General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - February 2017

Feb 2017

Sep 18, 2026

Commemorative stamp released for Sant Maluk Das Ji

On 15 September 2026 Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia released a commemorative postage stamp to honour Sant Maluk Das Ji, a Bhakti-era poet-saint and philosopher. The Department of Posts issued the stamp during a Sant Samagam held in his memory. The initiative seeks to celebrate his teachings on devotion, knowledge, compassion, service and public welfare. Sant Maluk Das Ji lived from 1574 to 1682 and remains an important figure in India’s devotional traditions. The stamp project highlights efforts to preserve regional spiritual heritage through philately and official recognition. The event underscored the continued relevance of Bhakti-era ideas for modern public life.

Stamp released on 15 September 2026 by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Honours Sant Maluk Das Ji, Bhakti-era poet-saint and philosopher.
Issued during a Sant Samagam in his memory.
Celebrates teachings on devotion, knowledge, compassion, service and public welfare.
Sant Maluk Das Ji lived 1574–1682; notable figure in devotional tradition.

Sep 16, 2026

Sanjukta Parashar becomes first woman IG of CRPF CoBRA unit

Sanjukta Parashar, a 2006-batch IPS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, has been appointed Inspector General (IG) of the CRPF’s CoBRA unit in Delhi. She succeeds 1996-batch officer Danesh Rana. This is the first time CoBRA, the paramilitary force’s elite jungle warfare section, will be headed by a woman. Parashar previously served with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and led counterinsurgency operations in Assam. Born in October 1979, she has notable field experience in operations against insurgent groups. The appointment signals CRPF’s move to place women in high‑risk leadership roles within its combat units.

Parashar is the first woman IG of CoBRA.
She comes from the 2006 Assam-Meghalaya IPS cadre.
Previously served with NIA; led COIN operations in Assam.
Born October 1979; takes command of a ten‑battalion unit.

Sep 15, 2026

Ramanathaswamy Temple backdrop at BRICS Summit in New Delhi

The Ramanathaswamy Temple, a 12th-century temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, served as a cultural backdrop during the BRICS Leaders’ Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Officials highlighted India’s civilisational heritage as part of diplomatic hospitality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed world leaders at the summit, framing cultural heritage as a soft-power element in multilateral dialogue. Journalists noted the ceremonial significance of ancient monuments alongside economic and strategic discussions. The arrangement illustrated how heritage assets can accompany discussions on science, technology, and development during major international gatherings.

Ramanathaswamy Temple used as BRICS backdrop in Delhi.
Temple highlights India’s civilisational heritage.
PM Modi welcomed leaders at the summit.
Heritage used as diplomatic soft power.
Ceremonial role alongside discussions on science and economy.

Sep 14, 2026

Colombo Security Conclave Table Top Exercise held in Visakhapatnam

A three-day Table Top Exercise under the Colombo Security Conclave was conducted at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam from 9 to 11 September 2026. The exercise focused on creating a coordinated response mechanism against illicit maritime activities in the Indian Ocean Region. The Colombo Security Conclave works on regional cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, disaster management, and combating transnational crime. Participants from India and partner nations discussed information-sharing, interoperability, and rapid decision-making to improve regional resilience and collaborative capacity in defending sea lanes and critical infrastructure.

Colombo Security Conclave held a 3-day Table Top Exercise in Visakhapatnam (9–11 Sept 2026).
Focus on coordinated responses to illicit maritime activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
CSC concentrates on maritime security, counter-terrorism, disaster management, and cross-border crime.
Emphasis on information sharing and interoperability among participating nations.

Sep 10, 2026

UN map spurts Arunachal, Aksai Chin dispute refocus

On 9 September 2026, India raised objections to a United Nations map that depicted Arunachal Pradesh as an independent state near Assam and showed disputed Aksai Chin boundaries. The government asserted that the map misrepresents territorial sovereignty and urged correction. The issue emerged as BRICS conversations looked toward regional security and border clarity. Indian officials emphasised adherence to constitutional map standards and diplomatic channels to address misrepresentations. The episode added to ongoing debates about cartographic accuracy in international forums and India's broader stance on territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

UN map reportedly showing Arunachal Pradesh as independent; Aksai Chin boundary noted.
India demanded correction and asserted territorial sovereignty.
Linked to broader discussions around BRICS and regional borders.
Stance reinforces constitutional map standards and diplomacy.
Highlights cartographic sensitivities in international forums.

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