NATIONAL:
1. INS Vikrant (Pennant Number - R11)
Why in news – PM Modi commissioned INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi (KL) on Sept 2, 2022.
Key Points –
• It is India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured aircraft carrier.
• India joined the elite group of nations – the US, Russia, France, the UK and China – who are capable of designing and constructing aircraft carriers.
• It is the 7th largest aircraft carrier in the world.
• The Sanskrit word Vikrant means courageous.
• Motto – “Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprudhah” (Rigveda) meaning “I conquer those who fight against me”.
2. Cervical Cancer Vaccine
Why in news – India’s first indigenously developed vaccine CERVAVAC, for cervical cancer prevention launched on Sept 1, 2022.
Key Points –
• It is quadrivalent Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine.
• Serum Institute of India (Hq - Pune) has developed the HPV vaccine in coordination with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
• DBT implemented the project in 2011 under M K Bhan in the mission mode programme.
• Cervical cancer is a common sexually transmitted infection.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. $2.9 billion IMF Loan to Sri Lanka
Why in news – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a loan of $2.9 billion to Sri Lanka.
Key Points –
• It is only a preliminary, and has to be approved by the IMF management and its executive board.
• The programme aims to reach a primary surplus of 2.3% of GDP by 2024.
• It is a 48-month arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
• World Bank has ranked Sri Lanka 5th (64.3%) with the highest food price inflation in the world.
SECURITY:
1. Exercise Vostok – 2022
Why in news – The Indian Army contingent of the Gorkha Regiment participates in Ex Vostok-2022 in Russia.
Key Points –
• Location - Eastern Military District of Russia (1 to 7 September 2022).
• India has decided not to be part of the maritime component as it will hurt the sensitivities of Japan.
• Other participating countries - Laos, China, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Syria, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Carbon Fibre Plants
Why in news – Reliance Industries announced to build India's first and one of the world’s largest Carbon Fibre plants at Hazira, Gujarat.
Key Points –
• It would have a capacity of 20,000 MTPA based on Acrylonitrile feedstock.
• The first phase of the plant will be completed in 2025.
2. Save the Whale Shark Campaign
Why in news - Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) launched the campaign along Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep in Mangaluru on August 30, 2022.
Key Points –
• The whale shark is the largest fish on Earth and a keystone species in marine ecosystems.
• It is distributed all along the Indian coast. However, the largest aggregation is along the Gujarat coast.
• Protection –
A. Schedule I under WPA 1972.
B. IUCN – Endangered.
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. Magsaysay Awards 2022
Why in news - The winners of the 64th edition of the Raman Magsaysay Award 2022 have been announced on Aug 31, 2022.
Key Points –
• It is also known as the Nobel Prize in Asia.
• Winners –
A. Sotheara Chhim, Psychiatrist (Cambodia)
B. Tadashi Hattori, Opthalmologist (Japan)
C. Bernadette Madrid, Pediatrician (Philippines)
D. Gary Bencheghib, Activist & Filmmaker (Indonesia)
• The prize was first established in April 1957 by Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
• From India, Vinoba Bhave (1958, Community Leadership) was the 1st winner. Latest - Ravish Kumar (2019, Journalism).
IMPORTANT DATES:
1. World Coconut Day 2022
Why in news – It is celebrated on September 2 every year to emphasize and spread knowledge of coconuts.
Key Points –
• The coconut palm is often called the “tree of life”.
• Theme 2022 - “Growing Coconut for a Better Future and Life”.
• Coconut Development Board (est - January 12, 1981) – Kochi (KL).
SUMMITS & CONFERENCES:
1. Workshop on GNSS
Why in news – NHAI has organized a workshop on Global Navigation Satellite (GNSS) based tolling in India.
Key Points –
• In the proposed GNSS technology-based tolling system, NH would be geo-fenced and consists of virtual tolling points.
APPS & PORTALS:
1. “E-Samadhan” Portal
Why in news – University Grants Commission (UGC) to launch 'e-Samadhan' portal for resolving grievances of students and staff.
Key Points –
• It is a single Window system for all the stakeholders for registering their complaints/ grievances.
AGREEMENTS:
1. ICICI Bank and NMDFC
Why in news – NMDFC has entered into an agreement with ICICI Bank for the creation of mobile applications and financial accounting software.
2. Andhra Pradesh and “Parley for the Oceans”
Why in news – Andhra Pradesh government has signed an MoU with the “Parley for the Oceans” for plastic-waste management.
Key Points –
• The recycling of plastic waste would be done in the “Parley Super Hubs”.
• Both aim to improve sanitation and deploy AIR (Avoid Intercept & Redesign) plastic stations in 500 places.
BIHAR:
1. National Junior Girls Kabaddi Championship 2022
Why in news – The 48th edition of the championship started in Patna on Sept 1, 2022.
Key Points –
• It is being organized at Patliputra Sports Complex.
• It would be organized from September 1 to 4.
POINTERS:
• Who has conducted the 10th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise SAREX-22 (SAREX-22) in Chennai - Indian Coast Guard.
• What is the name of cyber security exercise conducted by CERT-In - Synergy.
• Which event was organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi to cherish the memories of freedom fighters - Rang Swadhinata.
• Who has been appointed as Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India - Santosh Iyer.
• Finance Ministry released how much rupees for providing grants to rural local bodies in four states - Rs 4,189 crore.
• Who has been appointed as Director General of the News Services Division of All India Radio - Dr. Vasudha Gupta.
• Which machine has been installed by the Indian Railways at Mumbai stations to convert water vapor in the air into potable water – Meghdoot.
• Which company has signed MoU with Punjab government to set up a steel plant with scrap-based Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) in Ludhiana – Tata Steel.
• Union Cabinet approves signing of MoU with which country on biodiversity conservation – Nepal.
• Which company has signed an MoU with PTC India Limited for the sale of electricity generated from the upcoming West Seti and Seti River-6 hydroelectric projects in Nepal – NHPC Limited.