Daily Current Affairs for Competitive exams: September 24, 2016

Hello Readers,Here are today's important headlines with key details for UPSC, SSC, IBPS and other competitive examinations.

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India-Russia Joint Military Exercise Indra - 2016 begins in Vladivostok

• The eighth edition of the India-Russia Joint Military Exercise ‘INDRA-2016’ has begun in the Ussiriysk District in Vladivostok, Russia, from September 23, 2016.
• The main focus of this edition of the joint exercise is on ‘Counter-Terrorism Operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain under United Nations Mandate’.
• 250 soldiers of the KUMAON Regiment are representing the Indian Contingent and the Russian army is being represented by 250 soldiers from the 59th Motorized Infantry Brigade.
• About Indra: Indra series of bilateral exercises is one of the major bilateral defence cooperation initiatives between India and Russia since 2003. The Indian contingent is scheduled to return to India on upon completion of the exercise in the first week of October ‘16.

Health Ministry to launch 'Mission Parivar Vikas' in 145 High Focus districts for improved family planning services

• On World Population Day this year, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched an initiative to develop a strategy within 3 months where vulnerable districts of the country will be targetted for intensive and improved family planning services.
• The main objective of ‘Mission Parivas Vikas’ will be to accelerate access to high-quality family planning choices based on information, reliable services, and supplies within a rights-based framework.
• These 145 districts have been identified based on total fertility rate and service delivery for immediate, special and accelerated efforts to reach the replacement level fertility goals <check if this needs to be explained or linked to> of 2.1 by 2025.

3 Guinness World Records Created in Samajik Adhikarita Shivir, Navsari, Gujarat

• Three Guinness World Records were created at Samajik Adhikarita Shivir and Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fittings of Aids/Appliances (ADIP) Camp in Navsari, Gujarat on September 17, 2016.
• The first world record was 'Highest number of Oil lamps lit simultaneously at a single location'.
• The second world record was ‘Biggest Wheelchair Logo’.
• The third world record was ‘Most people fitted with hearing aids in 8 hours'.
• These world records were the part of ADIP camp conducted by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities [Divyangjan], Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and organised by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO).

Researchers produce carbon from sugarcane waste for use in batteries

• Researchers from Pune (Maharashtra) have produced high-quality carbon from sugarcane waste within minutes by using a low power microwave system. They used a simple, cost-effective and quick process to convert sugarcane bagasse into anode-grade porous, conducting, activated carbon material for use in Li-ion batteries.
• The process will bring down the time to get anode-grade carbon dramatically. Thus, it will help to reduce electrical energy input substantially. The quality of carbon and battery performance using this carbon is quite good and competitive compared with carbon made through other complicated processes.

2 Indians selected for 2016 Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Awards

• Two Indian forest officials have been selected for the 2016 Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Awards. Assistant Conservator Ritesh Sarothiya of Madhya Pradesh State Forest Service and Range officer Sanjay Dutta of Belakoba Forest Range Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, received the award for their exemplary law enforcement actions to protect wildlife.
• About Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Awards: The award has been named after Clark R. Bavin, who was the Chief of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Division of Law Enforcement. He had pioneered the highly effective use of covert investigations and ‘sting’ operations to uncover illegal wildlife trade. The award recognises the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officers and other field-based individuals are willing to make in order to protect wildlife.

Hindi and Urdu writer Reoti Saran Sharma passes away

• Reoti Saran Sharma, a renowned Hindi and Urdu writer, playwright and television personality, died at the age of 92 in New Delhi on September 23, 2016. He was conferred with Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2007 for his contribution to theatre (dramatic literature and performance).