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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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

Recently, the government of India has announced that it will soon start issuing ePassports to citizens applying for a new passport or renewing their expiring passport. Important points: The announcement is under an agreement signed between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (TCS) which will …

Recently, former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patel has been appointed vice-president of the Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). In October 2021, the Union Minister of Finance participated in the 6th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of AIIB. Important points: It is a multilateral development …

Recently, Uttar Pradesh bagged the first prize for efforts towards water conservation in the National Water Awards (NWA) 2020 organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu bagged the second and third prizes, respectively, in the best state category. Important points: The awards are organised by the …

Recently, the Union Cabinet has cleared a plan to build a new bridge connecting India and Nepal over the Mahakali river and link Dharchula in Uttarakhand with Nepal’s Dharchula. Important points: The bridge will be completed within three years. It will strengthen the relationship between the two countries. India and …