Daily Current Affairs Notes for 04 November 2022

On November 1st, Seven of the 28 Indian states and two Union Territories observed their formation day.

Overview

On November 1st, Seven of the 28 Indian states and two Union Territories observed their formation day. The states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab besides the Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry were formed on this day, though in different years. Besides 28 states, India has eight Union Territories.

While Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh came into being in 1956, Punjab and Haryana were carved out as separate states in 1966 while Chhattisgarh was granted statehood in 2002. It was the first time in 1956 that several states were formed on linguistic grounds under the State Reorganisation Act. All these states and the Union Territory of Puducherry celebrate their formation days on November.

The Ministry of Education released the Performance Grading Index (PGI) for 2020-21.

Overview

The Ministry of Education released the Performance Grading Index (PGI) for 2020-21, an evidence-based comprehensive analysis of school education system across states and Union Territories.

Objective Of PGI:

The prime objective of PGI is to promote evidence-based policymaking and highlight course correction to ensure quality education for all, the Ministry of Education said.

Importance Of This:

“The Indian Education System is one of the largest in the world with about 14.9 lakh schools, 95 lakh teachers, and nearly 26.5 crore students from varied socio-economic backgrounds. DoSE & L (Department of School Education and Literacy) devised PGI for States/UTs to provide insights and data-driven mechanisms on the performance and achievements of on the success of school education across all States/UTs,” the ministry said in a statement. So far, the department has released the PGI report for the year 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20.

How The Index Has Been Built:

• The PGI structure comprises of 1,000 points across 70 indicators grouped into two categories –Outcomes, and governance management.
• These categories are further divided into 5 domains, viz, Learning Outcomes (LO), Access (A), Infrastructure& Facilities (IF), Equity (E) & Governance Process (GP).
• As was done in the previous years, PGI 2020-21 classified the States/UTs into ten grades viz., highest achievable Grade is Level 1, which is for State/UT scoring more than 950 points out of total of 1000 points. The lowest grade is Level 10 which is for score below 551.

What Will Be The Benefits:

The ultimate benefit of PGI is to propel States & UTs towards undertaking multi-pronged interventions that will bring about the much-desired optimal education outcomes covering all dimensions. The PGI is expected to help States and UTs to pinpoint the gaps and accordingly prioritize areas for intervention to ensure that the school education system is robust at every level.

What Has Been Said:

A total of 7 States and UTs, Viz, Kerala, Punjab, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh have attained Level II (score 901-950) in 2020-21 as compared to none in 2017-18 and 4 in 2019-20. Gujarat, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh are the new entrants to the highest achieved level of any state so far,” the ministry said.

“PGI Scores and grades achieved by States/UTs in 2020-21 bear testimony to the efficacy of the PGI system. The indicator-wise PGI score shows the areas where a state needs to improve. The PGI will reflect the relative performance of all the States/UTs in a uniform scale which encourages them to perform better and to adopt best practice followed by performers,” it said.

The “Citizen Engagement and Communication Programme” was launched by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at Tura, West Garo Hills district, in Meghalaya.

Overview

The “Citizen Engagement and Communication Programme” was launched by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at Tura, West Garo Hills district, in Meghalaya. The Meghalaya Government has initiated various welfare programs and the information should be disseminated for the larger benefit of the public.

The “Citizen Engagement and Communication Programme” program aims at grassroots penetration of all schemes so that governance is improved in all aspects. The program will create much-needed awareness amongst the masses so that people will have the right information to avail benefits of the schemes being launched by the Government. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma encouraged the team to sensitize themselves so that they can in turn sensitize the public regarding all the available schemes.

Bank of Baroda and Visa has announced the launch of two new premium debit cards for Bank of Baroda customers.

Overview

Bank of Baroda and Visa has announced the launch of two new premium debit cards for Bank of Baroda customers – bob World Opulence – a super-premium Visa Infinite Debit Card (Metal Edition) and bob World Sapphire – a Visa Signature Debit Card.

New Offering:

The bob World Sapphire card will come in two sub variants – bob World Sapphire (Male) and bob World Sapphire (Female), offering customised privileges to customers.

What Has Been Said:

Shri Joydeep Dutta Roy, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “As our customers’ requirements, preferences and aspirations evolve, so have our offerings. We are adding two premium debit card offerings to our portfolio and are pleased to enter into a collaboration with Visa for the launch of two high-end variants for our high networth customers. Our customers have clear expectations and are looking for a differentiated and rewarding experience. The bob World Opulence – Visa Infinite (Metal Edition) and bob World Sapphire – Visa Signature range of debit cards promise to deliver that and more.”

Shri Akhil Handa, Chief Digital Officer, Bank of Baroda said, “The bob World Opulence – Infinite (Metal Edition) debit card is truly a status symbol, offering a world of lavish privileges and benefits combined with a distinctive card design. The bob World Sapphire card offers a signature experience with a Him and Her concept. We are delighted to launch these two new debit card variants, which our customers will truly value.”

Features of bob World Opulence – Visa Infinite (Metal Edition) Debit Card:

• Complimentary Airport Pickup and Drop Service
• Unlimited International Airport Lounge Visits
• Unlimited Domestic Airport Lounge Access
• Complimentary Club Marriott Membership for a year
• Golf Programme: Complimentary sessions at select Golf courses.

Its Benefits:

• Health and Wellness benefits – Discounts/Vouchers/Memberships on select brands
• Complimentary dining benefits and curated experiences at select hotels
• Offers from Premium Brands: such as Satya Paul, Truefitt & Hill, Brooks Brothers and House of Masaba
• Room upgrades, late checkouts, complimentary benefits at select hotels, which are a part of the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection
• Joining Fee: Rs 9,500 (for the first year)
• Annual Fee: Rs 9,500 (from the 2nd year onwards).

How to Apply:

Existing customers can apply for a bob World Opulence – Visa Infinite (Metal Edition) debit card or bob World Sapphire – Visa Signature debit card through any branch or the bob World mobile banking app. New customers can also apply for either of the debit cards by opening a Bank of Baroda savings account and then selecting their preferred card.