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Recently, the Kerala government has proposed to amend the Kerala Lokayukta Act, 1999 with an ordinance, a move that has drawn criticism from the opposition. The proposed ordinance envisages to limit the powers of the anti-corruption watchdog. The Kerala cabinet has recommended to the Governor that he promulgates the ordinance …

Expanding Scope of NCW Recently, the 30th Foundation Day (31st January) of the National Commission for Women (NCW) was celebrated. According to the Prime Minister, given the evolving needs of women in the country, the scope of NCW must be broadened. The Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) campaign has shown the …

Recently, the 2nd ASEAN Digital Ministers’ (ADGMIN) Meeting with India virtually, where two sides finalized India-ASEAN Digital work plan 2022 for future collaboration in the field. Important points: ADGMIN is an annual meeting of telecom ministers of 10 ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) countries and dialogue partner countries—Australia, Canada, …

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence of the Sultanate of Oman is on a visit to India. He will be in Delhi to co-chair the Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) with India’s Defence Secretary. Important points: The two countries across the Arabian Sea are linked by geography, history …

Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that India is “positive” and “willing to engage” in talks with Pakistan on upgrading the 1974 Joint Protocol on Religious Pilgrimages. It will allow air travel as well as increase the number of shrines pilgrims from both countries could visit. The government …

Recently, the Prime Minister of India greeted people of Himachal Pradesh (H.P.) on its statehood day (25th Janurary). Important points: The British territories in the hill came under British Crown after Queen Victoria’s proclamation of 1858. The states of Chamba, Mandi and Bilaspur made good progress in many fields during …

Recently, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in partnership with the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) launched the Swachhata Start-Up Challenge under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0. Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 SBM-U 2.0 was launched on 1st October 2021 …

Recently, the Prime Minister of India hosted the first India-Central Asia Summit in virtual format. It was attended by Presidents of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Republic of Uzbekistan. This first India-Central Asia coincided with the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between …

On the Statehood Day of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura (21st January), Prime Minister and other leaders praised the traditions and culture of the three northeast states. On 21st January, 1972, all the three states became full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971. Important points: Before 15th August …

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) while hearing a plea by the Maharashtra government decided to recall its December 2021 order, which stayed 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local body elections. The Supreme Court has entrusted the Backward Classes Commission with the responsibility of giving political reservation to …