General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - July 2023

Jul 2023

Jun 09, 2025

All India Institute of Ayurveda Hosts Iyengar Yoga Workshop under 'Yoga Samavesh'

As part of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 celebrations, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) organise a special three-day Iyengar Yoga Workshop under the inclusive theme of 'Yoga Samavesh'. The workshop is being held from June 9 to 11, 2025.
The sessions are being led by renowned Iyengar Yoga teacher Amit Sharma from Lifeyoga Centre, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The workshop focuses on precision in body alignment techniques and enhancing mental wellness, hallmarks of the Iyengar Yoga tradition.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Performs Rare Grand Consecration After 270 Years

Hundreds of devotees thronged the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala to witness Maha Kumbhabhishekam held at the shrine after 270 years.
This grand consecration took place following the completion of long-overdue renovation work at this ancient temple.
Dedication of "thazhikakudams", (the three domes above the sanctum sanctorum), the reinstallation of the Vishwaksena idol, and the 'Ashtabandha Kalasam' at the Thiruvambady Sree Krishna Temple (located within the main shrine complex) were held.
The Vishwaksena idol, renovated and reinstalled now, is about 300 years old and was built in "katu sarkara yogam", a traditional method involving a unique combination of materials to create idols.

T. Rabi Sankar Appointed as Part-time Member of the 16th Finance Commission

The President appointed T. Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as a part-time Member of the 16th Finance Commission (XVIFC). He shall hold office until the submission of the Commission's Report or October 31, 2025, whichever is earlier.
The appointment of T. Rabi Sankar is consequent to the resignation of one of the full-time Members of the XVIFC, Ajay Narayan Jha.
The XVIFC was constituted on December 31, 2023, with Arvind Panagariya, former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, as its chairman. The XVIFC is mandated to submit its recommendations by October 31, 2025, for the award period of five years commencing from April 1, 2026.

Jun 08, 2025

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy Inaugurates Critical Mineral Seminar

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Critical Mineral Seminar and launched the NCMM Outreach Forum under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).
He called for enhanced collaboration among government agencies, industry, research institutions, and startups to build a resilient, self-reliant critical minerals ecosystem. Reddy underlined that the Outreach Forum would serve as a vital platform to foster innovation, attract investments, and promote sustainable development, aligning with India's vision of becoming a global hub for critical mineral processing and technology.

Kiren Rijiju Launches UMEED Central Portal to Modernise Waqf Property Management

The government launched the UMEED portal that would create a digital inventory after geo-tagging of all Waqf properties.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, launched the UMEED Central Portal in New Delhi that would create a digital inventory after geo-tagging of all Waqf properties.
The portal, developed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, was officially launched in the presence of Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian.
The UMEED Central Portal, named after the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995, is a centralised digital platform designed to enable real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties.

Amit Shah Launches Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag to Promote Indian Languages in Governance

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag (BBA), or Indian Languages Section, in New Delhi. This initiative is aimed at reducing the dominance of foreign languages, especially English, in India's administrative functioning and promoting the use of mother tongues in decision-making and official communication. The move aligns with the vision of linguistic inclusion and is a key step towards fostering unity through India's linguistic diversity.
Aims and Objectives
To free India's administration from the influence of foreign languages
To promote thinking, analysis, and decision-making in Indian languages
To facilitate universal translation between Indian languages and Hindi (and vice versa)
To strengthen regional languages and ensure inclusivity in governance

Jun 06, 2025

S. Mahendra Dev Appointed Chairperson of Economic Advisory Council to PM

Economist S. Mahendra Dev was named the new chairperson of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). Dev assumed charge following his resignation from the board of Axis Bank.
The position had remained vacant since November last year (2024) after the death of Bibek Debroy, the council's first chairman. In the interim, NITI Aayog vice chairman Suman Bery had been overseeing EAC-PM in an additional capacity.
The EAC-PM functions as an advisory body to the Prime Minister, offering analysis and recommendations on key economic issues that warrant attention at the highest policy levels.

PM Modi Unveils World's Highest Railway Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's highest railway bridge, Chenab Rail Bridge and laid foundation stones for infrastructure projects worth over Rs. 46,000 crore in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chenab Rail Bridge is a world's highest railway bridge and situated at a height of 359 meters above the river. This is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions. A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.

The 4th Meeting of the India - Central Asia Dialogue

External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar hosted the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan for the 4th meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi. The 3rd meeting of the Dialogue was hosted by India in New Delhi in December 2021.
India and Central Asia, in each other's 'Extended Neighbourhood', enjoy close and cordial contemporary diplomatic relations underpinned by millennia old cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The India-Central Asia Dialogue is a manifestation of mutual interest on the part of India and the Central Asian countries to forge even closer, wider and stronger partnership in a spirit of friendship, trust and mutual understanding.

Jun 05, 2025

Ashwani Lohani Appointed Director of Prime Ministers Museum and Library

Ashwani Lohani, former Chairman and Managing Director of Air India and ex-Chairman of the Railway Board, was appointed as the Director of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) in New Delhi. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment for a tenure of three years, filling the vacancy left after the exit of former power secretary Sanjiv Nandan Sahai.

India, UK Hold 17th Foreign Office Consultations

India and the United Kingdom held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi, where the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of their bilateral ties. The meeting also marked the launch of the first Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue (SETCD), aimed at deepening collaboration in high-technology and strategic sectors.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri led the Indian delegation, while the UK side was represented by Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The last FOC was held in London in May 2024.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, counter-terrorism, climate action, green energy, science and innovation, education, and people-to-people ties.

PM Modi, Paraguayan President Pena Strengthen Bilateral Relations

India and Paraguay decided to further strengthen their ties in sectors like clean energy, green hydrogen and biofuels.
The decision was taken during the delegation-level talk held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Paraguay President Santiago Pena Palacios in New Delhi.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met President Palacios and appreciated his positive sentiments and guidance for enhancing India-Paraguay cooperation in many domains. A Memorundum of Understanding was signed between India and Paraguay for establishment of Joint Commission Mechanism between the two nations.
President Pena was on a three-day State Visit to India, his first official trip to the country, at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi.

Jun 04, 2025

India Wins Presidency of International Institute of Administrative Sciences

India won the Presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS). The International Institute of Administrative Sciences, a notable global institution, is a federation of 31 member countries, 20 national sections, and 15 academic research centres jointly collaborating on scientific research in public administration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had nominated the Indian candidate, Secretary DARPG (Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances), Shri V. Srinivas, for the 2025-2028 Presidency of IIAS in November 2024. Following Presidency hearings in February 2025, the candidacies of India, South Africa, and Austria were forwarded to the IIAS General Body. Subsequently, South Africa withdrew its candidacy in favour of India in May 2025.
The election between India and Austria was held, in which 141 votes were polled. India secured 87 votes (61.7 per cent of the vote), while Austria received 54 votes (38.3 per cent of the vote). India's candidacy received widespread support from across the membership.

Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates 'Urban Adda 2025' and Launches Landmark Books on Cycling

Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Urban Adda 2025 conclave in New Delhi. A three-day conclave aims to unite young voices, experts, and leaders to forge sustainable urban futures.
During the event, coinciding with World Bicycle Day, Mandaviya formally launched two landmark publications:
Cycling, Children & Cities, authored by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi
Road to Cycle2School, authored by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi and Ar. Kush Parikh
These books advocate the urgent redesign of urban environments to support active mobility, healthier lifestyles, and safer public spaces for children.
The Urban Adda 2025, running from June 3 to 5, features thematic sessions on climate-resilient cities, gender and mobility, clean air and water, waste management, and inclusive transport.

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