CHHATTISGARH
First survey in tribal languages in Maoist-hit areas; most prefer peaceful resolution
In an effort to bring peace to the Maoist-dominated areas in Chhattisgarh, a survey has been carried out in the two most prevalent tribal languages — Gondi and Halbi — spoken by most of the indigenous tribes residing in the area.
The purpose of the survey is to get a sense of what people in the most affected areas want vis-a-vis the Maoist issue.
During the survey conducted over a month, total of 3,760 votes were recorded. Out of this, 76% responses were recorded in Hindi, 18% in Gondi and 6% in Halbi. 91.88% of the total number of respondents voted in favour of peaceful conflict resolution.
The Gondi-speaking responses are significant since more than 90 per cent of Maoists are Gond adivasis.
INTERNATIONAL
China formally joins WHO led COVAX initiative on COVID-19 vaccine
China has formally joined COVAX, the global initiative for COVID-19 vaccine by signing an agreement with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The statement did not give details on the level of support Beijing will provide to the initiative.
The COVAX facility, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to deliver at least 2 billion doses of vaccines by the end of 2021.
The WHO had said it had been negotiating with China for its participation in the initiative, with Russia and the United States so far choosing not to join.
More than 150 countries have joined the WHO led initiative to develop, produce, and fairly distribute an effective COVID-19 vaccine.
World Arthritis Day: 12 October
World Arthritis Day is observed globally on 12th October every year.
The day is celebrated to raise awareness about arthritis, an inflammatory condition which causes pain and stiffness in joints which can worsen with age.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with different causes and treatment methods. The most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
This day was started by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI) in 1996 in order to spread awareness about arthritis and encourage policymakers to help reduce the burden of arthritis.
NATIONAL
Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually inaugurates Gyan Circle Ventures
Union Minister for Education Ramesh Pokhriyal inaugurated the Gyan Circle Ventures.
It is a MeitY funded Technology Business Incubator (TBI) developed by the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh.
It functions as a Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0) incubation center.
These, ‘Gyan Circle ventures’ have the potential to infuse entrepreneurship in young minds.
It would also encourage them to become successful innovators.
PM Modi releases Rs 100 commemorative coin in honour of Vijaya Raje Scindia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative 100 rupee coin in the honour of Vijaya Raje Scindia.
One of the founder members of BJP, Vijaya Raje Scindia is also popularly known as the Rajmata of Gwalior.
Vijaya Raje Scindia was married to the last ruling Maharaja of Gwalior, Jivajirao Scindia.
In later life, she became a politician of considerable influence and was elected repeatedly to both houses of the Indian parliament.
She was also an active member, for many decades, of the Jana Sangh and co-founder of Bharatiya Janata Party.
Indian Navy Ships Sahyadri and Kora adjudged as Best Ships in FAF 2020
Fleet Award Function(FAF), 2020 was organised to mark the successful culmination of the Operational Cycle of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam.
During the event, the Fleet Operations Officer presented the Annual Report of activities and achievements of the Fleet for 01 Apr 19 to 31 Mar 20.
The event was also a worthy acknowledgement of the ships which under the Operation ‘Samudra Setu’ successfully rescued Indian Diaspora from various nations at an unprecedented scale, view COVID-19 pandemic.
Sixteen trophies were awarded in recognition of excellence in various operational verticals.
The most coveted trophies of Best Ship were awarded to INS Sahyadri amongst Capital ships and INS Kora amongst Corvettes and similar classes of ships.
All eight beaches recommended by Govt gets coveted International Blueflag Certification
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that all eight beaches recommended by the Government have got the coveted International Blueflag Certification.
It is an outstanding feat, as no Blueflag nation has ever been awarded for 8 beaches in a single attempt.
The beaches which got International Blueflag Certification are Shivrajpur beach in Dwarka Gujarat, Ghoghla beach in Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden Beach in Odisha and Radhanagar beach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria is met and maintained.
A world-renowned award trusted by millions around the globe, the Blue Flag programme is operated under the auspices of the Foundation for Environmental Education, FEE and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.