C K Asnani assumes charge as CMD of Uranium Corporation of India
CK Asnani on 7 September 2016 assumed charge as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), an undertaking of the Department of Atomic Energy.
- UCIL is a Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy with a special standing at the forefront of Nuclear Power cycle.
- The company operates six underground mines- Bagjata, Jaduguda, Bhatin, Narwapahar, Turamdih and Mohuldih and one open pit mine at Banduhurang, Jharkhand.
- Ore produced from these mines is processed in two plants located at Jaduguda and Turamdih.
International Literacy Day observed on September 8
International Literacy Day is observed on September 8, every year to emphasize the importance of literacy to individuals, society and communities. This year, the world is celebrating 50th International Literacy Day.
- The day was established in 1966 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 2016. Reading the Past, Writing the Future‘. In India to observe this day, several functions have been planned by the National Literacy Mission Authority.
- The National Literacy Mission (NLM) was initiated by the government in 1988 with the objective of eradicating illiteracy. In 1951, when first Census was conducted after Independence, the literacy rate of country was merely 18%. However, in the last Census held in 2011 India has achieved a literacy rate of around 73%. The present national goal is to achieve literacy rate of 80 per cent by end of 12th Plan Period.
UN Charter translated into Sanskrit Language
The UN Charter, the seminal treaty of the United Nations (UN), was on 7 September 2016 translated into Sanskrit Language for the first time.
- The United Nations Charter was signed on 26 June 1945 in San Francisco, at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organisation. It came into force on 24 October 1945.
- The Statute of the International Court of Justice is an integral part of the Charter. The Charter is available in all six official languages of the UN.
India-Kazakhistan Joint Military exercise- PRABAL begins
India, Kazakhstan joint bilateral military exercise PRABAL DOSTYK-16 began in Karaganda region of Kazakhstan. The fourteen day (till 17 September 2016) will be a significant step towards fostering military as well as diplomatic ties between both countries. ‘Prabal Dostyk’ means ‘Robust Friendship’
- In this edition of exercise, Indian Army is being represented by a platoon strength and the Kazakhstan Army is represented by platoon from Special Operating Force’s Unit.
- The primary aim of exercise will be to enhance interoperability while undertaking Counter Terrorism & Counter Insurgency Operations in rural & semi-urban environment under the umbrella of United Nations.
- The exercise will be conducted in two stages. Stage one- To familiarize with each other’s tactics, drills, weapons & equipment. Whereas in the second stage, troops of both the armies will graduate to jointly execute a helicopter borne operation in a simulated environment.
GOI pilots Swadesh Darshan Scheme with 450 crore rupees for first five states
The Union Government has approved 450 crore rupees for Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. It was approved by the Union Tourism Ministry for the development of Heritage circuit in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Ramayana Circuit in Uttar Pradesh, North East Circuit in Sikkim and Coastal Circuit of Tamil Nadu.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
- The Union Ministry of Tourism had launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme with an aim to develop theme based tourist circuits in the country.
- These tourist circuits will be developed on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner. They will be developed by synergizing efforts to focus on concerns and needs of all stakeholders to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities. Under this scheme, 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development. They are Buddhist Circuit, North-East India Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.