RAJASTHAN
- India, ADB sign 190 million dollar loan agreement for improving road connectivity in Rajasthan
- India and Asian Development Bank, ADB have signed 190 million dollar loan agreement for improving road connectivity in Rajasthan.
- The agreement was signed to upgrade 754 kilometres of state highways which will benefit about 26 million people in 14 districts of Rajasthan.
- For the benefit of commuters and pedestrians, particularly women and children, the project provides for constructing more than 200 bus stops.
- The Tranche 2 roads pass through the rural areas of Rajasthan mostly. These areas lack reliable connectivity. Hence the move will help to improve access to health, education facilities, and markets, leading to increased job opportunities.
- The Tranche 1 loan of$220 millionwas signed in July 2017. The loan upgraded about 1,000km of state roads.
INTERNATIONAL
· India ranked 7th most valuable nation brand in the world
- Indiabecame theseventh most valuable nation brand in the world. The annual report on the world’s most valuable nation brands was compiled by Brand Finance. The report showed India’s brand value increased by 19% in the year 2018-2019 to $2,562 billion. The Indian economy recovered quickly after the global financial crisis. The economic growth of India has now reduced by a recent slowdown in both the manufacturing and construction sectors.
- TheUS topped as the most valuable nation brand, with a brand value of $27,715 billion. It is followed by China and Germany ranked third.
- International Day of Rural Women: 15 October
- International Day of Rural Women is celebrated every year on 15 October.
- The day recognizes rural women’s importance in enhancing agricultural and rural development worldwide.
- The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15 October 2008.
- 2019 Theme: Rural Women and Girls Building Climate Resilience
NATIONAL
· National Postal Week observed from October 9 to October 15
- World Post Day marks the anniversary of the establishment of Universal Postal Union in 1874 and is celebrated on October 9 every year.
Department of Posts is celebrating National Postal Week from October 9 to October 15. - There are 3,067 post offices consisting of 13 head post offices, 380 sub post offices and 2,674 branch post offices. The total staff strength of the region is 7,705 as on March 31, 2019.
- The region has 76,109 PLI and 1,03,945 RPLI policies. The premium collected against these policies during the year 2018-19 was Rs 146.45 crore.
· Union Govt may restrict palm oil import from Malaysia over Kashmir stand
- India is restricting imports of some products from Malaysia including palm oil in reaction to the Southeast Asian country’s leader criticizing New Delhi for its actions in Kashmir.
- India’s government was angered after Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said last month at the United Nations that India had “invaded and occupied” Jammu and Kashmir and asked New Delhi to work with Pakistan to resolve the issue.
- India, the world’s biggest importer of edible oils, is planning to substitute Malaysian palm oil with supplies of edible oils from countries such as Indonesia, Argentina, and Ukraine. The Palm oil accounts for nearly two-thirds of India’s total edible oil imports. India buys more than 47.8C117.2 448 288 448 288 448s170.8 0 213.4-11.5c23.5-6.3 42-24.2 48.3-47.8 11.4-42.9 11.4-132.3 11.4-132.3s0-89.4-11.4-132.3zm-317.5 213.5V175.2l142.7 81.2-142.7 81.2z"/> Subscribe on YouTube