1.Government has approved a new scheme of Adult Education – Nav Bharat Literacy Program for the financial year 2022-27
The government has approved the New India Literacy Program for the period from the financial year 2022 to 2027 . Its objective is to cover all aspects of adult education in the National Education Policy 2020 and Budget 2021-22 .in conjunction with the announcements made in The National Education Policy 2020 has recommended adult education and lifelong learning. In the announcement of the Union Budget 2021-22, it was talked about starting online modules for all aspects of adult education, to get maximum benefit from the resources. The objective of this scheme is not only to implement basic literacy but also to promote it as it is very essential for the citizens of 21st century. This program will be implemented through online mode. All material and resources related to this will be made available through digital medium. Free TV, radio, cell phone based apps and portals will be made available to the registered volunteers.
2.Devika River Project: Jammu and Kashmir
Recently, it has been informed by the Center that the River Devika Project costing more than Rs 190 crore will be completed by June 2022 . The work on this project was completed in March 2019 under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). was started under Under the project, development of bathing ghats on the banks of Devika river, removal of encroachments, restoration of natural water bodies and development of catchment areas with cremation ground will be done. The project includes three sewage treatment plants, 129.27 km long sewerage network, development of two cremation ghats, security fencing and landscaping, This includes construction of a small hydroelectric power plant and three solar power plants. On completion of the project there will be reduction in pollution of rivers and water quality will improve. The Devika River originates from the hill Sudh (pure) Mahadev Temple in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir and flows towards western Punjab (now in Pakistan) where it joins the Ravi River. The river also has religious significance because it is recognized by the Hindus as the sister of the river Ganges. Devika bridge was inaugurated in Udhampur in June 2020. The purpose of construction of this bridge is to provide smooth passage to army convoys and vehicles apart from dealing with traffic congestion.
3.NITI Aayog in association with PhonePe launches Fintech Open Hackathon
As a part of Fintech Open Month , NITI Aayog in association with PhonePe will organize a first-ever open-to-all hackathon event to conceptualize and conceptualise the most creative solutions for the fintech space . The hackathon will provide an opportunity to innovators, digital creators and developers from across India to think, contemplate and code. It aims to provide solutions for the fintech ecosystem. The last date for registration for the event is February 23 and the date for filing admission is February 25. The winners of the hackathon will be announced on the 28th of this month.
4.PM delivers inaugural address at TERI’s World Sustainable Development Summit
The Prime Minister , Shri Narendra Modi , delivered the inaugural address at the ‘ World Sustainable Development Summit ‘ of the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) via video message . The President of the Dominican Republic , Mr. Luis Abinadar , the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana , Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali , the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms. Amina J. Mohamed and the Union Minister Mr. Bhupendra Yadav.were also present. The conference is TERI’s flagship annual event and the theme for this year is Efforts towards Unnat Gruh – Ensuring a Sustainable and Equitable Future. In this, many topics will be discussed on climate change, sustainable production, energy conversion, global sharing and resources, security etc. The conference will last for three days.
5.Jal Jeevan Mission provided tap water to nine crore rural households of the country
Jal Jeevan Mission has created history by providing tap water to nine crore rural households of the country. Provided tap water to more than 5 crore 79 lakh rural households in a short span of two and a half years despite the covid pandemic and lockdown . At present , every household in the village in Goa, Haryana, Telangana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu is being supplied with tap water . This year 99 percent in Punjab, 92 in Himachal Pradesh, 92 in Gujarat and 90 percent in BiharTap water was supplied and the dream of water supply to every household is going to come true. The Jal Jeevan Mission was announced on 15 August 2019. At that time, out of 19.27 million households in the country, only 3.23 million households had tap water connections. At present, tap water is reaching every household in 98 districts and 1 lakh 36 thousand villages of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 100-day campaign to ensure the health and well-being of children by providing clean tap water in schools and Anganwadi centres. It was launched on October 2, 2020. The central government has earmarked Rs.3 lakh 60 thousand crore for supply of tap water to every rural household by 2024. In the Union Budget for the year 2022-23, 60 thousand crore rupees have been allocated for every household water.
6.Taiwan scientists join ISRO for the first time for the launch of INSPIRESat-1 satellite
On February 14, 2022, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched a satellite named “ INSPIRESat-1” . INSPIRESat-1 has been jointly developed by a team of international researchers including universities from India, USA, Taiwan and Singapore . Universities are involved in its development?
- University of Colorado’s Laboratory for Atmospheric & Space Physics (LASP)
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
- National Central University (NCU) of Taiwan and
- Nanyang Technological University of Singapore
INSPIRESat-1 stands for ‘International Research & Teaching Satellite Project Satellite’. The satellite has been developed by the Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST) in collaboration with the Laboratory of Atmospheric & Space Physics at the University of Colorado. It was launched on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C52 . INSPIRESat-1 is a student satellite. The mission life of this satellite is one year. It will study the orbital heating of the Sun and the dynamics of the ionosphere. Its weight is 8.1 kg. PSLV-C52 also launched another satellite named “ Technology Demonstrator (INS-2TD) ” from ISRO. It is the precursor to the India-Bhutan Joint Satellite (INS-2B) . Both satellites will provide information about the Sun’s corona as well as its effect on Earth’s ionosphere. Earth Observation Satellite EOS-04also launched. It will provide high quality images in all weather conditions for applications such as forestry and plantation, agriculture, flood mapping and soil moisture and hydrology.
7.SAI appointed 398 coaches and assistant coaches to prepare for Olympics 2024 and 2028; Those appointed include former international athlete, Arjuna Awardee
In a major step to strengthen India’s coaching infrastructure, Sports Authority of India , Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports , Government of India has made proposals for appointment of 398 coaches at various levels for 21 sports . Many of the total 398 are former international athletes and Arjuna Awardees , who have won medals or competed in elite competitions such as the World Championships and the Olympics. 101 coaches out of total 398 are joining on deputation from PSUs and other government bodies. The recruitment is done as part of an effort by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to provide holistic (360 degree) support to the athletes as they prepare for the Olympics 2024, 2028.Including preparing for important national and international competitions.
8.India, Australia and Singapore to work together to reduce marine pollution with focus on plastic waste
The Government of India , in partnership with the Governments of Australia and Singapore , organized an International Workshop on Combating Marine Pollution with a Focus on Marine Plastic Waste 14-15 February, 2022did to The world’s leading experts, scientists, government officials with policy expertise, representatives from industry, innovation and the informal sector came together through this virtual workshop. It aims to discuss research steps towards monitoring, evaluating marine waste and potentially sustainable solutions to tackle the issue of global marine plastic pollution. The workshop had four key sessions – the enormity of the marine waste problem – monitoring and research of plastic debris in the Indo-Pacific region; best practices and technologies; measures to prevent plastic pollution; and polymers and plastics: Opportunities for technology and innovation and regional cooperation to eliminate or prevent plastic pollution. The session included panel discussions and interactive break-out sessions to encourage discussion among participants from East Asia Summit (EAS) countries.
9.Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amends the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 . Under this , there is a provision for the protection of children of the age of four years who are transported on a motor cycle . In this, it will be necessary to have safety arrangements for motorcycles and crash helmets. In this , the speed of forty kilometers per hour has also been fixed. These rules will come into force after one year from the date of publication of the Central Motor Vehicles Second Amendment Rules, 2022 .
10.Three people died of Lassa fever in Britain
Recently one in three people suffering from Lassa fever died in Britain . These cases have been linked to travel to West African countries. The virus that causes Lassa fever is found in West Africa and was first introduced in 1969 in Lassa, Nigeria.was discovered in This fever is transmitted by rats and is found mainly in countries in West Africa including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria where it (Lassa fever) is endemic. Matomys mice have the ability to spread the deadly Lassa virus. A person can become infected when they come into contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or feces of an infected rat (zoonotic disease). It can sometimes spread from person to person through contact with infected bodily fluids or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose or mouth. Person-to-person transmission is high in the healthcare landscape.
11.Drainage from the Fukushima Nuclear Plant
Recently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) asked Japan to review the controversial planned extraction of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.The mission was launched in Plans are proposed to treat and release the water over several decades, according to Japan, as an extensive pumping and filtration system removes most of the radioactive material. The IAEA has also supported this evacuation, stating that the process is similar to the removal of wastewater from nuclear plants at other sites. The plan, which was adopted by Japan in April 2021, is expected to start by March 2023, is being questioned by neighboring countries over environmental and safety concerns. The plan was also opposed by the local fishing community. The Fukushima Nuclear Plant is an inefficient nuclear power plant located in the towns of Okuma and Futaba in Japan on an area of 3.5 square kilometers. 9 in Japan on March 11, 2011. The plant suffered major damage due to a magnitude 0 earthquake and tsunami. These incidents resulted in leakage of radiation which permanently damaged several reactors.
12.Ban on online gaming unconstitutional: Karnataka High Court
On February 14, 2022, the Karnataka High Court struck down the provisions of the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2021 , which had banned online games . The Bench was headed by Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and Justice Krishna S. Dixitdid it. A writ of mandamus was issued to restrain the defendants from interfering in the online gaming business and allied activities of the petitioners. The law covers all forms of betting or wagering in relation to any game of chance, except horse racing. However, online gaming companies opposed the law, saying the policy would affect the future prospects of Karnataka, which is emerging as a hub for online gaming companies. The act banned all forms of online games including all forms of betting, betting and gambling in the state. Under this, online gaming was considered a non-bailable offence. There is a provision of fine of one lakh rupees and imprisonment of up to three years.
13.Texas: Facebook sued over facial recognition technology
The Texas Attorney General’s Office sued Facebook . Facebook has been accused of violating state privacy protections with facial – recognition technology .has done. Facebook was accused of using its facial-recognition technology to collect the biometric data of millions of Texas people without their consent. The new lawsuit was filed in a state court in Marshall, Texas. It states that 20.5 million people in Texas have Facebook accounts. Facebook has repeatedly captured the biometric identities of people without their consent. In November 2021, Facebook announced the closure of a facial recognition system and the deletion of more than a billion people’s information. It cited concerns over the use of the technology and uncertainty over regulations regarding its use. The company had also agreed to pay USD 650 million in 2020 to settle a lawsuit from the state of Illinois dealing with similar concerns.
14.DPIIT and METI of Japan hold annual meeting to review progress under Japanese Industrial Townships in India
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of India and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan has established Japanese Industrial Townships (JITs ) in India .Annual meeting was held to review the progress under DPIIT and the states presented developed infrastructure and land readily available to Japanese investors in these townships. Japanese companies were invited to visit JIT to attract investment. DPIIT reviews status of JIT with METI in virtual platform in light of COVID-19 pandemic. From the Japanese side, the Embassy of Japan in India and the Japan Foreign Trade Organization participated. From the Indian side, officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Embassy of India in Tokyo and representatives of Invest India as well as representatives of state governments participated in the meeting.
15.The impeachment of the Chief Justice of Nepal
Cholendra Shamsher Rana is the current Chief Justice of Nepal . He recently faced the ” impeachment process “. He is the second Chief Justice of the country to face impeachment in seven years . Chief Justice Rana has been suspended. After his suspension, Deepak Karki , the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of Nepalhas taken over his position. 98 MPs of Nepal’s Parliament have signed this resolution. These MPs belong to the country’s Congress Party, Maoists and Unified Samajwadi Party. The Communist Party is the current opposition party. Repeated impeachment in Nepal is mainly due to political differences. Nepal’s judiciary has been under the influence of political parties for a long time. The three parties that passed the impeachment were so far divided. But they have suddenly come together to impeach the Chief Justice.
16.’Babushka Battalion’ ready to save Ukraine from Russia
The ‘ Babushka Battalion ‘ was in the headlines recently amid Russia-Ukraine tensions . Konstantinovska and ‘Babushka’ ( old lady) has been volunteering since the conflict started there in 2014. They have dug trenches, built nets, supplied supplies, offered medical care and built a lookout tower. They are organized by the right-wing movement Azov. The Azov movement is a right-wing all-volunteer infantry military unit. He is an ultra-nationalist who is accused of harboring a white supremacist and neo-Nazi ideology. It is a political wing based in Kiev. He failed to win a single seat in Parliament in the 2019 elections. However, after recapturing the city from a brief occupation in 2014 by Russian-backed separatists, Azov’s military wing is often seen as defenders in the city of Mariupol.
