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Recently, the Delhi-based non-profit, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), has raised concerns about the Union Government’s announcement on coal gasification projects in the Budget 2022-23. The budget proposed four pilot projects for coal gasification and conversion of coal into chemicals required for the industry. According to CSE, the process …

The Finance Minister introduced a host of changes in Customs duty on several items in the Union Budget for 2022-23. This would mean that imports become more expensive or cheaper depending on the change in customs duties. The customs duty on umbrellas was doubled to 20%, while exemptions provided on …

Recently, the Union Ministry of Culture has nominated Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas temples for consideration as a World Heritage site for the year 2022-2023. The sacred ensembles of the Hoysalas, built in the 12th-13th centuries and represented by the three components of Belur, Halebid and Somnathapura in Karnataka. All …

Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a Draft National Higher Educational Qualification Framework (NHEQF) as a part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to assess students at different levels. The NEP 2020 aims at making “India a global knowledge superpower”. Given the size of the higher education …

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 …

Recently, the Minister of Finance presented the Union Budget 2022-23. This section deals with proposals related to ‘PM GatiShakti’. PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity, launched in October 2021, is an initiative aimed at coordinated planning and execution of infrastructure projects. The objective is to bring down logistics …

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched services for home delivery of medicines for veterans and serving military personnel services under an online medical consultation platform named Services e-Health Assistance and Teleconsultation (SeHAT). It is the tri-services teleconsultation service of the MoD designed for all entitled personnel and their families. …

Recently, ‘Bomb cyclone’ hits eastern US, which triggers transport chaos, outages. A bomb cyclone is a large, intense midlatitude storm that has low pressure at its center, weather fronts and an array of associated weather, from blizzards to severe thunderstorms to heavy precipitation. Bomb cyclones put forecasters on high alert, …

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 Economic Survey 2021-22 was tabled in Parliament by the Finance Minister soon after the President’s address to both Houses of Parliament. The central theme of this year’s Economic Survey is the “Agile approach”. This year’s survey uses various examples to highlight the use of satellite and geospatial data …

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 …

According to recent data from Reserve bank of india (RBI), India’s Foreign Exchange (Forex) reserves posted a decline of USD 678 million during the week ended 21st January 2022 to reach USD 634.287 billion. The slip in the reserves was on account of a drop in the Foreign Currency Assets …

The Budget, which will be tabled in Parliament by the Finance Minister on 1st February is likely to address concerns around growth, inflation and spending. Budget is the government’s blueprint on expenditure, taxes it plans to levy, and other transactions which affect the economy and lives of citizens. According to …

General Bipin Rawat, first Chief of Defence Staff who died in an air crash recently, and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh who headed the State during the Babri Masjid demolition were conferred with Padma Vibushan posthumously on the eve of the Republic Day (73rd). Padma Vibhushan, part of …

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 Prime Minister paid tribute to Lala Lajpat Rai on his Jayanti. Lala Lajpat Rai’s birth anniversary is celebrated on 28th of january every year. Important points: He was born on 28th January, 1865 in a small village named Dhudike in Punjab’s Ferozepur district. Lala Lajpat Rai was one …

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying organised a webinar on “Cage aquaculture in Reservoir: Sleeping Giants” as a part of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”. Department of Fisheries, GOI earmarked the investment targets for promoting cage aquaculture under flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Important points: Cage …

Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the constitution of a ‘Fly Ash Management and Utilisation Mission. Important points: The order by the NGT takes note of the ‘unscientific handling and storage’ of the fly ash by coal thermal power stations. For example, the draining of industrial effluents and fly …