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TODAY NEWS HIGHLIGHT
➤ MSDE signs historic MoU with WEF to promote vocational education and skills
➤ Kirtida Mekani, known as Singapore’s ‘Tree Lady’, passes away
➤ Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan released a book on the Ram Janmabhoomi Yatra
➤ Government expands carbon credit trading scheme with new GEI targets
➤ Odisha completely bans gutkha, pan masala and tobacco products
➤ Lucknow becomes UP’s first ‘zero fresh waste dump’ city
➤ India and Japan conduct joint exercise on marine pollution control
➤ Republic Day
1. MSDE Signs Historic MoU with WEF to Promote Vocational Education and Skills
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MSDE and WEF, leading to the launch of the India Skills Accelerator, marks a significant step in India’s skill development strategy. Its aim is to align the country’s vocational education and training system with global standards and the evolving needs of the industry.
2. Kirtida Mekani, Known as Singapore’s ‘Tree Lady’, Passes Away
Following the passing of Kirtida Mekani, her contributions to environmental conservation and community green initiatives have been widely discussed internationally. Growing up on a family farm in Karnataka, India, Kirtida understood the importance of coexisting with nature from a young age, where simple experiences like composting laid the foundation for her environmental consciousness.
3. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan Releases Book on Ram Janmabhoomi Journey
The Vice President released a significant book on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue, which presents a balanced and factual account of the historical, legal, and social journey of the Ayodhya Ram Temple movement. The book chronicles the long process of reclaiming the birthplace of Lord Ram and demonstrates how this sensitive issue was resolved through legal processes and historical evidence.
4. Government Expands Carbon Credit Trading Scheme with New GEI Targets
The government has notified Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, including new carbon-intensive sectors, bringing 208 new mandatory entities into the compliance framework of the Indian carbon market. This move strengthens India’s climate action and green growth strategy.
5. Odisha Imposes Complete Ban on Gutkha, Pan Masala, and Tobacco Products
The Odisha government has issued a comprehensive and clear notification to curb the misuse of tobacco and nicotine-containing products and to protect public health. This decision is in line with the Supreme Court’s directives and further strengthens the existing restrictions in the state. The new notification imposes a complete ban on the manufacture, processing, sale, distribution, and storage of these products.
6. Lucknow Becomes UP’s First ‘Zero Fresh Waste Dump’ City
With the inauguration of the third fresh waste processing plant in Lucknow’s Shivri area, the city has become the first in Uttar Pradesh to scientifically process 100 percent of its fresh municipal solid waste. This achievement is considered a major step towards urban sanitation and environmental protection.
7. India and Japan Conduct Joint Exercise on Marine Pollution Control
The Indian and Japanese Coast Guards conducted a joint HNS response exercise in Mumbai, aimed at strengthening the ability to respond to disasters such as hazardous chemical spills at sea and deepening bilateral maritime cooperation. On this occasion, Yoshio Seguchi, Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard, visited the Indian Coast Guard’s Western Regional Headquarters and held discussions with senior officials.
8. Republic Day
India became a fully sovereign republic with the promulgation of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950. This date holds special significance because on January 26, 1930, the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj. This day marks India’s historic journey from colonial rule to constitutional and democratic self-governance.
QUIZ WITH EXPLANATIONS
1. The India Skills Accelerator has been launched under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between which two organizations?
A - NITI Aayog and UNESCO
B - MSDE and World Economic Forum
C - AICTE and UGC
D - ILO and World Bank
The India Skills Accelerator, launched under an MoU between MSDE and WEF, is a significant initiative to align India’s skill development policy with global standards and the evolving needs of the industry. Its objective is to enhance employability, promote lifelong learning, and position India as a strong player in the global workforce.
2. In 1993, Kirtida Mekani became the first Executive Director of which organization?
A - WWF Singapore
B - National Parks Board
C - Singapore Environment Council
D - UN Environment Programme
Following Kirtida Mekani’s passing, her contributions to environmental conservation and community green initiatives are being remembered internationally.
3. By which constitutional office holder was the book on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue released?
A - President
B - Prime Minister
C - Vice President
D - Speaker of the Lok Sabha
The book on the Ram Janmabhoomi issue was released by the Vice President.
4. What type of targets have been notified under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme?
A - Absolute emission limit targets
B - Production targets
C - Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets
D - Energy subsidy targets
The government has notified GEI targets for new carbon-intensive sectors.
5. Why has the Odisha government imposed a strict ban on tobacco and nicotine-containing products?
A - To increase revenue
B - To protect public health
C - To encourage exports
D - To increase agricultural production
The ban aims to protect public health by completely prohibiting such products.
6. What achievement has made Lucknow the first city in Uttar Pradesh to achieve this distinction?
A - The most populous city
B - 100% scientific processing of fresh municipal waste
C - The city with the most parks
D - A fully digital municipal corporation
Lucknow now scientifically processes 100 percent of its fresh municipal waste.
7. Where was the joint HNS response exercise between the Indian and Japanese Coast Guards conducted?
A - Chennai
B - Visakhapatnam
C - Mumbai
D - Kochi
The joint exercise was conducted in Mumbai.
8. What did the Indian National Congress declare on January 26, 1930?
A - Swadeshi Movement
B - Civil Disobedience Movement
C - Complete Independence (Purna Swaraj)
D - Non-Cooperation Movement
January 26 symbolizes India’s journey towards sovereignty.
ONE LINER
Which state has imposed a complete ban on gutkha, paan masala, and tobacco products? – Odisha
What is the name of the initiative launched under the MoU between MSDE and WEF? – India Skills Accelerator
In which country was environmentalist Kirtida Mekani, known as the ‘Tree Lady’, recognized for her work? – Singapore
What system does the India Skills Accelerator aim to align with global standards? – Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system
What do GEI (Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity) targets focus on? – Reducing emissions per unit of production
Which city in Uttar Pradesh became the first to scientifically process 100% of its fresh municipal waste? – Lucknow
Which program initiated by Kirtida Mekani became Singapore’s leading community-based green movement? – Plant-A-Tree program
How many new mandatory entities were included under the new GEI targets? – 208
What is the name of the initiative launched under the MoU between MSDE and WEF? – India Skills Accelerator
What system does the India Skills Accelerator primarily aim to align with global standards? – Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system