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The Electoral Bonds worth Rs. 695.34 crore were sold during elections to the Assemblies of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, West Bengal, Assam and Kerala. The amount sold was the highest-ever for any Assembly elections since the scheme started in 2018. Important points: Electoral Bond is a financial instrument for making donations to political parties. The bonds are issued …

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the country has witnessed speed and progress in various schemes under the Ministry of Rural Development. Important points: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005: The scheme was introduced as a social measure that guarantees “the right to work”. The Ministry of Rural Development monitors the entire implementation …

Recently, the Telangana government has selected 16 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) for pilot testing the ambitious ‘Medicine from the sky’, the first-of- its-kind project. Important points: The project involves delivery of medicines through multiple drones. The project is being launched following the approval granted by the Civil Aviation Ministry. The Ministry has granted conditional exemption to the …

India has been a major exporter of healthcare workers to developed nations particularly to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Europe and other English-speaking countries. This Brain Drain in the health sector is part of the reason for the current shortage in nurses and doctors. Important points: Brain drain is a term indicating substantial emigration or migration of …

Recently, Cyclone Tauktae made landfall in Gujarat. The cyclone has left a trail of destruction as it swept through the coastal states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. Important points: It is a tropical cyclone, named by Myanmar. It means ‘gecko’, a highly vocal lizard, in the Burmese language. Typically, tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region (Bay …

Recently, the West Bengal government has decided to set up a Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad). For setting up the Council, a Bill has to be introduced in the Assembly and then a nod from the Governor is required. The Legislative Council in the State was abolished in 1969. Important points: India has a bicameral system of legislature. Just as Parliament has two Houses, the …

As India battles a raging second wave, cases of children losing their parents to Covid-19 are also mounting. Further, the apprehension of child trafficking in the garb of adoption has increased. Important points: Various social media posts are getting circulated with details of children who have lost either both their parents or the only living …

Recently, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court (SC) seeking the constitution of an independent collegium to appoint members of the Election Commission. Election Commission of India It is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India. The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the …

Recently, Iran gave the Farzad-B Gas Field to Petropars, a domestic gas producer. This is a setback for India’s energy ties with Iran as ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) had discovered the gas field in 2008 and has been part of the ongoing cooperation on that front. Important points: Farzad-B Gas Field: It is located in Persian …

Cabinet Secretary chaired National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) meeting on Cyclone Tauktae. National Crisis Management Committee: The NCMC is a committee set up by the Government of India in the wake of a natural calamity for effective coordination and implementation of relief measures and operations. It is headed by the …