01-09-21 Daily-Haryana-HPSC Current Affairs

The air quality life index (AQLI), released by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) on Wednesday stated that citizens in Haryana can live upto 8.4 years more on an Average, if particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration in the state is at the level of 10 g/m3(mili-micrograms per meter cube) which is deemed safe by the World Health Organization.

According to the study report on AQLI released by the U.S. research group, Haryana is the fourth worst affected state in the country recording alarming levels of Air Pollution. The annual average PM 2.5 concentration in Haryana was 96 g/m3 in 2019. The air pollution is reducing the life expectancy of people by 5.5 years in Haryana, relative to what it would be if the safe limits for PM 2.5 levels in India i.e. 40ug/m3 is met, the report said.

The AQLI, developed by EPIC, converts air pollution concentrations into their impact on life expectancy and tells how much longer can we live if we breathe in clean air.

On sustained exposure to particulate pollution in neighboring states of Punjab and Himachal where WHO guidelines were not met, the findings in the report stated that this has shortened the lives of people in Punjab by 5.6 years and in Himachal, by 2.9 years.

In the union territory of Chandigarh, which is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, the residents are losing upto 5.5 years of their lives due to exposure to air pollution.

The 510 million residents of northern India, 40 percent of the countrys Population, are on track to lose 8.5 years of life expectancy on average, if pollution levels of 2019 persist, said the report.

Notably, the northern state of Haryana faces a major challenge to improve the worsening air quality due to continuous Growth of urban population, industrial emissions, motor vehicle emissions and the stubble burning.

Many major cities in Haryana have reported air quality index in the severe category over the past few years. Gurugram and Faridabad, which lie to the national capital region, have reported an air quality index of over 400.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 severe.

The Commission launched a new initiative on August 26, 2021 in order to reach out to new voters through sending them a customized letter alongside a voter identification card.

Highlights:

Initiative was launched by Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

Under the new initiative, a package would be sent to new voters which will encompass voter information for new voters alongside with a congratulatory letter except a pledge for moral voting.

Avani Lekhara won medal in womens 10m Air Rifle Standing (SH1) event

She is a 19-year-old Lekhara and created a record at Paralympics by equalling the world record of Ukraines Iryna Shchetnik.

Iryna Shchetnik had a record score of 249.6 in 2018.

Avani became the first Indian woman to win first gold medal at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

India has won 19 medals so far across all 11 editions of Tokyo Paralympics Games since 1960. It comprises of 5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze.

The Ministry of Textile and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) launched an India dimension survey, to do away with the size confusion. It has been titled as INDIAsize. The survey used to be formally launched on August 26, 2021.

Highlights:

This initiative was once launched with the intention of introducing a new standardised dimension chart in ready-to-wear garb zones in India.

This project used to be introduced in February 2019. However, it was delayed because of covid-19 pandemic.
New sizing chart will include a measurement identification number. It will be created by mapping, categorising and defining the physique measurement and type.

FM unveiled the 4th version of Public Sector Bank (PSB) Reforms Agenda EASE 4.0.

Highlights:

PSB reforms agenda EASE (Enhanced Access and Service Excellence) was launched primarily based on the pointers made by PSB Whole Time Directors (WTDs) and senior executives in PSB Manthan in November 2017.

It encapsulates a synergistic method to make certain prudent and smooth lending, better purchaser service, simplified and superior credit, and robust Governance and HR practices.

The Reforms Agenda is pursued thru a unique Reforms Index that enabled objective evaluation of Growth on all key areas in PSBs viz., governance, prudential lending, hazard management, technology- and data-driven Banking, and outcome-centric HR as properly as more advantageous in the wider financial ecosystem.

EASE 1.0 was launched for FY 2019 and the 2d version for FY 2020.

The fourth edition EASE four objectives similar to the agenda of customer-centric digital transformation and deeply embed digital and statistics into PSBs approaches of working.