KERALA
UDF gets upper hand in seven municipalities of Ernakulam
Thrikkakara and Maradu municipalities, which saw a series of elections to the posts of chairperson and deputy chairperson in the last term and thereby flawed development projects, can expect stable governance as the winning front managed to secure a clear majority in the LSG polls. It has become clear that UDF will rule Thrikkakara, Maradu, Aluva, Muvattupuzha, Perumbavoor, North Paravur and Angamaly municipalities. While LDF got majority in Tripunithura, Piravom, Eloor, Kothamangalam and Koothattukulam. LDF has won Koothattukulam municipality after 15 years.
Thrikkakara and Maradu municipalities witnessed a series of elections to elect chairperson and deputy chairperson in the last term due to poor margin and group war in the UDF. While both LDF and UDF used to come to power in Thrikkakara every six months, group war between I and A groups in the Congress decided who should be at the helm in Maradu. Kalamassery municipality was in the news for non-cooperation of a group of UDF counsellors against Jessy Peter of the A group of the Congress for three years.
INTERNATIONAL
UNESCOs 2020 State Of Education For India Report
UNESCO recently released the State of Education Report (SER) in India. The report highlights the vision of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) contained in India’s new National Education Policy 2020. UNESCO formulated the TVET strategy (2016-21). The strategy is consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Education 2030 Action Plan.
It refers to the learning of technology, the mastery of practical skills, the understanding and knowledge related to the profession and various departments. Vocational and technical education and training are very important to promote youth employment and entrepreneurship. It promotes equality and gender equality. It facilitates the transition to a sustainable society and green economy.
NATIONAL
QCI Has Launched a Recognition Scheme
Quality Council of India (QCI) has launched a Recognition Scheme for Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies.
QCI has proposed a scheme to approve Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies to expand the Hygiene Rating by increasing the number of Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies recognized in the country.
The scheme aims to encourage food companies to improve their hygiene and safety standards so that consumers can make informed choices/decisions about the food stores they eat.
Currently, the scheme is applicable to foodservice establishments (such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, dhabhas etc.), dessert shops, bakeries and meat retail stores.
Opening Ceremony Of the 12th GRIHA Summit
The opening ceremony of the 12th Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) Summit was organized virtually.
As a platform to discuss innovative technologies and solutions, this will help in creating robust mechanism to develop sustainable and resilient solutions for the benefit of the entire community.
Launching the event: During the event, the Vice President of India released the “SHASHWAT” magazine and the book “30 Stories Beyond Architecture”.
Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) is the national rating system of India for any completed building construction.
GRIHA is recognised as India’s own green building rating system in India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions(INDC) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth Rs 27,000 crore to procure equipment from domestic industry
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved proposals to procure equipment worth Rs 27,000 crore from the domestic industry.
DAC approved Capital Acquisition proposals of various weapons, platforms, equipment and systems required by the Indian Army, the Navy and Air Force at an approximate overall cost of Rs 28,000 crore.
This was the first meeting of the Council under the new regime of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 and this will give a boost to the Make in India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives of the Government.
Acquisition proposals approved include the DRDO designed and developed Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems for the Indian Air Force, Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Navy and Modular Bridges for the Indian Army.
World’s tallest rail bridge on Chenab in J&K likely to be completed by 2021
The world’s tallest rail bridge on the Chenab in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory is expected to be completed by next year.
The 1,315-metre-long bridge between Bakkal and Kauri villages of Reasi is coming up at a height of 359 metres.
The arched structure will connect Baramulla to Jammu via Udhampur, Katra and Qazigund with a travel time of six and a half hours.
Doha to host 2030 Asian Games, Saudi Arabia in 2034
The 2030 Asian Games were awarded to Doha and the 2034 event went to Riyadh after a deal was struck between the rival nations.
The vote took place amid a bitter and long-running political dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
2030 Asian Games will be the 21st edition of the multi-sports event, held after every four years. It is also known as Asiad.
Qatar will also host the 2022 World Cup.