1.Defence and Security
Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Missile test fired by DRDO
DRDO has successfully conducted the test fire of an indigenously developed laser-guided anti-tank guided missile (ATGM)
The test fire was conducted at KK Ranges in Armored Corps Centre and School in Maharashtra.
The missile will enhance the fire-power capability of the Indian Army along the border with Pakistan and China.
It has a range of up to 4 km.
Quick Fact: The missile was fired from an MBT Arjun Tank.
2.Defence and Security
Two-days naval exercise conducted in the Indian Ocean
Two-days naval exercise conducted in the Indian Ocean by Indian and Australian navy.
The exercise is to include various anti-aircraft drills, complex naval maneuvers, and helicopter operations.
The Royal Australian Navy will be deploying HMAS Hobart in the exercise.
Karmuk and Sahyadri ships will be deployed by the Indian Navy.
Quick Fact: Â This will be the 4th major drill conducted in the Indian Ocean by the Indian Navy. Earlier the drills were conducted with: Japan, Russia and The US.
3.Miscellaneous
International Day of Sign Language
International Day of Sign Language observed worldwide on 23rd September.
Theme for 2020 is: Sign Languages are for Everyone.
International Day of Sign Languages was first celebrated in 2018.
Quick Fact: World Federation of the Deaf was established on 23rd September ahd hence it is celebrated as International Day of Sign Language.
4.National Affairs
Madhya Pradesh government is to launch the ‘Mukhya Mantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana’
The scheme will be launched in line with the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, a central government initiative
In addition to the Rs. 6000 that the beneficiaries get from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, they will be entitled to another Rs. 4000 under this scheme.
Around 80 lakh farmers are estimated to avail benefits from this scheme.
Quick Fact: This scheme was announced at the Sabka Sath- Sabka Vikas program that was attended by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
5.Science and Technology
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor to be commissioned by October 2022.
The announcement was made by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Atomic Energy and Space Shri Jitendra Singh.
The reactor is constructed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI)
Once commissioned, the reactor is to add 500 MW to the national grid.
It is a pool-type reactor, where the core are immersed in liquid, usually water.
Quick Fact: The reactor is being constructed at Kalpakkam Atomic Power Station by The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (ICGAR).
6.National Affairs
100 % electrification of broad gauge railway routes by 2023 targeted by Railways
Railways has planned 100 per cent electrification of its broad gauge routes by 2023.
Around 63 per cent broad gauge lines have already been electrified.
A total of 23, 765 route kilometre lines are yet to be electrified in the country.
Quick Fact: The Union Minister for Railways is Piyush Goyal.
7.National Affairs
PM Narendra Modi to interact with fitness influencers and citizens during a nation-wide online Fit India Dialogue
Online Fit India Dialogue will be held on 24th September.
Participants of the online dialogue will be sharing anecdotes and tips of their own fitness journey.
Participants are to include: Virat Kohli, Milind Soman, Rujuta Diwekar among others.
Quick Fact: The Fit India Dialogue is being organized to celebrate the first anniversary of the Fit India Movement.
8.Polity and Governance
Three labour code Bills passed by the Parliament.
Parliament has passed the three labour code Bills for the welfare and protection of the workers after the Rajya Sabha passed it.
The three code bills are: The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020, The Industrial Relations Code 2020 and The Code on Social Security, 2020.
A 14 days of prior notice period for strike has been put on labour unions so as to find an amicable solution of the issues to be raised by the labourers.
Quick Fact: The Union Labour and Employment Minister is Santosh Kumar Gangwar.