General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - November 2018

Nov 2018

Jun 30, 2023

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Unveils List of Critical Minerals for India

Union Minister of Mines, Pralhad Joshi, unveiled India's first-ever report on Critical Minerals for India. The report identified 30 critical minerals essential for sectors including defence, agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals and telecom. This comprehensive list marked a milestone in India's pursuit of self-reliance and security in mineral resources, aligning with the vision of achieving 'Net Zero' targets. Joshi highlighted the country's inclusion as the newest partner in the Mineral Security Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States. The list aims to guide policy formulation, strategic planning, and investment decisions in the mining sector.

Jun 29, 2023

Centre Approves Ratification of Headquarters Agreement with CDRI

The Union Cabinet approved the ratification of the Headquarters Agreement between the Government of India and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
The CDRI was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the United Nations climate action summit on September 23, 2019 in New York.
It is a major global initiative launched by the government and is seen as India's attempt to obtain a global leadership role in climate change and disaster resilience matters.
Ratification of the Headquarters Agreement will facilitate grant of exemptions, immunities and privileges as contemplated under Section-3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947 and will provide CDRI an independent and international legal persona so that it can carry out its functions internationally, more efficiently.
The CDRI is a global partnership of national governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, academic and knowledge institutions that aims to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development.
Since its launch, 31 countries, six international organisations and two private sector organisations have become members of the CDRI. The CDRI has been expanding its membership consistently by attracting a wide variety of economically advanced countries, developing countries, and countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and disasters.

Sarbananda Sonowal Launches New CSR Guidelines 'Sagar Samajik Sahayog'

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled the new guidelines for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) called 'Sagar Samajik Sahayog' by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. The guidelines aim to empower ports to address local community issues more efficiently and collaboratively. The launch event was attended by Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, and Union Minister of State of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shripad Yesso Naik.
The revised CSR guidelines enable ports to initiate, implement, and accelerate projects for the welfare of local communities. The framework encourages local communities to actively participate as partners in the development and positive transformation of their regions. The Minister highlighted the potential of CSR as a catalyst for change and progress, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of empowering institutions and communities for a self-reliant India.
The new CSR guidelines primarily impact projects and programs related to activities specified in Section 70 of the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021.

Singh Deo Named Chhattisgarh Dy CM

Ahead of the Chhattisgarh elections later this year, the Congress named T. S. Singh Deo, state's Health Minister, as Deputy CM in a bid to address the raging factional war in the ranks.
The decision was taken by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to set the Chhattisgarh house in order and unite the cadres. Singh Deo had long been upset over being denied CM's post on rotation with incumbent Bhupesh Baghel, which party sources say was an understanding reached with the top brass when the Congress won the polls in 2018.
Singh Deo's appointment came after a meeting of Kharge and Rahul Gandhi with senior Chhattisgarh leaders, including CM Baghel and AICC general secretary in-charge Kumari Selja.

Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Renaming of 2 key Sea Links after Savarkar, Vajpayee

The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the renaming of two significant infrastructure projects. The Versova-Bandra Sea Link will now be named after Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, while the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) will be renamed after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as 'Atal Bihari Vajpayee Smruti Shivdi Nhava Sheva Atal Setu'.
Rhe Versova-Bandra Sea Link would be known 'Veer Savarkar Setu'.

Jun 28, 2023

UP Launches 'Operation Conviction' for Cow Slaughter, Child Abuse Cases

The Uttar Pradesh Police launched an initiative to ensure speedy conviction in cases registered under the POCSO Act and those related to cow slaughter, religious conversion, rape and murder.
Under 'Operation Conviction', police will ensure the immediate arrest of criminals, collection of strong evidence against them, quality investigation and effective representation of cases in courts so that they are punished in the least amount of time.
As per the Uttar Pradesh Police, each commissionerate/district will have to identify 20 cases each in categories under "Operation Conviction" in addition to the cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Govt. Launches Nandi Portal to Grant NOC for Veterinary Drugs, Vaccines

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying took a significant step towards streamlining the regulatory approval process for veterinary drugs and vaccines with the launch of the Nandi portal. The portal aims to timely process applications and grant non-objection certifications (NOC) for these essential products. With the increasing demand for veterinary products, especially due to the ongoing livestock vaccination drive, the Nandi portal will play a crucial role in expediting the approval process.
The manual system of granting permissions for the import, manufacture, and marketing of veterinary drugs and vaccines has been replaced by the Nandi portal. This digital platform integrates seamlessly with the SUGAM portal of the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the Drugs Controller General of India, ensuring a more efficient and streamlined approval process.

Ministry of Agriculture Signs an MOU with Pixxel Space India

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare signed an MoU with Pixxel Space India Pvt. Limited in the presence of the Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, DA&FW, Pramod Kumar Meherda, Additional Secretary, DA&FW and other senior officers of the Ministry in New Delhi. C. S. Murthy, Director, MNCFC signed the MOU on behalf of Government of India, and Abhishek Krishnan, Chief of Staff represented M/s Pixxel Space India Pvt. Limited. It aims to develop various geospatial solutions on pro bono basis for the Indian Agriculture Ecosystem using Pixxel's hyperspectral dataset. The project focuses on leveraging sample hyperspectral data from Pixxel's path finder satellites to develop analytics models focused on crop mapping, crop stage discrimination, crop health monitoring, and soil organic carbon assessments. This will enable the Government to develop use cases with hyperspectral data provided by PIXXEL. MNCFC on behalf of the DA&FW will associate with Pixel team for developing and implementing the suitable methodologies.

Rakesh Gupta, Supporter of Scindia, Quits BJP to Re-join Congress

Former Shivpuri district vice-president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rakesh Gupta, a loyalist of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, marked his return to the Congress with a massive car rally of over 2,000 supporters.
Gupta joined the party in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee President Kamal Nath and other senior leaders.

Third Infrastructure Working Group Meeting in Rishikesh

The high profile third G20 Infrastructure Working Group meeting under G20 Indian Presidency took place in the city of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand from June 26 to 28, 2023. The meetings further discussed on the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda under the Indian G20 Presidency and followed up on the discussions held during the second IWG meeting held in Visakhapatnam. The delegates who participated in the meeting included 63 delegates from G20 member countries, invitee countries and international organizations.
The group deliberated on various aspects of infrastructure investments including developing infrastructure as an asset class, promoting quality infrastructure investment and identifying innovative instruments for mobilizing financial resources for infrastructure investment.

Jun 27, 2023

Anurag Verma to be New Chief Secretary of Punjab

The Punjab Government announced the appointment of Anurag Verma, a 1993 batch IAS officer, the new Chief Secretary of the State.
He succeeds VK Janjua, who retires on June 30, 2023.
Verma, a 1993-batch IAS officer, is the additional chief secretary, home affairs and justice at present.
Verma will also hold additional charge as Principal Secretary Personnel as well as Vigilance.
Verma belongs to Punjab and graduated in electronics engineering from Thapar University, Patiala.

NSA Ajit Doval Visits Oman to Boost Ties

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval paid an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman.
During his visit, the NSA called on His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The NSA also held wide ranging discussions with General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nomani, Minister of the Royal Office, and Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister.
The discussions enabled a high level review of the multifaceted bilateral relations between India and Oman with focus on strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation in key areas for economic and technological development, mutual security and regional stability.
The visit by the NSA reflects the strong bilateral relationship and the importance of Oman as a key partner for India in the Gulf.

Assam's First Underwater Tunnel to Come Up Under Brahmaputra

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the construction of Assam's first-ever underwater tunnel, connecting Numaligarh and Gohpur. This groundbreaking project, estimated to cost Rs. 6,000 crore, will be the first rail-road tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in north-east India.
The project received strong support from the high command in Delhi, showcasing the importance of collaboration between the state and central governments.
The construction of an underwater tunnel under the Brahmaputra River holds immense significance for Assam and the northeastern region. By connecting the north and south banks of the river, the tunnel will significantly improve connectivity between Numaligarh and Gohpur, making travel more convenient and efficient.With a length of approx 15 kilometres, it will bring about a transformational change in the transportation infrastructure of the region.

Jun 26, 2023

Amit Shah Lays Foundation Stone of 'Balidan Stambh' in Srinagar

Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the 'Balidan Stambh' in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha joined him at the park near Lal Chowk, the commercial centre of Srinagar. This memorial is part of the Srinagar Smart City project and serves as a tribute to the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. While stringent security arrangements had been put in place for the function, shops in and around the venue were open and traffic remained normal, except when it was briefly stopped at the stretch between Regal Crossing and Lal Chowk till Shah left the venue.

India, UAE Sign a Mutual Recognition Arrangement

India and UAE signed Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for authorised economic operators (AEOs) of both countries. The AEO programme enables Customs administration to identify safe and compliant exporters and importers and to provide them better facilitation. Under MRA, Customs authorities recognise AEOs of both countries, which in turn helps expedite customs clearances.
The Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Authorised Economic Operators of both countries was signed on sidelines of the 141st/142nd sessions of WCO Customs Co-operation Council meeting, in Brussels.
In Aeptember 2021, India and the US had signed a MRA AEO. The Customs authorities of both countries have already evaluated each other's AEO programme and are working to quickly implement the reciprocal arrangement for authorised economic operators.

India, Egypt Elevate Ties to 'Strategic Partnership' During PM Modi's Visit

On the concluding day of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Cairo, India and Egypt signed a landmark strategic partnership treaty, which the two sides had agreed upon during Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's visit to New Delhi in January 2023 as chief guest for the Republic Day parade.
Cairo is keen on increased Indian investments. It suggested New Delhi use Egypt's geographical location as a springboard to three regions: Europe, West Asia, and the whole of Africa, and offered the possibility of an industrial zone for India in Egypt.
Egyptian support would bolster India's claim to the leadership of the Global South and closer relations with an Arab country beyond those in the Persian Gulf.

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