General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - March 2017

Mar 2017

Nov 05, 2026

National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 concludes in Ghaziabad

The National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 concluded at the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) grounds in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. NDRF Director General Piyush Anand announced that the event, launched two years ago to strengthen SDRF capabilities, saw 19 teams participate. The competition tested response, decontamination, and hazard mitigation skills across chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear scenarios. The exercise aligns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directions to enhance training and preparedness of SDRF personnel. The event underscores India’s focus on disaster management, safety protocols and rapid mobilization in response to evolving hazards.

Event: National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 in Ghaziabad.
Participants: 19 teams; duration not specified.
Purpose: strengthen SDRF capabilities and readiness.
Leadership: DG Piyush Anand; directives from Amit Shah.
Focus areas: CBRN response, hazard mitigation, rapid deployment.

Tamil Nadu tops NITI Aayog’s India S&T Scoreboard in publications

Tamil Nadu has topped NITI Aayog’s India S&T Scoreboard for 2024-25 in research publications, with 44,611 papers. Uttar Pradesh follows with 29,298 and Maharashtra with 28,947. The scoreboard, released by NITI Aayog, aims to measure state-level science and technology performance and promote cooperative and competitive federalism. NITI Aayog vice chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri said the platform helps states identify strengths and gaps and design better programmes and policies in science and technology. NITI Aayog member (S&T) Abhay Karandikar emphasised that reliable, comparable evidence underpins sound policy, noting fragmentation of data across sources. The release underscores a push for stronger state-level S&T policy coordination and capacity building.

Tamil Nadu: 44,611 research publications (2024-25).
Uttar Pradesh: 29,298; Maharashtra: 28,947.
Scoreboard aims to map state strengths and gaps in S&T.
Emphasis on cooperative and competitive federalism.
Data reliability highlighted to improve policy design.

Nov 02, 2026

Dinesh V. Ganvir becomes 55th Director General of GSI

Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir assumed charge as the 55th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in November 2026. Previously the Additional Director General and Head of the Central Region in Nagpur, Ganvir brings more than 32 years of experience in geological investigations, mineral exploration, and administration. GSI operates as an attached office under the Ministry of Mines and plays a vital role in mineral exploration, geological research, and mapping. His appointment signals a focus on mineral security, scientific excellence, and the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance India’s resource base and regulatory capabilities.

Appointment: 55th Director General of GSI, November 2026.
Previous role: Additional Director General, Central Region, Nagpur.
Experience: 32+ years in geology and mineral exploration.
GSI role: mineral exploration, mapping, and research under the Mines Ministry.
Strategic aim: strengthen mineral security and technology adoption.

Chandigarh Police awarded President's Police Colour

Chandigarh Police received the President's Police Colour on 1 November 2026 during its 60th Raising Day and Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Police Lines, Sector 26, Chandigarh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the honour in recognition of the force’s sustained service, dedication to maintaining law and order, and contribution to public safety. Shah also announced additional AI-enabled surveillance cameras to strengthen security in the city as part of a broader modernization of policing infrastructure. The award reflects Chandigarh’s evolving security framework and its focus on advanced surveillance and community policing.

Date: 1 November 2026 during 60th Raising Day and Diamond Jubilee.
President's Police Colour awarded to Chandigarh Police.
Presented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Announcement of AI-enabled surveillance cameras for security enhancement.
Recognition of service, law and order maintenance, and public safety.

Oct 31, 2026

PM Modi to participate in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and inaugurate Bharat Parv 2026 in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to participate in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations in Gujarat on 31 October 2026, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The schedule includes floral tributes at the Statue of Unity and participation in Ekta Diwas events in Kevadia. Government sources announced the inauguration of Bharat Parv 2026 as part of unity celebrations. Modi is expected to dedicate development projects in Gujarat, including initiatives worth around ₹400 crore. The events reflect a government focus on national unity, cultural exchange and local development during the national observance.

PM Modi to attend Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in Gujarat on 31 October 2026.
Involves floral tributes at the Statue of Unity and Ekta Diwas events in Kevadia.
Bharat Parv 2026 to be inaugurated as part of celebrations.
Projects worth approximately ₹400 crore to be dedicated.
Emphasis on national unity, culture and local development.

Oct 27, 2026

National Urban Conclave 2026 Concludes in Bhubaneswar

The National Urban Conclave 2026 concluded on 25 October 2026 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, after a two-day programme organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in collaboration with the Government of Odisha. The theme, 'Urban Rising – Rethinking Urban Systems, Solutions and Delivery,' guided discussions on governance, housing, sustainability, and service delivery for cities. More than 1,200 participants from government departments, urban local bodies, industry, and academia shared policy ideas and best practices. Attendees emphasized reforms in urban planning, financing, and municipal performance, along with climate resilience and inclusive housing. The conclave highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming urban ecosystems through cross-sector collaboration.

Conclave held in Bhubaneswar, 25 October 2026; two-day event.
Theme: Urban Rising – Rethinking Urban Systems, Solutions and Delivery.
Over 1,200 participants from government, industry, and academia.
Focus on reforms in planning, financing, and municipal performance.
Emphasis on climate resilience and inclusive housing.

Oct 25, 2026

PM Modi inaugurates Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 23 October 2026. The three-day gathering marks the culmination of year-long celebrations that commemorate 75 years since the Chinmaya Mission's founding by Swami Chinmayananda in 1951. The event highlights Vedanta, the Bhagavad Gita, and value-based education, with scholars, spiritual leaders, teachers, and volunteers participating from across India and abroad. Organisers say the Sammelan will showcase the mission's contributions to spiritual education, Indian philosophy, and cultural values, while emphasising service, learning, and community outreach. The government views the event as part of a broader push to preserve heritage and promote inclusive education.

Date and venue: 23 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Event: Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan, a 3-day gathering.
Significance: marks 75 years since Chinmaya Mission's 1951 founding.
Focus areas: Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, value-based education.
Participants: scholars, spiritual leaders, educators, volunteers from India and abroad.
Government aim: promote cultural heritage and inclusive education.

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