Dhanu Jatra
Why in news?
The famous 11-day long ‘Dhanu Jatra’, considered as the largest open-air theatre of the world began at Bargarh in Odisha.
About:
- Dhanu Jatra is the annual drama-based open-air theatrical performance celebrated in and around Bargarh city.
- It is considered to be the world’s largest open-air theatrical festival that finds a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.
- The annual festival came into being in 1947-48 to celebrate Indian’s Independence and to symbolize the victory of good over evil.
- The department of Culture of the Government of India has accorded National Festival status to Dhanu Jatra in November 2014.
Swarna Jayanti fellowship
Why in news?
- Swarna Jayanti Fellowships for 2018-19 have been awarded to 14 Scientists associated with projects containing innovative research idea and with potential of making impact on R&D in the respective disciplines.
About:
- The Swarna Jayanti Fellowships scheme was instituted by Government of India to commemorate India’s fiftieth year of independence.
- The awardees are supported by Department of Science & Technology, for fellowship and research.
- This will cover all the requirements for performing the research and include a fellowship of Rs 25,000/- per month as well as a research grant of 5 lakh Rupees for 5 years in addition to their salary.
Second launch port in Thoothukodi
Why in news?
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will establish a second launch port in Thoothukodi district in Tamil Nadu exclusively to launch small satellite launch vehicles (SSLVs).
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV):
- The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a launch vehicle being developed by the ISRO with payload capacity to deliver 500 kg to Low Earth orbit or 300 kg to Sun synchronous orbit for launching small satellites, with the capability to support multiple orbital drop-offs.
- in December 2018, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) at Thumba completed the design for the vehicle. The maiden flight is expected in early 2020.
• After entering the operational phase, the vehicle’s production and launch operations will be done by a consortium of Indian firms along with New Space India Limited.
Krishi Karman awards
Why in news?
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute Krishi Karman Awards to states on January 2, 2020.
- He will also give away Agriculture Minister’s Krishi Karman Awards for Progressive Farmers.
About:
- Krishi Karman Awards for the Best Performing States on Food Grains Production was announced by Union Agriculture Ministry during 2010-11.
- There are a total number of 7 rewards including 3 for the States with highest food grain production in three identified categories –large, medium and small producers; and 4 rewards one each for the highest production under rice, wheat, pulses and coarse cereals crops.
- The states are divided into following 3 groups based on the highest production levels of food grains achieved by the States in the previous five years. However, for rice and wheat no grouping of states is carried out.
Swachh Survekshan League 2020
Why in news?
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri announced the results of Swachh Survekshan League 2020, for first and second Quarters in New Delhi.
- In the 10 lakh plus population category, Indore secured first place in both the quarters.
Key highlights:
- Madhya Pradesh Capital Bhopal got the second and Surat in Gujarat third spot in first Quarter. In the second quarter, Rajkot in Gujarat was at the 2nd spot while Navi Mumbai at third.
- In one lakh to 10 lakh population category, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand got the 1st spot in both quarters.
- New Delhi Municipal Council and Khargone in Madhya Pradesh got the second and third spot in the first quarter in this category.
- Chandrapur in Maharashtra and Khargone got the second and third spot in Quarter 2 in one to ten lakh population category.
- Indore has remained the first place in the cleanliness survey for the last three years.
Projected drop in male tobacco
Why in news?
A recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) projected what it calls “a powerful shift in the global tobacco epidemic”.
Global scenario:
- Overall global tobacco use fell from 1.397 billion in 2000 to 1.337 billion in 2018 (around 60 million people). The fall was largely driven by reductions in the number of females using tobacco products — with their numbers shrinking from 346 million in 2000 to 244 million in 2018.
- While male tobacco use rose by around 40 million, from 1.050 billion in 2000 to 1.093 billion in 2018, the report projected a decline in the number of males using tobacco.
- The number has stopped growing and is projected to decline by more than 1 million male users come 2020 (or 1.091 billion) compared to 2018 levels, and 5 million less by 2025 (1.087 billion).
Tobacco use prevalence (%) in India:
- In India, which had a 44% prevalence of tobacco use (male and female combined) in 2000, this is expected to reduce almost by half to 22.3% by 2025. Globally, the prevalence was at 33.3% in 2000, and is projected to reach 20.9% in 2025.
- Current tobacco use rates in India in 2018 for people aged 15 years and older were higher than global rates among both males and females. However, the rates of tobacco smoking were lower than global rates.