Extension of PM Kisan Sampada Yojana

On 7th February, 2022, the government approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) Scheme till 31st March, 2026. The Scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI). About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) The Central Sector Scheme - SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development

REWARD Project

On 18th February, 2022, the Central Government along with State Governments of Karnataka and Odisha and the World Bank signed loan agreements of 115 million US dollars for the implementation of Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD) Project. Need The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated the need for sustainable and risk-averse

50th Anniversary of ICRISAT

On 5th February, 2022, the Prime Minister kick started the 50th Anniversary celebrations of International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Patancheru, Hyderabad (Telangana). The Prime Minister also inaugurated ICRISAT’s Climate Change Research Facility on Plant Protection and ICRISAT’s Rapid Generation Advancement Facility. These two facilities are dedicated

Fair and Remunerative Price

Recently, Maharashtra Government issued a government resolution which will allow sugar mills to pay the basic Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) in two tranches. About FRP FRP is the price declared by the government, which mills are legally bound to pay to farmers for the cane procured from them. It was introduced in

Draft Integrated Plant Nutrition Management Bill 2022

Recently, Centre released a draft Integrated Plant Nutrition Management Bill, 2022. Aim To promote the development and sustainable use of balanced fertilizers, including bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulates, nano-fertilizers and organic fertilizers. To simplify the process for the manufacture, production, distribution and price management of fertilizers in India, which will, in turn, improve the ease of

National Single Window System

Jammu & Kashmir became the first Union Territory to be onboarded the National Single Window System (NSWS). NSWS is linked with India Industrial Land Bank (IILB) which hosts 45 industrial parks of J&K. This will help Investors to discover available land parcels in J&K. Objectives To establish a single-window mechanism by integrating the

Vibrant Village Program

The Central Government in the Union Budget 2022-2023 has proposed a new scheme, Vibrant Village Program to promote infrastructure in villages. It aims to enhance infrastructure in villages along India's border with China, in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh. The move has been taken to counter the Chinese 'model

Bihar’s First Floating Solar Power Plant

Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) is set to commission the state’s first two MW floating solar power plant in Darbhanga district. The solar power plant will be directly connected to the utility power grid from where power will be supplied to consumers. The project is a part of efforts to tap

Parvatmala Scheme

The National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala was announced recently by the Union Finance Minister in the Union Budget for 2022-23 to improve connectivity in hilly areas. Need Developing an efficient transport network is a big challenge in hilly areas. The rail and air transport networks are limited in these areas, while

Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme

Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP) has been approved by the Centre for continuation from 2021-22. About IFLDP Launched in December 2017, it aims at development of infrastructure for the leather sector, address environmental concerns specific to the leather sector, facilitate additional investments, employment generation and increase in production. Sub-schemes Sustainable Technology and

Department of Financial Services

The mandate of the Department of Financial Services covers the functioning of Banks, Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies and the National Pension System. It monitors the performance of these PSBs, PSICs and DFIs and undertakes policy formulation in respect of the Banking and Insurance Sector in India. It deals with

Angadia System

It is a century-old parallel banking system in the country where traders send cash generally from one state to another through a person called Angadia that stands for courier.It is by and large used in the jewellery business with Mumbai – Surat being the most popular route as they are

Panruti Cashew

Panruti cashew is mainly found in Tamil Nadu. It is commonly known as the 'gold mine' of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu. It is commonly cultivated in laterite & red soils as well as coastal sands.

National Land Monetisation Corporation

It is being set up in accordance with the Budget 2022-2023 announcement. It is being incorporated as a 100 per cent Government of India owned entity with an initial authorised share capital of Rs 5,000 crore and subscribed share capital of Rs 150 crore. It will have the freedom

T+1 Settlement Cycle

T+1 means that trade-related settlements must be done within one day of the transaction's completion.Trades on Indian stock exchanges are currently settled in two working days after the transaction is completed (T+2). For example, if you buy shares on Wednesday, they will be credited to your Demat account by the

Sagar Parikrama Program

It is a navigation journey that will take place in all coastal states/UTs along a pre-decided sea route to show unity with all fishermen, fish farmers, and other stakeholders. The focus of Sagar Parikrama will be on the sustainable balance between the livelihood of coastal fisher communities and the usage

Crop Diversification

According to the Economic Survey 2021-2022, there is an urgent need for crop diversification due to severe water stress in areas where paddy, wheat, and sugarcane are grown, as well as to increase oilseed production and reduce dependence on cooking oil imports. About Crop Diversification Crop diversification refers to the growth of

Central Media Accreditation Guidelines 2022

On 7th February, 2022, Central government released “Central Media Accreditation Guidelines-2022”. Most of the provisions are drawn from Article 19(2) of the Constitution which prescribes the restrictions to free speech guaranteed to every citizen of the country and are understood to serve as guidelines for the press and media. About the Guidelines The

Sealed Cover Jurisprudence

Recently, concerns have been raised over Kerala High Court’s verdict to uphold the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s order that revoked the broadcasting licence of Malayalam news channel Media One after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) denied it security clearance. It is argued that the court’s decision “was based on a

Supreme Court Moots Stronger Enforcement Provisions against IPR Infringement

Recently, speaking at the National Seminar on adjudication of IPR disputes in India, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) said that there was a need for stronger action against acts of infringement of intellectual property rights. The CJI pointed out that the vesting back of IPR jurisdiction in High Courts from

Second Phase of Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System Approved

On 18th February, 2022, the government approved the second phase of the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) project, which will be implemented during 2022-23 to 2025-26. Under Phase-II, the system is being built on the principle of 'one data one entry' whereby data is entered only once in one pillar, and

Centre Extends Police Modernisation Scheme

On 13th February, 2022, the Government approved continuation of umbrella scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF). It aims to modernise and improve the functioning of Police Forces of States and Union Territories. The Scheme is significant initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs towards capacity building of State Police Forces

IVFRT Scheme

On 27th February, 2022, the Government approved the continuation of the Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for a period till 31st March, 2026. About IVFRT Scheme It seeks to interlink and optimise functions relating to immigration, visa issuance, registration of foreigners and tracking of their movements in the country. Its core

Kuki Insurgency in Manipur

Recently, just before the first of the two phases of the Assembly Elections, all insurgent groups associated with the Kuki tribes in Manipur said they will vote for the ruling party at the Centre. About Kukis The Kukis are an ethnic group including multiple tribes originally inhabiting the North-Eastern states of India

Border Infrastructure & Management

On 21st February, 2022, the government approved the continuation of the Central Sector Umbrella Scheme of “Border Infrastructure and Management” (BIM) over the 15th Finance Commission Cycle from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Need for Continuation India's border with Pakistan is 3,323 km long, including about 775 km of the Line of Control. The length

Report on Police Training, Modernisation and Reforms

On 10th February, 2022, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs released a report on police training, modernisation and reforms. The report emphasises the number of improvements that are required as well as the obstacles that police forces confront. Key Highlights Under-representation of Women Women are abysmally underrepresented in the police force, constituting only

Non-lapsable Modernisation Fund for Defence and Internal Security (MFDIS)

The 15th Finance Commission has recommended the constitution of a dedicated non-lapsable Modernisation Fund for Defence and Internal Security (MFDIS) to bridge the gap between projected budgetary requirements and the allocation for defence and internal security.The indicative size of the MFDIS for 2021 to 2026 is Rs. 2,38,354 crore and

System for Pension Administration (Raksha) (SPARSH)

SPARSH is an initiative of Ministry of Defence which aims at providing a comprehensive solution to the administration of pension to the defence pensioners in line with the Government’s vision of ‘Digital India’, ‘Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)’ and ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’. The system is administered by Defence Accounts Department

Draft India Data Accessibility & Use Policy 2022

On 21st February, 2022, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on released a policy proposal titled “Draft India Data Accessibility & Use Policy, 2022”. Aim To radically transform India’s ability to harness public sector data. Need India’s ambition of becoming $5 trillion digital economy depends on its ability to harness the

Indo-Pacific Strategy of the US

On 11th February, 2022, the United States announced its long-awaited Indo-Pacific strategy. The document highlights the need to build collective capacity to deal with challenges in the region. The strategy emphasises working with other countries not just from the region, but also from beyond. Key Highlights As part of its broader vision, the

4th Quad Ministerial Meeting

On 11th February, 2022, the fourth Quad Ministerial Meeting was held in Melbourne, Australia. India's Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne, and Foreign Minister of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi participated in the meeting. The Quad countries (India, the US,

India-Australia - Interim Trade Agreement

Recently, India and Australia announced that they are set to conclude an interim trade agreement in March 2022 and a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) 12-18 months thereafter. Besides Australia, India is currently in the process of negotiating FTAs with the UK, Canada, the EU and Israel. Interim Trade Agreement: Opportunities Areas: The

EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

On 22nd February, 2022, the European Union (EU) organised the Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. This event was organised on the occasion of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union and following the adoption, in September 2021, of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Key

India’s Humanitarian Assistance to Afghanistan

On 26th February, 2022, the first shipment of 2,500 metric tonnes of wheat sent by India for Afghan people through the land border route as part of a humanitarian aid reached Jalalabad town of Afghanistan. This was done as per India’s recent agreement with the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP). Recently,

Minsk Agreement

Amidst the ongoing conflict between the Russia and Ukraine, France suggested that the only way for peace talks to prevail between Russia and Ukraine was through the Minsk agreement, a deal yet to be implemented. There were aimed at enabling a permanent peaceful solution to the geopolitical tension between Russia and

Montreux Convention

On 1st March, 2022, Turkey decided to activate the Montreux Convention in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This would allow Turkey to limit the movement of Russian warships between the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. About Montreux Convention The 1936 Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits, often referred to

EIU’s Democracy Index 2021

Recently, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released the Democracy Index, 2021. The report reflects the continuing negative impact of COVID-19 on democracy and freedom around the world for a second successive year. The report finds that democracy experienced its biggest annual decline since 2010, when the global financial crash led to

Council of Europe (CoE)

It is an international organization founded in 1949 in the wake of World War II to uphold human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Europe.The ten founding members of the CoE are Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.It has 46

Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT)

Founded in 1973, it is a global member-owned cooperative that is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.It enables financial entities to send and receive information about financial transactions in a secure, standardized and reliable environment.In order to use its messaging services, customers need to connect to the SWIFT environment. It also sells

War Crime

War crime, in international law, is a serious violation of the laws or customs of war as defined by international customary law and international treaties. The first systematic attempt to define a broad range of war crimes was the Instructions for the Government of Armies of the United States in

India-France Roadmap on Blue Economy and Ocean Governance

On 20th February, 2022, India and France signed a roadmap to enhance their bilateral exchanges on the blue economy and forge a common vision of ocean governance based on the rule of law and cooperate on sustainable and resilient coastal and waterways infrastructure. Scope of the Roadmap The scope of the will

ISRO Launches EOS-04 and Two Other Satellites

On 14th February, 2022, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched three satellites – earth observation satellite EOS-04 and two small satellites (INSPIRESat-1 and INS-2TD) - onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C52. The Launch The first launch of ISRO in 2022, it was the 54th flight of PSLV and the 23rd

HelioSwarm and MUSE: New Sun Missions

Recently, NASA selected two science missions - the Multi-slit Solar Explorer (MUSE) and HelioSwarm - to help improve our understanding of the dynamics of the Sun, the Sun-Earth connection, and the constantly changing space environment. Multi-slit Solar Explorer (MUSE) Objective: The primary goal of the Multi-slit Solar Explorer (MUSE) mission is to

Study Sheds New Light on Pluto’s Atmospheric Pressure

Recently, Indian scientists, along with international collaborators from Brazil and France, have derived the accurate value of Pluto’s atmospheric pressure at its surface. Key Findings Method: The researchers, including members from Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), used signal-to-noise ratio of the light curves to derive an accurate value of Pluto’s

GMRT Reveals Fast Radio Bursts

Recently, for the first time, astronomers from the Pune-based National Centre of Radio Astrophysics (NCRA-TIFR) and the University of California have used the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) to map the distribution of atomic hydrogen gas from the galaxy hosting a fast radio burst (FRB), revealing important clues on the

Novel Tool to Understand Long-Term Memory Consolidation

Recently, Indian scientists developed a first-of-its-kind tool for understanding the process of long-term memory consolidation in the brain. Learning and memory - fundamental processes of brain - are one of the most intensively studied subjects in the field of neuroscience. The researchers developed the tool with the support of Department of

AI-based Algorithm to Detect Habitable Planets

Recently, Indian Astronomers, utilising an Artificial Intelligence-based algorithm, have devised a new approach for identifying potentially habitable planets. Key Highlights Anomaly Detection Method: Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics along with astronomers from BITS Pilani, Goa campus, have devised a new approach -- an anomaly detection method -- by which they

Scientists Develop Novel Nanoparticles for Crop Protection

A team of researchers from Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research and University of Hyderabad has developed a Novel Nanoparticle-based Bio-Degradable-Carbonoid-Metabolite (BioDCM) that can protect agricultural crops from fungal and bacterial infections. About the Technology The Nano particles (Bio-DCM) are protective biological alternative of certain microbial metabolites that

Technological Breakthrough Achieved in Quantum Key Distribution Test

A team of scientists from the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, has successfully demonstrated the Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link between Prayagraj and Vindhyachal in Uttar Pradesh, a distance of more than 100 kilometers. The technological breakthrough of demonstrating a QKD link was

Nuclear Fusion: UK Scientists Reach New Milestone

Recently, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority announced that scientists in the UK have managed to produce the largest amount of energy so far from a nuclear fusion reaction. Key Highlights Energy: The team of scientists at the Joint European Torus (JET) facility near Oxford in central England generated 59 megajoules of

Indian Neutrino Observatory Project

It is a particle physics research project with the primary aim of studying atmospheric neutrinos in a 1,200 meters deep cave under INO Peak near Pottipuram village in Theni district in Tamil Nadu.It aims to study the properties and interactions of weakly interacting, naturally occurring particles called neutrinos.The project, dogged

Origami Metamaterials

Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, have developed a material, called origami metamaterials which could have many uses. These combine the Japanese art of paper folding (origami) and the existing material of choice and fold it to obtain desired properties.In order to be useful, materials need to maintain a

Solar Proton Events

The Large Area Soft X-ray Spectrometer (CLASS), a payload on-board Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter, has detected solar proton events which significantly increase the radiation exposure to humans in space. When the sun is active, spectacular eruptions called solar flares occur that sometimes also spew out energetic particles (called solar proton events or

Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology refers to the science of using genetic sequencing, editing, and modification to create organisms or organic molecules that can function in living systems.Recently, the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology released a draft foresight paper on synthetic biology.The document stresses on the need for a national

National Strategy on Additive Manufacturing

On 24th February, 2022, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology released a “National Strategy on Additive Manufacturing”. The strategy intends to usher in an era of next generation digital manufacturing. Need Catering to the needs of next-generation digital manufacturing, the strategy will mitigate immediate disabilities of local industries. Manufacturing sector is an important

INCOIS Prepares Coastal Vulnerability Index

Recently, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) carried out coastal vulnerability assessment for entire Indian coast at states level to bring out an Atlas comprising 156 maps on 1:1,00,000 scales to prepare a Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI). Coastal Vulnerability Coastal vulnerability is a spatial concept that identifies people and places

Study Highlights Role of Social System in Determining Climate Change Trajectory

According to a recently published study, the difference between a scenario where the Earth will be warmed by upto 1.8 degrees Celsius by the end of the 21st century and a scenario where the Earth will be warmed by upto 3.6 degrees Celsius depends on the social system. As regards global

Water Vapour Increasingly Warming High Altitude Himalayas

A recent study conducted by Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, has shown that water vapour exhibits a positive radiative effect at the top of the atmosphere, suggesting an increase in overall warming in the high altitude Himalayas due to it. Context Precipitable Water Vapour (PWV): It is one of

Kaziranga National Park is a Net Carbon Emitter

According to a recent study conducted by scientists from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, Maharashtra, and Tezpur University in Assam, Kaziranga National Park in Assam is releasing more carbon than it is absorbing. The National Park - home to the largest-population of the one-horned rhinoceros in the world -

Electric Vehicles Can Lower Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds

According to a recent study conducted by Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), India can slash emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) by 76% in the next eight years by swapping all two- and three-wheelers with electric vehicles and all diesel-fuelled ones with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Key Highlights Objective:

Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia Policy

On 17th February, 2022, the Ministry of Power notified the Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia Policy for production of green hydrogen or green ammonia using renewable sources of energy. The policy has been notified as part of the government’s efforts to facilitate the transition from fossil fuel / fossil fuel based feed stocks

Guidelines on Extended Producers Responsibility on Plastic Packaging

Recently, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Guidelines on Extended Producers Responsibility on plastic packaging under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. Extended Procedure Responsibility refers to the responsibility of a producer for the environmentally sound management of the product until the end of its life. Key Highlights Categories

One Ocean Summit

Recently, France organised the One Ocean Summit (also called One Planet Summit for the Ocean) in cooperation with the United Nations and the World Bank. The goal of the summit was to raise the collective level of ambition of the international community on marine issues. It focussed on the protection of marine

Marine Heatwaves

A new study has, for the first time, found that marine heatwaves have been on the rise in the waters around India and are impacting the Indian monsoon. The increase in marine heat waves was due to rapid warming in the Indian Ocean and strong El Nino events.The marine heatwaves

UNEP Frontiers Report 2022

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its annual Frontiers Report, 2022 recently.Each edition of the Frontiers Report introduces selected emerging environmental issues that present distinct challenges and require tailored solutions.The report, titled ‘Frontiers 2022: Noise, Blazes and Mismatches’ identified the following three issues:Listening to Cities: From Noisy Environments

World Sustainable Development Summit 2022

From 16th to 18th February, 2022, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) organized the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) in a virtual format. About the Summit It is an annual event being organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) since 2001. The summit was earlier known as Delhi Sustainable Development Summit. It

Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair

Distinguished scientist and launch vehicle specialist Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair has been appointed as the director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). VSSC is a key space research centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and specialises in rocket and space vehicles for satellite

G Ashok Kumar

Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar (retd.) has been appointed the first National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC) within the National Security Council Secretariat under National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.As the NMSC Vice Admiral, Kumar will be entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating between the various ministries and agencies related to maritime

Madhabi Puri Buch

Former banker Madhabi Puri Buch has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).She is the first woman chief of SEBI and also the first non-IAS to head the regulatory body.As per the SEBI Act, the SEBI chairman is appointed for a maximum

Sukla Mistry

On 7th February, 2022 Sukla Mistry became the first woman director on the Indian Oil boardIn 2001, she was the first and only woman engineer from India to be selected for onsite assignment as an inspection engineer for ENOC refinery in Dubai. She is credited with maximising wax extraction at

Vineet Joshi

Vineet Joshi, Additional Secretary, Department of Higher Education, has been appointed as the new chairman of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) with effect from February 14,

S Kishore

He has been appointed as the Chairman of Staff Selection Commission

Luc Montagnier

Nobel awardee French virologist Luc Montagnier has passed away on 8 February 2022.He, along with Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Harald zur Hausen won the 2008 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus

S F Rodrigues

General Sunith Francis Rodrigues, the former army chief of India who was instrumental in inducting women as officers and later flagged concerns about the politicisation of the armed forces, passed away on 4 March 2022.He was also the Governor of Punjab from 2004 to 2010. He had served two terms

Rahul Bajaj

Renowned businessman Rahul Bajaj has passed away on 12 February 2022.He was the chairman emeritus of the Indian conglomerate Bajaj Group. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in

Shakuntala Choudhary

Noted social worker Shakuntala Choudhary has passed away on 20th February 2022.She joined the Assam branch of the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust (KGNMT) and continued her association with the Trust for the rest of her life. The Assam Branch of the Trust is located at South Sarania Hills of

Asavadi Prakasarao

Noted poet, critic, translator and scholar Asavadi Prakasarao has passed away on 17 February 2022.He is known for his poetry and prose works in Telugu and Sanskrit literature. In 2021, he was awarded the Padma Shri in the Arts and Literature

Sandhya Mukherjee

A playback singer and musician, specialising in Bengali music Sandhya Mukherjee passed away on 15 February 2022.She received Banga Bibhushan, the highest civilian honour of West Bengal in 2011. She also won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for her songs in the films Jay Jayanti and

Praveen Kumar Sobti

Praveen Kumar Sobti, best known for playing the role of ‘Bheem’ in the TV show ‘Mahabharat’ – has passed away on 7th February 2022.Other than acting career, he was an athlete par excellence. Praveen was a hammer and discus throw athlete.He was two-time Olympian (1968 Mexico Games and 1972 Munich

Shane Warne

Legendary Australia spinner, Shane Warne has passed away on 4 March 2022.It was the second death of an iconic cricketer from Australia on the same day - after former wicketkeeper Rod William Marsh.Warne picked up 708 wickets in 145 Tests and is the second highest wicket taker after Muttiah Muralitharan

Exercise MILAN-2022

The latest edition of Indian Navy’s multilateral exercise MILAN 2022 was held from 25 Feb 2022 in the ‘City of Destiny’, Visakhapatnam.MILAN 22 was conducted over 9 days in two phases with the Harbour Phase from 25 to 28 February and Sea Phase from 1-4 March. The theme of

“EX DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022”

A joint military exercise, “EX DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022”, between India and Japan was conducted at Foreign Training Node, Belagavi (Belgaum, Karnataka) from 27 February 2022 to 10 March 2022.Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022 is an annual training event which is being conducted in India since 2018. Combat experienced troops of the 15th Battalion

Exercise Vayu Shakti 2022

Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted exercise ‘Vayu Shakti’ at Pokharan range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on March 7.The IAF conducts Exercise Vayu Shakti at Pokhran range every three years. The last event took place in

Eastern Bridge-VI

From February 21 to 25, 2022, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) conducted a bilateral air exercise – ‘Eastern Bridge-VI’.It was carried out at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

National Dam Safety Authority

The Jal Shakti Ministry has established the National Dam Safety Authority and it came into force on 18th February, 2022. The National Dam Safety Authority seeks to maintain standards related to dam safety, prevent dam-related disasters and resolve inter-State issues in this regard. The Dam Safety Act, passed by Parliament on 8

Boltzmann Medal 2022

The prestigious Boltzmann Medal for the year 2022 has been awarded to Prof Deepak Dhar from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune (IISER Pune).The award was given for his contribution in the field of ‘Statistical Physics’. He shared the award with American scientist John Hopfield.This prestigious medal is

Lachit Borphukan

On 25th February, 2022, the President of India kick started the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of the 17th century Ahom general Lachit Borphukan and laid the foundation for a war memorial and a 150-foot bronze statue of the commander, who had protected Assam from Mughal invasion. About Lachit Borphukan Born on 24th

Dhara: An Ode to Indian Knowledge System

Ministry of Culture, Government of India, organized DHARA, an Ode to Indian Knowledge System as a part of the Science Week from 22nd to 28th February, 2022. DHARA comprises a series of lecture demonstrations by eminent scholars across the world to revisit our history and celebrate the achievements of India and

‘Devayatanam’ – An Odyssey of Indian Temple Architecture

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of Ministry of Culture is organizing a two-day international conference ‘Devayatanam’ – An odyssey of Indian temple architecture during 25th - 26th February, 2022 at Hampi, Karnataka. Aim of the Conference To deliberate upon the philosophical, religious, social, economic, technical, scientific, art and architectural aspects of

Reclining Lord Vishnu

A centuries old sandstone sculpture of the reclining Lord Vishnu in Bandhavgarh National Park has been restored by Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH). This is the first conservation and restoration project undertaken by INTACH in Madhya Pradesh. Popularly known as Shesh Shaiyya, the sculpture belongs to the Kalchuri

Attukal Pongala Festival

The Attukal Pongala festival in Kerala will be a muted affair this year with strict COVID-19 protocols limiting rituals to the temple and homes. About the Festival Attukal Pongala is a famous ritualistic annual festival celebrated by the women folks at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala. It begins on Karthikakshatra in

Karakattam Dance

An organisation has demanded that Karakattam dance (also known as Kumbakkali in certain parts) be recognised as the agricultural art form of Kerala. About the Dance It is an ancient and traditional art form in the folk dance genre originating in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu to offer praise and

Avalokiteshwara Padmapani

Recently, one-thousand-year old idol of Avalokiteshvara Padmapani, stolen earlier from a temple in Bihar's Gaya, had been returned to India from Italy. This statue of Avalokiteshwara Padmapani made of stone dates back to the 8th-12th century. In the idol, Lord Buddha, is standing with a lotus in his left hand. It

Nettur Petti

Also known as aada petti, it is a handcrafted, ornamental box created by traditional craftsmen in Kerala.The petti derives its name from Nettur, a place that now exists both in Ernakulam and Kannur districts in Kerala and also in Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu.It is usually made from teak, rosewood,

Maru Mahotsav

Also Known as the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, it is an annual event that takes place in February month in the city Jaisalmer.It is held in the Hindu month of Magh (February), three days prior to the full moon. Its main objective is to showcase to the worldwide spectators the cultural

Narsinh Mehta

Narsinh Mehta is regarded as adikavi (the first poet) and bhakta kavi (devout poet) in Gujarati literature.He is the 15th century poet who was a devotee of Lord Krishna. Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan, ‘Vaishnav jan to’, played in all his prayer meetings was written by Narsinh

Byanjana Dwadashi

It is celebrated in Odisha by adherents of Vaishnavism, the largest sect within Hinduism, which considers Vishnu and his incarnations such as Krishna as the Supreme Godhead.It is a gastronomic and epicurean delight with at least 701 dishes being prepared. Vaishnavites, through this festival, commemorate an episode of the Mahabharata

Khajuraho Dance Festival

Organised by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad, it is a one-week festival of classical dances held annually beside the Khajuraho temples in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.This festival highlights the richness of the Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Kathakali with performances of some

Misuse of Section 498A of IPC

On 8th February, 2022, the Supreme Court observed that the laws such as section 498A of Indian Penal Code (IPC), which is meant to prevent atrocities and harassment against a woman by her husband and her in-laws, are being used as instruments to settle personal scores. The top Court held that

Parliamentary Standing Committee Report on MGNREGA

On 8th February, 2022, the Parliamentary Standing committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj submitted its evaluation report of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Issues Highlighted by the Committee Low Budget Estimates Parliamentary panel has pulled up the government, noting that Budget estimates for the Centre’s flagship rural jobs

SMILE Scheme

On 12th February, 2022, the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment launched the Central Sector scheme “SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”. Aim To provide welfare measures to the transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging. Need Beggary is a complex socio-economic problem in Indian society. Beggars

SEED Scheme

On 16th February, 2022, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED). DNTs refer to the De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes. Need DNTs are the most neglected, marginalized and economically and socially deprived communities. Most of them have been living a life of destitution

New India Literacy Programme

The Union Government has approved a new scheme “New India Literacy Programme’ for the period FYs 2022-2027 to cover all the aspects of Adult Education to align with National Education Policy 2020 and Budget Announcements 2021-22. The National Education Policy 2020 has recommendations for Adult Education and Lifelong Learning. The Union Budget

Intensified Mission Indradhanush 4.0

On 7th February, 2022, Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 4.0 was launched. Features Three rounds of IMI 4.0 have been planned to catch up on the gaps that might have emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The activity will be conducted in 416 districts across 33 states/UTs. These districts have been identified based on

Nai Roshni Scheme

During the last three years, i.e., 2018-19 to 2020-21, funds to the tune of Rs. 26 crores have been sanctioned under the scheme through which around one Lakh women have been trained. About Nai Roshni Scheme Launched in 2012-13, it is a welfare scheme for the development of minority women in order

Anaemia Mukt Bharat

Recently, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare provided information on Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy. About Anaemia Mukt Bharat It was launched in 2018 with the objective of reducing anaemia prevalence among children, adolescents and women in reproductive age group. Considering, the slow progress i.e. less than 1% per

Fair Bank Disease

Also known as the multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, it is a rare genetic disorder (dominant form–1 in 10,000 births) which affects the growing ends of bones. Bones usually elongate by a process that involves the depositing of cartilage at the ends of the bones called ossification.This cartilage then mineralizes and hardens

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

Launched in 2017, it is a central sector scheme funded from the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund. The fund was notified in the year 2016.It aims to provide aids and assistive living devices to senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category who suffer from age-related disabilities such as low

National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme

The Ministry of Education has approved the continuation of National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) over the 15th Finance Commission cycle for a period of five years i.e. from 2021-22 to 2025-26 with financial outlay of Rs. 1827.00 crore.It is a central Sector Scheme, launched in 2008-09 to award scholarships to meritorious

PM CARES for Children Scheme

PM Cares for Children Scheme has been extended till February 28, 2022. The scheme was earlier valid till December 31, 2021.Launched in May 2021, the scheme has been launched for support & empowerment of Covid affected children.Eligibility: All children who have lost parents or surviving parent or legal guardian/adoptive parents

Reimagining Healthcare in India through Blended Finance

On 9th February, 2022, NITI Aayog released a white paper titled, ‘Reimagining Healthcare in India through Blended Finance’, which offers an overview of blended finance and its role in promoting healthcare access in India. Need According to the State of the Blended finance Report, the SDG financing gap which stood at USD

Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme

Rajasthan while presenting State’s Budget for Financial Year 2022-23, proposed a new scheme for guaranteed employment for urban households. Under the scheme, employment will be provided for up to a hundred days in a year, and the State government will bear an additional expense of ₹800 crore for this.

Hope Express

Maharashtra's Health Minister has announced the launch of "Hope Express" within the state to stop cancer. In India, this is the first of its kind. At a private hospital in Kolhapur, he was speaking at the unveiling of a cutting-edge Mosaic-3D radiation machine. The State Health Minister further stated that

Water Taxi

On 20th February, 2022, Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways flagged off the Water Taxi for citizens of Mumbai, from Belapur Jetty. The Water Taxi service will connect the twin cities of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai for the first time. The services will commence from the Domestic Cruise

Konkan Bamboo and Cane Development Center

Union Minister for Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises Narayan Rane today inaugurated the Konkan Bamboo and Cane Development Center (KONBAC) at Kudal in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Konkan region is famous for mango and cashew nut growers, many people have accepted these products as business products,similarly, the need is to

Central Jail in Madhya Pradesh Gets Own FM Radio Channel

In Madhya Pradesh, the Central Jail of Indore has started its own radio channel ‘Jail Vaani-FM 18.77’. Through this radio channel, the jail inmates will get to know about the happening in the world. The radio channel will also provide the jail inmates with information on health and social

Telangana Tie-Up with British Council to Expand Higher Education

The Government of Telangana and the British Council, an international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, have signed a 3-year MoU to renew the partnership in education, English and arts. To facilitate research between institutions and assist to expand higher education globally, to offer global opportunities for the youth

Kerala Signs MoU with Social Alpha to Develop Clean Energy Tech

Kerala Government has signed an MoU with the Social Alpha’s Energy Lab – “Clean Energy International Incubation Centre (CEIIC)” to support innovative and clean energy technology programmes in Kerala. It signed this agreement through Kerala Development & Innovation Strategy Council (KDISC) and Energy Management Centre (EMC). The EMC Kerala

Kerala Government Decides to include Christian Nadar Community in OBC List

Kerala Government has decided to include the Christian Nadar Community in the OBC list. The decision comes in the backdrop of the Union Government handing over powers to the States to decide on beneficiaries falling under OBC category. Kerala High Court had stayed a similar decision the State Cabinet

Assam Launches India’s First Night Navigation Mobile App

Assam has launched India’s first Night Navigation mobile application for ferry services on the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam. It was developed by the State Transport Department in association with K Raju, the principal scientist of IIT Madras. The first night journey of the IWT (Inland Water Transport)

Paray Shikshalaya Initiative

The West Bengal government has launched ‘Paray Shikshalaya’ Initiative. It is an open-air classroom in the neighborhood programme – for students from class 1 to 7. The aim of this initiative is to encourage students who dropped out of schools during the Covid-19 pandemic to continue their

35th Foundation Day of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh

Northern States Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh celebrate their Foundation Day on February 20, since 1987. On 21st February (1987) two new States of Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh came into being as the 23rd and 24th states of the Indian Union respectively. Two northeastern states, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram are celebrated

Para Archery World Championships 2022

The 13th World Para Archery Championships took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 19 to 27 February 2022.India finished 8th in the medal table with 2 Silver medals for the first time in the Para Archery World Championship that was topped by Russian Archery Federation.Indian para-archer, Pooja Jatyan has

ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup

India beat England to win the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua (West Indies) on 5 February 2022. It was a record fifth U-19 title for India. Yash Dhull became the fifth Indian captain to win the title after Mohammad Kaif, Virat

2022 Winter Olympics

The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, was held from 4 to 20 February 2022. Norway topped medal table for the second successive Winter Olympics, winning a total of 37 medals, including 16 gold. This is a new record for the most of gold medals won at a single Winter Olympics. The