CURRENT AFFIERS

  The United States has announced a USD 775m military aid package in line with its promise to provide all possible help to Ukraine in the Ukraine-Russia war. This assistance will include “additional arms, munitions, and equipment”. Highlights USD 775 million aid package will include 15 Scan Eagles, 40 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles known as MRAPs with mine-clearing rollers, and 2,000 anti-armor rounds that can help Ukraine troops move forward in the south and east, where Russian forces have placed mines. The aid package also includes 1,500 anti-tank missiles, 1,000 javelin missiles and an undisclosed number of high-speed, anti-radiation or HARM missiles that target radar systems. Also US is sending 40 heavily armored MaxxPro mine-resistant vehicles, originally developed for U.S. forces in Iraq during the height of the fighting there when roadside bombs were taking a heavy toll on U.S. forces. This latest aid comes as Russia’s war on Ukraine is about to reach the six-mont...

  NASA is in full preparation to send its astronauts to moon again. Ths US space agency is currently focusing on the launch of its Artemis I rocket which is scheduled to be launched on August 29, 2022. This rocket is moved to the launch pad for final preparation. Highlights Amid all these happenings, NASA has now identified multiple potential landing sites for Artemis III, which will be the first mission to bring crew to the lunar surface, including the first woman to set foot on the Moon. The agency has identified 13 candidate landing regions near the Lunar South Pole. All 13 regions contain sites that provide continuous access to sunlight throughout a 6.5-day period which is the plan duration of the Artemis-III surface mission. The 13 locations, each about 15 by 15 kilometers, are located within six degrees of latitude of the south pole. They are named: Faustini Rim A, Peak Near Shackleton, Connecting Ridge, Connecting Ridge Extension, de Gerlache Rim 1, de Gerlache Rim 2, de Ger...

  On August 17, 2022, Health Effects Institute (HEI) released “Air Quality and Health in Cities” on air quality. As per report, biggest cities and urban areas of the world are witnessing worst air quality on the Earth.  The report includes a comprehensive and detailed analysis of air pollution and global health effects for over 7,000 cities worldwide. It is focused on two harmful pollutants viz., fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Important findings of the report are; In 2019, 7239 cities reported 1.7 million deaths due to exposure to PM2.5. Greatest health impacts can be seen across cities in Asia, Africa, and Eastern & Central Europe. By 2050, around 68% of the world’s population is likely to live in urban areas. Due to rapid urbanization, it would be challenging for top cities, especially in low- and middle-income countries, to reduce the health effects of air pollution. Exposure to fine particulate or PM2.0 pollution is higher in...

  Regional Connectivity Scheme of Ministry of Civil Aviation, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) has successfully completed 5 years. This scheme was initiated in 2016. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched first flight under UDAN on April 27, 2017. The scheme aims to connect small and medium cities with big cities through air service. In the five years, scheme has benefited more than 1 crore passengers till August 4, 2022. In 2014, there were just 74 operational airports in India. The number has now increased to 141 by now. 68 underserved or unserved destinations, including 58 Airports, 8 Heliports and 2 Water Aerodromes have been connected under UDAN Scheme, as of now. This scheme has provided air connectivity to over 29 States/UTs by initiating 425 new routes. In next four years, government is expecting to add more of 40 crore travellers in India. Another 220 destinations including airports, heliports or water aerodromes under UDAN are likely to compete by 2026. 1,000 new routes will ...

  Union Cabinet recently approved the “Widening access of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library database to users, apart from the patent offices”. Widening of Traditional Knowledge Digital database to users is an ambitious step of the government. Significance of widening access include; Widening of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library will drive research & development, and innovation on the ..

  Start-up loan of Rs 1.15 crores was approved by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh to commercialise “compostable” plastic. This move also seeks to eliminate the usage of Single Use Plastics (SUP). To commercialise the compostable plastic, Technology Development Board and M/s TGP Bioplastics Private Limited (Satara, Maharashtra) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Start-up loan for ‘compostable plastic”: Start-Up has brought alternative solution to Single Use Plastic (SUP) in form of “prototype of a compostable plastic material”. This material breaks into a compost in soil and does not affect the environment. This project got seed funding under NIDHI Prayas (DST), UNIDO and Niti Aayog to develop the prototype compost plastic. Manufacturing & commercialization of the developed compostable plastic is in line with ongoing Coastal Clean Up Campaign in India. This composite is a unique mix of Thermoplastic-Starch (TPS)-glycerin and some chemical modifications, that provides hi...

  Government of US recently passed the “Inflation Reduction Act, 2022”. With this, it joins hands with central bank to decrease inflation. Inflation has reached to the level that was last witnessed 40 years ago. Fighting inflation is the top priority of policymakers in US. Highlights: The US Federal Reserve has hiked policy rates by 225 basis points in last four monetary policy meetings. Government also aims to increase the revenue by imposing a minimum corporate tax, tax enforcement and fees on stock buybacks. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 This Act was passed to control inflation in United States, by lowering the deficit, prescription drug prices and by investing in domestic energy production. Bill was cleared by 117th United States Congress. US President signed it on August 16, 2022. Inflation Reduction Act is aimed at increasing government revenues by around USD 737 billion. It will also spend USD 437 billion for the period of 2022-31. This will lead to savings of USD 300 ...

  “Bima Manthan 2022” is being organised by ‘Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)’. This is the first hackathon and is being organised under theme- “Innovation in Insurance”. The hackathon has called participants to identify and develop solutions having potential to make insurance available to every individual swiftly and seamlessly. In the Bima Manthan 2022, IRDAI has called for technology driven innovative ideas or solutions to solve the understated problems in Insurance sector; Automated Death Claim settlement using technology. Tech-based solution to curb mis-selling of Insurance products. Tech enabled solution to identify uninsured motor vehicles as well as to ensure mandatory issuance of Motor Third Party Insurance. Distribution of insurance products in difficult terrains and less penetrable areas of country, by using technology. Prevention or mitigation of Fraud in motor insurance by using technology. Participants of Bima Manthan 2022 will get an op...

  According to analysts at  Morgan Stanley ,  India’s GDP   growth  will average 7% during this time, which is the strongest among the largest economies, and India will contribute 28% and 22% to both Asian and global growth, respectively. This makes  India  the fastest-growing  Asian economy  in the Asian region in 2022–2023. They claimed that due to the release of dormant demand, the Indian economy is poised for its strongest performance in more than a decade India’s GDP   growth :  Key Points According to  Chetan Ahya , chief Asia economist at Morgan Stanley, the most significant change in India’s structural narrative is the obvious shift in policy emphasis in favour of increasing the economy’s productive potential and  India’s GDP   growth . He claimed that policymakers have adopted a number of changes that will spur an uptick in the private capex cycle, aid to unleash a potent productivity dynamic, and usher in th...

  Union Government of India has set the target to eliminate Kala-azar from country by 2023. According to Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar (Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare), out of 633 Kala-azar endemic blocks, 625 blocks have successfully eliminated the kala-azar in 2021. India’s target is way ahead than World Health Organisation (WHO)’s target of eliminating the disease by 2030. About Kala Azar: Kala Azar is also called as Leishmaniasis. It is a neglected tropical disease, by which over 100 countries are affected, including India. Neglected tropical diseases are a group of multiple communicable diseases that are prevalent in tropical and subtropical conditions of 149 countries. The disease is caused due to parasite called Leishmania. This parasite is transmitted via bite of sand flies. Three Types of Kala Azar: Visceral leishmaniasis : It affects multiple organs and is considered as the most serious form of the disease. It is commonly called as Kala Azar in India. Cutaneous...

  Ministry of Culture has launched the ‘Badhe Chalo Campaing’, with the aim of connecting with youth of India and infuse a deep sense of patriotism among them. It seeks to ‘create youth centric activation’ for sizeable outreach of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Campaign has been designed to involve the youth of India, by encouraging them to come forward celebrate 75 years of India’s independence. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Union Government had launched the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative to commemorate and celebrate the 75 years of progressive India as well as glorious history of Indian culture, achievements and its people. Ministry of culture is promoting art and cultural heritage in India. It has started several initiatives as a part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. Through the ‘Jan Bhagidari’ initiative, ministry also aims to support the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ movement, to encourage people to hoist a Tiranga in their homes during August 13th– 15th, 2022. Badhe Chalo Campaign: The campaign a...

  NDA Candidate, Jagdeep Dhankhar has become the 14 th   Vice President of India, after beating Margaret Alva. He is the second leader from Rajasthan to become Vice President. Highlights: Out of 780 electors, including elected members of Lok Sabha and elected & nominated members of the Rajya Sabha, 725 electors put their votes. Total voter turnout reached to 92.94%. Jagdeep Dhankar won by 346 votes. 528 out of 725 votes were in his favour. 15 votes were termed invalid. On the other hand, Margaret Alva won 182 votes. Facts to know about Jagdeep Dhankar: Jagdeep Dhankar was born on May 18, 1951, in an agrarian household in Jhunjhunu Rajasthan. He did school at Sainik School, Chittorgarh and completed graduation in Physics. He then pursued LLB from University of Rajasthan and started his career as an advocate at Bar Council of Rajasthan, in 1979. In 1990, he became a Senior Advocate, designated by Judicature for Rajasthan High Court. In 1989, he turned to politics and elected...

India has completed 80 years on ‘Quit India Movement’ on August 8, 2022. This movement is also known as August Kranti. The Quit India Movement is an important milestone in India’s history of freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi had called to people of India to “Do or Die for Independence” on August 8, 1942. About Quit India Movement: The call for Quit India Movement was given on August 8, 1942 by Mahatma Gandhi in a bid to end the British rule in India. the movement was launched at Mumbai session of the All-India Congress Committee. In the speech at August Kranti Maidan (Gowalia Tank maidan) in Mumbai, Mahatma Gandhi made a called for “Do or Die for Independence”. During the movement, Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the Indian flag at the August Kranti Maidan. Yusuf Meherally is also associated with the Movement, who gave the slogan of “Quit India” and “Simon Go Back”. This movement aimed at asking the British to grant Independence to India. Immediate cause of Quit India Movement Immediate cause fo...

  Ministry of Culture has launched “India ki Udaan” initiative in association with Google. This initiative seeks to celebrate unwavering & undying spirit of India and its achievements in last 75 years. About India ki Udaan Initiative: India ki Udaan Initiative was launched as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. It is the celebration of unwavering and undying spirit of India. It aims to take citizens to the rich culture & heritage of India, by means of its rich archives and featuring artistic illustrations. This project is launched based on the Theme- ‘Unwavering and undying spirit of India over the past 75 years”. It is being implemented by Google Arts and Culture, in association with Ministry of Culture. Under the initiative, users will be provided with a unique view to witness India’s remarkable moments virtually. Users would be able to know more about the iconic personalities of Indian history, leading female personalities, as well as scientific and sports achievements of...

  International Telecommunication Union’s Regional Standardization Forum for Asia and Oceania region was inaugurated by Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan, in New Delhi. This forum started from August 8, 2022. It is being hosted by Ministry of Communications, under the theme- “Regulatory and Policy aspects of Telecommunications”. Highlights of the Forum: According to the ministry, over 250 delegates from 20 countries will participate in this Forum. Panel discussion will be held with the aim of providing an insight to experience of Asia and Oceania Region regarding policy and regulatory perspective under several sub-themes. Regional Standardization Forum is a platform to; Provide constructive exchange of ideas Discuss standardization topics in several sectors of technology & Role of ITU Standards Harness Technologies for Digital & Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets To evolve Data Value Chain and Digital Health. International Telecommunication Union (I...

  On August 7, 2022, US Navy Ship (USNS) reached at Katupalli Shipyard of L&T at Ennore, near Chennai to undertake repairs and maintenance. This adds a new strategic dimension to India-US military partnership. Highlights: A US Navy Ship is being repaired for the first time in an Indian shipyard. India had proposed during India-US 2+2 dialogue in April 2022 for US Navy to avail services and expertise of Indian Shipyards. Repair of US Navy vessels in Indian shipyards was enabled as a part of Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA). The LEMOA was signed to ease the exchange of goods and warlike stores between Indian and US navies. The Indian Navy had proposed that, with US “pivot to the Indo-Pacific”, there will be 200-250 US Navy vessels in the Indo-Pacific. These vessels could be serviced in Indian shipyards, instead of going back to American shipyards in the Pacific. The USNS Charles Drew will undergo repairs in various areas, for 11 days at the Kattupalli ...

  The 12 th   DefExpo is scheduled to held from October 18 to October 22, 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It is the largest exhibition on Land, Naval and Homeland Security systems in India. During the five-day, three days will be allotted for business while two days will be allotted for public days. Highlights of the DefExpo include; Year 2022 will mark the 12 th  DefExpo, during which equipment and skill set of Armed Forces, DPSUs and Industry will be demonstrated live at Sabarmati River Front. Expo will be held in a three-venue format at- Helipad Exhibition Centre Inaugural event & seminars at Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre and Live demo at Sabarmati River Front. Exhibition will witness the events including; Bandhan for shaping the partnerships between companies Seminars and webinars showcasing of start-ups or MSMEs such as cutting-edge technology solutions for future battlefield, and Artificial Intelligence in defence. Student visits Showcasing Guj...

  Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was put in the Lok Sabha on August 3, 2022 and was passed on August 8. It seeks to amend the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. It promotes energy efficiency and conservation. Important Provisions of the bill include; The Bill seeks to regulate the energy consumption by equipment, buildings, appliances, and industries. Under it, government may ask the designated consumers to meet a minimum share of energy consumption from non-fossil sources. It might specify different consumption thresholds for non-fossil sources and consumer categories. The designated consumers are- Industries including steel, mining, textile, cement, chemicals, and petrochemicals Transport sector including Railways Commercial buildings. In case, designated consumers failed to meet the obligation, the bill provides for a penalty of up to Rs 10 lakh. Bill also empowers the central government to specify a carbon credit trading scheme. Central government or authorised agency w...

  The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held meeting on August 5, 2022. On the basis of assessment of current and evolving macroeconomic situation, MPC has decided to: Hike policy repo rate by 50 basis points, under liquidity adjustment facility (LAF). Repo rate now stands at 5.40%. Adjust Standing deposit facility (SDF) rate to 5.15%, marginal standing facility (MSF) rate to 5.65% and Bank Rate to 5.65%. Focus on withdrawal of accommodation, in a bid to ensure that inflation is within the target onwards. MPC decision are in line with the goal of attaining medium-term target for consumer price index (CPI) inflation to 4% within a band of +/- 2%, while supporting growth. These decisions were taken by considering that; Global economic and financial environment has worsened, since MPC’s June 2022 meeting. Monetary policy tightening worldwide and persisting war in Europe has increased the risk of recession. Emerging market economies are experiencing capital outflows and reserve losses wh...

  Recently, the Reserve Bank of India proposed to allow Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) to process cross-border inbound bill payments. This will help the Non-resident Indians (NRIs) who face challenges in paying utility bills in India. If proposal is accepted, it will benefit the NRIs. Other significance of the move include; Cross-border inward payments through BBPS will drive the Indian economy. It will provide a broader market approach for BBPS and boost forex inflow to India. It will further promote adoption of BBPS by global bill payment ecosystems. About Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS): BBPS system was conceptualised by the central bank. It is owned and operated by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL). The system offers interoperable and accessible bill payment services digitally, along with a network of bank branches and agents. BBPS allows to make recurring payments, like electricity bill, DTH bill, gas bill, water bills, Insu...

  allathamby Kalaiselvi has been appointed as the “first woman director general of CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research). She is the senior electrochemical scientist and has been appointed for two years. Key facts: Kalaiselvi will succeed Shekhar Mande, who retired in April 2022. On Shekar Mande’s retirement, Rajesh Gokhale, secretary to Department of Biotechnology was provided with the additional charge of CSIR. Kalaiselvi is famous for her work in lithium-ion batteries. She is currently holding the office of director of CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute in Tamil Nadu. Apart from the director general of CSIR, she will also hold the charge as secretary to Department of Scientific & Industrial Research. In February 2019, she became the first woman scientist to head the Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI). She is currently developing the practically viable Sodium-ion or Lithium-sulphur batteries and supercapacitors. As of now, she ...

  On August 8, 2022, Lok Sabha have nod to “New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2022”. The bill seeks to rechristen New Delhi International Arbitration Centre as “India International Arbitration Centre”. New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2022: This bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 5, 2022.  It seeks to amend the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Act, 2019.  Act of 2019 had set up the “New Delhi International Arbitration Centre”, by replacing the International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution. Act also designated the centre as an institute of national importance. Important features of the bill include: Bill rechristens the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre as India International Arbitration Centre. 2019 Act provides for Arbitration Centre to facilitate the conduct of international & domestic arbitration and conciliation. But the bill amends this provision by expanding it to add con...