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A series of recent scams have exposed the vulnerabilities of the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS). Important points: AePS is a bank led model which allows online interoperable financial transactions at PoS (Point of Sale/Micro ATM) through the Business Correspondent (BC)/Bank Mitra of any bank using the Aadhaar authentication. This system adds another layer of …

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has simplified the process for Indians who want to renounce their citizenship. Earlier, the Central Government issued a notificationgranting powers related to citizenship applications under existing rules to authorities of five states. Important points: Provisions have been made for applicants to upload documents online, with an upper limit of …

Recently, the Calcutta High Court has given West Bengal Assembly Speaker a deadline to pass an order in the defection case involving a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA). Anti-defection proceedings are also going on in other states such as Jharkhand and Rajasthan. Important points: The anti-defection law punishes individual Members of Parliament (MPs)/MLAs for leaving one …

Recently, the Prime Minister launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) mobile application on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October). The PM also released the progress report of the JJM and a manual for the utilisation of the 15th Finance Commission grant for rural local bodies. Important points: The mobile application will provide …

Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to freeze the election symbol of a Political Party. The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 empowers the Election Commission to recognise political parties and allot symbols. Important points: An electoral or election symbol is a standardized symbol allocated to a political party. They are used by …

In a first of its kind move, the government has come up with an online employment exchange platform to cater to senior citizens seeking job opportunities. The portal developed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is named Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED). The International Day of Older Persons is observed on …

Recently, the Union Labour Ministry and Microsoft India have jointly launched a digital skilled platform — DigiSaksham — to enhance youth employability. This joint initiative is an extension of the ongoing programs to support the youth from rural and semi-urban areas. Important points: Free of cost training in digital skills including basic skills as well …

Policy making in the country’s health sector is shaped by its federal structureand the Central-State divisions of responsibilities and financing. Important points: Public health and sanitation, hospitals and dispensaries are state subjects, which means the primary responsibility of their management and service delivery lies with the states. The Centre also invests in health …

Recently, the Bihar Government has asserted that it has not dropped the demand of special category status to Bihar. Important points: About Special Category Status (SCS): Special category status is a classification given by the Centre to assist development of states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages. This classification was done on the recommendations …

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister POSHAN scheme or PM-POSHAN for providing one hot cooked meal in Government and Government-aided schools. The scheme will replace the existing national programme for mid-day meal in schools or Mid-day Meal Scheme. It has been launched for an initial period of five years (2021-22 to …

Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Elder Line, the first Pan-India toll-free helpline number (14567) for Senior Citizens, ahead of International Day of Older Persons, which is observed on 1st October every Year. Earlier SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine) initiative was launched. Important points: It provides information, guidance, emotional support – particularly on pension, medical and legal …

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the first-ever global strategy to defeat meningitis – ‘Global Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis by 2030’. Important points: The roadmap includes three visionary goals: Eliminate epidemics of bacterial meningitis. Reduce cases of vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis by 50% and deaths by 70%. Reduce disability and improve quality of life after meningitis …

Recently, the US Congressional report on terrorism stated that Pakistan is home to at least 12 groups designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). The report named Terrorist and Other Militant Groups in Pakistan, released by the bipartisan research wing of US Congress in the Quad summit 2021. Earlier, in February 2021, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)had decided …

Recently, the Prime Minister of India (PM) addressed the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) The UNGA’s theme for this year is “Building Resilience through hope to recover from Covid-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations”. The PM spoke about a range …

Recently, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission was launched by the Prime Minister through a video conference. The nationwide rollout of the project coincides with the National Health Authority (NHA) celebrating the third anniversary of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (AB PM-JAY) Ayushman Bharat is a flagship scheme of India which was launched as recommended by …

Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has notified the updated list of registered political parties, seeking deregistration of parties which do not contest elections, also it raised concerns over misuse of income tax exemption law. Important points: There are over two thousands registered unrecognised parties, and the EC has sought the power to deregister (Cancel …

Recently, the first in-person meeting of Quad leaders was hosted by the US. Issues like climate change, Covid-19 pandemic and challenges in the Indo Pacific, amidst China’s growing military presence in the strategic region, were discussed in the meeting. Important points: In November 2017, India, Japan, the US and Australia gave shape to …

Government e Marketplace (GeM) was announced as the winner in the Best Use of Digital Technology category at the CIPS Excellence in Procurement Awards 2021 (CIPS Awards). GeM was shortlisted as a finalist in two additional categories as well, i.e., ‘Public Procurement Project of the Year’ and ‘Best Initiative to Build a Diverse Supply Base’. Important …

Recently, the President of India conferred the National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards for 2019-20. Important points: Under NSS Awards 2019-20, 42 awardees in different categories such as University or (+2) Councils, NSS Units and their programme officers and NSS volunteers were conferred with these awards. The NSS Awards were instituted by the Ministry …

Recently, the armies of India and Nepal have started the 15th edition of joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran’ at Pithoragarh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Important points: The biannual exercise, which takes place alternately in both countries. The main objective of this exercise is to: Establish military relations in inaccessible mountainous areas by the soldiers of both countries, …