CURRENT AFFAIRS 16-08-2020

ATL AI STEP UP MODULE

What is in news?

After a successful launch of a unique initiative to take Artificial Intelligence (AI) to schools through ‘ATL AI Modules’, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog in collaboration with NASSCOM have launched the ‘ATL AI Step Up Module’ for students.

About:

• Aim of this initiative is to drive AI education and innovation to the next level in schools across the country.

• This module is the next step in bringing AI to Indian classrooms and is a successor to the AI Base module launched in February this year.

• With this new launch, through hands-on projects and activities, the step-up module encourages a deeper understanding of AI which can be applied in the real world.

• The step-up module needs no previous knowledge and introduces the concepts to students from the basics using interactive tools and activities so as to keep their attention undivided.

CENTER FOR BIOPHARMA ANALYSIS (CBA)

What is in news?

Secretary of Department of Biotechnology (DBT) inaugurated the Pune-based Center for Biopharma Analysis (CBA).

About:

• This centre is supported by the National Biopharma Mission of the Department of Biotechnology, DBT, and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, BIRAC.

• It will provide high-quality analytical services to biopharmaceutical developers and manufacturers and create long lasting value for bio-entrepreneurs and industry.

• CBA is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting biopharma innovations from academic and government research labs, start-ups and many Indian companies.

JOINT COASTAL PATROL (JCP)

What is in news?

Indian Coast Guard has commenced Joint Coastal Patrol (JCP) by embarking Marine Police personnel on-board ICG ships to strengthen coastal security.

About:

• The Joint Coastal Patrolling is being instituted to implement the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) through capacity building of Marine Police.

• This will also help to develop synergy and provide sea training to Marine Police personnel for coastal security.

• It would also enable in addressing issues of communication, interoperability, attaining sea-legs and joint investigation procedures by Marine Police.

• It includes classroom instructions and on job training on-board ICG ships.

• Indian Coast Guard would provide hands-on experience to Marine Police personnel on various aspects of safety, navigation, maintenance, law enforcement, surveillance and investigation at sea within territorial waters the jurisdiction of respective states.

NATIONAL DIGITAL HEALTH MISSION (NDHM)

What is in news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM).

About:

• Every Indian will have an Aadhar like ID card containing all relevant information about his/her medical conditions and treatments and tests.

• The vision of National Digital Health Mission is to create a national digital health ecosystem which provides timely and efficient access to inclusive, affordable, and safe healthcare to all citizens.

• The initiative which is completely technology based will revolutionise the health sector in India.

FIT INDIA YOUTH CLUB

What is in news?

Union Minister of Youth and Sports launched yet another nation-wide initiative, the Fit India Youth Club.

About:

• The Fit India Youth Club, a part of the Fit India Movement envisioned by Prime Minister, endeavours to harness the power of youth to create mass awareness about the importance of fitness, across the country.

• Around 75 lakh volunteers of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and National Service Scheme, along with Scouts and Guides, NCC and other youth organisations will come together to register as Fit India Youth Clubs in every block in the country, under the aegis of a district unit.

• Each member of the club will motivate people from the community to take up fitness activities of 30 to 60 minutes in his or her daily routine.

• Additionally, the clubs will organise and encourage schools and local bodies to organise one community fitness programme every quarter.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL DEFENCE (NISD)

What is in news?

Union Minister for Social Justice inaugurated the new building of National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) Dwarka, New Delhi.

About:

• NISD is the nodal training and research institute in the field of social defence which focuses on human resource development for drug abuse prevention, welfare of senior citizens and transgenders, beggary prevention, and other social defence issues.

• NISD has three main divisions, namely National Centre for Drug Abuse Prevention (NCDAP), Old Age Care Division and Social Defence.

Facts to remember :

• The National Institute of Social Defence was set up originally as Central Bureau of Correctional Services in 1961, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Since 1975 the Institute was a subordinate office under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

• It has become an Autonomous Body vide Government of India Notification of 2002 and is registered under Societies Act XXI of 1860 with the Government of NCT, Delhi.

‘SARABHAI’ CRATER

What is in news?

ISRO paid tribute to Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the Father of India's Space Programme, in a special way by announcing that Chandrayaan 2 Orbiter has captured the Moon images of “Sarabhai” Crater.

About:

• "Sarabhai" Crater is named after Dr Vikram Sarabhai. To the 300km east of this crater lie the landing sites of American Apollo 17 and Soviet-launched Luna 21 missions.

• The Crater has a depth of around 1.7 Kms taken from its raised rim and the slope of Crater walls is in between 25 to 35 degree. These findings will help the Space Scientists to understand further the process on the lunar region filled with lava.

AYUSH FOR IMMUNITY CAMPAIGN

What is in news?

The Ministry of AYUSH launched a three-month campaign on “Ayush for Immunity”, through webinar.

About:

• The Webinar was staged on Ayush Virtual Convention Centre (AVCC), the new digital communication platform of the Ministry.

• The theme of campaign is accessible and affordable health for all, through Ayush solutions. The campaign is aimed at increasing awareness about affordable and easy practices that can be adopted for enhancing immunity and preventing any disease.

• The AVCC would be the Ayush Ministry’s online platform for handling future digital events.

SRIJAN PORTAL

What is in news?

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched ‘SRIJAN’ portal which is a one stop shop online portal that provides access to the vendors to take up items that can be taken up for indigenization.

About:

• Pursuant to Atmanirbhar Bharat announcement, Department of Defence Production has developed an indigenization portal, srijandefence.gov.in, as 'opportunities for Make in India' in Defence, which will give information on items that can be taken up for indigenization by the private sector.

• On this portal, DPSUs/OFB/SHQs can display their items which they have been importing or are going to import which the Indian Industry can design, develop and manufacture as per their capability or through joint venture with OEMs.

• The Indian Industry will be able to show their interest. The concerned DPSUs/OFB/SHQs, based on their requirement of the items and their guidelines & procedures will interact with the Indian industry for indigenization.