16 August 2018: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis

Read the daily PIB update and stay up-to-date on current affairs for the UPSC exam

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address on the 72nd Independence Day

  • The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, on the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day.
  • Asserting that India is today brimming with self-confidence, the Prime Minister mentioned developments such as the success of Navika Sagar Parikrama by six young women naval officers, and the achievements of young Indian sportspersons from humble backgrounds.
  • He mentioned the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers in the Nilgiri hills, a phenomenon that occurs once every 12 years.
  • He said that the recently concluded session of Parliament, was one dedicated to the cause of social justice. He noted that India is now the world’s sixth largest economy.
  • The Prime Minister said that India is proud of its scientists. He announced “Gagan-Yaan” a manned space mission, to be undertaken by India by 2022, using its own capabilities. He said India would become the fourth nation in the world to do so.
  • Shri Narendra Modi announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan on 25th September this year – the anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.
  • The Prime Minister announced that women officers of Short Service Commission in the Indian Armed Forces would now be eligible for permanent commission through a transparent selection process.

Vice President condoles the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee

  • “Sad to know that Shri Atalji is no more. He is, undoubtedly, one of the tallest leaders in post-independence India.
  • His contribution to strengthen democracy and good governance has been stupendous. He successfully ran a coalition of 23 parties with his rare persuasive charm and competence.
  • ‘Bharat Ratna’ Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee’s qualities of Vyakthitva (personality), Vakthruthva (oratory), Karthruthva (devotion to duty), Mithrutva (friendliness) all combined in his remarkable ‘Nethrutva‘ will be remembered for a long time to come.”

International Year of Millets

  • The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh has written to the Director General, United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) and proposed the declaration of an upcoming year as “International Year of Millets”.
  • The Union Agriculture Minister stated that India is celebrating 2018 as the National Year of Millets and is promoting cultivation by amending cropping pattern of areas which are especially susceptible to climate change.
  • Millets are highly nutritious and useful in various lifestyle diseases, enhancing resilience and risk management in face of climate change especially for small and marginal farmers.

Digital Screens

  • Digital Screens are operational at 22 Railway Stations from Independence Day QR code based posters on Railway Heritage are also being displayed at these stations.
  • Being initiated on a pilot basis, the project aims at showcasing the legacy of Indian Railways through one to two minute-long movie clips on digital LED screens at the entrance gate of railway stations and also at different comfort areas.
  • The short films will showcase heritage buildings, locomotives and much more to make people aware of the rich heritage of Indian Railways.
  • For now, the digital screens have been set up at New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Howrah, Sealdah, Jaipur, Agra Cantonment, Coimbatore, Lucknow, Varanasi and other railway stations.
  • In addition, QR code based posters on Railway Heritage are also being displayed at these stations. Passenger can scan the QR code on their mobile to view a streaming video on their mobile on various facades of Railway heritage.

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Also See:

Prime minister of India Indian Railways

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