GUJARAT

Dry Gujarat to bring anti-narcotics policy

Gujarat, which had adopted liquor prohibition policy since its formation in 1960, is set to introduce an anti-narcotics and psychotropic substances policy.

To increase inflow of information in form of human intelligence, the state department has sought hike in rewards given to police and local informers.

It needs mention that the antinarcotics policy is being rolled out in the backdrop of Gujarat being increasingly used as a transit route for drug smuggling. In past two years, the state has recorded major seizures of narcotics and psychotropic substances including 1,354 kg of Charas seized off the sea coast of Jhakhau in Kutch in July in a multi-agency operation.

INTERNATIONAL

World Animal Day: 04 October

World Animal Day is observed every year on October 4 since 1929.

The day aims to raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe.

It was originated by Heinrich Zimmermann and he organized the first World Animal Day on 24 March 1925 at the Sport Palace in Berlin, Germany.

World Teachers’ Day: 05 October

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year on October 5 globally.

It aims to focus on appreciating, assessing and improving the educators of the world and to provide an opportunity to consider issues related to teachers and teaching.

International Teachers Day is celebrated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in partnership with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Education International.

The theme for World Teachers’ Day 2020 is “Teachers: Leading in Crisis, Reimagining the Future”.

NATIONAL

India successfully test-fires new version of nuclear-capable Shaurya Missile

In a major success amid the ongoing border crisis with China, India successfully test-fired a new version of nuclear-capable Shaurya missile off the coast of Odisha, which can strike targets at around 800 kms.

The missile would be lighter and easier to operate in comparison with the existing missile.

In the last phase while moving close to its target, the missile moves at hypersonic speeds.

PM Modi inaugurates artificial intelligence ‘RAISE 2020’ Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Summit RAISE 2020 – ‘Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and NITI Aayog are organizing the Mega Virtual Summit on Artificial Intelligence till 9th of October.

The summit will discuss cross-sector subjects like ‘Leveraging AI for Pandemic Preparedness’, the Impetus that Innovation Places on Digitisation’, Inclusive AI and Partnerships for Successful Innovation.

The summit will be a global meeting of minds to exchange ideas and chart a course for using AI for social transformation, inclusion and empowerment in areas like Healthcare, Agriculture, Education and Smart Mobility, among other sectors.

PM Modi inaugurates world’s longest highway tunnel ‘Atal Tunnel Rohtang’

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the World’s longest Highway tunnel – Atal Tunnel at its south portal in Manali.

The 9.02 Km long tunnel connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year.

Earlier the valley was cut off for about 6 months each year owing to heavy snowfall.

The Tunnel is built with ultra-modern specifications in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3000 Mtrs (10,000 Feet) from the Mean Sea Level (MSL).

Atal Tunnel or the Rohtang tunnel has been built in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas.

NABARD launches refinance scheme for WASH programme

In a bid to promote sustainable and healthy lifestyle in rural areas, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on announced a special refinance facility to support the government”s Water, Sanitisation and Hygiene (WASH) programme.

An amount of Rs 800 crore has been earmarked for this purpose for the financial year 2020-21, NABARD.

NABARD will provide concessional refinance to all eligible financial institutions, including commercial banks, regional rural banks and cooperative banks, with a repayment period of up to 36 months.

‘Swachhata Ke 6 Saal, Bemisaal’- MOHUA to celebrate six years of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban on Gandhi Jayanti

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is celebrating the sixth anniversary of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) by organizing a webinar titled ‘Swachhata Ke 6 Saal, Bemisaal’ on 2nd October 2020.

The day, which also marks the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, focus on celebrating the achievements of the past six years under the Mission along with experience sharing by States and cities and partner organizations.

Since its launch in 2014, SBM-U has made significant progress in the area of both sanitation and solid waste management.

Google India launches campaign to drive demand for small businesses

Google India announced the launch of its nationwide campaign “Make Small Strong” in order to help support small businesses and drive demand through customer support.

‘‘Make Small Strong’ campaign is meant to “rally support from the citizens for small businesses.

The citizens can help small businesses by buying locally, leaving reviews and ratings and by promoting their favourite retailers on social media.

This would help to generate demand for these businesses.

Jal Shakti Minister presented 2020 Swachh Bharat Awards

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presented the Swachh Bharat Awards 2020 particularly under the drinking water and cleanliness categories. The awards were given to States, Districts, Blocks and Village Panchayats. GoI had earlier launched three missions namely Swachh Sundar Samudayik Shouchalaya, Samudayik Shouchalaya Abhiyan and Gandagi Mukth Bharat.

Under the Swachh Sundar Samudayik Shouchalaya category Gujarat was awarded the first position at state level whereas Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu got the Award for cleanliness at District Level. Chinnanur Village in Tamil Nadu bagged the top slot at Gram Panchayat level. Khachrod block in Ujjain district in Madhya Pradesh was awarded the first position.

Under the Samudayik Shouchalaya Abhiyan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh topped as best performing states. Prayagraj and Bareilly won the award for being the best performing districts.

Under the Gandagi Mukth Bharat Mission, Haryana and Telangana were awarded the top slot.

Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) has transformed rural India into a Jan Andolan for achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF). The Phase II of the SBM (G) was launched early this year. It focuses on ODF sustainability and Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) which aims at comprehensive cleanliness in villages.

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