General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - May 2022

May 2022

Jul 20, 2024

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju inaugurates 'Lok Samvardhan Parv' at Delhi Haat in New Delhi

As part of its 100 days' programme, the Ministry of Minority Affairs is organising "Lok Samvardhan Parv" to showcase the schemes, programmes and achievements of the Ministry and also highlighting the activities undertaken in convergence with partner organisations and success stories under its various schemes.
The Lok Samvardhan Parv was inaugurated by Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs. The Minister released a Coffee table book on schemes and achievements of Ministry of Minority Affairs. Further, a Credit Plan of National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) for extending credit of over Rs.1000 crores to over 2.5 lakh beneficiaries during 2024-25 was also released by the Minister.

'Utkrishtata ki Ore Badhte Kadam' Event, Organised by MoHUA

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) organised an event in July 2024, named 'Utkrishtata ki Ore Badhte Kadam'. Celebrating Achievements, Inspiring Excellence to felicitate best performers under PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Yojana and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM).
The event was attended by Manohar Lal, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, as Chief Guest, Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Anurag Jain, Secretary, MoHUA and senior officials from Central Government, State Governments, Lending Institutions, Digital Payment Aggregators, key partners and most importantly, the beneficiaries of DAY-NULM and PM SVANidhi.
The event was organised to commemorate the outstanding accomplishments of the year 2023-24 and express gratitude to the stakeholders whose tireless efforts were instrumental in achieving those milestones.

UPSC chairperson Manoj Soni Resigns

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) chairperson Manoj Soni resigned due to personal reasons, almost five years before his tenure was to end in 2029. However, sources said Soni's resignation was not related to the controversy surrounding probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who allegedly submitted fraudulent disability and caste certificates to get selected.
Manoj Soni became a member of the UPSC, a constitutional body, in 2017. On May 16, 2023, he took over as chairperson of the commission, which conducts the civil services exam (CSE) to recruit candidates into top government services like IAS, IPS, IFS.
The Royal Commission on the superior Civil Services in India was set up under the chairmanship of Lord Lee of Fareham by the British Government in 1923. With equal numbers of Indian and British members, the commission submitted its report in 1924, recommending setting up of a Public Service Commission. The Lee Commission proposed that 40% of future entrants should be British, 40% Indians directly recruited, and 20% Indians promoted from the provincial services.
This led to the establishment of the first Public Service Commission on October 1, 1926 under the chairmanship of Sir Ross Barker.

'The Future Is Now' As the Theme for IMC 2024: J.M. Scindia

The theme of the India Mobile Congress 2024, to be held from October 15 to 18, 2024 'The Future is Now', was unveiled by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region. The theme signifies how India stands at the heart of the technological evolution and IMC 2024 bringing together global leaders, visionaries, pioneers, and innovators to collaborate and actively shape the technologies transforming our world today, where the future isn't just a concept, it's happening.
The event aims to showcase more than 900 technology use case scenarios, host 100+ sessions and talks by more than 600 speakers.
IMC 2024 will bring an urgent and engaging narrative, reminding that the technologies we once dreamed of are now an active part of our daily lives and will encourage attendees to delve into the latest advancements in domains like 6G, AI, Semiconductors, Broadcasting, Electronics manufacturing, Satcom, Quantum, and Security etc. India Mobile Congress 2024 will serve as a perfect platform to showcase innovative solutions, services and state-of-the-art use cases for industry, government, academics, startups and other key stakeholders in the technology ecosystem.

Jul 19, 2024

Climate Conference 2024

The Climate Conference 2024, themed "Decoding the Green Transition for India," took place on January 12, 2024, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, the event focused on the pivotal role of the private sector, climate tech Startups and institutional investors in mobilizing financial resources and technical capabilities.
The goal was to leverage government efforts, engage civil society and communities, and develop innovative climate services and adaptation technologies.
The Conference was organised under the Green Climate Fund Readiness Programme with Delivery Partner UNDP India and supported by Knowledge Partner Avaana Capital.

Jul 18, 2024

Uttarakhand's eSwasthya Dham Portal Integrates with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

In a significant stride towards enhancing digital healthcare infrastructure, the Uttarakhand government successfully integrated its eSwasthya Dham portal with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). This integration marks a crucial step in improving health monitoring and management for pilgrims undertaking the revered Char Dham Yatra, while also aligning with India's broader digital health initiatives.
Launched in September 2021 as a central sector scheme, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission aims to create a unified digital health infrastructure across India. This ambitious project seeks to revolutionise healthcare delivery by leveraging technology to improve accessibility, efficiency, and transparency in health services.
The eSwasthya Dham portal plays a crucial role in monitoring the health parameters of pilgrims embarking on the Char Dham Yatra. This spiritual journey, which includes visits to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, often presents health challenges due to high altitudes and harsh weather conditions.

Thane to Borivali: India's Longest and Largest Urban Tunnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's longest and largest urban tunnel project, the Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel, developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). This Rs. 16,600 crore project will reduce travel time between Thane and Borivali from over an hour to just 12 minutes, cutting the travel distance by 12 km. This initiative is part of broader infrastructure projects worth Rs. 29,000 crore aimed at enhancing connectivity in Mumbai.

Poll Body Gives Aggrieved Candidates Choice on How They Want To Check EVMs

Aggrieved candidates, who have applied for Supreme Court-directed checking of EVMs for tampering post Lok Sabha and assembly results, have been given various choices by the Election Commission, including picking machines from any polling station in an assembly segment and opting for a mock poll and mock VVPAT slip count.
According to standard operating procedure issued by the Election Commission, the candidates who came number two and three have been given a vast number of random tests to choose from.
The Election Commission said that by going beyond controlled environment check and verification process of burnt memory eliminates the possibility or apprehension of any bias or hidden functionality in the firmware.
The Election Commission has received eight applications from aggrieved candidates, including those from the BJP and the Congress, for verification of tampering or modification in micro-controller chips embedded in the EVMs post declaration of the Lok Sabha election results on June 4.

India Completes 4th ICCPR Human Rights Review

India successfully concluded its 4th periodic review by the Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Geneva.
The Indian delegation, co-led by the Ld. Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani and Ld. Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, also included Secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor, and comprised senior officials from the Ministries of Women and Child Development; Social Justice and Empowerment; Electronics and Information Technology; Minority Affairs; External Affairs; Tribal Affairs; Home Affairs; and the Offices of Ld. Attorney General and Ld. Solicitor General.
The Human Rights Committee, comprising 18 independent experts serving in their individual capacity, monitors implementation of ICCPR and reviews reports of all States Parties (countries) by conducting periodic reviews, and then making observations and recommendations.

India Releases $2.5 Million in Aid for Palestine Refugees

The Indian government released the first tranche of USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as part of its annual contribution of USD 5 million for the year 2024-25. The UNRWA, which has carried out direct relief and works programmes for registered Palestinian refugees since 1950, is making efforts to keep up its functioning in the middle of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Over the years, in its endeavour to support the Palestinian refugees and their welfare, India has provided financial support to the tune of USD 35 million till 2023-24 for the UN agency's core programmes and services, including education, healthcare, relief and social services provided to Palestinian refugees.

Appointment of Manoj Saunik as MahaRERA Chairman

Former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Manoj Saunik, was appointed as the next Chairman of the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA). He will succeed Ajoy Mehta, whose term ends in September 2024.
Saunik, an IAS officer of the 1987 batch, retired as Chief Secretary in December 2023 and currently serves as the Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister.
MahaRERA has been actively enforcing project updates from developers and is integrating Artificial Intelligence tools to assess real estate projects.
Established in March 2017, MahaRERA previously had Gautam Chaterjee and Ajoy Mehta as its chairs before Saunik's appointment.

Jul 17, 2024

Government Reconstitutes NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog was reconstituted with some new ministers in the Modi 3.0 government from the BJP and its allies in the National Democratic Alliance made as ex-officio members or Special Invitees.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to be the chairperson of the NITI Aayog and there are no changes in the post of Vice Chairman and full-time members.
Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the new ex officio member, while Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda and Minister of Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy are Special Invitees.

BRIC-THSTI Hosts SYNCHN 2024 Industry Meet

Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), hosted SYNCHN 2024. This event aimed to strengthen academia-industry collaborations in the NCR Biotech Cluster, focusing on advancing biomanufacturing and bio-innovation.
Prof. Vinod K. Paul from NITI Aayog emphasised the government's support for partnerships driving bioinnovation and India's global leadership in biotech.
Representatives from leading biotech firms discussed collaboration benefits and THSTI's role in bridging academia with industry. Breakout sessions facilitated direct interactions between industry leaders and THSTI researchers, enhancing mutual understanding and partnership prospects.
THSTI's state-of-the-art facilities, including a Small Animal Facility and Bioassay Laboratory, support its mission to accelerate biomedical discoveries and facilitate their clinical application within the NCR Biotech Science Cluster.

Himachal Cabinet Approves Plan to Rationalise Provisions of Zero Electricity Bill for Domestic Users

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet gave its approval to rationalise the provisions for zero electricity bills for domestic consumers by restricting subsidy to 'one family, one meter' and interlinking power connections with ration cards.
The state Cabinet decided to abolish the entire subsidy on electricity bills of the Chief Minister, former CMs, Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Ministers, MPs, MLAs, former Ministers, Chairman of boards and advisors, OSDs, all Class-I and Class-2 employees of the government, corporations, and boards, including IAS, IPS, and other officers, and all income taxpayers.
The Cabinet has also approved the declaration of land acquisition and compensation to the families affected by the expansion of Kangra airport. Furthermore, it was decided to provide the state share of capital costs for the construction of Bulk Drug Park in the Haroli Assembly constituency of Una district and approved the calling of its tender.

All-India Institute of Ayurveda Successfully Hosts 'Saushrutam 2024'

The Department of Shalya Tantra at All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) New Delhi successfully organised the Second National Seminar SAUSHRUTAM Shalya Sangoshti on the auspicious occasion of Sushruta Jayanti-2024. Sushruta Jayanti is celebrated every year on July 15 to honour the legendary Sushruta, considered as the father of surgery.
Prof. Sandeep Kumar, Founder Director, AIIMS Bhopal was the Chief Guest for the inauguration ceremony. Padamshri Prof. Manoranjan Sahu, Founder Director AIIA Delhi; Prof. Anurag srivastav, Ex-HoD surgical disciplines, AIIMS New Delhi and Dr MC Misra, former Director AIIMs were the Guest of Honours. AIIA Director Prof. (Dr) Tanuja Nesari; Prof Dr Yogesh Badwe, HoD Shalyatantra welcomed all the dignitaries and briefed about seminar. The event was also blessed by the presence of Dean PG Prof. Anand More and other senior faculty members of AIIA.

Jul 16, 2024

Centre Empowers Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir

The Centre strengthened the authority of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir through amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The amended rules, effective immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette, significantly enhance the LG's powers, particularly in matters related to transfers, postings of all-India service officers, police, and judicial appointments.
Previously, proposals concerning police, public order, all-India services, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau required the Finance Department's approval before reaching the LG. Under the new rules, such proposals must be submitted directly to the LG through the Chief Secretary of the Union territory, limiting the role of the elected government in critical governance matters.
These amendments come amidst speculation of upcoming assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. The move suggests a shift towards a governance model where the LG holds significant authority over key administrative and security-related decisions, potentially influencing the Union Territory's political landscape post-election.

Second Regional Event of 'Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman' to be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

The second regional event of the 'Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman' campaign, under the aegis of Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA), took place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on the 16th of July 2024. This event commemorated the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution and India becoming a Republic. The campaign aimed to promote understanding of the Constitution and raise awareness about legal rights. The event saw the launch of the 'Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman' portal, which will serve as a knowledge repository, offering citizens easy access to information to foster awareness about the Constitution and legal rights. Additionally, sub-campaigns 'Sabko Nyaya Har Ghar Nyaya', 'Nav Bharat Nav Sankalp', and 'Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyaan' were also be organised.
The 'Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman' campaign was inaugurated by the Vice-President of India on January 24, 2024 at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The first regional event was inaugurated by the Honourable Chief Justice of India, Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, in Bikaner, Rajasthan on March 9, 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates INS Towers in Mumbai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the INS Towers at the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) Secretariat in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex. This new facility is set to serve as a modern hub for the newspaper industry in Mumbai, addressing the evolving needs of INS members.
The Prime Minister emphasised the media's potential impact on the nation's future, particularly in the next 25 years as India progresses towards becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

July GK, June GK, May GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26