1. 4 member committee to probe WHO report on contaminated syrup supplied by Maiden Pharma
The Government of India on 12 October 2022 has set up a four-member expert committee to investigate the report sent by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the deaths of 66 children in Gambia due to consumption of cough syrups from Sonipat-based Company Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited.
The government has already suspended the production of cough syrup by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd after the report of the WHO.
The committee consists of Dr YK Gupta, Vice Chairperson, Standing National Committee on Medicines ; Dr Pragya Yadav, ICMR -National Institute of Virology(NIV), Pune; Dr Arti Bahl, Division of epidemiology, National Center for Disease Control(NCDC), New Delhi and AK Pradhan, JDC(I), CDSCO(Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation).
According to the reports, an American company Atlantic Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd which has permission to export medicines to Gambia, ordered combined syrup from Maiden Pharmaceuticals limited.
The cough syrup was subsequently found contaminated by the WHO leading to the death of children in Gambia.
Republic of Gambia
It is a West African situated along the Atlantic Ocean.
The country derives its name from the river Gambia.
Capital: Banjul
Currency: Dalasi
President: Adama Barrow
World Health Organisation (WHO)
- The World Health Organisation is a specialised agency of the United Nations which was founded on 7 April, 1948.
- Headquarters of WHO : Geneva, Switzerland
- Director General of WHO: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia.
2. India improves its ranks to 123 on the Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index 2022
Tags: National International News
India has improved its ranking by 6 places in the recently released Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index (CRII) 2022. It has been ranked 123th in the world out of 161 countries. India was ranked 129 in the 2020 Index.
India’s rank has improved primarily due to improvement in indicators quantifying the impact of public spending and the impact of tax on reducing inequality.
The index ranks the countries on the policies made by the government and action taken to fight inequality in the first two years of covid pandemic.
Norway has been ranked as the top country followed by Germany and Australia. South Sudan has been ranked 161st at the bottom of the Index.
Composition of the Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index (CRII)
The Index which is prepared by Oxfam International and Development Finance International (DFI) measures governments policies and actions in three areas proven to have a major impact on reducing inequality.
The three areas are public services (health, education, and social protection), taxation and workers' rights.
India’s performance
Public service
India has been ranked 129th in the Public service spending. It was ranked 141 in the 2020 report.
According to the Index, India features among the lowest performers on health spending. It dropped to 157th rank, a drop of two places. The Indian government spends 3.64 % of all it’s spending on health which is lowest among all neighbouring countries. Pakistan spending is at 4.3%, Bangladesh is at 5.19%, Sri Lanka is at 5.88%, and Nepal is at 7.8%,
Progressive taxation
India was ranked 16 on progressive taxation in 2022 while it was ranked 19 in 2020.
Labour Ranking (workers’ rights and wages)
India was ranked 151 on labour ranking (which includes workers’ rights) while in 2020 also it was ranked 151.
South Asian country’s ranking
Country | Public service ranking | Tax ranking | Labour ranking | Regional ranking |
Maldives | 71 | 12 | 54 | 1 |
Bangladesh | 136 | 47 | 101 | 2 |
Sri Lanka | 128 | 85 | 93 | 3 |
Nepal | 116 | 36 | 126 | 4 |
Bhutan | 114 | 27 | 140 | 5 |
India | 129 | 16 | 151 | 6 |
Pakistan | 151 | 77 | 113 | 7 |
Afghanistan | 158 | 115 | 117 | 8 |
OXFAM International
Oxfam International was formed in 1995 by a group of independent non-governmental organizations. They joined together as a confederation to maximize efficiency and achieve greater impact to reduce global poverty and injustice.
The name “Oxfam” comes from the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, founded in Britain in 1942.
The Oxfam International Secretariat is based in Nairobi, Kenya
Oxfam India CEO : Amitabh Behar
3. India improves its ranks to 123 on the Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index 2022
Tags: National International News
India has improved its ranking by 6 places in the recently released Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index (CRII) 2022. It has been ranked 123th in the world out of 161 countries. India was ranked 129 in the 2020 Index.
India’s rank has improved primarily due to improvement in indicators quantifying the impact of public spending and the impact of tax on reducing inequality.
The index ranks the countries on the policies made by the government and action taken to fight inequality in the first two years of covid pandemic.
Norway has been ranked as the top country followed by Germany and Australia. South Sudan has been ranked 161st at the bottom of the Index.
Composition of the Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index (CRII)
The Index which is prepared by Oxfam International and Development Finance International (DFI) measures governments policies and actions in three areas proven to have a major impact on reducing inequality.
The three areas are public services (health, education, and social protection), taxation and workers' rights.
India’s performance
Public service
India has been ranked 129th in the Public service spending. It was ranked 141 in the 2020 report.
According to the Index, India features among the lowest performers on health spending. It dropped to 157th rank, a drop of two places. The Indian government spends 3.64 % of all it’s spending on health which is lowest among all neighbouring countries. Pakistan spending is at 4.3%, Bangladesh is at 5.19%, Sri Lanka is at 5.88%, and Nepal is at 7.8%,
Progressive taxation
India was ranked 16 on progressive taxation in 2022 while it was ranked 19 in 2020.
Labour Ranking (workers’ rights and wages)
India was ranked 151 on labour ranking (which includes workers’ rights) while in 2020 also it was ranked 151.
South Asian country’s ranking
Country | Public service ranking | Tax ranking | Labour ranking | Regional ranking |
Maldives | 71 | 12 | 54 | 1 |
Bangladesh | 136 | 47 | 101 | 2 |
Sri Lanka | 128 | 85 | 93 | 3 |
Nepal | 116 | 36 | 126 | 4 |
Bhutan | 114 | 27 | 140 | 5 |
India | 129 | 16 | 151 | 6 |
Pakistan | 151 | 77 | 113 | 7 |
Afghanistan | 158 | 115 | 117 | 8 |
OXFAM International
Oxfam International was formed in 1995 by a group of independent non-governmental organizations. They joined together as a confederation to maximize efficiency and achieve greater impact to reduce global poverty and injustice.
The name “Oxfam” comes from the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, founded in Britain in 1942.
The Oxfam International Secretariat is based in Nairobi, Kenya
Oxfam India CEO : Amitabh Behar
4. Indian Railways plans to replace fossil fuel fleet with electric fleet by 2025
Tags: National Economy/Finance Science and Technology
In a big boost to the Centre’s ambitious plan to make India a 100% electric vehicle nation by 2030, the Indian Railways has proposed to replace its entire fleet of vehicles that run on diesel, biofuels or even natural gas with electric vehicles by December 2025.
To achieve the ambitious target of 2030 the country needs to set up 46,000 EV charging stations by 2030 to match the global benchmark.
Phase wise target of Railways
According to the timeline proposed by the railways, it aims to achieve the target of installing EV-charging stations and phasing out 20% of its fleet by December 2023, 60% by 2024 and 100% by 2025.
The replacement of inspection vehicles in divisional offices and attached units would not be mandatory in the initial phase of three years since the vehicles would be required by officials for frequent visits to far-flung areas where adequate charging infrastructure may not be available.
The railways will also create an affordable and accessible charging infrastructure for users, including passengers, visitors and the general public, on its premises.
5. INS Tarkash reaches South Africa to participate in 7th edition of IBSAMAR
Tags: Defence International News
INS Tarkash reached Port Gqeberha (also known as Port Elizabeth), South Africa to participate in the 7th edition of IBSAMAR, a joint multinational maritime exercise among Indian, Brazilian and South African Navies from 10 - 12 Oct 2022.
Important facts
The previous edition of IBSAMAR (IBSAMAR VI) was conducted at Simons Town, South Africa from 1 to 13 October 2018.
The Indian Navy is represented by a Teg class guided missile frigate, INS Tarkash, a Chetak helicopter and personnel from the Marine Commando Force (MARCOS).
The Harbor phase of IBSAMAR VII includes major exercises such as damage control and fire fighting exercises, VBSS/Cross boarding lectures and interactions between Special Forces.
This joint maritime exercise will strengthen inter-operability for maritime security, joint operational training, sharing of best practices and addressing common maritime threats.
INS Tarkash
INS Tarkash is a state-of-the-art stealth frigate of the Indian Navy.
It is built by Yantar Shipyard at Kaliningrad, Russia.
It is equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors capable of addressing threats in all three dimensions.
The ship incorporates the latest stealth features such as low radar, infra-red, acoustic and magnetic signatures, making it difficult to detect at sea.
The ship is part of the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy based at Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.
6. Complaint filed against Google in CCI, NBDA alleges
Tags: National National News
Several news organisations have filed complaints against Google with the Competition Commission of India i.e. CCI, this complaint has been filed on behalf of the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) against Google.
Important facts
It contains the names of several Google companies such as Alphabet Inc., Google LLC, Google India Private Limited, Google Ireland Limited and Google Asia Pacific, against whom a complaint has been filed with the CCI.
NBDA in its complaint has alleged violation of Section 19(1)(a) of the Competition Act 2002 against Google.
The whole matter in the complaint is about the payment of news.
It has been alleged that Google shows news of media organisations on its platform, but not enough money is paid in return.
NBDA alleges that Google forces its news members to give news in the name of priority of news on search engine and referral traffic.
It is alleged that Google uses the content of its news members for services like Google News, Google Discover and Google Accelerated Mobile Pages only for its own economic benefit.
About NBDA
The News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) represents the private television news, current affairs and digital broadcasters.
It is the collective voice of news, current affairs and digital broadcasters in India.
It is an organisation fully funded by its members.
At present NBDA has 26 leading news and current affairs broadcasters (119 news and current affairs channels) as its members.
Competition Commission of India (CCI)
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is the chief national competition regulator in India.
It was set up under the Competition Act, 2002
It comes under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
It promotes healthy market competition and prevents activities that have an adverse effect on competition in India.
CCI also approves combinations under the act so that two merging entities do not overtake the market.
Headquarter - New Delhi
Current Chairman - Ashok Kumar Gupta
7. Complaint filed against Google in CCI, NBDA alleges
Tags: National National News
Several news organisations have filed complaints against Google with the Competition Commission of India i.e. CCI, this complaint has been filed on behalf of the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) against Google.
Important facts
It contains the names of several Google companies such as Alphabet Inc., Google LLC, Google India Private Limited, Google Ireland Limited and Google Asia Pacific, against whom a complaint has been filed with the CCI.
NBDA in its complaint has alleged violation of Section 19(1)(a) of the Competition Act 2002 against Google.
The whole matter in the complaint is about the payment of news.
It has been alleged that Google shows news of media organisations on its platform, but not enough money is paid in return.
NBDA alleges that Google forces its news members to give news in the name of priority of news on search engine and referral traffic.
It is alleged that Google uses the content of its news members for services like Google News, Google Discover and Google Accelerated Mobile Pages only for its own economic benefit.
About NBDA
The News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) represents the private television news, current affairs and digital broadcasters.
It is the collective voice of news, current affairs and digital broadcasters in India.
It is an organisation fully funded by its members.
At present NBDA has 26 leading news and current affairs broadcasters (119 news and current affairs channels) as its members.
Competition Commission of India (CCI)
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is the chief national competition regulator in India.
It was set up under the Competition Act, 2002
It comes under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
It promotes healthy market competition and prevents activities that have an adverse effect on competition in India.
CCI also approves combinations under the act so that two merging entities do not overtake the market.
Headquarter - New Delhi
Current Chairman - Ashok Kumar Gupta
8. Lucknow's Jagriti Yadav becomes UK high commissioner for a day
Tags: Person in news International News
20-year-old Jagriti Yadav of Lucknow has been appointed to the highest post of British High Commission in India for a day under women empowerment after winning a competition on the occasion of International Girl Child Day on 11 October 2022.
Important Facts
Jagriti is the sixth person to receive this honour of becoming the British High Commissioner.
According to the British Embassy, Jagriti is the sixth winner to win the 'High Commissioner for a Day-India Edition' competition held every year since 2017.
Jagriti, who hails from Lucknow, remained Britain's highest diplomat in India for a whole day. She gained experience in many diplomatic activities.
Including holding meetings with various parties and presiding over the meeting. Apart from this, she has been involved in many events throughout the day.
During this, Jagriti met the Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi as well as met West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin.
High Commissioner for a Day-India Edition
The High Commissioner for a Day-India Edition competition is open to young girls in the age group of 18-23. Last year's winner was Aditi Maheshwari, 20, from Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
To celebrate International Girl Child Day, the British High Commission provides a unique opportunity for women across India to experience the life of the UK's top diplomat in the country.
9. Nitin Gadkari launches Toyota’s pilot project on Flex-Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FFV-SHEV) in India
Tags: place in news National Science and Technology
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Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari launched Toyota’s first of its kind pilot project on Flex-Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FFV-SHEV) in India on 11 October 2022, which would run on 100% petrol as well as 20 to 100% blended ethanol and electric power.
The Toyota car which was unveiled by the minister has been imported from Toyota Brazil. Flex-fuel vehicles are at present available in Brazil, the USA and Canada.
Ethanol in India is mainly derived from molasses of the sugarcane.
An FFV SHEV has a flex-fuel engine and an electric powertrain, providing dual benefit of higher ethanol use and greater fuel efficiency. It can run for a significant time period on its Electric Vehicle mode, wherein the engine is shut off.
Flex-fuel compatible cars can run on more than one type of fuel and also a mixture of fuel. It typically runs on a blend of petrol and ethanol or methanol is used.
FFVs provide an opportunity of greater substitution of petrol by ethanol as it is capable of using any of the higher blends of ethanol mix from 20 per cent up to 100 per cent.
Toyota was also the first company in India to launch India's first green hydrogen-based advanced fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), Toyota Mirai.
Toyota Motor Company of Japan has a joint venture with Kirloskar in India and the company is called as Toyota Kirloskar Motor ltd.
10. India-Norway Joint Working Group on Higher Education held in New Delhi
Tags: place in news National
India hosted the 6th meeting of the India-Norway Joint Working Group on Higher Education on 11th October 2022 in New Delhi.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Neeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, International Cooperation, and Ministry of Education from the Indian side and by Ms. Anne Line Wold, Director General, Ministry of Education and Research from the Norwegian side. The Ambassador of Norway to India also participated in the meeting.
The Joint Working Group was established to monitor and oversee the implementation of the MoU on Cooperation in the field of Higher Education signed between India and Norway on 25th April 2022.
Kingdom of Norway
It is a Northern European country and lies in the Scandinavian Peninsula. Scandinavian islands consist of Norway and Sweden.
It is one of the largest exporters of crude oil and natural gas in the world .It has significant oil and gas reserves in North Sea.
Prime Minister: Jonas Gahr Støre
Capital: Oslo
Currency: Norwegian krone
