SAKTHI BOOKS CURRENT EVENTS

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J&K’s 1st all women branch at J&K Bank

J&K’s 1st all women branch at J&K Bank
First Lady Usha Vohra inaugurated the 1st All-Women Branch of Jammu & Kashmir Bank at the Sher-i-Kashmir centre. The bank also launched products designed exclusively for women clients which included Pink Gold Saving Scheme, Pink Platinum Saving Scheme, Special Loan Facility for Women Entrepreneurs. J&K Bank started on​ Oct 1 1983, was the 1st bank in India to emerge as a state-owned bank.

Nabard launches Centre for Climate Change

Nabard launches Centre for Climate Change
NABARD has launched a centre for accelerating concerted action on climate change by various stakeholders including government, private and financial sectors. The Centre for Climate Change has been set up in Lucknow. It would also support capacity building and project preparation effort in developing countries in the region as also in Africa.

Jana Small Finance Bank launches operations

Jana Small Finance Bank launches operations
Jana Small Finance Bank announced the commercial launch of its banking operations to convert itself into a small finance bank (SFB), 3 years after the RBI gave its in-principle approval. The bank was earlier called Janalakshmi Financial Services and weathered huge losses on account of demonetization. Ajay Kanwal is managing director and chief executive officer of Jana Small Finance Bank.

TN govt launches 24h helpline for couples

TN govt launches 24h helpline for couples
The Tamil Nadu govt has informed the Madras High Court that a 24-hour helpline has been set up to investigate issues faced by inter-caste couples and offer them necessary assistance and protection. A special cell has been formed in all districts and cities in the state, comprising district-level officers at the city level, to receive complaints of harassment & threat to inter-caste couples.

CM Raman Singh launches online pension system

19 : Chhattisgarh CM Dr. Raman Singh launched an online portal and mobile app called ‘Aabhaar-Aapki Seva ka’ for the pensioners of the state. Through this app and the website, 80,000 pensioners of the state will get all the information related to pension and payment online. The beneficiaries will be provided updates via SMS regarding the status of their pension account.

CIC launches bilingual mobile app

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has launched an updated version of its mobile application in Hindi. RTI applicants can submit their second appeal or complaint and link papers in both the languages i.e. in Hindi and English, through this app. Using this app, people can get real-time status in both the Hindi and English languages.

“World’s first” remote LEAP microscope

IIT Madras has launched “world’s first” remotely operatable microscope that would enable a precise atom-by-atom view of a material. The Local Electrode Atom Probe (LEAP) was developed in a collaborative exercise involving eight top research institutions headed by IIT Madras. It was developed at a cost of Rs 40 crore.

‘Paudhagiri’ campaign launched in Haryana

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the ‘Paudhagiri’ campaign, aimed at increasing the green cover in the state. Under this campaign, 22 lakh students from class 6 to 12 of all government and private schools in Haryana will plant a sapling each during three months of monsoon. The student will get Rs 300 per year for 3 years for looking after a sapling planted by him or her.

Men’s hockey team to be a part of TOPS

The Mission Olympic Cell of Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has included Men’s Hockey team under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). The 18 team members will be provided with a monthly allowance of ` 50,000 each. TOPS was launched in 2015 by Ministry of Sports with National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) with the aim supporting potential medal prospects for Olympics.

“I Am Not Afraid Of English” campaign

The Haryana Education Department has launched ”I am not afraid of English” initiative to promote English language right from Class 1 in the state’s primary schools. The initiative is aimed at capacity building of teachers to enable them to help the students to learn, read, write and speak English. To start with, a booklet containing 1,000 sentences/phrases has been prepared.

1st land-based comm. link between Pak and PRC

An optical fiber cable project that would be the first land-based communication link between China (PRC) and Pakistan has been launched. It will help develop the telecom sector in the Gilgit-Baltistan region and enhance the security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The project includes an 820-km-long underground optical fiber cable from Rawalpindi to Khunjerab.

NASA Juno spots volcano on Jupiter moon Io

Scientists have discovered a volcano close to the south pole of Jupiter’s moon Io, using data collected by NASA’s Juno spacecraft. The infrared data were collected in December 2018, when Juno was about 470,000 kilometres away from the moon, using its Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) instrument. Juno was launched on August 5, 2011, from the US.

Govt launches Swachh Survekshan Grameen

The government has launched Swachh Survekshan Grameen, which will attempt to rank all 698 districts in the country on prevalent levels of cleanliness in the rural areas. The parameters of assessment will be availability of toilets, usage of toilets, hygiene of toilets and status of littering among others. It will be done through an independent survey agency.

Chandrababu Naidu to launch “Anna canteen”

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu launched Anna canteens in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh as a tribute to father-in-law and Telugu Desam Party founder NTR. A total of 203 such canteens will come up across the state’s 110 municipalities in phases. NGO Akshaya Patra will manage state-run canteens and the scheme will reach out to over 2 lakh people per day.

Pakistan launches 2 satellites from China

Pakistan has launched 2 indigenously built satellites into the orbit from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China. One of the satellites launched is PRSS-1, a remote sensing satellite that will enable Pakistan to meet its imagery requirements in areas of land mapping & agriculture classification among others. It is the 2nd time both China & Pakistan have collaborated in the space sector.

Smart Cities fellowship launched

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched Smart Cities fellowship and internship programmes. The internship and fellowship would provide the youth with an opportunity to experience various aspects of urban planning and governance. The ‘Interns’ shall be a part of the Smart Cities Mission.

Govt launches LAP and TPS for 25 smart cities

To fast track the resolution of area based infrastructure issues, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the Local Area Plan (LAP) and Town Plan Schemes (TPS) for 25 smart cities in the country. Under which the ministry will provide ` 2 crore as central assistance to every city for planned urban expansion. The LAP and TPS has been formulated under AMRUT.

Government launches ‘technology challenge’

To eliminate human entry into septic tanks for cleaning, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched a ‘technology challenge’ seeking suitable solutions. The challenge is a part of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention to be held on 2 October. The proposals will be adopted on the basis of operational effectiveness, life of machinery, & ease of use among others.

Highest LHS launched in Sambalpur

East Coast Railway launched highest ever 6 (six) Limited Height Subways (LHS) in Sambalpur Division. With this, the Sambalpur Division became the first to eliminate all unmanned Level Crossing Gates in Indian Railways In view of the launching of six LHS, 7 unmanned Level Crossing gates will be totally closed in Bhawanipatna-Lanjigarh Road Section of Kalahandi area of Odisha.

NASA puts Kepler space telescope to sleep

The Kepler Space Telescope, which is a famous planet-hunting telescope of NASA has been put to sleep since it is almost out of fuel. The telescope was launched by NASA in 2009 to learn more about the frequency and number of planets in our galaxy. Scientists have found many exoplanets with the help of this telescope, which is 94 million miles away from the Earth.

UK launched new visas to Indian scientists

The UK has launched new visas that will be open to overseas scientists and researchers, including Indians. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Science, Research, and Academia scheme is being added to the already existing Tier 5 visa route. UKRI along and other organisations such as the Natural History Museum will now be able to directly sponsor highly skilled individuals.

Delhi launched it’s first Cyber Forensic van

First cyber Forensic van of Delhi police was launched to help people in cyber crimes especially for the senior citizens who are the soft targets of cyber crimes. Home Ministry is planning to launch an online cybercrime portal where people can file a complaint online. The Van will be available on 24×7 basis.

CMSMS and ‘Khan Prahari’ App launched

Shri Piyush Goyal launched the Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) and Mobile Application ‘Khan Prahari’. It is developed by CMPDI, Ranchi a Subsidiary of CIL and Bhaskarcharya Institute of Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG). The basic objective of CMSMS is reporting, monitoring and taking suitable action on unauthorised coal mining activities.

CCI launched an Online Guidance System

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) launched an Online Guidance System for determining notifiability of merger & acquisitions. The Guidance System has been named as “Do It Yourself (DIY): A notifiability check for mergers & acquisitions under the Competition Act, 2002”. It is a part of CCI’s outreach initiatives and measures to simplify compliance requirements regarding combinations.

EC launches Mobile App “cVIGIL”

Election Commission has launched a mobile application named ‘cVigil’ for citizens to share proof of malpractices by political parties, their candidates and activists. The application facilitates sharing of geo-tagged photographic and video evidence without disclosing the sender’s identity. The app will be operational only in election-bound states where dates of polling have been announced.

KVIC launches e-marketing system

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched its e-marketing system named Khadi Institution Management and Information System (KIMIS) in New Delhi. This software will give real-time data of sales and will also give the updated status of stocks of khadi bhawans and godowns. KVIC IT team has developed this foolproof software.

Special drive launched by Gujarat CM

CM of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani launched a special drive called ‘Poshan Abhiyan’ to eradicate malnutrition among children. ‘Purna’ project was also launched under this drive for malnutrition girls under the age group of 14-18 years. Nutritious food will be served to these children through Anganwadi centres and ` 270 crore has been allocated by the government to control malnutrition in girls.

Dalai Lama launches ‘Happiness Curriculum’

The Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Dalai Lama launched the ‘Happiness Curriculum’ in the Delhi government schools on July 2. The new initiative that focuses on holistic education would cover around eight lakh students. The curriculum focuses on meditation, moral teachings, and mental exercises, with the aim of turning students into good human beings.

NITI Aayog releases first Delta ranking

NITI Aayog has launched the first Delta ranking (incremental progress) for the Aspirational Districts. The ranking is based on self-reported data of districts across 5 developmental areas of Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development & Basic Infrastructure. The ranking is a tool to identify sectors and indicator specific challenges.

Suresh Prabhu launches Mobile App ‘ReUnite’

Union Minister of Commerce, Suresh Prabhu launched a mobile app called ReUnite which helps to track and trace missing children. The app provides facility to parents and citizens where they can upload pictures of children, and provide detailed description like name, birthmark. This initiative comes under Bachpan Bachao Andolan, the movement for the protection of children.

EAM Sushma Swaraj launched Passport Seva app

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj launched Mobile Passport Application on the occasion of 6th Passport Seva Divas on 26 June 2018 in New Delhi. Through mPassportSeva app, people can apply for a passport from any part of the country. Police verification will be done on the address, provided by the applicant on the app, another step towards simplification of passport service to people.

Jai Hind 1-S: World’s lightest satellite

Four students of Chennai build the world’s lightest and cheapest satellite weighing just 33.39 grams. The name of the satellite is ‘Jai Hind 1-S’ and would be launched in August 2018. It analyses data like temperature, UV density and vapour pressure, at various points of the satellite’s upward journey. This will help in research and the better understanding of the environment in outer space.

President launched the Solar Charkha Mission

27 : President, Ram Nath Kovind launched the Solar Charkha Mission which will cover 50 clusters and employ 400 to 2000 artisans. A portal of the Ministry of MSME called “Sampark” was also unveiled by the President. “Udyam Sangam” is a step forward towards consolidating synergy of all the govt initiatives relating to MSME Sector.

First-ever nature-themed comic book

To foster love for nature & raise awareness about its protection among children, WWF-India has launched its first-ever comic book. ‘The Great Indian Nature Trail with Uncle Bikky’ follows the travels of its protagonists Uncle Bikky, Chunmun and their dog Duggu as they learn about wildlife across India. Book was launched by Bikram Grewal, author and Ravi Singh, Secretary and CEO, WWF-India.

SKY Scheme for farmers to generate solar power

The Gujarat government has launched a solar power scheme for farmers – Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY). Under the scheme farmers would not only be able to generate electricity for their captive consumption but will also be able to sell the surplus power to the grid and earn an extra buck. The extra electricity given to grid would be purchased at a rate of ` 7 per unit for a period of 7 years.

Bharat-22 ETF: investors bid worth ` 140 bn

The second tranche of Bharat-22 ETF garnered subscription amounting to Rs 140 billion. Through Bharat-22 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), comprising shares of 22 companies, the government had targeted to earn Rs 6,000 crore but received nearly 2.3 times of its worth of bids. The government had launched the follow-on fund offer of Bharat-22 ETF, which is managed by ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund.

National health resource repository launched

Union Health Minister JP Nadda launched the National Health Resource Repository (NHRR). It is country’s first-ever national healthcare registry of authentic, standardised and updated geospatial data of all public and private healthcare establishments. The vision of NHRR project is to strengthen evidence-based decision making and develop a platform for the citizen.

Punjab launched Mobile App- ‘I-Hariyali’

The Punjab Government has launched a mobile application named ‘i-Hariyali’ aimed at increasing the state’s green cover. The mobile application would enable the users to order free plant saplings. The ‘i-Hariyali’ app, under ‘Mission Tandarust Punjab’ can be downloaded from the app store for free.

Javadekar launched National Digital Library

HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar launched the National Digital Library of India. The library will become a single window platform for all educational needs. Users can register for free on the National Digital Library from Google Play store. The library can be accessed at ndl.iitkgp.ac.in. The library is an integrated platform for schools, colleges, universities, teachers, and students.

Haryana to give kids ` 50 for planting trees

The Haryana government has decided to introduce a scheme under which school children will be given ` 50 for planting trees every six months for a period of three years. The scheme will cover students from Classes 6 to 12 of both government and private schools. It will be launched on July 10.

World’s 1st Humanitarian Forensics Centre

The world’s 1st International Humanitarian Forensics Centre was launched at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It is a joint venture of International Committee of the Red Cross in India, Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives. The Centre will conduct various academic and professional programmes, training, research and provide technical expertise to support operations in the field of humanitarian forensics.

Telangana Police launched “Cop Connect”

The Telangana police have launched a mobile-based app ‘Cop Connect’, dedicated to provide real time information to over 60,000 police officers in the State. The internal messaging app, developed on the lines of WhatsApp but has no limitation like restricted number of users in a group. The app is secure as a separate server for this purpose in the data centre of the IT wing of the department.

Northeast India’s first small bank opened

Northeast India’s first small bank, North East Small Finance bank (NESFB) started its services. Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Nidhi (North East) Microfinance Limited received the Small Finance Bank License from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on March 31, 2017. Tata Trust chairman Ratan Tata and Assam’s finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the first 28 branches of the bank.

Tripura starts 24×7 mobile policing service

The Tripura government launched the GPS (Global Positioning System) and wireless-based 24×7 mobile policing service. It will help in curbing crime, especially against women. To operate the ‘mobile policing’ service, a police van or a small vehicle with police personnel would keep patrolling round-the-clock in their assigned zone.

Swajal launched in 115 Aspirational Districts

Ministry for Drinking Water and Sanitation announced that Swajal Yojana will be launched in 115 Aspirational Districts of India. It will involve an outlay of Rs 700 crores through flexi-funds. Swajal is a community-owned drinking water programme for sustained drinking water supply launched in 2018. Swajal pilot project was launched at Village Bhikampura, Karauli, Rajasthan.

20 States sign MoU for Ayushman Bharat

Shri J P Nadda, exchanged the MoU with the State Health Ministers of 20 States marking their commitment towards the launch of the Ayushman Bharat. It will be cashless and paperless access to services. Upto Rs. 5 lakhs per year will be available for the beneficiary families. Ayushman Bharat is National Health Protection Scheme, which will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families.

New Incredible India website launched

Minister of State for Tourism Shri K.J. Alphons launched the new Incredible India website. The website showcases India as a holistic destination, revolving around major experiences, such as, spirituality, heritage, adventure, culture, yoga, wellness and more. The website follows the trends and technologies of international standards with an aim to project India as a “must-visit” destination.

Solar Charkha Mission to be launched

The Solar Charkha Mission of the Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), will be launched by the President, Ram Nath Kovind on June 27, 2018, in New Delhi. The Mission will cover 50 clusters and every cluster will employ 400 to 2000 artisans. The Mission has been approved by the Government of India and will disburse subsidy of Rs. 550 crore to the artisans.

Bindeshwar honoured with Nikkei Asia Prize

Social reformer & founder of Sulabh Int. Bindeshwar Pathak was honoured with Japan’s prestigious Nikkei Asia Prize. The award was given under Culture and Community category for his significant work in tackling poor hygiene and discrimination. Launched in 1996, the award honours people in Asia who have made significant contributions in science, technology & innovation and culture & community.

Platform to facilitate repo in corporate debt

NSE launched ‘Tri-Party Repo Market’ platform in its debt segment to facilitate repurchase of corporate debt securities. The platform is a kind of repo contract where a third entity, apart from the borrower & lender, called tri-party agent acts as an intermediary. It facilitates services like collateral selection, payment and settlement, custody & management during the life of transaction.

Indian Railways launched ‘Rail MADAD’ App

In a bid to ease the travelling experience of the passengers Ministry of Railways launched Rail MADAD mobile app. Rail MADAD (Mobile Application for Desired Assistance During travel) registers a complaint with minimum inputs from passenger and issues unique ID instantly Rail MADAD also displays various helpline numbers (eg. Security, Child helpline etc) and provides direct calling facility.

All CSCs to be Business Correspondents

Minister for Electronics & IT and Law Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar launched major services in a conference organized by CSC SPV. Through Wi-Fi facility, people in 5,000 villages can now enjoy Internet connectivity. Wi-Fi Choupal aims to connect 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats in the country. MoU between CSC and IRCTC was signed and CSR Support by IndusInd Bank is also agreed.

Railways launch ‘Menu On Rails’ App

The Ministry of Railways launched a new app called ‘Menu On Rails’ through which passengers can see meals on offer onboard trains. The ‘Menu on Rails’ is developed by IRCTC for creating awareness about the food items served to passengers on their rail journey. At present, for mail and express trains, food items are covered in four categories namely beverages, breakfast, meals and a-la-carte.

World Day against Child Labour 2018

ILO launched the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. Each year on 12 June, the people from around the world come togather to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them. The theme for World Day against Child Labour 2018 is Generation Safe & Healthy.

New course under GIAN launched

NITI Aayog has launched a new course on ‘Urban Analytics – Evaluating and Measuring Sustainability of Cities’ at IIT, Roorkee. The course was launched under Global Initiative on Academic Network (GIAN). The course will provide an understanding and analysis on the urbanisation and its impacts that would help in evaluating the conditions of sustainability in Indian cities.

Election Commission launches RTI portal

The Election Commission of India launched an online RTI portal to help applicants seeking information under the Right To Information Act. The portal can be accessed on the home page of the commission’s website ‘eci.nic.in’. The portal also facilitates online reply to applications and also for making first appeal and reply thereto.

‘JANAUSHADHI SUVIDHA’ launched

The government has launched the ‘JANAUSHADHI SUVIDHA’, the Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkin, under the PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. The affordable sanitary napkins will now become available at over 3600 Janaushadhi Kendras. ‘JANAUSHADHI SUVIDHA’ comes with a special additive, which makes Sanitary napkin biodegradable when it comes in contact with oxygen after being discarded.

Global efforts to address plastic pollution

The United Nations Environment unveiled its report on the state of plastic pollution in 2018. The report, titled “Single-use Plastics: A roadmap for Sustainability”, was developed in cooperation with the Centre and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The report was launched on the occasion of World Environment Day.

KKA being implemented in 25 villages

The Ministry of Agriculture and farmers’ welfare has launched the Krishi Kalyan Abhiyaan (KKA) from 1st June 2018 till 31st July 2018. The Abhiyan will aid, assist and advice farmers on how to improve their farming techniques and raise their incomes. The Krishi Kalyan Abhiyaan will be undertaken in 25 Villages with more than 1000 population each in Aspirational Districts.

PM Modi’s three Nations visit concluded – II

Singapore: Modi launched three Indian digital payment systems – RuPay, BHIM app and UPI by SBI at the ‘Business, Innovation and Community Event’ in Singapore. PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong and delivered a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Andhra introduces scheme for natural farming

The Andhra Pradesh government launched a Zero Based Natural Farming (ZBNF) scale-out scheme, aimed at benefitting around six million farmers by 2024. The state agriculture department also signed a MoU in this regard, with the Sustainable India Finance Facility (SIFF). The SIFF will extend financial and investment support to the farmers.

Successful launch of observation satellite

China successfully launched a new Earth observation satellite which will be mainly used in agricultural resources research and disaster monitoring. A scientific experiment satellite named Luojia-1 was sent into space at the same time. The Gaofen-6 satellite was launched on a Long March-2D rocket.

Indian Navy sends ship to Socotra island

Indian Navy launched ‘Operation Nistar’ to evacuate 38 stranded Indians around Socotra island located close to the horn of Africa between the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. The Navy has already deployed its ship INS Sunayna as part of the ‘operation Nistar’ to evacuate the Indians. Indian seafarers have been stranded due to Cyclone Mekunu.

Odisha govt launches health insurance scheme

The Odisha government launched a health insurance scheme, called “Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana”. for working journalists. In the first phase, as many as 3,233 working journalists will get health insurance coverage up to Rs 2 lakh a year. At least five members of the journalists family will be covered under the scheme. The scribes will get their health insurance card.

Instant e-PAN based on Aadhaar launched

The govt has launched e-PAN that will have the same name, date of birth, gender, mobile number and address as in the Aadhaar. The e-PAN facility is only for resident individuals and not for Hindu Undivided Family, firms, trusts and companies. According to Section 139 AA (2) of the Income Tax Act, every person having PAN as on July 1, 2017, and eligible to obtain Aadhaar.

IMD launched new ensemble prediction systems

India Meteorological Department has launched a new Ensemble Prediction Systems to provide probabilistic weather forecasts up to the next 10 days. Ensemble forecasting provides localized predictions of a 12 km resolution compared to 23 km in the earlier system. It has been developed jointly by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology & National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting.

PM Modi launched 3 Indian digital payment apps

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the International Rupay Card, Bhim app and UPI enabled remittance App by State Bank of India in Singapore. The RuPay digital payments system was linked up with Singapore’s 33-year-old Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS). Singapore branch of the SBI is the first to launch this new mode of remittance in collaboration with NPCI.

Home Minister launches Online Analytical Tool

Union Home Minister launched an Online Analytical Tool to facilitate closer monitoring of the flow and utilisation of foreign contributions received by various organisations. This web-based tool enables decision-makers in various Departments of Government to scrutinise source of foreign funds and their actual use in India. It has analytical features to conduct data mining and exploration.

Guidelines for Adventure Tourism launched

The Government is for the first time issuing guidelines for Adventure Tourism in India. The guidelines on Safety and Quality Norms for Adventure Tourism in India have been formulated along with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India. The aim of this initiative is to help adventure tour operators understand and execute safety guidelines in a better manner.

Power Minister R K Singh launched PRAAPTI

Power Minister R K Singh has launched web portal and App called PRAAPTI. ‘Praapti’ stands for ‘Payment ratification and analysis in power procurement for bringing transparency in involving of generators’. It aims to bring transparency in power purchase transactions between Generators and power distribution company- Discoms.

Himachal launches app for ration card holders

The food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department of Himachal Pradesh has launched a mobile app for ration card holders.The app will function as a digital ration card and beneficiaries can open it on their android phones to make transaction at fair price shop, submit complaints and suggestions and contact department officers.This app is available under the name of ePDS.

Global health monitoring mechanism launched

The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank Group has launched a new mechanism that intends to strengthen global health security. The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board was created on the margins of the 71st Session of the World Health Assembly on 24th May. The Board’s Secretariat will be housed at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Odisha police, UNICEF join hands

Odisha government launched ‘Paree Pain Katha Tiye’ (A word for the little angel), an awareness campaign against child sexual abuse. UNICEF and the State police have joined hands for the campaign to create the awareness on the importance of preventing child sexual abuse. In each district, the campaign will be led by the Superintendent of Police and District Collector.

India launches its second IT corridor in China

India has launched its second IT corridor in China to cash in on the booming Chinese software market. NASSCOM has now set up one more digital collaborative opportunities plaza, also known as the SIDCOP platform, in China’s Guiyang. In December 2018, the NASSCOM established its first SIDCOP platform in the Chinese port city of Dalian, which is India’s first IT hub in China.

Tripura govt to phase out plastic carry bags

The Tripura government has set August 15 as the deadline to phase out plastic carry bags. The government, as part of the ‘Himalayan Cleanup’ programme, urged people to replace their plastic bags with biodegradable ones. The Himalayan Cleanup campaign has been launched by a Delhi-based organization in 12 mountain states in the country to end plastic pollution in the hilly areas.

Akshay launches ad campaign for Swachh Bharat

Akshay Kumar launched an advertisement campaign for the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). The campaign was launched at a Collectors Convention for Toilet Technology. The campaign focuses on promoting the twin pit toilet technology in rural India. The advertisement campaign launched is an effort, supported by the World Bank.

‘Clean Air India Initiative’ launched

Prime Minister of Netherlands Mark Rutte launched the ‘Clean Air India Initiative’ in Delhi. The campaign aims to curb air pollution in Indian cities by promoting partnerships between Indian start-ups and Dutch companies. The Clean Air India Initiative is a project between Get In The Ring, a platform for start-ups, the Government of the Netherlands, Start-up India, and INDUS Forum

Netherlands signed framework agreement of ISA

Netherlands has signed the framework agreement of International Solar Alliance (ISA) following a bilateral summit between PM Modi & his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte. ISA was launched by Modi and then French President Francois Hollande at the Paris climate summit in 2015. The objective of the alliance is to work for efficient exploitation of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

UNICEF launched data visualisation app

UNICEF has launched a ‘data visualisation app’ which provides a user-friendly visual representation of complex analytics of the education scenario in the country. The app has been made with technical inputs from UNICEF, in collaboration with NIEPA and NCERT. UNICEF aims to provide humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries.

Samagra Shiksha scheme for school education

HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar has launched Samagra Shiksha scheme for school education from pre-school to senior secondary levels. The scheme focuses on improving quality of education, enhancing learning outcomes & using technology to empower children & teachers. The scheme will enhance the use of digital technology in education through smart classroom & digital boards.

MCX launches India’s first silver options

India’s Multi Commodity Exchange has launched the country’s first silver options contracts. Five contracts expiring in June, August, November, February and April with a lot size of 30 kg were launched. India is the world’s biggest consumer of silver, which is mainly used for jewellery making in the county. The exchange had recently launched crude oil and copper options.

‘Nidaan’ software for disease monitoring

A new software, ‘Nidaan’, has been launched in Rajasthan for presumptive diagnosis and monitoring of seasonal and non-communicable diseases. “Nidaan” will facilitate online entries of as many as 46 diseases and healthcare services available for their treatment in different institutions. It is expected to help in formulation of specific action plans for control of diseases.

Collaborative programme on HIV/AIDS research

Governments of India & Netherlands have launched a collaborative research programme on HIV/AIDS between India, Netherlands & Sweden. Programme aims to harness research strengths & diverse expertise across 3 nations to develop better tools to understand HIV epidemic. It will enable a multitude of cross-learning opportunities in HIV/AIDS research to address unmet needs & emerging challenges.

HDFC bank to offer Digital Loans

HDFC Bank has launched its Digital Loans against Mutual Funds in partnership with transfer agent CAM. Customers will be able to leverage their mutual fund portfolio to avail funds for any emergencies without liquidating their investments. The ticket size of the loans will range from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1 crore at an interest rate of 10.5 -11%.

‘My MP Rojgar Portal’ launched

Madhya Pradesh CM, Shivraj Singh Chauhan launched the “My MP Rojgar Portal” in Bhopal under ‘Pahal’, which is a Mukhyamantri Career Counselling programme. This portal will provide jobs to youth as per their skills, interests and educational qualifications. The portal has been developed under Youth Empowerment Mission by the Madhya Pradesh Skill Development and Employment Generation Board.

MCX launched India’s first copper options

India’s Multi Commodity Exchange has launched country’s first copper options contracts. It will provide physical market participants an additional instrument to hedge their risk. Option contracts were launched with a lot size of 1 tonne in 3 contracts expiring in June, August and November 2018. Copper ranks as the 3rd most-consumed industrial metal in the world, after iron & aluminum.

Finance Ministry ties with 40 entities

In order to extend loans under the Mudra scheme, Finance Ministry has tied up with 40 entities including Amul & Flipkart.These companies will identify people who need loans under Mudra Yojana, underwrite them and we will extend loans under the scheme. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana was launched in 2015, for providing loans of up to Rs 10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises.

Satellite to explore dark side of moon

China has launched a relay satellite “Queqiao” designed to establish a communication link between earth and a planned lunar probe that will explore the dark side of the moon. The launch is a key step for China to realize its goal of being the first country to send a probe to soft-land on & rove the far side of the moon. It will be the world’s 1st communication satellite operating from moon.

BoB launched MSME factory in Gurgaon

Bank of Baroda has launched its first integrated SME Loan Factory in Gurgaon to cater the needs of MSME segment in NCR. It will function as a One Stop Shop’ for MSME customers and will provide end to end solutions viz. acquisition, processing, disbursement& relationship management. BoB has also decided to centralize Government Sponsored Schemes loan processing at the district level.

EESL distributes 30 cr LED bulbs

State-run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has distributed over 30 crore light emitting diode (LED) bulbs across the country under the ‘Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All’ (UJALA) scheme. The UJALA scheme was launched in January 2015 and is currently the largest LED distribution programme in the world. It is a non-subsidized LED lamp distribution project undertaken by EESL.

‘Green Good Deeds’ gets global recognition

Green Good Deeds, the societal movement launched by Union Minister for Environment, Dr Harsh Vardhan has found acceptance by the global community. The movement aims to protect the environment and promote good living in the country. The ongoing BRICS Ministerial on Environment in South Africa, has agreed to include “Green Good Deeds” in its official agenda in the next Ministerial in Brazil.

Venture Capital Symposium 2018 began

NITI Aayog, in association with Vision India Foundation, is organizing Venture Capital Symposium 2018 to deepen the economic relationships between France and India. Venture Capital Symposium 2018 is an event where French investors will be interacting with 100 early to mid-stage Indian start-ups. The Symposiums aims to support the Start-up India programme that was launched by PM Modi in 2015.

Centre launches clean-up drive for beaches

The Union Environment Ministry has launched a drive aimed at cleaning 24 beaches and water bodies as well as 24 polluted river stretches in the run-up to the World Environment Day on June 5. The theme of the World Environment Day, to be hosted by India this year, is ‘Beat plastic pollution’. The Ministry has formed 19 teams to implement the campaign.

China’s first privately developed rocket

China has launched its first privately developed rocket from a launchpad in northwestern China on 17 May. The launch of the “Chongqing Liangjiang Star” rocket marks the first launch of a non-state Chinese rocket. The rocket was launched by OneSpace Technology and it uses energy-saving technology, such as wireless communications.

IIM-A launched Bharat Inclusive initiative

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad’s centre for innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship has launched a $25 mn Bharat Inclusion Initiative. It aims to mentor & invest in start-ups in early stage & seed segment over the next 3 to 4 yrs. The initiative received an initial pledge of $12.5 mn from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation & Omidyar Network.

Environment Ministry launched GSDP

The Union Environment Ministry launched its full-fledged Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) that aims to train over 5.5 lakh workers in environment and forest sectors in the country through 30 courses by 2021. Environment minister Harsh Vardhan also unveiled a related mobile app (GSDP-ENVIS). The GSDP was launched last year as a pilot project in 10 districts of the country.

WHO launched ‘REPLACE’

WHO has launched a comprehensive plan to “REPLACE” to eliminate industrially-produced artificial trans fats from global food supply by 2023. REPLACE stands for review dietary sources, promote the use of healthier fats, legislate, assess changes, create awareness and enforce. REPLACE package is the first time WHO is calling for the elimination of something other than a noncommunicable disease

India-dedicated investment fund

China’s largest bank, Industrial & Commercial Bank of China has launched country’s 1st India-dedicated publicly offered investment fund. The fund will invest in exchange-traded funds listed on more than 20 exchanges in Europe & US that are based on Indian market.The bank said that the Indian market offers the best opportunity for Chinese investors due to the prospects of double-digit growth.

SAWEN’s 1st meeting in India

The South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), an inter-govern-mental wildlife law enforcement agency, held its first-ever meeting in India. SAWEN was launched in Bhutan in 2011. In 2016 the Union Cabinet gave permission to adopt the statute of SAWEN. Its member countries are India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, Pakistan & Maldives.

Fino Payments Bank to offer net banking

Fino Payments Bank launched a suite of digital products that can be accessed online and through mobile phones. Fino had launched its mobile banking app BPay in 2017. The latest initiatives include Unified Payments Interface (UPI), BHIM app- using which customers can access UPI and make P2P payments.

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