Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2021

On 13th August, 2021, the government launched the vehicle scrapping policy (Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernisation Program), which was announced in the Union Budget 2021-22. Aim Creating an eco-system for phasing out unfit and polluting vehicles in an environment friendly and safe manner. Creating an infrastructure for automated testing of vehicles that have completed the

National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm

On 18th August, 2021, the Union Cabinet, gave its approval to launch a new Mission on Oil palm to be known as the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) to maximize cultivation and production of palm oil in India. The new scheme will subsume the current National Food

IndiGau: India’s First Cattle Genomic Chip

On 13th August, 2021, the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad has launched a chip called IndiGau. About IndiGau It is India’s first Cattle Genomic Chip for the conservation of pure varieties of indigenous cattle breeds like, Gir, Kankrej, Sahiwal, Ongole, etc. It is purely indigenous and the largest cattle chip in

Guarex: First Agrisectoral Index

The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) on July 5, 2021, launched India’s first sectoral indices in the agri-commodities space namely GAUREX. About GUAREX GUAREX is a worth primarily based sectoral index that tracks the motion within the futures contracts of guar gum refined splits and guar seed on a real-time foundation. This

New Monetisation Pipeline

On 23rd August, 2021, the government launched the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), which expects to raise Rs. 6-lakh crore by monetising the operating assets of the Central Government over a four-year period ending FY25. The pipeline has been prepared in consultation with NitiAayog. Objective The strategic objective of the programme is to unlock

Oil Bonds

The Centre has argued that it cannot reduce taxes on petrol and diesel as it has to bear the burden of payments in lieu of oil bonds issued by the previous UPA government to subsidise fuel prices. Oil Bonds Oil bonds are issued by the government to compensate oil marketing companies (OMCs)

UbharteSitare Fund

On 21st August, 2021, the government launched Rs 250 crore worth Alternative Investment Fund-UbharteSitaare, for export-oriented small and mid-sized companies. Objectives To enhance India’s competitiveness in select sectors through finance and extensive handholding support. To identify and nurture companies having differentiated technology, products or processes, and enhance their export business. To assist units with

Handloom Sector in India

The National Handloom Day is observed on 7th Augustevery year across the country. It is a day to honour the Swadeshi Movement that took place in 1905 and to celebrate India's rich fabrics. Handloom Sector Along with the artistry of weavers, the handloom industry in India demonstrates the richness and diversity of Indian

SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0

To commemorate the AzadikaAmritMahotsav, the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) in Bangalore hosted a webinar on "Expert Talks from Samarth UdyogCentres" as part of the SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 Platform. About SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 It is an Industry 4.0 initiative of the Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industry

Gati Shakti Master Plan

On the occasion of 75th Independence Day(15th August, 2021), Prime Minister announced the launch of Gati Shakti Master Plan. Objective To provide easier interconnectivity and reduce travel time between road, rail, air and waterways To improve industrial productivity To make local manufacturing globally competitive To facilitate future economic zones Need India has been working for a

New ‘BH’ Number Series for Vehicles

On 28th August, 2021, government introduced a new registration mark for new vehicles i.e. “Bharat series (BH-series)”. The government by amending Rule 47 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, has mandated that vehicles bearing the BH registration mark will not require to be re-registered in a new state once it

UjjawalaYojana 2.0

On 10th August, 2021, Prime Minister launched the second phase of the Pradhan MantriUjjwalaYojana (PMUY) — Ujjwala 2.0, in Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh. About PMUY Ujjwala 2.0 It aims to achieve Prime Minister Modi’s vision of universal access to LPG gas connections. Apart from a deposit-free LPG connection, Ujjwala 2.0 will also provide

Global Manufacturing Risk Index 2021

India has overtaken the United States (US) to become the second-most sought-after manufacturing destination globally in 2021 Global Manufacturing Risk Index. China has remained at number one position and India is at 2nd position. The US is at third position, followed by Canada, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Lithuania, Thailand, Malaysia and Poland. About the

AT1 Bonds

AT-1 are a type of unsecured, perpetual bonds that banks issue to shore up their core capital base to meet the Basel-III norms.AT1 bonds carry no maturity date but have a call option. The issuer of such bonds may call or redeem the bonds if it is getting money

The Constitutional (127th) Amendment Bill 2021

On 11th August, 2021, the Parliament passed the Constitution 127th Amendment Bill, 2021 restoring States’ rights to specify other backward caste (OBC) groups. It aims to bypass a May 2021 Supreme Court ruling that said only the Centre could notify socially and educationally backward classes — and not the states. Need The amendment

National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Amendment) Bill 2021

On 11th August, the Parliament passed the National Commission for Homoeopathy (Amendment) Bill, 202. It seeks to amend the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020. Key Features It seeks to repeal the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 and help make available the Indian system of medicine professionals

National Commission for Homeopathy (Amendment) Bill 2021

On 11th August, 2021, the Parliament passed the National Commission for Homoeopathy (Amendment) Bill, 2021. Key Features It proposes to amend the National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020 to provide a medical education system that improves access to quality and affordable medical education. The 1973 Act set up the Central Council of Homeopathy

Double Jeopardy

Recently, a total of 10 cases have been registered against a Union Minister and Rajya Sabha member - based on complaints given by workers of a political party regarding the ‘slap’ remark against their leader who is chief minister of a state. As per the Indian law, a person cannot be

Procedure to Arrest a Cabinet Minister in India

Recently, Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises was arrested for his statement against Maharashtra Chief Minister. Procedure to Arrest a Cabinet Minister A cabinet minister can be arrested by a law enforcement agency in case of a criminal case registered against him if the Parliament is not in session. As

Office of Whip

Recently, Congress party has appointed its two MPs as Rajya Sabha whips. The party now has the same number of whips and chief whips in the Upper House as in the Lok Sabha. About Office of Whip India inherited the concept of the whip from the British parliamentary system. A whip is an

Foreigners Tribunals

Recently, the Assam government’s Political Department issued a notification ordering the State police’s order wing not to forward any case against Gurkhas to the Foreigners Tribunals under the Foreigners Act of 1946. About Foreigners’ Tribunals These are quasi-judicial bodies established as per the Foreigners’ Tribunal Order, 1964 and the Foreigners’ Act, 1946.

Centenary of Madras Legislative Council

Centenary Celebrations of the Madras Legislative Council (MLC), now known as the Tamil Nadu legislature, was held in Chennai on 2nd August, 2021. About MLC It was set up in 1921 under the Government of India Act 1919. The term of the Council was for a period of three years. It consisted of

Renaming Places in India

Recently, a gram panchayat in Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh has proposed to change the name of Miyaganj to Mayaganj. Procedure of changing the Name of a State, City, or Street Street: In case of renaming a street, the concerned civic authority, zilla parishad or panchayat, approves or rejects the proposal. City: If

Collegium Recommendations on Appointment of Judges to High Courts

Recently, the Supreme Court of India was critical on Centre’s delay to act on the recommendations of the Collegium and appoint judges to High Courts. About the Issue The ever increasing vacant posts of judges are crippling the Indian judiciary, forcing a bar councils to even threaten a stir if the problem

Continuation of Scheme for Fast Track Courts

On 4th August, 2021, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of 1023 Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs) including 389 exclusive POCSO Courts for two more years (April 2021-March 2023). In recent time the occurrence of crime against the female has been increased across the country and further the prolonged trials had

Right to be Forgotten

Recently, the Delhi High Court has asked the Centre and search engine giant Google to respond to a petition by two businessmen, who have invoked the right to be forgotten. Petitioners claimed that they have the right to ask the authorities to remove all the links related to them on the

Jal Jeevan Mission

Under the Central government’s ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the state of Bihar has performed the best in providing rural tap water connections. About Jal Jeevan Mission Launched in August 2019, JJM envisages supply of 55 litres of water per person per day to every rural household through Functional Household Tap Connections

Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme

According to the Standing Committee on Finance, virtually half of a belated Rs. 2,200 crore allotted for completing ongoing Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) projects in 2020-21 simply lapsed. About MPLADS Launched in 1993, the objective is to enable the Members of Parliament (MP) to suggest and get executed

Gambling Regulations in India

Betting and gambling can be found in Part II of the State list.They have been mentioned in detail in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The state government can exercise full control over betting and gambling practices in their state.They can also formulate their state-specific laws. A good example

BRICS Agriculture and Environment Ministers’ Meetings

On 27th August, 2021, 11th Meeting of BRICS Agriculture Ministers and the 7th BRICS Environment Ministerial 2021 were held virtually. India is chairing the BRICS grouping for 2021. 11th Meeting of BRICS Agriculture Ministers: Key Deliberations The theme of the meeting was “BRICS Partnership for Strengthening Agro Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition

UNSC Resolution Addresses Key Concerns on Afghanistan

On 30th August, 2021, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 2593 (2021) related to the current scenario in Afghanistan. The resolution addresses key concerns on Afghanistan. Adoption of the Resolution The resolution - sponsored by the UK, France and the US - was adopted with 13 members, including India, voting

China Opens Sea-Road-Rail Link to Indian Ocean

Recently, a new sea-road-rail link providing the key commercial hub of Chengdu, in western China, with access to the Indian Ocean via Myanmar was opened. The first shipments from Singapore were delivered (through the Andaman Sea and via Myanmar) in Chengdu recently. The New Trade Corridor The new trade corridor connects the logistics

UNSC Adopts Presidential Statement and Resolution on Peacekeeping

On 18th August, 2021, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), under India’s presidency, unanimously adopted a Presidential Statement on 'Peacekeeping and Technology' and a resolution on 'Accountability of crimes against UN Peacekeepers.' These two significant outcome documents were adopted during an open-debate with the theme 'Protecting the Protectors: Technology and Peacekeeping'

India Elected to Two Bodies of Universal Postal Union

On 26th August, 2021, India was elected to the Council of Administration (CA) and the Postal Operations Council (POC) of Universal Postal Union (UPU). The vote was conducted at the 27th Universal Postal Union Congress organised in Abidjan, a city of Côte d'Ivoire. About Universal Postal Union Established in 1874, the Universal Postal

India and the Netherlands Review STI Cooperation

On 20th August, 2021, India and the Netherlands reviewed bilateral cooperation in the field of Science and Technology and Innovation (STI). Key Highlights The trinity of Water, Agriculture and Health (WAH) as the bedrock of close mutual collaboration between the two countries was emphasized by India. Ocean Resources and Green Hydrogen: India welcomed

Greater Male Connectivity Project

Recently, India decided to fund the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), the largest-ever infrastructure project in Maldives. The project is the result of bilateral deliberation between India and the Maldives and has been under discussion since the visit of India’s External Affairs Minister to Male in 2019. About GMCP The project consists of

IBSA Tourism Ministers’ Meeting

On 12th August, 2021, the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) Tourism Ministers’ Meeting was virtually held under India’s IBSA Chairmanship to promote tourism cooperation among the member states and review the intra IBSA tourism cooperation. Key Highlights The meeting recognized the importance of strengthening cooperation in tourism to overcome the impact

6th Eastern Economic Forum

On 3rd September, 2021, the plenary session of the 6th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) was held in Vladivostok, Russia. Addressing the session via video-conferencing, India’s Prime Minister highlighted the importance of India-Russia relations. Key Highlights The importance of greater economic and commercial engagement between the two sides in line with the ‘Special and

11th Annual Meeting of FEMBoSA

Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) inaugurated the 11th Annual Meeting of the Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBoSA) for the year 2021. Key Highlights The meeting was hosted by the Election Commission of Bhutan. Participating Countries: India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Theme: The theme

Durand Line

It is the international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.It was fixed by British civil servant Sir Henry Mortimer Durand and the then Afghan Emir Abdur Rahman Khan in 1893.The length of the Durand Line is 2670 km. It is internationally recognised as the western border of Pakistan.It was established in

Major Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough Achieved

Recently, a team of scientists achieved a major breakthrough in a nuclear fusion experiment that released an unprecedented amount of energy, raising the prospect of obtaining unlimited clean energy in the future. The experiment was conducted at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), California, US. Key Highlights of the Experiment The scientists applied

Chandrayaan 2 detects Hydroxyl and Water Molecules on Moon

Recently, the Imaging Infrared Spectrometer (IIRS) onboard Chandrayaan 2, India’s second Moon mission, detected the unambiguous presence of hydroxyl (OH) and water (H2O) molecules on the Moon with the precision of differentiating between the two. The findings have been published in a paper authored by a team of scientists. Key Findings Three

Rare merger of Three Supermassive Black Holes Detected

Recently, Indian astrophysicists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics discovered three supermassive black holes from three galaxies merging together to form a triple active galactic nucleus, a compact region at the centre of a newly discovered galaxy whose luminosity is much higher than normal. Background As they do not emit any light,

EscaPADE Mission

Recently, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) officially authorized preparation for the launch of an interplanetary mission to Mars – the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (EscaPADE) Mission – in October 2024. Mission Highlights The EscaPADE Mission will be led by the University of California, Berkeley. EscaPADE consists of two

Japan to Bring Back Soil Sample from Phobos

On 19th August, 2021, Japan’s space agency announced that it plans to bring soil samples back from the Mars region in hopes of finding clues to the planet’s origin and traces of possible life. The Mission The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will launch an explorer in 2024 that will land on

Second United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress (UNWGIC)

Recently, it was announced that the second United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress (UNWGIC) will be held in India in October 2022. The first UNWGIC was organized by China in October 2018.India will organize the event as a part of the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” (Celebration of 75 years of

New Geo-spatial Applications Launched

On 17th August, 2021, Government of India launched three online applications developed by the Survey of India (SoI) and the National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO).The applications are SoI’s Geo Spatial Data Dissemination Portal, SoI’s Sarathi Web GIS application and Manchitran, the enterprise geo-portal of NATMO.With the launch of

Scientists identify Live Immune Cells in Coral and Sea Anemone

In a recent study, a team of scientists identified specialized live immune cells in cauliflower coral and starlet sea anemone that can help fight infection. The study, titled "Functional Characterization of Hexacorallia Phagocytic Cells" was recently published. The Discovery In the study, the researchers exposed foreign particles such as bacteria, fungal antigens

DRDO Develops Advanced Chaff Technology

On 19th August, 2021, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) informed that it had developed an Advanced Chaff Technology to safeguard the fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) against hostile radar threats. Advanced Chaff Technology Chaff is primarily an electronic counter-measure technology used to protect high-value targets such

Defence India Startup Challenge 5.0

On August 19, 2021, the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC) 5.0 under Innovations for Defence Excellence - Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO) was launched. The launch of DISC 5.0 comes three years after the launch of DISC 1.0. About the Challenge Objective: A project under the iDEX-DIO initiative, DISC 5.0 aims to leverage

IceNet: Artificial Intelligence Tool to Help Predict Arctic Sea Ice Loss

Recently, an international team of researchers has developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool - IceNet - that can more accurately forecast Arctic sea ice conditions months into the future. Background Sea Ice: Sea ice, a vast layer of frozen sea water that appears at the North and South Poles, is extremely

Quantum Computer Simulator (QSim) Toolkit

On 27th August, 2021, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, launched India’s first ‘Quantum Computer Simulator (QSim) Toolkit’.Development: QSim is an outcome of the project “Design and Development of Quantum Computer Toolkit (Simulator, Workbench) and Capacity Building”, one of the first initiatives in the country

National Bio Entrepreneurship Competition

On 17th August, 2021, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, launched the fifth edition of the National Bio Entrepreneurship Competition (NBEC) organised by Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), Bengaluru.NBEC: Held annually, it is India’s largest and most prestigious national competition for bio-entrepreneurs to identify and nurture deep science-driven

IADS

It stands for Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Defence Suites.IADS comes with an integrated capability for detecting enemy submarines and torpedoes at extended ranges as well as diverting incoming torpedoes fired by enemy submarines.On 27th August, 2021, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, signed a contract with Mahindra Defence Systems Limited

IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report

On 9th August 2021, the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the first part of its sixth Assessment Report (AR6) titled ‘Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis’. Prepared by IPCC’s Working Group I, it is the first part of a series of reports. The remaining parts would be released

July 2021: The Hottest Month on Record

Recently, the ‘Global Climate Report – July 2021’ was released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), US. According to the report, the month of July 2021 was the hottest on Earth since 1880. Key Highlights The report is published by NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information. While July is generally

Children’s Climate Risk Index

Recently, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with Fridays For Future (FFF), released a report, titled ‘The Climate Crisis Is a Child Rights Crisis’. The report presented, for the first time, a complete picture of where and how children are vulnerable to climate change. Key Findings Children’s Climate Risk Index

WMO Report on State of Climate in Latin America and the Caribbean

On 17th August, 2021, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a report, titled "State of the Climate in Latin America and the Caribbean 2020". The report provides a snapshot of the effects of increasing temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, storms and retreating glaciers in the region. The Latin America and Caribbean region

India added 557 New Species in 2020

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has released a document titled ‘Animal Discoveries 2020’. The report describes new species discovered in India. The document is being published by ZSI since 2007. Key Findings In 2020, India added 557 new species to its fauna. This includes 407 new species and 150 new records.

Eco-sensitive Zone of Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary Notified

On 25th August, 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, notified the eco-sensitive zone of the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated in Assam. The notification specified an area to an extent varying from 294 metres to 16.32 kms as the eco-sensitive zone, with the

Four Indian Wetlands get Ramsar Recognition

Recently, four wetlands from India have been recognized by the Ramsar Secretariat as Ramsar sites. These sites are Thol and Wadhwana from Gujarat, and Sultanpur and Bhindawas from Haryana. With the addition of these new sites, there are now 46 Ramsar sites in India and the surface area covered by these

Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021

On 12th August, 2021, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, which prohibits identified single use plastic items which have low utility and high littering potential by 2022. Acknowledging the adverse impacts of littered plastic on both terrestrial and aquatic

India to Ratify Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol

On 18th August, 2021, the Union Cabinet gave its approval for ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Key Highlights Timeline: India will complete its phase down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 4 steps from 2032 onwards with cumulative reduction of 10% in 2032,

India’s Largest Floating Solar PV Project

The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd has commissioned the country’s largest floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project on the reservoir of its Simhadri thermal station in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. About the Project With a capacity of 25MW, it is the first solar project to be set up under Government of India’s Flexibilisation

Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee)

Chhattisgarh’s state animal, it is on the verge of extinction with less than 20 individuals of the species left in the state.The sole female wild buffalo in a conservation centre at Chhattisgarh’s Sitanadi-Udanti tiger reserve died recently. The Wildlife Protection Act of India has listed it under Schedule I

100 Years of Malabar Rebellion

August 20, 2021, marked the centenary of the Malabar rebellion, which is also known as the Moplah riots. About Malabar Rebellion It was the culmination of a series of riots by Moplahs (Muslims of Malabar) in the 19th and early 20th centuries against the British and the Hindu landlords(Janmis) in Malabar (Northern

Sangam-age Harbour of ‘Korkai’ and ‘Azhagankulam’

The first stage of deep-sea excavation will be undertaken in the areas where the Sangam-age harbour of ‘Korkai’ and ‘Azhagankulam’ were located. Korkai: India’s Pearl Port Korkai is a small village in the Srivaikuntamtaluk of Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu. It is situated about 3 km north of the Thamirabarani River and about

Saroop of Guru Granth Sahib

On 24th August, 2021, Afghan Sikhs brought three hand-written ‘Swaroops’ of Shri Guru Granth SahibJi from Afghanistan to India. There were a total of 13 ‘Swaroop’ of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in Afghanistan. After the attack at Gurudwara Har Rai Sahib in Kabul on March 25, 2020, seven ‘Swaroops’ were

Shankracharya Temple

Recently, as per the tradition, the holy mace (Chhari Mubarak) of Lord Shiva was brought to the ancient Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar. About Shankracharya Temple It is also known as the Jyesteshwara temple or Pas-Pahar by Buddhists. It is on top of the Shankaracharya Hill (also called Hill of Solomon) on the Zabarwan

Narayankoti Temple

On 20th August, 2021, Narayankoti temple of Uttarakhand has been included under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ project of the central government. About Narayankoti Temple It is a group of ancient temples located about two kilometers from Guptkashi on the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund highway. These temples are dedicated to Lakshmi Narayana which is associated with Pandavas. This

Aranmula Boat Race

Also known as Kerala Boat Race, it is the most ancient and revered boat race of Kerala. Key Points Aranmula is a heritage village lies in the banks of the river Pampa in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. Held on the day of the Uthrittathi asterism in the Malayalam month of Chingam (corresponding

Wanchua Festival

Tiwa tribesmen celebrated the Wanchuwa festival in KarbiAnglong district of Assam. About Wanchua Festival This festival is celebrated to mark their good harvest. It comes with songs, dances, a bunch of rituals and people clad in their native attires. The people of Tiwa tribe associate the bountiful harvest with the higher power from nature.

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM)

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM)has developed a chain of science museums and science centers throughout the Country including Science Cities through the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS). About NCSM An autonomous organisation under Indian Ministry of Culture, it is the largest chain of science centers or museums under

Abanindranath Tagore

Year-long celebrations marking 150 years(7th August, 2021) of Abanindranath Tagore have begun with a host of online workshops and talks paying tributes to the leading light of the Bengal School of Art. About Abanindranath Tagore Abanindranath Tagore (7 August 1871 - 5 December 1951), the nephew of Rabindranath Tagore, was one of

Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Recently, the bronze statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh which was installed in 2019 was vandalised by a member of radical outfit in Lahore(Pakistan). About Maharaja Ranjit Singh He was born on November 13, 1780 in Gujranwala, now in Pakistan. He became the ruler of the Sukerchakiamisl upon his father’s death at the

Karez System of Irrigation

This system of underground vertical shafts in a gently sloping tunnel is built from an upland aquifer to ground level.It has its origins in Persia and later spread to Arab and Turkic lands. The entire system is a planning and execution of the forces of a watershed. The first

The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Act 2021

On 13th August, 2021, The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Act, 2021 was notified. Need Indigenous nomenclature of tribes has been a long-standing demand in Arunachal Pradesh for two reasons: for the recognition of individual identity; and to do away with the ambiguity as a result of errors in their names. For example, there

Moral Policing

Recently, in an alleged incident of moral policing, a 44-year-old woman and her 23-year-old son were attacked in Kerala's Kollam district. About Moral Policing Moral Policing/Vigilantism is a term used to describe vigilante groups which act to enforce a code of morality in India without legal authority. The roots of moral policing

Adoption (First Amendment) Regulation 2021

On 23rd August, 2021, the government introduced a new clause in the adoption regulations, according to which when parents with their adopted child move abroad within two years of adoption have to intimate Indian diplomatic missions of their departure and arrival at least two weeks in advance. Need Currently, Indian missions abroad

Chakma and Hajong Communities

Recently, Chakma and Hajong groups have rejected a move by the Arunachal Pradesh government to relocate them to another state. The Chakmas and Hajongs living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts fled erstwhile East Pakistan in 1964-65, since they lost their land to the development of the Kaptai Dam on the Karnaphuli

e-Prison Project

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) provided financial assistance of Rs. 99.49 crores to the States and Union Territories for the e-Prisons Project. About e-Prison Project Developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), the project aims at computerization of the functioning of prisons in the country. It is a cloud-based product with a simple

PM-DAKSH Scheme

On 7th August, 2021, the government launched ‘PM-DAKSH’ portal and app to make the skill development schemes accessible to the target groups of Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Safai Karamcharis. About PM-DAKS (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrah) The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021

On 2nd August, 2021, the Delhi High Court allowed the medical termination of pregnancy of a woman who had completed 22 weeks of gestation period on account of suffering from multiple abnormalities. The woman, in her plea, had sought permission for abortion as her twin foetus suffered from 'dandy walker malformation',

Rice Fortification

On 15th August, 2021, Prime Minister announced the fortification of rice distributed under various government schemes, including the public distribution system (PDS) and mid-day meals in schools, by 2024. About Rice Fortification The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) defines fortification as “deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients in

Samvad 2.0

On 14th August, 2021, the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the 2nd phase of the Support, Advocacy & Mental health interventions for children in Vulnerable circumstances And Distress (SAMVAD) program. Phase 2 will engage with functionaries in Panchayats for addressing psychosocial challenges amongst vulnerable children. About SAMVAD It is a

Samagra Shiskha 2.0

On 4th August, 2021, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the school education programme Samagra Shiksha Scheme 2.0 till the 2025-26 financial year. Key Provisions In order to enhance the direct outreach of the scheme, all child-centric interventions will be provided directly to the students through DBT mode on an

Jan Shikshan Sansthan

The Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) has brought high-speed internet via long-distance Wi-Fi technology to some of the remotest tribal hamlets deep inside the Nilambur jungle in Kerala. About JSS Formerly known as Shramik Vidyapeeth, it is being implemented through a network of NGOs in the country since March 1967. The first Shramik

Quality of Life for Elderly Index

On 11th August 2021, ‘Quality of Life for Elderly Index’ was released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). The report identifies the regional patterns of ageing across Indian States and assesses the overall ageing situation in India. Need The share of elders, as a percentage of the total population

Halam Sub-tribe

Also known as Mila Kuki, Halam communities of Tripura belong to the Kuki-Chin tribes of Tibeto-Burmese ethnic group.They live in typical “Tong Ghar” specially made of bamboos and Changrass (thatch). Koloi, Rupini, Molsom, Ranglong, Lankai and Hi-Hook dance are some of the popular dances. Rai Balmani Festival is now-a-days

Grant-in-aid to Rural Local Bodies

On 30th August the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance has released an amount of Rs. 13,385.70 crore to 25 States for providing grants to the Rural Local Bodies. This Grant-in-aid is the 1st installment of Tied grants of the year 2021-22. The grants have been released as per the recommendations

Indian Scientists develop Carbon-based Wrapper for preserving Fruits

Indian researchers led by Dr. P. S Vijayakumar from Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali have developed a composite paper made of carbon (graphene oxide) loaded with preservatives that can be used as wrappers to help extend shelf life of fruits.Unlike the present preservative dipping technology, where the preservatives

‘SUJALAM’ Campaign for making more ODF Plus Villages

On 25th August 2021, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched ‘SUJALAM’, a ‘100 days campaign’ as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations to create more and more ODF Plus villages by undertaking waste water management at village level particularly through creation of 1 million Soak-pits and also

Prevalence of NCDs in AP & Telangana higher than National Average

According to a primary healthcare survey report released by the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have a 16.19% prevalence of key Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which is higher than the national average of 11.62%.The apex trade association, as part of its "Illness to

AtmaNirbhar Krishi Yojna & AtmaNirbhar Bagwani Yojna

On 3rd September 2021, the state government of Arunachal Pradesh launched two schemes, one in agriculture sector called ‘AtmaNirbhar Krishi Yojna’ and the other for horticulture named ‘AtmaNirbhar Bagwani Yojna’.The schemes will immensely benefit farmers and Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the state.These two schemes are unique as these are

Assam Micro Finance Incentive and Relief Scheme

The Finance Department of the Assam government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) to implement the Assam Micro Finance Incentive and Relief Scheme (AMFIRS), 2021.Altogether 38 MFIs and banks signed the MoU with the state government, which will remain in force till March 31, 2023.There were

Rise in Cases of Child Marriage

The data from Social Welfare Department of Assam shows that there is an increase in cases of child marriages in the state. Area Specific Most of the cases of child marriage are reported from migrant Muslim-dominated areas, specifically the ‘char’ (River Island) areas and from tea plantations. The Data 3,192 child marriages were recorded

Four New Districts to come up in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the creation of four new districts along with 18 tehsils during his 15th August address on 75th Independence Day. The new districts that will come into existence are Manendragarh, Mohla-Manpur, Sakti and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh. The declaration takes the total number of districts in the state to

Forest Resource Rights in an Urban Area

Chhattisgarh is the first state to recognise Community Forest Resource Rights in an urban area. Recently, the state government recognised rights of residents of Dhamtari district over 4,127 hectares of forests. Community resource rights over 5,544 hectares of forest within the core area of the tiger reserve area were also recognised. What

Chhattisgarh releases State’s First Tribal Atlas

On 9th August 2021, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh released the first tribal atlas of the state. Chhattisgarh is the third state after Jharkhand and Odisha to prepare an atlas for its tribal population. The announcement came on the occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. About the Atlas The

‘Navajeevan’ Project

The Labour Department of Kerala will implement Navajeevan, a project to provide a means of livelihood to those in the 50-65 age group.Those in the 50-65 age group who have registered themselves in employment exchanges but are unable to find jobs will be given interest-free loans to start self-employment ventures

Geo-tourism Sites in NE

Geo-tourism Sites in NE The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified certain geological sites across the Northeast for promotion of geo-tourism. Twelve locations in the Northeast are included in the 32 approved geo-tourism or geo-heritage sites in the country. These places can be top attractions through responsible tourism. Of the 12 sites

UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination 2021 (Test -I)

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UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination 2021 (Test -III)

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