General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - March 2023

Mar 2023

Dec 16, 2024

Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Passed by Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 through a voice vote, which seeks to amend the existing Disaster Management Act, 2005.
The Bill, introduced in Lok Sabha on August 1 this year, proposes creation of disaster databases at national and state level; constitution of Urban Disaster Management Authority for state capital and large cities having municipal corporation, and constitution of State Disaster Response Force by the state governments.
MoS for Home, Nityanand Rai, said the Bill is aimed at bringing clarity and uniformity in the role of various institutions at national, state and district level.

4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the fourth National Conference of Chief Secretaries from 13 to 15 December, 2024). Organised by the NITI Aayog, the theme of the three-day conference was 'Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment & Skilling – Leveraging the Demographic Dividend'. The meeting also saw discussions on manufacturing, services, renewable energy and circular economy among others.
A release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the meeting will be another key step towards further boosting the partnership between the Centre and State governments. "The Conference of Chief Secretaries is driven by the vision of the Prime Minister to strengthen cooperative federalism and ensure better coordination between the Centre and States to achieve faster growth and development," the release said.

India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024

The 1^st India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC 2024), organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on December 11-12, marked a significant occasion to honour India's rich maritime legacy while envisioning its future as a global maritime leader.
This landmark event brought together key ministers, maritime experts, and international dignitaries, reaffirming India's crucial role in global trade and culture. The conclave also highlighted the nation's growing maritime potential, emphasising sustainable practices and opportunities for employment and innovation in the sector.

Dec 15, 2024

India and Nicaragua Sign Impactful Agreement

India and Nicaragua signed an umbrella agreement to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). The agreement was signed by Indian Ambassador to Panama, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, Sumit Seth, and Nicaragua's Foreign Minister, Valdrack Jaentschke, in the capital city of Managua.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to deliver tangible benefits to local communities in Nicaragua by focusing on key areas such as physical infrastructure—roads and community centers—as well as social infrastructure, including education, healthcare, and sanitation. The Government of India will provide grant assistance for each QIP under this framework, ensuring immediate and visible improvements for the people of Nicaragua.

Dec 14, 2024

M. K. Stalin Inaugurates Periyar Memorial, Library in Kerala's Vaikom

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin inaugurated the Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Periyar Library, established in honour of Dravidar Kazhagam founder E. V. Ramasamy, in Vaikom in the Kottayam district of Kerala.
The event drew a large crowd to Vaikom, a town known for the historic Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-1925), which fought for the rights of lower castes to access temple roads.
The programme marked the valedictory function of the centenary celebrations of the Vaikom Satyagraha, a movement that saw the active participation of Periyar E. V. Ramasamy.

Dec 13, 2024

Centre to Incubate 8 New Smart Cities under New Cities Scheme

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched a new scheme extending the Smart City Mission, with an allocation of Rs. 8,000 crore as a performance-based challenge fund for incubating 8 new cities. This initiative aims to manage the rapid urbanisation pressures following the success of the Smart Cities Mission. Under this scheme, each state can have only one new city through the allocated fund.
The selection process included the formation of an Expert Committee to finalize bid parameters and eligibility conditions. A total of 28 proposals from 23 states were received, despite the initial lack of proposals from the North-Eastern States. The proposed cities include notable ones like Kopparthay (Andhra Pradesh), Gumin Nagar (Arunachal Pradesh), New MOPA Ayush City (Goa), Aerocity (Kerala), and Thirumazhisai (Tamil Nadu), among others.

Dec 11, 2024

Sarbananda Sonowal Unveils the India Maritime Heritage Conclave

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways inaugurated the India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024 (IMHC) that aimed to bring together prominent speakers, maritime experts & thought leaders from across the globe to discuss & celebrate India's seafaring traditions. Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the maiden India Maritime Heritage Conclave held from December 11 and 12, 2024 at Yashobhoomi Convention Center in New Delhi, in the august presence of Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar and others.

Ajay Seth Assumes Additional Charge as Revenue Secretary

The government assigned Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth the additional charge of Revenue Secretary following the appointment of Sanjay Malhotra as the new Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor. This transition reflects significant administrative shifts in India's financial governance, effective immediately.
Ajay Seth, a 1987 batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, will hold dual responsibilities as Economic Affairs and Revenue Secretary until a permanent replacement is appointed. The decision was made by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Seth's expertise in public finance, taxation, foreign investments, and public-private partnerships positions him to effectively manage the responsibilities of both roles.

No-confidence against Dhankhar, A First in Rajya Sabha History

For the first time in the 72-year history of the Rajya Sabha, Opposition parties have formally submitted a no-confidence motion against the Chairman. There have been three occasions, however, when a no-confidence motion has been moved against the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Opposition parties have alleging bias in Dhankhar's approach in running the Upper House, accusing him of "suppressing" their voice, issues and questions.

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