Ministry of Defence signs Rs 2,580 crores of contracts to boost Make in India

On August 31, 2020, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth Rs 2,580 crores to boost Make in India. The contracts were signed for supply of six Pinaka Regiments to the Indian Army. Highlights The contracts were signed with Tata Power Company, Bharat Earth Movers Limited and Larsen and Toubro. The Pinaka Regiments comprised of … Read more

Landslide Susceptibility mapping of Himalayas

The scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology operating under the Department of Science and Technology carried out a study covering 84 square kilometres in the Lesser Himalayas. According to the study, 15% of the region is highly susceptible to landslides. Highlights Mussoorie in Uttarakhand witnessed several landslides recently. The increase in the disaster … Read more

WHO report: 25 key health services disrupted globally

The World Health Organization recently reported that at least half of 25 kinds of health services experienced disruptions due to COVID-19. The findings were based on the survey conducted by the international organization in its six regions. According to the report of the WHO, the immunisation-outreach were the most hit. Following this, the second most … Read more

China builds missile site in Kailash-Mansarovar

Amidst border tensions between India and China, China has reportedly built a missile launch site in Kailash-Mansarovar. The Kailash-Mansarovar is revered by four religions and is linked to high spiritual scriptures in India. The Hindus in India call the Mountain as the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. The Tibetan Buddhists call the … Read more

17th ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultations held

The ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultations was held virtually. India was represented by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal. Highlights The meting was attended by the commerce ministers of the 10 ASEAN countries. This included Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia and Philippines. The leaders at the meet reaffirmed … Read more

Delimitation Panel to visit four NE states and Jammu and Kashmir

The Delimitation Panel that was set up to redraw constituencies of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir is to visit the states the Union Territory to prepare a broad framework of delimitation exercise. Highlights The Delimitation Panel will redraw the constituencies based on the 2011 census. It will also work on increasing … Read more

India opts out of Kavkaz 2020

India recently announced its withdrawal from the International Military Exercise to be held in Russia. The exercise is to be held between September 15, 2020 and September 26, 2020. Highlights The Kavkaz exercise if to be held in Astrakhan, a southern province in Russia. The member countries if Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Central Asian countries … Read more

United Nations Guidelines on Access to Social Justice for people with Disabilities

The United Nations recently released the first ever guidelines to social justice for people with disabilities in order to make it easy for them to access justice systems in the world. The Guidelines The Guidelines are as follows All persons with disabilities have legal capacities. Therefore, none shall be denied access to justice based on … Read more

Supreme Court imposes token penalty of Re 1 on Prashant Bhushan as punishment

On August 31, 2020, the Supreme Court imposed Re 1 a token penalty on activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan as punishment in criminal contempt case. The judgement was pronounced by a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra. Highlights If Mr Bhushan fails to pay the fine, he shall be jailed three months and will also be … Read more

ASEAN-India Business Council Meet

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal addressed the Association of South East Asian Nation-India Business Council meet. During the meet, minister emphasized on 3Cs namely Cooperation, Collaboration and Commitment. He also highlighted to use full trade potential addressing concerns of members and businesses. It also agreed to review ASEAN-Trade in Goods agreement … Read more

14th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue

On August 28, 2020, the India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue was held in video conference. The countries agreed to discuss number of issues of bilateral defence engagements. They agreed to enhance the security partnership. The HADR agreement was signed between the countries during the dialogue. HADR is Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Defence Cooperation India and … Read more

Chunauti: Next Generation Start Up Challenge contest

On August 28, 2020, the Government of India launched “Chunauti”, the next generation start up challenge contest. Around 300 start ups working in select areas are to be identified and provided with seed fund up to Rs 25 lakhs. The challenge is launched with a special focus on Tier-II towns. Chunauti is Challenge Hunt Under … Read more

Punjab passes resolution against farm ordinances

On August 28, 2020, the Punjab Government passed a resolution against the farm ordinances of the central government. Ordinances In June 2020, the Union Government of India had issued three ordinances as follows Farmers’ Produce Ordinance, 2020 Farmers Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020 Essential Commodities Ordinance, 2020 Farmer Produce Ordinance, 2020 … Read more

Supreme Court issues notice to GoI on PIL to identify minorities at State Level

On August 28, 2020, the Union Government sought a response from the Central Government on Public Interest Litigation seeking directions to frame guidelines in identifying minorities at state level. What does the PIL say? The National Commission for Minority Education Institution Act, 2004 does not identify minorities at state level. It identifies the minorities only … Read more

Rules for administration in Jammu and Kashmir

On August 28, 2020, the Government of India issued rules for administration in Jammu and Kashmir. It specifies the functions of Council of Ministers and Lieutenant Governor. Role of Lieutenant Governor The executive functions of Lieutenant Governor include public order, police, anti-corruption, All India Services. The critical issues that affect the peace of the Union … Read more