National
Freedom Cyclothon
⇒ ‘Freedom Cyclothon’ in Mumbai was organized on 14 August 2021.
Organized by:
It was organized by the Headquarters Maharashtra Naval Area, to celebrate the commencement of 75th year of Independence.
No. of Cyclists:
75 Cyclists covered a cumulative distance of 75 Km to commemorate ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. The cyclists were divided into three strings of 25 men each covering alternate routes through the bustling streets of Mumbai city.
Motto:
The Motto of the event was- ‘Shaktya Dhairyamayati’- in Sanskrit meaning -from Strength comes Courage.
TAPAS (Training for Augmenting Productivity and Services)
⇒ Recently, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar launched an online portal TAPAS (Training for Augmenting Productivity and Services), developed by the National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
TAPAS is the initiative of National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, to provide access to lectures by subject experts, study material and more, but in a manner that it supplements the physical classroom without compromising on the quality of teaching.
The main objective of introducing the course modules is to impart training and enhance the knowledge and skills for the capacity building of the participants.
Smart Health Cards Scheme of Odisha
⇒ Odisha government will provide smart health cards to 3.5 crore people in the state under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
This was announced by Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik while addressing the state programme to celebrate the 75th Independence Day.
Under smart health cards facility:
» Beneficiaries of national and state food security schemes, and Annapurna and Antyodaya initiatives will get the cards under which women can avail treatment up to Rs 10 lakh per year and other family members will get the benefit up to Rs 5 lakh each.
» Beneficiaries can avail health services in more than 200 hospital chains across the country including Odisha.
Handcrafts Awards for 2018
⇒ Recently, Ministry of Textiles for their remarkable contribution in the field of handicrafts announced the handcrafts awards for 2018.
Under the Handcrafts awards-2018, 10 Shilp Guru Award, 22 National Award and 40 National Merit Certificate have been conferred.
Shilp Guru is the country’s highest award in the field of handicrafts given to artisans aged above 50. It is presented by the President of India.
Winners of the Shilp Guru Award-2018:
International
Second edition of exercise Zair-Al-Bahr
⇒ The second edition of exercise Zair-Al-Bahr between the Indian Navy and Qatar Emiri Naval Force (QENF) was conducted from 09-14 August 2021 in the Persian Gulf.
The second edition of the exercise included a three day harbour phase followed by a two day sea phase.
In the sea phase of the exercise:
» It comprised Tactical maritime exercises.
» Indian Navy Stealth Frigate INS Trikand, QENF Missile Boats of Barzan and Damsah class, Fast-Attack Crafts of MRTP 34 class, and Rafale Fighter Aircraft participated in Exercise.
The 2nd edition of exercise Zair-Al-Bahr has contributed towards the Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate Inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship with the Qatari Navy.
Meeting of the BRICS Working Group
⇒ The virtual meeting of the BRICS working group was held on 12 -13 August 2021. India has the BRICS Chair for 2021.
Theme:
The Ministers of Agriculture of Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa deliberated virtually on the theme “BRICS Partnership for Strengthening Agro Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition Security”.
Discussion:
The meeting noted the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. BRICS countries are well positioned to play a leading role in helping to achieve the objectives of the 2030 Long Sustainable Development Goals of eradicating hunger and poverty.
BRICS Agriculture Research Platform:
» BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Agriculture Research Platform has been developed by India to promote cooperation in the areas of agricultural research, extension, technology transfer, training and capacity building.
» The intention to make the BRICS Agriculture Research Platform functional and encourage research cooperation to improve the use and application of agricultural technologies for meeting the needs of producers and processors was also expressed.
» The Joint declaration of the eleventh meeting of BRICS and Action Plan for 2021-24 for agricultural cooperation of BRICS countries and BRICS Agriculture Research Platform were discussed. This BRICS Working Group meeting will endorse the Action Plan of 2021-24 for adoption in BRICS meeting.