General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - December 2015

Dec 2015

May 14, 2022

India Contributes $800,000 for Public Outreach of UN in Hindi Language

India contributed USD 800,000 to the United Nations as part of the initiative to enhance public outreach of the organisation in Hindi. Country's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, R. Ravindra handed over a cheque for the UN project launched by India in 2018 to disseminate information about the UN to the Hindi-speaking population across the world.
India has been partnering with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) since2018 by providing an extra-budgetary contribution to mainstream and consolidate news and multimedia content of DGC in Hindi.
Since 2018, the UN News in Hindi is disseminated through the UN's website and social media handles and a UN Facebook Hindi page.

Rajya Sabha Poll to 57 Seats on June 10

The Election Commission announced holding polls on June 10 to fill 57 Rajya Sabha seats from 15 states falling vacant due to the retirement of members on different dates between June and August, which include two seats each from Punjab and Haryana.
Prominent leaders, who are retiring during the period include Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Kapil Sibal, and BSP's Satish Chandra Misra. All these members are retiring between June 21 and August 1.
While 11 seats are falling vacant in Uttar Pradesh, six members each are retiring from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, five from Bihar and four each from Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka. The notification for the polls will be issued on May 24 and voting will be held on June 10. According to established practice, counting will take place an hour after the conclusion of polling.

May 13, 2022

LS Speaker Om Birla Launches Kalam Website to Encourage Vernacular Literature

Lok Sabha (LS) Speaker, Om Birla launched the one-of-its-kind literary initiative Kalam website of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation (PKF) to support and encourage vernacular literature. The aim of Kalam is to popularize Hindi literature and provide a platform for veteran and young authors and poets to talk about their writings and love for vernacular literature.
Prabha Khaitan Foundation is the custodian of the jewels of literary creations in the Hindi language and Kalam scripts successful sessions enriching the literary heritage of the nation. The hallmarks of Kalam, one of the prized literary verticals of Prabha Khaitan Foundation have a nationwide reach, global identity, and a niche audience. It is a non-profit trust founded by the Late Dr. Prabha Khaitan in the early 1980s. Based in Kolkata, West Bengal, it is dedicated to promoting performing arts, culture, education, literature, gender equality and women's empowerment.

Rajiv Kumar is New Chief Election Commissioner

The government appointed senior-most Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner. He succeeded Sushil Chandra. Rajiv Kumar took charge as the Election Commissioner of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on September 1, 2020. Prior to assuming charge in the Election Commission, Kumar had been the chairman of the Public Enterprises Selection Board. He joined as the PESB chairman in April 2020.
Kumar, an officer of the 1984 batch of the Indian Administrative Service of the Bihar/Jharkhand cadre, superannuated from the IAS in February 2020.
He has been credited for being instrumental in conceiving and implementing mergers and acquisitions in the financial sector. Streamlining of the National Pension System (NPS) was also effected under him benefitting approximately 18 lakh central government employees.

May 12, 2022

Taking Different Stands does Not Help: SC to Centre on Identification of Minorities

As per the Supreme Court, the issue of identification of minorities, including Hindus, at the state level needs a resolution and observed that taking different stands doesn't help. In supersession of its earlier stand, the Centre told the apex court that the power to notify minorities is vested with the Union government and any decision in this regard will be taken after discussion with states and other stakeholders.
A bench of Justices S K Kaul and M M Sundresh said these are matters which require resolution and everything cannot be adjudicated. The apex court had earlier granted four weeks to the Centre to respond to a plea, which has sought directions for framing of guidelines for the identification of minorities at the state level, contending that Hindus are a minority in 10 states.

Govt. Will Set up 33 New Domestic Cargo Terminals by 2024-2025

The government will establish 33 new domestic cargo terminals by 2024-2025 which will allow India's cargo sector to flourish and grow. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said this while addressing the annual event of Air Cargo Forum India. Talking about the reforms in Cargo Sector, the Minister said that industry players need to focus on transportation of smaller cargo loads from Tier II and III cities to metros to achieve the target of 10 million metric tons in cargo. This can be achieved by acquisition of smaller size aircraft. To facilitate this, 33 new domestic cargo terminals will be established by 2024-2025. He also stressed the need to work on ease of doing business in cargo sector by making processes paperless, adapting automation, and digitalization which can make cargo processing swift.

Prasar Bharati, ORTM Sign MoU on Cooperation and Collaboration in Broadcast

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation and collaboration in broadcasting between Prasar Bharati and ORTM (Office de la Radio et de la Television) was signed in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo. It was signed by India's Ambassador to Madagascar Abhay Kumar and ORTM Director-General Mr. BELALAHY Jean Yves. The ceremony was graced by the Director of Cabinet of the Ministry of Communication and Culture and representatives of the Government of Madagascar.
Madagascar National Television (TVM) will broadcast programmes from internal productions of Prasar Bharati in the fields of culture, education, science, entertainment, sports, news as well as other areas of mutual interest. Both sides will explore co-production opportunities related to matters of mutual interest and will arrange training for TVM personnel in India. The MoU enters into force on the date of its signature.

India's First Khadi Centre of Excellence Opens in Delhi

The Ministry of MSME created a Centre for Experimentation, Innovation, and Design for the Khadi Village and Industries Commission (KVIC) with the goal of empowering Khadi Institutions across the country. The Center's mission is to create clothing, home goods, and fashion accessories that appeal to individuals of all ages. The goal of the Khadi Centre of Excellence (CoEK) is to make Khadi a worldwide, classic, and value-driven brand.
Narayan Rane, the Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, opened the first Khadi Centre of Excellence in New Delhi. Minister of State for MSME Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Minister of State for Textiles Darshana Vikram Jardosh, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles U P Singh, and Secretary, Ministry of MSME B.B. Swain also attended the event.

May 11, 2022

Delhi High Court directs Centre to appoint Chairman, member in Customs, Central Excise and Servic...

The Delhi High Court directed the Centre to complete within six weeks the process of appointment of Chairman and a Member for the Principal Bench of the Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax Settlement Commission. It further said that the process of appointment of Vice-Chairman and one member for the additional bench of the Commission at Mumbai be completed within six weeks.
The high court also directed the central government to examine the aspect of appointment of Vice-Chairman and other members for the benches of the Settlement Commission at Chennai and Kolkata.
The court was hearing a petition by Yashpal Singh alleging that the Centre has failed to appoint members as required by law in the Settlement Commissions established under Central Excise Act, which is giving rise to pendency of applications.

India will need around 1 lakh drone pilots in coming years: Union Aviation Minister Scindia

The central government's 12 ministries are currently trying to boost the indigenous demand for drone services and India will need approximately one lakh drone pilots in the coming years, Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said. The PLI (production linked incentive) scheme, which has been implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister, will give fresh boost to manufacturing and services in drone sector. The PLI scheme came in September 2021 as a follow-through of the liberalised Drone Rules, 2021, released by the ministry on August 25, 2021.
A drone pilot can be trained by being a 12th class pass, no college degrees are required. With 2-3 months of training, this person is in his or her job as a drone pilots with around Rs 30,000 per month salary.

LS Speaker congratulates Mizoram's people on 50 years of state assembly

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla conveyed greetings on Golden Jubilee of Mizoram Legislative Assembly. To mark the occasion, a Special Assembly Session of the Mizoram state was held, wherein Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati graced as the Chief Guest. The session was chaired by the Speaker of the legislative Assembly Lalrinliana Sailo.
Mizoram became a Union Territory in 1972 and the first Assembly Session was held on 10th of May 1972. Mizoram is an important land-bridge in India's Act-East policy, making India's critical trade and connectivity linkages with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

To Curb Child Trafficking, Railway Protection Force Joins Hands With Association For Voluntary Ac...

MoU between RPF and AVA (also known as Bachpan Bachao Andolan) pledged to work together to share information, build capacity of RPF personnel and railway employees to work against Human Trafficking, increase sensitization and create awareness and also help each other in identification and detection of cases of Human Trafficking. A joint action by both stakeholders under the framework of MoU will definitely enhance the scale, reach and effectiveness of "Operation AAHT" (Action against Human Trafficking) launched by RPF across the nation.
Railway Protection Force is entrusted with the responsibility of security of railway property, passenger area and passengers. It has been discharging responsibility as mandated by the Standardized Operating Procedure for rescue of children issued by Ministry of Railways and working with other stakeholders to rescue more than 50,000 children since 2018 under "Operation Nanhe Farishte".

Pre-Eminent crossing in Ayodhya to be named after Lata Mangeshkar

In Ayodhya, a significant crossing will be developed and named for legendary vocalist Bharat Ratna late Lata Mangeshkar. The Ayodhya administration was instructed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to pick a significant crossing in the temple town and submit a proposal to the state government in the next 15 days to rename it after Lata Mangeshkar.
Songs devoted to Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman sung by Lata Mangeshkar would also be played in Ayodhya. The Ayodhya Municipal Corporation begun to identify key crossings throughout the city. The key crossing in Ayodhya on the way to Ram Janmabhoomi was most likely chosen for this project.

May 10, 2022

Value of Vote of MPs Likely to go down to 700 from 708 in July Presidential Elections

The value of the vote of a Member of Parliament is likely to go down to 700 from 708 in the presidential polls scheduled in July 2022 due to the absence of a legislative assembly in Jammu and Kashmir. The value of the vote of an MP in a presidential election is based on the number of elected members in legislative assemblies of states and union territories, including Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir. The Electoral College for the presidential election comprises the members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and those of the legislative assemblies of states and union territories including Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir.
Before it was bifurcated into two union territories of Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir in August 2019, the erstwhile state of J&K had 83 assembly seats.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, the Union Territory of J&K will have a legislative assembly, while Ladakh will be governed directly by the Centre.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Stresses Need for Innovation to Make India Drone Hub...

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stressed the need for innovation to make India a drone hub by 2030. Speaking at a function in NITI Aayog, he said, the industry should work to create intellectual properties in the drone sector. Mr. Scindia said, along with hardware, the industry needs to work on software aspects to make country's drone industry robust. He added that the government's Drone Shakti initiative will commercialize the use of drones in different industries.
Kisan Drones initiative will play a critical role in crop assessment, spraying of pesticides and insecticides, as well as digitization of land records. With active participation from the industry and the government the drone industry is set on a path of exponential growth and adoption in the country for years to come. This will ensure quality services for customers.

PMJJBY, PMSBY and APY Complete 7 Years of Providing Social Security

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) completed seven years of providing social security net. The schemes were launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9th May 2015 in Kolkata, West Bengal. These schemes have been successful in providing affordable insurance and security to people.
These three social security schemes are dedicated to the welfare of the citizens, recognizing the need for securing human life from unforeseen risks or losses and financial uncertainties. In order to ensure that the people from the unorganized section of the country are financially secure, the Government launched two insurance schemes – Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and introduced Atal Pension Yojana to cover the exigencies in the old age.
The cumulative enrolments under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana have been more than 28.37 crore and an amount of one thousand 930 crore rupees has been paid for over 97 thousand claims. More than 4 crore individuals have subscribed to Atal Pension Yojana.

Sedition Law: Centre to Re-examine, Reconsider Provision

The Union Government told the Supreme Court that it has decided to reconsider and re-examine the provisions of Section 124 A of the Indian Penal Code on sedition. The Government also urged the Apex Court not to take up the relevant petitions till the matter is examined.
The top court heard petitions filed by Major General S.G. Vombatkere (Retd.) and the Editors Guild of India and others, challenging the constitutional validity of Section 124 A which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The Centre filed its response to these petitions.
The affidavit, which did not mention a timeline to complete the exercise of review by the executive, adequately highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's impetus on protection of civil liberties and the need to shed "colonial baggage", acknowledging that repeated concerns have been raised over application and abuse of Section 124A of the IPC.

Home Minister Amit Shah Says Next Census will be Fully Digital with 100 % accuracy; Birth and Dea...

Home Minister Amit Shah said that the next census will be fully digital with 100 percent accuracy. Birth and death register will be linked with the census. With the electronic process and enumeration of people, the Census will be updated automatically after every birth and death in the country. Mr Shah inaugurated the new office building of the Directorate of Census Operations in Assam at Amingaon in Kamrup district.
The 2021 Census was delayed due to the Covid pandemic and it will be completed by 2024. Shah pointed out that without a perfect Census, planning for any development work or project is not possible.
The new software will have multi-dimensional uses as it will be linked with the registration of births and deaths. As soon as someone is born, their details will get updated in the software, he said. Once that person turns 18, their names would get registered in the voters' list from the census office itself. The names would get d from the voters' list, from the census office, once that person dies. Shah said details like people shifting residences will also get updated through the software.

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