General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - May 2023

May 2023

Jun 24, 2024

Pakistan Delegation in India to Discuss Indus Water Treaty

A Pakistani delegation came to India in connection with the 1960 Indus Water Treaty and visited Kishtwar to see the Dam sites.
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and former Pakistan President Ayub Khan in 1960 with the World Bank as a signatory to the pact.
The treaty warrants the two sides to meet once a year, alternately in India and Pakistan. However, the 2022 year's meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi was cancelled in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The last meeting was held in March 2023.
It sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding their use of the rivers, known as the Permanent Indus Commission which includes a commissioner from each of the two countries. It also sets out a process for resolving so-called "questions", "differences" and "disputes" that may arise between the parties.
India and Pakistan have engaged in a long outstanding water dispute over two hydroelectric projects.
Pakistan has objected to the building of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric plants by India, saying that it violates the provisions of the treaty. India insists on its right to build these projects and holds that their design is fully in compliance with the guidelines of the treaty.

PM Narendra Modi Unlikely to Attend SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, or SCO, summit in Kazakhstan. The SCO summit will be taking place from July 3 to 4, 2024 in Astana. India is likely to send some other representative to the summit.
Kazakhstan took over the presidency of the grouping from India, which was the president last year (2023). India hosted the SCO summit virtually in July 2023. This year's (2024) host is Kazakhstan.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a political, economic, and security group that was established in 2001. The current members of the SCO are China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran became a full member in 2023, under the Indian Presidency of the grouping. Belarus is an observer state and is next in line to gain full membership.

Ayyanna Patrudu Unanimously Elected as Speaker of A.P. Legislative Assembly

Narsipatnam MLA Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly in the absence of any other contestant for the coveted post.
His candidature was proposed by Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan on behalf of the Jana Sena Party (JSP) and IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh and Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar on behalf of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), respectively.

BJP's J. P. Nadda Leader of House in Rajya Sabha

Union Health Minister and senior BJP leader J. P. Nadda was appointed as the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha. Nadda also holds the Chemicals and Fertilizers portfolio in the Cabinet.
The Union Minister replaced Piyush Goyal as the Leader of the House. During Prime Minister Modi's second tenure, Goyal was the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha.

Russia Approves Draft Logistics Agreement with India

In a development aimed at bolstering military cooperation, the Russian government approved a draft logistics agreement with India. The draft agreement is a key step in increasing operational engagement between the armed forces of the two countries.
A logistics pact, such as the one proposed, facilitates mutual logistical support between countries during various military operations, including peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance, and joint military exercises. The support usually involves critical services like refuelling, maintenance, and supply of provisions, and increases interoperability.
This draft logistics pact is a continuation of the longstanding military relationship between Russia and India. In 2021, the two countries signed a comprehensive agreement on military-technical cooperation extending until 2030.

Jun 23, 2024

Telangana State Cabinet Approves Proposal to Waive Crop Loans for Each Farmer in the State by Aug 15

The Telangana state cabinet approved a proposal to waive up to two lakh rupees worth of crop loans for each farmer in the state by August 15. This is to fulfil another promise made by the Congress ahead of the Assembly elections last year (2023).
As per reports, crop loans taken between December 12, 2018 and December 9, 2023, will be eligible to avail of the waiver. The government will issue guidelines on eligibility criteria for crop loan waivers through a government order. Preliminary estimates show that the government needs to spend 31 thousand crore rupees for the crop loan waiver, and it is expected to benefit nearly 40 lakh farmers.

Jun 22, 2024

NHAI Signs MoU with IIIT Delhi to Enhance Road Safety Using Artificial Intelligence

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Delhi, a technical university established by the Government of National Capital Territory (NCT). This collaboration aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the availability and condition of road signs on National Highways, covering approximately 25,000 kilometres.
IIIT Delhi will conduct extensive surveys to collect imagery and other relevant data related to road signages along selected stretches of National Highways. The primary objective is to gather comprehensive information on the availability and condition of road signs.
The collected data will be processed using AI for accurate identification and classification of road signs. This process will result in a geo-stamped inventory of existing road signs, including their categorization and structural condition.
By harnessing AI and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), NHAI aims to significantly improve road safety for all National Highway users. This initiative reflects NHAI's commitment to embracing innovation and adopting advanced technologies for better road management and safety.

India, Bangladesh Sign Pact to Boost Ties in Maritime Sphere, Blue Economy

India and Bangladesh firmed up a futuristic vision to expand cooperation in several new areas and inked a raft of agreements, including boosting ties in the maritime sphere and blue economy.
The pacts were finalised at the wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina.
The key pacts signed by the two sides included one on forging strong ties in the digital domain and another on having a "green partnership.
The two sides also inked an agreement on railway connectivity.

Ministry of Women and Child Development Launches 100-Days Special Awareness Campaign on Women Emp...

The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched a 100-day nationwide awareness campaign to amplify awareness and outreach on women-centric issues.
The campaign, launched during the "National Workshop on SANKALP: Hub for Empowerment of Women," will run from June 21 to October 4.
The event was chaired by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur and attended by Secretary Anil Malik, along with various stakeholders and representatives from across India.
Minister of State Savitri Thakur emphasised the crucial role of women empowerment in national development.
Secretary Anil Malik said that this campaign is pivotal in ensuring that women across the country are aware of and can access the resources and support available to them.

Cabinet Approves Development of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the proposal of Airports Authority of India (AAI) for development of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi with an outlay of Rs. 2,870 crore. It includes construction of new terminal building, apron extension, runway extension, parallel taxi track & allied works.
"Varanasi airport will be developed as a green airport with the primary objective of ensuring environmental sustainability through energy optimisation, waste recycling, carbon footprint reduction, solar energy utilisation, and incorporation of natural daylighting, alongside other sustainable measures throughout the planning, development, and operational stages.

Jun 21, 2024

Senior BJP Leader Surama Padhy Elected Unopposed Speaker of Odisha Assembly

Senior BJP leader Surama Padhy was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Odisha Assembly.
Padhy, a two-time MLA elected from the Ranpur assembly segment in Nayagarh district was elected unopposed as there was no other candidate in the fray.
Pro-tem Speaker R. P. Swain announced her election and handed over the charge to her in the special session of the Assembly.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, deputy chief ministers – KV Singh Deo, Pravati Parida, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik and other members of the House greeted the new Speaker.
Padhy is the second woman to become Speaker of Odisha Assembly after Pramila Mallick of BJD.

Global Wind Energy Council India Appoints Girish Tanti from Suzlon Group as New Chairman

Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) India appointed Girish Tanti, Vice-Chairman of Suzlon Group, as the Chairman. The position plays a key role in driving GWEC India's work with national and state government's that assist government and industry's efforts for building the right momentum and establishing policy frameworks that will ensure India delivers on its enormous wind energy and supply chain potential, both onshore and offshore.

BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab Made Pro-tem Speaker of Lok Sabha

Days before the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, President Droupadi Murmu appointed seven-term MP from Odisha Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker of Lok Sabha, which triggered a political row as the Congress said that it was against convention.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the President appointed Mahtab, as Speaker pro-tem under Article 95(1) of the Constitution to perform the duties of Speaker till election of the Speaker. The Union Minister also said that the President also appointed Suresh Kodikunnil, Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste and Sudip Bandyopadhyay to assist Mahtab in administering the oath to newly elected Members of 18th Lok Sabha till the election of the Speaker.

Jun 20, 2024

Chirag Paswan and Ravneet Singh Launch Website and Mobile App for World Food India 2024

As a precursor to the 3rd edition of World Food India, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan and Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Railways, Ravneet Singh, launched the website and mobile application for World Food India 2024.
The ministry is organizing World Food India, the nation's largest food event, to foster collaboration and partnerships among global and Indian food sector stakeholders from September 19 to 22, 2024.

Newly Built Bridge Collapses Ahead of Inauguration in Bihar's Araria

A major portion of a 182-metre bridge at Sikti in Bihar's Araria district collapsed.
The bridge over Bakra River was built by private contractors at a cost of Rs. 12 crore under the PM Gramin Sadak scheme. Initially estimated to cost Rs. 7.79 crore, the construction started in April 2021 and was completed in June 2023. It was to be inaugurated soon after the construction of approach roads on either side of the bridge.
Local authorities suspected that recent digging near two pillars of the bridge to allow smooth flow of water might have weakened the pillars, causing the collapse. The bridge had a total of 16 pillars.

After 24 Years, Former CM Naveen Patnaik Takes New Role

Facing defeat for the first time since 2000, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is all set to lead the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly after he was appointed as Leader of Opposition (LoP).
Additionally, Senior MLA Prasanna Acharya was named the deputy leader of the opposition, while former speaker Pramila Mallik would be the chief whip of the opposition in the House.
Patnaik named Pratap Keshari Deb as the deputy chief whip of the opposition in the assembly.

Bihar's Move to Hike Reservation from 50 To 65% Struck Down By High Court

In a big setback to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the Patna High Court struck down the 65 per cent reservation in government jobs and education that was introduced last year (2023) after a state-wide caste survey. The state government's move had taken the reservation in Bihar past the 50 per cent cap mandated by the Supreme Court.
The order was passed by a division bench headed by Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran on petitions opposing the legislation brought by the Nitish Kumar government in November 2023. Kumar's JDU was then allied to the RJD and the Congress. A month later, he switched to the BJP and became Chief Minister again.

Haryana Congress Leader Kiran Choudhry, Her Daughter Shruti Join BJP

Former Haryana Congress leader Kiran Choudhry and her daughter Shruti Choudhry joined the BJP, ahead of the assembly polls in Haryana slated to be held later this year.
Kiran Choudhry and Shruti Choudhry joined the party at an event held in the BJP office in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, former Chief Minister and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh and other party leaders.
Kiran Choudhry is the daughter-in-law of late former Haryana Chief Minister and Congress stalwart Bansi Lal. She and her daughter Shruti resigned from the primary membership of Congress after she took a dig at former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, alleging that the party's state unit was being run as a "personal fiefdom".

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