Maharashtra has topped the list of states with maximum number of beneficiaries under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY), followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Important points: It was launched in November 2020 to boost employment in the formal sector and incentivize creation of new employment opportunities during the Covid-19 …

Recently, National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd has awarded the country’s first green hydrogen microgrid project at its Simhadri (near Visakhapatnam) plant in Andhra Pradesh. Important points: This unique project configuration is designed in-house by NTPC. It would be a precursor to large-scale hydrogen energy storage projects. It is in line …

Recently, India and Russia opposed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) draft resolution on climate change. The resolution was co-sponsored by Ireland and Niger and it was first proposed by Germany in the UNSC in 2020. It was supported by 113 UN member countries (of a total of 193), which …

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Government of India and Poland. Important points: The MLATs in criminal matters are the bilateral treaties entered between the countries for providing international cooperation and assistance. These agreements allow for the exchange of …

Recently, Durga Puja in Kolkata has been inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. It is the first festival in Asia to achieve recognition as UNESCO ICH of Humanity. Earlier, UNESCO announced the Harappan city of Dholavira in Gujarat as India’s 40th world …

Recently, the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) successfully test fired the Pinaka Extended Range (Pinaka-ER) Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Earlier, the DRDO also launched the Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo System (SMART). Important points: The Pinaka, a Multi-Barrel Rocket-Launcher (MBRL) system named after Shiva’s bow, can fire a salvo …

The National Energy Conservation Day is observed on December 14th, every year by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) The day focuses on making people aware of global warming and climate change and promotes efforts towards saving energy resources. It also highlights the achievements of the country in the fields …

Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated a scheme SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise. It includes a sub-scheme – ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging. Currently, a pilot project of it is ongoing in …

Recently, India reiterated its support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). India also supported freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded commerce, based on the principles of international law, reflected notably in the UNCLOS 1982. India is a state party to the UNCLOS. Important …

The External Affairs Minister of India (EAM), at the recent Global Technology summit, has asserted that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought India’s capabilities and need for more domestic production rather than unchecked globalization. He further held that, to foster tech growth, nations must seek more start-ups, supply chains and jobs …