January 08, 2020 – UPSC Current Affairs: Key Prelims News Topics

Antarrashtriya Yoga Diwas Media Samman

  • An award initiated by the Government of India to recognize media houses for their role in promoting Yoga.
  • This award exemplifies the increasing emphasis on Yoga’s role in health and wellness globally and acknowledges the media’s contribution to disseminating its benefits.

MECOS-3, 2020

  • Refers to the third international symposium on Marine Ecosystems – Challenges and Opportunities, held in Kochi.
  • This event underscores the global concern for marine ecosystems, focusing on climate crisis, marine biodiversity, and sustainable use of marine resources.

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

  • These are collectives of farmers, aimed at improving income through better market access and efficiency.
  • The registration of 800 FPOs on the APEDA Portal highlights the Indian government’s initiative to boost agricultural exports and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

UJALA & SLNP

  • The UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for ALL) and SLNP (Street Lighting National Programme) are Indian government initiatives for energy efficiency.
  • Their five-year completion reflects India’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of LED technology.

Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS)

  • A planned satellite constellation by ISRO to facilitate continuous communication with Indian space assets, especially beneficial for missions like Gaganyaan.
  • This initiative represents a significant step in India’s space capabilities, particularly for human spaceflight.

Zo Kutpui Festival

  • Organized by the Mizoram Government, this festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Mizo communities in various states and countries.
  • It highlights the government’s efforts to promote and preserve the unique cultural identity of the Mizo people.

ISRO Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC)

  • Set to be established in Challakere, Karnataka, this centre will be a hub for ISRO’s manned space missions, indicating India’s advancing capabilities in human space exploration.

Farmer’s Science Congress

  • Held for the first time at the Indian Science Congress in Bengaluru, this event focuses on the scientific and technological aspects of agriculture.
  • It emphasizes the critical role of innovation and scientific research in transforming agriculture and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

Naseem-Al-Bahr

  • An Indo-Oman bilateral naval exercise highlighting the strategic military cooperation between India and Oman.
  • The exercise underscores the importance of maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

  • A national health insurance scheme aimed at providing coverage to over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families in India.
  • The de-empanelment of 171 hospitals for fraudulent activities under this scheme reflects the government’s efforts to ensure transparency and effectiveness in healthcare delivery.

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