What is Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana?

• It is a scholarship program funded by the Department of Science and Technology of the GoI.
• The program was started in 1999
• The aim of the program is to identify and encourage talented students with aptitude for research.
• Also, to encourage students of Basic Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to take up research careers in these areas.
• Generous fellowship and contingency grant are provided to the selected KVPY Fellows up to the pre-Ph.D. level or 5 years whichever is earlier.
• Summer Camps are organized in prestigious research and educational institutions in the country.
• Fellowship is awarded based on an aptitude test and interview to final selected students.

Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline: Kiran

• A 24×7 toll-free mental health rehabilitation helpline “KIRAN” was launched by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot.
• It is provided in 13 languages.
• Aim: To provide relief and support to persons with Mental Illness and in view of the growing incidence of mental illness, particularly in the wake of Pandemic COVID-19.
• It offers mental health rehabilitation services with early screening, first-aid, psychological support, distress management, etc.

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2019

• Sir David Attenborough, awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2019.
• Sir David is an English broadcaster and natural historian.
• He is best known for writing and presenting, in conjunction with the BBC Natural History Unit
• Indira Gandhi Peace Prize:
• The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is an annual prestigious award.
• It is conferred every year by Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust since 1986.
• It consists of a citation and a monetary award of Rs. 25 lakh.
• It recognises excellent efforts by individuals or organisations which are working towards creating a new international economic order, towards promoting international peace

Report on Literacy Rate

• A report on ‘Household Social Consumption: Education’ was published by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
• It provides for state-wise detail of literacy rate among the persons aged seven years and above.
• Key Findings:
• The overall literacy rate in the country at about 77.7%.
• Urban Areas: 87.7%.
• Rural areas: 73.5%.
• Male Literacy Rate: 84.7%.
• Female Literacy Rate: 70.3%
• Best Performing states are Kerala, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Assam.
• Kerala scored 96.2% thus has the highest literacy rate among states.
• Delhi stands at second position with 89% literacy rate.
• Worst Performing states are Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh.
• Andhra Pradesh ranked the worst with 66.4% literacy rate.
• Rajasthan is the 2^nd worst performer with literacy rate at 69.7%.
• The male literacy rate is higher than female literacy rate among all states.
• Nearly 4% of rural households and 23% of urban household possessed computer.
• Among persons of age 15-29 years, nearly 56% in urban areas and 24% in rural areas were able to operate a computer.
• In the same age group, nearly 25% in rural areas and 58% in urban areas reported the use of the internet.

Hunar Haat

• “Hunar Haat” will restart from today after a gap of nearly six months.
• It is being organised by Union Minority Affairs Ministry at Prayagraj.
• Theme: “Local to Global”
• It will focus on indigenous exquisite Indian toys.
• More than 30 per cent stalls will be for artisans who prepare indigenous toys.
• It will be an enormous platform providing market and opportunities to master artisans who prepare these indigenous exquisite toys”
• Hunar Haat has provided employment and employment opportunities to more than 5 lakh Indian artisans, craftsmen, culinary experts and other people associated with them in the last 5 years
• Hunar Haat is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products made by artisans from the minority communities.
• These are organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme.

Current COVID19 Situation in India

QUIZ TIME

Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline – Kiran launched by

1. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
2. Ministry of health
3. Ministry of Telecommunication
4. Ministry of Home Affairs

Answer – A

Which state has the highest literacy rate in India?

1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Kerala
3. Delhi
4. Uttarakhand

Answer – B

Which state performed worst in terms of literacy as per Data released by NSO?

1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Kerala
3. Delhi
4. Uttarakhand

Answer – A

Theme for this year’s Hunar Haat is:

1. Vocal for Local
2. Local for Local
3. Local to Global
4. Global to Local

Answer – C

Question of the Day

What are the key features of National Mental Health Program?

Answer in next session…