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Recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)and the Government of India signed a USD 96.3-million loan agreement to provide safe drinking water and improve water supply and sanitation services in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The project is aligned with the objectives of the Government of India’s Jal Jeevan Mission which aims to provide piped water …

Recently, the Government has launched a National Logistics Policy (NLP) 2022, aiming to achieve ‘quick last-mile delivery’, end transport-related challenges. What is Logistics? Logistics encompasses planning, coordinating, storing, and moving resources —people, raw materials, inventory, equipment, etc., from one location to another, from the production points to consumption, distribution, or other production points. The term “logistics” describes …

Recently, India and Cambodia co-chaired the 19th ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ meeting in Cambodia. The Economic Ministers or their representatives from all the 10 ASEAN countries attended the meeting. The Ministers noted that trade and economic relations between ASEAN and India are starting to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the two-way trade between ASEAN and …

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit 2022 was held recently in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Samarkand declaration was signed by the member states. India takes over Presidency of the SCO for 2023.  Key Highlights of the Summit The Samarkand declaration advocated “commitment to peaceful settlement of differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation”. …

Recently, important issues of Medical Technology (MedTech) Industry were taken-up at the first meeting of the reconstituted National Medical Device Promotion Council (NMDPC). Central Drugs Standards and Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the State Licensing Authorities (SLAs) provided updates for the smooth transition to licensing of Class A and B Medical Devices w.e.f 1st October 2022. …

Recently, Russia hosted the 7th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) at Vladivostok. The forum is a platform for entrepreneurs to expand their businesses into Russia’s Far East (RFE). Eastern Economic Forum The EEF was established in 2015 to encourage foreign investments in the RFE. The EEF displays the economic potential, suitable business conditions and investment opportunities in the …

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)Summit to be held in September 2022, Varanasi has been selected as the SCO region’s first “Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2022-23. The SCO summit will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan where Iran and Belarus are likely to be the two newest additions to the SCO. Earlier, …

The issue throws up legal questions on reading the freedom of religion and whether the right to wear a hijab is constitutionally protected. Article 25(1) of the Constitution guarantees the “freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion”. It is a right that guarantees a negative liberty — which means that the …

The Supreme Court will hear a challenge to the order of a civil court in Varanasi directing a videographic survey of the MaaShringar Gauri Sthal in the Kashi Vishwanath temple-Gyanvapi mosque complex. The principal contention is that the order of the Varanasi court which was upheld by Allahabad High Court …

Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that India is hosting the G-20 (Group of 20) leaders’ summit in New Delhi next year 2023. The 17th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit will happen in November 2022 in Indonesia, after which India will assume the presidency of G20 from December 2022. India …

Recently, Ukraine has launched a lightning counter-offensive in the country’s northeast that saw surprising territorial gains. Its forces have pushed back Russian soldiers from most of Kharkiv Oblast, retaking thousands of square kilometres of territory. This is the first time that Ukrainian troops have pushed back the Russians through combat since the Russia Ukraine conflict began. After capturing Lysychansk in …

Recently, China opposed the war games between India and the US near the disputed Sino-India border, saying it’s an interference in the bilateral boundary issue. While the drill is yet to be officially confirmed, it is anticipated that the two countries will participate in the 18th edition of the “YudhAbhyas” at Auli in Uttarakhand …

Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that India is hosting the G-20 (Group of 20) leaders’ summit in New Delhi next year 2023. The 17th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit will happen in November 2022 in Indonesia, after which India will assume the presidency of G20 from December 2022. India …

Recently, Prime Minister inaugurated the International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit (IDF WDS) 2022 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. International Dairy Federation is the leading source of scientific and technical expertise for all stakeholders of the dairy chain. Since 1903, IDF’s network of dairy experts has provided a mechanism …

Recently, the government of India organized a Virtual Networking Meet for Agri and Food Geographical Indication (GI) products in association with the Embassy of India, Doha and Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC) Qatar. This Meet provided a platform for interaction between the India exporters and importers of Qatar on the strength of India in export of agri and food products …

Recently, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has applied to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for the deemed university status. The government’s proposal to make the NCERT an institute of national importance is on hold. Benefits: The status would allow NCERT to offer its own graduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees and have autonomy in terms …

The Serious Frauds Investigation Office (SFIO) has arrested the alleged mastermind of a widespread racket involving the setting up of shell companieswith Chinese links and supply of dummy directors. SFIO was assigned by the government to investigate Jillian Consultants India Pvt Ltd and 32 other companies. Shell Companies A shell company is a firm that does not …

Recently, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer used soft policing to crack down on illegal hooch distilleries in Solapur (Maharashtra). Hooch is made when ‘country alcohol’ or cheap distilled liquor (desi daru) is adulterated with industrial alcohol or methanol to increase its intoxicating potency. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data show …

Recently, the second Anniversary of Pradhan MantriMatsyaSampadaYojana (PMMSY) was celebrated. PMMSY envisages generation of 68 lakh Employment by the end of 2024-25. PMMSY was introduced by the Government of India, as part of the ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’package with the investment of Rs. 20,050 crores, the highest ever investment in the Fishery sector. Fishermen are provided with insurance cover, financial assistance …

Recently, the Prime Minister paid rich tributes to Acharya VinobaBhave on his birth Anniversary. VinayakNarahariBhave was born on 11th September 1895 in Gagode, Bombay Presidency (Maharashtra). He was the eldest son of NarahariShambhu Rao and Rukmini Devi. Acharya VinobaBhave was a nonviolence activist, freedom activist, social reformer and spiritual teacher. Being an avid follower of Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba upheld …