NATIONAL:
1. Essential Drugs Updated
Why in news - The Union Health Ministry launched the new National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).
Key Points –
• It was updated for the first time since 2015.
• The updated list has deleted 26 drugs from the previous one and added 34 drugs, increasing the list to 384 drugs.
• The NLEM guides the government’s procurement policy and decides the price cap for medicines.
• The NLEM was first formulated in 1996 and was revised in 2003, 2011, and 2015.
• Based on this list, the NPPA (National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority) would decide the ceiling prices.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. G20 Summit
Why in news - India would host the G-20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10 in 2023 under its Presidency.
Key Points –
• India would assume the Presidency for one year from Dec 1, 2022, to Nov 30, 2023.
• India would invite Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and UAE as Guest countries.
• India, Indonesia and Brazil would form the troika. It refers to a grouping that consists of the current, previous and incoming G20 presidencies.
• G20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union (EU).
• The G20 currently comprises - Finance Track, Sherpa Track and 10 Engagement Groups of private sector/civil society/independent bodies.
2. Armenia, Azerbaijan Clash
Why in news - Fighting on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan killed about 100 troops.
Key Points –
• Both countries have been locked in a conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Nagorno-Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces since 1994.
3. Financial Intermediary Fund
Why in news – World Bank has launched The Financial Intermediary Fund (FIF).
Key Points –
• Investment proposals would be invited for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
4. Old Name Restored
Why in news – Kazakhstan has approved a proposal to restore the capital’s previous name Astana.
Key Points –
• It was renamed Nur-Sultan in March 2019, in honour of outgoing president Nazarbayev.
ECONOMY:
1. Vedanta Semiconductor Plant
Why in news - Vedanta and Foxconn signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to locate its project there.
Key Points –
• Proposed investment – Rs 1.54 lakh crores.
• Earlier, it was proposed to be set up in the Talegaon industrial area near Pune.
• Vedanta is the 3rd company to announce a chip plant location in India ISMC (in Karnataka) and IGSS Ventures (in Tamil Nadu).
SCIENCE – TECH:
1. Dengue Vaccine
Why in news - The Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has got permission for Phase-1 trial of dengue vaccine.
Key Points –
• IIL is developing the dengue vaccine in collaboration with the US-based National Institute of Health (NIH).
• There is no vaccine for dengue yet (in India).
• Dengue vaccine is also being developed by Panacea Biotec Limited and Sanofi India Private Limited.
• National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE, Hisar Haryana) and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI, Izatnagar UP) have jointly developed Lumpi-ProVacInd vaccine against Lumpy Skin disease.
IMPORTANT DAYS:
1. Ayurveda Day 2022 Program
Why in news - All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has launched the Ayurveda Day 2022 program.
Key Points –
• The 6-week long program would continue till Oct 23, 2022.
• Theme - Har Din Har Ghar Ayurveda.
• Ayurveda Day is celebrated on Dhanvantari Jayanti and this year it falls on Oct 23.
• According to Vaishnava tradition, Dhanvantari is regarded as an avatar of Vishnu and the originator of the practice of Ayurveda.
SECURITY:
1. JIMEX 2022
Why in news - The 6th edition of Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2022 (JIMEX 22) began in the Bay of Bengal.
Key Points –
• Participants –
A. From Japan – Izumo (helicopter carrier) and Takanami (a guided missile destroyer).
B. From India – Sahyadri (stealth frigate), Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes Kadmatt and Kavaratti.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE:
1. Damodaran Panel
Why in news - The Finance Ministry constituted Meleveetil Damodaran panel to unravel regulatory hurdles for venture capital and private equity investors.
APPOINTMENTS:
1. William Ruto
Why in news - William Ruto has been sworn in as Kenya's president. On Aug 9, he defeated Raila Odinga.
FESTIVALS:
1. “Aheli Khadi” Fashion Show
Why in news – The show was organized by Khadi India at National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar.
Key Points –
• 'Aheli' khadi means pure khadi.
• Apparel for Yoga as “Swadha” chic was the major attraction of the fashion show.
STATES/UTs:
1. Cinematic Tourism Policy 2022-2027
Why in news – Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has announced Gujarat’s first-ever ‘Cinematic Tourism Policy’.
BIHAR:
1. Archaeological Atlas of Bihar
Why in news - Union culture secretary Govind Mohan launched an archaeological atlas prepared by the Bihar government in Patna.
Key Points –
• It has information on over 500 sites spread across the state.
• Previously, the KP Jaiswal Research Institute had published an archaeological gazetteer that documents over 6,000 sites across the state.
2. Delisting of Political Parties
Why in news - Election Commission has freezed the symbols of 9 Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPP) of Bihar.
Key Points –
• Now, they would not be able to take advantage of the facility provided to political parties under the Symbol Allotment Rules 1968.
• RUPP are parties that are unable to secure a sufficient percentage of votes in the assembly elections or general elections to achieve the status of a state party.
POINTERS:
• Who is the author of the recently launched book “Forging Metal: Nripendra Rao and the Pennar Story” - Pawan C. Lal.
• Who has been honored with Lok Nayak Foundation Annual Literary Award recently - Tanikella Bharani.
• Which company has recently entered into a renewable agreement for the supply of energy power to the Armed Forces (Military Engineering Services) - NTPC Limited.
• Hardeep Singh Puri recently selected how many startups to help local civic bodies and water supply departments conserve water and resolve its scarcity - 76 Startups.
• Who has been appointed as chairman of PMLA Appellate Tribunal - Munishwar Nath Bhandari.
• Which country has tested Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile - USA.
• Who has won Bronze Medal in WorldSkills Competition 2022 - Likith YP.
• Recently, which Gurjar Muslim from J&K has been nominated by President Murmu to the Rajya Sabha - Ghulam Ali.
• Which ministry has recently approved the new Coastal Zone Management Plan for the state of Karnataka – M/oEFCC.
• The world's first Sanskar Kendra will be opened in which district of Rajasthan - Jhunjhunu.