1. Housing and Urban Affairs Minister announces results of India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale start-up challenge
Tags: National National News
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced the results of India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale start-up challenge on 9 September which was launched under Amrut 2.0 in March 2022.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- A total of 76 startups have been selected out of 222 entries that, through their innovative ideas, will help local civic bodies and water supply departments to conserve water and address its scarcity.
Appreciating the innovative ideas of a select few startups, he highlighted India's journey in setting up startups and unicorns over the last eight years.
In just eight years the number of unicorns has grown to over 100, making India the second largest number of unicorns in the world after the United States.
About India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge :
In March 2022 Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the ‘India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge’ under Atal mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0.
Aim :
Empowering startups in the water or used water sector to grow through innovation and design that will drive sustainable economic growth and create employment opportunities.
The Ministry will select 100 start-ups through this challenge and provide Rs.20 lakh each as funding support.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
About AMRUT 2.0 :
This is the second part of the AMRUT Mission launched in June 2015 which aimed to provide every household with an assured supply of water and access to a tap with a sewerage connection.
AMRUT 2.0 aims to provide 100 percent coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 ULBs (Urban Local Bodies).
It seeks to promote self-reliant India by encouraging Startups and Entrepreneurs (Public Private Partnership).
2. PM to inaugurate ‘Centre - State Science Conclave’ on 10th September
Tags: National Science and Technology National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Centre- State Science Conclave on the 10 September at Ahmedabad through video conferencing.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- The two day Conclave is being organised at Science City, Ahmedabad on 10 to 11 September 2022.
The conclave will test the adoption and enhancement of state-specific innovations and technologies.
The conclave will strengthen centre-state coordination and cooperation mechanisms to build a strong Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem across the country in the spirit of cooperative federalism.
Topics to be discussed :
Science, technology & innovation (STI) Vision 2047
Future Growth Pathways and Vision for STI in States
Health - Digital Health Care for All
Doubling Private Sector investment in Research and Development by 2030
Agriculture - Technological interventions for improving farmers’ income
Water - Innovation for producing potable drinking water
Energy- Clean Energy for All including S&T role in Hydrogen mission
Deep Ocean Mission and its relevance for Coastal States/UTs as well as country’s future economy
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
What is ‘Vision 2047’ for the Science and Technology Sector ?
Preparation of action plan and document of vision India 2047 is on underway.
It will aim at achieving new heights of prosperity, providing best facilities in both villages and cities, eliminating unnecessary interference by the government in the lives of citizens and creating the world's most modern infrastructure.
3. PM to inaugurate ‘Centre - State Science Conclave’ on 10th September
Tags: National Science and Technology National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Centre- State Science Conclave on the 10 September at Ahmedabad through video conferencing.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- The two day Conclave is being organised at Science City, Ahmedabad on 10 to 11 September 2022.
The conclave will test the adoption and enhancement of state-specific innovations and technologies.
The conclave will strengthen centre-state coordination and cooperation mechanisms to build a strong Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem across the country in the spirit of cooperative federalism.
Topics to be discussed :
Science, technology & innovation (STI) Vision 2047
Future Growth Pathways and Vision for STI in States
Health - Digital Health Care for All
Doubling Private Sector investment in Research and Development by 2030
Agriculture - Technological interventions for improving farmers’ income
Water - Innovation for producing potable drinking water
Energy- Clean Energy for All including S&T role in Hydrogen mission
Deep Ocean Mission and its relevance for Coastal States/UTs as well as country’s future economy
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
What is ‘Vision 2047’ for the Science and Technology Sector ?
Preparation of action plan and document of vision India 2047 is on underway.
It will aim at achieving new heights of prosperity, providing best facilities in both villages and cities, eliminating unnecessary interference by the government in the lives of citizens and creating the world's most modern infrastructure.
4. President Droupadi Murmu launched Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
Tags: National National News
President Droupadi Murmu launched the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan on 9 September to reinvigorate the mission of TB elimination from the country by 2025.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- This is aimed at working towards TB elimination from the country by 2025.
This was launched in the presence of Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya, and Minister of State Bharati Pravin Pawar, among other dignitaries.
The campaign is envisioned to bring together all community stakeholders to help find a cure for TB and accelerate the country's progress towards TB eradication.
Prime Minister Modi at the Delhi End TB Summit in March 2018 called for ending TB in the country five years ahead of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
President also launch the Ni-kshay Mitra Portal :
The portal provides a platform for donors to provide various forms of support to those undergoing TB treatment.
It will be based on three-pronged support which includes nutrition, additional diagnostics and professional support.
These donors, termed as Nikshay Mitras, can have a wide range of stakeholders ranging from elected representatives, political parties to corporates, NGOs and individuals.
The duration of assistance under Ni-kshay Mitra can be 1-3 years depending on the duration of treatment of the TB patient.
The main objective of Ni-kshay Mitra is to reach out to around 9 lakh TB patients and provide a nutritious diet.
5. President Droupadi Murmu launched Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
Tags: National National News
President Droupadi Murmu launched the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan on 9 September to reinvigorate the mission of TB elimination from the country by 2025.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- This is aimed at working towards TB elimination from the country by 2025.
This was launched in the presence of Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya, and Minister of State Bharati Pravin Pawar, among other dignitaries.
The campaign is envisioned to bring together all community stakeholders to help find a cure for TB and accelerate the country's progress towards TB eradication.
Prime Minister Modi at the Delhi End TB Summit in March 2018 called for ending TB in the country five years ahead of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
President also launch the Ni-kshay Mitra Portal :
The portal provides a platform for donors to provide various forms of support to those undergoing TB treatment.
It will be based on three-pronged support which includes nutrition, additional diagnostics and professional support.
These donors, termed as Nikshay Mitras, can have a wide range of stakeholders ranging from elected representatives, political parties to corporates, NGOs and individuals.
The duration of assistance under Ni-kshay Mitra can be 1-3 years depending on the duration of treatment of the TB patient.
The main objective of Ni-kshay Mitra is to reach out to around 9 lakh TB patients and provide a nutritious diet.
6. Britain's Queen Elizabeth dies at the age of 96
Tags: Person in news International News
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, died on 8 September at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Her age was about 96 years.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- Queen Elizabeth ruled for 70 years, former Prince Charles will now be Britain's new monarch.
The Queen ascended the throne in 1952 and she witnessed a great social change.
During her reign there were 15 prime ministers, including Ms Truss, starting with Winston Churchill.
Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21 April 1926 in Mayfair, London.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth became the longest-serving British monarch In 2015, surpassing her great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
In June 2022, she overtook Thailand's King to become the world's second-longest reigning monarch.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand ruled for 70 years and 126 days between 1927 and 2016.
Louis XIV of France is the longest reigning monarch in the world with 72 years and 110 days.
- In honour of Queen Elizabeth II, the Government of India has decided that on September 11, there will be a one-day state mourning across the country.
7. 95 out of 131 cities show improvement in air quality : Govt data
Tags: National National News
According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change the air quality of 95 cities out of 131 cities have improved under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- Varanasi recorded the highest drop of 53% in the concentration of PM10 in 2021-22 as compared to the 2017 baseline.
The annual PM10 concentration of Varanasi in 2017 was 244 micrograms per cubic metre, according to ministry data.
By 2021-22, the air pollutant in Varanasi has come down to 144 micrograms per cubic metre.
Delhi's PM10 annual average concentration was 241 micrograms per cubic meter in 2017, it declined to 196 micrograms per cubic meter in 2021-22, showing a decline of 18.6%.
Data from the ministry shows that all metropolitan cities - Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad - have shown significant improvement in air quality in 2021-22 as compared to 2017.
Deterioration in air quality in 27 cities :
According to the report, 27 cities have seen a decline in air quality, with Chhattisgarh's Korba district having the worst air quality.
Among the states, Madhya Pradesh is the worst performer, as the air quality of six out of seven cities in the state has deteriorated.
Howrah and Durgapur in West Bengal, Aurangabad and Thane in Maharashtra, Gaya in Bihar, Rajkot and Vadodara in Gujarat, Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), Patiala (Punjab) and Jammu also witnessed deterioration in air quality.
Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change - Bhupender Yadav
8. 95 out of 131 cities show improvement in air quality : Govt data
Tags: National National News
According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change the air quality of 95 cities out of 131 cities have improved under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- Varanasi recorded the highest drop of 53% in the concentration of PM10 in 2021-22 as compared to the 2017 baseline.
The annual PM10 concentration of Varanasi in 2017 was 244 micrograms per cubic metre, according to ministry data.
By 2021-22, the air pollutant in Varanasi has come down to 144 micrograms per cubic metre.
Delhi's PM10 annual average concentration was 241 micrograms per cubic meter in 2017, it declined to 196 micrograms per cubic meter in 2021-22, showing a decline of 18.6%.
Data from the ministry shows that all metropolitan cities - Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad - have shown significant improvement in air quality in 2021-22 as compared to 2017.
Deterioration in air quality in 27 cities :
According to the report, 27 cities have seen a decline in air quality, with Chhattisgarh's Korba district having the worst air quality.
Among the states, Madhya Pradesh is the worst performer, as the air quality of six out of seven cities in the state has deteriorated.
Howrah and Durgapur in West Bengal, Aurangabad and Thane in Maharashtra, Gaya in Bihar, Rajkot and Vadodara in Gujarat, Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), Patiala (Punjab) and Jammu also witnessed deterioration in air quality.
Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change - Bhupender Yadav
9. Union Agriculture Minister inaugurates National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign-2022
Tags: National National News
Union Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign 2022-23 on 7 September at NASC, Pusa, New Delhi.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- Addressing the conference, the Agriculture Minister said that according to the 4th Advance Estimates (2021-22), the production of food grains in the country is expected to be 3157 lakh tonnes, which is 50 lakh tonnes more than the production of food grains for the year 2020-21.
The total pulses and oilseeds production during the year 2021-22 is estimated to be a record 277 and 377 lakh tonnes respectively.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Rs 1.22 lakh crore has been given to farmers as compensation for the loss of their crops.
Objective of the Conference :
To review and evaluate crop yields during the preceding cropping seasons.
To fix crop-wise targets for the Rabi season in consultation with the State Governments.
To facilitate adoption of innovative technologies with a view to increase production and productivity of crops along with ensuring supply of critical inputs.
Rabi Crops :
Wheat, barley, gram, peas, and lentils
Rabi crops constitute a significant part of the total food grain production in India.
These crops are planted in winter and harvested in spring.
India is the second largest producer of wheat in the world after China.
Rabi crops are a staple food item in major parts of the country, especially in the entire north and north-western parts of India.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
National targets for food grain production :
The national target of total foodgrain production for the year 2022-23 has been fixed at 3280 lakh tonnes, of which the contribution of the Rabi season will be 1648 lakh tonnes.
10. Union Agriculture Minister inaugurates National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign-2022
Tags: National National News
Union Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign 2022-23 on 7 September at NASC, Pusa, New Delhi.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- Addressing the conference, the Agriculture Minister said that according to the 4th Advance Estimates (2021-22), the production of food grains in the country is expected to be 3157 lakh tonnes, which is 50 lakh tonnes more than the production of food grains for the year 2020-21.
The total pulses and oilseeds production during the year 2021-22 is estimated to be a record 277 and 377 lakh tonnes respectively.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Rs 1.22 lakh crore has been given to farmers as compensation for the loss of their crops.
Objective of the Conference :
To review and evaluate crop yields during the preceding cropping seasons.
To fix crop-wise targets for the Rabi season in consultation with the State Governments.
To facilitate adoption of innovative technologies with a view to increase production and productivity of crops along with ensuring supply of critical inputs.
Rabi Crops :
Wheat, barley, gram, peas, and lentils
Rabi crops constitute a significant part of the total food grain production in India.
These crops are planted in winter and harvested in spring.
India is the second largest producer of wheat in the world after China.
Rabi crops are a staple food item in major parts of the country, especially in the entire north and north-western parts of India.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
National targets for food grain production :
The national target of total foodgrain production for the year 2022-23 has been fixed at 3280 lakh tonnes, of which the contribution of the Rabi season will be 1648 lakh tonnes.
