National
Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023
⇒ Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Labour and Employment Shri Bhupender Yadav announced the awards of Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on 07 September 2023.
Ranking of Cities:
- Under the 1st category (million plus population) Indore ranked first followed by Agra and Thane.
- In second category (3-10 lakhs population), Amravati secured first rank followed by Moradabad and Guntur.
- Similarly, for third category (less than 3 lakhs population) Parwanoo secured first rank followed by Kala Amb and Angul.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Yadav said:
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has been implementing a National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a national-level strategy outlining the actions for reducing the levels of air pollution at city and regional scales in India since 2019.
- The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to systemically address air pollution by engaging all stakeholders and ensuring necessary action.
- 131 cities have been identified for the implementation of the city specific action plans under this Programme. NCAP focuses on preparation and implementation of national level action plan, state level action plans & city level action plans of the targeted 131 cites.
- Under NCAP Ministry has also launched “PRANA” a portal for monitoring implementation of NCAP. In this portal, action plans of cities, states and line ministries will be reflected and monitored for their implementation status. In addition, best practices adopted by cities are shared on PRANA portal for adopting these practices by other cities.
2nd ACTCM Barge, LSAM 16 (YARD 126)
⇒ Contract for construction and delivery of Eleven Ammunition Barges was concluded with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, a MSME, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the Government of India.
» Second Barge of the series LSAM 16 (Yard 126) has been delivered to Indian Navy on 06 September 2023 in presence of Cmde MV Raj Krishna, CoY(Mbi).
- The Barge has been built under the classification rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) with a service life of 30 years.
- With all major and auxiliary equipment/ systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, the Barge is proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiatives of Ministry of Defence.
International
Phase Il of the 21st India-France Bilateral Naval Exercise ‘VARUNA’ – 2023
⇒ Phase Il of the 21st edition of Varuna (Varuna-23) bilateral exercise between Indian and French Navy was conducted in the Arabian Sea in September 2023.
Key Points:
- The exercise witnessed participation of guided missile frigates, tanker, Maritime Patrol Aircraft and integral helicopters from the two sides.
- The exercise was conducted over three days and witnessed joint operations, underway replenishment and various tactical manoeuvres.
- Units of both navies endeavoured to enhance and hone their war fighting skills, improve interoperability and demonstrate their ability to promote, peace, security and stability in the region.
1st Phase of ‘Varuna-2023’:
The first phase of ‘Varuna-2023’ was conducted off India’s Western Seaboard from 16 to 20 Jan 23
» Indian & French Navy bilateral naval exercise was initiated in 1993. The exercise was later christened as ‘Varuna’ in 2001 and has since become a hallmark of robust India-France strategic bilateral relationship.
Sports
Indian Men’s Hockey team wins Men's Hockey5s Asia Cup 2023
⇒ The Indian Men’s Hockey Team won the inaugural Men’s Hockey5s Asia Cup 2023 on 02 September 2023.
- India won the inaugural Men’s Hockey5s Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman by defeating Pakistan 4-4 (2-0) in the penalty shootout in the final.
Other Points:
- The win also served as Asia’s qualifying tournament for the FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024.
- Subsequently, India qualified for the FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024.
- This is the first time in three meetings that India have beaten Pakistan in the Hockey 5s format.
Important Day
4th International Day of Clean Air for blue skies (Swachh Vayu Diwas 2023)
⇒ ‘International Day of Clean Air for blue skies’ is observed globally on 7 September every year.
- The United Nations General Assembly has designated it with an aim to raise awareness and to promote actions to improve air quality.
Theme:
The theme of the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies 2023 was “Together for Clean Air”.
The theme for the 4th annual International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, highlights the urgent need for stronger partnerships, increased investment, and share responsibility for overcoming air pollution.
History:
On November 26, 2019, the Second Committee of the 74th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 7 September as the “International Day of Clean Air for blue skies”.
World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day 2023
⇒ World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day is observed on 7th September each year to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
- The purpose of the day is to support efforts that will improve the quality of life for those who have dystrophinopathies through education, advocacy, and social inclusion.
Theme:
The theme of World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day 2023 was ‘Duchenne: Breaking Barriers’.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy:
- A rare degenerative illness called Duchenne muscular dystrophy makes muscles weaker over time until it affects the entire body.
- One in five thousand boys are born with the condition. It results from an X-chromosome mutation.
- First, walking becomes challenging, then other motor functions follow, and finally, breathing and heart function are affected because the heart is also a muscle.
- Learning and behavioral problems may potentially be a symptom of the condition because the missing protein also has a purpose in the brain.