1. MoU between Indian Navy and Space Applications Center (ISRO)
Tags: National National News
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Recently a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Space Applications Centre (ISRO) and the Indian Navy on data sharing and cooperation on satellite based naval applications in oceanography and meteorology.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- This will enhance cooperation and usher in a common platform of mutual cooperation.
Scientific advances by the Space Applications Centre will be synergized with the efforts of the Indian Navy to ensure the nation's defence with the rapid development in the field of satellite data retrieval and applications.
The collaboration will cover various dimensions :
Sharing of non-confidential observational data.
Includes provision of subject experts (SMEs) for processing satellite data for use in military operations and development of new equipment, calibration and validation of ocean models for use of meteorological information generated from the Space Applications Centre (SAC).
Providing calibration and validation of ocean models.
Space Applications Centre :
The Space Applications Centre is a premier R&D centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
It is a one-of-a-kind centre that deals with various disciplines ranging from payload development to social use.
It is located in Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat, India.
2. World Water Week - 2022
Tags: Important Days International News
World Water Week - 2022 is being held in Stockholm, Sweden from 23 August to 1 September.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- Theme of World Water Week 2022 - “Seeing the unseen: The value of water”.
The event has been organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).
The theme of World Water Week 2022 is covered under three main approaches -
The value of water for people and sustainable development
the value of water for nature and climate change
the financial and economic value of water
The event will provide many opportunities for people around the world to unite, promote ideas, innovate and discuss the future.
Around 300 sessions will be organised under World Water Week on water related topics including food security, health, agriculture, technology, biodiversity, climate change etc.
World Water Week will attract top scientists, UN experts, local community groups, entrepreneurs, top politicians, students, CEOs and many more.
This will help in achieving reforms towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
3. India nominates GARBA to be inscribed on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list
Tags: National National News
India has nominated the dance form Garba to be inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- After including 'Durga Puja' in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage last year, India has now nominated 'Garba' dance for 2022.
India was selected by UNESCO in July 2022 to serve on the Specialized Intergovernmental Committee on the 2003 Convention for the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
India received 110 votes from 155 state parties making the selection final.
Garba Dance :
It is a type of Indian dance usually performed on festivals and other special occasions in the state of Gujarat, India.
Traditionally this nine day Hindu festival is performed during Navratri.
It is a dance performed by women around it by filling an earthen pot, called a garbo, with water.
A betel nut and silver coin are kept inside the pot, which is called Kumbh. A coconut is placed on top of it.
The dancing women move round the pot and a singer and a dholak or tabla player give the music.
'Garba' is born according to a lamp, which is called Garbhadeep, which means the lamp placed inside the pot.
India's 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' recognized by UNESCO :
(1) Tradition of Vedic chanting (3) Ramlila, traditional performance of Ramayana (3) Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre (4) Ramman, religious festivals and rituals of the Garhwal Himalayas, India (5) Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala (6) Kalbelia Folk Songs and Dances of Rajasthan (7) Chhau Dance (8) Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh: Recitation of Sacred Buddhist Scriptures in the Ladakh Region of the Himalayas, Jammu and Kashmir, India (9) Sankirtana, Traditional Singing, Nagade of Manipur and dance (10) Brass and copper utensils made by Thathers of Punjab (11) Yoga (12) Navroz, (13) Kumbh Mela (14) Durga Puja, Kolkata.
UNESCO was established in the year 1945 to develop the "intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind" in the form of lasting peacekeeping.
UNESCO officially recognizes sites of cultural and natural importance as World Heritage.
India has a total of 40 Tangible Heritage Heritage Sites (31 Cultural, 8 Natural and 1 Mixed) and 14 Intangible Cultural Heritages recognized by UNESCO.
4. India handed over 21,000 tonnes of urea to crisis-hit Sri Lanka
Tags: International Relations International News
India on 22 August handed over 21,000 tonnes of chemical fertiliser to the crisis-ridden neighbour Sri Lanka.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- This has been done under a special assistance program that will help farmers in Sri Lanka and help strengthen bilateral cooperation for food security,
This is India's second such aid to the beleaguered island nation in recent months.
In May 2022, India had assured to supply 65,000 metric tonnes of urea to Sri Lanka immediately to avoid any disruption in the current Yala farming season in Sri Lanka.
Yala is the paddy cultivation season in Sri Lanka which lasts between May and August.
Ban of Fertiliser in Sri Lanka :
To move towards a green economy, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last year decided to ban imports of chemical fertilizers, causing a food shortage that has reduced crop yields by 50%.
This decision of the government badly affected the food production.
As a result, the President of Sri Lanka declared an economic emergency to curb rising food prices.
India's support to Srilanka :
India has pledged about $4 billion in loans, lines of credit and credit swaps to the debt-ridden Sri Lanka from January this year.
Sri Lanka's annual fertilizer imports cost is USD 400 million.
India has provided financial assistance of about USD 3.5 billion to help safeguard Sri Lanka's food, health and energy security by supplying food, medicines, fuel, kerosene and other essential commodities.
In addition, India has recently supplied around 40,000 tonnes of rice under the extended USD 1 billion line of credit.
5. Inauguration of the 10th National Conference of Women Police Officers (NCWP) in Shimla
Tags: National National News
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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.
6. 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.
7. 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 :
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.
The Central Zonal Council - States of Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are included.
The Eastern Zonal Council - States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Sikkim and West Bengal are included.
The Western Zonal Council - States of Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli are included.
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.
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
