Recently, the Indian Railways has announced the new scheme ‘Bharat Gaurav’ to tap the huge potential of tourism. Important points: Under the scheme, now trains have a third segment for tourism. Till now, the Railways had passenger segments and goods segments. These trains are not regular trains that will run …

According to the recently released Global State of Democracy Report, 2021, the number of countries moving towards authoritarianism in 2020 was higher than that of countries becoming more democratic. Important points: The report aims to influence the global debate and analyses current trends and challenges to democracy, exacerbated by the …

Recently, NITI Aayog under the Indo-German Cooperation released the inaugural Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Urban Index and Dashboard 2021–22. Earlier in June 2021, the third edition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index and Dashboard 2020–21 was released by NITI Aayog. Important points: The index and dashboard are a …

Recently, after a gap of four years, the Trade Policy Forum (TPF) was convened between the United States and India. The Forum resolved to take economic ties between the two countries to the ‘next high level’ and exchanged views on ‘potential targeted tariff reductions’. Important points: To activate working groups …

Recently, Pratham, a civil society organisation has been conferred the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2021. Pratham is dedicated to improving the quality of education among underprivileged children in India and across the world. Important points: The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development was …

The Prime Minister handed over the Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite ‘Shakti’ to the Indian Navy at a ceremony held as part of Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv on 19th November, 2021. Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv is part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahaotsav’ celebration. The PM also handed over indigenously-built …

Recently, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) has completed 5 years on 20th November, 2021. Earlier, it was reported that due to adverse impact of Covid-19, only 5.4% of the sanctioned houses under the PMAY-G, have reached completion for the year 2020-2021. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs …

According to a recent report, life expectancy among the poorest is lower by 9.1 years and 6.2 years among men and women, respectively, compared to the richest in urban areas. Important points: The report explores health vulnerabilities and inequalities in cities in India. It also looks at the availability, accessibility …

Recently, the President awarded the respective cities in the 6th Edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS) 2021 for their performance in maintaining cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation. The ceremony was held at the ‘Swachh Amrit Mahotsav’, which is a celebration of the achievements of cities in the past seven years of Swachh …

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a draft scheme of amalgamation of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank and Unity Small Finance Bank (USF). Earlier, PMC was put under restrictions on account of fraud that led to a steep deterioration in the networth of the bank. Important points: …