PREFACE
It gives us great pleasure to release the monthly edition of the PRAVAHINI – Monthly e-Compendium & Weekly e-Periodicals of Current Affairs. The magazine’s members have shown considerable cooperation as well as devotion. We at successmantra.in work tirelessly to create this magazine and bring it to you with a great sense of gratitude.
The PRAVAHINI August-2022 eBook covers the current events that happened in the month of August. Current Affairs is a crucial component of any competitive exams including CLAT, AILET, DU-LLB, HM, CAT, IAS, PCS, SSC, Banking, MBA and various other competitive examinations.
Current Affairs play the bigger role in many competitive and government exams. It holds the power of making or breaking your chance of success. Therefore, the candidates should cover the Current Affairs thoroughly and smartly.
The PRAVAHINI August-2022 eBook is divided into different sections keeping in mind the need of various exams. The sections covered namely International, National, Economy, Ecology and Environment, Science & Technology, Legal Affairs, Sports, States News Makers and few others.
We would also be pleased to receive any suggestion that could assist us with the upcoming editions.
Success Mantra (GTB Nagar, Delhi)
Website: www.successmantra.in
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- National Affairs
- International Affairs
- Economic Affairs
- Appointments
- Important Dates
- Sports
- Reports And Indexes
- Science & Technology
- Miscellaneous
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
ARTHA GANGA PROJECT UNDER NAMAMI GANGE
Recently, the Ministry of Jal Shakti unveiled a new initiative named ‘Arth Ganga’ under the Namami Gange program with an aim to boost economic activities along the banks of river Ganga.
Under Arth Ganga, the government is working at six levels.
Namami Gange
Under Arth Ganga, the government is working at six levels. Zero Budget Natural Farming is its first level, which includes chemical free farming for 10 km on both banks of the river and promotion of cow dung as manure through Govardhan Yojana.
This will open the way for ‘Per Drop, More Income’ and ‘GobarDhan’ for the farmers.
The second phase is monetization and reuse of sludge and waste water, which seeks to reuse treated water for irrigation, industries and revenue generation for urban local bodies (ULBs).
Arth Ganga will also include opportunities for livelihood generation by creating haats where people can sell local produce, medicinal plants and Ayurveda.
INDIA'S FIRST HYDROGEN FUEL CELL BUS
Union Minister Jitendra Singh in Pune, unveiled the first hydrogen fuel cell bus made in India.
Dr. Jitendra Singh referred to Green hydrogen as a superb clean energy vector that enables deep decarbonization of hard-to-abate emissions from the refining industry, the fertiliser industry, the steel industry, the cement industry, as well as from the heavy commercial transportation sector.
The minister explained to the crowd that the Hydrogen fuel cell, which could be the most environmentally friendly form of transportation to date, uses hydrogen and air to generate electricity to power the bus.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles offer a great way to get rid of the pollution produced by big commercial traffic on the road.
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus is the result of KPIT and CSIR-collaborative NCL’s development efforts.
Emission of CO2 by buses: About
A single diesel bus operating on long-distance routes typically releases 100 tonnes of CO2 yearly, and there are over one million of these buses in operation.
In India, there are over a million diesel buses, each of which generates 100 tonnes of CO2 annually as it travels long distances.
In sharp contrast to heavy commercial diesel vehicles, which emit 12–14% more CO2 and particulate matter, fuel cell vehicles also produce zero greenhouse gas emissions.
FIRST EVER PORTAL FOR NARCOTICS OFFENDERS
A first-of-its kind database of arrested narcotics offenders has been made operational for use by various central and state prosecution agencies tasked to enforce anti-drugs laws in the country.
The portal–NIDAAN or the National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco-offenders–has been developed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
It is part of the narcotics coordination mechanism (NCORD) portal that was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 30 in Chandigarh during the national conference on ‘Drug trafficking and national security’.
The NIDAAN platform sources its data from the ICJS (inter-operable criminal justice system) and the e-Prisons (a cloud-based application) repository and it is planned to integrate it in the future with the crime and criminal tracking network system or CCTNS.
The ICJS, an initiative of the Supreme Court e-committee, was created to enable seamless transfer of data and information among different pillars of the criminal justice system, like courts, police, jails and forensic science laboratories, from one platform.
WHAT IS GRAMEEN UDYAMI PROJECT?
To promote skill development and entrepreneurship among tribal youth and to promote Skill India Mission, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in partnership with Seva Bharti and Yuva Vikas Society recently launched Phase II of Grameen Udyami project in Ranchi (Jharkhand).
In the first phase of this training, participants from rural and tribal areas of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat were included.
Under which training of 157 participants in seven groups started in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh in the month of May, 2022 and about 133 participants completed the training successfully on June 27, 2022. After which its second phase was started in Ranchi.
Skill development and entrepreneurship of tribal youth will be empowered through this training programme. The goal behind this training is to make India self-reliant even in rural areas.
The scheme, implemented by Union Minister of State Shri Rajiv Chandrashekhar and tribal MPs, aims to train 450 tribal students in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. For this work, especially for the tribal areas, the central government has approved a budget of 85,000 crores.
Another major component of this project is to provide quality education to the tribal communities so as to open up many possibilities for their development and economic empowerment of the tribal population.
INS VIKRANT TO BE COMMISSIONED SOON
The first indigenous carrier which has been constructed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, will soon be commissioned as INS Vikrant on September 2. The warship will play the role of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The aircraft landing trials on board INS Vikrant will begin in November and will be completed by mid-2023.
INS Vikrant will be commissioned in Cochin in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the vice chief said, adding the equipment for the aircraft carrier has been manufactured in 18 states and union territories. The Navy has been pitching for three aircraft carriers to deal with China’s growing influence over the Indian Ocean.
At present, India has only one aircraft carrier — INS Vikramaditya — which was bought from Russia in 2014. Alongside INS Vikramditya, the Navy will then operate two 44,000-tonne carriers.
The Navy is in the process of procuring 26 deck-based aircraft and it has narrowed down on Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet and French aerospace major Dassault Aviation’s Rafale aircraft.
ABOUT BHITARKANIKA NATIONAL PARK
Recently, the Bhitarkanika National Park has reached a saturation point in the population of crocodiles which could lead to more human-Crocodile conflict.
What is Bhitarkanika National Park?
Bhitarkanika National Park is spread over a vast area of 672 Kms in Orissa. It is the second largest Mangrove ecosystem of India.
The National Park is essentially a network of creeks and canals which are inundated with waters from rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra and Patasala forming a unique ecosystem.
Its proximity to Bay of Bengal makes the soil of the area enriched with salts, the vegetation and the species of the sanctuary is composed of those which are mainly found in the tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. It is the breeding place for the SaltWater Crocodiles.
IMPLEMENTATION OF ONE NATION ONE FERTILISER
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers has announced that it has been decided to implement One Nation One Fertiliser by introducing a “Single Brand for Fertilisers and Logo” under the fertiliser subsidy scheme named “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojna” (PMBJP).
What is One Nation One Fertiliser Scheme?
About: Under ONOF companies are allowed to display their name, brand, logo and other relevant product information only on one-third space of their bags.
On the remaining two-thirds space, the “Bharat” brand and Pradhanmantri Bharatiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojana logo will have to be shown.
The single brand name for UREA, Di-Ammonium Phosphate DAP, Muriate of potash (MOP) and Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium NPK etc. would be BHARAT UREA, BHARAT DAP, BHARAT MOP and BHARAT NPK etc. respectively for all Fertiliser Companies, State Trading Entities (STEs) and Fertiliser Marketing Entities (FMEs).
This scheme applies to both public & private sector companies. It will bring about uniformity in fertiliser brands across the country.
WHAT IS PFA OR FOREVER CHEMICAL?
Often we have been hearing that rain water is the purest. But according to research from the University of Stockholm, published recently in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, rainwater is no longer potable.
The synthetic element PFAS was found in rain water in most parts of the earth. PFAs are polyfluoroalkyl substances, which were first developed in the 1940. They are a large, complex group of manufactured chemicals that are ingredients in various everyday products.
For example nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, cosmetics, firefighting forms and many other products that resist grease, water and oil.
They are also called forever chemicals because they remain in the environment for years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) PFAS is found in the blood of 97% of Americans.
AYUSHMAN BHARAT PM JAN AROGYA YOJANA
According to the government of India, transgenders will be brought under the ambit of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
The National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide an inclusive and composite health package for transgenders under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY.
This MoU between National Health Authority (NHA) and the Ministry of Social Justice & Employment (MoSJE) will extend all healthcare benefits to transgender persons (holding a transgender certificate issued by the National Portal for transgender persons) across the country.
MoSJE will fund Rs.5 lakh insurance cover per transgender beneficiary per annum.
Key points of the MoU:
As part of the move, a comprehensive master package is being prepared for transgenders, including existing AB PM-JAY packages and specific packages (Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) and treatment).
As a result, transgenders will be eligible to seek treatment in any AB PM-JAY empanelled hospitals across the country, where specific packages will be made available. The scheme would cover all transgenders not receiving such benefits from other centre/state sponsored schemes.
PRADHAN MANTRI GATI SHAKTI NATIONAL MASTER PLAN
Recently, Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan will now be linked to geospatial maps to prevent unnecessary cost escalation.
This linking will help in developing future infrastructure in a planned manner, curbing cost escalation and saving taxpayers money, besides enhancing India’s cost competitiveness.
As of now 1,000 geospatial maps have been formed for forests, wildlife sanctuaries, highways and railway infrastructure, power plants and industrial zones in India.
Gati Shakti platform was launched to provide information instantaneously. It will allow for better coordination among ministries. Gati Shakti Scheme was launched with the aim of achieving three basic goals namely,
Seamless multimodal connectivity for facilitating easy movement of goods & people, Improved prioritisation, optimal usage of resources, timely creation of capacities, and Resolution of issues like disjointed planning, standardisation & clearances.
MoU TO DEVELOP MULTI MODAL LOGISTICS PARK
The road, railway, and shipping ministries recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop Multi Modal Logistics Parks (MMLP). The agreement was signed under Bharatmala Pariyojana.
The agreement was signed between RVNL, IWAI, and NHLML.
RVNL: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
NHLML: National Highways Logistics Management Limited
IWAI: Inland Waterways Authority of India
The objective of the MoU
The objectives of the agreement are as follows:
To reduce logistics costs in the country from 14% to 10% of GDP
Centralize freight consolidation
To improve the standards in the country at par with international standards
What will the MMLP do?
According to the MoU, the MMLPs will handle freights, The parks will be accessible through rails and roads. The MMLPs will have cargo terminals, material handling facilities, warehouses, container terminals, and cold storage.
The MMLPs are to adopt technology-driven freight management systems. They will provide value-added services such as labeling, repackaging, and packaging.
PRADHAN MANTRI JAN DHAN YOJANA
Recently, the central government’s ambitious scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has completed eight years.
The main objective of this scheme was to include the poor section of the country in the main banking system.
Under this scheme more than 46 crore bank accounts have been opened in 8 years. It has deposits of Rs 1.74 lakh crore.
With the help of this scheme, 67 percent of the rural population of the country has now got banking services and 56 percent of women also have Jan Dhan accounts.
Several key features of the scheme include:
Interest on deposit
Accidental insurance cover of Rupee One Lakh.
No minimum balance required
Life insurance cover of Rs.30,000/-
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
CHINA FUNDING IN CPEC REDUCED BY 56%
In the first half of 2022, China’s funding in Pakistan for the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had reduced by around 56% in the first half of 2022.
Other countries like Russia, Egypt and Sri Lanka also witnessed a reduction by 100% in BRI engagement as compared to the first half of 2021.
The CPEC project is running from Gwadar port in Pakistan to Kashgar city in Xinjiang, China.
However, This project is not running in accordance with the initial promise, because of lack of transparency, debt problems, poor management, and corruption. Because of these issues, the CPEC project is still not finished.
About China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
CPEC is a cluster of infrastructure projects under construction in Pakistan. It was started in 2013. Original value of the project was USD 47 billion but now its value has increased to over USD 62 billion.
This project is aimed at upgrading required infrastructure in Pakistan and strengthening its economy by providing modern transportation networks, energy projects, and special economic zones as a part of CPEC.
3RD EDITION OF EXERCISE VINBAX 2022
The third edition of Ex VINBAX 2022 was held between 1st August and 20th August, 2022 in Chandimandir. Over a period of three weeks, the soldiers of the two armies rubbed shoulders with each other, learning from each other and sharing best practices.
Highlights of EX VINBAX 2022:
This exercise is a sequel to previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2019 and a major milestone in strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Vietnam.
Both the countries share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Defence cooperation is a significant pillar of this partnership. Vietnam is also an important partner in Act East policy of India as well as Indo-Pacific vision.
Theme of Ex VINBAX – 2022:
Ex VINBAX 2022 will be held under the theme- “employment and deployment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team under United Nations Contingent for Peacekeeping Operations”.
SINGAPORE DECRIMINALIZE SAME SEX MARRIAGE
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently announced that it would decriminalize same-sex/gay sex between men by scrapping a colonial-era law protecting the definition of marriage.
Prior to this under Singapore’s Section 377A, men who have sex with men could be jailed for up to two years. LGBT activists in Singapore have hailed the move as “a win for humanity.”
In order to implement this decision, the Singapore government will amend its constitution to avoid any constitutional challenges and difficulties in allowing same-sex marriage in the future.
However, it is not entirely clear when exactly Section 377A will be repealed.
Talking about the background of this recent decision, in the year 2007, the Parliament of Singapore debated whether or not to repeal Section 377A, at that time the government wanted the status of this law to be retained, but it will not be implemented.
But gay men say they will continue to be discriminated against as long as this law exists. After these thousands of activists annually hold a rally in the city-state known as “Pink Dot” in support of the LGBTQ community.
What is Section 377?
Section 377 of the Indian penal code defines unnatural offences. It is rooted in the legacies of British colonial states where in it was introduced by Lord Macaulay in 1860 as a part of IPC.
One of the grounds of introduction of the section was homosexuality or acts against the order of nature are condemned by the bible.
According to the section “Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished”.
The maximum punishment is imprisonment for life. More importantly the sectional has not made any distinction between the consensual acts and non consensual acts.
INDIA-US EXERCISE 'VAJRA PRAHAR'
The 13th edition of India-US Joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar recently concluded in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. Earlier, its 12th edition was held in October 2021 at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord in Washington, USA.
The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase includes combat adaptation and tactical level special mission training exercises.
Vajra Prahar
‘Vajra Prahar’ is an Indo-US Special Forces joint training exercise that began alternately in 2010 in India and the US.
The aim of the exercise is to boost military ties between the two countries by enhancing reciprocity and mutual exchange of strategies between the Special Forces.
STOCKHOLM WORLD WATER WEEK BY SIWI
World Water Week is a water conference held in Stockholm. It is hosted by SIWI. SIWI is Stockholm International Water Institute. In 2022, it was conducted between August 23 and September 1.
The theme focuses on three main aspects. They are as follows:
Value of water among the people and in development
Importance of water in climate change and nature
Economic value and Financial value of water
About World Water Week
It was first conducted in 1991. During the week, experts discuss the programs focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 6. (SDG 6: To ensure water access to all).
The primary purpose of celebrating the week is to spread awareness of the water crisis.
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
WHAT IS CAROTAR RULES, 2020?
Recently, The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued a circular, stating that custom officers should be sensitive in applying CAROTAR (Customs Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020 and maintain consistency with the provisions of relevant trade agreements or its Rules of Origin.
Exemptions specified in a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with regard to country of origin will prevail in case of conflict between revenue department and importer.
What are the CAROTAR Rules?
CAROTAR, 2020 set guidelines for enforcement of the ‘rules of origin’ for allowing preferential rate on imports under Free Trade Agreements.
They supplement the existing operational certification procedures prescribed under different trade agreements. They were notified in August, 2020 by the Ministry of Finance.
Provisions:
An importer is required to do due diligence before importing the goods to ensure that they meet the prescribed originating criteria. An importer will have to enter certain origin related information in the Bill of Entry, as available in the Certificate of Origin.
Importers will have to ensure that imported goods meet the prescribed ‘rules of origin’ provisions for availing concessional rate of customs duty under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
ADANI GROUP TAKES 55.18% STAKE IN NDTV
Adani Group founder, Gautam Adani has set the ball rolling to acquire a controlling stake of 55.18% in New Delhi Television (NDTV).
With a concept to carry 55.18 per cent stake in NDTV, the Adani group has issued an open provide for a 26 per cent stake within the information channel at Rs 294 for a share with a face worth of Rs 4.
The complete outlay for 26 per cent, or 16,762,530 totally paid up fairness shares of NDTV – if the provide is accepted in full – will likely be about Rs 483 crore for the Adani group. According to Adani group, the stake acquisition will likely be in two modes:
Firstly, it is going to be by way of Vishvapradhan Commercial Private Ltd (VCPL). And then VCPL, its wholly-owned guardian AMG Media Networks and Adani Enterprises Ltd (individuals appearing in live performance).
RBI TO LAUNCH DIGITAL RUPEE SOON
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will very likely introduce its digital rupee, the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), in this fiscal year itself.
Talks of a digital rupee in the country have been swirling since Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced it during her Budget 2022 speech back in February. At the time, she had said that the digital rupee would be launched in 2022-2023.
How It Works:
The digital rupee blockchain, being developed by the Reserve Bank, would be able to trace all transactions, unlike the current system of mobile wallet offered by private companies.
Earlier, news agency PTI reported that the digital currency issued by the RBI would be numbered in units, just like every fiat currency has an unique number on it.
CBDC is a digital or virtual currency but it is not comparable to the private virtual currencies or cryptocurrency that have mushroomed over the last decade.
Private virtual currencies do not represent any person’s debt or liabilities as there is no issuer. The government has already said that private cryptocurrencies will never be a legal tender.
The RBI has been strongly opposing private cryptocurrencies as they could have implications on national security and financial stability.
APPOINTMENTS
SAMIR V KAMAT AS CHAIRMAN OF DRDO
According to a Personnel Ministry order, distinguished scientist Samir V Kamat was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Kamat, who is Director General, Naval Systems & Materials, at the DRDO will succeed G Satheesh Reddy who has been named as scientific adviser to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Kamat as Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of DRDO from the date of his assumption of charge till he attains the age of 60 years.
The ACC also approved the appointment of Reddy as scientific adviser to the defence minister, the order said. Reddy was appointed as DRDO chief in August 2018 for two years. He was given a two years extension in the post in August 2020.
About the DRDO: The Defence Research and Development Organisation is the premier agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development in the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India, charged with the military’s research and development, headquartered in Delhi, India. It was founded in 1958.
SUBRAMANIAM AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF IMF
Former Chief Economic Adviser of India K. Subramaniam was recently appointed as the Executive Director of India at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He will replace Surjit S Bhalla, who was appointed as India’s executive director on the board of the IMF in 2019.
Subramaniam’s tenure in this post will start from November 1, 2022 and will continue for a period of three years or till further orders, whichever is earlier.
Subramaniam is currently a Professor at the Indian School of Business. He was the youngest Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, serving from 2018 to 2021.
AWARDS & HONOURS
FAHMIDA AZIM WON PULITZER PRIZE 2022
Bangladesh-born Fahmida Azim working for the Insider online magazine of the US has been selected for the Pulitzer Prize 2022. She will be awarded under the category of Illustrated Reporting and Commentary.
She is among the four journalists including Anthony Del Col, Josh Adams and Walt Hickey of Insider being published from New York, selected for their work on the Chinese oppression of the Uyghurs.
The work ‘I escaped a Chinese internment Camp’ has illustrations by Fahmida Azim.
The citation for the award said that they have been selected for the prize for using graphic reportage and the comics medium to tell a powerful yet intimate story of the Chinese oppression of the Uyghurs, making the issue accessible to a wider public.
About the Fahmida Azim:
Fahmida Azim was born in Bangladesh and is now settled in the US. She is an illustrator and storyteller. Her work centres on themes of identity, culture and autonomy.
Her artworks have been seen in several international journals like the NPR, Glamour, Scientific American, The Intercept, Vice, and The New York Times among others. She has illustrated a number of books including her own notable project ‘Muslim Women are everything.
UNESCO'S INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE LIST
India has nominated the Indian dance form Garba to be inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. Last year, Durga Puja was included in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list and for 2022, India has nominated ‘Garba’.
The next UNESCO meeting will be held in November. In July, India was elected by UNESCO to serve on the distinguished intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
A total of 14 elements from India are inscribed on UNESCO’S list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Humanity. These elements include music, dance, theatre, festivals, rituals, and storytelling.
What is UNESCO’S list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Humanity?
The UNESCO’S list of Intangible Cultural Heritage was established in 2008 after the convention for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage,2003 came into effect.
This list is made up of those intangible heritage elements that help to demonstrate the diversity of cultural heritage.
UNESCO PEACE PRIZE 2022
Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has been awarded the Unesco Peace Prize 2022 for “her efforts to welcome refugees”.
In the summer of 2015, as refugees were streaming into Europe, Merkel opened her country’s borders and famously declared to Germans “Wir schaffen das”, “We can do this.”
She eventually pulled back on her pro-immigration stance as support eroded among the public and within her own conservative party.
All the members of the jury were touched by her courageous decision in 2015 to welcome more than 1.2 million refugees, notably from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Eritrea.
About the Unesco Peace Prize:
The honour, which is officially called Felix Houphouet-Boigny-Unesco Peace Prize, is named after the former president of Ivory Coast. It has been awarded each year since 1989 to individuals, organisations or institutions that have made a special effort to promote, research or secure peace.
It is awarded annually. The prize includes a cheque of USD 150,000, a gold medal and a peace diploma. If there are multiple recipients, the cheque is shared equally.
SPORTS
NEERAJ CHOPRA WINS LAUSANNE DIAMOND LEAGUE
Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra recently won the Lausanne Diamond League with a best throw of 89.08m. He became the first Indian to win the Diamond League meeting title.
Before Chopra, discus thrower Vikas Gowda is the only Indian to finish in the top three in the Diamond League.
His throw of 89.08m was the third best effort of his career, followed by his second throw of 85.18m. However, his fourth throw was a foul and he again passed his fifth attempt before coming up with 80.04m in the sixth and final round.
Who is Neeraj Chopra?
He is an Indian track and field athlete competing in javelin throw. He has become the first track and field athlete to win an Olympic gold medal for India and second Olympic athletics to win for India after Norman Pritchard, who won two silver medals at 1900 Summer Olympics for India.
NATIONAL SPORTS DAY: 29TH AUGUST
The National Sports Day (NSD) is celebrated every year in India on 29th of August to mark the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, who was known as ‘The Wizard’ or ‘The Magician’ of hockey for his superb ball control.
About Major Dhyan Chand
The legendary hockey player was born on 29 August 1905 in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. He is widely considered as the greatest field hockey player of all time. He had started playing hockey only after joining the Army at the age of 16.
He won gold medals in the Olympics for India in the years 1928, 1934 and 1936. He scored over 400 goals in his career, from 1926 to 1948.
It is believed that after India defeated Germany in the 1936 Olympics final by 8-1, Adolf Hitler offered him a senior post in the German Army, to which Chand refused.
His autobiography “Goal!” was published by Sport & Pastime (Madras) in 1952. The Government of India (GoI) awarded him the 3rd highest civilian honour of Padma Bhushan in 1956.
Beside this, the most noted memorial for him is the Major Dhyan Chand Award, which is the highest award for lifetime achievement in sports and games in India.
'DAHI HANDI' RECOGNIZED AS OFFICIAL SPORT
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announces that ‘Dahi-Handi’ will be recognized as an official sport in Maharashtra. The state is set to organize a ‘Pro- Dahi Handi’ competition.
The Maharashtra Government also announces that the Govindas will get a job under the sports category and if any Govinda loses his life insurance of Rs 10 lakh will be given, also if they end up being partially handicapped insurance of Rs 5 lakh will be given by the Government of Maharashtra.
The decision was taken as many cities of Maharashtra celebrate and enjoy ‘Dahi-Handi’ as an adventurous sport.
‘Dahi-Handi’ is a ritual in which devotees of Lord Krishna recreate the ‘Makhan Chori’ or butter stealing act.
It is one of the mischievous stories of Krishna’s childhood. It is also known as ‘Gopalakala’ and it is observed on the next day of Janmashtami.
IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES
WORLD SENIOR CITIZENS DAY: AUGUST 21
World Senior Citizens’ Day is celebrated on August 21 every year. It is also known as National Senior Citizens’ Day in the United States (US). The day is observed with the intent to highlight the contributions of elderly people in human society and honour them.
The day is also celebrated to bring attention to various issues that affect the elderly, such as health issues and abuse by younger people, whether family or outsiders.
As noted by the United Nations (UN), the elderly population is projected to reach more than 1.5 billion by 2050. This rise will be prominently seen in East Asia and South-East Asia.
Less developed nations will host more than two-thirds of the planet’s elderly people by 2050. With a growing elderly population, it is pertinent that a robust system exists which supports their all-around wellbeing.
World Senior Citizen’s Day: History
World Senior Citizens’ Day has its roots back in the August 19, 1988 proclamation by the then President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan.
Named proclamation 5847, Reagan highlighted the achievements of older people in American families, communities and the nation.
The United States Congress passed a House Joint Resolution numbered 138, which allowed Reagan to declare the third Sunday of August annually, as “National Senior Citizens Day.”
INT. DAY FOR VICTIMS OF ACTS OF RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE
Every year on 22 August the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is observed.
This day emphasises the significance of aiding victims of religious persecution as part of the UN’s efforts to promote Human Rights related to religious or belief freedom.
It was first made official in 2019 with aim to honour victims and survivors of heinous acts who often remain forgotten. This day comes a day after the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, which is observed on 21 August.
Following an unprecedented rise of violence against religious communities and people belonging to religious minorities, United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) on 28 May 2019, adopted resolution A/RES/73/296 designating 22 August as International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
UNGA recognized the importance of providing victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief and members of their families with appropriate support and assistance in accordance with applicable law.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
WHAT IS ARTEMIS 1 PROGRAMME?
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.
Artemis Programme
Artemis Programme is an international human space flight programme funded by the US Government.
The main objective of the programme is to launch a manned mission to the south pole region of the moon by 2024.
The programme is predominantly carried out by NASA. The other international partners in the programme are JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), Italian Space Agency, UK Space Agency, UAE space Agency, Brazilian Space Agency, Australian Space Agency, State Space Agency of Ukraine, Canadian Space Agency, and the European Space Agency.
The total cost of the programme is estimated to be 35 billion USD. The programme is to be implemented in three parts. They are Artemis I, Artemis II and Artemis III.
WHAT IS FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY?
It is a technology capable of matching a human face from a digital image or a video frame against a database of faces, typically employed to authenticate users through ID verification services, works by pinpointing and measuring facial features from a given image.
The Need Of The Technology: To facilitate investigation of crime and detection of criminals. Facial recognition is used when issuing identity documents and, most often, combined with other biometric technologies such as fingerprints (preventing ID fraud and identity theft).
Face match is used at border checks to compare the portrait on a digitized biometric passport with the holder’s face.
How The System Works:
Face Detection: The picture of the targeted face is detected/captured from a video or photo.
Face Analysis: The system will read the geometry of the targeted face. After that, it will match the picture with those in a database. The system examines different nodal points of a human face, such as space between eyes, the shape of cheekbones, etc.
Converting an Image to Data: In the 3rd step, face analysis is then turned into a numerical code known as a face print. Every person has a unique face print.
Finding a Match: In the last step, the face print or code is compared against other face prints from a database. The database usually contains pictures with identification, which can be compared.
DRDO & INDIAN NAVY FLIGHT TESTED VL-SRSAM MISSILE
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully flight-tested the indigenously designed and developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
The flight test was carried out from a naval ship against a high-speed unmanned aerial target for demonstration of vertical launch capability.
During the test launch, flight path and vehicle performance parameters were monitored using flight data, captured by various range instruments such as radar, electro-optical tracking system (EOTS) and telemetry systems deployed by ITR in Chandipur.
JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE (JWST)
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured such a spectacular picture of the planet Jupiter for the first time. Actually this picture was taken by James Webb on 27 July 2022.
Images of Jupiter’s stormy Great Red Spot, Ring, Aurora and Aurora at the North and South Poles were not clearly visible in any photo taken to date.
Apart from this, all the parts of this planet are visible in a single line in a wide field picture. Its dim rings, its two satellites i.e. the moons Amalthea and Adrastea and the bright stars are visible in the Milky Way behind them. The format of the picture was infrared.
The infrared images were artificially tinted blue, white, green, yellow and orange.
What is James Webb Space Telescope?
The James Webb Space Telescope is a large infrared telescope. It will study every phase in the history of universe. This includes formation of solar system, Big Bang and other theories that support life on other planets.
The Telescope is capable of looking about the past such as the first galaxies formed in the early universe through its longer wavelengths. These wavelengths will help the telescope to peer inside dust clouds from where the planets and stars are formed.
MISCELLANEOUS
WHAT IS TOMATO FLU?
Recently, some parts of Kerala reported Tomato Flu among children less than five years of age.
What is Tomato Flu?
The infection has been named ‘tomato flu’ because of the red, painful blisters that appear on a patient’s body and gradually enlarge to the size of a tomato. The ‘tomato flu’ is caused by Coxsackievirus A 16.
It belongs to the Enterovirus family. The enteroviruses are an ancient and important group of RNA viruses. Humans are the only hosts for the enteroviruses (NPEVs).
The infectious disease is caused by intestinal viruses and is rare in adults as they usually have immune systems strong enough to defend them from the virus.
Transmission: Tomato flu is very contagious and children are at increased risk of exposure to tomato flu as viral infections are common in this age group and spread is likely to be through close contact.
CHANDIGARH INT. AIRPORT NAMED AFTER BHAGAT SINGH
Recently Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Haryana Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala collectively decided to name Chandigarh International Airport after Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
Earlier Punjab Vidhan Sabha had passed a resolution to name the airport as ‘Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali’ but haryana objected it due to mohali in its name.
Later Haryana Vidhan Sabha passed a resolution on renaming the terminal, but with the use of ‘Chandigarh’.
He was an Indian socialist revolutionary and folk hero of India’s Independence movement following his two acts of dramatic violence against the British and his execution at age 23.
Bhagat Singh and his associate Shivaram Rajguru had shot a British police officer, John Saunders in December 1928. Following this, Bhagat Singh (aged 23) was convicted and hanged on March 23, 1931.
Background
Bhagat Singh was a Sandhu Jat. He was born in 1907 in Punjab Province of British India. On his birth, his father Kishan Singh and two uncle, Ajit Singh & Swaran Singh, were released from jail.
His father and uncles were members of Ghadar Party which was led by Kartar Singh Sarabha and Har Dayal.
WORLD'S LARGEST RELIGIOUS MONUMENT IN WB
The largest religious monument in the world, the Temple of Vedic Planetarium in West Bengal, which will serve as the headquarters of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), will also have the world’s biggest dome. The Vedic Planetarium will offer guests a tour of the various parts of the cosmic creation.
The Temple of Vedic Planetarium is ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada’s vision and is apparently inspired by the design of the Capitol building in the United States. Srila Prabhupada stated his preference for the temple’s exterior style in July of 1976.
The Temple of Vedic Planetarium is in West Bengal’s Mayapur in the Nadia district and, once completed, it will be larger than the Taj Mahal and St. Paul’s Cathedral in the Vatican.
The temple will open in 2024, following a two-year delay brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. It will purportedly replace Cambodia’s 400-acre-large Angkor Wat temple complex as the largest religious monument.
NATIONAL MARITIME SEARCH EXERCISE 'SAREX 22'
The Indian Coast Guard recently conducted its biennial National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise SAREX 22 off the Chennai coast.
The objective of this exercise is to avoid accidents at sea and save lives by conducting rescue operations. During this, 24 observers from 16 countries participated in the exercise organized under the theme ‘Capacity Building Towards Maritime Security’.
This was the 10th exercise conducted by the Coast Guard. During this exercise, new technology like remote controlled lifebuoys were demonstrated over the Bay of Bengal.
Indian Coast Guard
It is an armed force, search and rescue agency that protects maritime interests of India. It is a Maritime Law Enforcement Agency. It was established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978. It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
THE HINDU DAILY ARTICLES' ANALYSIS BY SUCCESS MANTRA SMART COACHING
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