General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - May 2018

May 2018

Jan 31, 2025

Centre Launches TEAM Initiative

The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), in partnership with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), announced the launch of an initiative to enable small and micro enterprises to join ONDC.
The initiative with a budget of Rs. 277.35 crore over three years will focus on onboarding 5 lakh micro and small enterprises, with 50 per cent of these being women-led businesses.
The MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative is aimed to enable MSMEs to embrace digital commerce and expand their market presence.
The TEAM Initiative will connect MSMEs with the ONDC Network. By providing access to digital storefronts, integrated payment systems, and logistics support, the initiative aims to reduce operational barriers and helps businesses tap into wider customer bases.

Best Marching Contingents and Tableaux of Republic Day Parade 2025 Announced

The results for the best Marching Contingents and Tableaux of the Republic Day Parade 2025 were announced. Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Sanjay Seth presented these awards to the best Marching Contingents and Tableaux at the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp in the capital.
He also conferred special prizes to CPWD Tableau and artists of cultural performance.
Uttar Pradesh tableaux showcasing the Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas won the first prize in the states' category while in a separate online poll, Gujarat walked away with the first prize under 'popular choice category'.
Below is the list of winners of Marching contingents and Tableaux:
Best Marching Contingent among Services – Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Contingent
Best Marching Contingent among CAPFs/other auxiliary forces – Delhi Police Marching Contingent
Top three tableaux (States/UTs)
1st – Uttar Pradesh (Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas)
2nd – Tripura (Eternal Reverence: The worship of 14 Deities in Tripura – Kharchi Puja)
3rd – Andhra Pradesh (Etikoppaka Bommalu – Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys)
Best Tableau from Central Ministries/Departments — Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh)

Civic Services Go On WhatsApp in Andhra Pradesh - A First in the Country

The Andhra Pradesh government launched WhatsApp governance, a first in the country, to increase transparency, speed, and accountability in civic services. In the first phase, 161 services will be available, helping citizens cut down on multiple trips to the civic offices. As Andhra Pradesh advances in digital technology adoption, this initiative aims to accelerate governance and make public services more accessible to citizens.
As part of the first phase, departments such as Endowments, Energy, APSRTC, Revenue, Anna Canteens, CM Relief Fund, and Municipal Administration will offer various services through WhatsApp. Additional services will be introduced in the second phase and the number of services offered will go up to 520.

Jan 30, 2025

Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs National Conference with Labour Ministers and Secretaries of States & UTs

The two-day National level meeting with Labour Ministers and Secretaries of States & UTs was held in New Delhi, under the Chairmanship of Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports.
Mandaviya emphasised on the need for undertaking labour reforms, which are crucial for realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He underscored that a fine balance between workers' welfare and industrial growth must remain at the core of all policy decisions.

'Beating Retreat' Ceremony 2025

The Beating Retreat Ceremony marked the formal conclusion of India's Republic Day celebrations. Held every year on January 29 at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi, this historic event was a spectacular display of India's military traditions, musical excellence, and patriotic fervor. The ceremony saw massed bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) performing soulful tunes, creating an ambiance of nostalgia and national pride.
The origins of the Beating Retreat Ceremony can be traced back to the early 1950s, when Major Roberts of the Indian Army conceptualised and developed this unique event. The ceremony is deeply rooted in centuries-old military traditions from Europe, where soldiers would stop fighting at sunset, sheath their arms, and return to their camps at the sound of the retreat.
In India, the first Beating Retreat ceremony was held in the 1950s, during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Since then, it has been institutionalised as an annual event to honour the valour and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces.

Global Firepower Ranks World's Most Powerful Air Forces

A new analysis by the authoritative website globalfirepower.com spotlighted the global pecking order in aerial military might, evaluating countries based on their total aircraft inventory which encompasses fighter jets, helicopters and support aircraft. According to the report, the world's most formidable air forces are led by the United States, with Russia and China securing the second and third positions, respectively.
India was ranked fourth in this comprehensive assessment, showcasing its significant air power with an inventory of 2.205 aircraft including helicopters, fighter jets and support aircraft. This ranking underscores India's ongoing efforts to modernise and expand its air force capabilities amidst regional security challenges.
Following India, South Korea and Japan were placed fifth and sixth, respectively.
This ranking from globalfirepower.com also reflects broader global trends where countries are increasingly focusing on air superiority to project power defend sovereignty and secure strategic interests. The report serves as a reminder of the ongoing arms race in the skies where technological advancements in stealth electronic warfare and drone operations are reshaping military strategies.

Jan 29, 2025

Tripura Becomes First North-eastern State to Sign MoU with Bhashini for Multi-lingual Governance

The Government of Tripura, signed an MoU with Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, under the esteem guidance of Chief Minister Manik Saha, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to increase the usage of the rich regional languages of Tripura and to facilitate citizen's digital participation by using these languages in governance.
Tripura proudly stands as the first north-eastern state, the first in eastern India, and the eighth state in the country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhashini. This pioneering step underscores Tripura's commitment to digital inclusivity and leveraging technology for enhanced citizen centric governance.

India, Oman Hold Joint Commission Meeting

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal visited Oman and co-chaired the 11th Session of the India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting (JCM).
The meeting was co-chaired by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman.
JCM saw productive discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, technology, food security, renewable energy and other key areas. The Minister held a productive bilateral meeting with Minister Qais during which he undertook a detailed review of the bilateral trade and economic relations between India and Oman and identified concrete steps to further strengthen the mutually beneficial business ties.
On the sidelines of the visit, both sides signed the Protocol to amend the India-Oman Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), aligning it with international standards on cross-border taxation, simplifying tax procedures, and promoting greater cooperation in tax matters.

Jan 28, 2025

'Samman Sanjeevani' App Unveiled on National Girl Child Day

Haryana Cabinet Minister Shruti Choudhry launched the 'Samman Sanjeevani' app, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the 'Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana'. The initiative is designed to provide essential services to BPL (Below Poverty Line) women and girls between the ages of 10 and 45, particularly sanitary napkins. This app is a part of the Haryana Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring timely and efficient delivery of welfare benefits to its citizens. The event also marked the 10th anniversary of the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' scheme, a major initiative focusing on women's empowerment.
The app helps track the timely delivery of services to beneficiaries.
It aims to streamline the administration of the program, ensuring no delays in service provision.

Uniform Civil Code Rollout Begins in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand made history by becoming the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), effective from January 27, 2025. The decision is part of the BJP's election promise, and it has been widely anticipated since the state's assembly elections in 2022. The UCC aims to bring uniformity in personal laws, providing equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens, regardless of their religion or community. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised that the law's purpose is not to target any individual or group but to ensure fairness, equality, and social harmony.
Key developments surrounding the UCC include extensive consultations, the formation of expert committees, and the drafting of comprehensive rules to ensure smooth implementation. This article outlines the significant aspects of Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code, the provisions it encompasses, and the expected societal impact.

Union Govt. Sets up Committee to Shortlist Candidates for Chief Election Commissioner's Post

With Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar set to demit office on February 18, the Union Law Ministry set up a Search Committee headed by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to shortlist names for his replacement.
The Search Committee would shortlist names to be considered by the Selection Committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Cabinet Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
The process of appointing the CEC from a panel of five as per the Chief Election Commissioner And Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, is a first.

Jan 27, 2025

International Conference Marks 125 Years of Solar Physics Research in India

An international conference titled 'Sun, Space Weather, and Solar-Stellar Connections' was held in Bengaluru from January 20 to 24, 2025, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO). Organised by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), the event gathered over 200 solar physicists from India and abroad to discuss advancements in solar magnetism, solar-stellar connections, and space weather.
Established in 1899, KSO has been pivotal in advancing solar astrophysics in India. Its extensive repository of photographic images has provided invaluable insights into solar phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. The observatory's unique location and state-of-the-art equipment have significantly contributed to our understanding of the Sun's behaviour and its impact on Earth.

Republic Day 2025: Debutants Who Made Their Mark This Year

The Republic Day Parade 2025 was a remarkable showcase of India's defence capabilities and evolving military strategies. Several key debuts highlighted India's progress towards self-reliance and gender empowerment within the Armed Forces. The event featured the debut of the Tri-Services Tableau, women officers leading the parade, cutting-edge defence technology from the DRDO, and the Indian Coast Guard's participation. Each element reflected the nation's growth in defence strength, technological advancements, and commitment to a secure, empowered future.
The tri-services tableau made its debut at the 76th Republic Day Parade, the tri-services tableau symbolised the spirit of jointness and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The tableau theme, 'Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat' (Empowered and Secure India), represented the Armed Forces' commitment to national security and seamless coordination.

Naveen Patnaik-Led BJD Dissolves All State-Level Frontal Organisations

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) dissolved all its state-level frontal organisations. The move came ahead of the party's forthcoming organisational election.
Pratap Keshari Deb, MLA was appointed as State Returning Officer for smooth conduct of the Organizational Election of Biju Janata Dal with immediate effect.
After getting the responsibility, senior BJD leader Deb thanked Patnaik for appointing him as the state returning officer for the third consecutive time.
Deb said that elections will be held first at the grassroots level, and later at the block level, district level and then the state level.

"Hamara Samvidhan - Hamara Swabhiman" Campaign Concludes

The "Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman" campaign, launched on January 24, 2024, by the Vice President of India at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, commemorates the 75th anniversary of India's Constitution and its establishment as a Republic. This year-long initiative aims to deepen citizens' understanding of the Constitution and promote legal empowerment across the nation.
Over 1.3 lakh citizens took the Panch Pran Pledge on the MyGov platform, reflecting their commitment to nation-building.
On January 24, 2025, the campaign concluded with a significant event at Parmarth Triveni Pushp, Arail Ghat, Prayagraj, coinciding with the Maha Kumbh Mela.

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