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. 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.
3. 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).
4. India, EFTA take significant steps towards new Trade and Partnership Agreement
Tags: Economy/Finance International Relations
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states have recently taken important steps towards a new trade and partnership agreement.
An overview of the news
At the ministerial meeting held in Brussels on May 15, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with representatives of EFTA to work towards a comprehensive new Trade and Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
The Ministerial meeting marked an important milestone in taking forward the negotiations on TEPA between India and the European Free Trade Association.
Both sides stressed the importance of principles of good faith and respect for each other's sensitivities in order to achieve a fair, just and balanced settlement.
About India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
EFTA has established bilateral relations and cooperation in the field of trade and commerce.
The objective of this cooperation is to strengthen economic ties and promote mutually beneficial trade between the two countries.
The EFTA is an intergovernmental organization consisting of four member states: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
These countries have a strong tradition of trade and economic liberalization.
India and EFTA have engaged in negotiations to establish a comprehensive trade agreement.
The negotiations cover various aspects, including trade in goods, services, investment, intellectual property rights, and other trade-related issues.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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.
10. 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
