Recently, the External Minister of India replied in the Parliament that the US sanctions on Iran have no bearing on India’s Chabahar port project and the port is functioning well. The US has given separate exceptions for the strategic Chabahar port project. Important points: It is located in the Indian …

Over one lakh people have received pensions directly in their bank accounts through the SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) project. Important points: It was launched in 2018. It is a seamless online pension processing and payment system for Department of Telecommunications pensioners. It provides direct credit of …

The Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians from developing countries has been given to Professor Neena Gupta. She is a mathematician at the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata and has been awarded for her outstanding work in affine algebraic geometry and commutative algebra. She is the third woman to receive the …

Recently, the Union Minister of Atomic Energy and Space informed that the crewed Gaganyaan mission will finally be launched in 2023. The country’s first space station is likely to come up by 2030. Important points: Gaganyaan is a mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Three flights will be …

Recently, India assumed the Chairmanship of Council of Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (RATS-SCO) in 2021 for a period of one year. In pursuance of this, the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in association with Data Security Council of India (DSCI) organized a Seminar on Securing Cyberspace in …

Recently, the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) has granted Observer Status to the International Solar Alliance (ISA). It will help provide for regular and well-defined cooperation between the Alliance and the United Nations that would benefit global energy growth and development. Earlier, the fourth general assembly of the ISA was held, …

Recently, C. Rajagopalachari is remembered on his 143rd birth anniversary. He is remembered for his contributions to the freedom struggle, administrative and intellectual prowess. Important points: Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, was born on December 10th in 1878. He studied law from the Presidency College in Madras (now Chennai), …

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the Monetary Policy Report (MPR) for the month of December 2021. It kept the policy rate unchanged for the Ninth time in a row maintaining an accommodative stance. Important points: Unchanged Policy Rates: Repo Rate – 4%. Reverse Repo Rate – 3.35%. …

Recently, the Global Health Security (GHS) Index 2021 has been recently released. In India NITI Aayog releases its own health index Important points: It is an assessment and benchmarking of health security and related capabilities across 195 countries. It has been developed in partnership by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) …

Recently, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has revised Coal Stocking Norms at thermal power generation plants with an aim to prevent a repeat of the low coal stock situation at various plants. CEA is an organization under the Electricity Act, 2003. Its objective is to formulate a National Electricity Plan …

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the funding and implementation of Ken-Betwa inter-linking of rivers project. The project envisages transferring water from the Ken river to the Betwa river, both tributaries of the Yamuna. The project will be completed in eight years. Important points: It is the first project under …

Recently, a Curtain Raiser Event for PANEX-21 for the member nations of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries was held recently. The exercise is planned to be conducted later this year (2021). Important points: It is a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief exercise. It …

According to the Lok Sabha, Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) has performed significantly well in the last four years. Important points: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), launched in 2016 by the MInistry of Rural Development (MoRD) to deliver integrated project based infrastructure in the rural areas, which …

Recently, the Prime Minister of India has paid tributes to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji on his martyrdom day. Important points: Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru, often venerated as the ‘Protector of Humanity’ (Srisht-di-Chadar) by the Sikhs. He is known as a great teacher, Guru Tegh Bahadur …

Recently data related to human rights violations in states was provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Rajya sabha. Around 40% of human rights violation cases lodged annually by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in the past three financial years till this 31st October (2021) were from Uttar …

Recently, Cyclone Jawad has hit the east coast of India particularly the State of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Although the cyclone weakened and didn’t cause much damage, it highlighted that India’s cyclone management approach was largely based on evacuation. Thus, India’s cyclone management must incorporate Mitigation and Preparedness measures. Mitigation …

Recently, Mount Semeru volcano of Indonesia erupted which killed at least 14 persons and left dozens injured. The last time it erupted was in December 2020. Important points: Semeru, also known as the Great Mountain – is the highest volcano in Java and one of the most active. Semeru volcano …

Recently, the 11th Edition of Joint Military Exercise EKUVERIN between India & Maldives has been started at Kadhdhoo Island, Maldives. Earlier, the 15th edition of the biennial trilateral Coast Guard Exercise ‘Dosti’ involving India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka was held in the Maldives. Important points: India and Maldives have …

Recently, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) felicitated various industrial units, institutions and establishments with 31st National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day (14th December) to showcase India’s achievements in energy efficiency and conservation. A new award – National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards (NEEIA) …

Recently, National Cadet Corps (NCC) has announced to conduct ‘Azadi ki Vijay Shrankhla aur Sanskritiyon ka Mahasangam’ event as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (75th Anniversary of India’s Independence). Under Azadi ki Vijay Shrankhla’ program, the bravehearts of the Indo-Pakistan 1971 War are being honoured at 75 locations throughout …