14-01-22 Daily-Kerala-KPSC Current Affairs

With an objective to address water scarcity inKochi,Kerala water authority(KWA) is planning to plug the transmission loss, which is one of the major reasons for water shortage in the city and neighbouring local bodies.

Digging up of roads for identifying the location of leakage is one of the major hindrances in the way of addressing the issue and KWA has introduced water stethoscope, a device to identify the leak without digging roads or with little digging. This will expedite the process of identifying leaks and plugging it.

According to the data with KWA, at least 22 to 25% of water supplied in the city is being lost during transmission. Leakage and theft are the main reasons for transmission loss.

KWA is to procure at least 40 water stethoscopes to identify leaks in the city and adjoining areas. KWA also plans to organize a workshop to train officials on how to use the device. KWA authorities have instructed officials to map the distribution Network in their limits.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched an ‘MSME Technology Centre’ in on the occasion of National Youth Day 2022.

Highlights:

It will be run by the Union Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

The Rs 122 crore technological hub was established with an emphasis on the Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector.

The center was officially opened at the 25th National Youth Festival in Puducherry (12th and 13th January 2022).

In Puducherry, he also opened the ‘Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Manimandapam,’ a new auditorium featuring an open-air theatre.

This world-class technology center, which spans ten acres and will train 20,000 students, support 2000 SMEs, and incubate 200 start-ups, will help boost the local economy to new heights.

The Prime Minister’s opening of this MSME Technology Centre will improve Skill development and instill Entrepreneurship among the region’s youth.

Information & Broadcasting Ministry asked the Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc India) to resume news channel ratings with immediate effect.

Ministry has asked to release of viewership data of news channels as well as to release the last three months data of news channels in monthly format.

As per ministry, reporting of viewership data of news and Niche genres will be done on the basis of four week rolling Average concept.

BARC has revised its processes, oversight mechanisms and protocols.

It has initiated changes in Governance structure in-line with TRP committee report and TRAI recommendations.

It has also initiated reconstitution of its board and technical committee for inducting independent members.

Furthermore, BARC has formulated a permanent oversight committee and has also revamped access protocols of data.

India and Philippines are expected to sign a $374.9 million deal in last week of January 2022, for BrahMos shore-based supersonic cruise missile systems supply.

This deal will be signed as part of Philippines plan to strengthen its DEFENCE amid territorial conflict with China.

The deal would involve an unspecified number of missiles & launchers, payment schedule, spare parts, and delivery & training schedule.

Prior to this, Philippines Department of National Defence published a Notice of Award, asking BrahMos to sign the contract. This means, Philippines has accepted Indian proposal and is now looking to sign the contract.

To sign the deal, an Indian delegation is scheduled to visit Manila. With this deal, first export order for the BrahMos cruise missile will be made, which has a range of 290 km.

On the 58^thFoundation Day of (Fci), the food Minister Shri Piyush Goyal released a 5-point reform agenda for FCI. It is also called 5 Sutras. The agenda aims to improve FCI and its progress.

To change the public perception of FCI. Currently the public see the FCI as inefficient and corrupt. This perception will now be converted to inclusive, dynamic and honest entity.

To focus on end to end tech solutions. This includes everything starting from procurement to delivery. This is to be achieved by reducing PDS response time and efficient tracking of the food grains. Ultimately, this will result in leakage free operational efficient system.

To establish grievance redressal mechanism. This will help in reducing the reaction time to a problem. Also, it will help in addressing the issues of farmer producer organization, especially those in high distress. This is to be achieved through Jan Jagrukta programmes.

To plan and create modern Infrastructure and Logistics. It will upgrade the warehouses to international standards. The agenda includes increasing the storage capacity for power, Network facility and CCTV.

It will increase the global practices and make India as Food Hub.

The AISCD has been granted permission to host the first World Deaf T20 Cricket Championship in 2023.

Highlights:

The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) has given the All India Sports Council of the Deaf permission to hold the first World Deaf T20 Cricket Championship in Kerala from January 10 to 20, 2023.

This championship was supposed to take place in 2020-21, but owing to a coronavirus outbreak, it was delayed first to 2022, then to 2023.

The tournament is projected to attract at least eight countries, and it will be the first time that such an international event is staged in India with the Consent of the ICSD.”

The AISCD is the only deaf national sports federation recognized by the Centre, and the ICSD is the only international organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the ruling body of the deaf sports movement and Deaflympics.