Current Affairs search results for tag: national
By admin: Oct. 1, 2022

1. Directorate General of Training (DGT) launches Bharatskills Forum

Tags: National National News

The Directorate General of Training (DGT) on 30 September launched Bharatskills Forum.

Important facts

  • It allows sharing of books, notes, videos, question bank, etc., and other relevant skill-related content for learners.

  • The facility will act as a digital repository for the skilled community by facilitating sharing of content in various forms like handwritten notes, PDFs, scanned copies or recorded video messages of trainers or trainees in any language.

Bharat Skills

  • In Oct 2019 DGT launched an online learning platform called the Bharatskills (https://bharatskills.gov.in ).

  • It is a central digital repository for skills for trainees and trainers of the ITI ecosystem, providing easy access to updated syllabus, e-books, question banks, mock/practice papers, learning videos etc. for courses under Craftsman Training.

  • The platform provides unparalleled access to a centralized, scalable and thriving ecosystem through its industrial partners for students and faculty who can now learn new age (Industrial Revolution 4.0) skills to meet the demands of the industry.

By admin: Oct. 1, 2022

2. China Withdraws Proposal Against AUKUS Nuclear Submarines Plan At IAEA

Tags: International News

India's diplomatic prowess at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) forced China to withdraw its proposal against AUKUS (United Group of Australia, Britain and America) on 30 September.

Important facts

  • China tried to get the resolution passed at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) general conference held in Vienna from 26 to 30 September 2021.

  • The AUKUS (Australia, UK and US) Security Partnership had announced that it would facilitate Australia to acquire technology to build nuclear-powered submarines.

  • On 30 September, China argued that the initiative violated its responsibilities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It also criticized the role of the IAEA in this respect.

  • India's well-considered role helped many countries to take a clear stand on the Chinese proposal.

  • The Indian Mission to the IAEA in Vienna worked closely with many IAEA member states in this regard.

  • When China realized that its proposal would not get majority, it withdrew its draft resolution on 30 September.

AUKUS Alliance

  • In September 2021 Australia, United States and United Kingdom (AUKUS) made an announcement to develop hypersonic missiles.

  • They will work together through a security alliance called AUKUS to develop hypersonic missiles.

  • The move comes amid growing concerns from the US and allies about China's growing military influence in the Pacific.

By admin: Oct. 1, 2022

3. PFRDA observe 1 October as the National Pension System Diwas

Tags: Economy/Finance Important Days National News

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is observing 1st October as the National Pension System Diwas (NPS Diwas) to promote pension and retirement planning among the citizens of India. 

Important facts

  • PFRDA is promoting this campaign on its social media platforms.

  • PFRDA is organizing this campaign under 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.

  • The objective of the pension regulator, PFRDA is to encourage every citizen, be it working professionals or self-employed professionals, to plan for building a pension corpus after retirement to ensure a financially sound future.

  • NPS subscribers will get the benefit of tax deduction on their contributions and regular income after retirement.

About PFRDA

  • It is the regulatory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India for overall supervision and regulation of pension system in India.

  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act was passed on 19 September 2013 and was notified on 1 February 2014.

  • It regulates the National Pension System (NPS), subscribed by employees of Govt of India, State Governments and by employees of private institutions/organizations and unorganized sectors.

  • As on 24 September, 2022, total number of subscribers under NPS is 571.86 lakhs (5.72 crores) and total Assets Under Management (AUM) is 7,99,467 crore (7.99 trillion).

By admin: Oct. 1, 2022

4. India abstains on UNSC resolution condemning Russia’s ‘referenda’ in Ukraine

Tags: International News

India abstained from voting on a draft resolution tabled by the US and Albania at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on September 30 that condemned Russia's illegal referendum and its occupation of Ukrainian territories.

Important facts

  • The resolution demanded that Russia immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine.

  • 15 Security Council countries were supposed to vote on this resolution, but Russia used a veto against it, due to which the resolution could not be passed.

  • 10 of the 15 Security Council countries voted in favor of the resolution, while China, Gabon, India and Brazil did not participate.

  • UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the occupation of another country's territory by threat or use of force is a violation of the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law.

  • India's position has been clear and consistent from the very beginning of this conflict.

  • She said that the global order is based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and the territorial integrity of all states. Rhetoric or escalation of tension is not in anyone's interest.

  • On 30 September, Russian President Putin submitted his claim to the Ukrainian territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhya.

  • It was also decided by the Security Council that Russia "immediately, completely and unconditionally" withdraw all its military forces from the territory of Ukraine.

About UNSC :

  • It was established in 1945 by the United Nations Charter.

  • It is one of the six major organs of the United Nations.

  • The other 5 organs of the United Nations are - the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Trusteeship Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice and the Secretariat.

  • It has five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, collectively known as the P5. 

  • India is currently a non-permanent member of the UNSC for a two-year term, which expires in December.

  • Any one of them can veto a resolution.

  • Headquarters - New York

By admin: Oct. 1, 2022

5. AFSPA extended to 6 months in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh

Tags: National National News

The Central Government has extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for another 6 months in the disturbed areas of 12 districts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

Important facts

  • According to the notice issued by the Union Home Ministry, AFSPA will be fully implemented in 3 districts of Arunachal and 9 districts of Nagaland.

  • Nagaland’s nine districts where AFSPA will be implemented from October 1 - Dimapur, Niuland, Chumukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Zunheboto - and 16 police stations in four other districts - Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng and Wokha.

  • In Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA will be applicable in three districts - Tirap, Changlang and Longding and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district.

  • Nagaland has 16 districts, Arunachal Pradesh has 26.

These areas of the states were removed from AFSPA

  • AFSPA was completely withdrawn in Tripura in 2015, Meghalaya in 2018 and Mizoram in the 1980s.

  • Due to the improvement in the security situation, AFSPA was removed completely in 23 districts of Assam and partially in one district with effect from April 1, 2022.

What is AFSPA?

  • Armed Forces Special Powers Act, (AFSPA),1958, gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas.”

  • It came into force decades ago in the context of insurgency in the northeastern states.

  • It provides "special powers" to the army, air force and central paramilitary forces.

  • The Act provides that if "reasonable suspicion exists", the armed forces may also arrest any person without warrant; May enter or search premises without warrant and prohibit possession of firearms.

What are the Disturbed Areas?

  • A disturbed area means which is declared by notification under Section 3 of the AFSPA.

  • A region may be disturbed because of differences or disputes between members of different, racial, religious, language or regional groups or castes or communities.

  • The Central Government or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory have power to declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area.

By admin: Oct. 1, 2022

6. AFSPA extended to 6 months in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh

Tags: National National News

The Central Government has extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for another 6 months in the disturbed areas of 12 districts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

Important facts

  • According to the notice issued by the Union Home Ministry, AFSPA will be fully implemented in 3 districts of Arunachal and 9 districts of Nagaland.

  • Nagaland’s nine districts where AFSPA will be implemented from October 1 - Dimapur, Niuland, Chumukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Zunheboto - and 16 police stations in four other districts - Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng and Wokha.

  • In Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA will be applicable in three districts - Tirap, Changlang and Longding and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district.

  • Nagaland has 16 districts, Arunachal Pradesh has 26.

These areas of the states were removed from AFSPA

  • AFSPA was completely withdrawn in Tripura in 2015, Meghalaya in 2018 and Mizoram in the 1980s.

  • Due to the improvement in the security situation, AFSPA was removed completely in 23 districts of Assam and partially in one district with effect from April 1, 2022.

What is AFSPA?

  • Armed Forces Special Powers Act, (AFSPA),1958, gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas.”

  • It came into force decades ago in the context of insurgency in the northeastern states.

  • It provides "special powers" to the army, air force and central paramilitary forces.

  • The Act provides that if "reasonable suspicion exists", the armed forces may also arrest any person without warrant; May enter or search premises without warrant and prohibit possession of firearms.

What are the Disturbed Areas?

  • A disturbed area means which is declared by notification under Section 3 of the AFSPA.

  • A region may be disturbed because of differences or disputes between members of different, racial, religious, language or regional groups or castes or communities.

  • The Central Government or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory have power to declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area.

By admin: Sept. 30, 2022

7. PM inaugurates world's first CNG terminal in Gujarat's Bhavnagar

Tags: State News National News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the “world’s first CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) terminal at Bhavnagar in Gujarat on 29 September.

Important facts

  • It will be “world’s first CNG terminal along with the world's fourth largest lock gate system.

  • It is being constructed by a consortium of the Mumbai-based Padmanabhan Mafatlal Group and the UK's Foresight Group. 

  • The CNG project is a part of an ambitious mega project of brownfield expansion of Bhavnagar port.

  • There are plans for a proposed development of a brownfield port terminal in the northern part of the existing Bhavnagar port in Gujarat.

  • The primary objective of the CNG terminal is to develop CNG receiving infrastructure for India through the Gujarat coast.

  • The port will also have a container terminal, multi-purpose terminal and liquid terminal, which will be connected to the northern regions of the country by the existing road and railway network.

What is CNG?

  • CNG, also known as compressed natural gas, is an eco-friendly alternative to gasoline.

  • It is a fuel gas mainly composed of methane (CH4).

  • CNG fuel is safer than gasoline and diesel because it is non-toxic and does not contaminate groundwater.

  • The use of CNG fuel is becoming more popular in both commercial and non-commercial vehicles.

By admin: Sept. 30, 2022

8. Mahakal Corridor: PM Modi to inaugurate Ujjain’s temple redevelopment project

Tags: National National News

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Mahakal Corridor constructed at a cost of Rs 350 crore at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh on October 11.

About Mahakal corridor

  • The construction work of Mahakal Corridor project in Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh is in progress as per the plan.

  • Mahakal Mandir Parisar Vistar Yojna is a plan for the expansion, beautification, and decongestion of the Mahakaleshwar temple and its adjoining area in Ujjain district.

  • Under the scheme, the Mahakaleshwar temple complex of about 2.82 hectares is being increased to 47 hectares, which will be developed by the Ujjain district administration in two phases.

  • The project will include a 17-hectare Rudrasagar lake.

  • This corridor is going to be four times bigger than Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

Mahakaleshwar Temple 

  • Shri Mahakaleshwar of Ujjain is considered one of the twelve famous Jyotirlingas of India.

  •  According to Hindu mythology, the temple was built by Lord Brahma and is currently situated on the banks of the holy Kshipra River.

  • According to the records, the Mahakal lingam of the temple is believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested) and unlike any other Jyotirlinga in the country, the idol of Mahakaleshwar faces south.

  • The bhasma-aarti is the first ritual conducted at the temple in the morning to wake the God.

  • This temple is revered as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas in India.

  • The present form of the temple was built in 1734 AD by the Maratha general Ranoji Shinde.

  • The collectorate office of Ujjain district now manages the administration of the temple.

By admin: Sept. 30, 2022

9. Mahakal Corridor: PM Modi to inaugurate Ujjain’s temple redevelopment project

Tags: National National News

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Mahakal Corridor constructed at a cost of Rs 350 crore at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh on October 11.

About Mahakal corridor

  • The construction work of Mahakal Corridor project in Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh is in progress as per the plan.

  • Mahakal Mandir Parisar Vistar Yojna is a plan for the expansion, beautification, and decongestion of the Mahakaleshwar temple and its adjoining area in Ujjain district.

  • Under the scheme, the Mahakaleshwar temple complex of about 2.82 hectares is being increased to 47 hectares, which will be developed by the Ujjain district administration in two phases.

  • The project will include a 17-hectare Rudrasagar lake.

  • This corridor is going to be four times bigger than Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

Mahakaleshwar Temple 

  • Shri Mahakaleshwar of Ujjain is considered one of the twelve famous Jyotirlingas of India.

  •  According to Hindu mythology, the temple was built by Lord Brahma and is currently situated on the banks of the holy Kshipra River.

  • According to the records, the Mahakal lingam of the temple is believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested) and unlike any other Jyotirlinga in the country, the idol of Mahakaleshwar faces south.

  • The bhasma-aarti is the first ritual conducted at the temple in the morning to wake the God.

  • This temple is revered as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas in India.

  • The present form of the temple was built in 1734 AD by the Maratha general Ranoji Shinde.

  • The collectorate office of Ujjain district now manages the administration of the temple.

By admin: Sept. 30, 2022

10. Ministry of Women and Child Development organizes Poshan Utsav

Tags: National National News

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is organizing “Poshan Utsav” from 30 September to 2 October 2022 at Kartavya Path in New Delhi to mark the culmination of 5th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2022.

Important facts

  • “Poshan Utsav” was inaugurated by Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani on 30th September, 2022 on the  Kartavya Path.

  • “Poshan Utsav” will act as a platform to create awareness about the importance of proper nutrition, especially for young children and women, to tackle the challenges of malnutrition in the country.

  • Poshan Utsav is being organized as a fair with the basic message of good nutrition.

  • Poshan Utsav will include cultural performances, nutrition parade, health check-up camps, healthy food stalls and sports to convey the message of nutrition.

About Rashtriya Poshan Maah

  • Under Poshan Abhiyaan, the month of September is observed as Poshan Maah every year, since 2018.

  • It includes one month of activities focused on antenatal care, breastfeeding, anaemia, growth monitoring, girl child education, diet, right age of marriage, hygiene and healthy eating (food nutrition).

  • Poshan Abhiyan was launched by the Prime Minister on the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2018 from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan.