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Recently, Punjab Police has proposed to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways that the birth anniversary (Gurpurab) of Guru Nanak Dev be declared as ‘World Pedestrian Day’ to spread awareness on road safety. In 2021, Guru Nanak’s 552nd Gurpurab will be celebrated on 19th November. Important points: To …

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has asked for exemption from the Personal Data Protection (PDP) Law (Data Protection Bill 2019). Important points: It is commonly referred to as the “Privacy Bill” and intends to protect individual rights by regulating the collection, movement, and processing of data that is …

Recently, the SWAMIH (Special Window for Affordable & Mid-Income Housing) fund has made its first complete exit from an investment made for completion of a residential project in Mumbai. It has already completed over 1,500 homes in seven projects and is on track to complete at least 10,000 homes every year. Important …

The Centre’s flagship rural employment scheme (MGNREGA) has run out of funds halfway through the financial year. This means that payments for MGNREGA workers as well as material costs will be delayed, unless the States dip into their own funds. Earlier, the government introduced the category-wise wage payment system for SC, ST and others, as …

Recently, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released the Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India Report 2020. Important points: The report divides suicides into nine categories — apart from daily wagers, housewives and people working in the farm sector, the deaths are listed under ‘professionals/salaried persons’, ‘students’, ‘self-employed persons’, ‘retired persons’, and ‘others’. NCRB …

Recently, the Central Government has notified the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2021. The rule aims to incorporate the provisions related to nominal one-time compensation and uniform procedure for establishment of Overground Telegraph Line in the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016. Important points: The amount of one-time compensation for …

Recently, an MLA from UP was elected Deputy Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. Article 93 of the Constitution provides for the election of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Article 178 contains the corresponding position for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of a state. Important points: …

Recently, government officials have revealed that India and the European Union (EU)are set to resume negotiations for a Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA). The BTIA talks have been suspended since 2013. However, at India-EU Leaders’ Meeting earlier this year, both countries agreed to relaunch free trade negotiations for the BTIA and also adopted a …

Recently, the government has reconstituted the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) under the leadership of Dr. BibekDebroy for a period of two years after its term came to an end in September 2021. Important points: EAC-PM is a non-constitutional, non-statutory, independent body constituted to give advice on economic and related issues to the Government …

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has appointed an expert committee [to be overseen by a retired apex court judge (Justice Raveendran Committee)] in the Pegasus case Under the case, the Union Government is alleged to have used spyware for surveillance on private citizens. Important points: The court rejected the government’s plea to set up …

Recently, the Ministry of Defence has signed a deal with the US Government for procurement of MK 54 Torpedo and Expendable (Chaff and Flares) for the Indian Navy, under Foreign Military Sale (FMS). FMS is the U.S. Government’s program for transferring defense articles, services, and training to its international partners and international organizations. Expendables are something which can be consumed …

Recently, the Union Minister of Finance participated in the 6th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Important points: Appreciated AIIB’s prompt actions in providing financial support to Member Countries, including India, in their efforts to contain and combat Covid-19. Emphasised the importance of multilateral banks in supplementing countries’ efforts to cope …

Recently, the Prime Minister launched the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. Important points: It is one of the largest pan-India schemes for strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the country. It is in addition to the National Health Mission It will provide support to 17,788 rural Health and Wellness Centres in 10 ‘high focus’ states and establish 11,024 urban Health …

Recently, the fourth general assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was held. A total of 108 countries participated in the assembly, including 74 member countries, 34 observer and prospective countries, 23 partner organisations and 33 special invitee organisations. Important points: The ISA is an intergovernmental treaty-based organisation with a global mandate to catalyse …

Recently, 43 countries have signed a declaration, calling on China to ensure full respect for the rule of law for the Muslim Uighur community in Xinjiang. Earlier, in March 2021 several hundred Uighur Muslim women in Turkey staged an International Women’s Day marchagainst the extradition agreement of Turkey with China. Important points: The …

Recently, as part of AzadikaAmritMahotsav, a total of 152 Centre for Financial Literacy & Service Delivery (SAKSHAM Centres) across 77 districts of 13 states were launched. The centres were launched under DeendayalAntyodayaYojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) of the Ministry of Rural Development. Important points: Centre for Financial Literacy & Service Delivery (CFL&SD) would act as …

Recently, a report titled the Global Threat Assessment Report 2021, released by WeProtect Global Alliance has revealed that Covid-19 had contributed to a significant spike in child sexual exploitation and abuse online. The report outlines the scale and scope of child sexual exploitation and abuse online, as well as an overview of the global response to the issue. …

Recently, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) retained Pakistan in the ‘greylist’ or ‘increased monitoring list’. The FATF also announced the ‘greylisting’ of Jordan, Mali and Turkey. Botswana and Mauritius had been taken out of the grey list. Important points: Pakistan is retained for failing to effectively implement the global FATF standards and …

Recently, the Foreign Ministers of India, the US, Israel and the UAE concluded a virtual meeting. The meeting is a strong manifestation of the changes in West Asian geopolitics and formation of another Quad like grouping in the Middle East. India’s involvement in this new grouping reflects a shift in its foregin policy. Important points: The new …

Recently, the US Defence Secretary has urged more defence cooperation among friendly Black Sea countries amid Russia “militarisation” of the region. This came ahead of a NATO Ministers summit. Important points: The Black Sea is located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is surrounded by the Pontic, Caucasus, and Crimean Mountains in the south, east and north respectively. The …