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Recently, the MInistry of Jal Shakti expressed his displeasure over the slow pace of the approval process for Project Dolphin The initiative got in-principle approval in 2019 at the first meeting of the National Ganga Council (NGC), headed by the Prime Minister. Project Dolphin is one of the activities planned under Arth Ganga, an ambitious …

Recently, the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) shows that the unemployment rate had shot up sharply during the nationwide lockdown in 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic NSO is the central statistical agency of the Government-mandated under the Statistical Services Act 1980 under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Unemployment rate …

Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has informed the Lok Sabha that the amount of funds earmarked under PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi) Yojana during 2020-21 and 2021-22 are Rs.44.79 crores and Rs.79.48 crores respectively. Earlier, the Ministry launched ‘PM-DAKSH’ Portal and ‘PM-DAKSH’ Mobile App to make the skill development schemes …

Recently, a Delhi court granted bail to a former Congress (Political Party) councillor in an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 (UAPA) case filed in connection with the 2020 anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, (CAA) protests. The CAA provides citizenship to six undocumented non-Muslim communities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians) from Pakistan, Afghanistan and …

Despite a host of loan restructuring schemes and packages announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the government, the Covid pandemic has hit the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) very hard. Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) of MSMEs, or loans defaulted by these enterprises, rose by Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 1,65,732 crore as …

Indian Railways’ first Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal commissioned in Asansol Division in pursuance of the Prime Minister’s vision “Gati Shakti”. This is the first such GCT commissioned in Indian Railways since the publication of GCT policy in December 2021 It is expected to enhance Indian Railways’ earnings. The commissioning of this terminal and more such …

Recently, Ukrainian police has accused Russian forces of launching phosphorus bomb attacks (chemical weapon) in the Lugansk and Donetsk regions of eastern Ukraine, collectively known as the Donbas. International law prohibits the use of white phosphorus shells in heavily populated civilian areas, but allows them in open spaces to be used as cover for …

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed Microfinance Institutions(MFI) the freedom to set interest rates they charge borrowers, with a caveat that the rates should not be usurious. The guidelines will take effect 1st April 02022. Earlier in 2021, the RBI proposed to lift the interest rate cap on MFI. Highlights of the Guidelines The RBI …

Recently, the Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism. The policy envisages promoting India as a Medical Value Travel (MVT) and Wellness destination. Medical & Wellness tourism may be defined as ‘activities related to travel and hosting a foreign tourist who stays at least one night at the destination …

Recently, a fossil unearthed in central Montana (US) of a species named Syllipsimopodibideni represents the oldest-known relative of today’s octopuses and boasts 10 arms, with two twice as long as the other eight. It has been named after the US president, Joe Biden. Characteristics of the Species Syllipsimopodi, about 12 cm long, had a torpedo-shaped body and …