1. Jal Jeevan Mission Achieves Milestone Of 12 Crore Tap Water Connections
Tags: National Government Schemes National News
The Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship program launched by the Government of India, has achieved a significant milestone by providing 12 crore tap water connections across the country.
An overview of the news
This achievement marks a major step towards ensuring access to clean drinking water for every household.
At the time of announcement of launch of JJM only 3.23 Crore (16.64%) households in villages had access to piped water connection.
Himachal Pradesh at 98.35%, followed by Bihar at 96.05%, are also set to achieve saturation in the near future.
Goa, Haryana, Punjab, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, D&NH and D&D are 'Har Ghar Jal' certified States/UTs.
100% tap water coverage
Till date, 5 states (Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab) and 3 union territories (Puducherry, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Andaman and Nicobar Islands) have reported 100% coverage.
Three aspirational districts from Telangana (Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Jaishankar Bhupalpally and Bhadrabari Kothagudem), two districts from Gujarat (Dahod and Narmada) and Punjab (Moga and Ferozepur) and one district each from Haryana (Mewat) and Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) 100% tap water coverage has been achieved.
About Jal Jeevan Mission
It is a flagship programme of the Government of India which was announced from the ramparts of Red Fort by the Prime Minister on August 15, 2019.
The objective of the mission is to supply potable tap water in adequate quantity, prescribed quality and on a regular and long-term basis to every rural household of the country by 2024.
It is implemented by the Government of India in partnership with the States/Union Territories.
This mission comes under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Funding Pattern :
The fund sharing pattern between the Center and the states under the mission is 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern states and 50:50 for other states.
In the case of Union Territories, 100% contribution is made by the Centre.
2. Bank of Baroda launches Electronic Bank Guarantee
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
Bank of Baroda partnered with National e-Governance Services Limited (NESL) to launch the Electronic Bank Guarantee (BG) system on digital platforms.
An Overview of the News
It aims to significantly reduce the turnaround time for issuance of electronic bank guarantees as compared to the traditional paper-based process.
The electronic bank guarantee system is accessible through Baroda INSTA, the digital platform of Bank of Baroda.
The digital approach enhances convenience, security and efficiency in the issuance of inland bank guarantees.
The system reduces manual paperwork, streamlines processes and promotes digital transformation in the banking sector.
About Bank of Baroda (BoB)
It is an Indian public sector bank headquartered in Vadodara, Gujarat.
It is the second largest public sector bank in India after State Bank of India and has a global presence with over 100 overseas offices.
The bank was established on 20 July 1908 by Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the Maharaja of Baroda.
On 19 July 1969, the Government of India nationalised Bank of Baroda along with 13 other major commercial banks.
After nationalisation, the bank became a profit making Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).
3. Agriculture Minister Inaugurates Integrated Biological Control Laboratory in Hyderabad
Tags: National National News
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar officially inaugurated the Integrated Biological Control Laboratory located in Hyderabad on 15 May.
An overview of the news
This laboratory is an important milestone in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Emphasis on biological control
The primary focus of the laboratory is on the use of biological control methods.
These methods involve the use of natural agents such as beneficial insects, predators and parasites for the management of pests and diseases in agricultural crops.
By reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, this approach supports ecosystem balance and sustainable agriculture.
Advances in Pest Management
The establishment of the Integrated Biological Control Laboratory represents a remarkable progress in the field of pest management.
This highlights the government's commitment to adopt integrated pest management strategies that prioritize environment-friendly solutions.
Research and development
The laboratory serves as the center for research and development activities related to biological control.
Key work of the laboratory
Development and large scale production of biocontrol agents.
These agents are natural enemies of insects, such as parasitoids, predators, and entomopathogenic microorganisms.
The laboratory will ensure the quality and effectiveness of these agents, which are released into agricultural fields to manage pest populations.
The laboratory will carry out intensive testing and standardization of biocontrol agents.
This will ensure their efficacy, safety and compatibility with various farming systems.
The goal is to provide reliable and efficient organic control solutions to farmers.
4. India & Bangladesh launch '50 Start-ups Exchange Programme'
Tags: International Relations International News
India and Bangladesh have recently jointly launched the '50 Start-up Exchange Programme' to promote collaboration and exchange between the start-up ecosystems of the two countries.
An overview of the news
The objective of the program is to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh by promoting cooperation in start-up and innovation sectors.
It provides a platform for entrepreneurs, investors and stakeholders from both the countries to connect and collaborate.
The '50 Start-up Exchange Program' facilitates knowledge sharing and learning opportunities between Indian and Bangladeshi start-ups.
It encourages exchange of ideas, best practices and expertise to foster innovation and growth.
The program provides mentorship and guidance to participating start-ups, connecting them with experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts and investors.
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Capital: Dhaka
Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina Wazed
President: Mohammad Shahabuddin
Currency: Taka
5. IRDAI constitutes Expert committee for matters related to mental health
Tags: committee National News
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has recently constituted a five-member expert committee comprising medical experts and insurers to advise on matters related to mental health and insurance.
An overview of the news
The panel has been constituted for two years to advise on matters related to mental health and insurance.
The committee will provide advice and input on existing insurance coverage and what is offered for mental illnesses.
It will also provide guidance on terminology and concepts from a medical perspective and aspects related to mental illness from an insurance perspective.
Pratima Murthy, director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), has been made the chairperson of the committee.
About the committee
Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS, Bangalore, (Chairman)
Dr. Nimesh Desai, Former Director, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, New Delhi, (Member)
Bhargav Dasgupta, CEO, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd, (Member)
Dr. S. Kalyanasundaram, Psychiatrist, Bangalore, (Member)
Mayank Bathwal, CEO, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Ltd, (Member)
About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI)
IRDAI is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the insurance industry in India.
It was set up to promote and regulate the insurance sector in India.
It was established on April 1, 2000, under the provisions of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999.
The primary role of the IRDAI is to regulate and promote the insurance industry in India.
6. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the National Homoeopathic Convention 'Homocon 2023'
Tags: Summits National News
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the National Homoeopathic Convention 'Homeocon 2023' at Doon University, Dehradun and launched a documentary on Homeopathy.
An Overview of the News
Homeopathy has been recognized as the second most practiced system of medicine in the world and its importance has been demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The commitment of the state government to establish Uttarakhand as a major AYUSH region is due to the economic and effective nature of homeopathy.
Ministry of AYUSH:
It is a government ministry in India.
It is responsible for the development, promotion and regulation of traditional systems of medicine.
AYUSH is the abbreviation of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Society and aims to promote education and research of the above.
The ministry provides educational and training programs.
Establishment - 2014
Responsible Ministers - Sarbananda Sonowal, Cabinet Minister and Mahendra Munjapara, Minister of State
Ministry Executive - Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary
Ministry of Motherhood - Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
About Uttarakhand
It is a state in North India.
Rishikesh is a major centre of yoga studies and gained prominence in 1968 after the Beatles' visit.
The Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is home to the Bengal tiger and other wildlife.
Capital - Dehradun (Winter)
Chief Minister - Pushkar Singh Dhami
Governor - Gurmeet Singh
Official Animal - Alpine Musk Deer
7. Amit Shah inaugurates training program on legislative drafting
Tags: National National News
Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a training program on legislative drafting in New Delhi on 15 May.
An Overview of the News
The event is organised by the Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies in association with the Institute of Parliamentary Research and Training for Democracy.
The objective of the program is to create an understanding of the principles and practices of legislative drafting among officials of Parliament, State Legislatures, Ministries, Statutory Bodies and other Government Departments.
Legislative Drafting:
It is the process of making legislation and related written material and includes the formulation and structure of laws enacted by the legislature.
Enacted laws are the official laws of the country and are legally binding.
Legislative drafting considers legislative intent, which refers to the aims and objectives of proposed legislation.
Specific legal language and terminology are used in legislative drafting to ensure precision and clarity.
Its goal is to create laws that are clear, consistent and accessible to the general public.
The purpose of legislative drafting is to develop laws that serve the intended purposes and are in tune with the needs of the society.
8. 29th Biennial Conference of the All India Primary Teachers’ Federation
Tags: National Summits National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Addressed the 29th Biennial Education Conference of All India Primary Teachers’s Federation organized at Gandhinagar in Gujarat on 12th May.
An overview of the news
In his address, the Prime Minister said that technology can provide information but the right approach can be given only by teachers.
He said that with the changing times, the real challenge before teachers today is to satisfy the growing curiosity of children and keep themselves updated.
The conference was a significant event that brought together primary teachers from across India to discuss pertinent issues in the education sector.
The theme of this summit is ‘Teachers at the Heart of Transforming Education.
Purpose of the conference
The objective of the conference is to provide a platform for primary teachers to exchange ideas, share experiences and collectively address challenges in primary education.
Focus on primary education
The conference mainly focused on issues related to primary education, including curriculum development, teaching methods, classroom management and welfare of primary school teachers.
Professional Development and Training
The conference emphasized the importance of professional development and training for primary teachers.
Policy discussion
The conference discussed education policies, reforms and initiatives at the national and state levels.
The participants shared their views, suggestions and concerns regarding the policy implementation and its impact on primary education.
Teacher Welfare and Rights
The conference addressed the welfare and rights of primary school teachers, including issues such as pay structure, job security, working conditions, and professional recognition.
9. 2nd G20 Culture Group (CWG) Meeting in Odisha
Tags: Summits National News
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second G20 Culture Group meeting, also known as the CWG meeting, took place on 14 May in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Purpose of the meeting
The CWG meeting aims to facilitate discussion and cooperation among G20 member states on cultural issues, heritage conservation, creative industries and cultural diplomacy.
Cultural Heritage Protection
The meeting addressed the importance of preserving and protecting cultural heritage, including tangible and intangible cultural properties.
The discussions included topics such as heritage conservation, cultural tourism and promotion of cultural diversity.
Creative Industries and Economic Development
The meeting explored the role of creative industries such as art, design, film, music and fashion in economic growth, job creation and innovation.
Participants shared best practices and discussed policies to support the growth of the creative sectors.
Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power
The meeting recognized the role of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between nations and enhancing mutual understanding.
Youth Engagement and Cultural Education
The meeting emphasized the importance of involving youth in cultural activities and promoting cultural education.
Outcome and Collaboration
The outcome of the CWG meeting will be the adoption of joint statements, recommendations or action plans for cultural cooperation among G20 member states.
These outcomes may include collaborative projects, capacity building initiatives, or cultural exchange programs.
What is the G20 Culture Group?
The G20 Culture Group is a forum within the G20 framework that focuses on cultural cooperation and exchange.
It brings together representatives of G20 member states to promote dialogue and cooperation in the cultural field.
10. S Jaishankar meets Sweden’s Defence, Foreign Ministers during his Stockholm trip
Tags: International Relations International News
During his visit to Stockholm, Sweden, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a meeting with the Defense Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden.
Purpose of meetings
Discuss bilateral relations
Strengthen diplomatic ties
To explore opportunities for cooperation between India and Sweden in defense and foreign affairs.
Highlights of the meeting
Bilateral Relations
Discussion on enhancing overall bilateral relations between India and Sweden including areas such as trade, investment, defense cooperation and cultural exchanges.
Defence Cooperation
Defense cooperation, joint military exercises, defense equipment procurement and sharing of defense technologies discussed in the meeting with the Defense Minister of Sweden.
Security Cooperation
The discussions included issues of regional and global security concern, counter-terrorism efforts and information sharing to address common security challenges.
Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy
Discussion on regional and global issues of mutual interest, multilateral cooperation and coordination on matters such as climate change, sustainable development goals and human rights.
Economic and trade relations
Ways were explored to enhance economic and trade ties between India and Sweden including investment opportunities, technology partnership and trade facilitation.
Cultural and people-to-people exchanges
The meetings emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges, academic cooperation and people-to-people interactions to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the two countries.
About Sweden
It is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe.
The ancient name of the country was Svitiod.
Prime Minister - Ulf Kristersson
Capital - Stockholm
Currency - Swedish krona
King - Carl XVI Gustaf
