Published on: September 14, 2024
Snippets : 14 SEPTEMBER 2024
Snippets : 14 SEPTEMBER 2024
- Students in Rajasthan’s government schools will now earn extra marks for good behavior and planting trees, with Class VI to XII students receiving 14-22 additional marks. The education department’s initiative aims to improve students’ general behavior, reduce stress, and enhance mental health. It encourages students to plant trees in their schools and neighborhoods, with teachers monitoring progress via geo-tagging. Marks will be awarded based on the number of trees planted and their care. This move fosters environmental awareness and was preceded by a ban on sharp weapons in schools to prevent violence.
- Greenpeace India, along with women garment workers from the Tumakuru Road area, submitted 28,995 petitions to the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), demanding the implementation of 11 bus priority lanes in Bengaluru as proposed in the city’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan and the reinstatement of a bus lane on the Outer Ring Road. Tumakuru Road, a major route connecting the central business district to northwestern suburbs and industrial areas, faces significant traffic congestion. The Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, has increased ridership. The garment workers also demand improved public bus infrastructure, a larger BMTC fleet, and better route management to enhance mobility for marginalized communities.
- A life-size mechanical elephant was inaugurated at the Siddalingeshwara Swamy Temple in Yediyur, Tumakuru, making it the first Muzrai temple to have the technology. Named Niranjana, the elephant was presented to the temple by actor Samyukta Hornad and NGOs Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, in recognition of the temple’s decision to never own or hire live elephants.
- Unnathi Aiyappa won the women’s 100m hurdles quite comfortably in a record time of 13.93s in the South Asian junior athletics meet
- A new species of snake with a remarkably long snout has been discovered in India, marking an exciting addition to the country’s rich biodiversity. The species, named the long-snouted vine snake (Ahaetulla Longirostris), was identified after two specimens were found in vastly different regions, Bihar in the eastern part of the country and Meghalaya in the northeastern region
- On 11th September 2024, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards to 15 nursing professionals at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognizing their exceptional service and commitment to society. Instituted in 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the award acknowledges meritorious contributions by nurses, with recipients receiving a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000, and a medal. Named after Florence Nightingale, a pioneering figure in modern nursing, the award honors her legacy, which began with her transformative role in nursing during the Crimean War and her establishment of the first scientifically based nursing school at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London.
- The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry recently launched the Trade Connect e-platform, a digital initiative designed to enhance international trade for Indian exporters, particularly MSMEs. This platform facilitates connections between Indian exporters, MSMEs, and various stakeholders like Indian Missions Abroad, Export Promotion Councils, and Partner Government Agencies. It provides vital trade-related information, including updates on global trade events and benefits from India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Developed with the Ministry of MSME, EXIM Bank, DFS, and MEA, the platform aims to promote Digital India by streamlining trade processes, reducing costs, and empowering Indian businesses globally.
- ‘Rangeen Machhli’ App launched. The “Rangeen Machhli” app provides multilingual information on popular ornamental fish species in eight Indian languages, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- The Medical Education department in Karnataka has decided to implement an Artificial Intelligence-enabled security system at healthcare institutions and medical colleges, including a central control room, CCTV surveillance, personal security alarms, and 24×7 helpline, to strengthen safety and security for women staff and students
- Indian Army contingent departed to participate in the 5th edition of Exercise AL NAJAH. It is a joint military exercise between India and Oman.
- The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has launched the Saarthi app in collaboration with Bhashini, a reference application that enables businesses to create customized buyer-side apps with multilingual features, including real-time translation, transliteration, and voice recognition, initially supporting five languages (Hindi, English, Marathi, Bangla, and Tamil) and planning to scale up to all 22 languages, to expand market reach and increase customer acquisition.
- The Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation recently dissolved the 14-member Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) due to overlapping functions with the newly formed 17-member Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys. The SCoS had played a vital role in advising on survey methodologies but was replaced by the new committee, which assumes similar responsibilities, such as advising on survey methodology and sampling designs. The Steering Committee differs by having more official members compared to the SCoS, which included more non-officials. Concerns raised by SCoS members over census delays may have contributed to its dissolution.
- Port Blair, originally named after British naval surveyor Archibald Blair, was historically a penal colony and strategic harbour for the British. It gained significance post-1857 as a site for imprisoning freedom fighters. The Chola Empire, under Rajendra I, used the islands as a naval base during the 11th century, with historical records linking the islands to “Ma-Nakkavaram.” Renamed Sri Vijaya Puram, the islands retain geostrategic importance, controlling vital shipping lanes and hosting INS Jarawa, a major Indian Navy base, ensuring its ongoing cultural and military relevance.
