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3rd Sep Current Affairs News Analysis | Prelims & Mains 2020

Indo-US COVID-19 Ignition Grants
HEADLINES:
WHY IN NEWS:
The USISTEF announced the awards to eleven bilateral teams proposing out-of-the-box, innovative ideas to address the COVID-19 challenge.
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3:Health:Diseases
ISSUE:
COVID-19 IGNITION GRANTS
- Eleven teams of Indian and US scientists will soon start jointly scouting for out of the box solutions for COVID 19.
- The joint U.S.-India S&T based entrepreneurial teams will work on initiatives that address the development of new technologies, tools, and systems to address COVID-19.
- In keeping with its’ mission and vision, the USISTEF announced the Call for Proposals under the category of COVID-19 Ignition Grants.
IASbhai WINDUP:
As countries battle the COVID-19 pandemic, innovations in Science, Engineering, and Technology will play a critical role in finding solutions to this global challenge .
SOURCES: PIB | 3rd Sep Current Affairs News Analysis
Water Heroes Contest 2.0
HEADLINES:
Water Heroes Contest 2.0
WHY IN NEWS:
Hot from PIB !
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3: Water Management
CONTEXT:
AIM
- One of the primary objectives of the Ministry of Jal Shakti is to make water conservation a people’s movement.
ORGANIZERS
EVENT
- The initiative focuses on encouraging and collecting best practices in water conservation from across India.
- Every month (from September, 2020 onwards) entries would be invited for consideration of awards.
- Every month a maximum of 10 entries can be considered for the awards.
- All selected entries will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 each and a certificate.
IASbhai WINDUP:
To take part in the contest, the participants will have to post their success stories on water conservation through a specially made video of 1-5 minutes (along with a write-up of up to 300 words and some photographs/pictures) depicting the efforts and significant contributions to conserve and manage water resources.
SOURCES: PIB | 3rd Sep Current Affairs News Analysis
Government Blocks 118 Mobile Apps
HEADLINES:
Government Blocks 118 Mobile Apps Which are Prejudicial to Sovereignty and Integrity of India, Defence of India, Security of State and Public Order
WHY IN NEWS:
Government of India has decided to block the usage of certain Apps, used in both mobile and non-mobile Internet enabled devices.
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3: Cyber Security
ISSUE:
- In view of the emergent nature of threats has decided to block 118 mobile apps .
- Since in view of information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.
- There has been a strong chorus in the public space to take strict action against Apps that harm India’s sovereignty as well as the privacy of our citizens.
IASbhai WINDUP:
- This move will safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users.
- This decision is a targeted move to ensure safety, security and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace.
SOURCES:DownToEarth | 3rd Sep Current Affairs News Analysis
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