On 8th Aug 2021, India completed 79 years of Quit India Movement also known as August Kranti. Important points: On 8th August 1942, Mahatma Gandhi gave a clarion call to end the British rule and launched the Quit India Movement at the session of the All-India Congress Committee in Mumbai. Gandhiji gave the call “Do or Die” in his speech delivered at the …

Recently, India has proposed to convene an open debate of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on enhancing maritime security. The objective of this debate is to highlight effective international maritime cooperation to respond holistically to natural and manmade threats to maritime security. It also reflects India’s international evolution as a maritime nation. Important points: With …

The year-long celebrations marking 150 years of Abanindranath Tagore will be started soon, with a host of online workshops and talks paying tributes to the leading light of the Bengal School of Art. Important points: Abanindranath Tagore took birth in a family of Tagores of Jorasanko in Kolkata in 1871. He was a nephew …

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) expressed displeasure against the Central government by asking whether it intends to “close” tribunals across the country by not filling up vacancies that have been pending for years. Important points: Tribunal is a quasi-judicial institution that is set up to deal with problems such as resolving administrative or tax-related disputes. It …

Recently, Rajya Sabha has passed the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The bill provides for modifying Part-XVIII of the Schedule to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, relating to the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Important points: It seeks to amend the constitutional list of Scheduled Tribes as recommended by Arunachal Pradesh. At present, there …

Recently, the Government of India has introduced The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in the Lok Sabha. The bill seeks to withdraw tax demands made using a 2012 retrospective legislation to tax the indirect transfer of Indian assets. Important points: The retrospective tax law was passed in 2012 following a Supreme Court verdict in favour of …

Recently in a Deputy National Security Adviser-level meeting hosted by Sri Lanka, India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have agreed to work on “four pillars” of security cooperation. The four areas covers marine security, human trafficking, counter-terrorism, and cyber security. The meeting which was held under the Colombo Security Conclave, saw Bangladesh, Seychelles and Mauritius participating in the role of observers. Important points: Soon …

In the past, the Obama and Trump administrations had supported a permanent seat for India on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). However, the recent statements by the State Department under the new US President Joe Biden, reflects an ambiguous or half-hearted view on this issue. Important points: The US supports a reformed Security Council that …

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has provided financial assistance of Rs. 99.49 crores to the States and Union Territories (UTs) for the E-Prisons Project. Also, acting on the request of the MHA, NIMHANS, an Institute of National Importance, has recently issued a set of guidelines on the management of mental health issues of the prisoners and prison …

India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) visited Iran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. This marks a landmark event attempting to reset the ties with Iran that have been under strain in recent times. This is EAM’s second visit in a month and it comes amid a sharp escalation of the fighting in Afghanistan between …