Current Affairs for BANK, IBPS Exams - 20 September 2021

::National::

Ministry of Law and Justice launched "EkPahal" campaign

The Preamble to the Constitution of India recognises ‘Justice’ as the first deliverable to be secured for its citizens. The hallmark of a successful and vibrant democracy is that every citizen is not only guaranteed justice, but also that such justice is equitable. This obligates the State to create an environment where justice-delivery is looked upon not as a sovereign function but as a citizen-centric service.
The global pandemic has made the role of Legal Aid Institutions more pronounced in mitigating the sufferings of people. With this perspective in mind, the Department of Justice and NALSA has undertaken a special pan-India campaign on 17th September 2021 to mainstream legal aid and to actualize the aspiration of access to justice for every citizen.
As the nation celebrates “AzadikaAmritMahotsav”, Department of Justice launched the “EkPahal /एकपहल” drive across the country from 17th September till 2nd October to encourage mass registration under Tele-Law. The medium of Tele Law effectively provides pre-litigation advice / consultation to beneficiaries by Panel Lawyers through a huge network covering 51,434 Common Service Centres in 50,000 Gram Panchayats in 633 districts across 34 States and UTs.
NALSA and State Legal Services Authorities have been relentlessly working to create a robust framework of legal aid delivery and legal empowerment of the citizens by providing proximate, affordable and speedy justice to all citizens especially the needy and indigent.
A Pan-India Special Campaign for creating Legal Awareness was launched by NALSA through its country-wide organisational framework on 17th September 2021. The highlights of this campaign include deployment of 185 Mobile Vans and other vehicles to show-case films and documentaries on Access to Justice programme, holding of 4100 Legal Aid Clinics to give pre-litigation / legal advice to common citizens with the help of 37,000 Panel Lawyers and Para-Legal Volunteers besides holding awareness programmes at the village level on legal aid in 672 districts..

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::International::

North Korea's nuclear programme going ahead in ‘full steam’: IAEA chief Grossi

IAEA issued a report last month saying Pyongyang appeared to have restarted a nuclear reactor that is widely believed to have produced plutonium for nuclear weapons.
North Korea's nuclear programme is going "full steam ahead", UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said in a speech to an annual meeting of his agency's member states on Monday.
"In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, (the) nuclear programme goes full steam ahead with work on plutonium separation, uranium enrichment and other activities," said Grossi, who issued a report last month saying Pyongyang appeared to have restarted a nuclear reactor that is widely believed to have produced plutonium for nuclear weapons.

::Economy::

NPCI and Liquid Group tie up for UPI QR-based payments

NPCI International Payments Limited, the NPCI’s international arm of National Payments Corporation of India, announced that it has partnered with Singapore-based Liquid Group to enable UPI QR-based payments acceptance in 10 North and Southeast Asian markets.
The partnership between NIPL and Liquid Group will enable BHIM app users to make UPI QR-based payments at over 2 million merchants progressively across North Asia and Southeast Asia from early 2022.
Founded in 2015 by Jeremy Tan, Liquid Group operates a QR payment acceptance network that enables the cross-border acceptance of payment schemes and digital payment apps. The platform integrates an extensive network of merchant acquiring partners in the 10 markets of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.
Speaking on the partnership, Jeremy Tan, Founder & CEO of Liquid Group, said: “We are excited by this partnership with NIPL. In anticipation of the resumption of cross-border travel soon, we have been working with our merchant acquiring partners to prepare for the acceptance of contactless QR payments from overseas. UPI has made exponential growth in India and we look forward to supporting its rapid expansion across the region.”

Manipur's SirarakhongChilli and Tamenglong Orange get GI tag

Manipur’s Tamenglong orange, a species of the mandarin family, and a unique fruit crop found in the state, along with Hathei, a special chilli variety, have acquired the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Confirming this in a tweet on Friday, Manipur chief minister NongthombamBiren Singh wrote, “What a great start to the day for Manipur! I’m really happy to share that 2 (two) products of Manipur vizHathei Chilly &Tamenglong orange have been granted GI tag.”
“This is a historic milestone in the history of Manipur which will increase the income of the farmers immensely,” he said.
Tamenglong orange is a unique fruit crop found mostly in Tamenglong district which contributes over 50% of the state’s annual production.It is famous especially for its well-blended sweetness and acidic taste.
On the other hand, Hatheichilli, one of the best varieties of chillies with a distinct flavour and colour, grows in Sirarakhong village in Ukhrul district.
Manipur has been promoting these two produce by celebrating the Orange Festival every December and SirarakhongHathei festival every August for over a decade now.

::Sports::

PankajAdvani wins Asian Snooker Championship 2021

Advani was up against a former winner and a seasoned campaigner Amir who was in formidable form in the best-of-eleven final. It was PankajAdvani though who dictated most of the final in his 6-3 victory. Advani drew first blood by winning the first frame with a 55 break. After that a 50 break in the second and some fine potting in the third made the ultimate winner enjoy a 3-0 lead before the Iranian pulled one back.
At 3-1, the Indian employed his billiards knowledge to give his opponent limited scoring opportunity and capitalised on every opening he got to go 4-1 up. The next two frames were shared by the finalists with a remarkable display of quality potting from both players.