General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - May 2022

May 2022

Apr 14, 2024

India Relocates Staff in Sittwe Consulate to Yangon

India relocated its staff from its consulate in Myanmarese city of Sittwe to Yangon in view of the precarious security situation in that region of Myanmar.
As per external Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, India is closely monitoring the security situation in that country.

Vandita Kaul New as Secretary of Department of Posts

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Vandita Kaul (IPoS) as Secretary of the Department of Posts.
Vandita is an Indian Postel Service (IPoS) service officer of the 1989 batch.
Presently, she is posted as a Member (Banking & Direct Benefit Transfer) of Postal Services.
For more than 150 years, the Department of Posts (DoP) has been the backbone of the country's communication and has played a crucial role in the country's social economic development. It touches the lives of Indian citizens in many ways: delivering mails, accepting deposits under Small Savings Schemes, providing life insurance cover under Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) and providing retail services like bill collection, sale of forms, etc. The DoP also acts as an agent for Government of India in discharging other services for citizens such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) wage disbursement and old age pension payments. With more than 1,55,000 post offices, the DoP has the most widely distributed postal network in the world.

Apr 13, 2024

Election Commission Eases Voting Process for Kashmiri Migrant Voters

The Election Commission of India has eliminated the requirement for Kashmiri migrant voters in Jammu and Udhampur districts of J&K to fill out 'Form M' to vote in the Lok Sabha polls.
This decision comes after years of demand from displaced voters in the region. However, migrants residing outside of these districts will still need to submit 'Form M', but can now self-attest the certificate required, instead of needing it attested by a gazetted officer. These changes were made in response to difficulties faced by Kashmiri migrant groups in filling out Form M for every election.
The J&K chief electoral officer has supported these changes, which aim to streamline the voting process for displaced voters.
Under the new system, Kashmiri migrant electors will be mapped with special polling stations in the zones they are registered or residing in, eliminating the need for Form M. The EC noted that the previous procedure created unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for Kashmiri migrant voters.

Apr 11, 2024

President of India Inaugurates Homoeopathy Symposium on World Homoeopathy Day

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated a two-day Homoeopathy Symposium organized by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy in New Delhi on World Homoeopathy Day (April 10, 2024). In her address, the President highlighted the following:
Homoeopathy has been adopted in many countries as a simple and accessible treatment method.
Institutions at the international, national, and local levels have been promoting Homoeopathy worldwide.
She appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of AYUSH, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, National Commission for Homoeopathy, National Institute of Homoeopathy, and other central government institutions in promoting Homoeopathy in India.
The theme of the symposium, "Empowering Research, Enhancing Proficiency," is highly relevant in the 21st century.
Research and proficiency will play a crucial role in increasing the acceptance and popularity of Homoeopathy.
Authentic medical research with facts and analysis is necessary to recognize the experiences of people who have benefited from Homoeopathy.
Encouraging scientific rigor will further increase people's confidence in this medical system.

Delhi Minister Raaj Kumar Anand Resigns from Cabinet, Quits AAP

In a setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi, its social welfare minister, Raaj Kumar Anand, resigned from both the party and the government on Wednesday, citing two key reasons. He alleged that the party was "mired in the quicksand of graft" and had no moral right to continue in government, and also accused it of "ignoring the Dalit community".
Dismissing the charges, the AAP said it had "sympathy" for Anand, and alleged that the BJP was using central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to "break our ministers and MLAs".
AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh told reporters that Anand had been summoned by the ED on April 12. This was later confirmed by ED sources.

India Wins Key Posts in UN Bodies, Many Uncontested

India retained several positions in UN bodies, including a third consecutive term in the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), with the highest number of votes.
India secured 41 votes out of the 53 voting members of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the highest amongst all winning member states. With 41 votes, the Indian nominees won the INCB seat. There were 24 candidates in the fray for five seats. Indian nominees also won uncontested elections to the Commission on the Status of Women for 2025-2029 and the Executive Boards of the UN Children's Fund, the UN Development Programme.
It also retained positions on the UN Population Fund, and the United Nations Office for Project Services for the 2025-2027 term. India also successfully placed its nominees on the Executive Boards of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, and the World Food Programme, both for the 2025-2027 term. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted that India's nominee was re-elected to the International Narcotics Control Board with the highest number of votes amongst all elected member states.

Apr 10, 2024

GUJCOST Designated as Nodal Centre for ISRO's START Programme

GUJCOST has been appointed as the Nodal Centre for ISRO's START programme, aimed at nurturing aspiring scientists and engineers in the field of space science and technology. The programme, conceptualized by ISRO, provides an introductory online platform covering various areas of space science research.
Under the START programme, GUJCOST will conduct live classes, acting as the central hub for knowledge dissemination. Four Regional Science Centres in Rajkot, Patan, Bhavnagar, and Bhuj will also contribute to facilitating the programme, expanding its reach across the region.
The inaugural online programme, titled "Exploration of Solar System," invites registrations until April 19. Scheduled to commence on April 24 and run until May 10, 2024, the programme aims to provide participants with a deep understanding of the complexities of the solar system.

Pune Celebrates Yoga Mahotsav Ahead of International Yoga Day

The 'Yoga Mahotsav' was held in Pune, Maharashtra, to mark the 75-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga. Organised by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and the National Institute of Naturopathy, Ministry of Ayush, the event witnessed the overwhelming participation of thousands of people. The participants engaged in the practice of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), showcasing the growing popularity of Yoga.
The Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) was given significant importance during the event, with a live demonstration performed by the experts from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga.
More than 5,000 Yoga practitioners participated in the CYP demonstration, which was streamed through various social media platforms of the Ministry of Ayush, MDNIY, and other Yoga institutions.

Apr 09, 2024

Pay Extra for AC: Telangana Cabbies Announce New Campaign This Summer

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), on April 8, announced a 'No AC Campaign' due to declining per kilometre fares under offer by major cab aggregators like Uber, Ola and Rapido.
"We, drivers working with #Uber, #Ola and #Rapido apps are unable to turn on the AC in our cabs due to declining per-kilometre fares. The cost of running our cabs with AC is rupees 16-18 per kilometre," the organisation said in a post on X.
The gig workers body said that after accounting for commissions charged by Uber, Ola and Rapido, the drivers are able to earn only rupees 10-12 per km.
"All our customers on this matter. If they require the AC to be switched on during rides, we request them to kindly offer us a tip to help us adequately meet the costs. We, drivers working with Uber, Ola and Rapido apps are unable to turn on the AC in our cabs due to declining per-kilometre fares. With temperatures in Hyderabad soaring up to 43 degrees Celsius, turning on the AC means that the costs for fuel and maintenance rise." it added.

Innovative Election Initiative: Punjab Launches 'Booth Raabta' Website

In an innovative move aimed at enhancing voter engagement and accessibility to election-related information, Punjab's Malerkotla district introduced the 'Booth Raabta' website. Spearheaded by District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Pallavi, this platform, accessible via boothraabta.com, serves as a comprehensive resource hub for voters and polling personnel alike. The initiative has garnered praise from key officials, including Deputy Election Commissioner of India, Hirdesh Kumar, and Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C.
The 'Booth Raabta' website facilitates easy access to crucial election-related information, empowering voters with the tools they need to make informed decisions. Notably, it offers young voters the ability to download certificates and provides a platform for voters to rate polling stations, enhancing transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Centre Appoints Manoj Panda as New Finance Commission Member

Manoj Panda, renowned economist and former director of the Institute of Economic Growth, has been appointed as a full-time member of the Sixteenth Finance Commission by the Centre. This appointment completes the panel, enabling it to begin its crucial tasks.
Panda, an esteemed economist and former director of the Institute of Economic Growth, joins as a full-time member.
Prior to Panda's appointment, the finance panel operated with only three full-time members and Chairperson Arvind Panagariya. With Panda onboard, the commission is now at full strength, comprising four full-time members and a chairperson.
The vacancy in the commission arose when Niranjan Rajadhyaksha, Executive Director of Artha Global, cited unforeseen personal circumstances for his inability to assume the role. Panda's appointment rectifies this vacancy, ensuring the commission's operational effectiveness.

Indian Coast Guard Inaugurates Aquatic Centre at Mandapam, Tamil Nadu

Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal inaugurated the Indian Coast Guard Aquatic Centre at ICGS Mandapam near Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, as part of his four-day visit to the maritime force's bases in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry. The visit aimed to review operational preparedness and infrastructure development in the region, with a focus on ensuring safe, secure, and clean seas.
During his visit, DG Rakesh Pal engaged with officers and personnel to discuss his vision for maritime safety and security.
The Indian Coast Guard operates alongside the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as one of the four forces under the Defence Ministry, each governed by its own legislation.

UP Ex-top Cop Joins BJP

Former Uttar Pradesh director general of police (DGP) Vijay Kumar, who retired from the post nearly two months ago, joined the BJP along with his wife, stating that he will follow the party's instructions on contesting the Lok Sabha elections.
Kumar, a 1988-batch IPS officer, and his wife Anupama Kumar were inducted into the party fold by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and others at the BJP office in Lucknow.
He is the second former state DGP to join the BJP in the past decade after Brij Lal, who became a party member in 2015 and was elected to the Rajya Sabha five years later.

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