States of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, National Capital Territory of Delhi and Union Territory of Chandigarh are included.

2. The Central Zonal Council -  States of Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are included.

3. The Eastern Zonal Council - States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Sikkim and West Bengal are included.

4. The Western Zonal Council - States of Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli are included.

5. The Southern Zonal Council - States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry are included.

Objectives of the Zonal Councils :

• National integration

• Enabling Centre and States to collaborate and exchange ideas and experiences

• Stopping the growth of regionalism, linguism and specific tendencies

• To establish an environment of cooperation among the states for successful and speedy execution of development projects

Significance of Zonal Councils :

• Zonal councils provide a forum for discussion on issues affecting one or more states or issues between the Centre and the states.

• It helps in developing a coordinated approach through deliberation and exchange of views among the states on important issues of social and economic development.

• They provide a forum for resolving disputes between the Centre and the states.

Kindly also see 11 June and 9 July 2022 post.

Maharashtra declares ‘Dahi Handi’ an official sport

Tags: State News Sports News

Like Kho-Kho and Kabaddi, Dahi Handi has now been given the status of a sport in Maharashtra. It will be considered as a kind of adventure sport.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told the Vidhan Sabha that Govindas joining Dahi Handi would be given benefits of government schemes, 5 percent reservation in government jobs.

• Govinda will now also be given insurance cover. If an accident occurs while playing Dahi Handi and in such a situation a Govinda dies, then an amount of Rs 10 lakh will be given as assistance to the relatives of the concerned Govinda.

• In case of serious injury on Govinda's eyes or both legs or both hands or any two important parts of the body, the state government will give him an assistance of Rs.7.5 lakh.

• In such a situation, if any Govind's hand, leg or any part of the body is lost, then in such a situation, he will be given an assistance amount of 5 lakh rupees.

What is Dahi Handi ?

• Dahi Handi is celebrated on the occasion of Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna.

• Dahi Handi is part of the Janmashtami festival, where young participants called 'govindas', dressed in colourful clothes, form and break a human pyramid to reach a pot hung in the air.

• Dahi Handi was first started here in 1907 on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.

• The tradition of Dahi Handi, which started in Mumbai in 1907, has been going on for the last 104 years in Ghansoli village near Navi Mumbai.

World Senior Citizens Day

Tags: Important Days

World Senior Citizens Day is celebrated every year on 21st August with the aim of honouring the elderly around the world.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

History of the day :

• The United Nations General Assembly had announced to celebrate this day on 14 December 1990.

• International Senior Citizens Day was celebrated for the first time on 1 October 1991.

• In the US, President Ronald Reagan signed this resolution on 19 August 1988, and on 21 August 1988, International Senior Citizens Day was celebrated for the first time in the United States.

• Ronald Reagan was the first person to introduce Senior Citizens Day.

Importance of this day :

• The number of elderly people globally is projected to double in the next three decades.

• According to a United Nations report, by 2050, there will be 1.5 billion senior citizens worldwide.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -

Government of India schemes for the betterment of senior citizens :

• Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana - This scheme is a social security scheme and pension plan. Launched - May 4, 2017

• Varistha Mediclaim Policy - This Senior Citizen Health Insurance is a medical insurance plan for citizens in the age group of 60 to 75 years.

• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana - The objective of this scheme is to provide aids and assistive devices to those senior citizens belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category who are suffering from age related disability or disability. Launch - Year 2017

• Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana - Launched - 14 August 2014

Govt awards GI tag to Mithila Makhana to boost farmers’ income

Tags: National National News

The Central Government has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Mithila Makhana.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• According to the GI Registry Certificate, it has been registered as GI Mithilanchal Makhana Producer Association.

• Usually, this name assures quality and uniqueness, which is essentially due to its place of origin.

• Any association of persons, producers, organization or authority established by or under law can apply for GI tag.

• This step will help the Makhana growers to get maximum value for their produce.

• Once a product has got this tag, no person or company can sell anything similar to that name.

• This tag is valid for a period of 10 years after which it can be renewed.

• Other benefits of GI registration include legal protection of that commodity, prevention against unauthorized use by others and promotion of exports.

What is a Geographical Indication ?

• A Geographical Indication (GI) is primarily an agricultural, natural or manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating in a given geographical area.

• Such a name assures quality and uniqueness which is due to its origin in the specified geographical area.

Some Famous Geographical Indications :

• Basmati Rice, Darjeeling Tea, Chanderi Fabric, Mysore Silk, Kullu Shawl, Kangra Chai, Thanjavur Painting, Allahabad Surkha, Farrukhabad Print, Lucknow Zardozi and Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Banarasi Saree, Tirupati Laddu, Jaipur Blue Pottery.

Importance of geographical indication :

• Geographical Indication tag provides equal rights and protection to the holders of intellectual property rights like copyright, patent, trademark etc.

• These are the factors for the promotion of fame and culture of any country.

• They play an important role in the prestige of any country.

• They are an integral part of India's rich culture and collective intellectual heritage.

• The rural economy of remote areas benefits immensely by granting GI tag to specific types of products.

Inauguration of the 10th National Conference of Women Police Officers (NCWP) in Shimla

Tags: National National News

Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai inaugurated the 10th National Conference of Women in Police (NCWP) on 21 August at Shimla.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• This conference is being organised in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on 21st and 22nd August.

• This national level conference is being organised in collaboration with the Union Home Ministry, Bureau of Police Research and Development and Himachal Police.

• Hundreds of women constables to DGP and Para Military officers are participating in this conference.

• This conference provides a platform for women police officers.

• The conference showcases the achievements of women police officers and the issues and challenges faced by women in the 21st century.

• The conference also discussed the changing crimes and new roles and responsibilities of women in the age of technology.

Objective of the conference :

• The objective of organising this conference is to further develop the quality of leadership among women and to discuss the challenges faced by women police officers and personnel.

New species of bent-toed gecko found at Agasthyamalai

Tags: Science and Technology

A group of researchers has discovered a new species of bent-toed gecko from Agasthyamalai hills in the Western Ghats recently. 

IMPORTANT FACTS -

About the new Species :

• Scientific name - Cyrtodactylus aravindi

• The species has been given the common name Aravind’s ground gecko after noted malacologist (a branch of zoology that deals with molluscs) N A Aravind.

• It has been described on the basis of variation and its specificity in molecular DNA data.

• It has so far been found only at two locations, Muppanddal and Thuckalay, in Kanyakumari district within the Agasthyamalai biosphere reserve in Tamil Nadu. 

• This new species has been described in the journal Vertebrate Zoology.

About Gecko :

• Geckos are reptiles and are found on all continents except Antarctica.

• These are colorful lizards adapted to habitats ranging from rainforests, desserts to cold mountain slopes.

• Most geckos are nocturnal, they are active at night.

Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve :

• It was established in 2001. 

• It straddles the border of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram Districts in Kerala and Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari Districts in Tamil Nadu, South India at the southern end of the Western Ghats. 

• It consists mostly of tropical forests.