General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - February 2015

Feb 2015

Jul 22, 2026

Monsoon session highlights: NEET, Ram Temple debates shape July 20 events

Parliamentary proceedings on 20 July 2026 were disrupted as opposition protests led to adjournments in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Debates centered on NEET reforms, Ram Temple land questions and related policy issues. Government MPs argued the agenda was essential for governance, while opposition members demanded more time for debate and alternative proposals. Speaker and presiding officers urged decorum, but protests continued into the day. Several ministerial questions and proposed bills were deferred. The disruption underscored the challenges of maintaining smooth business in the monsoon session, with a new schedule announced for later sessions and committee scrutiny continuing in parallel.

Date: 20 July 2026; adjournments in both houses.
Key topics: NEET reforms and Ram Temple land questions.
Government argued for urgency; opposition sought more time.
Ministerial questions and bills deferred for later discussion.
Calendar adjustments announced for subsequent sessions.

Parliament monsoon session on 21 July 2026 sees adjournments due to protests

Parliament's monsoon session on 21 July 2026 witnessed repeated adjournments as opposition protests disrupted proceedings. Lawmakers pressed issues ranging from NEET and Ram Temple concerns to delimitation and governance matters, prompting suspensions in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Government leaders defended the agenda, insisting on passage of key bills and continued parliamentary scrutiny. The disruption highlighted ongoing friction between the ruling coalition and opposition, with business shrinking as protests unfolded on the floor. Several ministerial replies and committee reports remained pending at day’s end. The session is expected to resume after a brief break with a tightened schedule.

Date referenced: 21 July 2026; adjournments across houses.
Debates covered NEET reforms and Ram Temple-related issues.
Government defended the agenda; opposition demanded more time.
Floor protests led to suspensions and deferred business.
Next steps include resume on a tightened calendar.

Jul 21, 2026

President Murmu begins historic state visit to North Macedonia

President Droupadi Murmu conducted a two-day state visit to North Macedonia in July 2026, becoming the first Indian head of state to visit the country. She arrived in Skopje on 21 July 2026 and was welcomed with ceremonial honours. Delegation-level talks with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova aimed to deepen ties in trade, technology, and tourism. The visit highlighted India's growing regional engagement and cultural diplomacy. Officials noted possible collaborations in infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges, with business delegations scheduled to follow. The trip marked a milestone for India's outer-frontier diplomacy and reflected continuing outreach to the Western Balkans. Indian officials said the visit would build on prior cooperation in defence, energy, and education.

First-ever Indian head of state to visit North Macedonia.
Visit focused on trade, technology, and tourism collaboration.
Delegations met President Siljanovska-Davkova for talks.
Viewed as part of broader India-Western Balkans engagement.

Jul 15, 2026

India Launches SHANTI Campaign for UNSC Candidature

India has launched the SHANTI campaign in July 2026 to back its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028–29 term. SHANTI stands for Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust, and Integrity. The campaign aims to mobilize support from UN member states ahead of the election scheduled for June 2027. Officials say the bid reflects India's push for a more representative global order and stronger South–South cooperation. Diplomats emphasize continued engagement with major powers and regional blocs to secure broad backing while highlighting priorities such as reform of the UN and a rules-based international system.

Campaign launched: July 2026
Candidature: UNSC non-permanent seat, 2028–29
SHANTI meaning: Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust, and Integrity
Election timeline: June 2027
Focus on Global South representation and UN reform

Jul 14, 2026

Assam conducts statewide drug disposal campaign; first narcotics incinerator opened

Assam, Daulasal (Nalbari district), July 2026 — The state launched a statewide drug disposal campaign in Daulasal, Nalbari district. During the operation, seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances valued at ₹472.51 crore were destroyed. Assam also inaugurated its first dedicated narcotics incinerator at Daulasal to ensure safe disposal of future seizures. Officials emphasised strict enforcement and public awareness to curb drug abuse and improve health outcomes. The incinerator is expected to handle resources from across the state, reducing environmental risks from improper disposal. The drive showcased cross-agency coordination among police, excise, and health departments.

Campaign launched in Daulasal, Nalbari district
Narcotics and psychotropic substances worth ₹472.51 crore destroyed
First dedicated narcotics incinerator inaugurated
Aims to improve disposal safety and public health
Inter-agency cooperation highlighted
Prevents environmental contamination from waste

All India Water Secretaries' Conference discusses water management in New Delhi

New Delhi, July 2026 — The All India Water Secretaries' Conference was held in New Delhi under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil chaired the gathering, which brought together around 200 senior officials from states and union territories. Discussions covered water conservation, dam safety, irrigation reforms, groundwater management, and the Catch the Rain 2026 campaign. Participants reviewed ongoing water policy measures, inter-state cooperation, and infrastructure needs to improve water use across sectors. The conference served as a platform to align national and state actions with the goal of sustainable water resources management.

Conference held in New Delhi under Jal Shakti Ministry
Chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil
Around 200 senior officials participated
Topics include conservation, dam safety, irrigation reform
Groundwater management and Catch the Rain 2026 discussed
Aim to align national and state water policies

Jul 11, 2026

Jaipur ranks 6th in 2026 Happy City Index; only Indian city in top 10

Jaipur has been placed 6th in the 2026 Happy City Index, the only Indian city in the global top 10. The index evaluates quality of life, healthcare, governance, community participation, and resident well-being. In Jaipur, residents praise accessible public spaces, cultural life, and active neighbourhood groups that engage with city authorities. City officials say the ranking reflects sustained investment in basic services, water supply, sanitation, and transportation. Experts note that while the city leads in culture and participation, ongoing efforts in air quality and green mobility remain priorities. The report is released annually and informs urban planning debates across India. Local leaders say the ranking will help attract investment and tourism and motivate further improvements.

Jaipur ranked 6th globally in the 2026 Happy City Index; the only Indian city in the top 10.
Index evaluates quality of life, healthcare, governance, community participation, and resident well-being.
Residents praise public spaces, cultural life, and active neighbourhood groups.
Ranking reflects investment in basic services, water supply, sanitation, and transportation.
Local leaders expect the ranking to attract investment and tourism and spur improvements.

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