Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the infusion of Rs 1,500 crore in the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). This will enable IREDA to lend Rs 12,000 crore to the renewable energy sector. Earlier, the IREDA had launched a ‘whistle-blower Portal’, as a part of ‘Vigilance Awareness Week 2021’. Important …

Recently, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has revised Rural Area Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (RADPFI) guidelines, 2017 in a view to transforming rural India and ensuring rural prosperity. Important points: RADPFI 2021 guidelines is a continuation to the Ministry’s efforts towards promotion of Spatial rural planning and would create …

According to the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) report, 1.27 million people died in 2019 as a direct result of AMR (AntiMicrobial Resistance). The death due to AMR is now a leading cause of death worldwide, higher than HIV/AIDS or malaria. Most of the deaths from AMR were caused …

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has decided to rank states, specifically State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs), on the speed with which they accord Environmental Clearances (EC) to development projects. The issue of action taken to enable “ease of doing business’’, especially in the context of …

Recently, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) wrote to the States that the Union government proposes to amend Rule 6 (deputation of cadre officers) of the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules 1954. Under this, the Union government will acquire for itself overriding powers to transfer IAS and IPS officers …

Recently, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned that the new 5G technology could interfere with sensitive navigation equipment such as altimeters, which could lead to “catastrophic disruptions.” Airlines across the world, including India, are adjusting their scheduled flights to the US due to the rollout of 5G by …

Recently, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) released a report titled World Employment and Social Outlook – Trends (WESO Trends) 2022. The Outlook remains fragile because the future path of the pandemic remains uncertain. The WESO Trends includes comprehensive labour market projections for 2022 and 2023. It gives assessments of how …

Recently, the Prime Minister addressed the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Davos Agenda via video conferencing. The WEF annual meeting in Davos (Switzerland) engages the world’s top leaders to shape global, regional and industry agendas. Important points: During the course of Covid-19, India saved many lives by exporting essential medicines and …

Recently, a suspected drone attack in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), caused multiple explosions in which two Indians were also killed. The Shia Houthi rebels of Yemen, who have been controlling the northern parts of the country, including the capital Sana’a, for almost seven years, …

Recently, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) suggested that the Delhi government suspend its flagship ‘Desh ke Mentor’ Programme till “the time when all the loopholes pertaining to the safety of the children are overhauled. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights NCPCR is a statutory body …

India’s trade with China in 2021 crossed USD125 billion with imports from China nearing a record USD100 billion, underlining continued demand for a range of Chinese goods, particularly machinery. This is when the relations hit a new low due to the prolonged standoff by the militaries in eastern Ladakh. Important …

Segregation of domestic hazardous waste remains a distant dream for most Indian cities in absence of robust framework and infrastructure. Indore is the only city in the country that safely handles its domestic hazardous waste. Important points: Domestic Hazardous Waste is any chemical or product that can cause serious illness …

The concept of Web3, also called Web 3.0, used to describe a potential next phase of the internet, created quite a buzz in 2021. Important points: World Wide Web, which is also known as a Web, is a collection of websites or web pages stored in web servers and connected …

Recently, India’s INS Kochi and Russian ships engaged in the international Passage Exercise (PASSEX). A passage exercise is normally undertaken whenever an opportunity arises, in contrast to pre-planned maritime drills. Earlier, Indian Naval ships conducted PASSEX with the US Navy also. Important points: Russia’s inclusion as a dialogue partner of …

Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry presented the second edition of National Startup Awards 2021. It was also announced that 16th January (Startup India Initiative was launched on this day in 2016) will be celebrated as National Start-up Day, to take the Startup culture to the far flung …

Recently, the US has proposed a law aiming to end China’s alleged “chokehold” on rare-earth metal supplies. The Bill aims to “protect the US from the threat of rare-earth element supply disruptions, encourage domestic production of those elements, and reduce its reliance on China. The law would require the creation …

The Ministry of Electronics and Information (MeitY) is seeking applications from 100 domestic semiconductor chip design firms, companies, start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under its Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme. The DLI scheme is part of the MeitY’s comprehensive Program for the Development of Semiconductors and Display …

Recently, the Defence Minister flagged-in India’s first multi-dimensional adventure sports expedition conducted by National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS) in France. Important points: The expedition was conducted in November 2021 and the team was led by Director NIMAS comprising 12 people – eight Army personnel and four youths …

Recently, Kazakhstan’s President called on the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) to help manage ongoing protests in the country. Important points: It is an intergovernmental military alliance (six countries) that came into effect in 2002. It started storming into Kazakhstan to curb the protests which threatened the very existence of …

Recently, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched the country’s first Mobile Honey Processing Van at Village in Uttar Pradesh. Mobile Honey Processing Van that will process beekeepers’ honey at their doorsteps and thus save them the hassle and the cost of taking the honey to processing plants …