• Hindi Diwas or the National Hindi Day is celebrated every year in India on September 14 to mark the day of adoption of Hindi as the official language by the Constituent Assembly of India in 1949.
• Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, was adopted as the official language of the Republic of India on 14th September, 1949.
• Besides Hindi, English is the other official language (Article 343 of the Constitution).
• Officially, the first Hindi Day was celebrated on September 14, 1953.
• Hindi is an eighth schedule language of the 22 officially recognized Indian languages.
• Article 351 pertains to ‘Directive for development of the Hindi language’.

• Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the destruction caused by heavy rains in the state a national disaster.
• Rain-related occurrences in Himachal Pradesh cost the state Rs 10,000 crore during monsoon.
• According to the state emergency operation center, 418 people have died (265 in rain-related incidents and 153 in road accidents) since the onset of monsoon on June 24 till September 9, while 39 are missing.

ABOUT NATIONAL DISASTER

• There is no official or well-defined classification of “national disasters.”
• The 2005 Disaster Management Act defines a “disaster” as “a catastrophe, mishap, calamity, or grave occurrence in any area, arising from natural or man-made causes, or by accident or negligence, resulting in substantial loss of life or human suffering, or damage to, and destruction of, property, or damage to, or degradation of, the environment, and is of such a nature or magnitude as to be beyond the coping capacity of the community.”
• The Act established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which would be led by the Prime Minister, as well as State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), which would be led by respective Chief Ministers.
• In India, an integrated Disaster Management setup was to be built in collaboration with district-level authorities.
• The Act also resulted in the formation of the National Disaster Response Force.

NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (NDMA):

• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex statutory body for disaster management in India.
• The NDMA was formally constituted on 27 September 2006, in accordance with the Disaster Management Act, 2005 with Prime Minister as its Chairperson and nine other members, and one such member to be designated as Vice-Chairperson.

• The Aspirational Blocks Programme Module is live on the iGOT Karmayogi Platform.

ABOUT KARMAYOGI:

• iGOT Karmayogi Bharat has launched a new curated collection dedicated to the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
• iGOT Karmayogi is the capacity development ecosystem for government officials, managed by Karmayogi Bharat SPV, in partnership with NITI Aayog.
• The new module seeks to build functional, domain and behavioural competencies of 5000 Block-level officials across 500 identified Blocks by acquainting learners with subjects crucial for performing their duties and responsibilities effectively.
• Ten new courses included are on topics such as time management, communication for citizen centricity, leadership, operation module on Mission LiFE, SDGs, problem-solving and decision making, etc.
• iGOT Karmayogi is a comprehensive online portal to guide government officials in their capacity-building journey.

MISSION KARMAYOGI

• Mission Karmayogi is the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB). It is a reform in Indian Bureaucracy. Union Cabinet launched it on 2nd September 2020 The mission intends to lay down the foundations for the Indian civil servants’ capacity building and aims to enhance governance.

SIX PILLAR OF MISSION KARMAYOGI

Mission Karmayogi has the following six pillars:

• Policy Framework
• Institutional Framework
• Competency Framework
• Digital Learning Framework
• Electronic Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS)
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework

ASPIRATIONAL BLOCKS PROGRAMME

• NITI Aayog has launched the Aspirational Blocks Programme, building on the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme.
• The Programme is aimed at improving the performance of areas that are lagging on various development parameters. It was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23.

• A Recent Census by the Reserve Bank of India shows that Total Outward Direct Investment by Indian Firms rose by 46% in FY2023.
• This census relied on foreign liabilities and assets (FLA) data, which encompassed cross-border assets and liabilities of various entities such as companies, limited liability partnerships, alternative investment funds, and partnership firms engaged in inward and outward direct investment (DI).
• Outward direct investment (ODI) – It is a business strategy in which a domestic firm expands its operations to a foreign country.
• It distinguishes from the Foreign Portfolio Investment.
• Singapore was the largest beneficiary of outward direct investment (ODI) by Indian firms.
• Also, 3 countries Bermuda, Jersey and Cyprus which are known for their tax benefits are in the top 10 countries that received Indian ODI.

• Inward FDI Trends – US was the largest source of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) followed by Mauritius, the UK and Singapore which collectively accounted for 60% of the inward FDI in the country.
• Sector wise – The manufacturing sector continued to attract the largest share of FDI equity, both at market value as well as at face value.
• Services – Among services, information & communication and financial & insurance activities were the major FDI recipient sectors.
• Market Value – In terms of market value, ODI growth outpaced the growth in FDI and, as a result, the ratio of inward to outward direct investment stood at 5 times in 2023 as compared with 6.1 times in 2022.

• President Droupadi Murmu virtually launched the ‘Ayushman Bhav’ campaign as well as the Ayushman Bhava Portal from Raj Bhawan Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

ABOUT ‘AYUSHMAN BHAV’ CAMPAIGN

• It is a comprehensive nationwide healthcare initiative that aims to provide saturation coverage of healthcare services, reaching every village and town in the country.
• It is initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• The campaign, which will be implemented during the ‘Seva Pakhwada’ from September 17th to October 2nd, 2023, embodies a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach. It unites government sectors, civil society organizations and communities under a common mission to ensure that every individual receives essential health services without any disparity or exclusion.

COMPONENTS OF ‘AYUSHMAN BHAVA’ CAMPAIGN:

Ayushman Bhava is an umbrella campaign comprising three key components:

• Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0: This initiative aims to provide Ayushman cards to remaining eligible beneficiaries enrolled under the PM-JAY scheme, ensuring that more individuals have access to essential health services.
• Ayushman Melas: These Melas at Ayushman Bharat- HWCs and CHCs will facilitate the creation of ABHA IDs (Health IDs) and issuance of Ayushman Bharat Cards. They will also offer early diagnosis, comprehensive primary health care services, teleconsultation with specialists, and appropriate referrals.
• Ayushman Sabhas: These gatherings in every village and Panchayat will play a pivotal role in distributing Ayushman cards, generating ABHA IDs, and raising awareness about vital health schemes and disease conditions, such as non-communicable diseases, tuberculosis (Nikshay Mitra), sickle cell disease, as well as blood donation and organ donation drives.

• Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), organised a workshop on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) in collaboration with UNICEF and National Stock Exchange at the NSE premises in Mumbai.

ABOUT BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING (BRSR) FRAMEWORK

• The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework was introduced by SEBI in 2021.
• The framework is a mandatory disclosure mechanism for top 1000 listed companies or businesses to report their performance on environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects and demonstrate their commitment to responsible business practices.
• The framework is based on the nine principles of the National Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC) which are:
  • PRINCIPLE 1. Businesses should conduct and govern themselves with integrity, and in a manner that is Ethical, Transparent and Accountable
  • PRINCIPLE 2. Businesses should provide goods and services in a manner that is sustainable and safe
  • PRINCIPLE 3. Businesses should respect and promote the well-being of all employees, including those in their value chains
  • PRINCIPLE 4. Businesses should respect the interests of and be responsive to all its stakeholders
  • PRINCIPLE 5. Businesses should respect and promote human rights
  • PRINCIPLE 6. Businesses should respect and make efforts to protect and restore the environment
  • PRINCIPLE 7. Businesses, when engaging in influencing public and regulatory policy, should do so in a manner that is responsible and transparent
  • PRINCIPLE 8. Businesses should promote inclusive growth and equitable development
  • PRINCIPLE 9. Businesses should engage with and provide value to their consumers in a responsible manner

• Different Heads of States & Leaders Representing their Countries at the recently held G20 Summit in New Delhi got a Special Gift Hamper from the Government of India.
• Some of the products are the product of centuries of tradition & cherished across the world for their unparalleled workmanship and quality.
• The hamper had the following products:

THE GIFT SIGNIFICANCE

SHEESHAMWOOD SANDOOK WITH BRASS PATTI

• Sandook is the Hindi word for a treasure chest.
• Traditionally, it is a strong box made of solid old wood or metal, with a lid on top and embellishments all over.
• The Sandook gifted was handcrafted using Sheesham (Indian Rosewood), which is valued for its strength, durability, distinctive grain patterns and rich colour.
• The brass PATTI (strip) was delicately etched and embedded on to the wood.

KASHMIRI SAFFRON

• Saffron has been valued across cultures and civilizations for its unparalleled culinary and medicinal value.
• Kashmiri Saffron’s intense aromatic profile, vibrant colour and unmatched potency sets it apart.
• This is due to the crisp air, abundant sunlight and well-drained soil of Kashmir, which yields saffron with a higher concentration of essential oils.

PEKOE DARJEELING AND NILGIRI TEA

• Pekoe Darjeeling and Nilgiri Tea are two illustrious gems from Bharat’s tea tapestry, epitomizing the delicate art of tea cultivation and infusion.
• Darjeeling tea is the most valued tea in the world.
• Nilgiri Tea comes from the most spectacular mountain range in southern India, cultivated amidst the mountains’ lush terrain at an elevation of 1000-3000 ft.

ARAKU COFFEE

• Araku Coffee is the world’s first terroir mapped coffee, grown on organic plantations in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh.
• Araku Coffee is known for its unique texture and a symphony of flavours that makes for a smooth, well-balanced cup.

SUNDARBANS HONEY

• Sundarbans is home to wild colonies of honeybees.
• The distinct and rich flavour profile of Sundarbans honey mirrors the bio-diversity of the area.
• It is less viscous than other types of honey.

KASHMIRI PASHMINA

• The Kashmiri Pashmina shawl has many enchanting stories woven into its fabric.
• ‘Pashm’ means wool in
• In ancient courts, Pashmina was used as an indicator of rank and nobility.

ZIGHRANA ITTAR

• Zighrana Ittar is a masterpiece of fragrance from Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh.
• Ittar (perfume) is an essential oil derived from botanical sources.
• It showcases a centuries-old tradition of exquisite perfume crafting.

KHADI SCARF

• Synonymous with Mahatma Gandhi, khadi is an eco-friendly clothing material most beloved for its beautiful texture and versatility throughout the seasons.
• It is also one of the most important symbols of India’s freedom struggle.

COIN BOX

• To commemorate India’s G20 presidency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released special G20 postage stamps and coins on July 26 this year.
• The G20 India Stamps and Coins were released during the inauguration of Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan.
• The designs of both the coins and stamps draw inspiration from India’s G20 logo and theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘One Earth. One Family. One Future’.

BANARASI SILK STOLE IN EBONY JALI BOX

• Handcrafted using delicate lattice or jail work on the extremely dense and fine textured Indian Ebony wood.

ASSAM STOLE IN KADAM WOOD BOX

• Stole using Muga silk.
• Kadam – Burflower tree wood handcrafted by Karnataka artisans.

KANCHIVARAM STOLE IN KADAM WOOD BOX

• Stole using pure mulberry silk threads.

IKKAT STOLE IN TEAK WOOD BOX

• Stole by artisans of Odisha using mulberry silk with the exquisite Ikkat technique.
• Box by artisans of

• The Himachal Pradesh government is making significant efforts to attract 5 crore tourists annually by focusing on adventure, religious, and natural tourism infrastructure.
• The government plans to spend Rs 2,500 crore on tourism development with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• A substantial portion of this amount, Rs 1,300 crore, has already been approved. Additionally, a budget provision of Rs 400 crore has been made for promoting tourism activities in the current financial year
• The state plans to introduce hi-tech buses for tourists, similar to those found in foreign countries, to offer comfortable and scenic transportation to tourist destinations.

• The Government of Himachal Pradesh has announced that the Families sheltered in relief camps in rural and urban areas here in the state would be provided Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 respectively as monthly rent.
• The rent admissible shall be Rs 5,000 for families seeking accommodation in rural areas and Rs 10,000 for those seeking it in urban areas and will be paid in direct benefit transfer (DBT) mode to the eldest female member of the family.
• The scheme will be in force till March 31, 2024.

• National Green Tribunal (NGT) has prohibited operation of cruise and other motor propelled boats in Upper Lake (Bhoj Wetland now called Ramsar site) and other wetlands.

ABOUT:

• The Bhoj Wetland is situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, specifically in the capital city of Bhopal.
• The Bhoj wetland, also known as Bhopal Lake, is a Ramsar site, designated as a wetland of international importance under the Convention of Wetlands signed in 1971.
• Bhoj wetland received Ramsar site status in 2002, highlighting its global significance for conservation.
• Environment Protection Act, 1986, enacted to safeguard the environment and empower the Central Government to prevent pollution and address environmental issues.
• The wetland comprises two major lakes – the Upper Lake and the Lower Lake. These two lakes together form the Bhoj Wetland.
• The wetland is rich in biodiversity, hosting macrophytes, phytoplankton, zooplankton, various fish species, resident and migratory birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians.