National news
Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 Campaign: “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata” from 17 Sep to 2 Oct
SHS 2024 Campaign to be Held under the theme “Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata” from 17 Sep – 2nd Oct 2024 Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)-2024, the annual National Social Mobilization Campaign, with the theme “Swabhav Swachhata- Sanskaar Swachhata”, is being observed from 17th September to 2nd October 2024.
Theme: “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata”
Organizers: Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MOHUA)
Objective:
- Promote cleanliness as a daily habit.
- Facilitate large-scale advocacy and citizen participation.
- Address dirty and difficult garbage spots (black spots).
- Recognize and support sanitation workers.
Key Pillars:
- Swachhata Ki Bhaagidari – Enhance public participation and awareness in cleanliness.
- Sampoorna Swachhata – Conduct mega cleanliness drives and transform Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs).
- Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir – Organize health and safety camps for sanitation workers.
Port Blair to be Renamed as ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’
Union Minister Amit Shah announced that Port Blair, the capital city of the Union Territory (UT) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be renamed ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’. The new name symbolizes India’s victory in the freedom struggle and highlights the unique role of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in this historic movement. The renaming is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to remove colonial imprints from India’s heritage.
Significance:
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle, including hosting the inaugural unveiling of the Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
- The Cellular Jail in Port Blair was a site where freedom fighters were imprisoned.
Additional Information:
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are renowned for their natural beauty, marine life, and diverse flora and fauna across 836 islands, islets, and rocks.
- In January 2023, Ross Island was renamed to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep.
About Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- Lieutenant Governor (LG): Devendra Kumar Joshi
- National Parks: Campbell Bay National Park, Galathea Bay National Park
- Airport & Seaport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair Port
International news
IREDA Signs MoU for 900 MW Hydro Project in Nepal
The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SJVN Limited and GMR Energy Limited for the development of the 900 Megawatt (MW) Upper Karnali hydro-electric project in Nepal.
Key Details:
- In-Principle Approval: Granted by IREDA’s Board of Directors on July 16, 2024.
- Signatories:
- SK Sharma, GM Finance and Administration, IREDA
- Jitendra Yadav, GM Finance and Administration, SJVN
- SN Barde, CEO, GMR Energy Limited
- Objective: Enhance regional energy security by developing renewable energy infrastructure.
BRICS Literature Forum 2024: India’s Participation and Highlights
The BRICS Literature Forum 2024 commenced on September 11, 2024, in Kazan, Russia, with an inauguration by Ilsur Metshin, Mayor of Kazan. The forum brought together writers, poets, philosophers, artists, and scholars from the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to discuss and celebrate literature.
Theme:
“World Literature in the New Reality: Dialogue of Traditions, National Values, and Cultures”
Indian Delegation:
- Madhav Kaushik – President of Sahitya Akademi
- Dr. K. Sreenivasarao – Secretary, Sahitya Akademi
Key Highlights:
- Plenary Session:
- Madhav Kaushik emphasized the role of literature in fostering unity and cooperation among diverse societies globally.
- “Meet the Authors from India” Session:
- Topic: “Volga to Ganga: Celebration of Tradition and Multiculturalism”
- Moderator: Evgeniy Abdullaev
- Dr. K. Sreenivasarao discussed how river-based cultures around the world contribute to multiculturalism, unity, and social progress.
About Russia
- President: Vladimir Putin
- Capital: Moscow
- Currency: Russian Ruble
World Bank Report on Healthy Longevity
According to the World Bank (WB)’s report titled “Unlocking the Power of Healthy Longevity: Demographic Change, Non-Communicable Diseases and Human Capital”, investing in healthy longevity could save 150 million lives in Low-and-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) and extend millions more by 2050, which would result in significant economic benefits.
Report Title: Unlocking the Power of Healthy Longevity: Demographic Change, Non-Communicable Diseases and Human Capital
- Key Findings:
- Investing in healthy longevity could save 150 million lives in Low-and-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) and extend millions more by 2050.
- This investment is expected to bring significant economic benefits.
- The report highlights the challenges posed by the rapid increase in the aging population, which will impact labor markets, immigration, healthcare, social protection systems, and economies.
- By 2050, approximately 33% of the world population is projected to be over 60 years old.
World Bank Group (WBG) Target: Reach 1.5 billion people with better health services by 2030.
About the World Bank:
- President: Ajay Banga
- Headquarters: Washington, DC, USA
- Established: 1944
UNDP and ISO Launch First Global Guidelines to Accelerate Contributions to SDGs
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have launched the ISO/UNDP PAS 53002 guidelines, the world’s first international guidelines aimed at accelerating contributions towards the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The guidelines were introduced at the ISO Annual Meeting 2024 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
Key Points:
- Purpose: The guidelines provide a structured framework for organizations to integrate SDGs into their core operations, enhancing their positive impact and minimizing negative effects, especially for vulnerable groups.
- Application: They are designed for global applicability, benefiting both public and private sector organizations of all sizes.
- Benefits: The guidelines aid organizations in aligning their strategies with SDGs, improving stakeholder engagement, enhancing sustainability reporting, and supporting risk management related to sustainability issues.
- Focus: They promote a balanced approach to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
About United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
- Administrator: Achim Steiner
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Established: 1965
Banking news
Surge in Small Savings Schemes: 13.8% Growth to Rs 18.1 Lakh Crore by February 2024
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, small savings schemes grew by 13.8% up to February 2024, reaching Rs 18.1 lakh crore. These schemes, designed to finance government expenditure and promote saving habits, have shown consistent growth, particularly driven by the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) and the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS).
Growth in Small Savings Schemes:
- Increase: Small savings schemes grew by 13.8% up to February 2024, reaching Rs 18.1 lakh crore.
- Key Schemes: Significant growth driven by Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS).
- Performance: Seven small savings schemes, including Post Office Savings Scheme (PSS) and Post Office Recurring Deposits (PORD), showed growth between 9% and 11%, with interest rates from 4% to 9%.
- Historical Growth: Outstanding balance rose from Rs 6.2 lakh crore in 2015 to Rs 18.1 lakh crore by February 2024.
RBI Regulatory Updates:
- Credit Reporting: Effective January 1, 2025, RBI mandates fortnightly credit information reporting to enhance transparency.
- Processing Time: Credit Information Companies (CICs) must process credit information within five calendar days, shortened from the previous seven-day period.
About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
- Governor: Shaktikanta Das
- Establishment: April 1, 1935
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
RBL Bank and DMI Finance Launch Co-Branded Credit Card
RBL Bank Limited and DMI Finance Private Limited have entered into a strategic partnership to introduce the co-branded ‘RBL Bank DMI Finance Credit Card.’ Aimed at expanding credit card access across metro and non-metro cities in India, this collaboration leverages RBL Bank’s credit card expertise and DMI’s digital financial inclusion focus.
Card Details:
- Membership Fee: Rs 499 (excluding GST)
- Features: Accelerated reward points, no-cost EMI options, and discounts at top merchants.
About RBL Bank Limited:
- Managing Director & CEO: R Subramaniakumar
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Established: 1943
- Tagline: Apno Ka Bank
Appointment news
G Srinivasan Appointed MD & CEO of Galaxy Health Insurance
Gopalan Srinivasan has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Galaxy Health Insurance Company Limited (formerly Galaxy Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited).
- Srinivasan previously served as the Chairman and Managing Director of New India Assurance Company Limited (NIA) and has extensive experience in the insurance sector, including roles at General Insurance Corporation of India Limited (GIC Re) and the General Insurance Council (GIC).
- With over 40 years in various leadership positions, including at United India Insurance Co. Ltd., he brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
Jordan Appoints New Prime Minister
On 15th September 2024, King Abdullah II of Jordan appointed Jafar Hassan as the new Prime Minister of Jordan, succeeding Bisher Khasawneh. Khasawneh, who had been in office since October 2020, resigned following the 2024 parliamentary elections, in line with constitutional norms.
About Jordan:
- Head of State: King Abdullah II
- Prime Minister: Jafar Hassan
- Capital: Amman
- Currency: Jordanian Dinar
Defence news
Indian Air Force and Army Exercises in Oman
The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent comprising Mikoyan-Gurevich (MIG)-29s, Jaguars fighter planes, and C-17 Globemaster III transport planes were participating in the ongoing 7th edition of Exercise Eastern Bridge at Air Force base Masirah, Oman.
Exercise Eastern Bridge (7th Edition):
- Dates: September 11 – September 22, 2024
- Location: Air Force Base Masirah, Oman
- IAF Contingent: Mikoyan-Gurevich (MIG)-29s, Jaguars fighter planes, C-17 Globemaster III transport planes
- Objective: Bilateral exercise with Oman to enhance interoperability and tactical cooperation.
Exercise Al Najah (5th Edition):
- Dates: September 13 – September 26, 2024
- Location: Rabkoot Training Area, Salalah, Oman
- Participants: Indian Army (IA) and Royal Army of Oman
- Objective: Bilateral military exercise to strengthen defense collaboration and operational readiness.
About Oman:
- Prime Minister (PM) and Sultan: Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
- Capital: Muscat
- Currency: Omani Rial (OMR)
Science news
Launch of Web-Portal for Special Campaign 4.0
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology, has virtually launched a web-portal to monitor the progress of Special Campaign 4.0, aimed at enhancing cleanliness and reducing pendency. The launch event included Nodal Officers for Special Campaign 4.0, Public Grievances, and Appellate Authorities from all 84 Ministries/Departments of the Government of India.
About Special Campaign 4.0:
- Dates: The campaign will run from October 2 to 31, 2024, with a preliminary phase from September 16 to 30, 2024.
- Objective: To institutionalize cleanliness in all central government offices using a saturation approach.
- Focus Areas: Includes field and outstation offices with public interfaces, as well as Central Ministries, Departments, and their subordinate offices.
- Previous Achievements: The three prior Special Campaigns (2021-2023) covered 404,776 cleanliness sites and freed up 355 lakh square feet of space for productive use.
Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)
- Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC): Dr. Jitendra Singh
- Constituency: Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)
Launch of BHASKAR Portal to Boost India’s Startup Ecosystem
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) has launched the ‘Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR – Rising Sun) Portal’ in New Delhi, Delhi to boost India’s startup ecosystem.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), MoC&I through its flagship program ‘Startup India’, hosted the launch event of BHASKAR portal.
About BHASKAR Portal:
- Purpose: BHASKAR Portal, launched in New Delhi, is designed to enhance India’s startup ecosystem by providing a comprehensive digital platform for data dissemination, interaction, and exchange among stakeholders.
- Objective: To establish the world’s largest digital registry for the startup ecosystem, facilitating easier access and traceability for incubators, policymakers, and other key players.
- Features:
- Connectivity and Technology: Simplifies navigation and fosters growth and success across the startup ecosystem.
- Unique BHASKAR ID: Each stakeholder receives a unique ID for personalized interactions and tailored experiences.
- Catalyst for Innovation: Aims to enhance connectivity and support innovation within the startup community.
About the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I)
- Union Minister: Piyush Goyal
- Constituency: Mumbai North, Maharashtra
- Minister of State (MoS): Jitin Prasada
- Constituency: Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh (UP)
Award news
Vijayawada Junction Achieves NSG-1 Status and Platinum Rating from IGBC
The Ministry of Railways (MoR) has awarded the Non-Suburban Group-1 (NSG-1) status to Vijayawada Junction Railway Station (BZA) in Andhra Pradesh. This recognition was announced by Narendra Anandrao Patil, Divisional Railway Minister, Vijayawada, South Central Railway (SCR). Vijayawada Junction is the second station in SCR to earn this status, following Secunderabad Junction.
Key Points:
- Revenue and Passengers: Vijayawada station reported an annual revenue of Rs 528 crore and managed over 16.84 million passengers in 2023-24.
- Elite Status: It has been included in the top 28 elite stations of Indian Railways (IR).
- Platinum Rating: The station has received a Platinum rating from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
- Tourist-Friendly Award: It was also recognized as the Best tourist-friendly station by the Andhra Pradesh state government.
About the Ministry of Railways (MoR):
- Union Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw (Constituency – Rajya Sabha, Odisha)
- Ministers of State (MoS): V. Somanna (Constituency – Tumkur, Karnataka) and Ravneet Singh