CURRENT GK
1.Swiss technology companies should take part in our initiatives like Make in India, start-up India, Swachh Bharat and skill India, says President :-
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, yesterday (August 31, 2017) received Her Excellency Ms. Doris Leuthard, the President of the Swiss Confederation, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He also hosted a banquet in her honour.
Welcoming the Swiss President, the President said that Switzerland and India are natural partners. Switzerland is one of the oldest democracies and India is the largest democracy.
2.National Integration Tour Organised by Indian Army for Students from LEH :-
As part of the Indian Army’s ongoing outreach programme to foster the spirit of National Integration across the entire swathe of the country, a tour comprising of 20 school students from Biamah in Leh district of J&K is being organised from 25 August to 05 September 17.
The participants interacted with Lt General Sarath Chand, Vice Chief of Army Staff today. He shared his experiences while serving in these areas with the students and motivated them to work hard and contribute actively in the Nation Building process.
He also exhorted them to join the Indian Armed Forces and serve the cause of the Nation.
3.Environment Ministry to Launch ‘Prakriti Khoj’ – An Environment Quiz on Teachers’ Day :-
The Environment Ministry will launch an environment awareness initiative, under which an online environmental quiz competition named “Prakriti Khoj” – an Environment Quiz to be conducted at the national level. The quiz is being launched on September 5 on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.
It will be an ideal medium to reach out to young minds through a fun-filled interactive learning mode to trigger their sensitivity towards environment protection and conservation.
This quiz, in a way, will provide a unique platform for students to measure their awareness level regarding environmental issues.
It aims to motivate them towards effective participation in other major programmes related to conservation and protection of the Ministry.
4.Shri Rajiv Kumar, IAS(JH:84) assumes office as the New Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance :-
Shri Rajiv Kumar, IAS(JH:84) today assumed office as the new Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance.
Shri Rajiv Kumar was Special Secretary and Establishment Officer, Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances & Pension, D/o Personnel & Training in his immediate preceding posting.
Shri Rajiv Kumar has widespread administrative experience in more than 30 years of service during which he held various important assignments including the Administrative postings in his home State of Jharkhand. Shri Kumar has also worked in the Central Government in various capacities.
5.Focus on ‘Optimal Infant & Young Child feeding Practices’ during National Nutrition Week :-
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is observing National Nutrition Week from 1st September to 7th September, 2017.
The theme of this year’s National Nutrition Week is “Optimal Infant & Young Child feeding Practices (IYCF): Better Child Health.” During this period, a week-long campaign is also being carried out to create mass awareness about the importance of appropriate nutrition in protection and promotion of health and wellbeing of children.
6.NHAI achieves first milestone in Electronic Toll Collection: dedicated FASTag lane operationalized at every toll plaza from today :-
NHAI achieved the first milestone in Electronic Toll Collection when it operationalised one dedicated FASTag lane at all toll plazas from today. Now FASTag enabled vehicles can cruise through the dedicated FASTag lane without stopping at toll plazas on National Highways.
The FASTag is an RFID tag available both online and offline through banks and Common Service Centres. Two mobile applications were launched by NHAI on 17th August, 2017,for ease of obtaining FASTags, which have received tremendous response.
Thousands of road users have downloaded the applications and purchased FASTags in less than two weeks. The penetration of FASTag has increased to 18 % as on 31st August, 2017.
7.Rupee off 3-week high, down 12 paise on GDP concerns :-
The rupee on Friday retreated from its three-week high by losing 12 paise against the US dollar to end at 64.02 after the latest GDP numbers showed the country’s growth slowed to a three-year low.
Overall currency market sentiment turned highly volatile against the backdrop of concerns over sputtering domestic economy which unexpectedly slumped a three—year low of 5.7 % during April—June amid lingering impact of note ban late last year and also the launch of new GST regime.
8.Shri Jual Oram inaugurates the ‘Festival Offers’ to promote Tribal Products and empower Tribal Artisans of the Country :-
Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram inaugurated the ‘Festival Offers’ to promote Tribal Products and empower Tribal Artisans of the Country. Smt Leena Nair, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Shri Pravir Krishna, Managing Director, TRIFED and other senior officials were also present to grace the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jual Oram said that Tribes India showroom is not only for Exhibiting Tribal Arts and Handicrafts but also for Tribal Empowerment. Ministry has planned for opening Exhibition cum Sale Outlets for Tribal Products and inviting artisans for demo all throughout the country.
9.Mexico beat Panama to qualify for 2018 World Cup :-
Mexico defeated Panama 1-0 in Mexico on Friday to seal their qualification for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia from the CONCACAF region.
A Hirving Lozano header on 53 minutes was enough to give Mexico victory at the Azteca Stadium as the regional heavyweights reached the finals for a seventh successive occasion.
10.Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi launches Scheme Implementation Guidelines of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana :-
The Minister of Women & Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi released the Guidelines of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana in New Delhi today.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had announced the pan-India implementation of this scheme w.e.f. 01st January, 2017. PMMVY is implemented by the Ministry of Women & Child Development in collaboration with State Governments.
