Current Affairs AUGUST 2019 (Set 02)

National News

1. Health Ministry will provide Rotavirus vaccine throughout the country

The Health Ministry has drawn an ambitious plan wherein it has been decided to provide Rotavirus vaccine to every child across all states and UTs by September, 2019. This was stated by Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare while speaking on the expansion of Rotavirus vaccine to the entire country. The government is committed to ending morbidity and mortality in children due to diarrhoea by 2022. Strengthening routine immunization is an essential investment in India’s children and will ensure a healthy future of the country, he stressed.

 Diarrhoea is one of the biggest killers in children and Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of severe diarrhoea in children less than 2 years of age. Rotavirus vaccine along with proper sanitation, hand washing practices, ORS and zinc supplementation will go a long way in reducing the mortality and morbidity due to diarrhoea in children. The Union Health Minister further added that the Government is also committed to increasing the full immunization coverage and ensuring that the benefit of the life-saving vaccines is provided to every child.

 Out of all the causes of diarrhoea, rotavirus is a leading cause of diarrhoea in children less than 5 years of age. It is estimated that rotavirus cause 8,72,000 hospitalizations; 32,70,000 outpatient visits and estimated 78,000 deaths annually in India. Rotavirus diarrhoea presents in similar manner like any other diarrhoea but can mainly be prevented through rotavirus vaccination. Other diarrhoea can be prevented through general measures like good hygiene, frequent hand washing, safe water and safe food consumption, exclusive breastfeeding and vitamin A supplementation. 

Keeping in view the burden of disease which can be prevented through vaccination, National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), an expert committee, recommended introduction of rotavirus vaccine (RVV) in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).Three doses of rotavirus vaccine are provided along with other vaccines, free of cost under UIP at one and half month, two and half moth, and three and half month of age of child. 

Rotavirus vaccine was introduced in 2016 in a phased manner, beginning with 4 states initially and later expanded to 7 more states making it a total of 11 states by end of 2018, where Rotavirus vaccine was available in the country.

 

2. Government of India, Govt. of Tripura and National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT- SD) Sign Memorandum of Settlement 

A Memorandum of Settlement was signed on 10^th of August, 2019  by the Government of India, Govt. of Tripura and National Liberation Front of Twipra led by Sabir Kumar Debbarma (NLFT-SD). NLFT has been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act since 1997 and has been involved in violence, operating from their camps across the international border. NLFT has been responsible for violent activities including 317 insurgency incidents in which 28 security forces and 62 civilians lost their lives during the period 2005-2015. Peace talks with NLFT were initiated in 2015 and there has been no violence by NLFT since 2016.

            NLFT (SD) has agreed to abjure the path of violence, join the mainstream and abide by the Constitution of India. It has agreed to the surrender of its 88 cadres with their weapons. The surrendered cadres will be given surrender benefits as per the Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Scheme, 2018 of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The State Government of Tripura will help the surrendered cadres in housing, recruitment, education etc. Government of India will consider the proposals of Tripura State Government regarding economic development of tribal areas of Tripura.

           

3. Virasat-e-Khalsa museum in Punjab sets record in footfall 

The Virasat-e-Khalsa museum in Punjab’s Anandpur Sahib town is all set to find a place in the Asia Book of Records for becoming the most visited museum in the Indian sub-continent on a single day.

The Asia Book of Records has confirmed the record of ‘maximum footfall in a museum in a day’ in the name of Virasat-e-Khalsa, which will feature in the next edition of the Asia Book of Records. The museum had witnessed a record footfall of 20,569 visitors on a single day on March 20, becoming the most visited museum in the Indian sub-continent on a single day.  Over 10 million visitors have visited the museum so far in a short span of eight years of its opening. Virasat-e-Khalsa was built to commemorate the rich history and culture of Punjab and Sikhism and was inaugurated in November 2011.

The museum stands out in terms of popularity, footfall, architecture and in its use of technology. With its name in the Asia Book of Records, it would be the third entry for the museum in record books. Earlier, Virasat-e-Khalsa made it to Limca Book of Records in the February 2019 edition and India Book of Records.

The Limca Book of Records and India Book of Records had listed ‘Virasat-e-Khalsa’ as the country’s top-ranked museum in terms of the number of visitors.

The museum has been conferred an award by the Punjab Energy Development Agency in a State-level energy conservation competition, for cutting down electricity consumption.

 

4. Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana: Govt starts registration for farmer pension scheme

The Centre started registration for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY), a scheme for farmers announced in the Union Budget.

Under the PM-KMY, which was announced during the Budget 2019-20, a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 will be provided to eligible farmers on attaining the age of 60. The scheme will be implemented across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Farmers holding up to 2 lakh hectare farm land will be eligible for the PM-KMY scheme. It is a voluntary and contribution-based pension scheme for farmers in the age group of 18 to 40 years. The scheme is meant for small farmers and therefore there is a landholding limit.

The initial enrolment to the PM-KMY is being done through the Common Service Centres (CSCs). The enrollment is free of cost, the Minister said and added that the CSCs will charge Rs 30 per enrollment which will be borne by the government. The farmers will have to make a monthly contribution of Rs 55 to Rs 200 depending on the age of entry, in the pension fund till they reach the retirement date.

The Central government will also make an equal contribution of the same amount in the pension fund. The spouse is also eligible to get a separate pension of Rs 3,000 upon making separate contribution to the fund.

In case of death of the farmer before the retirement date, the spouse may continue with the scheme.

If the spouse does not wish to contribute, the total contribution made by the farmer along with interest will be paid to the spouse. In the absence of any spouse, total contribution along with interest will be paid to the nominee.

If the farmer dies after the retirement date, the spouse will receive 50 per cent of the pension as family pension. After the death of both the farmer and spouse, the accumulated corpus will be credited back to the pension fund.

The beneficiaries may opt voluntarily to exit the scheme after a minimum period of five years of regular contributions. On exit, their entire contribution will be returned by pension fund manager Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) with an interest equivalent to prevailing saving bank rates.

The farmers who are also beneficiaries of the PM-KISAN scheme, will have the option to allow their contribution debited from the benefit of that scheme directly.

In case of default in making regular contributions, the beneficiaries are allowed to regularise the contribution by paying the outstanding dues, along with prescribed interest.

There will be an appropriate grievance redressal mechanism of LIC, banks and the government. An empowered committee of secretaries has also been constituted for monitoring, review and amendment of the scheme.

 

5. Northeast crowds list of states with most dense tree, forest cover

A quarter of India’s geographical area (24.49 per cent) is under forest and tree cover, according to data shared in Parliament by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. These assessments are done by the Forest Survey of India, whose findings are published in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR). The last report was published in 2017.

The lowest forest and tree cover in the country is in Haryana, at 6.79 per cent of its geographical area. Punjab follows with 6.87 per cent. Rajasthan’s forest and tree cover is over 7.26 per cent of its geographical area while Madhya Pradesh’s is 27.73 per cent.

At 97 per cent, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep is on top – its geographical area is only 30 square km. Among the six states with the highest forest and tree cover, four are in the Northeast – Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Meghalaya.

Goa and Kerala are two other states with more than 50 per cent of their geographical area under forest and tree cover.

In terms of geographical area, the highest tree and forest cover is in Madhya Pradesh, with 85,487 sq km.

 

6. Army launches 'Mission Reach Out' in Jammu 

The Army has launched "Mission Reach Out" in Jammu to ensure basic necessities and essential services are available in the region post the abrogation of the provisions of Article 370 and reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.

There are numerous initiatives undertaken by the Army under 'Mission Reach Out'. Among these are mobile medical care units with essential medicines and lady medical officers, wherever necessary, providing water in locations where the supply was disrupted, provision of essentials, including rations, assistance in transportation of patients to hospitals, facilitating people to speak to their near and dear ones through Army exchange and creating a safe environment for ATMs, banks and hospitals to function.

Due to normalcy in the region, the general public had requested for opening of schools and educational institutes, which was agreed upon and schools in the city were opened from 10 August.

 

7. BCI imposes 3-year moratorium on opening new law colleges 

The Bar Council of India imposed a moratorium on opening new law colleges for a period of three years. The restriction, however, will not apply to National Law University, if proposed by a government in a State where there is no such varsity.

Besides, the BCI can open any model institution of Legal Education, like the National Law School of India University it opened in Bengaluru.

The Council requested State governments and universities to stop unfair means and ensure that vacancies of law teachers in all the college are filled within four months.

 

8. 41% reduction in stubble burning incidents in 2018 over 2016; Over 4500 villages of Haryana & Punjab declared as Zero Stubble Burning Villages 

Highlighting the considerable reduction in crop residue burning incidents in 2018, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE) & Director General, ICAR said that India has demonstrated through coordinated public and private efforts such challenges can be addressed effectively. Under the Central Sector Scheme on ‘Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue in the State of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh & NCT of Delhi’ the paddy residue burning events have reduced by 15% and 41% in 2018 as compared to that in 2017 and 2016, respectively in all these States as per the satellite data. More than 4500 villages in Punjab and Haryana was declared as Zero Stubble Burning Villages during 2018 as not a single crop burning incident was reported from these villages during the year.

The Central Sector Scheme was launched with a total outgo of Rs.1151.80 Crores for the period from 2018-19 to 2019-20 by the Government of India to tackle air pollution and to subsidize machinery required for in-situ management of crop residue in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi. Within one year of its implementation utilizing an amount of Rs. 500 crore, the happy seeder/zero tillage technology was adopted in 8 lakh hectares of land in the North- Western States of India. Under the scheme, financial assistance @50% of the cost is provided to the farmers for purchase of in-situ crop residue management machines on individual ownership basis. The financial assistance for establishment of Custom Hiring Centres of in-situ crop residue management machinery is @ 80% of the project cost.

During 2018-19, the funds amounting to Rs. 269.38 crores, Rs.137.84 crores and Rs. 148.60 crores have been released to the Governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh respectively, for distribution of in-situ crop residue management machinery to the farmers on subsidy, establishment of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) of in-situ crop residue management machinery and undertaking Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities for creating awareness among farmers. During 2019-20, funds amounting to Rs. 273.80 crores, Rs.192.06 crores and Rs. 105.29 crores have also been released so far to the Governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, respectively.

ICAR is implementing the scheme through 60 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Punjab (22), Haryana (14), Delhi (1) and UP (23). In this scheme, awareness campaigns were conducted by organizing 1000s of demonstrations, putting up hoardings, banners and wall paintings all across the States. Almost 700 awareness programs at village levels, 200 Kisan Ghostis and Field days, 86 KPisan Melas and 250 schools and colleges were sensitized in collaboration with State departments and agricultural universities. More than 2 lakh stakeholders were sensitized during one year. More than 400 hands-on training were organized and 18,000 farmers, tractor owner and machine operators were trained.

In addition to the above Scheme, separate funds are being allocated to the States for crop residue management under Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization by the Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare. The State Governments have also been directed that Rs. 4000/ Hectare shall be used from the funds available for demonstration of machines under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization for demonstration of straw management machinery at farmers’ fields.

 

9. Prakash Javadekar releases patriotic song 'Watan’ 

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar dedicated a new patriotic music video 'Watan' to the nation on August 13. Recorded in the enthralling voice of renowned Indian singer, Javed Ali, the song both lyrically and visually outlines the beauty and might of India. Doordarshan and Prasar Bharti have prepared this amazing song.

 

10. Parliament shines in new light after PM inaugurates Dynamic Facade Lighting 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a special dynamic system of over 800 LED lights that have been installed on the facade of Parliament House.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla presided over the event. There are 875 energy-efficient LED light fixtures (water and dust resistant), which have been installed in the Complex, allowing a significant reduction of power consumption. The long-lasting, excellent intensity LED bulbs are capable of creating 16 million colour combinations and the LED lighting is programmable and electronically controlled through computers. The whole facade of Parliament House building has been covered for dynamic facade lighting and porches of Building Gates have also been highlighted.

The power consumption in the Parliament House, Parliament Library Building and Parliament House Annexe buildings will be about 26 KW, 15 KW and 12 KW respectively. The cost of permanent dynamic LED facade lighting is recoverable in 8.2 years, considering the expenditure involved in traditional temporary illumination.  In case of permanent installations, lighting effects are available for all 365 days as compared to 10-15 days in case of temporary illumination.    

The work of dynamic facade lighting of Parliament House, Parliament Library Building and Parliament House Annexe buildings was initiated on July 20 by the Central Public Works Department and completed in just 22 days. The innovative and inspirational lighting has been executed on the lines of surrounding areas of Parliament House Estate.

The dynamic lighting system, through intermittent multi-colour lights, creates an aura and enhances the grandeur of Parliament House. 

 

11. Tamil Nadu Becomes Fifth Indian State to Declare a State Butterfly 

The southern state of Tamil Nadu has recently declared Tamil Yeoman (Cirrochroa thais) as its state butterfly to symbolise its rich natural and cultural heritage, in a move aimed at boosting the conservation efforts of the attractive insects. Tamil Yeoman was finally chosen for its cultural identity linking the state through its name and is abundance in hilly areas. Endemic to the biodiversity hotspot of Western Ghats, Tamil Yeoman is usually seen at the foothills and moist evergreen forests of the state’s mountainous regions. Known to have a straight flight with few wing beats and long glide, the butterfly is actively spotted in forest streams too.

Locally known as Tamil Maravan meaning ‘Tamilian Warrior’, the canopy butterfly, usually sized between 60 and 75mm, belongs to the family of brush-footed butterflies or the Nymphalid.

Tamil Nadu already has palmyra as the state tree, gloriosa lily as the state flower, emerald dove as the state bird, jackfruit as the state fruit and Nilgiri tahr as the state animal.

 

Tamil Nadu has a total of 32 species of butterflies endemic to the state. With the latest policy initiative, it has become the fifth India state after Maharashtra (Blue Mormon), Uttarakhand (Common peacock), Karnataka (Southern birdwings) and Kerala (Malabar banded peacock) to bestow a state emblem status to one of its colourful insects.

 

12. Punjab CM dedicates 3rd phase of Jung-E-Azadi memorial to Jallianwala Bagh massacre victims 

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh dedicated the third phase of the 'Jung-E-Azadi' memorial to the people who were killed in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the unsung heroes who were incarcerated in the Andaman Cellular jail during the freedom struggle.

The memorial would go a long way in spreading awareness among the younger generations about India's glorious past and the sacrifices made by the hundreds of thousands of people who fought to free Indians from the British shackles, he said.

 

13. PM Modi announces Jal Jeevan Mission to bring piped water to every house 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during his Independence Day speech that the government will launch Jal Jeevan Mission to bring piped water supply to every house.  Under this the government will spend more than Rs. 3.5 Lakh crore in coming years under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Jal Jeevan Mission will work under the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

The Major objective of Jal Jeevan Mission is to provide piped water supply (Har Ghar Jal) to all rural and urban households by 2024. It also aims to create local infrastructure for rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and management of household waste water for reuse in agriculture. The benefits of Jal Jeevan Mission

• Household pipeline water supply
• Clean and drinkable water
• Recharge of ground water level
• Better local infrastructure
• Less water-borne diseases
• Less water wastage

 

14. ‘Panchamirtham’ of Palani temple gets GI tag 

The famous Palani panchamirtham, given as ‘prasadam’ at the Murugan temple there, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

This is the first time a temple ‘prasadam’ from Tamil Nadu has been bestowed with the GI tag. The application was filed by the Joint Commissioner/Executive Officer, Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thirukkoil, North Giriveethi, Adivaram, Palani.

The panchamirtham is a combination of five natural substances — banana, jaggery, cow ghee, honey and cardamom. Dates and diamond sugar candies are added for flavour.

The panchamirtham is an ‘abhishega prasadam’ (food that is a religious offering), which is served in a semi-solid state. It is sweet in taste and one of the main offerings for Lord Dhandayuthapani Swamy, the presiding deity of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, situated on Palani Hills.

Not even a single drop of water is added during the preparation of the panchamirtham. This gives it its classic semi-solid consistency and taste. No preservatives or artificial ingredients are used.

As per the GI application, the geographical area for production of panchamirtham is Palani town in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. It lies within latitude of 10.44 ° and longitude of 77.52 °.

The Palani panchamirtham is prepared under the guidance given by the CFTRI (Central Food Technological Research Institute) Mysore, a government of India undertaking. The whole process of producing the panchamirtham is automated. It is doubly ensured that the hygienic aspects are maintained. Devotees who visit the temple are offered the panchamirtham as a prasadam in the hill temple as well as in stalls run by temple administration at Adivaram. Is is believed that the panchamirtham cures diseases of devotees.

 

15. Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami announces trifurcation of Vellore district 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami announced trifurcating the large Vellore district into three and asserted his government's commitment to the two-language formula.

Dividing Vellore district was following consideration of representations from Ministers, MLAs and the general public.

Two new districts with Ranipet and Tirupattur as headquarters respectively will be carved out from Vellore and K V Kuppam in Vellore district will be upgraded into a new taluk.

Vellore will continue to function as a separate district. He had recently announced new districts of Chengelpet and Tenkasi and with the two new districts, Tamil Nadu is set to have a total of 37 districts.

 

16. Scheme to involve school eco clubs in DDA's plantation drive launched 

A scheme to involve school eco clubs in the DDA's plantation drive was launched here by Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

As part of an afforestation drive of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), four lakh indigenous trees will be planted this year across various biodiversity parks and other green belts in the national capital. The scheme was inaugurated by Puri, the Union minister for Housing and Urban Affairs.

There will be a reward of Rs one lakh for the school having the maximum survival rate of planted saplings after five years.

 

17. Assam gets its first ever CNG fuel station in Dibrugarh 

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will inaugurate the first ever CNG fuel station of the state in Dibrugarh. Since the CNG is affordable fuel it will be cost effective for the users.

 

18. UP to have residential schools named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee in all 18 divisions: CM 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the state government will set up residential schools named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee in all 18 divisions and a memorial in Bateshwar, the former prime minister’s native village in Agra. The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow has been named after Vajpayee. The work to set up a medical university in Lucknow is underway and a satellite centre of KGMU is being set up in Balrampur, from where Vajpayee had contested elections in 1957.

 

19. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing 

India and China voiced their differences over the recent developments in Kashmir, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar calling upon Beijing not to deviate from the gains of the Wuhan informal summit and Astana consensus and his counterpart Wang Yi urging New Delhi to make special efforts to build regional peace.

 

20. SC clears Chardham highway project, connecting four holy places in Uttarakhand 

Supreme Court has cleared the decks for the Chardham highway project, which will connect four holy places of Uttarakhand through 900-km all-weather roads. 
The apex court also asked the Union Environment and Forest Ministry to form the high-powered committee by August 22 to look into environmental concerns. A bench comprising Justices Rohinton Fali Nariman and Surya Kant modified an earlier order of National Green Tribunal by constituting a fresh high-powered committee. 
The Supreme Court added representatives from Physical Research Laboratory, Wildlife Institute of India and Defence Ministry to the new high powered committee. The top court asked the committee to submit its recommendations within four months. 
The court said, the committee shall hold quarterly meetings thereafter to ensure compliance and may suggest any further measure after each review meeting. It said, the committee shall consider the cumulative and independent impact of the Chardham project on the entire Himalayan valleys. 
Supreme Court said, the committee will also suggest the areas in which afforestation should be taken and the kind of saplings to be planted. In case of non-survival of any sapling, further plantation should be done and compensatory afforestation should be ten times the number of trees cut, the court said.

Char Dham Expressway National Highway is a proposed two-lane (in each direction) express National Highway with a minimum width of 10 metres in the state of Uttarakhand. The proposed highway will compliment the under development Char Dham Railway by connecting the four holy places in Uttarakhand states includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Champawat,Pithoragarh, Gangotri and Yamunotri The project includes 900 km national highways will connect whole of Uttarakhand state.

 

21. PM Modi announces Chief of Defence Staff 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of the post of the Chief of Defence Staff, a four-star officer who will be the government's single-point military advisor.

The post of CDS was first recommended by a Group of Ministers (GoM) set up to examine the findings of the Kargil Review Committee (KRC) in 2000.

In May 2001, the GoM headed by former Minister of State for Defence Arun Singh recommended the appointment of CDS with 'administrative control over India's Strategic Forces Command, as the focal point for military advice to the Government'.

The recommendation was never implemented, though it was once again suggested by the Lt General Shekatkar Committee in 2016. A diluted version of CDS, the permanent Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, was earlier recommended by the Naresh Chandra Task Force on Defence Reform in 2012.

 

Economy News

1. Male service personnel to get Child Care Leave 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the extension of benefits of Child Care Leave (CCL) to single male service personnel and certain relaxations of CCL provisions in case of women officers of defence forces.

This is in line with a recent Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) order extending similar benefits of CCL to civilian employees. Presently, CCL is granted to women officers in defence forces.

Single male service personnel and women officers of defence forces will also be able to avail CCL in respect of child with 40% disability without any restriction of age limit of the child. Further, the minimum period of CCL that can be availed in each spell has been reduced to five days from the earlier limit of 15 days.

Recently, the DoPT made certain amendments for grant of CCL to civilian employees, extending the benefit to single male government servants as well. Further, the age limit of 22 years prescribed earlier in the case of a child with 40% disability has been removed for the purpose of availing CCL. The minimum period of CCL that can be availed at a time has been reduced to 5 days instead of 15.

 

2. Knee implants cost won't rise beyond 10% in a year, assures govt

The government said the ceiling price of orthopaedic knee implants will be monitored to ensure that the cost does not increase beyond 10% in a given year.

The cost of knee implants was reduced significantly, up to 69%, resulting in a notional saving of ?1,500 crore per annum to the consumers. The NPPA, in its meeting held on 8 Aug, 2019, reviewed the matter. It was noted that there has been an increased access due to knee implants becoming affordable.

As per the data submitted by manufacturers and importers, an increase of 30% in the sales of knee implants has been reported during the period of July, 2018 to June, 2019. The knee implant is a non-scheduled medical device / drug for which DPCO, 2013 allows an annual increase up to 10% of MRP. However, this was not permitted in 2018.

 

3. High Level Committee on CSR recommends CSR expenditure to be made tax deductible expenditure  

Shri Injeti Srinivas, Secretary (Corporate Affairs) presented the Report of the High Level Committee on CSR to the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.

The main recommendations  include, making CSR expenditure tax deductible, provision for carry forward of unspent balance for a period of 3 – 5 years, aligning Schedule 7 with the SDGs by adopting a SDG plus framework (which would additionally include sports promotion, Senior Citizens’  welfare, welfare of differently abled persons, disaster management and heritage protection), balancing local area preferences with national priorities, introducing impact assessment studies for CSR obligation of 5 crore or more, and registration of implementation agencies on MCA portal.  The other recommendations include developing a CSR exchange portal to connect contributors, beneficiaries and agencies, allowing CSR in social benefit bonds, promoting social impact companies, and third party assessment of major CSR projects.

The Committee has emphasized on not treating CSR as a means of resource gap funding for government schemes.  The Committee discourages passive contribution of CSR into different funds included in Schedule VII of the Act.  It has emphasized on CSR spending as a board driven process to provide innovative technology based solutions for social problems.  The Committee has also recommended that companies having CSR prescribed amount below Rs. 50 lakh may be exempted from constituting a CSR Committee.  The Committee has also recommended that violation of CSR compliance may be made a civil offence and shifted to the penalty regime.

The High Level Committee on CSR was constituted in October, 2018 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Corporate Affairs) to review the existing CSR framework and make recommendations on strengthening the CSR ecosystem, including monitoring implementation and evaluation of outcomes. 

 

4. Assam's Dikom Tea Estate brand fetches 'record' Rs 75K per kg 

A rare variety of tea from Upper Assam's Dikom Tea Estate set a new record on August 13 as it was auctioned for Rs 75,000 per kg at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC). The tea, 'Golden Butterfly', was purchased by city- based Assam Tea Traders. In the tea sector, this auction centre has created an image of a place where records are meant to be broken and history is meant to be re-written.  The GTAC is emerging as a centre for showcasing high-priced Assam speciality tea. The centre is providing an opportunity to sellers who want to sell their tea at remunerative prices.

An exotic tea is judged by its aroma, taste and colour and this tea is characterised by extremely mellow and sweet caramel flavour. Recently, GTAC witnessed two big records last month, when the orthodox variety 'Maijan Golden Tips' fetched a price of Rs 70,501 per kg and one kilogram of Manohari Gold, another specialty orthodox tea variety, was sold at Rs 50,000.

 

5. India Contributes $1 Million To UN Fund 

India has contributed USD one million to the UN Special Purpose Trust Fund for the Resident Coordinator System.  The Special Purpose Trust Fund (SPTF) is a specific fund housed within the UN Secretariat established to receive, consolidate, manage and account for all contributions and financial transactions of the new Resident Coordinator system in a transparent and effective way. The SPTF web portal, displays in real time all commitments, contributions and expenditures recorded for the fund. Funding sources include voluntary contributions from the Member States, the doubling of cost-sharing amounts from the UN entities who are members of the United Nations development system and a one per cent levy applied to contributions for UN development-related activities earmarked to a single agency, single programme or project. 

 

6. CORAS: Indian Railways’ commando unit

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Commandos for Railway Safety (CORAS). Comprising RPF and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) personnel, the CORAS is headed by the RPF DG and is armed with special uniforms with bullet-proof jackets, helmets and sophisticated weapons.

There are 14 battalions of the RPSF and one of its battalion had been converted into CORAS. The men of CORAS have been trained in the NSG academy and Greyhounds.   Greyhounds specialises in anti-insurgency operations against Naxalites. CORAS commandos will be undergoing training programmes, including basic and advanced commando courses with specialisation in handling landmines and improvised explosive devices, hostage rescue, sniping and breaching.

The first deployment of the Railway’s commando unit CORAS will be in the Naxal-hit areas of Chhattisgarh.

A new state-of-the-art facility will be built in Haryana’s Jagadhari city to train CORAS commandos.

 

7. Textiles Ministry partners with 16 states for skilling 4 lakh under ‘Samarth’ scheme

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval for the ‘Samarth’ Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS) from 2017-18 to 2019-20 to meet the skill requirements of textiles industry. The scheme aims at skill development of 10 lakh youth up to 2020 with a projected outlay of Rs 1300 crore.

Sixteen states have signed pacts with the Ministry of Textiles to partner with it for skilling about four lakh workers as part of the 'Samarth’ scheme.

Once the agencies that are nominated by the states provide training to the workers, they would be provided jobs in the textiles industry.

The sixteen states that signed the MoUs include Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Karnataka,Manipur, Haryana, Meghalaya, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand.

 

8. Banks cannot charge for failed transactions, balance enquiry: RBI 

The Reserve Bank of India asked banks to not charge customers for failed transactions at ATMs or include it as part of the permitted ‘free ATM transactions’ per month set for users.

It also suggested that the use of ATMs for non-cash withdrawal transactions — balance enquiry and fund transfers — too should be not be charged.

Currently, banks provide a certain number of free transactions at ATMs and beyond the limit, charges are imposed.

 

9. Four New Products get GI Tag

The Geographical Indication (GI) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade hasrecenly registered 4 new GIs. PalaniPanchamirtham from Palani Town in Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu State, Tawlhlohpuan and Mizo Puancheifrom the state of Mizoram and Tirur Betel leaf from Kerala are the latest additions to the list of registered GIs.

GI is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.

PalaniPanchamirtham, an abishegaPrasadam, from Palani Town is one of the main offerings in the Abisegam of Lord Dhandayuthapani Swamy, the presiding deity of ArulmiguDhandayuthapaniswamy Temple, situated in palani Hills, Palani Town in Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu. It is a combination of five natural substances, namely, banana, jaggery sugar, cow ghee, honey and cardamom in a definite proportion. It is prepared in a natural method without addition of any preservatives or artificial ingredients and is well known for its religious fervour and gaiety. This is the first time a temple ‘prasadam’ from Tamil Nadu has been bestowed with the GI tag.

Tawlhlohpuan, a medium to heavy, compactly woven, good quality fabric from Mizoram is known for warp yarns, warping, weaving & intricate designs that are made by hand. Tawlhloh, in Mizo language, means 'to stand firm or not to move backward’. Tawlhlohpuan, which holds high significance in the Mizo society, is produced throughout the state of Mizoram, Aizawl and Thenzawl town being the main centre of production.

Mizo Puanchei, a colourful Mizo shawl/textile, from Mizoram, is considered as the most colourful among the Mizo textiles. It is an essential possession for every Mizo lady and an important marriage outfit in the state. It is also the most commonly used costume in Mizo festive dances and official ceremonies. The weavers insert the designs and motifs by using supplementary yarns while weaving to create this beautiful and alluring textile.

Tirur betel vine from Kerala, which is mainly cultivated in Tirur, Tanur, Tirurangadi, Kuttippuram, Malappuram and Vengara block panchayaths of Malappuram District, is valued both for its mild stimulant action and medicinal properties. Even though it is commonly used for making pan masala for chewing, it has many medicinal, industrial and cultural usages and is considered as a remedy for bad breath and digestive disorders.

GI products can benefit the rural economy in remote areas, by supplementing the incomes of artisans, farmers, weavers and craftsmen. India’s rural artisans possess unique skills and knowledge of traditional practices and methods, passed down from generation to generation, which need to be protected and promoted. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has taken several initiatives in this regard and is actively involved in promotion and marketing of GIs.

 

10. INS Tarkash participates in KONKAN bilateral exercise

The 14th Edition of KONKAN series of annual bilateral exercises between Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Britain is currently underway off the South Coast of UK.

KONKAN-19 will involve Gunnery Shoots, Manoeuvres, Cross Deck Flying, ASW Screening and Air Defence exercise. The thrust of the KONKAN this year is on Anti-Air warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Flying Operations and Seamanship Evolutions of varying complexities.

 

11. Air India becomes first Indian carrier to fly from Delhi to San-Francisco charting North Polar route 

In a landmark accomplishment in the aviation industry, Air India has launched the first-ever commercial flight by an Indian carrier to fly from Delhi to San- Francisco charting the North Polar route. The passenger flight AI 173 undertook the journey on August 15 and was flagged by Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani.

The flight was operated by Captain Ranjeesh Sharma and Captain Digvijay Singh.  The AI already has flights to the US from the Atlantic and Pacific routes as part of its endeavour to conserve fuel, slash travel time, improve aircraft utility and reduce carbon emissions.

The North Pole region has given airlines an opportunity to reach destinations previously not available for non-stop services and reduce flying times on existing routes and city pairs, he pointed out. Increasing use of these route has resulted in major improvements in areas of aviation infrastructure like communications, air traffic control, and services supplies at remote airports. However, most of the Polar region still falls short of the infrastructure and the logistics standards of the more widely used air-spaces, thereby offering unique opportunities laced with distinct challenges.

 

International News

1. Newly discovered lake in Nepal likely to become world's highest 

Newly discovered Kajin Sara lake in Manang district of Nepal is all set to become the world’s highest lake replacing Tilicho lake (also in Manang), which currently holds the title.

The lake is situated at a height of 5,200 metres at Singarkharka in Chame Rural Municipality of Manang.  According to Chame Rural Municipality Chair Lokendra Ghale, the lake was discovered about a few months ago by a team of mountaineers.

As per the measurement of the lake by the team, it is located at an altitude of 5,200 metres, which is yet to be officially verified. It’s estimated to be 1,500 metres long and 600 metres wide. The lake would be the world’s highest lake if its altitude of 5000-plus metres is officially verified.  The lake called Singar locally, which is said to have formed out of the water melted from the Himalayas, can be reached after 18 hours. It’s 24 km from Chame.

Period between July and November is considered suitable to visit the lake which offers panoramic view of about a dozen peaks towards the north. The lake has Mt Manaslu to the east, Mt Damodar to the west, Mt Annapurna and Mt Lamjung to the south, and Mt Peri in the Tibet to the north.

Currently, Tilicho Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 4,919 metres, holds the title of the world’s highest lake. The lake is 4 km long, 1.2 km wide and around 200 metres deep.

 

2. NASA chief announces Alabama facility as moon spacecraft headquarters

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama will serve as headquarters for the US space agency's programme to build a spacecraft to put astronauts back on the moon by 2024. That landing system is going to be led out of the Marshall Space Flight Center right here in Huntsville, Alabama.

Companies including billionaire entrepreneur Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, Elon Musk's SpaceX and Lockheed Martin Corp are developing different potential components of the lunar lander and will compete for NASA funds under competitive bids due to be solicited later in the year.

Bridenstine in May named the programme Artemis and requested that Congress increase NASA's proposed budget for fiscal 2020, which begins Oct. 1, by $1.6 billion, much of which would be earmarked to seed commercial development of the human lunar landing system.

The new lunar mission - an endeavour likely to cost $20 billion to $30 billion dollars over five years - comes as NASA seeks, with the help of private partners, to resume human space missions from American soil for the first time since the space shuttle programme ended in 2011. Vice President Mike Pence in March announced an accelerated timeline for NASA to put astronauts back the lunar surface by 2024, cutting in half a previous goal to get there by 2028.

 

People in News

1. Rishi Kapoor unveils Anupam Kher's autobiography 'Lessons Life Taught Me Unknowingly' in New York

Veteran actor Anupam Kher's autobiography titled Lessions Life Taught Me Unknowingly was unveiled by Rishi Kapoor, along with wife Neetu Kapoor  in New York. The book gives a detailed account of the lessons learnt by Anupam Kher in his life and acting career that spans over 500 films. 

 

2. Book chronicling VP Naidu's 2 years in office to be released by Shah

A book chronicling Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu's two years in office was released by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Chennai. The book, titled 'Listening, Learning, and Leading', captures a few glimpses of the vice-president's 330 public engagements across all states and Union Territories of the country during the last two years.

The vice-president has delivered 61 convocation addresses, interacted with students on 35 occasions, visited 97 scientific and technological research institutions and delivered 25 special lectures. It contains Naidu's important diplomatic engagements, including his visits to 19 countries, in four continents.

He was the first Indian vice-president to visit Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Malta. The book will showcase his achievements as the Rajya Sabha Chairman and initiatives to enhance effectiveness and promote the efficiency of the Upper House.

 

3. Biologist Chandrima Shaha to head National Science Academy, will be first woman president in INSA's 85-year history 

Dr Chandrima Shaha, a biologist and professor at the National Institute of Immunology, is all set to become the first woman to head the prestigious Indian National Science Academy (INSA). As president-elect of the INSA, she intends for science communication to be tackled "aggressively" and pseudoscience to be combatted when she takes charge as President in January 2020.

Dr Shaha has previously served the INSA as vice-president and director of the National Institute of Immunology, Delhi.

 

4. Aishwarya Pissay wins FIM World Cup, becomes first Indian to claim motorsports world title 

Aishwarya Pissay became the first Indian to claim a world title in motorsports, annexing the FIM World Cup in the women's category after the final round of the championship. The 23-year old from Bengaluru also finished second in the FIM Junior category.

Aishwarya, who won the first round in Dubai and was placed third (Portugal), fifth (Spain) and fourth (Hungary) in the subsequent outings, finished with a tally of 65 points, just four ahead of Portugal's Rita Vieira in the final overall standings for women.

She was placed second in the junior category with 46 points, behind championship winner Tomas de Gavardo (60) of Chile.

 

5. Harshad Pandurang Thakur appointed NIHFW Director 

Harshad Pandurang Thakur has been appointed as the Director of National Institute of Health and Family Welfare for a period of five years.

The NIHFW, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, acts as an apex technical institute as well as a think tank for the promotion of health and family welfare programmes in the country.

 

6. Govt appoints VG Somani as new Drug Controller General 

The government appointed VG Somani as Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). DCGI heads the Indian drug regulatory body the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), whose functions include ensuring the quality of drugs and cosmetics sold in the country, approval of new drugs and regulating clinical trials. Somani is currently Joint Drugs Controller of India.

 

7. Cristiano Ronaldo signs on with Asian e-commerce platform Shopee 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, has secured a partnership with global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo as a brand ambassador.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has achieved great success with Manchester United, Real Madrid and currently Juventus, will – in his role – work with Shopee on a wide range of initiatives to engage and inspire people in the region.

 

Awards

1. ISRO Chairman Sivan gets A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award 

 

Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) K. Sivan, under whose leadership, the organisation launched its Chandrayaan-2 mission, was awarded Tamil Nadu government’s Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award.

A native of Kanniyakumari district, Mr. Sivan is known popularly known as the ‘Rocket Man’.

 

2. Short film by Indian Railways on beautifying Bihar's Madhubani station wins national award 

A short-film –'Madhubani- The Station of Colours', which narrates the beautification of a remote railway station belonging to the East Central Railway (ECR)  has bagged the ‘Rajat-Kamal’ award at the 66th National Film Awards for 2018. The Madhubani railway station located in a remote part of Madhubani district of Bihar was earlier ranked as the country’s second most dirty railway station. However, with the help of artists who have decorated the station with indigenous Madhubani paintings, it has now become one of the cleanliest and most beautiful railway stations in the country.

A short film which narrates the process of transformation of the railway station has bagged the award of ‘the Best Narration over Voice (BNOV) eloquence quality through short-film' under the non-feature category.

The Rajat-Kamal award carries a cash award of Rs 50,000 besides citation for a short film that makes an impact narration on any subject through people’s participation.

 

Sports News

1. Ravi Shastri reappointed as India’s head coach 

Ravi Shastri has been reappointed as India’s head coach and will continue till T20 World Cup 2021. The announcement was made by the former India captain and head of Cricket Advisory Committee Kapil Dev.

 

2. Virat Kohli is first batsman to score 20,000 international runs in a decade 

Indian captain Virat Kohli has become the first batsman to score 20,000 international runs in a single decade, the incredible stat providing another reflection of his greatness. Kohli has aggregated 20,502 runs across three formats out of which he has scored 20,018 in the ongoing decade. The batting maestro achieved the feat on the way to his match-winning hundred, his 43rd in the format, against the West Indies in the third ODI. Kohli made his Test and T20 Internationals debut in 2010. He had already scored 484 runs in ODI cricket after making his debut in 2008. Australia's former skipper Ricky Ponting held the record for scoring most international runs in a decade with 18,962 to his credit in the 2000s. Former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis is on the third position with 16,777 runs in the 2000s. Sri Lankan legends Mahela Jaywardene and Kumar Sangakkara are fourth and fifth on the list of most runs scored in a decade with 16304 and 15999, respectively. Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar is sixth with 15962 runs in the 2000s while his teammate Rahul Dravid is seventh with 15853. Kohli made an unbeaten 114 against West Indies in the final ODI of the three-match series, helping his side to a six-wicket victory and a 2-0 series win. The 30-year-old had also scored a century in the second ODI of the series.

 

3. Umpire John Williams dies one month after being hit by ball 

English umpire John Williams, who was in coma after being hit by a ball during an amateur match, has died one month after the incident.

The 80-year-old was officiating a Pembrokeshire County Division 2 game between Pembroke and Narbeth on July 13 when he was struck with the ball. Subsequently, Williams was flown to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff where he was put in coma.

He was then shifted to Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest on August 1 where he breathed his last two weeks later. 

 

4. India beat England by 36 runs to lift Physical Disability World Series T20

India lifted the inaugural T20 Physical Disability World Cricket Series after defeating hosts England by 36 runs in the finals. Opting to bat first, India posted 180 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs in the summit clash which was played at Blackfinch in England. Middle-order batsman R G Sante top-scored with a quick-fire 53 off 34 balls. He hit two fours and four sixes.

Opener K D Phanase (36), Vikrant Keni (29) and S Mahendran (33) also chipped in with valuable contributions.

India then returned to restrict England to 144 for 9 to lay claim to the Trophy.

 

5. Esow Alben-led India bag historic cycling gold 

Esow Alben, L Ronaldo Singh, Y Rojit Singh and Jemsh Singh-the Indian boys’ sprint team made history and this was India’s first gold at a world cycling event, senior or junior.

They were the fastest during qualifying, clocking 45.094 seconds at an impressive average speed of 59.87km/hr. This was followed by an easy first round victory over China, where the timing dropped further to 44.764.

The final was a stunner. Australia led the first two laps, only for India to flash by at an astonishing 12.915 seconds in the final lap—the fastest lap by any team in the competition—to take gold with a total time of 44.625, yet again bettering their earlier mark.

 

Days and Events

1. International Youth Day-12 August 

12 August was first designated International Youth Day by the UN General Assembly in 1999, and serves as an annual celebration of the role of young women and men as essential partners in change, and an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges and problems facing the world’s youth.

2019 Theme: “Transforming education”

This year’s theme highlights efforts to make education more inclusive and accessible for all youth, including efforts by youth themselves. Rooted in Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” – International Youth Day 2019 will examine how Governments, young people and youth-led and youth-focused organizations, as well as other stakeholders, are transforming education so that it becomes a powerful tool to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Inclusive and accessible education is crucial to achieving sustainable development and can play a role in the prevention of conflict. Indeed, education is a ‘development multiplier’ as it plays a pivotal role in accelerating progress across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, be it poverty eradication, good health, gender equality, decent work and growth, reduced inequalities, action on climate or peaceful societies. Education should lead to relevant and effective learning outcomes, with the content of school curricula being fit for purpose, not only for the 4th industrial revolution and the future of work, but also for the opportunities – and challenges – that rapidly changing social contexts bring.

 

2. August 13-'World Organ Donation Day'

August 13 is celebrated as 'World Organ Donation Day' and is dedicated to motivate people to pledge to donate their organs. Anyone regardless of age, race or gender can become an organ and tissue donor. The person is under the age of 18 years, then the consent of the parent or legal guardian is essential.

 

3. MoHUA to Organize One Day National Workshop Cum Exhibition on Sustainable Sanitation 

            The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) will be organizing a one day national workshop cum exhibition at Vigyan Bhawan on 19 August, 2019. Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E) will be the Chief Guest of the event. The workshop is being organized as part of the year long celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150^th birth anniversary. The focus of the workshop will be on discussing social and legal issues as well as technological and managerial interventions with regard to human entry into sewers and septic tanks. Alongside, the workshop will showcase best practices on Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of sewerage system including mechanical cleaning of sewers, faecal sludge management with mechanical cleaning of septic tanks, co-treatment of septage, and showcase the latest equipment and machinery for cleaning of sewers and septic tanks in the exhibition. The roles and responsibilities of the Emergency Response Sanitation Unit (ERSU), a proposed unit to systematise human entry into sewer/septic tanks in a professional, well trained, motivated and appropriately equipped manner.  Wastewater and stormwater management including rainwater harvesting in line with the Government’s focus on water conservation through the Jal Shakti Abhiyan will also form an important agenda of discussion at the workshop. To complement these efforts, the Ministry will release the Manual on Stormwater Drainage Systems, 2019, Advisory on ERSU and the Directory of Sewer and Septic Cleaning Equipment prepared by technical experts from the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO).

 

4. National Tribal Festival “Aadi Mahotsav” begins in Leh- Ladakh

Tribal Affairs Ministry and Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) are jointly organizing a 9 - Day Aadi Mahotsav (National Tribal Festival) in Leh- Ladakh with a theme of  “A celebration of the spirit of Tribal Craft, Culture and Commerce” .

9 day Adi mahotsav will showcase traditional art and handicrafts and cultural heritage of the country.

 

Rankings

1. India Ranks 13 On National Water Stress Rankings Across Globe

The World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas ranked water stress, drought risk, and riverine flood risk across 189 countries and their sub-national regions, like states and provinces.

India is among the 17 countries, which are home to a quarter of the world's population, facing 'extremely high' water stress, close to 'Day Zero' conditions when the taps run dry.India ranked 13 on Aqueduct's list of 'extremely highly' water-stressed countries, and has more than three times the population of the other 16 countries in this category combined. Northern India faces severe groundwater depletion, visualised on Aqueduct's maps and included in calculations of water stress for the first time.

Aqueduct's updated hydrological model shows a more accurate, granular picture of water risk than ever before. In the 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, agriculture, industry, and municipalities are drinking up 80 percent of available surface and groundwater in an average year. Aqueduct now includes 13 indicators of water risk, including new additions such as groundwater availability and water depletion, and monthly snapshots of water stress and variability.

 

2. Walmart ranked as India's top retailer: Report 

US retail giant Walmart is India’s top retailer, according to a study by Euromonitor International tracking Asia’s largest retailers.

Walmart topped the rankings in India for 2018, after it acquired internet retailer Flipkart last year in a $16 billion deal. Walmart is followed by another US giant—online retailer Amazon.

Kishore Biyani’s Future Group ranked third, followed by Reliance Group that has formats across electronics, apparel, and grocery retail, among others. Tata Group that runs formats such as Westside, and Croma, among others, ranked fifth. These retailers saw no change in their rankings in 2018.

Other retailers in India’s top ten rankings include: One97 Communications, Avenue Supermarts that runs D-Mart; Aditya Birla Group, Landmark Group, and K Raheja Corp.

Euromonitor conducted research for the 2019 edition of the report in 100 countries. It researched 15 Asia Pacific economies in the third quarter of 2018.

Across Asia, China’s Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, owned by Chinese billionaire Jack Ma topped the rankings, followed by JD.com Inc, and Japan’s Seven and Seven & I Holdings Co Ltd that owns the popular 7-Eleven convenience stores.

 

3. Jal Shakti Ministry launches Swacch Survakshan Grameen 2019

Swachh Survekshan Grameen was launched by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The aim of this survey is to engage rural communities in improvement of the sanitation status of their districts and states through intensive campaign. The 45-day long survey will take place in 18 thousand villages of 698 districts. Swachhata activities have also been planned at around 87 thousand public places where community meetings will be organized. People can also directly give their feedback through the mobile app. Under the Swachh Survekshan Grameen, districts and states will be ranked on data collected from citizen feedback, direct observation and service-level progress.

 

4. Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry launches fifth edition of Swachh Survekshan 2020

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri launched the Swachh Survekshan 2020 (SS 2020), the fifth edition of the annual cleanliness survey conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

Alongside, the Swachh Survekshan 2020 Toolkit, SBM Water PLUS Protocol and Toolkit, Swachh Nagar - an integrated waste management app and AI enabled mSBM App were also launched.

A special Swachh Survekhan theme song featuring Kangana Ranaut, singers Kailash Kher and Monali Thakur was also released.

The survey will be conducted in January 2020. The Swachh Survekshan 2020 Toolkit contains the detailed survey methodology and component indicators with scores to help cities to prepare themselves for the survey. The Ministry also launched the Water PLUS Protocol which aims to provide a guideline for cities and towns to ensure that no untreated waste-water is released into the environment thereby enabling sustainability of the sanitation value chain.