Category: Miscellaneous

“Maharaja Suheldev” Memorial and “Chittaura Lake” development work

What is the News? The Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone of a Maharaja Suheldev memorial and the development work of Chittaura lake in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district. About Maharaja Suheldev: Maharaja Suheldev was the erstwhile ruler of Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district who ruled in the 11th century. He is known to… Continue reading “Maharaja Suheldev” Memorial and “Chittaura Lake” development work

“Cyber security” training to Railway staffs.

What is the News? To provide Cyber security training to staffs Ministry of Railways has joined hands with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).  The training will educate its officials on Internet ethics, cyber hygiene and best practices in the use of IT equipment, including mobile phones. This is a part of C-DAC’s… Continue reading “Cyber security” training to Railway staffs.

A study on the cost of ensuring “WASH” in healthcare facilities

What is the News? A study was conducted to estimate the cost of ensuring WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) in healthcare facilities for one year across India. The study was published in  BMJ Global Health journal. What is WASH? The term “WASH in health care facilities” refers to the provision of water, sanitation, health care waste… Continue reading A study on the cost of ensuring “WASH” in healthcare facilities

100% tap water connections to schools under “100-day Special Campaign”

What is the news? Telangana has achieved 100% tap water connections to all schools and Angan Wadi Centres (AWCs) under 100 day Special Campaign. The other states like Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Haryana and Tamil Nadu, also achieved this target. Centre’s 100-day Special Campaign: On 2nd October 2020, Ministry of Jal Shakti had launched… Continue reading 100% tap water connections to schools under “100-day Special Campaign”

Govt announces “Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge”

What is the news? The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs shortlisted 25 cities for the ‘Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge’. This challenge is covered under the Smart Cities Mission. About Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge It is a three-year initiative hosted by the Smart Cities Mission, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in collaboration with the Bernard van… Continue reading Govt announces “Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge”

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launches Pilot “Pey Jal Survekshan”

What is the News? The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched a  Pilot Pey Jal Survekshan. About Pey Jal Survekshan It is a drinking water survey launched in 10 cities under Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban). Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Purpose: It will ascertain the equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater… Continue reading Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launches Pilot “Pey Jal Survekshan”

MSDE rolls out “Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship(MGNF) Program”

What is the news? Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship(MSDE) rolls out Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship(MGNF) Programme under the SANKALP scheme. It will strengthen district skill administration and the District Skill Committees(DSCs). Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship(MGNF) Program: It is a two-year academic program. It aims to address the challenge of the non-availability of personnel for… Continue reading MSDE rolls out “Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship(MGNF) Program”

“Vishaka Guidelines” and “The Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act 2013”

What is the News? A Delhi court has acquitted a former journalist in a defamation case filed by former Union minister. In this case, a journalist initially made allegations of sexual harassment against the former Union Minister. In turn, a criminal defamation case was filed in Delhi High Court against the journalist by Union Minister.… Continue reading “Vishaka Guidelines” and “The Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act 2013”

“Sedition law” can’t be used to criminalise critics: Court

What is the news? Delhi Court has observed that the Sedition laws cannot be invoked to quiet the disquiet (criminalising the critics). The court also held that the government cannot act like restricting criminals while using sedition under IPC. This observation was made by the court while granting bail to two persons arrested by Delhi… Continue reading “Sedition law” can’t be used to criminalise critics: Court

11th edition of “Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav”

What is the news? The 11th edition of the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav is being held in West Bengal this year. Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav: Nodal Ministry: It is a festival started by the Ministry of Culture in the year 2015. Objective: It enhances mutual understanding and bonding between people of diverse cultures. Thereby it secures stronger… Continue reading 11th edition of “Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav”

List of “Indian diaspora members” holding key positions globally

What is the News? Indiaspora, a US-based organisation released the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List. The list includes Indian origin persons occupying the highest positions globally. About the Indiaspora Government Leaders List: The list recognizes more than 200 persons of Indian origin. It includes persons, occupied leadership positions in as many as 15 countries. More… Continue reading List of “Indian diaspora members” holding key positions globally

Data on participation of marginalised Communities in leading IITs

What is the News? The Hindu Newspaper has published the data obtained through the RTI queries. Data provides info. on the representation of marginalized communities such as OBCs, SCs, and STs in the leading IITs of the country. About the data: The RTI query data covers Ph.D. admissions made in the five-year period from 2015… Continue reading Data on participation of marginalised Communities in leading IITs

Fossils of ‘Dickinsonia’ found at Bhimbetka

What is the News? Researchers discovered three fossils in Madhya Pradesh. These fossils are possibly of the earliest known living animal named ‘Dickinsonia’(550-million-year-old). About the discovery: The fossils are found on the roof of Auditorium Cave at Bhimbetka Rock Shelters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh. The fossil can be identified… Continue reading Fossils of ‘Dickinsonia’ found at Bhimbetka

“Traffic Crash Injuries and Disabilities” -World Bank report on road accidents in India

What is the News? The World Bank released a report titled “Traffic Crash Injuries and Disabilities: The Burden on Indian Society”. It highlights the Socio-Economic impacts of road accidents in India. About the Report: Published by: World Bank in collaboration with SaveLIFE Foundation. The report highlights the socio-economic impact of road accidents. It analyses the … Continue reading “Traffic Crash Injuries and Disabilities” -World Bank report on road accidents in India

CFS endorses Voluntary guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition

What is the News? The UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS) has endorsed the first-ever Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition(VGFSyN). About the guidelines: These guidelines will support countries in their efforts to eradicate all forms of hunger and malnutrition. It will utilize a comprehensive food systems approach for this aim. It will… Continue reading CFS endorses Voluntary guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition

Six years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme

Why in News? During the last six years, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme has increased awareness and sensitized the masses on Gender Equality. Facts: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme: It was launched by the Prime Minister in 2015 at Panipat in Haryana. Aim: To bring behavioural change in the society towards birth and rights… Continue reading Six years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme

Inter-caste marriages can reduce caste tensions: Supreme Court

What is the news? The Supreme Court in a judgement has said that Inter-caste marriages will possibly reduce caste and community tensions. Background: This judgement came on a petition filed by a girl who fled from Bengaluru to Delhi to marry a man who was from a different caste. The police officer on a complaint… Continue reading Inter-caste marriages can reduce caste tensions: Supreme Court

“Tholpavakoothu” the shadow leather puppetry to be Performed using Robots

What is the News? For the first time, Tholpavakkoothu, the famous shadow leather puppetry will tell the stories of the Ramayana with the help of robots. Tholpavakoothu Tholpavakoothu is a form of shadow leather puppetry that is practiced in Kerala. It is also known as Nizhalkkoothu and Olakkoothu. Temple art form: It is a traditional… Continue reading “Tholpavakoothu” the shadow leather puppetry to be Performed using Robots

2nd Phase of the “Vigyan Jyoti Programme”

What is the News? The second phase of Vigyan Jyoti programme commenced on the occasion of International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, 2021. Vigyan Jyoti Programme: It was launched by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) in December 2019. Aim: It aims to create a level-playing field for the… Continue reading 2nd Phase of the “Vigyan Jyoti Programme”

“INS Viraat” – SC ordered a status quo on dismantling

What is the News? The Supreme Court has ordered status quo on the dismantling of the Navy’s aircraft carrier, INS Viraat. The Navy decommissioned INS Viraat from service in 2017. Facts:  What is the issue? “The decision to dismantle INS Viraat was taken after holding due consultation with the Indian Navy,” said the Government in… Continue reading “INS Viraat” – SC ordered a status quo on dismantling

Low conviction rate under “Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act” (UAPA)

What is the news? Union Home Ministry has informed Rajya Sabha about the cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Sedition(Section-124A). Cases under UAPA: Between 2016 and 2019, the total number of the persons arrested and convicted in the country under UAPA were 5,922 and 132 respectively. This means only 2.2 % of… Continue reading Low conviction rate under “Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act” (UAPA)

Centre’s Powers under “Section 69A of IT Act”

What is the News? The Government of India has asked Twitter to follow Indian laws. The government has also expressed disappointment over partial compliance with its orders. What was the issue? The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY) ordered Twitter to block several Twitter accounts for posing a threat to law and order. The order… Continue reading Centre’s Powers under “Section 69A of IT Act”

“Tileswari Barua” – possibly the youngest martyr of India got recognised by PM

What is the News? The Prime Minister went the historic martyr town of Dhekiajuli in Assam and recognised the freedom fighters of that town. The town was associated with the Quit India Movement of 1942. During his visit, the PM also laid the foundation stone for two medical colleges and launched a road and highway… Continue reading “Tileswari Barua” – possibly the youngest martyr of India got recognised by PM

Men access “KIRAN mental health rehabilitation helpline” more

What is the News? According to a report by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment(SJE), 70% of callers to KIRAN (mental health rehabilitation helpline) are male. Kiran helpline(1800-599-0019): Launched by: It was launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities(DEPwD). The Department works under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (SJE).… Continue reading Men access “KIRAN mental health rehabilitation helpline” more

PM Atma Nirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana

What is the News? The Finance Minister has launched a new scheme titled “PM Atma Nirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana”. In general, The scheme aims to develop capacities in the health care system over 6 yrs. PM Atma Nirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana: Type: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme Aim: The scheme aims to Improve primary,… Continue reading PM Atma Nirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana(PMMVY)

What is the News? The Central Government has informed that the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana(PMMVY) has crossed 1.75 crores of eligible women beneficiaries, till the financial year 2020. Facts:  Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana(PMMVY): Launched in: It is a maternity benefit scheme introduced in 2017. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Women… Continue reading Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana(PMMVY)

“ICMR Serological Survey” -One in five Indians have been exposed to coronavirus,

What is the News? Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) has released the third round of the Serological Survey. Facts: Serological Survey: It is conducted to assess the prevalence of a disease in a population. It is done by detecting the presence of specific antibodies that are produced against the virus. How was the survey conducted?… Continue reading “ICMR Serological Survey” -One in five Indians have been exposed to coronavirus,

Awareness Campaign to dispel ‘rumours’ on NPR, Census

What is the News? The Union Home Ministry is planning an awareness campaign for the National Population Register(NPR) and Census. Facts: Need: As per a parliamentary committee, there is a lot of dissatisfaction and fear among people regarding the upcoming NPR and Census exercise. Communication Campaign: Ministry will use the right kind of messaging to… Continue reading Awareness Campaign to dispel ‘rumours’ on NPR, Census

National Tribal Festival “Aadi Mahotsav”

What is the News? The Vice President of India has inaugurated “Aadi Mahotsav”, a National Tribal Festival. Aadi Mahotsav: It is an annual Tribal Festival that was started in the year 2017. Organized by: It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India & Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of… Continue reading National Tribal Festival “Aadi Mahotsav”

PM Praises “Pattachitra Painting”

What is the News? The Prime Minister has praised the Odisha pattachitra painting in the Mann Ki Baat. About Patachitra Painting Pattachitra or Patachitra Painting: The name Pattachitra has evolved from Sanskrit words patta meaning canvas and chitra meaning picture. It is a traditional, cloth-based scroll painting based in Odisha and West Bengal. Odisha Pattachitra:… Continue reading PM Praises “Pattachitra Painting”

“Jal Jeevan Mission” to revive urban water bodies

What is the News? In the Budget 2021-22, the Government has announced the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission(Urban). About Jal Jeevan Mission(Urban): Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs Objective: To provide universal coverage of water supply to all households in all 4,378 statutory towns, through functional taps. Duration: The duration of the mission… Continue reading “Jal Jeevan Mission” to revive urban water bodies

Finance Minister allocates funds for “National Research Foundation”

What is the News? The Finance Minister allocated funds for the creation of a National Research Foundation(NRF). About National Research Foundation(NRF) The NRF found mention in the 2019 Budget speech first. New Education Policy(NEP),2020 also proposed its formation. The foundation would be an autonomous body. It will fund researches across four major disciplines –Sciences; Technology;… Continue reading Finance Minister allocates funds for “National Research Foundation”

Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 and Jal Jeevan Mission

What is the News? The Finance Minister launched Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 along with Jal Jeevan Mission(urban). Swachh Bharat Mission Urban Launched in: It was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 1.0: The focus of the mission was to make urban India open defecation free… Continue reading Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 and Jal Jeevan Mission

Medical boards for access to abortion untenable: Report

What is the News? The Centre for Justice, Law and Society(CJLS), Jindal Global Law School has undertaken a study to analyse the feasibility of setting up Medical Boards. Boards are proposed in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy(MTP) (Amendment) Bill, 2020.  Background: MTP Amendment Bill,2020: The Bill seeks to amend Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act,… Continue reading Medical boards for access to abortion untenable: Report

NITI Aayog’s “Megacity plan for Little Andaman”

What is the News? Niti Aayog has released a  megacity plan for Little Andaman. The plan is a part of its Vision Document titled “Sustainable Development of Little Andaman Island”. Facts: Aim: To leverage the strategic location and natural features of the Little Andaman island. A new greenfield coastal city will be developed as a… Continue reading NITI Aayog’s “Megacity plan for Little Andaman”

16th Census of India likely to postpone to 2022

What is the News? The Government of India is likely to postpone the 2021 census to 2022, due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation in the country. First phase of the Census was scheduled to be rolled out on 1st April 2020. Under this phase, House Listing & Housing Census and updating of the National Population… Continue reading 16th Census of India likely to postpone to 2022

Agreement for Financial Support to “STARS Project”

What is the News? Department of Economic Affairs(DEA) and World Bank signed an agreement for the financial support on the Strengthening Teaching-Learning And Results for States(STARS) project.   STARS project: The project would be implemented as a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Aim: To improve the overall monitoring and measurement activities in the Indian school education… Continue reading Agreement for Financial Support to “STARS Project”

What is Covid Performance Index?

What is the News? The COVID Performance Index has been released by the Lowy Institute, an Australian think-tank. Facts: COVID Performance Index: The index aims to rank the best-performing countries in their response to the pandemic. It measures the impact of geography, political systems, population size, and economic development on COVID-19 outcomes, for a conclusion.… Continue reading What is Covid Performance Index?

India ranks 10th in Asia-Pacific Personalised Health Index

Why in News? Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released the ‘Asia-Pacific Personalized Health Index’. India has been ranked 10th out of 11 Asia Pacific countries in the index. Facts: Asia-Pacific Personalised Health Index The index measures the progress of Asia Pacific countries in adopting personalised healthcare. It includes enabling the right care to be tailored… Continue reading India ranks 10th in Asia-Pacific Personalised Health Index

Every fourth senior citizen in India rates health as poor: LASI

Why in News? The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has released the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) Wave-1 Report. Facts:  About LASI: About the study: It is a full-scale national survey of scientific investigation. It investigates the health, economic and social determinants and consequences of the ageing population in India. It was commissioned… Continue reading Every fourth senior citizen in India rates health as poor: LASI

“BBV154” A Bharat Biotech’s Intranasal Vaccine vaccine

What is the news? An expert body is looking into Bharat Biotech’s application for testing its  Covid-19 vaccine, BBV154. This is an Intranasal Vaccine. What is Intranasal Vaccine? Vaccines are administered as injectable shots into the muscles(intramuscular). Or the tissue just between the skin and the muscles(subcutaneous). However, with intranasal vaccines, the solution is sprayed… Continue reading “BBV154” A Bharat Biotech’s Intranasal Vaccine vaccine

“Covaxin” is effective against U.K. virus variant

What is the News? Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology(NIV) study found Covaxin effective against the new UK variant of Covid-19. About the Study: The study has found that Covaxin has a good neutralization capacity against the U.K variant of the COVID-19 virus. This capacity was the same against… Continue reading “Covaxin” is effective against U.K. virus variant

COVID deepened inequality in India: Oxfam Report

Why in News? Oxfam has released a report titled “Inequality Virus Report”. The report has highlighted the increasing inequalities in India. Facts: About the report: It is a part of its international report released on the opening day of the World Economic Forum’s ‘Davos Dialogues.’ The report states that COVID-19 has the potential to increase… Continue reading COVID deepened inequality in India: Oxfam Report

Global Firepower Index 2021

Why in News? Global Firepower has published the Global Firepower Index (GFP) /Military Strength Ranking 2021. Facts: Global Firepower Index: It ranks each nation’s potential war-making capability across land, sea and air with conventional weapons. Factors: The index is calculated using fifty individual factors such as geography, logistical capability, manpower, land forces, airpower, natural resources,… Continue reading Global Firepower Index 2021

ShramShakti Portal and ShramSaathi module for Tribal Migrants

Why in News? Union Minister of Tribal Affairs has virtually launched the Shram Shakti Portal for data related to Tribal migrants. The Minister also launched the tribal training module- ShramSaathi. Shram Shakti portal: The portal has been launched to tackle the challenge of lack of real-time data on the migrants with the Governments. Facts: ShramShakti… Continue reading ShramShakti Portal and ShramSaathi module for Tribal Migrants

Co-WIN platform upgraded 

Why in News?  The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced the upgradation of Co-WIN software. It is to cater to more sessions per site and change in site location.   Facts:  CoWIN App: It is a digitalised platform by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).   It allows Indian citizens to apply for a Covid-19 vaccine shot and helps agencies in keeping a track of… Continue reading Co-WIN platform upgraded 

Joint Military Exercise Kavach 

Why in News?  A large scale Joint Military exercise – Exercise Kavach will be conducted in the coming week.   Facts:  Exercise Kavach: It is a Joint Military exercise involving assets of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard.  Conducted under: The exercise will be conducted under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the… Continue reading Joint Military Exercise Kavach 

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)

Why in News? According to Government data, a total of 1.1 crore houses has been approved under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), of which more than 70 lakh houses are under various stages of construction and more than 41 lakh houses have been completed. Facts: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(Urban): It was launched by the Ministry… Continue reading Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)

UNDESA Report on Migrants

Why in News?   International Migration report 2020 has been released by the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).    Aim: To provide the estimates of the number of international migrants according to country, age and sex for all regions of the world.   Key findings for India:  Indian diaspora is 18 million strong. It is the largest transnational population in the world.   Destinations: The United… Continue reading UNDESA Report on Migrants