General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - May 2022

May 2022

Sep 19, 2024

Cabinet Clears Plan for Parallel LS, State Polls

The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi unanimously approved the ambitious one nation, one election plan that will enable simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state legislative Assemblies, municipalities and panchayats.
The Cabinet also cleared the idea of common electoral rolls for elections to all tiers of the government and a single election identity card.
The approval came a day after Home Minister Amit Shah announced that one nation, one election agenda would be implemented in this very term of the Modi government.
Of 47 parties that responded, 15 opposed and 32 favoured the system. Those who opposed raised apprehensions that it could violate the Constitution, be anti-federal
Among parties that resisted the plan before the committee are Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, CPM, AIUDF, Trinamool Congress, AIMIM, CPI and DMK.

Amit Shah Launch White Revolution 2.0, Other Initiatives to Transform Dairy Sector

Amit Shah launched three key initiatives, including White Revolution 2.0, to transform the dairy sector.
Besides White Revolution 2.0, the other two initiatives are distribution of micro-ATMs and Rupay-Kisan Credit Cards to dairy farmers, aimed at enhancing their financial access. The White Revolution 2.0 targets 50 per cent increase in milk procurement by dairy cooperative societies over the next five years.
The plan involves setting up and strengthening 1,00,000 existing district cooperative societies, multi-purpose district cooperative societies, and Multi-purpose Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (M-PACS). These will be linked to milk routes, with necessary infrastructure provided.
Initially, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) will fund the initiative from its own resources, providing Rs 40,000 per M-PACS to 1,000 M-PACS. Future funding is expected from the proposed National Programme or Dairy Development 2.0.
The second initiative, 'Cooperation among Cooperatives', will provide interest-free cash credit to dairy farmers through Rupay-Kisan Credit Cards. This will offer substantial savings to farmers who currently borrow at 24 per cent interest rates.
Additionally, Micro-ATMs will be distributed to dairy cooperative societies, turning them into bank-mitras for District Credit Cooperative Banks. This move aims to bring banking services to farmers' doorsteps and keep cooperative funds within the sector.

India Seeks Review of Indus Water Treaty

India sent a formal notice to Pakistan seeking a review of the Indus Water Treaty.
India and Pakistan signed the IWT on September 19, 1960, after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank being a signatory to the pact, which sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two sides on the use of the waters of several cross-border rivers.
The notice was issued to Pakistan under Article XII(3) of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). India's notification highlights fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of obligations under various articles of the treaty.

Sep 18, 2024

India Hosts Buddhist Media Conclave

In a unique initiative, India hosted the 2nd International Buddhist Media Conclave 2024, inviting media organisations from Asia and beyond. The conclave was hosted by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) and was supported by India's Ministry of Culture. The idea behind the conference was to give a platform to international media that are focused on teaching of Buddha, that too in India, a country from where Buddhism originated.
As per IBC DG Abhijit Halder, the event witnessed an enthusiastic response from the media and that the IBC will organise its next conclave on a larger scale.
The event brought together media organisations from Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Russia, and other countries which have been focusing on spreading the ideas of Buddhism. Participants held discussions on how the media can contribute to spreading Buddha's teachings and emphasised on Buddhism's core values that is the promotion of non-violence, tolerance, and inner peace.

India Opposition Leader Resigns as Delhi's Chief Minister

Arvind Kejriwal tendered his resignation as Delhi Chief Minister, a position that he held for over a decade. Kejriwal met Delhi Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena at his residence along with his cabinet ministers and handed in his papers.
Kejriwal spent five months in jail in connection with a now-scrapped alcohol sales policy. He has denied the allegations against him.
He has said that he will take up the post only if people re-elect his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the assembly elections scheduled for February next year (2025).
AAP made its poll debut in 2013 Delhi assembly elections and has governed the capital city since, focussing on welfare measures such as affordable electricity and water for residents.

J&K Launches 'Vote Ka Tyohar' Theme Song

In an effort to encourage voter participation in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), J&K, launched the theme song 'Vote Ka Tyohar'.
The song, released by CEO, Pandurang K. Pole, is aimed at motivating voters across Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory to cast their votes in the Assembly Elections, which begin on September 18, 2024 across seven districts of both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
The theme song was produced by Rangyug, a renowned performing arts organization committed to promoting social change and self-realization through theater, as part of the SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) Campaign and was choreographed by the students of Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government PG College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.

India Hosts COP9 Bureau & Fund Approval Committee Meetings

India hosted the 2nd Formal Meeting of the COP9 (Conference of Parties) Bureau and the 3rd Formal Meeting of the Fund Approval Committee under the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) International Convention against Doping in Sport in New Delhi.
The purpose of this Convention, within the framework of the strategy and programme of activities of UNESCO in the area of physical education and sport, is to promote the prevention of and the fight against doping in sport, with a view to its elimination. The meetings saw participation from distinguished delegates representing countries such as France, Italy, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Barbados, Singapore, Netherlands, Türkiye, UAE, and Zambia.

Sep 16, 2024

Amit Shah Inaugurates National Security Strategies Conference

Union Home Minister of India Amit Shah inaugurated a 2 days National Security Strategies Conference 2024 in the national capital. This conference held talks on various aspects of security and its challenges.
This conference discussed different solutions to emerging national security challenges that will be chalked out with the top police leadership of states, UTs (Union Territories), CAPFs (Central Armed Protection Forces), and CPOs (Central Police Organisation).
The Objective of the National Security Strategy Conference was to find Solutions to major national security challenges through discussion amongst a unique mix of senior police leadership managing national security challenges, young police officers working at the cutting-edge level, and domain experts of personalised fields.
The Conference was chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister of State for Home Shri Nityanand Rai and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Heads of CAPFs(Central Armed Protection Forces) and CPOs(Central Police Organisation), Home Secretary General Govind Mohan, and Additional and Deputy National Security Advisor's (NSAs).
Over 750 officers participated in the conference from all over India and also this conference was held in hybrid format combining physical and virtual mode.

Jagdeep Dhankhar Inaugurates 'Samvidhan Mandir' at Industrial Training Institutes in Maharashtra

The Honorable Vice President of India Shri. Jagdeep Dhankhar has inaugurated the "Constitutional Temple – Samvidhan Mandir" at 433 Industrial Training Institutes across Maharashtra. This programme was organised by the Maharashtra Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Department.
The Constitution Temples have been designed to educate students about the importance and sanctity of the Constitution of India and to disseminate the ideas and thoughts of the father of the Indian Constitution, Bharat Ratna, Dr. Bhimrao R Ambedkar.

Celebrating 65 Years of Doordarshan: India's Public Service Broadcaster

Doordarshan, India's esteemed public service broadcaster, marks its 65^th anniversary on September 15, 2024. Established on this date in 1959, Doordarshan has been a pillar of Indian media, fostering unity, culture, and education. From its modest start with experimental broadcasts in Delhi, it has grown into one of the world's largest broadcasting organisations, adapting to technological advancements while upholding its public service mandate.
Starting from black-and-white transmissions, Doordarshan now operates 35 channels including 6 national channels, 28 regional channels, and 1 international channel. This expansion reflects its commitment to regional diversity and accessibility, ensuring that every part of India is represented in its own language.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia Launches 'Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav' Website

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), officially launched the website for the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav. The launch, held at Sanchar Bhawan in New Delhi, highlights the government's dedication to showcasing Northeast India's cultural and economic richness on both national and international platforms.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav is set to take place from December 6th to 8th, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The festival celebrates the eight Northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—collectively known as the "Ashtalakshmi," symbolising eight forms of prosperity. The official website, www.ashtalakshmimahotsav.com, will provide updates, event schedules, and participation details.
Scindia emphasised the festival's role in bridging cultural and economic gaps between Northeast India and the rest of the country. He noted that the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav will showcase the region's rich culture and stimulate economic development by creating opportunities for artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs.

Sep 15, 2024

R. Ravindra Appointed as Ambassador to Iceland

The government issued an order appointing R. Ravindra, an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1999 batch, as India's next ambassador to Iceland. He currently holds the key position of India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Before he joined as representative at the UN in September 2020, Ravindra was Joint Secretary (Central and West Africa) at the MEA in New Delhi.
Previously, he served at the Indian Embassy in Cairo from 2001-2003 and Libya's Tripoli from 2003-2007. Earlier, he served at India's Permanent Mission to the UN in New York from 2010-2013 and at the Indian Embassy in Colombo from 2013-2016. He also served as India's Ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, with concurrent accreditation to Liberia and Guinea from 2016 to 2018.

MP Tops the List of Having AYUSH Doctors in PHCs in India

Madhya Pradesh topped in the country among states for having AYUSH facilities at 328 primary health centres in the state's urban areas, according to state government officials.
According to the report 'Health Dynamics of India – Infrastructure and Human Resources', released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Madhya Pradesh also ranked second in the number of district hospitals with 52, led by Uttar Pradesh with 125 and Delhi on third place with 40.
MP is also third in terms of tribal pockets, where there are AYUSH doctors available at 228 primary and community health centres. Odisha ranks first with 296 AYUSH doctors and Chhattisgarh is second with 279.
The report gives a comparative analysis of health infrastructure, technical staffing and availability of specialist doctors across states. It notes an increase in availability of specialist doctors, including surgeons, gynecologists, pediatricians, pharmacists, lab technicians, nursing staff and radiographers.

Sep 14, 2024

National Health Authority and IIT Kanpur Sign MoU

The National Health Authority (NHA) and IIT Kanpur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra. The partnership aims to revolutionise Artificial Intelligence in health research with an innovative data platform.
A federated learning platform across a variety of machine learning model pipelines, a quality-preserving database, an open benchmarking platform for comparing & validating AI models, and a consent management system for research under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) would be developed by IIT Kanpur.
The platform will subsequently be operated and governed by NHA, thereby unlocking the immense potential of AI for improving health outcomes.
ABDM aims to establish a robust digital health ecosystem through active collaboration between public and private sectors.
It also aims to integrate various healthcare entities—hospitals, clinics, labs, pharmacies, health insurance companies, and more to improve patient care, accessibility, and affordability.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Inaugurates 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, inaugurated the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation (APMC) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event witnessed the participation of Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, and Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Vumlunmang Vualnam, along with Directors General and distinguished delegates from 29 countries from the Asia-Pacific region.
Rammohan Naidu expressed his gratitude to the President of ICAO for his unwavering support and congratulated ICAO on its 80th anniversary, recognizing its role in advancing global aviation standards and safety. He lauded the enthusiasm of the delegates and emphasized that the conference reflects the shared vision of the Asia-Pacific region to build a more connected, resilient and robust aviation landscape.

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