General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - January 2018

Jan 2018

Oct 26, 2025

India Launches Online National Drug Licensing System

In response to a series of fatal child deaths linked to toxic cough syrups, India has rolled out a robust digital oversight system — the Online National Drug Licensing System (ONDLS). Spearheaded by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), this system is designed to track high-risk pharmaceutical solvents in real time, ensuring that only verified, safe ingredients are used in medicine manufacturing across the country. This urgent reform underscores India's renewed focus on pharmaceutical safety and accountability, particularly in the wake of rising international concerns about drug quality.

Tejashwi Yadav to be INDIA Bloc's CM Face

The Mahagathbandhan formally announced Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav as its CM face for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, while naming Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani as the Deputy CM face.

Oct 25, 2025

NHAI Launches AI-Based Highway Monitoring Using 3D Survey

In a move to revolutionise national highway maintenance and monitoring, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is deploying 3D laser-based Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) across 23 states, covering over 20,933 km of road stretches. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing road infrastructure management in India.
NSVs are advanced vehicles equipped with 3D laser technology capable of collecting precise data on the physical condition of roadways. These vehicles automatically identify,
Surface cracking
Potholes
Patches and wear
Other pavement-related defects

Oct 24, 2025

Kerala to Build First Underwater Tunnel Linking Vypin and Fort Kochi

In a historic infrastructure initiative, Kerala is set to build its first underwater tunnel, connecting Vypin and Fort Kochi, as part of the state's ambitious coastal highway development project. This engineering marvel will significantly reduce the current 16 km road distance to a 3 km sub-sea journey beneath the Arabian Sea, redefining connectivity in Kochi — one of India's busiest port cities.
The underwater tunnel will be developed by the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) with an estimated cost of Rs. 2,672 crore.

Centre Offers Article 371 to Ladakh amid Statehood Talks

In a significant political development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed granting Article 371-like provisions to Ladakh during a dialogue with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The talks came a month after deadly protests over the region's demand for statehood and constitutional safeguards, during which four people, including a Kargil war veteran, lost their lives in police action.
Since the reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir in 2019, Ladakh has been functioning as a Union Territory without a legislature. Over the years, discontent has grown among locals, particularly regarding land rights, cultural identity, and political representation.

Oct 23, 2025

'Run for Unity' to Honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

A 'Run for Unity' will be organised in Panchkula on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The event, dedicated to promoting national unity and integrity, will see participation from all sections of society. Deputy Commissioner Satpal Sharma issued necessary instructions to ensure the successful organisation of the 'Run for Unity'.

Oct 22, 2025

Bathou Religion Gets Separate Census Code in Assam

In a move ahead of the upcoming national census, the Bathou religion, practiced by the Bodo community of Assam, was granted a separate code—a first-time recognition of its religious identity at the national level. This official acknowledgment marks a significant step toward preserving and promoting the cultural and spiritual heritage of one of Northeast India's most prominent indigenous groups.
The announcement of a distinct census code for Bathou religion has been welcomed as a historic and long-overdue recognition.
Previously, followers of Bathou were often grouped under the umbrella of 'Others' in census records, which led to a lack of visibility for their distinct identity.
Promod Boro, leader of the United Peoples' Party-Liberal (UPPL) and former Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for fulfilling a long-standing demand.

India Formally Upgrades Its 'Technical Mission' in Kabul to Embassy

India announced the upgrading of its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan from the status of a technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy as part of its engagement with the Taliban while stopping short of a formal recognition of the regime that came to power in August 2021.
The formal announcement from the external affairs ministry came less than a week after Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi concluded his visit to India, the first by a senior member of the group. Following talks with Muttaqi, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar had said India would upgrade its diplomatic role in Kabul.
India withdrew its officials from and shuttered all its missions in Afghanistan after the Taliban seized power in 2021. India re-established its diplomatic presence in Kabul in June 2022 by deploying a "technical team" headed by a middle-ranking diplomat.

CPSEs and Autonomous Bodies under Ministry of Heavy Industries Participates Special Campaign 5.0

Inspired by the Prime Minister's vision to institutionalise Swachhata and reduce pending matters in government, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), along with its Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and Autonomous Bodies (ABs), is actively participating in the 5th consecutive year of the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM) 5.0 till October31, 2025.
Implementation of cleanliness activities identified during the Preparatory phase of Special campaign 5.0, wasn inspected by Secretary, MHI along with senior officers of the Ministry. A report of the daily progress is being monitored by a dedicated team and uploaded in the SCDPM portal hosted by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.

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