General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - May 2022

May 2022

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.

Jun 25, 2023

Indian Railways, USAID/India Indian Sign MoU for Renewable Energy

Indian railways signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India) for collaboration on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The Ministry of Railways said that through MoU, technical assistance and support would be provided to Indian Railways.
The MoU broadly includes long-term energy planning including clean energy for railways and technical support for addressing regulatory and implementation barriers.
The MoU is expected to assist in the development of an energy efficiency policy and action plan for IR buildings along with planning for clean energy procurement to achieve the railways' net-zero vision.
It will also support railways in the promotion of e-mobility.
The collaboration of Indian Railways with USAID will also support railways in the promotion of e-mobility and to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2030.

Coal Ministry Initiates Star Rating Registration Process for Coal, Lignite Mines

In order to foster competitiveness among mines and recognise their outstanding performance based on compliance of statutory provisions, adoption of advanced mining technology and economic achievements, the Ministry of Coal announced the commencement of Star Rating Registration process of coal and lignite mines for the financial year 2022-23.
The Star Rating policy aims to evaluate mines based on various factors across seven key parameters namely, Mining Operations, Environment-related parameters, Adoption of Technologies, Best Mining Practices, Economic performance, Rehabilitation & Resettlement, Worker-related Compliance and Safety & security.

Jun 24, 2023

Centre Allocates Rs. 145 cr to Nagaland for Setting up Unity Mall

The Central government has allocated Rs. 145 crore to Nagaland for the construction of a Unity Mall in Dimapur. This funding is part of the Union Budget 2023-24, which has set aside Rs. 5,000 crore for the establishment of Unity Malls across the country. The mall in Nagaland aims to promote and showcase the state's One District One Product (ODOP) offerings, highlighting the unique products and industries of the region.

India, US Agree to End 6 Trade Disputes at WTO

India and the US agreed to end six trade disputes at the World Trade Organisation while New Delhi will also remove retaliatory customs duties on 28 American products such as almonds, walnuts and apples.
This came amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
In 2018, the US imposed 25 per cent and 10 per cent import duties on certain steel and aluminium products respectively on grounds of national security. In retaliation, India in June 2019 imposed customs duties on 28 American products, including chickpeas, lentils, almonds, walnuts, apples, boric acid and diagnostic reagents.

Jun 23, 2023

Retired Allahabad HC Judge Umesh Kumar Appointed Chairman of DERC

Former Allahabad High Court judge Umesh Kumar was appointed the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission chairman by the President, a move likely to fuel a fresh tussle between the LG and the AAP government as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had suggested another retired judge for the post.
According to a statement issued by the lieutenant governor's office, Justice Umesh Kumar (retired) was appointed the DERC chairman by President Droupadi Murmu in the exercise of powers conferred by Section 45(b) of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, read with sub-section 2 of Section 84 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
Chief Minister Kejriwal had in January recommended the name of retired High Court judge Rajeev Kumar Srivastava for appointment as the chairperson of the power regulator.

Two- day G-20 Labour Engagement Summit Concludes in Bihar

In Bihar, the capital city Patna hosted a two-day G-20 Labour Engagement summit on June 22 and 23. The Arts and Culture Department of the State was the nodal agency for this mega event, which witnessed participation of around 180 delegates of G20 member countries.
As per the nodal officer, the government of Bihar took this occasion as privilege to showcase its rich arts, cultural heritage and tourism to visiting delegates.
During the two-day mega event, representatives from trade unions and officials of G-20 countries brainstormed over the issues of labour and skill in the sectors of agriculture, energy, employment, environment and allied areas.

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