General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - September 2016

Sep 2016

Apr 12, 2025

CM Dhami Launches Bhagirath App for Water Conservation in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the Bhagirath mobile app as part of the state's Jal Sanrakshan Abhiyan (Water Conservation Campaign) 2025. The initiative, aligning with the campaign's theme 'Dhara Mera, Naula Mera, Gaon Mera, Prayas Mera,' aims to involve citizens in reporting endangered water sources in their areas. The app will enable the government to take prompt action to conserve and restore critical water bodies like Naulas, Dharaas, and rain-fed rivers. CM Dhami emphasised the need for public participation and the role of sustainable water management practices in ensuring the long-term viability of water resources in the state.

The 8th Session of India-Russia Working Group on Priority Investment Projects held in New Delhi

The 8th Session of the India-Russia Working Group on Priority Investment Projects (IRWG-PIP) under the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation was held in New Delhi.
The Working Group meeting was held successfully, with the co-chairs signing a protocol highlighting multiple projects of strategic importance to both nations.
The Working Group also reviewed the outcomes of the 7th session, and both sides agreed to include six new strategic projects aimed at deepening bilateral investment cooperation. Discussions were held in a constructive atmosphere, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to expand investment collaboration across various sectors.
On the sidelines of the 8th Session of IRWG-PIP, the 2nd Edition of the India-Russia Investment Forum was also organised, in collaboration with Invest India, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

Apr 11, 2025

India, UK Hold 13th Economic and Financial Dialogue in London

The 13th Ministerial meeting of the India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue was held at London. The Indian delegation, led by Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, held high-level discussions with the UK delegation led by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt. Hon. Rachel Reeves.
The Indian delegation comprised of the Finance Secretary, Chairman IFSCA, Whole Time Member from SEBI and other senior officers from Ministry of Finance and Indian High Commission in London. Governor RBI also attended the meeting in virtual mode. The UK delegation included the Governor of Bank of England, FCA CEO, Economic Secretary of Treasury, and senior officials from HM's Treasury.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue collaboration in financial services sector, FinTech and Digital economy and between the respective regulatory bodies; collaboration at bilateral and multilateral fora to address mutual and global economic issues including mobilising affordable finance and investment for low carbon economic growth, taxation matters and illicit financial flows.

Maharashtra Government Renames Khultabad as Ratnapur

In a move aimed at reviving pre-Mughal heritage and identity, the Maharashtra government announced the renaming of the historic town Khultabad to its original name, Ratnapur. This decision was declared by the State's Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, reflecting the ongoing initiative by the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance to restore the original cultural and historical names of places altered during the Mughal period. Khultabad, located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district, is not only known for its scenic and spiritual significance but also for housing the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Apr 10, 2025

Delhi Government Revokes 177 Political Appointments Made by AAP Regime

The BJP government in Delhi cancelled 177 political appointments made during the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration across various institutions and committees. The services department, in an official order, directed all departments to submit fresh proposals for reconstituting these bodies.

India-UAE Strengthen To Enhance Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum held high-level discussions in New Delhi, aimed at enhancing the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Their talks focused on strengthening cooperation in defence, coast guard operations, trade, technology, space, and people-to-people ties. Sheikh Hamdan's first official visit to India as crown prince marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, underscoring shared strategic priorities and mutual economic interests.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to formalise Coast Guard collaboration.
Talks between Sheikh Hamdan and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised scaling defence ties to match trade growth.

Ministry of Panchayati Raj launches The First-ever Panchayat Advancement Index

In a significant move to strengthen grassroots governance and track rural progress, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the first-ever Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) baseline report for FY 2022-23. The index serves as a comprehensive tool to measure the performance of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) across nine localised Sustainable Development Goal (LSDG) themes, according to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
The inaugural PAI data revealed that out of 2,55,699 GPs, 2,16,285 submitted validated data. Among these, only 699 Panchayats (0.3%) qualified as Front Runners, while 77,298 (35.8%) were marked as Performers. A large majority—1,32,392 Panchayats (61.2%)—were classified as Aspirants, and 5,896 (2.7%) were at the Beginner level. No Panchayat achieved the highest "Achiever" category.
Gujarat and Telangana emerged as leaders with the highest number of Front Runner GPs—346 and 270, respectively. Other high-performing states include Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, while Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh saw a significant concentration of aspirant GPs.

Government Launches New Aadhaar App

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the beta version of the new Aadhaar app. The app promises stronger privacy and easier access to Aadhaar services.
The app, built with support from UIDAI, uses Face ID and artificial intelligence for real-time authentication. It also features QR code-based instant verification.
Users can verify their identity by simply scanning a QR code. No more need to carry Aadhaar photocopies while travelling, checking into hotels, or shopping.
The app ensures data sharing only with user consent. It gives individuals full control over what information they share.

Apr 09, 2025

MoSPI Releases 26th edition of Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 26^th edition of its publication Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data.
The publication offers a comprehensive overview of the gender landscape in India, presenting selected indicators and data across key areas like population, education, health, economic participation, and decision-making, all sourced from various ministries, departments and organisations.
The publication indicated that the labour force participation rate in usual status for individuals aged 15 and older has increased from 49.8 per cent in 2017-18 to 60.1 per cent in 2023-24.

The 18th National Seminar on National Sample Surveys

The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) organises National Seminars at regular intervals following the release of survey reports based on data collected in the National Sample Surveys. The seminar serves as an academic platform where experts, researchers, academia, and government officials from various institutions present and discuss research papers based on the survey findings. So far, seventeen (17) National Seminars have been organised in reputed institutes and universities across the country.
Continuing this tradition, the 18th National Seminar on survey results of NSS 78th Round: Multiple indicator Survey, 79th Round: Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey (CAMS) and Survey on Ayush, Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE), Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES), and Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) was organised by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India at Goa University, Panaji, Goa, on April 8 and 9, 2025.
The seminar was inaugurated by Director General (NSS) and the Vice-Chancellor of Goa University will grace the occasion.
The event hosted 225 participants, including researchers, academicians, policymakers, and other stakeholders. The event was also attended by the experts from international organisations, experts from private survey agencies and professors/scholars from renowned institutions.

IEPFA and IPPB Sign MoA to Launch Phase 2 of "Niveshak Didi" to Boost Rural Women's Financial Lit...

In a step toward financial inclusion and rural empowerment, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), operating under the Department of Posts, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to jointly launch Phase 2 of the "Niveshak Didi" initiative. This strategic collaboration aims to scale financial literacy among women in rural, semi-urban, and underserved areas through grassroots mobilisation and community-driven education.
"Niveshak Didi" is a unique initiative that trains women postal workers and community leaders to act as financial educators within their local regions. During Phase 1, more than 55,000 beneficiaries participated in IPPB Financial Literacy Camps across India.

Kedar Jadhav Launches Political Career with BJP

Former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav joined the BJP in Mumbai in the presence of party's state chief and minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
Last year (2024), Kedar Jadhav had announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket.
Explaining his decision to join politics, he said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra are doing politics of development and welfare of people. Therefore, I felt I should also associate myself with the party."

Apr 08, 2025

Ministry of Women and Child Development Celebrates 7th Edition of Poshan Pakhwada

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) is celebrating the 7th edition of Poshan Pakhwada from April 8 to 22, 2025, as part of the Government of India's ongoing commitment to address malnutrition. This year's Poshan Pakhwada emphasises four key themes: Focus on the First 1000 Days of Life, Popularisation of the Beneficiary/Citizen Module of Poshan Tracker, Management of Malnutrition through CMAM, and Healthy Lifestyle to Address Obesity in Children.
Poshan Abhiyaan, a flagship initiative launched by the Prime Minister, continues its mission to combat malnutrition, improving nutritional outcomes for pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and children under the age of 06. This year's (2025) Poshan Pakhwada will be instrumental in strengthening content, delivery, outreach, and outcomes. As part of the broader Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, the initiative focuses on fostering health, wellness, and immunity against diseases and malnutrition.

Dubai Crown Prince on Official Visit to India

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum is on a two-day official visit to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Sheikh Hamdan, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), visits at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This is Sheikh Hamdan's first official visit to India as the Crown Prince of Dubai. He is accompanied by a delegation comprising several UAE ministers, senior officials, and a high-level business contingent.

MeitY and UNESCO Hosts the 3rd AI Readiness Consultation in Hyderabad

The UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Ikigai Law as the implementing partner, organised a stakeholder consultation on the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in India. This event took place at T-Works in Hyderabad.
A key segment of the event was a fireside chat on the IndiaAI Mission, featuring Abhishek Singh, CEO, IndiaAI Mission, and Additional Secretary, MeitY. The event also included a panel discussion on "Shaping Ethics in AI Governance: Government and Multilateral Perspectives", with participation from senior officials representing the MeitY, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Amrita University, UNESCO, and the Government of Telangana. Participants will also engage in four thematic breakout groups on governance, workforce readiness, infrastructure, and use cases, facilitating deeper dialogue and input on key dimensions of India's AI readiness.

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