Poighjf

Government of Tamil Nadu
Department of Employment and Training
Course : Competitive Exam

Subject : Current Affairs
Topic : Current Affairs – January 2022 (English)
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CONTENTS
HISTORY
01
42 POLITICAL SCIENCE
GEOGRAPHY
51
57 ECONOMICS
SCIENCE
69
NATIONAL–DIARY OF
EVENT 75
98 INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS
TAMILNADU AFFAIRS
104
100 PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. HISTORY
1.1 IMPORTANT DAYS
Date Day Theme / Remark

▪ Global Family Day is celebrated as a day of peace
and sharing on January 1.
▪ Its aim is to unite and spread a message of peace
01 January World Family Day
by considering and promoting the idea that Earth
is one Global Family so as to make the world a
better place to live for everyone.
▪ Defence Research and Development Organisation
01 January Foundation Day
(DRDO) Foundation Day
▪ World Braille Day is observed globally by the
national and international organisations on
January 4.
04 January World Braille Day
▪ The day highlights the importance of Braille as a
means of communication for partially sighted and
blind People.
06 January World Day of War Orphans
08 January National Vision Board Day
▪ Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Non-
Resident Indian (NRI) Day is celebrated to
Pravasi Bharatiya strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian
09 January Divas community with the Government of India and
Reconnect them with their roots.
▪ It is celebrated every two years on 09 January.
▪ This year, January 9th is observed as the birth
Anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh.
▪ He was born on December 22 as per the Georgian
Guru Gobind Singh calendar but his birthday is celebrated every year
09 January
Jayanti in accordance with the lunar calendar.
▪ Gobind Singh Jayanti is also known as the Prakash
Parv.
2 | Current Affairs (JANUARY 2022)

▪ The Department for Promotion of Industry
and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry have decided to organise
10 - 16 Start Up India
a week-long virtual innovation celebration called
January Innovation Week ‘Startup India Innovation Week’ to showcase
the spread and depth of entrepreneurship across
India.
▪ It is celebrated on 10 January to commemorate the
First World Hindi Conference.
About:
▪ Hindi is one of the widely spoken languages in
India and other countries like Nepal, Mauritius,
10 January World Hindi Day Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Fiji.
▪ The day marks the anniversary of the First World
Hindi Conference, held in 1975.
▪ On January 10th, 2006 for the first time World
Hindi Day was observed by former Prime Minister
▪ Dr. Manmohan Singh.
▪ National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
In 2007, the United States Senate ratified the
National Human resolution establishing January 11th as National
11 January Trafficking Human Trafficking Awareness Day. In 2010,
Awareness Day President Obama dedicated the entire month of
January to awareness and prevention of human
trafficking.
▪ The day, January 12, being the birth anniversary
of Swami Vivekananda, is observed as National
12 January National Youth Day Youth Day also known as Yuva Diwas.
▪ The theme for National Youth Day 2022 is “It's all in
the mind,” a key teaching of Swami Vivekananda.
13 January Lohri Festival. Lohri is the first festival of the year 2022.
14 January World Logic Day
14 January Food Corporation of India Foundation Day
▪ Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed on
January 14 every year, since 2017.
▪ It is celebrated to honour the sacrifice of our
Armed Forces Veterans in serving the nation.
14 January
Veterans Day ▪ Armed Forces Veterans Day was called Armistice
Day when it was announced and this year, the
Nation will celebrate the 6th Armed Forces
Veterans Day.
HISTORY | 3
▪ Armed Forces Veterans Day recognizes the

services rendered by Field Marshal KM
Cariappa OBE, the first Indian Commander-in-
Chief of the Indian Armed Forces. He retired on
January 14 in 1953.
▪ Last year (2021), Admiral Karambir Singh
released the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ song
dedicated to our brave and courageous soldiers
of the 1971 war.
▪ The Indian Army Day is celebrated to honor each

soldier in the armed forces of our country for
their selfless service.
▪ On the occasion of Army Day, General MM
Naravane released a Commemorative Postage
15 January Indian Army Day Stamp, "Permanent Commission to Women
Officers in the Indian Army.
▪ "The World’s largest national flag made of
'khadi' was displayed along the India- Pakistan
border in Jaisalmer to celebrate Indian Army
Day. The flag was 225 feet long and 150 feet wide.
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared to

mark 16th January as ‘National Start-up Day’.
▪ The announcement was made by PM Modi
on January 15, 2022 during a week-long event
“Celebrating Innovation Ecosystem” as a part of
National Start -up Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
16 January
Day ▪ The startups, categorized under six groups, gave
presentations to the Prime Minister on six themes
—growing from roots, nudging the DNA, from
local to global, technology of future, building
champions in Manufacturing and Sustainable
Development.
11 to 17
Road Safety Week in India
January
▪ National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

celebrates its Raising Day every year on January
19, since it came into existence on January 19,
19 January NDRF Raising Day 2006.
▪ In 2022, the NDRF is observing its 17th Raising
Day.

▪ The Indian Government has decided to
celebrate January 23rd as ‘Parakram Diwas’ to
commemorate the birth Anniversary of Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose.
▪ This year is the 125th Birth Anniversary of Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose.
About Netaji:
▪ Netaji was born on January 23, 1897.
Parakram Diwas / ▪ Netaji joined the Indian National Congress in
Desh Prem Diwas/ 1921.
National Day of ▪ Netaji started a newspaper called “Swaraj”.
23 January ▪ He had written a book called “The Indian
Patriotism
Struggle”.
▪ The term “Jai Hind” was coined by Netaji
Subhash Chandra Bose.
▪ With the slogan “Give me blood and I will give
you freedom”, he awakened the country towards
fighting against the British.
▪ He formed the All India Forward Bloc as a part
of the Indian National Congress in 1939.
▪ Netaji built a force known as the Azad Hind Fauj
(Indian National Army) giving the slogan of
“Dilli Chalo”.
▪ The International Day of Education is marked
Every year on 24 January globally to celebrate
the role of education in bringing global peace
and sustainable development.
▪ The first-ever International Day of Education
was celebrated on 24 January 2019 as per the
International Day of resolution passed by the United Nations General
24 January
Education Assembly on December 3rd 2018 to celebrate the
role of education in development.
▪ The theme of 4th International Day of Education
in 2022 is “Changing Course, Transforming
Education”.
▪ The celebration is led by the UN Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
HISTORY | 5

▪ In India, the National Girl Child Day (NGCD) is
observed annually on January 24.
▪ The day was observed for the first time in 2008
National Girl Child
24 January as an initiative by the Ministry of Women and
Day Child Development and the Government of
India.
▪ Every year on 25 January National Voter's

Day or Rashtriya Matdata Diwas is celebrated
to encourage young Voters to take part in the
Political Process.
▪ In 2011 the first time this day was celebrated to
mark Election Commission's Foundation Day
25 January National Voter's Day (25th January 1950).
▪ The theme for National Voters’ Day 2022 is
‘Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible &
Participative’.
▪ The theme for last year was ‘Making Our Voters
Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed’.
▪ Every year on 25 January National Tourism

Day is celebrated in India to raise awareness and
educate people about the importance of tourism
and the role it plays in the Indian economy.
▪ A national-level programme to mark 'National
Tourism Day' will be held at Telangana's
Pochampally, a village on the outskirts of
Hyderabad known for its famous hand-woven
Ikat saris.
▪ In 2022, the theme for National Tourism Day is
National Tourism ‘Rural and Community Centric Tourism’.
25 January
Day ▪ In 2021, the theme of National Tourism Day was
‘Dekho Apna Desh’.
▪ In 1958, the government realised the importance
of tourism traffic coming towards India and they
Created a separate department of tourism.
▪ Known for its famous hand-woven Ikat saris,
Pochampally (Weaver's Hamlet) was selected
as one of the best tourism villages by the
United Nations World Tourism Organisation
(UNWTO) in November 2021.

▪ The International Customs Day (ICD) is
celebrated on 26 January to commemorate
the inaugural session of the World Customs
Organisation WCO), which was held on this day
in 1953.
International ▪ The day also raises awareness about the
26 January
Customs Day importance of customs authorities and their role
in the smooth movement of goods across borders.
▪ This year, the theme of International
Customs Day is “Scaling up Customs Digital
Transformation”.
International ▪ (The largest Nazi death camp, Auschwitz-

Holocaust Birkenau was liberated by Soviet troops on Jan
27 January
Remembrance Day 27, 1945.), International Day of Commemoration .
28 January Data Privacy Day & Lala Lajpat Rai birthday
▪ January 30 is observed as Shaheed Diwas or
Martyr's Day in India to mark the date of the
assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram
Godse in 1948.
▪ This year nation observed 74th Martyrs’ Day or
Shaheed Diwas.
About:
30 January Martyr's Day ▪ The day is observed to remember the sacrifices
made by freedom fighters in the struggle for
India’s independence and to pay our respects to
them.
▪ Notably, Martyrs’ Day is also observed in India
on March 23 to pay respect to Bhagat Singh,
Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, who
was hanged death on this day in 1931.
▪ World Leprosy Day is observed Globally on the
last Sunday of January every year.
▪ In 2022, the World Leprosy Day falls on January
30 January World Leprosy Day
30, 2022.
▪ This year theme of World Leprosy Day 2022 is
“United for Dignity”.
HISTORY | 7
1.2 PROFILE OF STATES

Kerala: ▪ The project is a joint initiative of Mumbai
Port Trust (MbPT), City and Industrial
First Water Metro Ferry Development Corporation (CIDCO) and
▪ First Water Metro ferry handed over to Kochi Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).
Metro Rail Limited.
▪ The first of the 23 fully air-conditioned, battery Gujarat:
powered electric ferries of the 747crore Kochi Kevadia Railway Station Renamed as
Water Metro Project was handed over by the Ekta Nagar Railway Station:
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to the Kochi
▪ The Ministry of Railways has approved the
Metro Rail Limited (KMRL).
Renaming of the Kevadiya railway station in
▪ The 50-seater ferry was christened “Muziris” the Narmada district of Gujarat, as Ekta Nagar
— named after what was once a thriving BC- railway station.
era port — and is said to have been located at
▪ The Statue of Unity’s Kevadiya railway station
Pattanam village located 25 kms from Kochi
falls under the Vadodara division.
city.
About:
▪ This would be the first time in the world that a
▪ Last year, the Ministry of Railways had said
centrally controlled integrated water transport
tourists visiting the world’s tallest statue
system comprising a large fleet would be
in Gujarat “Statue of Unity” will be able to
battery powered.
experience the rich cultural history of the state
▪ The ferries would have generator backup, at the Kevadiya railway station itself.
which will take over their operation
▪ Under the public-private partnership (PPP)
automatically in the event of any failure of the
initiative, the Vadodara Division of Western
Battery System.
Railways had awarded first of its kind
India’s first Paperless Court: contract in the Indian Railways network for
▪ The Kerala High Court is all set to become the development of an Art Gallery with a
India’s First Paperless court. Souvenir shop at Gujarat’s Kevadiya Railway
station.
▪ Supreme Court judge Justice DY
Chandrachud inaugurated the smart Nagaland:
court rooms on 1 January 2022. In Kohima, a Cemetery with a Tennis Court:
▪ In the 1st phase six courtrooms, including the ▪ Nagaland’s capital Kohima is home to a
Chief Justice’s room, will be converted into unique cemetery that also has a tennis court.
smart courts. ▪ The United Kingdom-based Commonwealth
▪ Also, case files will be made available to the War Graves Commission (CWGC) has listed
lawyers on the computer screen. five sites with unusual features.
Mumbai: ▪ The Kohima War Cemetery is one of 23,000
World War Graves across the continents
Mumbai to host India's first Water Taxi maintained by the CWGC.
Service: ▪ In 1944, following hard fighting in the Burmese
▪ The Financial Capital of India is set to get jungle, the Japanese forces in the region pushed
a new transportation solution with the across the Chindwin River and into India. In
commissioning of state-of-the-art water taxi their path was the Fourteenth Army, made up
Services. of forces from across the Commonwealth.
▪ The lawn of this house had a tennis court About Himachal Pradesh:
where the British officers played for recreation. ▪ Capital: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala
▪ The Japanese force continued to fight for (Winter).
Kohima before they were finally forced to ▪ Governor: Rajendra Arlekar.
withdraw in May. ▪ Chief Minister: Jai Ram Thakur.
▪ Those who had fallen in the defence of Kohima
were buried on the battlefield, which later Himachal Pradesh's Statehood Day:
became a permanent CWGC cemetery, with ▪ PM Modi on January 25 extended greetings
further burials from the surrounding areas. to the people of Himachal Pradesh on the
occassion of its Statehood Day.
Himachal Pradesh: ▪ On December 18, 1970, the State of Himachal
First LPG enabled & Smoke Free State Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament, and
the new State came into being on January 25,
of the Country:
1971.
▪ Himachal Pradesh became the first state to
have 100% LPG coverage, also, smoke-free ▪ Himachal Pradesh became the 18th State of
state. the Indian Union with Dr.Yashwant Singh
Parmar as its First Chief Minister.
▪ This Milestone was achieved due to the
Ujjwala Scheme and Grahini Suvidha Andhra Pradesh:
Yojana. A.P. to create 13 New Districts
▪ Ujjwalla Yojana was started by the Centre ▪ The Andhra Pradesh Government announced
Government with the view to free the women the formation of 13 districts at the Republic
of the country from indoor pollution. Along Day celebrations.
with this, the Himachal government also ▪ The New districts will come into force from
started the Grihini Suvidha Yojana to benefit Ugadi, Telugu New Year (April 2).
as many women as possible, under the scheme.
▪ With this, the total tally of districts in the State
About Grihini Suvidha Yojana: would go up to 26.
▪ The Himachal Grihini Suvidha Yojana is a
scheme to provide LPG gas connection to Manipur:
houses.
First Goods Train Reaches
▪ It was launched on 26 May, 2018 to encourage
Manipur:
people to use LPG gas fueled stoves instead
of chulhas. This reduces indoor air pollution ▪ With the first freight train reaching Manipur,
from the open chulhas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this will
enhance the state's commerce and connectivity
▪ The Himachal Grihini Suvidha Yojana was as goods from there will reach all parts of the
launched to cover those households that were country.
left out by the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
▪ The freight train arrived at the Rani Gaidinliu
About Ujjwala: station in the north-eastern state on January
▪ The scheme was launched on 1st May 2016 27, days after a passenger train from Silchar in
in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh by Hon’ble Prime Assam reached the Bongaichungpao railway
Minister of India. station in Manipur, where assembly polls will
▪ It is a flagship scheme with an objective to be held in two phases on February 27 and
make clean cooking fuel such as LPG available March 3.
to the rural and deprived households which
were otherwise using traditional cooking fuels
such as firewood, coal, cow-dung cakes etc.
HISTORY | 9
About Manipur:
▪ Manipur is a state in Northeast India, with the
city of Imphal as its capital.
▪ It is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland
to the north, Mizoram to the south and Assam
to the west. It also borders two regions of
Myanmar, Sagaing Region to the east and
Chin State to the south.
▪ The Manipur State Constitution Act of 1947
established a democratic form of government,
with the Maharaja continuing as the head of
state after the Indian independence.
▪ Maharaja Bodhchandra was summoned to
Shillong, to merge the kingdom into the Union
of India. He is believed to have signed the
merger agreement under duress.
▪ Thereafter, the legislative assembly was
dissolved, and on 15 October 1949 Manipur
became part of India.
▪ It was made a Union Territory in 1956 and
a fully-fledged State in 1972 by the North-
Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.
1.3 DEFENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY AND TERRORISM

S-400 missile system to be First ▪ From 2002 onward, the exercise has been
deployed in Punjab by February: conducted every year.
▪ The Indian Air Force is likely to complete ▪ Japan and Australia first participated in 2007,
the deployment of the first regiment of the and since 2014, India, the US and Japan have
S-400 Triumph Missile System at an airbase in Participated in the exercise every year.
Punjab by February. ▪ In 2020 Australia joined the Malabar Exercise
▪ The first regiment of the missile system is on India’s request in order to contain China in
being deployed in such a way that it can cover the Indo-Pacific region.
parts of the border with China in the northern ▪ For the first time in over a decade, Malabar
Sector as well as the frontier with Pakistan. 2020 saw the participation of all four Quad
▪ In total, India will get five units of the S-400 air Members.
defence missile systems from Russia. ▪ It is aimed to support free, open and inclusive
Indo-Pacific and remain committed to a rule
‘Malabar is the most Complex Naval based International Order.
Exercise’
▪ While the Navy gears up to hold its largest J&K Police to get Firepower upgrade:
multilateral exercise ‘Milan’ at the end of ▪ Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel will
February, there are requests from several soon get American Sig Sauer assault rifles and
countries for various formats of exercises, pistols to carry out anti-terror operations.
defence officials said, pointing out that ▪ The Army has already equipped its personnel
Malabar is the most complex naval exercise Guarding the Line of Control (LoC) with
India does with any other country. Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC)
About Exercise MILAN: with China with state-of-the-art rifles.
▪ It is a biennial, multilateral naval exercise ▪ The Jammu and Kashmir Police is probably
which started in 1995. the first in the Country to get the modern
▪ The Navy has held 10 editions of the Milan weapons, they said, adding that the force will
Exercise, with the theme of “synergy across be procuring 500 Sig Sauer-716 rifles and 100
the seas” to enhance professional interactions Sig Sauer MPX 9mm pistols.
between friendly foreign navies and learn best ▪ The Special operation Group (SoG) and
practices from each other, since 1995. Personnel deployed for the security of
▪ It was conducted at the Andaman and Nicobar protected people will be equipped with the
Command until 2018. Weapons.
▪ It is held under the aegis of Eastern Naval About Line of Control:
Command. ▪ The Line of Control (LoC) emerged from the
About MALABAR EXERCISE: 1948 ceasefire line negotiated by the United
▪ It is a multilateral war-gaming naval exercise Nations (UN) after the Kashmir War.
that was started in 1992. It began as a bilateral ▪ It was designated as the LoC in 1972, following
exercise between the navies of India and the the Shimla Agreement between the Two
United States. Countries.
▪ Two more editions of the exercise were carried ▪ LoC is demarcated up to the Siachen Glacier -
out in 1995 and 1996, after which there was the world's Highest Battlefield.
a break until 2002 in the aftermath of India’s ▪ LoC is delineated on a map signed by the
nuclear tests. Director General of Military Operations
(DGMO) of both armies and has the
international sanctity of a legal agreement.
HISTORY | 11
About Line of Actual Control: ▪ It is the first aircraft carrier to be built in India
▪ LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian- ▪ The name Vikrant ("stepping beyond") means
controlled territory from Chinese-controlled "courageous".
Territory. ▪ The motto of the ship is "Jayema Sam Yudhi
▪ LAC is different from the Line of Control Sprdhah", which is taken from Rigveda,
(LoC) with Pakistan means "I defeat those who fight against me".
▪ IT is divided into three sectors: launched on 12 August 2013 -ship started sea
9 The eastern sector which spans Arunachal trials in August 2021.
Pradesh and Sikkim (1346 km) ▪ Vikrant is scheduled to be commissioned into
9 The middle sector in Uttarakhand and service by August 2022, with flight trials of
Himachal Pradesh (545 km) aircraft expected to be completed by mid-2023.
9 The western sector in Ladakh (1597 km). BrahMos Advanced Variant Test Fired
Sea Dragon 2022 Exercise: ▪ An extended range sea to sea variant of the
▪ India and its partners in the Quadrilateral BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was test
Security Dialogue or Quad along with fired from the recently commissioned stealth
Canada and South Korea are participating Guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam.
in the multinational exercise Sea Dragon 2022 ▪ BrahMos is joint collaboration between India
at Guam in the Western Pacific that began on and Russia and is capable of being launched
January 5, 2022. from land, sea, sub-sea and air against surface
▪ The six nations that are participating in the and sea-based targets, with a range capped at
exercise are the United States, Australia, 290 km initially.
Canada, India, Japan and South Korea. ▪ The range of the missile was originally Capped
▪ The exercise, primarily focused on anti- at 290 km as per obligations of the Missile
Submarine warfare (ASW) training, will Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
involve more than 270 hours of in-flight ▪ Following India’s entry into the club in
training and activities ranging from tracking June 2016, officials said the range would be
simulated targets to tracking a US Navy extended to 450 km and to 600 km at a later
Submarine. Stage.
▪ Each event will be graded and the country ▪ INS Visakhapatnam, with a displacement of
scoring the highest points will receive the 7,400 tonnes, is the first of four ingenuously
Dragon Belt Award. designed and built Project15B class
stealth guided missile destroyers and was
Vikrant heads out for Next Set of Sea Commissioned in November 2021.
Trials:
Indian Navy and Russian Navy conduct
▪ Indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant headed out
for the next set of sea trials on January 9 2022. PASSEX Exercise in Arabian Sea:
▪ The maiden sea trials in August 2021 were to ▪ Indian Navy and Russian Navy undertook
establish propulsion, navigational suite and PASSEX (Passage Exercises) at the port of
basic operations, while the second sea trial in Cochin, in the Arabian Sea.
October-November 2021 saw the ship being ▪ The Indian Navy’s indigenously designed and
put through various machinery trials and built guided-missile destroyer, INS Kochi,
flight trials. took part in the exercise.
About INS Vikrant: ▪ The exercise showcased cohesiveness and
▪ INS Vikrant, also known as Indigenous interoperability between the two navies and
Aircraft Carrier 1 (IAC-1). included tactical manoeuvres, cross-deck
▪ Constructed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited Helicopter Operations and Sea-man ship
(CSL) for the Indian Navy. Activities.
Explosion in destroyer INS Ranvir: About BrahMos:

▪ Three Navy personnel were killed and 11 ▪ The BrahMos is a joint venture between
injured in an explosion aboard the destroyer India (DRDO) and Russia (NPOM) for the
INS Ranvir at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. development, production and marketing of
▪ INS Ranvir had been on cross coast operational the supersonic Cruise Missile.
deployment from the Eastern Naval Command ▪ The BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet
since November 2021 and was due to return to supersonic cruise missile that can be launched
the base port shortly. from submarine, ships, aircraft or land.
▪ INS Ranvir is the fourth of the five Rajput-class ▪ It is notably one of the fastest supersonic cruise
destroyers built for the Indian Navy. Ranvir missiles in the world.
was Commissioned on 28 October 1986. ▪ The name BrahMos is a portmanteau formed
▪ Builder: Mykolayiv Shipyard, Ukraine. Until from the names of two rivers, the Brahmaputra
2017, it was known as the Shipyard named of India and the Moskva of Russia.
after 61 Communards. ▪ It is the world's fastest anti-ship cruise missile
currently in operation.
India & Japan conducted Maritime
▪ In 2019, India upgraded the missile with a
Partnership Exercise in Bay of Bengal: new range of 650 km with plans to eventually
▪ A Maritime Partnership Exercise was held upgrade all Missiles to a range of 1500 km.
between the Indian Navy and Japan Maritime
Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) in the Bay of German warship’s visit to Mumbai
Bengal on 13 January 2022. reflects Berlin’s new focus on Indo-
▪ The Indian side was represented by Indian Pacific:
Naval Ships (INS) Shivalik and INS Kadmatt ▪ The German frigate Bayern F217 sailed into
while JMSDF Ships Uraga and Hirado Mumbai port on January 20 after traversing
participated from the Japanese side. the South China Sea as part of Berlin’s focus on
▪ Some other Important Exercise of India are: maritime and security cooperation in the Indo-
9 Red Flag: India and US Pacific, marking the first visit by a German
9 Al Nagah: India and Oman warship to India in almost a decade.
9 ‘Naseem-Al-Bahr’: India and Oman
9 Ekuverin: India and Maldives
9 Garuda Shakti: India and Indonesia
9 Desert Warrior: India and Egypt
Extended Range BrahMos Tested:

▪ The supersonic cruise missile BrahMos with
increased indigenous content and improved
performance was successfully flight-tested
from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off
the coast of Odisha.
▪ The missile is capable of being launched from
land, sea, subsea and air against surface and
sea-based targets and has been long inducted
by the Indian Armed Forces.
HISTORY | 13
1.4 WORLD ORGANISATIONS – PACTS AND SUMMITS

WEF's online Davos Summit begins on fourth Industrial Revolution.
January 17: ▪ There would be Sessions on energy transition,
▪ With its high-profile annual meeting getting scaling up Climate Innovation and Latin
deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, America outlook.
the World Economic Forum's (WEF) five-day About World Economic Forum:
online Davos Agenda summit will begin on ▪ The World Economic Forum (WEF) is a Swiss
January 17 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi nonprofit Foundation established on 24th
scheduled to deliver his special addresses on January 1971, based in Geneva, Switzerland.
the first day itself. ▪ Recognized by the Swiss authorities as the
▪ The forum will also see Chinese President Xi international institution for public-private
Jinping delivering an address. cooperation.
▪ According to WEF Agenda, the virtual ▪ Mission:
plenaries will be aligned with the annual 9 Committed to improving the state of the
meeting objective of "orienting global leaders world by engaging business, political,
on the imperatives of the year ahead". Academic, and other leaders of society
▪ This year's theme is "The State of the World." to shape Global, Regional, and industry
▪ Several Heads of state will address the event Agendas.
including Japanese Prime Minister Kishida ▪ Founder and Executive Chairman: Klaus
Fumio, Australian Prime Minister Scott Schwab.
Morrison, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, ▪ Some major reports published by WEF are:
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Chinese 9 Energy Transition Index.
President Xi Jinping, and EU Commission's
9 Global Competitiveness Report.
chief Ursua von der Leyen.
9 Global IT Report - WEF along with
▪ WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom
INSEAD and Cornell University publishes
Ghebreyesus, IMF managing director
this report.
Kristalina Georgieva, special presidential
envoy for the climate of the US John F Kerry, 9 Global Gender Gap Report.
European central bank president Christine 9 Global Risk Report.
Lagarde, and WTO director-general Ngozi 9 Global Travel and Tourism Report.
Okonjo-Iweala are also expected to attend the
event. ‘Cyberattacks Surge as COVID Spurs
▪ The summit will also bring together Digital Push’:
Government and business leaders, ▪ The World Economic Forum’s ‘Global
international organisations, and civil society Cybersecurity Outlook 2022’, released during
to share their outlooks, insights, and plans its online Davos Agenda summit, further
relating to the most urgent global issues such showed that each successful cyber breach
as climate change, social contracts, and vaccine cost a company $3.6 million (almost 27
equity. crore) last year, while the average share price
▪ The Davos Agenda 2022 will mark the launch of the hacked company under-performed
of several WEF initiatives to accelerate net- the NASDAQ index by close to 3% even six
zero emissions, the economic opportunity of months after the event in case of the breach
nature-positive solutions, and cyber resilience. becoming public.
▪ Two virtual summits are expected in the ▪ The WEF said the global digital economy had
online summit - one on Covid-19 and the surged on the back of the COVID19 pandemic,
second on Technology cooperation in the but so had cybercrime.
"P3 (Pro-Planet-People) Movement: World Employment and Social Outlook –

▪ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Trends 2022 (WESO Trends) Report:
introduced the “P3 (Pro-Planet People) ▪ The International Labour Organisation (ILO)
movement” to underline India’s climate has released its World Employment and
change commitments at World Economic Social Outlook – Trends 2022 (WESO Trends)
Forum’s (WEF) Davos Agenda 2022. Report.
▪ The World Economic Forum’s Davos Agenda ▪ In the WESO 2022, ILO has downgraded its
Virtual Summit hosted world leaders and forecast for labour market recovery in 2022.
heads of important institutions around the About ILO:
world to discuss climate action, pandemic ▪ The International Labour Organization (ILO)
recovery, and socio-Economic Resilience. is established to advance social and economic
1st BRICS Sherpas Meeting of 2022: justice through setting international labour
standards.
▪ The first BRICS Sherpas meeting of 2022 was
held virtually on January 18-19 2022, with ▪ Established in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles
the members thanking India for its BRICS as an affiliated agency of the League of
chairmanship in 2021. Nations.
▪ China has taken on the rotating chairmanship ▪ Became the first affiliated specialized agency
of BRICS in 2022. of the United Nations in 1946.
▪ BRICS is a grouping of five major emerging ▪ Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China, ▪ Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.
and South Africa. 9 For improving peace among classes.
▪ Sanjay Bhattacharyya - India’s BRICS Sherpa. 9 Pursuing decent work and justice for
About BRICS: workers.
▪ In 2001, the British Economist Jim O’Neill 9 Providing technical assistance to other
coined the term BRIC to describe the four developing nations.
emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, ▪ Members: 187 Countries.
and China.
▪ Director-General: Guy Ryder of the United
▪ The grouping was formalised during the first Kingdom since 2012.
Meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers in 2006.
▪ South Africa became the member in December PM to hold Central Asia summit on
2010, after which it became BRICS. The January 27:
chairmanship of the forum is rotated Annually ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold
among the members. the First India Central Asia summit, in
▪ During the Sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza a video conference with five Presidents
(Brazil) in 2014, the agreement establishing the from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
New Development Bank (NDB - Shanghai, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
China) was signed. ▪ The major areas of focus for the conference
▪ They also signed the BRICS Contingent would be trade and connectivity, building
Reserve Arrangement to provide short-term development partnerships and enhancing
Liquidity support to the members. cultural and people to people contacts.
▪ The first BRICS Sherpa meeting - in 2019 under ▪ India extended a $1 billion Line of Credit
the Presidency of Brazil in Curitiba, Brazil. (LOC) for development projects in the areas
Who are Sherpas? of energy, healthcare, connectivity, IT, and
▪ Sherpa is a personal representative of the agriculture in 2020.
head of state or government, preparing an ▪ India hopes to build on its trilateral working
International Summit. group on Chabahar with Iran and Uzbekistan
to strengthen connectivity to the region.
HISTORY | 15
1.5 EMINENT PERSONS

Velu Nachiyar: ▪ A young Ayyappan Pillai joined the State
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his Congress when it was formed in 1938.
Tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her Birth ▪ When the question of Travancore's accession
anniversary 3 January. He said, she personifies to the Indian Union came up, it was
'Nari Shakti'. Mr. Ayyappan Pillai who acted as the emissary
About: of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma to
▪ Rani Velu Nachiyar was an 18th century Pattom Thanu Pillai.
queen from Sivagangai district in Tamil Nadu, ▪ In 1949, he moved to the Praja Socialist Party.
who is known as the first queen to have fought In later decades, he associated with the Jan
against the British colonial Power. Sangh and joined the BJP when it was formed.
▪ Velu Nachiyar was born on 3 January in 1730 ▪ When India attained Independence, he was
AD to the royal couple Mannar Sellamuthu asked by the Maharaja to carry on secret
Sethupathy and Sakandhimuthal. negotiations with Indian National Congress
▪ She was trained in archery, horse riding, and the Government of Travancore in 1947.
martial arts, and even handling different Sidney Poitier:
weapons. She was also educated in several
▪ Sidney Poitier, who broke through racial
languages like French, Urdu and English.
barriers as the first Black winner of the Best
▪ At the age of 16, Velu Nachiyar was married Actor Oscar for his role in Lilies of the Field
to Sivagangai Mannar Muthuvaduganathur, (1963), and inspired a generation during the
Following which they had a daughter who civil rights movement, has died at age 94.
was named Vellachi.
▪ He was born in Miami on February 20, 1927.
▪ During her reign, the queen also formed a
▪ In 2009, Mr. Poitier was Awarded the Highest
women's only army called Udaiyaal.
U.S. civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of
▪ For more than 10 years, Velu Nachiyar proudly Freedom, by President Barack Obama.
ruled Sivagangai before she died in 1796 of an
Illness. 11 January – Death Anniversary of Lal
Bahadur Shastri
Freedom Fighter K. Ayyappan
About:
Pillai Passes Away:
▪ He was the second Prime Minister of
▪ Born in 1914 to A. Kumara Pillai and Bhargavi Independent India.
Amma in Thiruvananthapuram.
▪ He promoted the White Revolution – a
▪ Mr. Ayyappan Pillai became active in the National Campaign to increase the production
freedom movement and the Indian National and supply of milk – by supporting the Amul
Congress during his student days in the 1930s. milk co-operative of Anand, Gujarat and
▪ K Ayyappan Pillai was a member of Sree creating the National Dairy Development
Mulam Praja Sabha of Travancore. Board.
▪ Ayyappan Pillai had served as ▪ He also promoted the Green Revolution in
Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Councilor in India in 1965.
1942. ▪ He led the country during the Indo-Pakistan
▪ In 1934, Gandhi advised him to serve the War of 1965. His slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan"
people directly which prompted him to stand ("Hail to the soldier; Hail to the farmer")
for elections in the newly formed legislature became very popular during the war.
of Travancore representing Trivandrum as an ▪ The war formally ended with the Tashkent
Indian National Congress candidate. Agreement on 10 January 1966; he died the
following Day.
▪ He was posthumously awarded the Bharat ▪ It was the Green campaign led by Mr.
Ratna in 1966. Prasad and others highlighting the ecological
significance of the evergreen forest of the area
Indian-Origin Captain Harpreet Chandi that eventually led to the scrapping of the
Reaches South Pole: hydel power project proposed by the Kerala
▪ Captain Harpreet Chandi, Indian-origin State Electricity Board in the area.
British Sikh Army officer and physiotherapist, ▪ Later, the Silent Valley was notified as a
also known as Polar Preet, has created history National Park in 1984.
by becoming the first woman of colour to
▪ He had led the popular science movement
complete a solo unsupported trek to the South
Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishad, which had
Pole.
undertaken campaigns for popularization of
▪ Capt. Chandi announced her history-making science in everyday life, as its president.
feat at the end of Day 40 after travelling 700
▪ He had also played a key role in the
miles (1,127 kilometres) while pulling a pulk
development of the Integrated Rural
or sledge with all of her kit and battling
Technology Centre in Palakkad.
temperatures of minus 50 degrees Celsius and
wind speeds of around 60mph. ▪ He was also involved in the Millennium
Ecosystem Assessment Board of the United
Sindhutai Sapkal: Nations and was associated with the activities
▪ Social Activist and Padma Shri awardee of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation,
Sindhutai Sapkal passed away in Pune due to the Kerala State Biodiversity Board.
a Heart attack at the age of 74 on January 04
Pandit Birju Maharaj Passed Away:
2021.
▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condoled the death
▪ Sindhutai Sapkal was known as 'Mai' and
of legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju
'Mother Terresa of Maharashtra'. She ran
Maharaj.
an orphanage named Sanmati Bal Niketan
Sanstha in Pune. About Birju Maharaj:
▪ Pandit Birju Maharaj (born Brijmohan Nath
▪ She was also called as 'Mother of Orphans'.
Mishra; 4 February 1937 – 17 January 2022 in
▪ A biopic on her life titled "Mee Sindhutai Allahabad) was an Indian dancer, composer,
Sapkal" was released in 2010. singer and exponent of the Lucknow "Kalka-
▪ 2017 – Nari Shakti Puraskar from the President Bindadin" Gharana of Kathak dance in India.
Of India. She was awarded the Padma Shri in ▪ He was a descendant of the Maharaj family of
2021 in Social Work Category. Kathak dancers, which includes his two uncles,
Noted Environmentalist Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, and
his father and guru, Acchan Maharaj. He also
M.K. Prasad Passes Away:
practiced Hindustani classical music and was
▪ Professor Prasad, who had served as Pro-Vice a vocalist.
Chancellor of Calicut University, was in the
▪ He composed the music, and sang, for two
forefront of environment protection activities
dance sequences in the Satyajit Ray's Shatranj
in Kerala.
ke Khilari, and choreographed the song Kaahe
▪ He had played a crucial role in creating public Chhed Mohe from the 2002 film version of
awareness across the State for protecting the novella Devdas.
verdant forests of the Silent Valley during the
His Awards and Honors:
early 1970s.
▪ 1964 - Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
▪ He had played a leadership role in the Save
▪ 1986 - Padma Vibhushan.
Silent Valley campaign, considered the first
popular campaign for protecting a forest
ecosystem in the State.
HISTORY | 17
His Film Awards: ▪ Dr. Shanta moved into the campus of the
▪ 2012 - National Film Award for Best Cancer Institute in 1955 and made this her
Choreography for Unnai Kaanaathu home until her last days in January 2021.
(Vishwaroopam). ▪ She was simple all through her life and
▪ 2016 - Filmfare Award for Best Choreography followed the Gandhian Lifestyle.
for Mohe Rang Do Laal (Bajirao Mastani).
Cartoonist Narayan Debnath
About Classical Dances in India:
▪ India is known for its rich cultural legacy. Passes Away:
Performing arts like classical dances are ▪ Narayan Debnath, legendary cartoonist, noted
integral parts of Indian culture. illustrator and litterateur, passed away in
Kolkata.
▪ Most of the classical dance forms originated in
temples. Worshipping was the Main aim. ▪ Mr. Debnath was the creator of some of
immortal cartoon characters for Bengali
▪ Though every dance form evolved from
readers such as Bantul the Great, Handa
different regions, their roots are the same. The
Bhonda and Nonte Fonte that have inspired
roots can be traced from the Sanskrit text –
not only children but generations of Bengalis.
‘Natya Shastra’ by Bharat Muni.
▪ He was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi
▪ The first compilation of Natya Shastra is dated
Award in 2013 and the Padma Shri in 2021.
between 200BCE and 200CE.
▪ The Sangeet Natak Akademi currently Youngest Woman to fly Solo around the
confers Classical Status on eight World:
Indian Classical Dance styles: ▪ The 19-year-old Belgian-British pilot Zara
Rutherford set a world record as the youngest
Name of Classical Place of Classical woman to fly solo around the world, touching
Dance Dance her small airplane down in western Belgium
Bharatanatyam Tamil Nadu on January 20 — 155 days after she departed.
Kathak Northern India First Indian to Complete Prestigious

Nasa programme:
Kathakali Kerala
▪ Jahnavi Dangeti, a young girl from Andhra
Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh Pradesh, has just completed NASA’s
International Air and Space Program (IASP
Manipuri Manipur NASA) at the Kennedy Space Centre in
Mohiniyattam Kerala Alabama, US.
▪ She is a member of the International
Odissi Odisha Organization of Aspiring Astronauts (IOAA).
Sattriya Assam
Ayesha Malik:
▪ Lahore High Court Justice Ayesha Malik will
Dr. V. Shanta: be Pakistan's first-ever woman judge of the
▪ There was a time when the word ‘Cancer’ Supreme Court.
meant only death in the public mind. This
perception in the later years was changed by World’s Oldest Living Man:
the work of Dr.V. Shanta, who came under ▪ Guinness World Records holder for the oldest
the influence of legends S. Krishnamurthi and person living (male), Saturnino de la Fuente
his mother Muthulakshmi Reddy, a visionary Garcia (Spain) has passed away at the Age of
dedicated to social service and reforms. 112 years and 341 days.
▪ Saturnino claimed the record as the oldest About Thich Nhat Hanh:
person living (male) in September 2021 when ▪ Born as Nguyen Xuan Bao in 1926 and ordained
he was exactly 112 years and 211 days. He was at age 16 and went on to found a youth school
born on February 11, 1909. which trained volunteers to build clinics and
infrastructure in villages blighted by war.
Saint Composer Sri Thyagaraja:
▪ He was the founder of the Plum Village
▪ Hundreds of musicians paid homage to Tradition, historically recognized as the main
saint composer Sri Thyagaraja by singing his inspiration for engaged Buddhism.
‘Pancharatna Kritis’ in chorus on the occasion
▪ He coined the term "Engaged Buddhism" in
of the 175th aradhana of Thyagraja at the
his book ‘Vietnam: Lotus in a Sea of Fire’.
saint's samadhi on the banks of Cauvery at
Thiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur district. ▪ He founded the Van Hanh Buddhist University
in Vietnam.
About Thyagaraja:
▪ Saint Tyagaraja was a renowned composer of Archaeologist and Epigraphist
Carnatic music. Nagaswamy Passes away at 92
▪ He has composed thousands of devotional ▪ R. Nagaswamy, the first Director of the
compositions, mostly in Telugu in the praise Department of Archaeology, died.
of Lord Rama.
▪ An authority in archaeology, Architecture,
▪ He saw the reigns of four kings of Maratha Epigraphy, Numismatics, Iconography, south
dynasty — Tulaja II (1763-1787), Amarasimha Indian bronzes and Temple Rituals.
(1787-1798), Serfoji II (1798-1832) and Sivaji II
▪ Nagaswamy was born at Kodumudi in Erode
(1832-1855), but he served none of them.
district.
▪ Tyagaraja introduced several unusual ragas in
▪ He penned a book, ‘Masterpieces of Early
Carnatic music.
South Indian Bronzes’, in 1983 and compiled
▪ Tyagaraja and his contemporaries, Shyama a coffee table book for the Tamil Nadu
Shastri and Muthuswami Dikshitar, are government to mark the World Classical
regarded as the Trinity of Carnatic music. Tamil Conference.
▪ A sports complex in New Delhi, Thyagaraj ▪ His other important books are on
Sports Complex, was named after him. Mamallapuram, published by the Oxford
▪ A crater on the planet Mercury was named University Press, Uthiramerur and Gangai
after Tyagaraja in 1976. kondacholapuram. He had also published
books in Tamil.
Ahobila Math sabha President Passes
Away: Linguist S.Y. Shanmugam Passed Away:
▪ N.V. Vasudevachariar, president of the Sri ▪ Dr. C. Y. Shanmugam (91 years old), former
Ahobila Math Samskrita Vidya Abhivardini Senior Director, Center for Linguistic Studies,
Sabha, which runs the Sri Ahobila Math Chidambaram Annamalai University,
Oriental Higher Secondary School, died. Cuddalore District, passed away on January
▪ Mr. Vasudevachariar was a former member 27.
of the Central Sanskrit Board and a former ▪ He has submitted over 300 research articles
member of the Senate of the University of nationally. He has written over 40 books.
Madras. ▪ He is the recipient of the President's
Tolkappiyar Award and the Kambar Award
Thich Nhat Hanh:
of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
▪ Thich Nhat Hanh, the revered Zen Buddhist
monk who helped pioneer the concept of
mindfulness in the West and socially engaged
Buddhism in the East, has died.
HISTORY | 19
Lala Lajpat Rai Birth Anniversary: ▪ When the Simon Commission visited Lahore
▪ Born on January 28, 1865 in the Ludhiana on 30 October 1928, he was leading a silent
district of Punjab, he was a part of the triarchy protest against the Simon Commission in
political institution Lal Bal Pal (Extremists), Lahore and gave the movement a slogan “Go
who advocated the Swadeshi movement, by Back Simon” when he was brutally lathi-
boycotting all imported items and promoting charged by Superintendent of Police, James
the use of Indian made goods in 1907. Scott.
▪ He was influenced by the Hindu reformist ▪ He died of injuries sustained, on 17 November
movement of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, 1928.
became a Member of existing Arya Samaj
M V Pasupathi:
Lahore (founded 1877).
▪ Senior Tamil Professor M V Pasupathi passed
▪ He founded the Home Rule League of
away.
America in 1917 in New York.
▪ He has been graduated from Senthamizh
▪ He was also elected President of the All-India
College in Thiruppanandal, worked as a tamil
Trade Union Congress.
Professor and Principal in the same college.
▪ He supported the Non-Cooperation
▪ After his retirement in 2002, he worked as the
Movement of Gandhi at the Nagpur session of
honorary curator of Dr. U.V. Swaminatha Iyer
the Congress in 1920.
library, Besant Nagar.
▪ He was elected deputy leader of the Central
▪ He was then engaged in compiling antiquities
Legislative Assembly in 1926.
into texts. Among them, he has published a
▪ He founded Hindu Relief movement in 1897 collection of manuscripts related to 'Panavidu
to provide help to the famine -stricken people thuuthu'. This will help to facilitate the study
and thus preventing them falling into the of numismatics.
clutches of the missionaries.
▪ He has published four collections of essays
▪ He founded the Servants of People Society in with respect to U.V Swaminathan's prose.
1921.
▪ Deciphering palm-leaf manuscripts, Ma. Ve
▪ His important literary works include Young Pasupathi has published 40 literary works. He
India, England’s Debt to India, Evolution of received the prestigious U Ve Sa award for
Japan, India’s Will to Freedom, Message of this singular work.
the Bhagavad Gita, Political Future of India,
▪ Some his other works are 'Kavinganum
Problem of National Education in India, The
Suvainganum', 'Kama Sigarangal', 'Pudhiya
Depressed Glasses, and the travelogue ‘United
Thiruvalluvamalai'.
States of America’.
▪ He has worked as the editor of 'Kumaragurupar'
▪ He founded several institutions and
religious literary monthly Magazine.
organizations such as Hisar Bar Council, Hisar
Arya Samaj, Hisar Congress, National DAV
Managing Committee.
▪ He was the editor of the Arya Gazette, which
he had founded.
▪ He co-founded the Punjab National Bank in
1894.
▪ His ideologies and contribution in making
India an independent country is what earned
him the title of Punjab Kesari or the Lion of
Punjab.
1.6 SPORTS & GAMES

U19 Asia Cup 2021: National Motorcycle Racing
▪ India reaffirmed its supremacy in the U19 Asia Championship:
Cup with a record Eighth Title as it hammered ▪ Drawing a close on the 4th round of MRF
Sri Lanka by nine wickets. MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle
Racing Championship on a high, IDEMITSU
Mission Paris 2024: Six New Honda SK69 Racing’s Rajiv Sethu displayed
Foreign Athletics Coaches: finesse on track and was the second to cross
▪ India’s preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics the chequered line in the Pro-Stock 165cc
is likely to get a lift with the Sports Authority category.
of India (SAI) approving appointments of six ▪ Ryhana Bee (RACR Castrol Power Ultimate)
new foreign coaches for the country’s track regained the title in the girls’ category after
and field athletes in a shortened Olympics a two-year gap with one race to spare as the
cycle. fourth round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian
▪ The six foreign coaches are: National Motorcycle Racing Championship.
1. Germany’s Steffen Reumann, who is a Md Arif Khan in the Target Olympic
biomechanics expert, is expected to be roped Podium Scheme (TOPS) Core Group:
in as the new coach for rotational throwers like
▪ Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympic Cell
Kamalpreet Kaur and Tejinderpal Pal Singh
(MOC) of India has approved the inclusion
Toor.
of Alpine Skiing athlete Md Arif Khan in the
2. Former world champion Kimmo Kinnunen Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Core
of Finland is set to coach the javelin throwers, Group, until the Winter Olympics, scheduled
barring Tokyo gold medallist Neeraj Chopra. this February in Beijing, China.
3. Kimmo Kinnunen will be working with the ▪ The feat earned Khan the unique distinction of
likes of Rohit Yadav, Sahil Silwal and Yashvir becoming the first Indian to win direct Quota
Singh in the national camp. spots in two different Winter Olympics Events.
4. Neeraj Chopra will continue to train under ▪ He is also the first athlete from the country
personal coach Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, whose to seal a berth at the Winter Olympic Games
contract was extended till 2024 recently. 2022.
5. Russia’s Tatiana Sibileva, a former Olympian,
is set to be the new race-walking coach. ATP Tennis Tournament ADELAIDE:
6. Cuba’s Juan Gualberto Napoles Cardenas is ▪ The unseeded pair of Rohan Bopanna and
expected to be the new coach for long jumpers. Ramkumar Ramanathan of India beat the top
seeds, Ivan Dodig and Marcelo Melo in the
7. Josef Lisowski, who is credited for the success
double’s final of the ATP tennis tournament in
of Polish runners, will look to add pace to the
Adelaide, Australia.
progress of Indian sprinters and relay runners
who are currently training under coach Galina New Grandmaster in India:
Bukharina. ▪ Bharath Subramaniyam, who became a
8. Men’s steeplechase runner Avinash Sable and Grandmaster at the age of 14 on January 9, is
other middle and long-distance runners will another addition to India’s impressive list of
get Scott Simmons as their coach. Talented youngsters that could challenge the
▪ Currently, 117 Indian track and field athletes world’s strongest players within a few years.
are preparing at the senior national athletics ▪ Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin and R.
camp for the upcoming Commonwealth and Praggnanandhaa have already proved
Asian Games. themselves on the global stage.
▪ The oldest among them is only 18.
HISTORY | 21
Tata Group is Title Sponsor: Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia to

▪ The Tata Group has replaced Vivo as the Title become the first men’s team from the country
Sponsor for the Indian Premier League 2022 to win the Yonex-Sunrise India Open.
and 2023 Editions.
World Rapid Chess:
AISCD gets Approval to hold first World ▪ Nodirbek Abdusattorov 17-year-old
Deaf T20 Cricket Championship 2023: from Uzbekistan won the World Rapid
▪ The All India Sports Council of the Deaf championship in Warsaw, claiming enroute
(AISCD) has got Approval from the the scalps of Magnus Carlsen and the No 1’s
International Committee of Sports for the Deaf last two challengers, Fabiano Caruana and Ian
(ICSD) to host the first World Deaf T20 Cricket Nepomniachtchi.
Championship in Thiruvananthapuram ▪ In rapid chess each player has 15 minutes for all
Kerala from January 10-20, 2023. moves, plus a 10 second per move increment.
▪ A minimum of eight countries are expected to ▪ At 17 years three months Abdusattorov
take part in the championship and this kind of becomes the Youngest ever world Champion
international event is being held in India with in open competition, surpassing Ruslan
the approval of the ICSD for the first time. Ponomariov at 18.
About the AISCD:
▪ AISCD is the only Centre-recognized National 9th women National Ice Hockey
sports federation for the deaf, while the ICSD Championship-2022:
is the only international federation recognized ▪ In Himachal Pradesh, the 9th women
as governing body of the deaf sports National Ice Hockey Championship-2022 was
movement and Deaflympics sanctioned by the inaugurated at Ice Skating Rink, Kaza in
International Olympic Committee. Lahaul Spiti district.
Kohli steps down as Test Captain: ▪ For the First Time in the state, Ice Hockey
competition & development camp is being
▪ Virat Kohli has stepped down as the Test
organized at the National Level.
captain of the Indian national cricket team
after seven years, a day after India lost the Test ▪ Teams from Himachal Pradesh, Telengana,
series 1-2 to South Africa at Cape Town. Ladakh, ITBP Ladakh, Chandigarh & Delhi
▪ He first led the national side in Test cricket in are participating in this mega event.
2014 against Australia. ▪ The State Government has already announced
▪ In 2021, India also finished as the runners-up in the High-Altitude Sports Center at Kaza with
the inaugural ICC World Test Championship. an estimated cost of Rs. 16 crores.
▪ India also became a top-ranked Test side in the Best FIFA Football Awards 2021:
world. ▪ The Best FIFA Football Awards 2021 Ceremony
Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2022: was held virtually in Zurich, Switzerland
▪ India’s Lakshya Sen secured his maiden Super to crown outstanding players for excellent
500 title by winning the Yonex-Sunrise India achievement in football.
Open with a stunning straight-game victory ▪ Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas and Poland/
over reigning world champion Loh Kean Yew Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski
of Singapore in the men’s singles final. were awarded the Best FIFA Players in
▪ In the double’s final, top doubles pair of women’s and men’s football respectively.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty ▪ Lewandowski won the Best FIFA Men’s
scripted a stunning straight-game win over Player Award for the second straight year,
three-time world champions Mohammad after getting the First one in 2020.
ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year:

ICC Emerging Men’s Janneman Malan
▪ Pakistani skipper Babar Azam has been named
Cricketer of the Year (South Africa)
as the captain of the ICC Men’s T20I team of
the year for 2021. ICC Emerging
Fatima Sana
▪ The ICC Team of the Year recognises the Women’s Cricketer
(Pakistan)
11 best players in men’s cricket who have of the Year
impressed one and all with their performances
ICC Men’s Associate Zeeshan Maqsood
in a calendar year, either with the bat, ball or
Cricketer of the Year (Oman)
their all-round performance. No Indian male
player has found a place in the team of 11. ICC Women’s
Andrea-Mae Zepeda
Associate Cricketer
Syed Modi Badminton 2022: (Austria)
of the Year
▪ Ace Indian shuttler, PV Sindhu has bagged
the women’s singles title at the Syed Modi ICC Men’s ODI Babar Azam
International Tournament in Lucknow. Cricketer of the Year (Pakistan)
▪ Sindhu beat fellow Indian Malvika Bansod
ICC Women’s ODI Lizelle Lee (South
21-13 21-16 to win her second Syed Modi title
Cricketer of the Year Africa)
after 2017.
▪ The 2022 Syed Modi International badminton ICC Men’s Test
Joe Root (England)
tournament was held at Babu Banarasi das Cricketer of the Year
Indoor Stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
from 18 to 23 January 2022.
AFC Women’s football Asian Cup 2022:
International Cricket Council Announced ▪ India hosts the AFC Women’s football Asian
ICC Awards 2021: Cup India 2022 from 20th January 2022 in
▪ The International Cricket Council (ICC) has Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune.
announced the winners of the 17th Edition of ▪ The tournament will witness 12 teams
ICC Awards for the year 2021 to recognize and competing for the trophy. AFC Women’s
honor the best international cricket players of Asian Cup India will also be the final stage of
the previous 12 Months, between January 01, Asian qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s
2021, and December 31, 2021. World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
▪ Winners are listed below: ▪ Japan are the defending champions of the
Women’s Asian Cup, having won it in 2018.
Category Winners ▪ The Indian women's football team has
withdrawn from the ongoing AFC Women's
ICC Women’s Smriti Mandhana
Asian Cup 2022.
Cricketer of the Year (India)
▪ This is after several players tested positive for
ICC Men’s Cricketer Shaheen Afridi COVID-19.
of the Year (Pakistan)
Asia Cup Hockey 2022:
ICC Umpire of the ▪ Defending champion India defeated China 2-0
Marais Erasmus
Year to win a consolation bronze at the women’s
Asia Cup hockey tournament in Muscat
ICC Men’s T20I Mohammad Rizwan
(Capital of Oman) on January 28.
Cricketer of the Year (Pakistan)
▪ Japan (3rd title) became the Champion by
ICC Women’s T20I Tammy Beaumont defeating South Korea in the final.
Cricketer of the Year (England)
HISTORY | 23
Winter Olympics 2022: Women's Doubles:

▪ The 2022 Winter Olympics, officially the XXIV ▪ The Czech duo Barbora Krejcikova and
Olympic Winter Games and commonly known Katerina Siniakova battled through a
as Beijing 2022, is an upcoming international challenging championship match to win their
winter multi-sport event scheduled to take first Australian Open title and add to their
place from 4 to 20 February 2022 in Beijing growing number of majors.
and venues near the neighboring towns of ▪ They overcame a spirited effort from the
Yanqing and Chongli in China. unseeded and previously undefeated pair
of Anna Danilina of Kazakhstan and Beatriz
Viswanathan Anand to Mentor Haddad Maia of Brazil, winning 6-7(3), 6-4,
Indian team for Asian Games: 6-4 to notch their fourth career Grand Slam
▪ Five-time world champion Viswanathan women's doubles title.
Anand will mentor the Indian team that will Men's Singles:
take part in the Asian Games at Hangzhou, ▪ Rafael Nadal roared back from two sets
China from September 10, 2022. down to win a titanic five set duel with Daniil
Tata Steel Chess 2022: Medvedev and claim a record 21st Grand Slam
men’s title in the Australian Open final in
▪ Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi won the
Melbourne.
Tata Steel Challengers event with a round to
spare after a draw with Thai Dai Van Nguyen ▪ It is the Fourth Time in his storied career that
of Czech at Wijk aan Zee,near Amsterdam, Nadal has clawed back to win from two sets
Netherlands. down, but the first time in a Slam final.
▪ He is the Fourth Indian after P Harikrishna, B ▪ It is the second time Nadal has denied
Adhiban and Vidit Santhosh Gujrathi to win Medvedev in a Grand Slam final, winning a
the Tata Steel Challengers event. five-set epic at the 2019 US Open.
▪ World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen clinched his ▪ It was one of the 35-year-old Spanish warrior’s
eighth title in Wijk aan Zee after beating greatest title victories in his 29th Grand Slam
Fabiano Caruana in Tata Steel Masters event. final as he won his second Australian Open, 13
years after his first in 2009.
Australian Open Melbourne 2022: ▪ With this win, Nadal reached the milestone of
Women's Singles: winning atleast 2 Grand Slams.
▪ An imperious Ashleigh Barty became the first ▪ In the open era, he became the second player
Australian to win her home Grand Slam in to achieve this after Novak Djokovic.
44 years on January 29, halting the charge of
From Deuce to Advantage:
fearless American Danielle Collins in straight
▪ Nadal broke away from a three-way tie to
sets.
become the First Man to win 21 Majors. A
▪ It was a third Slam title for the 25-year-old list of the Big Three’s (Rafael Nadal, Roger
Barty after her breakthrough French Open Federer, Novak Djokovic) Slam break-up.
success in 2019 and Wimbledon last year,
Rafael Nadal’s Winning Records:
joining Serena Williams as the only active
▪ Australian Open (2009, 2022) -2 times.
players to win Majors on all three surfaces.
▪ French Open (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010,
▪ Barty is the First Women to win a Grand Slam
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
title in her home country since Stephens at the
– 13 times.
US Open 2017.
▪ Wimbledon (2008, 2010) – 2 times.
▪ US Open (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019) – 4 times.
Roger Federer’s Winning Records:

▪ Australian Open (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017,
2018) – 6 times.
▪ French Open (2009) – 1 time.
▪ Wimbledon (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,
2009, 2012, 2017) – 8 times.
▪ US Open (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
5 – times.
Novak Djokovic’s Winning Records:
▪ Australian Open (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015,
2016, 2019, 2020, 2021) – 9 times.
▪ French Open (2016, 2021) – 2 times.
▪ Wimbledon (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019,
2021) – 6 times.
▪ US Open (2011, 2015 ,2018) – 3 times.
Odisha Open Badminton 2022:

▪ Fourteen-year-old Unnati Hooda capped
a splendid run with an impressive finish
against a fighting Smit Toshniwal to become
the youngest winner of the women’s singles
title in the $75,000 Odisha Open badminton
tournament at Cuttack.
▪ For the men’s singles title, Kiran George staved
off a remarkable rally from Priyanshu Rajawat
in Three games.
HISTORY | 25
1.7 AWARDS & HONORS

RedInk Awards: ▪ Madurai Municipal Corporation, Tamil Nadu
▪ Senior Journalist Prem Shankar Jha and - “Best Urban Local Body” - 3rd Place.
Reuters’ Photo journalist Danish Siddiqui, ▪ Govt. Girls Hr. Secondary School,
who died while reporting in Afghanistan in Kaveripattinam, Tamilnadu - “Best School”.
July, will be awarded with the top two RedInk ▪ Welspun India Textile Ltd., Gujarat - “Best
awards by the Mumbai Press Club. Industry”.
▪ While Jha will get the lifetime Achievement ▪ Hyundai Motor India Ltd., Tamil Nadu -
Award, Siddiqui will be bestowed upon the “Best Industry” - 2nd Place.
Journalist of the year, posthumously. About the Award:
▪ Instituted by the Mumbai Press Club a ▪ The National Water Award was launched by
decade ago, this is the tenth edition of “peer the Jal Shakti Ministry in 2018 to recognise and
Recognition for excellent writing and Good motivate individuals and organizations doing
Journalism”. exemplary work in the field of water resources
Management.
19th Chennai International Film Festival
Awards: First Ever Guinness World Record in
▪ Filmmaker Vasanth’s film ‘Sivaranjaniyum Numerology:
Innum Sila Pengalum’ - Best Tamil Feature ▪ India’s one of the top Numerologists, JC
Film Award. Chaudhry has achieved the first-ever Guinness
▪ Actress Lakshmipriya Chandramouli - World Record in Numerology and the first
Special Jury Award. world record of 2022 by educating about
▪ Veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao ancient science to around 6000 participants,
- Lifetime Achievement Award. enthusiasts of numerology joined from the
▪ Singer Sid Sriram - Amitabh Bachchan Youth United States, the United Kingdom, Middle
Icon Award. East, and India.
▪ The Guinness World Record London office
National Water Awards- 2020: has opened a new category, “Numerology”
▪ Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh for this Achievement.
Shekhawat announced 3rd National Water
Awards-2020. Ramnath Goenka Award:
▪ A total of 57 awards were announced in 11 ▪ Zishaan A Latif won Ramnath Goenka Award
Categories including Best States, District, in the Photo Journalism category.
Panchayat and Best Industries. ▪ He won the award for his photo essay, ‘The
▪ In the ‘Best State’ category, Uttar Pradesh arduous struggle for inclusion in the NRC’,
has been awarded First Prize, followed by which was published in The Caravan in
Rajasthan, second and Tamil Nadu, third. October 2019.
▪ Yelerampura Panchayat, Tumakuru District, ▪ He documented the plight of people who
Karnataka - “Best Village Panchayat” – South were dropped from the National Register of
Zone. Citizens (NRC) and put a face to an untold
Human Story.
▪ Vellaputhur Panchayat, Chengalpattu District,
Tamil Nadu - “Best Village Panchayat” – ▪ About a month after the NRC list was released,
South Zone - 2nd Place. Latif made his way through four districts in
Assam, documenting people’s struggle for
▪ Vapi Urban Local Body, Gujarat - “Best Urban inclusion in the NRC.
Local Body”.
About Ramnath Goenka Award: ▪ The SKOCH Award covers the best of efforts
▪ The Awards honour journalists from print, in digital, financial and social inclusion.
Broadcast and digital media recognizing It encompasses the best of governance,
their strength of character and integrity while Inclusive growth, excellence in technology
covering news in adverse Circumstances. and applications, change management,
▪ Named after Ramnath Goenka, the awards corporate leadership, corporate governance,
have been held annually since 2006. citizen services delivery, capacity building,
Who is Ramnath Goenka?
empowerment and other such softer issues
▪ Ramnath Goenka (1904–1991) was an Indian that get normally lost in the glamour and the
newspaper publisher. He launched The Indian glitz of industry sponsored or advertising
Express Newspaper in 1932. Focused jamborees.
▪ During the Emergency Period of India, he ▪ SKOCH Awards are extremely coveted and are
was one of the few independent businessman India’s Highest Civilian Honour in the country
Journalists that stood up to the Government conferred by an Independent Organization
Opposing Indira Gandhi. and amongst its recipients have included
regulators, secretaries, union ministers and
▪ He became the Lok Sabha Member in 1971 chief ministers over its twenty year or so long
under the banner of Bhartiya Jan Sangha. History.
‘Outstanding Investigator Award’: SKOCH Award for Assam Mission on
▪ Vijay Viswanathan, head and chief
Malnutrition:
diabetologist of MV Hospital for Diabetes
▪ A Mission to combat malnourishment among
Chennai, has been presented the ‘Outstanding
children aged six months to five years has
Investigator Award’ by the US based World
earned the SKOCH Award for southern
India Diabetes Foundation.
Assam’s Cachar district.
78 SKOCH summit – 6 January 2022:
th th
▪ The project named Mission Parvarish saw 704
▪ The summit was organized with the theme out of a targeted 800 children recover from the
“State of Governance”. severely acute malnourished stage.
▪ The Forensic Science Laboratory - Forensic ▪ The programme was launched during the
Service, Delhi, has won the SKOCH Award “nutrition month” in 2020.
2021 (Silver).
Golden Globes Award:
▪ It got the award in the Governance category
▪ “The Power of the Dog” and Steven Spielberg’s
for its work towards combating Crime and
“West Side Story” won the top film prizes at
Violence against Children.
an untelevised Golden Globes that was largely
▪ The SKOCH Literature Award 2021 was ignored by Hollywood.
presented to the book titled ‘Rising to the
▪ Jane Campion's dark Western “The Power of
China Challenge: Winning Through Strategic
the Dog” became only the second film directed
Patience and Flexible Policies’ authored by
by a woman to win the best Drama Prize.
leading members of Pune International Centre.
▪ The film also won for best director and best
▪ The book was published in 2021 by Rupa
Supporting actor for Kodi SmitMcPhee.
Publications India Ltd.
▪ Will Smith and Nicole Kidman won the
▪ The book was based on the 2020 Galwan
prizes for best actor and actress in film dramas
Valley clash provoked by China.
for their turns in King Richard and Being the
About SKOCH: Ricardos.
▪ Instituted in 2003, SKOCH Award salutes
people, projects and institutions that go the
Extra mile to make India a better nation.
HISTORY | 27
Dr. Subhas Mukherjee Award: 9 The Master Artisans - Amita Sachdeva

▪ A professor in the clinical embryology (India) and Mubarik Khatri (India).
Department at Kasturba Medical College
12th Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award
(KMC), under Manipal Academy of Higher
Education (MAHE), Dr.Satish Adiga has been 2022:
Selected by the Indian Council of Medical ▪ The 2015 film Bajrangi Bhaijaan fame actress,
Research (ICMR) for its national award. Harshaali Malhotra has been awarded the
12th Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award 2022.
▪ He will receive Dr. Subhas Mukherjee Award
from ICMR in recognition for his outstanding
contribution to the field of in-Vitro Fertilization ▪ She received the award from Shri Bhagat
(IVF). Singh Koshyari, Governor of Maharashtra, for
her commendable performance in the Movie
▪ He has contributed significantly to both
and contribution in the field of Indian Cinema.
Clinical IVF and fertility research.
About: Periyar Award and Ambedkar Award:
▪ Dr Subhas Mukherjee Award was instituted ▪ The Tamil Nadu government announced that
by ICMR in the year 2012 in the memory of Dr. K. Thirunavukkarasu, a historian documenting
Subhas Mukherjee. the Dravidian movement, and the retired
▪ This award is granted to a scientist for Madras High Court judge, K. Chandru, would
outstanding contributions, in the field be honoured with the Thanthai Periyar Award
of assisted reproductive technology, for Social Justice and the Dr. Ambedkar Award
reproductive biology & endocrinology and for 2021 respectively.
Reproductive health in general. ▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has issued an order
▪ Dr. Subhas Mukherjee was the creator of to increase the cash prize for both awards to ₹5
India's first child using IVF. lakh, an official release said.
▪ The awards comprise the cash prize, gold
International Craft Award 2021:
Medal and Citation.
▪ Kerala Arts and Crafts Village Organization
▪ K. Thirunavukkarasu:
(KACV) from Kovalam, Kerala was awarded
the ‘International Craft Award for 2021’ for 9 Mr. Thirunavukkarasu’s work, ‘Needhi
the best craft village in the world by the World Katchi Varalaru’, documents in two
Crafts Council International. volumes the history of the Justice Party
since its founding in 1916 until it was
▪ It is the only award India received in the non-
named Dravidar Kazhagam in 1944.
Individual category.
9 He has also been commended for his works,
▪ The KACV was established by the Uralungal
‘Dravida Iyakka Vergal’ and ‘Dravida
Labour Contract Cooperative Society (UL
Iyakka Thoongal’.
CCS) for the State Tourism Department of
Kerala. 9 He was a recipient of the Tamil Nadu
Government’s Thiru. Vi.Ka. Award. He
▪ Other Awardees are:
Received it from former Chief Minister M.
9 Village of the Year - ‘Kraf Komuniti Ku’ in Karunanidhi in 2006.
Malaysia.
▪ K. Chandru:
9 Craft Persons of the Year - Shahrbanoo
9 Mr. Chandru has delivered judgments in
Arabian (Iran) and Dalavayi Kullayappa
over 96,000 cases during his service. When
(India).
he was an advocate, he was the voice of
9 Next Generation Craft Designers of the the poor and workers in the Madras High
year - Qiling Zhang (China) and Mubin Court.
Khatri (India).
9 His works, My Judgments in the Light of 9 The statue of Thiruvalluvar in Bengaluru

Ambedkar and Listen to My Case! When was unveiled by former CM M Karunanidhi
Women Approach the Courts of Tamil in 2009.
Nadu, were widely appreciated. ▪ These awards carry a prize of Rs 1 lakh each, a
9 The Tamil Nadu government has every year Gold Medal, and a citation.
been honouring those who has made an
Outstanding contribution to the promotion Global Women’s Health Tech Awards:
of social justice with the Thanthai Periyar ▪ NIRAMAI Health Analytix Pvt Ltd, and
Award. InnAccel Technologies Pvt Ltd have received
9 The Ambedkar Award is given to an World Bank Group and Consumer Technology
eminent Personality who has contributed Association’s Global Women’s Health Tech
to the socio economic and educational Awards.
development of the Adi Dravidar ▪ The award recognizes innovative startups that
community. leverage tech to improve women’s Health and
Safety.
Global Private Banking Awards 2021: ▪ NIRAMAI Health Analytix was selected for
▪ HDFC Bank was named as the ‘Best Private early-stage Breast Cancer Medical Device.
Bank’ in India at the ‘Global Private Banking ▪ InnAccel was selected for Fetal Lite, AI-
Awards 2021’ which was organised by powered Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) monitor.
Professional Wealth Management (PWM)
in a virtual ceremony. PWM is a wealth About the Award:
management Magazine, published by the ▪ Launched in August 2021.
Financial Times Group. ▪ The award recognizes innovative startups that
About HDFC Bank: use technology to improve women’s Health
▪ Headquarters: Mumbai. and Safety in Emerging Markets.
▪ Founded: August 1994.
Former West Indies Cricketer Clive Lloyd
▪ CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan.
Receives Knighthood:
Kamarajar and Thiruvalluvar Award ▪ Former West Indies Captain Clive Lloyd
2022: received Knighthood from Prince William,
▪ The State Government has chosen veteran the Duke of Cambridge at Windsor Castle, for
Congress leader and former TNCC president his services towards the Game of Cricket.
Kumari Ananthan (88) for the Perunthalaivar ▪ A knighthood is a title that is given to a man
Kamarajar Award for 2021. by a British king or queen for his achievements
9 Kumari Ananthan is a senior politician of or his service to his country. A man who has
TN and a close associate of former CM K been given a knighthood can put ‘Sir’ in front
Kamaraj. of his name instead of ‘Mr’.
9 He introduced Asking questions in Tamil ▪ On the same day, England’s world cup-
in Parliament and served as a member of winning captain Eoin Morgan was awarded
the State Assembly. with CBE (Commander of the Order of the
British Empire) by Prince William for his
9 He is well versed in Tamil literature and
services towards the game of cricket.
has authored many books.
▪ The CBE is the highest-ranking Order of
▪ M Meenakshi Sundaram (78), who was
the British Empire award, followed by OBE
instrumental in installing a statue of
(Officer of the Order of the British Empire) and
Thiruvalluvar in Bengaluru, has been chosen
then MBE (Member of the Order of the British
for the Thiruvalluvar Award.
Empire).
HISTORY | 29
South Indian Bank won UiPath Innovation Promotion Group and

Automation Excellence Awards 2021: Suggestion Scheme for Best Innovation
▪ South Indian Bank (SIB) won the UiPath in Indian Railways:
Automation Excellence Awards 2021 for ▪ On behalf of the Ministry of Railways,
Best Automation under ‘Crisis for Business recommendations for the best development
Continuity’. works in the Railways received every year
▪ The 2021 edition of the award recognizes from all the Railway Zones and Production
the contribution of the individuals and Workshops and the best nominations will be
organizations across India and South Asia (Sri rewarded.
Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal) for bringing ▪ The best recommendation for the year 2020-
change through Transformative Automation 2021 has been to awarded to Southern railway
Projects. and Western railway for recommending for
railway line upgradation and reducing the
Best National Costume award at Mrs.
electricity consumption in the rail engine.
World 2022 pageant:
▪ The first prize of Rs. 3 lakhs are to be distributed
▪ India’s Navdeep Kaur has won the award for between the two railway zones.
the Best National Costume at the prestigious
▪ The Southern Railway bagged the first place
Mrs. World 2022 pageant in Nevada, Las
with ₹1.5 lakh group award for suggesting
Vegas.
“Automatic Gauge Face Greasing Machine”.
▪ She is the winner of Mrs. India World 2021,
▪ The Integral Coach Factory has bagged the
was representing the country at Mrs. World
second prize in the national innovation award
2022.
for suggesting a modification in the existing
▪ Navdeep hails from a small town near Odisha’s Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches that
Steel City, Rourkela. will not only cut cost but enhance the aesthetics
▪ The “Avant Garde” outfit was inspired by by averting undulations.
Kundalini Chakra, which “symbolizes” the ▪ Team ICF suggested replacement of the
movement of energy in chakras of the body existing five-piece side wall and three-piece
from the base to the spine up through the roof sub-assemblies of the LHB coach with one
crown”. metal assembly respectively.
▪ Cobra embellishments on the shoulder were ▪ The new innovation reduces cost of
added to represent the “mystical serpent manufacture of LHB body shells and also
native to India”, while the golden colour was
reduces the assembly and crane handling time.
chosen as it represents novelty, power and
glory. National Arts Festival Awards:
▪ 7 students from Tamil Nadu have been
Mrs. World 2022:
selected for the prize for the first time in the
▪ 37 Years old Shaylyn Ford was crowned as the
national level art festival held on behalf of the
winner of Mrs. World 2022.
Union Ministry of Education.
▪ She was crowned by the outgoing queen Kate
▪ To boost the artistic skills of School students,
Schneider from Ireland.
Union Ministry of Education in association
▪ Mrs. Jordan Jaclyn Stapp & Mrs. UAE with National Institute for Educational
Debanjali Kamstra were the runner up. Research and Training (NCERT) has been
▪ Shaylyn Ford represented America in the conducting the National Art Festival for the
pageant. past seven years.
▪ This is the 8th time an American ▪ This year the competitions were held online at
representative won the title of Mrs. World. the Anna Centenary Library in Chennai.
▪ Similarly online competitions in all states IBSi Innovation Awards 2021:

including New Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala ▪ Axis Bank & CRMNEXT Solution won the IBS
were conducted. Intelligence (IBSi) Global FinTech Innovation
▪ Numerous students have participated in Awards 2021 for the “Best CRM (Customer
nine types of competitions including singing, Relationship Management) System
music, dance, sculpture, and Toy making. Implementation”.
▪ The 7 students (2 from government school & ▪ It is one of the most prominent awards
5 from private school) selected from Tamil for global bankers and IT (Information
Nadu are: Technology) consultants across the world.
9 L. Mukund Bhardwaj - ▪ The Axis Bank implemented CRMNEXT for
Second Prize, Singing. Sales and Service modernisation and it also
9 S.N. Yazhini - Third Prize, Singing. enables smarter lead processing, automated
9 R. Madhavi - Third Prize, Playing routing, complete tracking, and visibility.
Musical Instruments. About Axis Bank:
9 M. Shakthi Poorani - Folk ▪ Founded: 3 December 1993.
Dance, Second Prize. ▪ Headquarters: Mumbai.
9 B P Dharanish - Third Prize, Folk Dance. ▪ MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhary.
9 E. Saranya - Third Prize, Miss Trans Global Crown:
Making Traditional Toys.
▪ Kerala Native Sruthy Sithara was crowned as
9 R. Charan - Third Prize, Miss Trans Global 2021.
Making Traditional Toys.
▪ Sithara received the award on December 1 in
11 Cities win Centre’s Road Challenge: her hometown, Vaikom in Kerala, during an
▪ Eleven cities have been selected as the winners online event. She became the First Indian to
of the Streets for People Challenge for their win this title.
pilot projects to make roads more pedestrian ▪ The Physical event, which was scheduled to be
friendly, the Union Ministry of Housing and held in London, was cancelled this year due to
Urban Affairs said. the pandemic.
▪ Aurangabad, Bengaluru, Gurugram, Kochi, ▪ She was dedicated the award to her late
Kohima, Nagpur, Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, mother and "Anannyah Chechi", referring to
Udaipur, Ujjain and Vijayawada were selected Anannyah Kumari Alex, the Kerala's First
on the basis of their pilot projects and would transgender RJ.
be given 50 lakh each as they scale up their
proposals. UNDP India's First Youth Climate
▪ The Ministry also announced 10 winners of the Champion:
pilot stage of the Nurturing Neighbourhoods ▪ Leading content creator and actor, Prajakta
Challenge. The challenge was also started in Koli, who embraces the moniker MostlySane,
November 2020 and included 70 pilot projects has become the first United Nations
by 25 cities. Development Programme India Youth
▪ Among the winners were Bengaluru, which Climate Champion.
improved safety of an Anganwadi centre with About UNDP:
child specific design standards; Hubbali- ▪ The United Nations Development Programme
Dharwad, which started a shared pram
(UNDP) is a United Nations organization
service, priority seating for pregnant women
tasked with helping countries eliminate
100 buses; and Jabalpur.
poverty and achieve sustainable economic
▪ Indore, Kakinada, Kochi, Kohima, Rourkela, growth and human development.
Vadodara and Warangal were selected as
winners of the pilot stage. ▪ Headquarters: New York, United States.
HISTORY | 31
▪ Founded: 22 November 1965. the legislative assembly elections in Tamil

Nadu during 2021.
Reimagine Education Award:
▪ Sahoo has been invited to receive the award at
▪ Rhapsody Music Foundation (2013) has won the national award function to be held at New
the prestigious Reimagine Education Award. Delhi on the occasion of National Voters Day
▪ Founded by classical pianist-turned-Education 25th.
innovation entrepreneur Anil Srinivasan, ▪ The National Awards for the Best Electoral
Rhapsody has been ranked Number 1 in Asia Practices will be conferred on State and District
and Number 1 worldwide in the Arts and level officers for their outstanding performance
Humanities category ahead of more than 1500 in the conduct of elections in different spheres
education innovators. such as IT initiatives, Security Management,
▪ The Reimagine Award recognizes innovative Election Management during Covid-19,
approaches that improve student learning Accessible Election and contribution in the
Outcomes. field of voter awareness and outreach.
Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony National Child Award 2022:
Award 2021: ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with
▪ From pledging his wife’s jewels to feed the winners of the National Child Award,
migrant workers to donating ambulances, 2022, and extolled the valour and sacrifice of
J. Mohammed Rafi (47) always believed in the four martyred sons of Guru Gobind Singh
brotherhood. It is this belief that fetched the on January 24.
city-based activist Tamil Nadu government’s ▪ He also urged them to follow Netaji Subhas
prestigious Kottai Ameer Communal Chandra Bose’s motto of “Nation First”.
Harmony Award, 2021.
▪ Twenty-nine children were given the Pradhan
▪ He will be presented a silver medal and Rs Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for their
25,000 by Chief Minister MK Stalin on Republic exceptional achievements in innovation, Social
Day in Chennai. Science, Education, sports, arts and culture
and for demonstrating bravery.
Netaji Award 2022:
▪ Former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ▪ The Award will be presented every year for
was conferred with the Netaji Award 2022 by the Age group between 5 to 15 years.
Netaji Research Bureau. ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave Digital
▪ Consul General of Japan in Kolkata Nakamura Certificates to them using block chain-driven
Yutaka received the honour on behalf of Mr. technology for the first time, developed by
Abe at a function at the Elgin Road residence IIT Kanpur under the National Blockchain
of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th Project and a cash prize of ₹ 1 lakh credited in
birth anniversary. their bank account.
▪ In January 2021, India bestowed the Padma ▪ There are 15 boys and 14 girls among the
Vibhushan on former Japanese Prime awardees belonging to 21 states and UTs.
Minister Shinzo Abe, the country’s second- ▪ Winners from Tamil Nadu:
highest civilian honour. 9 Vishalini N C in the Innovation Category.
9 Aswatha Biju in the Innovation Category.
National Awards for the Best Electoral
Practices: Padma Awards:
▪ Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu ▪ This Year the President has approved the
Satyabrata Sahoo has been selected for the conferment of 128 Padma Awards comprising
national award under the category of best four Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan
performing State for overall performance in and 107 Padma Shri Awards.
various areas of election management during
▪ As many as 34 awardees are women and the Seven persons selected for Padma Shri
list also includes 10 persons from the category Awards from T.N.
of Foreigners/ Non-Resident Indians and
Overseas Citizens of India. Sowcar Janaki for Art:
▪ Guruprasad Mohapatra, former AAI chairman ▪ Legendary actress Sankaramanchi Janaki
and DPIIT secretary, was selected for Padma popularly known as Sowcar Janaki or
Shri posthumously. Shavukaru Janaki has acted in over 400 films
across Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu.
▪ Padma Vibhushan, part of the Padma series, is
the second highest civilian award. ▪ She was a prominent radio artist at ‘Akashavani
Madras’ since her early years.
▪ Radheyshyam Khemka, President of Gita
Press, known for publishing religious Hindu ▪ Janaki made her debut in 1950 through the
books, has been named for Padma Vibhushan Telugu film ‘Shavukaru’ following which got
posthumously. her the moniker ‘Sowcar’.
▪ General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of ▪ Apart from receiving the Filmfare lifetime
Defence Staff who died in an air crash recently, award (South) in 1984, she has won several
and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister accolades.
Kalyan Singh, who headed the State during Sirpi Balasubramaniam for Literature and
Babri Masjid demolition, were selected for Education:
Padma Vibushan posthumously on the eve of ▪ Sirpi Balasubramiam, who hails from Tamil
Republic Day. Nadu, India, and is a poet, critic, scholar, and
▪ Congress leader and former Chief Minister lecturer.
of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad ▪ Born in Aaththupollachi in Coimbatore, he
and former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb earned his MA and PhD from Annamalai
Bhattacharjee were awarded with Padma University and Madras University,
Bhushan. respectively.
▪ Bharat Biotech’s Suchitra and Krishna Ella, ▪ In 2001, he got the Sahitya Akademi's
Serum Institute of India’s Cyrus Poonawalla Translators Award for his Tamil translation
were accorded with Padma Bhushan along of Lalithambika Antharjanam's Agnisakshi
with Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman and in 2003 for Oru Gramathu Nadhi.
of Tata Sons. ▪ He has won several awards including the
▪ Satya Narayana Nadella, Chairman and Bharathidasan Award, Government of Tamil
CEO of Microsoft Corporation, Sundararajan Nadu Award among many others.
Pichai, CEO, Google and Alphabet were ▪ Some of his finest works include Siritha
accorded with Padma Bhushan. Muthukkal, Sooriya Nizhal, Oru Gramathu
▪ Punjabi singer Gurmeet Bawa was given Nadhi.
Padma Bhushan posthumously. S Damodaran for Social Work:
▪ Former Union Home Secretary and CAG Rajiv ▪ Born in 1952, Damodaran, was a Member of
Mehrishi was also conferred with Padma the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu.
Bhushan. ▪ Prior to being elected to the Tamil Nadu
▪ Star para-athlete Devendra Jhajharia was Legislative Assembly, he was the President
named for the prestigious Padma Bhushan, of Thalakkarai Panchayat (1984–1989) and a
the third highest civilian honour in the country. member of Pollachi North Panchayat Union
▪ Olympian Neeraj Chopra, gold medalist at (1996–2001).
2021 Tokyo paralympics Avani Lakhera and AKC Natrajan for Art:
singer Sonu Nigam were given Padma Shri. ▪ AKC comes from a long line of wind instrument
players in her Family.
HISTORY | 33
▪ Kuppuswami Naidu, his grandpa, was a ▪ During his service he was recognized as a
Nagaswaram performer who eventually teacher of par excellence, an astute clinician,
switched to clarinet. academician and researcher, committed to
▪ Alathur Sri Venkateswara Iyer taught AKC public health initiatives and particularly
Carnatic music, and Ellupur Sri Natesa Pillai women’s welfare.
taught him the basics of nagaswaram. Ballesh Bhajantri for Art:
▪ AKC's first performance dates back to 1946. ▪ Pandit S. Ballesh is an Indian shehnai player
Even in his early years, he was given numerous who was born Ballappa Sanna Bharamappa
opportunities to perform in front of doyens Bhajantri on April 1, 1958.
such as Ariyakudi Ramanuja Aiyengar, T. N. ▪ He, who can perform a variety of styles in his
Rajarathinam Pillai, and Palakkad Mani Iyer. shehnai, aalaapi, and aakaar, including khayal
▪ Hailed as the Clarinet Everest, Natarajan is singing, jhala (sitar and sarod), tatkar (kathak
a recipient of the Madras Music Academy’s dancers), meend & harquatts (sarangi and
Sangeetha Kalanidhi in 2008. violin), tone consistency (been), and sweetness
▪ He even received the Sangeet Natak Akademi (bansuri), began learning from his father and
Award in 1994. strengthened his musical Foundations.
R Muthukannammal for Art: ▪ Ballesh starred as Shehnai in the Hindi film
▪ 82-year-old Muthukannamal is from the Raanjhanaa, which featured Oscar winner
Seventh Generation of a family of Sathir AR Rahman's music. He also played shehnai
dancers from Viralimalai., 28 km from Tiruchy. in Imtiaz Ali's 2011 Hindi film Rockstar, with
music by A.R. Rahman, for the song "The
▪ She has been dancing since the age of 8. Her
Dichotomy of fame”.
father Ramachandra Nattuvanar has been
her tutor. Currently, Muthukannamal teaches Six Army men honored with
Sathir to those interested. Shaurya Chakra for Gallantry:
▪ Muthukannamal is among the last Devadasi ▪ Six Army personnel, five of them
Sathir dancer from Viralimalai. posthumously, have been selected for the
▪ Sathir, is an ancient dance form. She served the Shaurya Chakra, the third highest peacetime
deity at the Murugan temple in Viralimalai. gallantry award, by the President and Supreme
▪ In 2018, she was honoured with Commander of the Indian armed forces, Ram
DakshinaChitra Virudhu, an annual award Nath Kovind.
presented by the Madras Craft Foundation ▪ The five personnel conferred Shaurya Chakra
and the Friends of Dakshinachitra to honour posthumously are Naib Subedar M. Sreejith,
the folk performing artists. Sepoy Maruprolu Jaswanth Kumar Reddy,
Dr. Veeraswamy Sehiah for Medicine: Havildar Anil Kumar Tomar, Havildar
▪ Seshiah, born in Chennai, is a medical Kashiray Bammanalli, Havildar Pinku
graduate completed his MD Medicine at Kumar.
Stanley Medical College and studied from the ▪ The sixth Shaurya Chakra awardee is Rifleman
great teacher Prof M Viswanathan, who is the Rakesh Sharma.
Father of Diabetology in India. ▪ All the six personnel have been awarded
▪ He has been honoured with a number the Shaurya Chakra for their role in
of International & national awards in counterinsurgency operations, of which all
recognition of academic, clinical and research five personnel awarded posthumously were
contributions. for operations in Jammu and Kashmir and
along the Line of Control (LoC).
▪ The sixth Shaurya Chakra awardee, Rifleman 12. M.Muralitharan, Deputy Superintendent of
Sharma, was part of an ambush that took place Police, Crime Branch CID, OCU, Coimbatore,
after receiving information on the movement 13. K.Murugesan, Inspector of Police, Central
of insurgents for extortion and killing of Crime Branch, Greater Chennai Police,
civilians in a village in Assam in May 2021. 14. K.Anna Durai, Inspector of Police,
Buddhadeb refuses Padma ‘Q’ Branch CID, Chennai,
Bhushan Award 15. D.Shanmugam, Inspector of Police, Vigilance
▪ Former West Bengal Chief Minister and veteran and Anti-Corruption, Cuddalore,
CPI(M) leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee 16. G.Sivaganesan, Sub Inspector of
refused to accept the Padma Bhushan award Police, Special Task Force, Erode,
conferred on him in the field of Public Affairs. 17. R.Ganesan, Special Sub-Inspectorof Police,
Special Intelligence Unit, Tiruchi,
Republic Day: 20 Police Officers to get
18. R.Pasupathi, Special Sub Inspector of Police,
Medals: Special Branch CID, Headquarters.
▪ On the occasion of Republic Day, the Centre
announced medals to 20 police officers for Genesis Prize 2022:
'distinguished works' and meritorious service. ▪ Albert Bourla has been awarded the
▪ G.Venkataraman, Additional Director General prestigious Genesis Prize 2022
of Police, Headquarters and C.Sivanarul, ▪ He is the Chairman and Chief Executive of
Inspector of Police, Special Branch CID, Pfizer.
Thanjavur, will receive the ‘President’s Police ▪ He has been awarded for his efforts in leading
Medal for Distinguished Service.’ the development of a COVID-19 vaccine
▪ Eighteen officers will be awarded the Police (Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine).
Medal for Meritorious Service. They are: ▪ Genesis Prize is widely referred to as the
1. V.Balakrishnan, Inspector General of “Jewish Nobel Prize”.
Police (IGP), Central Zone, Tiruchi,
2. Pradip Kumar, Commissioner of
Police, Coimbatore City,
3. R.Sudhakar, IGP, West Zone, Coimbatore,
4. P.Saravanan, Superintendent of
Police(SP), Tirunelveli District,
5. P.Kannammal, SP ‘Q’ Branch CID, Chennai,
6. V.K.Surendranath, Deputy Commissioner
of Police, Traffic Planning, Chennai City,
7. D. Karthikeyan, Commandant, Tamil Nadu
Special Police XII Battalion, Manimuthar,
8. V.Elangovan, Additional Deputy
Commissioner of Police, Traffic
Planning, Coimbatore,
9. A. Thomas Prabhakar, Additional
Superintendent of Police, NIB CID, Chennai,
10. S. Prabakaran, Assistant Commissioner of
Police, Bank Fraud Investigation, Central
Crime Branch, Greater Chennai Police,
11. S. Murugavel, Assistant Commissioner of
Police, Intelligence Section, Coimbatore City,
HISTORY | 35
1.8 BOOKS & AUTHORS

Arundhati Bhattacharya's Ruskin Bond:
Autobiography: ▪ A new book titled “A Little Book of India:
▪ HarperCollins is set to publish “Indomitable: Celebrating 75 years of Independence”
A Working Woman’s Notes on Life, Work and authored by Ruskin Bond was released,
Leadership” the autobiography of Arundhati marking 75 years of India’s Independence.
Bhattacharya, retired Indian banker and ▪ The book is the blend of “physical and spiritual”
former first-ever woman Chairperson of the attributes of India and also highlights the last
State Bank of India. 75 years of India’s progress as a nation.
▪ It is published by Penguin Random House
TN CM Releases Book by an
India (PRHI).
Eight-year-old:
▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin released a book, “The $10 Trillion Dream”:
"The Adventures of Shing and Shang in ▪ The former finance secretary of India, Subhash
Mystery Island", written by an Eight-Year- Chandra Garg has announced his debut book
old Magizhini Ilanchezhian. named “The $10 Trillion Dream”.
The Legend of Birsa Munda: ▪ It is published by Penguin Random House
India (PRHI).
▪ Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari
has released a book titled ‘The Legend of
Birsa Munda’, authored by Tuhin a Sinha
and co-authored by Ankita Verma.
▪ The Book is the story of a lesser-known tribal
hero, Birsa Munda, who courageously fought
against the oppressive British Raj for the rights
of his tribal community.
TN Governor Ravi Launches Two Books:

▪ Governor R.N. Ravi received the book ‘The
Authentic Yoga’ by P.Y. Deshpande and ‘Tales
from the Vedas and Upanishads Retold’ by
Daaji Kamlesh Patel Heartfulness Institute in
Chennai.
1.9 LATEST HISTORICAL EVENTS

Mahatma Gandhi's favourite Poem About Narsinh Mehta:
“Vaishnav Jan To”: ▪ Narsinh Mehta, also known as Narsi Mehta
▪ "Vaishnava Jana To" is a Hindu bhajan, written or Narsi Bhagat, was a 15th-century poet-
in the 15th century by the poet Narsinh Mehta saint of Gujarat, India, notable as a bhakta, an
in the Gujarati language. exponent of Vaishnava poetry.
▪ The poem speaks about the life, ideals and ▪ “Vaishnav Jan To” was Mahatma Gandhi's
Mentality of a Vaishnava jana (a follower of favorite and was rendered as a bhajan in his
Vaishnavism). Sabarmati ashram.
▪ He is especially revered in Gujarati literature, ▪ Narsinh Mehta was born in a Nagar Brahmin
where he is acclaimed as its Adi Kavi (Sanskrit family at Talaja and later moved to Junagadh in
for "first among poets"). Saurashtra peninsula of modern-day Gujarat.
Veer Baal Diwas to be observed ▪ All the three states were formed on January
on Dec. 26: 21 five decades back on this day in 1972, after
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that Meghalaya and Manipur as per the North East
December 26 shall henceforth be marked as Areas (Reorganization) Act, 1971.
Veer Baal Diwas to pay homage to the courage ▪ Among these, Tripura used to be a princely
of the Sahibzades, four sons of Guru Gobind state and was merged with the Indian Union
Singh, the last Sikh guru. in 1949.
▪ While all four were martyred, the date has Picture book on Unsung Heroes is out:
been chosen as it was the day observed as the
▪ A pictorial book telling the stories of 20 unsung
martyrdom day of the Sahibzadas Zorawar
women freedom fighters was released by the
Singh and Fateh Singh, who were killed at
Culture Ministry on 27 January 2022.
the tender age of six and nine in Sirhind by
Mughal forces. ▪ The book was brought out in partnership with
Amar Chitra Katha.
About Guru Gobind Singh:
▪ Guru Gobind Singh, born as Gobind Rai, was ▪ Minister of State for Culture Meenakshi Lekhi
the tenth Sikh Guru, a spiritual leader, warrior, said Rani Abbakka had thwarted Portuguese
poet and philosopher. attacks for several decades. She said the
stories were being brought to light under the
▪ He formally became the leader and protector
“Prime Minister’s vision” as part of Azadi ka
of the Sikhs at the age of nine after his father,
Amrit Mahotsav, the celebration of 75 years of
Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, was
Independence.
killed by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to
Islam. ▪ The book contains Stories of
▪ He was responsible for institutionalizing 9 Matangiri Hazra, a freedom fighter from
the Khalsa, who played a significant role in Bengal who laid down her life in the
protecting the Sikhs after his death. struggle;
▪ Guru Gobind Singh Ji declared Guru Granth 9 Gulab Kaur, who fought against the British
Sahib as Sikhism's holy scripture in 1708, rule after abandoning her own dreams of a
before his Death. life abroad;
9 Padmaja Naidu, Sarojini Naidu’s daughter
50th Statehood Day of Tripura, and a freedom fighter in her own right;
Meghalaya & Manipur: 9 Velu Nachiyar, the first Indian queen to
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home wage war against the East India Company;
Minister Amit Shah and others greeted and
Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur on the 50th 9 Jhalkari Bai, a solider and adviser to the
Statehood Day and hailed the northeast states Rani of Jhansi.
for their “vibrant contribution” to the nation.
HISTORY | 37
1.10 CULTURAL PANORAMA

Losar Festival of Ladakh: ▪ 75 Bikers participating in this expedition will
▪ Losar festival of Ladakh is a religious festival be selected from all over the country and will
Celebrated by the Tibetan Buddhists. cover about 9000 km in the North East Region
in 6 Groups.
▪ The Losar is a 15 days festival, from the start
of the Tibetan Lunar calendar, marking the 1st ▪ The Expedition will also promote the Dekho
day of the 11 months in the Tibetan Calendar Apna Desh initiative of the Ministry of
which is on December 27. Tourism.
▪ The festivities began with the celebration of ▪ The Riders will also carry the message of the
Birth and Nirvana Anniversary Je Tsongkhapa. importance of Road Safety.
About Losar Festival: 9th Edition of North East Festival
▪ The Losar festival originated in Tibet. Concludes:
▪ It dates back to pre – Buddhist era, around 17th ▪ The 9th Edition of the North East Festival
century. concluded in Guwahati, Assam.
▪ Incense burning custom is followed in Bon ▪ The main purpose of this festival is to promote
Religion. and highlight the commercial and tourism
▪ With the Arrival of Lord Buddha in Tibet, this potential of the North East region.
Custom merged with the Harvest Festival and
the Losar Festival Emerged. Gangasagar Mela Festival 2022:
▪ This happened during the reign of Pude ▪ The Gangasagar Mela was inaugurated by
Gungyal. He was the ninth Tibetan king. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
on January 12, 2022 following strict COVID-19
18th Kachai Lemon Festival begins in protocols after receiving approval from the
Manipur 2022: Calcutta High Court.
▪ The 18th edition of the two days long Kachai ▪ Gangasagar Mela 2022 or Ganga Sagar Yatra
Lemon Festival began in Manipur at the Local or Ganga Snan is an annual gathering of Hindu
Ground of Kachai Village in Ukhrul district. pilgrims, India’s 2nd biggest Fair Celebration
▪ The Kachai Lemon Festival is organised in West Bengal.
annually to promote this unique kind of lemon ▪ Gangasagar mela is the festival of India
fruit and to Encourage Lemon Farmers. celebrated during 14th – 15th January every
▪ This year the festival is being organised under year attracts thousands of pilgrimages from
the theme ‘Organic Kachai Lemon for Safe all around the world.
Environment and Rural Transformation’. ▪ The hosting state of West Bengal receives this
▪ Kachai Lemon of Manipur has been accorded fair with great pride and with devout.
Geographical Indication (GI) registration tag. ▪ The festival is held during the winter time of
the year, it finds thousands of devotees coming
‘North East on Wheels Expedition’ over to seek righteousness at Sagar Island’s
launched to Promote Culture of southern tip in West Bengal.
Northeastern States:
Tripura Celebrated 44th Kokborok Day:
▪ Minister of State for Culture, Meenakashi
Lekhi has launched the ‘North East on Wheels ▪ Kokborok Day, also known as the Tripuri
Expedition’ in New Delhi to promote the Language Day is annually celebrated across
Culture of Northeastern States. the Indian State of Tripura on 19th January
with an aim to develop the Kokborok (Tripuri
▪ The Bike Expedition is scheduled between 8th
or Tiprakok) Language.
to 16th April this year to mark the celebrations
of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
▪ The day commemorates the initial recognition

of Kokborok as the official language in 1979.
▪ In 1979, Kokborok, along with Bengali and
English, was declared an official language of
the state of Tripura.
International Folk Art Festival:

▪ Lavni artist from Maharashtra, Sumit Bhale
of Fulbari taluka has won a gold medal at the
International Folk Art Festival in Dubai.
▪ Lavani is a genre of music popular in
Maharashtra.
▪ It is a combination of traditional song and
dance.
▪ It is particularly performed to the beats of
Dholki, a Percussion Instrument.
HISTORY | 39
1.11 INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURS

Sri Lanka to Ink Pact with India to ▪ The agreement was signed between the leaders
develop Oil Tanks: Benazir Bhutto, then Pakistan's Prime Minister
▪ Sri Lanka announced its decision to sign three and Rajiv Gandhi the then Prime Minister of
lease agreements on developing the strategic India in 1988 and the agreement was ratified
Trincomalee oil tank farm with India, after during Chandrasekhar as the PM of India and
the Rajapaksa administration negotiated a Nawaz Sharif as the PM of Pakistan in 1991.
“suitable” deal for 16 months. ▪ According to this agreement, both countries
▪ The Announcement, signaling forward have to inform each other of the nuclear
Movement in a long dragging project, is Facilities.
significant for New Delhi following a year of China Constructing Bridge on
Diplomatic strain beginning early 2021, when
Pangong lake in Ladakh:
Sri Lanka unilaterally cancelled a tripartite
▪ China is constructing a bridge in eastern
agreement to develop a Colombo port
Ladakh connecting the north and south banks
Terminal with India and Japan.
of Pangong Tso (lake), which will significantly
▪ The Trincomalee project pertains to some 100 bring down the time for the People’s Liberation
oil storage tanks — built by the British during Army (PLA) to move troops and equipment
Second World War — in Sri Lanka’s eastern between the two Sectors.
Trincomalee district.
▪ The new bridge between the closest points on
▪ It has dominated bilateral talks for decades, two banks, which is around 500 m, will bring
from the time of the Indo-Lanka Accord of down the movement time between the two
1987, but has seen little progress. sectors from around 12 hours to three or four
▪ Lease extended as per the new deal, 14 Hours.
Tanks currently operated by the Indian Oil ▪ The bridge is located around 25 km ahead of
Corporation subsidiary, Lanka IOC, will be the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
leased to the company for 50 years.
▪ The bridge is in China’s territory and the
▪ Further, 24 tanks will be given to the Ceylon Indian Army would have to now factor this in
Petroleum Corporation (CPC), while 61 will its operational plans.
be developed in a joint venture, with the
▪ India holds one-third of the 135km long
CPC holding 51% stakes, and Lanka IOC, the
boomerang shaped lake located at an altitude
remaining 49%
of over 14,000 feet.
India, Pak exchange list of Nuclear ▪ The lake, a glacial melt, has mountain spurs
Installations: of the Chang Chenmo range jutting down,
▪ India and Pakistan exchanged a list of their referred to as fingers.
Nuclear installations that cannot be attacked Pangong Tso Lake
in case of an escalation in hostilities, as part ▪ Pangong Lake is located in the Union Territory
of an annual ritual that has been in practice of Ladakh.
between the two neighbours for more than ▪ It is situated at a height of almost 4,350m and
three decades. is the world’s highest saltwater lake.
▪ The lists of nuclear installation and facilities ▪ Extending to almost 160km, one-third of the
were exchanged as per the provisions of the Pangong Lake lies in India and the other two-
Article-II of the Agreement on Prohibition thirds in China.
of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and
Facilities, signed on December 31, 1988 and
ratified on 27 January 1991.
Pakistan ready to host SAARC Summit: ▪ With the signing of MoU, diplomatic relation
▪ Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood between the two countries will further
Qureshi said that his country was ready to improve.
host the 19th SAARC Summit and India can
India Tops Sri Lanka’s Tourism List:
join it virtually if the leadership in New Delhi
is not willing to visit Islamabad. ▪ India topped Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals in
December and the entire year, according to
▪ SAARC - a regional grouping comprising
data published by the Sri Lanka Tourism
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the
Development Authority (SLTDA).
Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -
has not been very effective since 2016 and its ▪ Tourism sector — third largest foreign
biennial summits have not taken place since exchange earner for Sri Lanka.
the last one in Kathmandu in 2014. ▪ For December 2020, Sri Lanka recorded 89,506
▪ The 2016 SAARC Summit was originally tourist arrivals, of whom 23,566 or 26.3 % were
planned to be held in Islamabad on November from India, signaling that India had regained
15-19, 2016. its spot as the largest source market in its
tourism sector.
▪ But after a terror attack on an Indian Army
Camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on ▪ From January 2021 to December 2021, 56,268
September 18 that year, India expressed its tourists — about 42 % of the visitors — arrived
inability to participate in the summit due to in Colombo from India, again the highest
"prevailing circumstances". number from a country recorded last year,
following Russia, the U.K. and Germany.
▪ The summit was called off after Bangladesh,
Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to Sri Lanka Launches Luxury Train Service
participate in the Islamabad meet. in Jaffna with India’s Assistance:
About SAARC: ▪ Sri Lanka has launched a luxury Train Service
▪ The South Asian Association for Regional connecting the country’s Tamil-dominated
Cooperation (SAARC) was established with Jaffna district to the capital city Colombo
the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on with the help of a Line of Credit offered by
8 December 1985. India, in another significant landmark in
▪ Afghanistan became the newest member of Bilateral ties.
SAARC at the 13th Annual Summit in 2005. ▪ The intercity rail service with all facilities
▪ The Headquarters and Secretariat of the was launched on January 9 for passengers
Association are at Kathmandu, Nepal. travelling from Colombo’s Mount Lavinia
▪ There are currently nine Observers to suburb to Jaffna’s Kankesanthurai port
SAARC, namely: (i) Australia; (ii) China; suburb in the north, covering a distance of
(iii) the European Union; (iv) Iran; (v) Japan; Approximately 386 kms.
(vi) the Republic of Korea; (vii) Mauritius; ▪ India had provided AC Diesel Multiple Units
(viii) Myanmar; and (ix) the United States of (AC DMUs) under the loan Facility.
America.
India extends $900 mn aid to Sri Lanka:
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ▪ India confirmed a $400 million currency swap
between India and Nepal: with Sri Lanka while deferring another $500
▪ The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime million due for settlement to the Asian Clearing
Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Union (ACU), in a move aimed at helping the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) island nation witnessing an Unprecedented
between India and Nepal for construction economic crisis.
of bridge over Mahakali River at Dharchula ▪ The announcement on RBI assistance includes
(India)- Dharchula (Nepal). deferring the payment of $500 that Sri Lanka
owes to the ACU, a regional initiative with
HISTORY | 41
the Central Banks and Monetary Authorities Social Housing Project in Mauritius:
of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his
Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Mauritian counterpart Pravind Kumar
Jugnauth jointly inaugurated a Social Housing
India extends $500-mn credit to Sri
Project in the island nation.
Lanka for Fuel Imports:
▪ In the virtual ceremony, both leaders also laid
▪ India extended a $500million Line of Credit
the foundation stone for two other projects
(LOC) to Sri Lanka for urgent fuel imports,
including the construction of a college for
just days after providing $900 million relief
training of civil servants and an 8-megawatt
to the island nation, which is facing one of its
Solar Power Project, which will help mitigate
worst Economic Downturns.
the climate challenges that Mauritius faces as
Tamil Sri Lankan Legislators on an island country.
Implementing 13th Amendment: ▪ In 2020, India contributed 10% of Mauritius
▪ Prominent Tamil legislators from Sri Lanka's total imports and ranked third among their
Northern province have written to Prime countries of imports.
Minister Narendra Modi, seeking India's ▪ An agreement was reached on extending
intervention in ensuring a lasting political a $190 million line of credit from India to
solution to the long-standing Tamil issue and Mauritius for the metro project.
the implementation of the contentious 13th ▪ Prime Minister Jugnauth Announced that the
Amendment. major metro station in their country will be
▪ The 13th Amendment was the result of the named after Mahatma Gandhi.
Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987, inked by the ▪ India and Mauritius are united by history,
then Sri Lankan President JR Jayawardena ancestry, culture, language and the shared
and Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. waters of the Indian Ocean.
▪ It provides for the devolution of power to the
Xi offers Central Asian Nations $500mn
Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
▪ Two days before Prime Minister Narendra
▪ India has continually reaffirmed its
Modi, hosts India’s first virtual summit with
commitment to protect the rights of Sri Lanka's
Central Asian leaders, China’s President Xi
minority Tamil community through the full
Jinping offered $500 million in assistance to
implementation of the 13th Amendment, early
the region and pledged to ramp up trade.
convening of Provincial Council elections and
achieving reconciliation. ▪ Mr. Xi chaired his own virtual summit with
Central Asian leaders, two days ahead of Mr.
▪ The amendment also confirms Tamil as
Modi hosting a first of its kind virtual summit
an official language of the Island nation
with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
alongside Sinhalese, with English as a ‘link
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
language’.
▪ It was also the result of the 13th amendment India probes China, Vietnam over
that the Northern and Eastern regions got ‘Dumping’ of Vinyl Tiles:
independent Provincial Councils. ▪ India has initiated an antidumping probe
▪ However, the ruling Sri Lanka People's against imports of a certain type of tiles, used
Party's Sinhala majority hardliners have been for covering the Floors in residential and
advocating for a total abolition of the island's commercial buildings, from China, Taiwan
Provincial Council system. and Vietnam following a complaint by
▪ Indian High Commissioner in SriLanka is Domestic Players.
Gopal Baglay.
▪ The Commerce Ministry’s investigation

arm Directorate General of Trade Remedies
(DGTR) is probing the alleged dumping of
“vinyl tiles other than in roll or sheet form”.
About Anti-Dumping Duty:
▪ Dumping:
9 It is a protectionist tariff that a domestic
Government imposes on foreign imports
that it believes are priced below fair market
value.
9 Dumping is said to occur when the goods
are exported by a country to another
country at a price lower than the price it
normally charges in its own home market.
9 This is an unfair trade practice which can
have a distortive effect on international
trade.
9 Imposition of Anti-dumping duty is a
measure to rectify the situation arising
out of the dumping of goods and its trade
distortive effect.
9 In the long-term, anti-dumping duties can
reduce the international competition of
Domestic companies producing similar
Goods.
9 The use of anti-dumping measures as an
instrument of fair competition is permitted
by the World Trade Organisation.
HISTORY | 43
1.12 APPOINTMENTS- WHO - IS WHO

New Coast Guard Chief: ▪ The resolution was adopted mandates all
▪ V.S. Pathania took over as the 24th Director States to criminalize assistance for terrorist
General (DG) of the Indian Coast Guard on activities, share information on Groups
December 31 from Krishnaswamy Natarajan planning terrorist attacks and deny financial
who Retired from service. support & safe haven to Terrorists.
Indian-Origin in Tesla Autopilot Team: New IIT-M Director:

▪ Indian-origin Ashok Elluswamy has been ▪ V. Kamakoti, who has been appointed as the
roped in as the first employee of Tesla autopilot new director of IIT Madras, said his immediate
team, the electric car maker's and CEP Elon priority would be to augment the skill sets
Musk said. for indigenous technology development,
addressing local and Global requirements,
▪ Musk, who has been using social media to
Aligning with the objectives of the National
recruit people said, Ashok is the head of
Education Policy.
Autopilot Engineering.
▪ Mr. Kamakoti, who designed India’s first
Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism indigenously developed microprocessor
Committee: “Shakti”, will take over from Bhaskar
▪ The United Nations announced that T. S. Ramamurthi as the Director of Indian Institute
Tirumurti, India’s Permanent Representative of Technology Madras. Mr. Ramamurthi had
to the UNSC, has been made the chairman served the institute for 10 Years.
of the Counter Terrorism Committee of the ▪ IIT Delhi’s next director will be Rangan
United Nations Security Council. Banerjee, currently the Forbes Marshall
▪ The Counter Terrorism Committee of the Chair Professor in IIT Bombay’s Department
United Nations takes big steps against of Energy Science and Engineering at IIT
Terrorism in the world and now that India is Bombay, which he helped to start in 2007.
the chairman of that committee. ▪ IIT Bombay is also the current home of IIT
▪ The Counter terrorism committee is of a Indore’s next Director Suhas S. Joshi. He
Greater significance for India, because, India currently heads the Department of Mechanical
has been pitching pertinent measures to fight Engineering at IIT Bombay.
Terrorism across the global platform. ▪ Laxmidhar Behera, a Robotics professor in the
▪ India last chaired the committee in 2012. Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT
▪ India will chair three important Communities Kanpur, has been appointed the next Director
at the UNSC in 2021-22. The three committees of IIT Mandi.
are- Taliban Sanctions Committee, Counter- New Chairman of ISRO:
terrorism Committee and Libya Sanctions
▪ Eminent rocket scientist S. Somanath has
Committee.
been appointed Chairman of the Indian Space
About Counter-Terrorism Committee: Research Organisation (ISRO) and Space
▪ Counter-Terrorism Committee is a subsidiary Secretary.
body of United Nations Security Council. ▪ Dr. Somanath is taking over the reins of ISRO
▪ It is a 15-member committee, established in at a critical juncture when sweeping reforms
the aftermath of 9/11 attack in United States and critical missions are set to define the
to monitor the UNSC resolution 1373. Forward journey of the storied space agency.
▪ He has been serving as the Director of the ▪ The Government of Tamil Nadu and the
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and Government of India contribute to the Share
the Indian Institute of Space Science and Capital of the Corporation in the ratio 51:49
Technology (IIST). respectively.
▪ Bank loans are arranged with TAHDCO
Chairman of the Indian Council of
subsidy for self-employment under
Historical Research (ICHR): Entrepreneur Development Programme
▪ Professor emeritus, Kurukshetra University, (EDP), Self-Employment Programme for
Raghuvendra Tanwar has been appointed as youth (SEPY) Schemes.
chairman of the Indian Council of Historical
Main Activities of the Corporation:
Research (ICHR).
▪ To implement economic development schemes
▪ Tanwar appointment is for a period of three for the Welfare of Scheduled Caste / ST in the
Years from the day he assumes the office of the State.
Chairman of the Council or until further order.
▪ To provide skill development training to youth
▪ Tanwar, who joined Kurukshetra University as belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled
a lecturer in August 1977, has an outstanding Tribes for job / self-employment.
academic record, with two gold medals in MA
▪ To undertake Construction activities entrusted
History.
by the Government.
About ICHR:
▪ The Indian Council of Historical Research New MD of NHIDCL:
(ICHR) is an captive body of the Ministry of ▪ Chanchal Kumar has been appointed as the
Education established by an Administrative Managing Director, National Highways &
Order. Infrastructure Development Corporation
▪ The ICHR is based in Delhi, with regional Ltd (NHIDCL), under the Ministry of Road
centres in Pune (Maharashtra), Bengaluru Transport & Highways (MoRTH).
(Karnataka), and Guwahati (Assam). ▪ He is appointed in the rank and pay of Additional
▪ Its First Chairman was the historian Ram Secretary. He is a 1992 batch IAS officer of
Sharan Sharma. Bihar cadre, presently Principal Secretary
▪ Founded: 27 March 1972. of Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
New TAHDCO Chairman: About NHIDCL:

▪ Chief Minister MK Stalin issued orders to ▪ Founded: 2014.
appoint former Dairy minister U Mathivanan ▪ Headquarters: New Delhi.
as Chairman of Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar
Housing and Development Corporation Ltd. Zakir Hussain made Adviser to Music
About TAHDCO: Schools:
▪ Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing ▪ Bharatanatyam dancer A. Zakir Hussain
and Development Corporation Limited has been appointed as an advisor for all 17
(TAHDCO) was incorporated in 1974 under district music schools under the Tamil Nadu
the Companies Act, 1956 with the objective to Government’s Arts and Culture Department.
improve socio economic status in Tamilnadu.
Centre Appoints New CEA:
▪ For the economic development of Scheduled
Caste, the TAHDCO has been implementing ▪ The Centre on January 28 appointed
many programmes / schemes with financial V. Anantha Nageswaran as the Chief
assistance from Special Central Assistance. Economic Advisor (CEA). His predecessor -
Krishnamurthy Subramanian.
HISTORY | 45
▪ The appointment comes two days before the

presentation of the Economic Survey (2021-22)
on January 31.
▪ The CEA is usually responsible for drafting
the Economic Survey presented on the eve of
the Budget.
▪ But the Economy Survey of 2021-22 is prepared
by the Principal Economic Adviser Mr.Sanjeev
Sanyal.
2. POLITICAL
SCIENCE
2.1 PUBLIC AWARENESS & GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
Gram Ujala Scheme: Parliamentary Panel on Marriage Age
▪ The Gram UJALA Programme - an ambitious has only One-Woman MP:
scheme offering the world’s cheapest LED ▪ The parliamentary panel assigned to examine
bulbs in rural areas at a mere Rs. 10 launched the landmark bill which seeks to raise the legal
on March 24, 2021 by the Union Ministry of age of marriage for women to 21 has only one-
Power. woman MP out of 31 members.
▪ 7 watt and 12-watt LED bulbs with 3 years ▪ The Prohibition of Child Marriage
Warranty will be given to rural consumers (Amendment) Bill, which will have wider
against submission of working Incandescent influence over society especially females, was
bulbs. introduced in Lok Sabha during the winter
9 Each household will get up to 5 LEDs. session and referred to the Parliamentary
9 Participating rural households will also Standing Committee on Education, Women,
have Metres installed in their houses to Children, Youth and Sports.
account for usage. ▪ According to the members' list of the
▪ The LED bulbs are offered by state-run Energy parliamentary standing committee, led by
Efficiency Services Ltd’s (EESL’s) subsidiary senior BJP leader Vinay Sahasrabuddhe,
Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL). available on the Rajya Sabha website, TMC
MP Sushmita Dev is the only woman among
▪ EESL is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU)
the 31 members.
under the Ministry of Power.
About Parliament Standing Committees:
Financing Mechanism:
▪ Indian Constitution mentions two kinds
▪ The Programme will be financed entirely
of Parliamentary Committees – Standing
through carbon credits and will be the first
Committees and Ad Hoc Committees.
such Programme in India.
▪ Any subject related to these committees is dealt
▪ The revenue earned from carbon credits will
with Article 118 (1) of the Indian Constitution.
contribute Rs. 60 per LED bulb piece, with
the balance Rs. 10 to be paid by the rural ▪ A Standing Committee is a group of Members
Consumer. of Parliament (MPs) in the Indian Parliament.
▪ Carbon credit (or “carbon offsets”) are ▪ It is a permanent and regular committee that
certificates generated by projects or activities is established according to the requirements of
that reduce, avoid, or destroy greenhouse an act of Parliament or the Rules of Procedure
Gases. and Conduct of Business from Time to time.
▪ The main objective of the standing
Committees is to secure more accountability
of the Executive (that is., Council of Ministers)
to the Parliament, particularly financial
Accountability.
POLITICAL SCIENCE | 47
▪ Each standing committee consists of 31 POSH Act: HC Guidelines Challenged:

members (21 from Lok Sabha and 10 from ▪ A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court
Rajya Sabha). challenging guidelines issued by the Bombay
▪ The term of office of each standing committee High Court in cases under the Protection of
is one year from the date of its constitution. Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act,
▪ Out of the 24 standing committees, 8 work which include a blanket bar on parties and
under the Rajya Sabha and 16 under the Lok Advocates from sharing records, including
Sabha. orders and judgments, with the media.
About Sexual Harassment of Women at
English is the Language of Court, says Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Gujarat HC: Redressal) Act, 2013:
▪ A Division Bench of the Gujarat High Court ▪ The Sexual Harassment of Women at
has asked a journalist facing contempt of court Workplace (prevention, prohibition and
proceedings to speak only in English as that redressal) Act, 2013 defines sexual harassment
was the language in the Higher Judiciary. as one or more of the following unwelcome
About: acts or behavior. Such as
▪ Section 7 of the Official Languages Act, 1. Physical contact and advances
1963, provides that the use of Hindi or official 2. A demand or request for sexual favors
language of a State in addition to the English
3. Making sexually coloured remarks
language may be authorized, with the consent
of the President of India, by the Governor of 4. Showing pornography
the State for purpose of judgments etc. made 5. Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-
by the High Court for that State. verbal conduct of sexual nature.
▪ Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar ▪ The workplace includes any government or
Pradesh have already been granted the right private sector organisations, establishment,
to use Hindi in their High Courts. etc.
▪ The same right has been withheld from Tamil ▪ It also covers unorganized and domestic
Nadu and Gujarat and Chhattisgarh which workers, hospitals, any sports institute,
sought permission to use Tamil, Gujarati and stadium or complex, any place visited by the
Hindi respectively. employee during her course of Employment,
▪ What the Constitution says? etc.
9 Article 348 (1) of the Constitution of Govt. says `8 Lakh EWS Cap Derived
India provides that all proceedings in after Study:
the Supreme Court and in every High
▪ The Supreme Court wondered how the
court shall be in English Language until
Union government came up with the
Parliament by law otherwise provides.
`8 lakh annual income limit within just three
9 Under Article 348 (2), the Governor of the days of introducing 10% reservation for the
State may, with the previous consent of the economically weaker sections (EWS) of society.
President, authorize the use of the Hindi
▪ The Constitution (One Hundred and Third)
language or any other language used for
Amendment Act introducing EWS quota came
any official purpose of the State, in the
into force on January 14, 2019.
proceedings of the High Court having its
principal seat in that State provided that
decrees, judgments or orders passed by
such High Courts shall be in English.
About: ▪ In exercise of the powers conferred by the

▪ The 10% EWS quota was introduced under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the
103rd Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2019 by central government, after consulting the
amending Articles 15 and 16. Election Commission of India, hereby makes
▪ It inserted Article 15 (6) and Article 16 (6). the following rules further to amend the
▪ The Amendment under Article 15(6) enables Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, namely, the
the State to make special provisions for the Government said in a gazette notification.
Advancement of any economically weaker ▪ These rules may be called the Conduct of
section of citizens, including reservations in Elections (Amendment) Rules, 2022.
Educational institutions. ▪ They shall come into force on the date of their
▪ Article 16 (6) is added to provide reservations publication in the Official Gazette.
to people from economically weaker sections
Polls in Five States from
in Government Posts.
February 10 to March 7:
▪ It was enacted to promote the welfare of the
▪ Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh,
poor not covered by the 50% reservation
Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur will
policy for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled
be held between February 10 and March 7, the
Tribes (STs) and Socially and Educationally
Election Commission of India announced.
Backward Classes (SEBC).
▪ The counting of votes for all 690 constituencies
▪ It enables both Centre and the states to provide
across the five States, where a total of 18.34
reservation to the EWS of society.
crore citizens are eligible to vote, will be held
Law Ministry Approves Increase of poll on March 10.
Expenditure by Candidates: ▪ The Commission banned all physical
▪ The Union ministry of law and justice Campaigning till January 15 due to the rise in
Approved raising the election expenditure COVID19 cases across the country.
ceiling by a candidate to a maximum of ▪ The current Chief Election Commissioner is
`95 lakh in Parliamentary elections and Sushil Chandra.
`40 lakhs in assembly elections, increasing About Election Commission of India:
them from the earlier limits of `77 lakh and ▪ The Election Commission of India is an
`30.8 lakhs. Autonomous constitutional authority
▪ The increase comes at a time when five states Responsible for administering Union and
are headed for assembly polls - Uttar Pradesh, State election processes in India.
Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa - even ▪ The body administers elections to the Lok
as a sharply rising third wave of Covid-19 Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative
cases has raised the clamour for political rallies Assemblies in India, and the offices of the
to be conducted virtually to avoid the spread President and Vice President in the country.
of the infection. ▪ Part XV of the Indian constitution deals with
▪ The ceiling for parliamentary constituencies elections, and establishes a commission for
was at the time raised to `77 lakh, from the these Matters.
2014 limit of `70 lakh, and assembly polls to ▪ The Election Commission was established
`30.8 lakhs from `28 lakh in larger states. in accordance with the Constitution on 25th
▪ With the revision, candidates in Uttar Pradesh, January 1950.
Uttarakhand and Punjab - classified among ▪ Article 324 to 329 of the constitution deals with
large states - will therefore be able to spend powers, function, tenure, eligibility, etc. of the
`40 lakh in the upcoming polls, while those in commission and the members.
Goa and Manipur - classified as small states -
will have to adhere to a limit of `28 lakh.
Articles related to Elections ▪ It aimed to provide for Regulation of an Armed

1. 324- Superintendence, direction and control force of the Union for providing security to
of elections to be vested in an Election the Prime Minister of India and the former
Commission. Prime Ministers of India and members of their
2. 325- No person to be ineligible for inclusion in, immediate families.
or to claim to be included in a special, electoral ▪ It was extended to all former Prime Ministers
roll-on grounds of religion, race, caste or sex. and their immediate families after former
3. 326- Elections to the House of the People and Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was Assassinated.
to the Legislative Assemblies of States to be on ▪ Special Protection Group (Amendment) Act,
the basis of adult suffrage. 2019 is an act passed by Indian parliament in
4. 327- Power of Parliament to make provision 2019 which reduces Special Protection Group
with respect to elections to Legislatures. cover to only Prime Minister, former Prime
5. 328- Power of Legislature of a State to make Minister and their immediate family members
provision with respect to elections to such up to 5 years after ceasing post if they are
Legislature. residing at the residence Allotted.
6. 329- Bar to interference by courts in electoral Apply for Citizenship under
matters. CAA, says HC:
Structure of the Commission: ▪ The Guwahati High Court has asked a man
1. Originally the commission had only One declared a foreigner by a tribunal in 2017 to
election commissioner but after the Election apply for citizenship under the Citizenship
Commissioner Amendment Act 1989, it has (Amendment) Act of 2019.
been made a multi-member body. ▪ The Foreigners’ Tribunal II of the district had
2. The commission consists of one Chief in May 2017 declared him a foreigner who
Election Commissioner and Two Election came to India illegally from Bangladesh on or
Commissioners. after March 25, 1971.
3. The secretariat of the commission is located in ▪ The petitioner entered West Bengal with
New Delhi. his father Boloram Paul and grandfather
4. At the state level election commission is helped Chintaharan Paul 57 years ago from East
by Chief Electoral Officer who is an IAS rank Pakistan, which became Bangladesh on March
Officer. 26, 1971.
5. The President appoints Chief Election ▪ The two-judge bench of Justice N. Kotiswar
Commissioner and Election Commissioners. Singh and Justice Malasri Nandi observed that
6. They have a fixed tenure of six years, or up to the petitioner entered India in 1964 without
the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. any valid documents but was given Shelter by
7. They enjoy the same status and receive salary this country.
and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme ▪ Though he was given shelter does not mean
Court of India. that he is a legal migrant as he did not possess
8. The Chief Election Commissioner can be any valid document/passport to enter India.
removed from office only through a process ▪ The court said the bar to his citizenship by
of removal similar to that of a Supreme Court registration was lifted by the CAA 2019 and
judge for by Parliament. thus the petitioner can apply for Citizenship
by registration.
Special Protection Group Act: About Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019:
▪ The Special Protection Group Act, 1988 was ▪ The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 seeks
passed by the parliament after the assassination to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955.
of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
▪ The Citizenship Act,1955 provides various Centre’s Response awaited on law on

ways in which citizenship may be acquired. Interfaith Marriages:
It provides for citizenship by birth, ▪ The law that Governs interfaith marriages in
descent, registration, naturalization and by the country, the Special Marriage Act (SMA),
Incorporation of the territory into India. 1954 is being challenged for endangering the
▪ The Bill amends the Act to provide that the lives of young couples who seek refuge under
Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and it.
Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh ▪ More than a Year after a writ petition was
and Pakistan, who entered India on or before moved before the Supreme Court, seeking
December 31, 2014, will not be treated as striking down of several of its provisions,
Illegal Migrants. the Union Government is yet to submit its
▪ In order to get this benefit, they must have also response.
been exempted from the Foreigners Act, 1946 About the Special Marriage Act (SMA), 1954:
and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 ▪ The Special Marriage Act is the legislation
by the central government. made to validate and register interreligious
▪ The 1920 Act mandates foreigners to carry and inter-caste Marriages in India.
Passport, while the1946 Act regulates the ▪ It allows two individuals to solemnize their
entry and departure of foreigners in India. marriage through a civil contract.
▪ The Act allows a person to apply for citizenship ▪ No Religious formalities are needed to be
by registration or naturalization if the person carried out under the Act.
meets certain qualifications.
▪ For instance, if a person resides in India for Draft Notification for Extended Producer
a year and if one of his parents is a former Responsibility:
Indian citizen, he may apply for citizenship by ▪ The Ministry of Environment, Forests and
registration. Climate Change released the draft notification
▪ To obtain citizenship by naturalization, one of for regulations for the Extended Producer
the qualifications is that the person must have Responsibility (EPR) for Waste Tyres.
resided in India or have been in the service of ▪ The draft will be effective from the new fiscal
the central government for at least 11 years Year.
before applying for citizenship. ▪ EPR means responsibility of producer of tyres
▪ The Bill creates an exception for Hindus, Sikhs, to ensure environmentally safe management
Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from of Waste Tyres.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, with
regard to this qualification. For these groups Govt. extends tenure of IPO-bound LIC's
of persons, the 11 years’ requirement will be Chairman for 1 Year:
reduced to five years. ▪ The Government has extended the tenure
▪ On acquiring Citizenship: (i) such persons of chairman of IPO-bound Life Insurance
will be deemed to be citizens of India from the Corporation (LIC) by one more year with
date of their entry into India, and (ii) all legal a view to facilitate smooth listing of the
proceedings against them in respect of their insurance behemoth.
illegal migration or citizenship will be closed. ▪ Besides, the government has also extended the
tenure of one of the managing directors, Raj
Kumar, for one year.
▪ With the extension, M R Kumar will continue
as chairman of LIC till March 2023
▪ This is the second extension for the LIC
chairman.
2.2 GOVT.WELFARE ORIENTED GOVT. SCHEMES THEIR UTILITY

Modi releases Aid for Farmers: Atal Pension Yojana (APY):
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi released over ▪ The Journey of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
`20,900 crores to more than 10.09 crore farmers over six-and-a-half years since its inception has
across India as the 10th instalment of Financial been substantive with 3.68 Crore Enrolments.
aid under the PMKISAN scheme. ▪ The performance in this financial year has
▪ The money is transferred directly to the bank been good as more than 65 lakh subscribers
account of the beneficiaries. Enrolled which is the highest ever enrolment
▪ Prime Minister also released an equity grant during the same period since the launch of the
of more than `14 crore’s to about 351 farmer scheme.
producer organisations (FPOs), benefiting 1.24 ▪ Apart from enrolments, the male-to-female
lakh farmers. subscription ratio of 56:44 is improving, and
assets under management stand at around
`20,000 crore.
About Atal Pension Yojana:
▪ Atal Pension Yojana, formerly known as
Swavalamban Yojana is a government-backed
pension scheme in India, primarily targeted at
the unorganized sector.
▪ It was mentioned in the year 2015 Budget
speech by the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
▪ It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on 9 May 2015 in Kolkata.
▪ Administered By: Pension Fund Regulatory
and Development Authority through National
Pension System (NPS).
▪ Eligibility: Any citizen of India can join the
APY scheme. The age of the subscriber should
be between 18-40 years.
▪ Benefits:
9 It provides a minimum guaranteed
pension ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 5000
on attaining 60 years of age.
9 The amount of pension is guaranteed
for lifetime to the spouse on death of the
Subscriber.
9 In the event of death of both the subscriber
and the spouse, the entire pension corpus is
paid to the nominee.
▪ Tax Benefits:
9 Contributions to the Atal Pension Yojana
(APY) are eligible for tax benefits similar to
the National Pension System (NPS).
Deposits in Jan Dhan Accounts Cross Rs Rabi crops. In the case of annual commercial
1.5 Lakh Crore: and horticultural crops, the premium is 5%.
▪ Deposits in bank accounts opened under the ▪ The scheme was compulsory for loanee
Jan Dhan Yojana, launched by the Government farmers availing Crop Loan/Kisan Credit
about seven and a half years ago, have crossed Card (KCC) account for notified crops and
Rs 1.5 lakh crore. voluntary for others.
▪ According to the latest Finance Ministry data, PMFBY 2.0:
the total balance in over 44.23 crore Pradhan ▪ In order to ensure more efficient and effective
Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts implementation of the scheme, the central
stood at Rs 1,50,939.36 crore at the end of government had revamped PMFBY in the
December 2021. 2020 Kharif Season.
▪ PMJDY, the National Mission for Financial ▪ This overhauled PMFBY is often called PMFBY
Inclusion, completed seven years of 2.0, it has the following features:
implementation in August last year. 9 Completely Voluntary: Enrolment 100%
About Jan Dhan Yojana: Voluntary for all farmers from 2020 Kharif.
▪ This was Announced by Prime Minister 9 Limit to Central Subsidy: The Cabinet
Narendra Modi in his Independence Day has decided to cap the Centre’s premium
address on 15 August 2014 and launched on subsidy under the Scheme for Premium
August 28th 2014. rates up to 30% for unirrigated areas/crops
▪ During the first year of the scheme, 17.90 crore and 25% for irrigated Areas/Crops.
PMJDY accounts were opened. 9 More Flexibility to States: The government
▪ Objective of Jan Dhan Accounts: has given the flexibility to states/UTs to
9 The government’s flagship scheme Implement PMFBY and given them the
objectives include ensuring access option to select any number of additional
to financial products and services at risk Covers/features.
Affordable Prices. 9 Investing in ICE Activities: Insurance
9 Benefits such as scholarships, COVID relief companies have to now spend 0.5% of the
funds, subsidies and pensions are credited Total premium collected on information,
to bank accounts, including Jan Dhan Education and communication (IEC)
accounts, through Direct Benefit Transfer Activities.
(DBT). Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban
Higher Coverage Under Crop Insurance Mission:
Scheme for Samba Season: ▪ Telangana stood first in the implementation of
▪ Around four lakhs more acres have been the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission
brought under the fold of the Prime Minister’s (SPMRM).
Crop Insurance Scheme – PMFBY for the ▪ In Telangana, in as many as 17 clusters (12
Samba cultivation season of 2021-22, compared non-tribal and five tribal), the programme was
to the corresponding period last year. being implemented.
About Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima ▪ Sangareddy and Kamareddy districts stood in
Yojana (PMFBY): the first two positions among the 300 Clusters
▪ It provides a comprehensive insurance cover across the country where the programme was
against failure of the crop thus helping in being implemented.
stabilising the Income of the Farmers. ▪ Tamil Nadu and Gujarat took the second and
▪ PMFBY was launched on 13th January 2016. third positions respectively.
▪ The prescribed premium is 2% to be paid by
Farmers for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all
About SPMRM: Veer Gatha Project:

▪ SPMRM is a scheme launched by the Ministry ▪ The Government of India launched “Veer
of Rural Development (MoRD) on February Gatha Project” as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit
21 2016 to deliver integrated project based Mahotsav under which government has been
infrastructure in the rural areas, which introducing several events to mark to 75th
will also include development of economic year of India’s independence.
activities and skill development. ▪ Veer Gatha project was launched to inspire
▪ A predecessor to SPMRM was the Provision the school children in India, by making them
of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA), aware with stories of war heroes and brave
announced in 2003. hearts.
▪ Large parts of rural areas in the country are not ▪ 25 students have been selected as the winners
stand-alone settlements but part of a cluster of of this project.
settlements, which are relatively proximate to ▪ Under it, students were motivated to do
each other. These clusters typically illustrate activities and projects, based on gallantry
potential for growth, have Economic drivers award winners.
and derive locational and Competitive
▪ This project was organised from October 21,
advantages. These clusters once developed
2021 to November 21, 2021 across India.
can then be classified as 'Rurban'.
▪ The Veer Gatha Project was organised by
▪ Mission's Objectives: Bridging the rural-
Ministry of Education, Department of School
Urban divide-viz: economic, technological
Education & Literacy and the Central Board of
and those related to facilities and services.
Secondary Education (CBSE).
▪ Rurban Clusters: There are 2 categories of
▪ The Super 25 will be felicitated on January 25,
clusters: Non-Tribal and Tribal.
2022, after they will arrive in New Delhi. They
▪ They are identified across the country’s rural will also witness the Republic Day parade
areas showing increasing signs of urbanization as special guests of Ministry of Defence.
- i.e. increase in population density, high levels Furthermore, they will also receive a cash
of non-farm employment, presence of growing prize of Rs.10,000.
economic activities and other socioeconomic
parameters. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi:
▪ For the purposes of SPMRM, Rurban areas ▪ The farmers who are the institutional
refer to a cluster of 15-20 villages having about landholders are ineligible to get incentive
30 to 40 lakh population. under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme.
▪ The clusters will be geographically contiguous ▪ They are waiting to be declared as the
Gram Panchayats with a population of about beneficiaries under the scheme for 3 years.
25000 to 50000 in plain and coastal areas and a About PM KISAN SCHEME:
population of 5000 to 15000 in desert, hilly or ▪ Under the scheme, the Centre transfers an
tribal areas. amount of Rs 6000 per year, in three equal
Role of states: instalments, directly into the bank accounts of
▪ The State Government identifies the clusters all landholding farmers irrespective of the size
in accordance with the Framework for of their land holdings.
Implementation prepared by the MoRD. ▪ It was launched on 24 February 2019.
▪ Funding: SPMRM is a Centrally Sponsored Funding and Implementation:
Scheme (CSS). ▪ It is a Central Sector Scheme with 100%
▪ The Mission has 2 fund streams: Convergence funding from the Government of India.
through various schemes (Central sector, ▪ It is being implemented by the Ministry of
centrally sponsored schemes, State sector/ Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
sponsored schemes/ programmes, CSR funds
etc) and Critical Gap Funds (CGF).
Identification of Beneficiaries: partial disability.

▪ The entire responsibility of identification of ▪ Implementation:
beneficiary farmer family rests with the State 9 Government in States/UTs will conduct
/ UT Governments. registration of unorganized workers across
▪ Objective: the country. Status of Unorganised Sector
9 To supplement the financial needs of the in India:
Small and Marginal Farmers in procuring 9 The Ministry of Labour and Employment
various inputs to ensure proper crop health has categorized the unorganized labour
and appropriate yields, commensurate force under four groups:
with the anticipated farm income at the ▪ Occupation:
end of each crop cycle.
9 Small and marginal farmers, landless
9 To protect them from falling in the clutches agricultural labourers, sharecroppers,
of moneylenders for meeting such expenses fishermen, those engaged in animal
and ensure their continuance in the farming husbandry, beedi making, etc.
activities.
▪ Nature of Employment:
PM-KISAN Mobile App:
9 Attached agricultural labourers, bonded
▪ The PM-KISAN Mobile App developed
labourers, migrant workers, contract and
and designed by the National Informatics
casual laborer’s come under this category.
Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology has ▪ Specially Distressed Category:
been launched. 9 Toddy tappers, scavengers, carriers of head
▪ The farmers can view the status of their loads, drivers of animal driven vehicles,
application, update or carry out corrections of loaders and Unloaders.
their Aadhaar cards and also check the history ▪ Service Category:
of credits to their Bank Accounts. 9 Midwives, Domestic workers, Fishermen
and women, Barbers, Vegetable and fruit
Special Camps to Register Workers on vendors, Newspaper vendors etc.
E-Shram Portal:
▪ Union Labour and Employment Minister
Bhupender Yadav said special camps would
be organised to register brick kiln, plantation,
forestry and other unorganised sector workers
on the Centre’s E-Shram portal.
About e-Shram Portal:
▪ The Ministry of Labour and Employment
launched the e-Shram portal on August
26,2021.
▪ Aim:
9 To register 38 crore unorganized workers
such as construction labourers, migrant
workforce, street vendors, and domestic
workers, among others.
9 The workers will be issued an e-Shram
card containing a 12-digit unique number.
9 If a worker is registered on the e-SHRAM
portal and meets with an accident, he will
be eligible for Rs 2.0 Lakh on death or
permanent disability and Rs 1.0 lakh on
3. GEOGRAPHY
3.1 GEOGRAPHICAL LANDMARKS
GI tag sought for Kumbakonam
Vetrilai, Thovalai Manikka Malai:
▪ Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai
has received applications seeking GI tag for
two famous products from Tamil Nadu —
Kumbakonam Vetrilai and Thovalai Manikka
Malai.
▪ The application for Kumbakonam Vetrilai
was filed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University, Coimbatore.
9 Kumbakonam betel leaves were heart
shaped and grown in the Cauvery delta
region by small and marginal farmers.
9 It is particularly grown in Ayyampettai,
Rajagiri, Pandaravadai and Swamimalai in
Thanjavur district.
▪ The Application for Thovalai Manikka Malai
was given by the Thovalai Manikkamaalai
Kaivinai Kalaingargal Nalasangam,
Kanniyakumari.
9 Thovalai Manikka Malai is a special type
of garland that is made only in Thovalai, a
small village in Kanniyakumari.
9 The flowers used in this particular garland
are positioned in a way that when folded
they look like a gem.
9 Palani Pandaram invented the technique
of Manikka Malai.
3.2 ENVIRONMENT ECOLOGY

Two New Plant Varieties in Kerala: ▪ Kaziranga National Park is a protected area in
▪ Researchers from SNM College Maliankara, the northeast Indian state of Assam Established
the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, in 1905.
and the Payyanur College have reported two ▪ Spread across the floodplains of the
new plant species from the biodiversity rich Brahmaputra River, its forests, wetlands and
Western Ghats regions in Thiruvananthapuram Grasslands are home to tigers, elephants.
and Wayanad districts of Kerala. ▪ World’s largest population of Indian one-
▪ They have been christened Fimbristylis Horned rhinoceroses.
sunilii and Neanotis prabhuii, Taxonomy ▪ Kaziranga was declared as Tiger Reserve in
Journal Phytotaxa. 2006.
▪ Collected from the grasslands of Ponmudi
Hills, Thiruvananthapuram, Fimbristylis Researchers Discover Two Rare Flower
sunilii has been named after plant taxonomist Flies:
C.N. Sunil, retired professor and research ▪ Researchers have discovered two new species
Guide of Botany, SNM College. of very rare wasp-like flower flies from north-
▪ A perennial plant of the Cyperaceae family, it Eastern India and the Western Ghats.
stands 2059 cm tall and was collected from an ▪ The newly discovered species, Monoceromyia
Elevation of 1,100 metres. Flavoscutata and Monoceromyia nigra,
▪ Neanotis prabhuii is a prostrate perennial belong to the Syrphidae family.
herb named after K.M. Prabhu kumar, ▪ Anooj S.S, an assistant professor of
Senior Scientist at CSIRNBRI, Lucknow, in Entomology at the Kerala Agricultural
recognition of his research on flowering Plants University, Padannakkad explained that the
of the Western Ghats. new species, M. flavoscutata, discovered from
▪ Discovered in the Chembra Peak Grasslands of Thadiyankudisai in Dindigul district, Tamil
Wayanad, it hails from the Family Rubiaceae Nadu, was named after its yellow-coloured
and grows on ighaltitude grasslands. thoracic ends and can be differentiated from
the closely resembling species based on the
▪ Neanotis prabhuii grows up to 70 cm in length
colouration of the thorax and the wing vein
and is many flowered with the petals palepink
characters, whereas the other new species, M.
in colour.
nigra discovered from West Siang of Basar
Kaziranga Elevated Road Plan Awaits district of Arunachal Pradesh, differed from
nod: the other species based on thoracic, abdominal
and facial Colouration and wing vein character.
▪ The Assam Government is awaiting the
Centre’s clearance for an elevated road over ▪ It was named as nigra based on the black-
nine corridors used by the animals of the Coloured thorax.
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve
Ambergris worth Rs 6.5 Crore was
usually during high floods. The 35km elevated
road will run along an existing Arterial
Seized:
Highway. ▪ The seizure of whale ‘Ambergris’ in the
Southern Districts has increased in the last few
About Kaziranga National Park:
months. Ambergris worth Rs 6.5 crore was
▪ There are 104 existing national parks in India
seized near Thiruchendur.
covering an area of 43,716 km2, which is
1.33% of the geographical area of the country What is Ambergris?
(National Wildlife Database, Dec. 2020). 9 Whales over the age of 20 spew wax-like
substance produced in their bodies through
their mouths. This is ambergris.
GEOGRAPHY | 57
▪ Ambergris, which floats in the sea, is used ▪ It includes the Shivalik Hills and Gangetic
to make high quality perfumes in countries plain landscape, Central Indian Landscape
including Dubai. and Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats landscape,
▪ Its value in the international market is North Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra flood
Rs 1 crore per kg. plains, and Sundarbans.
▪ The sale of Ambergris is banned in India under ‘Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah
the Wildlife Protection Act .
in India’:
Gharials to Return to Orang ▪ The union minister for Environment, Forests
National Park: and Climate Change has launched the ‘Action
▪ The gharial, wiped out from the Brahmaputra Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India’
River system in the 1950s, could be the prime under which 50 of these big cats will be
beneficiary of a process to expand an Assam Introduced in the next Five Years.
Tiger Reserve. ▪ The action plan was launched at the 19th
▪ Orang, on the northern bank of the meeting of the National Tiger Conservation
Brahmaputra River, is strategic to the Authority (NTCA).
Kaziranga Orang Riverine Landscape. ▪ The Government is preparing to translocate
▪ Tigers and rhinos are known to use the islands the First Batch of eight from South Africa
in this riverine landscape, about 180 km long, and Namibia to Kuno - Palpur National Park
to hop between Orang and Kaziranga. in Madhya Pradesh soon after the situation
linked to the current third wave of Covid-19
▪ The government is pursuing a policy for the
becomes normal, and total 50 in various parks
reintroduction of the gharial that became
over a period of Five Years.
locally extinct more than six decades ago.
About the Cheetah:
▪ The Gangetic dolphin is also expected to
▪ The cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, is one of the
be a beneficiary of the final notification of
oldest of the big cat species, with ancestors
the addition to Orang. The landscape has 16
that can be traced back more than five million
species of turtles that need more conservation.
Years to the Miocene era.
▪ Orang was recognised as a tiger reserve in
▪ The cheetah is also the world’s Fastest Land
2016.
Mammal. It is listed as vulnerable in IUCN red
▪ Other national parks in Assam are Kaziranga, listed Species.
Manas, Nameri, DibruSaikhowa, Raimona
▪ The country’s last spotted feline died in
and Dehing Patkai.
Chhattisgarh in 1947. Later, the cheetah was
Water bodies in the Tiger-Bearing declared extinct in India in 1952.
Areas of India: Asian Waterbird Census
▪ The 19th Meeting of the National Tiger ▪ Recently, the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC)
Conservation Authority (NTCA) was held found lower waterbird species diversity at
under the chairmanship of the union minister East Delhi’s Sanjay Lake when compared to
for Environment, Forest & Climate Change the count from the past three years.
Bhupender Yadav.
About Asian Waterbird Census:
▪ During the meeting, the union minister ▪ This citizen-science event is a part of the global
released a Water Atlas. International Waterbird Census (IWC) that
▪ The water atlas maps all the water bodies in supports the conservation and management of
the tiger-bearing areas of India. wetlands and waterbirds worldwide.
▪ Landscape-wise information has been outlined ▪ The AWC is conducted in January each
in this water atlas. year and is coordinated by the Wetlands
International South Asia and the Bombay
Natural History Society in india. Although ▪ Top three States showing increase in forest
the recommended dates for the AWC are 1 cover are Andhra Pradesh (647 sq. km)
– 16 January 2022, counts from any dates in followed by Telangana (632 sq. km) and
January and February are welcomed. Odisha (537 sq. km).
▪ It is an integral part of the Global waterbird ▪ Madhya Pradesh had the largest forest cover,
monitoring programme, the International followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
Waterbird Census (IWC), coordinated by Odisha and Maharashtra.
Wetlands International. ▪ The top five States in terms of forest cover as
▪ It runs in parallel with other regional a percentage of their total geographical area
programmes of the International Waterbird were Mizoram (84.53%), Arunachal Pradesh
Census in Africa, Europe, West Asia, the (79.33%), Meghalaya (76%), Manipur (74.34%)
Neotropics and the Caribbean. & Nagaland (73.90%).
▪ It was initiated in 1987 in the Indian ▪ The total mangrove cover in the country had
subcontinent and since has grown rapidly to increased by 17 sq. km, to reach 4,992 sq. km.
cover major region of Asia. ▪ The Total Carbon stock in forests was estimated
▪ It is the longest-running Citizen science to be 7,204 million tonnes, an increase of 79.4
Initiative. Million tonnes from 2019.
India’s oldest Sloth Bears ‘Gulabo’ Sixth Warmest Year:

Passes Away: ▪ Year 2021 tied with 2018 as the sixth warmest
▪ India’s Oldest Female sloth bear, whose Name on record, find studies conducted by NASA
was Gulabo, has passed away at the Van Vihar and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
National Park and Zoo, located in Bhopal, Administration.
Madhya Pradesh. ▪ Global Temperatures were 0.85 degrees
▪ Gulabo was the oldest sloth bear of the Celsius warmer in 2021 than the average for
country. She died at the Age of 40. the baseline period from 1951 to the present.
▪ She was rescued from a street performer ▪ Earth was about 1.1 degrees Celsius warmer
(Madaari) in May 2006, when she was 25 Years. than Preindustrial Levels.
▪ The Van Vihar National Park, located on the Tonga Volcanic Eruption:
Banks of Bhopal’s Upper Lake, also runs a
▪ An undersea volcano erupted in spectacular
Rescue and breeding centre for Sloth Bears.
fashion near the Pacific nation of Tonga on
▪ Van Vihar National Park was established on January 15, sending large tsunami waves
18th February 1979. crashing across the shore and people rushing
Forest, tree cover in India up by 2,261 to higher Ground.
sq. Km in Two Years: ▪ A Tsunami Advisory was in effect for Hawaii,
Alaska and the U.S. Pacific coast.
▪ Forest and tree cover in the country has
increased by 2,261 square kilometres since the Shockwave from Tonga Volcanic
last assessment in 2019, according to the India Eruption Recorded in Chennai
State of Forest Report 2021.
▪ The Shockwave Generated by the massive
▪ The report found that there had been a 1,540 Volcanic Eruption in Tonga in the Pacific
sq. km increase in forest cover and 721 sq. km Ocean which was felt in many parts of the
increase in tree cover since the last report in Globe, was recorded in Chennai as well, which
2019. is located 12,000 km Away.
▪ Increase in forest cover has been observed in ▪ It was recorded as a blip in the atmospheric
open forest followed by very dense forest. pressure that suddenly spiked by around
two hectopascals (hPa) around 8.15 p.m. in
GEOGRAPHY | 59
Chennai on January 15, around 10 hours after (Miss Kerala), a native freshwater fish species
the eruption happened in Tonga. commonly found in parts of Karnataka and
▪ The eruption of the submarine volcano, Kerala, has been included in Schedule I of the
believed to be one of the largest in Recent Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021.
History. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in
About the Volcano:
December last.
▪ The underwater volcano erupted in Tonga ▪ Sahyadria Denisonii (Scientific name of
(a country in the Pacific Ocean) is called the Dension Barb) is found in almost 11 rivers
“Hunga Tonga Hunga Haapai” volcano. of Kerala and Karnataka with some of the
▪ Hunga Tonga and Hunga Haapai were Highest endemic aquatic fauna in the country.
two separate islands. The volcanic eruption Kerala gets its First ever Scientific Bird
merged the two islands. Atlas:
▪ The volcano in the island is a part of Kermadec ▪ The Kerala Bird Atlas (KBA), the first of its
Islands Volcanic arc located in the South kind State level bird atlas in India, has created
Pacific Ocean. solid baseline data about the distribution and
Super Mom Tigress Who Gave Birth To abundance of bird species across all major
habitats, giving an impetus to futuristic
29 Cubs Dies in MP's Pench Reserve:
studies.
▪ The T-15 tigress from Madhya Pradesh's Pench
Tiger Reserve has died. ▪ Conducted as a citizen science driven exercise
with the participation of over 1000 volunteers
▪ Collarwali, a name given to her by the locals of the birdwatching community, the KBA has
of that area, died due to old age. She was more been prepared based on systematic surveys
than 16 years old. held twice over 60 days a year during the
▪ She was also one of the most photographed wet (July to September) and dry (January to
Tigresses in the world. March) seasons between 2015 and 2020.
▪ The Super Mom was Popularly Called, ▪ The KBA accounts for nearly three lakh records
'Mataram' (the Mother of Pench). of 361 species, including 94 very rare species,
About Pench Tiger Reserve: 103 rare species, 110 common species, 44
▪ The Reserve is located in the southern very common species, and 10 most abundant
reaches of the Satpura hills in the Seoni and species.
Chhindwara districts in Madhya Pradesh, and ▪ It is Arguably Asia’s largest bird atlas in terms
continues in Nagpur District in Maharashtra of geographical extent, sampling effort and
as a separate Sanctuary. species coverage derived from the aggregation
▪ The Reserve is named after the Pench river of 25,000 checklists.
that flows through the National Park. ▪ It was found that the species count was higher
▪ Pench National Park was created as a wildlife during the dry season than in the wet season
sanctuary in 1977. Soon after in 1983, its status while species richness and evenness were
was elevated to that of a National Park. The higher in the northern and central districts
year 1992 brought to Pench the official identity than in the southern districts.
of a Tiger Reserve.
Combat Climate Change through
▪ Other Tiger Reserves in Madhya Pradesh
include Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh Technology-led Carbon Capture and
National Park, Panna National Park, Satpura Utilisation Solutions:
National Park, Sanjay-Dubri National Park. ▪ Experts from India and US discussed the
challenges and opportunities to combat
Miss Kerala in Endangered List: climate change through technology-led
▪ A section of aquarists and ornamental fish Carbon Capture and Utilisation solutions at
breeders are surprised that the Denison barb the Indo-US Scoping Workshop on Carbon
Capture held on 21st January 2022, jointly ▪ They celebrate the 10th anniversary of all 13
organized by DST India and DoE USA. tiger range countries committed to doubling
▪ Dr. S Chandrasekhar, Secretary, Department the Global population of wild tigers by 2022.
of Science & Technology (DST), Govt of India, ▪ Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary was
said that at the recently concluded COP-26 declared a tiger reserve in 2013 and the
at Glasgow, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri reserve that spread across 1,411.60 sq km is
Narendra Modi brought forth the country’s an important link between the Nilgiris and
remarkable performance as well as ambitions Eastern Ghats.
to meet the climate goals despite being one of ▪ The Nilgiri biosphere landscape that this
the fastest growing economies in the world.
reserve is part of is currently the home to the
The PM has given a mandate for all of us to
Largest Tiger population in the world.
become a net-zero Emissions nation by the
year 2070. ▪ It is connected to other well-established
▪ Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage tiger habitats like Mudumalai Tiger Reserve,
(CCUS) is among one such key pathways to Bandipur Tiger Reserve and BR Hills Tiger
reduce emissions while continuing to develop Reserve.
sustainably at an unprecedented pace. 4th Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger
▪ CCUS clearly aligns with five of the seventeen Conservation:
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
namely, Climate action; clean energy; ▪ It was recently organized by the Government
industry, innovation, and infrastructure; of Malaysia and the Global Tiger Forum.
responsible consumption and production; ▪ This conference is an important event for
and partnerships to achieve the goals,” he reviewing progress towards the Global Tiger
said at the first workshop on thematic of Recovery Programme and commitments to
Carbon Capture. tiger conservation.
New Species of Rain Frog: ▪ India will facilitate Tiger Range Countries
▪ A New Species of rain frog, discovered in the towards the finalization of the New Delhi
Panama jungle, has been named after Swedish declaration for the Global Tiger Summit to be
Environmental Activist Greta Thunberg. held at Vladivostok, Russia later this year.
▪ The species has been named as Pristimantis ▪ A “Pre-Tiger Summit” meeting was held at
gretathunbergae, or popularly known as the New Delhi in 2010.
Greta Thunberg Rain frog. ▪ The draft declaration on tiger conservation for
Global Tiger Summit was finalized.
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Bags
TX2 Award: Parasitic plant found in Nicobar Eco
▪ Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in hotspot:
Erode district has been given the prestigious
▪ A new genus of a parasitic flowering plant has
TX2 award after its tiger numbers doubled to
recently been discovered from the Nicobar
80 since 2010.
Group of islands. The genus Septemeranthus
▪ Apart from the STR, the Bardia National Park Grows on the plant species Horsfieldia glabra
in Nepal has won this year’s TX2 award for
(Blume) Warb.
doubling the population of wild tigers.
▪ The parasitic flowering plants have a modified
▪ The awards are presented by the Conservation
root structure spread on the stem of the tree and
Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS), Fauna
and Flora International (FFI), Global Tiger are anchored inside the bark of the host tree.
Forum (GTF), IUCN’s Integrated Tiger ▪ The plant was found on the periphery of
Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP), the tropical forest in one of the biodiversity
Panthera, UNDP, The Lion’s Share, Wildlife hotspots referred to as the Nicobar group of
Conservation Society (WCS) and WWF. islands separated from the Andaman group of
Islands.
4. ECONOMICS
4.1 NEW ECONOMIC POLICY & GOVT. SECTOR

‘India to surpass Japan as Asia’s 2nd ▪ The sovereign gold bond scheme was launched
Largest Economy by 2030’ in November 2015. Its objective is to reduce
▪ India is likely to overtake Japan as Asia’s the Demand for physical gold and shift a part
second largest economy by 2030 when its GDP of the domestic savings (used for the purchase
is also projected to surpass that of Germany of gold) into financial savings.
and the U.K. to rank as the world’s No.3, IHS ▪ Buy and Sale: Investors have to pay the issue
Markit said in a report. price in cash and the bonds will be redeemed
▪ Currently, India is the Sixth Largest Economy, (bought back by the issuer) in cash on maturity.
behind the U.S., China, Japan, Germany and ▪ Issue price is the price at which bonds
U.K. are offered for sale when they First
▪ India’s nominal GDP is forecast to rise from become Available to the public.
$2.7 trillion in 2021 to $8.4 trillion by 2030. ▪ The Government will pay an interest
▪ By 2030, the Indian economy would also at the Rate of 2.5% per annum. The
be larger in size than the largest Western interest is payable semi-annually.
European Economies of Germany, France and ▪ Tenure: Sovereign gold bonds have a tenure
the U.K. of eight years, with exit options are available
from the fifth year.
Gold bond Issue Priced at `4,786/gm: ▪ Eligibility: The Bonds will be restricted for
▪ The issue price for the Next tranche of sale to resident individuals, Hindu Undivided
Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2021-22, which Families (HUFs), Trusts, Universities and
will open for subscription for five days, has Charitable Institutions.
been fixed at `4,786 per gram, the RBI said. ▪ The Minimum permissible investment unit is
▪ The Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2021-22 1 gram of gold.
Series IX will be open for subscription for the
period January 10-14, 2022. EVs in RBI's Priority Sector Lending:
▪ The Government of India has decided to ▪ NITI Aayog has proposed government to
offer a Discount of `50 per gram less than the include electric vehicles in the Reserve Bank of
nominal value to investors applying online India’s priority-sector lending guidelines.
and the payment made through digital mode. ▪ NITI Aayog, in its report on EVs with Rocky
About Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme: Mountain Institute (RMI) and RMI India said,
▪ Sovereign Gold bonds are issued by the banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies
RBI on behalf of the government. They are (NBFCs) in India have the potential to achieve
Government securities denominated in Grams an electric vehicle (EV) financing market size
of gold. They are substitutes for holding of Rs 40,000 crore by 2025 and Rs 3.7 lakh crore
Physical gold. by 2030.
▪ Priority-sector lending aims to expand

Financial access and support employment
Opportunities in India.
▪ It has suggested in the report that electric two-
wheelers, three-wheelers, and commercial
four-wheelers are early segments to prioritize
under PSL.
▪ Further, it suggests recognition of EVs as
an infrastructure sub-sector by the ministry
of finance and the incorporation of EVs as a
separate reporting category under the RBI.
About Priority Sector Lending (PSL):
▪ The RBI mandates all scheduled commercial
banks and foreign banks (with a sizable
presence in India) are mandated to set aside
40% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit
(ANDC) for lending to the priority sectors.
▪ Priority sectors identified by RBI are -
Agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs), export credit,
education, housing, social infrastructure,
Renewable energy.
▪ Regional rural banks, co-operative banks and
small finance banks have to allocate 75% of
ANDC to PSL.
ECONOMICS | 63
4.2 CURRENT TRENDS IN INDIAN ECONOMY

Core sector output rose 3.1% in Apple is first firm to touch $3 TN in
November value:
▪ Output of eight core sectors rose by 3.1% in ▪ Apple Inc. became the First Company with
November as against a contraction of 1.1% in a $3 trillion stock market value, lifted by
the same month last year. investor confidence that the iPhone maker will
▪ Barring crude oil and cement, all other sectors keep introducing bestselling products as it
recorded positive growth in November. explores new markets such as automated cars
▪ In October, these core sectors’ output had and virtual reality.
Grown by 8.4%. NSO Estimates FY22 GDP Growth at
▪ According to the data, coal production 9.2%
expanded by 8.2%, natural gas by 23.7%, ▪ India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is
refinery products 4.3%, fertilizers by 2.5%, Expected to grow by 9.2% in the current
steel by 0.8%, and electricity climbed 1.5% in Financial year following last fiscal’s 7.3%
November. contraction, the National Statistical Office
▪ The growth rate of the eight infrastructure (NSO) said in its first advance estimates of
sectors — coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery Economic output released, amid concerns
products, fertilizers, steel, cement and over the likely impact of a third wave of the
electricity — stood at 13.7% during April, COVID19 pandemic.
November this fiscal as against a contraction ▪ GDP at constant prices (2011-12) in the year
of 11.1% during the same period last fiscal.
2021-22 is estimated at `147.54 lakh crore, as
Wheat Exports Jumped to $872 mn in against the Provisional estimate of GDP for the
April-Oct. year 2020-21 of `135.13 lakh crore.
▪ India’s wheat exports jumped to $872 million ▪ Real GVA at Basic Prices is estimated at `135.22
during April-October period in the current lakh crore in 2021-22, as against `124.53 lakh
fiscal on account of healthy demand, with crore in 2020-21, showing a Growth of 8.6%.
Bangladesh emerging as the top destination. ▪ Agriculture sector is estimated to grow at 3.9%
▪ India’s wheat exports are mainly to neighboring in FY22 (3.6%).
countries, with Bangladesh having the largest ▪ The electricity, water supply and other utility
share of more than 54% in both volume and services category is estimated to grow at 8.5%
value terms in fiscal year FY21. (1.9%), while construction is expected to grow
10.7% (8.6%).
‘India spent record $55.7 bn on Gold
▪ Trade, hotels, transport, communication and
Imports in 2021’ broadcasting services are projected to grow at
▪ India splurged a record $55.7 billion on Gold 11.9% against a sharp contraction of 18.2% last
imports in 2021, buying more than double year.
the previous year’s tonnage as a price drop
Favored retail buyers and pent-up demand Indian Exports up 33% to $7.63 Billion
emerged for weddings that were delayed during Jan 1-7 Period:
when the pandemic first hit. ▪ The country's Exports grew 33.16 per cent
▪ India is the world’s second biggest gold to $7.63 billion during January 1-7 period on
Consuming Nations. account of healthy performance by various
Sectors, including engineering, petroleum and
gems and jewellery, according to preliminary
data from the Commerce Ministry.
▪ Imports, excluding petroleum, increased in 4. CPI (Rural/Urban/Combined).

the period under review by 29.88 per cent over ▪ Of these, the first three are compiled by the
the Same Period of 2020-21. Labour Bureau in the Ministry of Labour
and Employment. Fourth is compiled by the
Retail Inflation Accelerates to 5.59%:
National Statistical Office (NSO) in the Ministry
▪ Retail inflation quickened to 5.59% in December of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
due to an uptick in food prices, while India’s
▪ Base Year for CPI is 2012.
industrial output grew at a subdued 1.4% in
November 2021, according to data from the ▪ The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) uses
National Statistical Office (NSO). CPI data to control inflation.
▪ The inflation based on the Consumer Price About NSO:
Index (CPI) compares with 4.91% seen a ▪ The Government order dated 23rd May 2019
Month earlier and 4.59% in December 2020. has merged the National Sample Survey
▪ Consumer food price inflation accelerated to Office (NSSO) with the Central Statistics Office
4.05% in December, as against 1.87% seen in (CSO) to form an overarching body – National
November 2021. Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry
of Statistics and Programme Implementation
▪ The increase relative to the previous month
(MoSPI).
was primarily led by food and beverages,
and clothing and footwear, with a welcome ▪ It is the central statistical agency of the
moderation in the prints for fuel and light. Government mandated under the Statistical
Services Act 1980.
What is Inflation?
▪ The order states that the proposed NSO
▪ Inflation refers to the rise in the prices of most
would be headed by Secretary (Statistics and
Goods and services of daily or common use,
Programme Implementation).
such as food, clothing, housing, recreation,
Transport, consumer staples, etc. ▪ NSO was first envisaged by Rangarajan
Commission to implement and maintain
▪ Inflation measures the average price change
statistical standards and coordinate statistical
in a basket of commodities and services over
activities of Central and State agencies as laid
time.
down by the National Statistical Commission
▪ In India, inflation is primarily measured by (NSC).
two main indices — WPI (Wholesale Price
▪ It is responsible for the development of
Index) and CPI (Consumer Price Index) which
arrangements for providing statistical
measure wholesale and retail-level price
information services to meet the needs of the
changes, respectively.
Government and other users for information
About Consumer Price Index: on which to base policy, planning, monitoring
▪ It measures price changes from the Perspective and Management Decisions.
of a retail buyer.
▪ Its services include collecting, compiling and
▪ The CPI calculates the difference in the price disseminating official Statistical Information.
of commodities and services such as food,
▪ All business operations in NSO are done in
Medical care, education, electronics etc, which
compliance with international standards,
Indian consumers buy for use.
Procedures and best practices.
▪ The CPI has several sub-groups including
food and beverages, fuel and light, housing World Bank retains India's Economic
and clothing, bedding and footwear. Growth Forecast at 8.3% for 2021-22:
▪ Four types of CPI are as follows: ▪ The World Bank has retained India's Economic
1. CPI for Industrial Workers (IW). Growth forecast for the current fiscal at 8.3 per
2. CPI for Agricultural Labourer (AL). cent as the recovery is yet to become broad-
3. CPI for Rural Labourer (RL). based.
ECONOMICS | 65
▪ As per the first advanced estimates of the contributed to the report.

national income released by the National About United Nations Department of
Statistical Office (NSO) last week, the Economy Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA):
is projected to grow at 9.2 per cent in 2021-22, ▪ It was formed in the year 1948.
surpassing pre-COVID level in Actual terms,
▪ It is the development pillar of the United
mainly on account of improved performance,
Nations.
especially in farm, mining and manufacturing
sectors. ▪ UN DESA is a pioneer of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
▪ Further, the report said that growth forecast
has been upgraded for 2022-23 and 2023-24 to ▪ It brings the global community together
8.7 per cent and 6.8 per cent, respectively. to work towards common solutions to the
World’s most pressing problems.
▪ The upward revision reflects an improving
investment outlook with private investment, ▪ It helps countries translate their global
particularly manufacturing, benefiting from commitments into national action in the
the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, Economic, social and Environmental Spheres.
and increases in Infrastructure Investment. About UNCTAD:
▪ United Nations Conference on Trade and
UN Report Projects Global EconoMy Development (UNCTAD) was established
Growth to slow in 2022, 2023: in 1964 to promote development-friendly
▪ The global economy is projected to grow by Integration of developing countries into the
4% in 2022 - down from 5.5% last year - and World Economy.
expand 3.5% in 2023 amid new waves of ▪ UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental
COVID-19 infections, labor market challenges, body headquartered at Geneva in Switzerland.
supply-chain constraints and rising inflation, ▪ Some of the reports published by it are:
according to a U.N. report.
9 Trade and Development Report
▪ The World Economic Situation and Prospects
9 World Investment Report
2022 report said 2021 growth momentum -
following a contraction of 3.4% in 2020 - began 9 The Least Developed Countries Report
to slow by the end of the year, including 9 Information and Economy Report
in big Economies like China, the European 9 Technology and Innovation Report
Union and the United States, as the effects of 9 Commodities and Development Report.
fiscal and monetary stimuli faded and major
Supply-chain disruptions surfaced. IMF cuts India's GDP Forecast to
▪ The World Economic Situation and Prospects 9 per cent in FY22:
2022 is a report produced by the United ▪ The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has
Nations Department of Economic and Social cut India's economic growth forecast to 9 per
Affairs (UN DESA), in partnership with the cent for the current fiscal year ending March
United Nations Conference on Trade and 31, joining a host of agencies which have
Development (UNCTAD) and the five United downgraded their projections on concerns
Nations Regional Commissions: over the impact of a spread of new variant of
9 Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), coronavirus on business activity and mobility.
Economic Commission for Europe ▪ In its latest update of World Economic Outlook,
(UNECE), Economic Commission for Latin the Washington-based international Financial
America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC), Institution, which had in October last year
Economic and Social Commission for Asia projected a 9.5 per cent GDP growth for India,
and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and Economic put the forecast for the next fiscal FY23 (April
and Social Commission for Western Asia 2022 to March 2023) at 7.1 per cent.
(UNESCWA). The United Nations World ▪ The Indian economy had contracted by 7.3
Tourism Organization (UNWTO) also
per cent in the 2020-21 fiscal year. The IMF's

forecast for the current financial year is less
than 9.2 per cent that the government's Central
Statistics Office has predicted and 9.5 per cent
that the Reserve Bank of India has estimated.
About INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND
(IMF):
▪ The International Monetary Fund (IMF)
is an international financial institution,
headquartered in Washington, D.C., consisting
of 190 countries.
▪ Formed in 1944, started on 27 December 1945,
at the Bretton Woods Conference primarily
by the ideas of Harry Dexter White and John
Maynard Keynes, it came into formal existence
in 1945 with 29 member countries and the goal
of reconstructing the international monetary
system.
▪ President: Kristalina Georgieva
India's Exports to China jump 34%:

▪ India's exports to China have increased about
34 per cent to USD 22.9 billion in 2021 from
USD 17.1 billion in 2019, according to data
from the Commerce Ministry.
▪ Imports, on the other hand, rose 28 per cent to
USD 87.5 billion in 2021 as against USD 68.4
billion in 2019.
▪ The trade deficit has increased to USD 64.5
billion last year as compared with USD 51.2
billion in 2019.
ECONOMICS | 67
4.3 MONEY & BANKING

Foreign owned assets in India rose by SBI, ICICI, HDFC Bank continue to
$37 bn in Q2: RBI data: remain Systemically Important Banks:
▪ Indian residents’ overseas financial assets rose RBI
$31.9 billion, almost three-fourths of which ▪ The RBI said state-owned SBI, along with
came from build-up in reserve assets. Private Sector lenders ICICI Bank and HDFC
▪ This partly reflects the allocation of Special Bank continue to be Domestic Systemically
Drawing Rights (SDRs) by the International Important Banks (D-SIBs) or institutions
Monetary Fund (IMF) in August 2021, the which are 'too big to fail'.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said. ▪ SIBs are perceived as banks that are 'too big to
▪ The regulator released data relating to India’s fail (TBTF)'.
International Investment Position (IIP). ▪ This perception of TBTF creates an expectation
▪ The International Monetary Fund describes a of government support for these banks in
nation’s IIP as showing the value of financial times of distress. Due to this perception,
assets of residents of an economy that are these lenders enjoy certain advantages in the
claims on non-residents, or are gold bullion Funding Markets.
held as reserve assets and of the liabilities of ▪ SBI, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank continue to be
residents to non-residents. identified as Domestic Systemically Important
Banks (D-SIBs), under the same bucketing
RBI Approves Small, Offline
structure as in the 2020 list of D-SIBs.
e-payments:
▪ The current update is based on data collected
▪ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has come out from banks as on March 31, 2021.
with the framework for facilitating small value
▪ The additional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1)
digital payments in offline mode, a move that
requirement for D-SIBs was phased-in from
would promote digital payments in semiurban
April 1, 2016 and became fully effective from
and rural Areas.
April 1, 2019.
▪ The framework incorporates feedback
▪ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had
received from the pilot experiments on offline
Announced SBI and ICICI Bank as D-SIBs in
transactions conducted in different parts of
2015 and 2016.
the country between September 2020 and June
2021. ▪ HDFC Bank was classified as a D-SIB in 2017.
▪ An offline digital payment does not require ▪ The framework for dealing with D-SIBs was
Internet or Telecom connectivity. Issued in July 2014.
▪ Under this new framework, such payments ▪ The framework requires the RBI to disclose
can be carried out face-to-face (proximity the names of banks designated as D-SIBs
mode) using any channel or instrument like starting from 2015 and place these lenders
Cards, wallets and mobile devices. in appropriate buckets depending upon their
Systemic Importance Scores (SISs).
▪ Such transactions would not require an
Additional Factor of Authentication. Since ▪ The Reserve Bank of India said that State Bank
the transactions are offline, alerts (by way of of India, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank will
SMS and / or email) will be received by the remain as Domestic Systemically Important
customer after a time lag. Banks (D-SIBs) and therefore will have to
maintain additional common equity tier 1
▪ There is a limit of `200 per transaction and
(CET1) capital ratios in the same manner
an overall limit of `2,000 until the balance in
Prescribed in 2020.
the account is replenished. The RBI said the
Framework took effect ‘Immediately’.
▪ For SBI, the additional CET1 requirement is the National Payments Corporation of India
maintained at 0.6% of the bank's risk weighted (NPCI).
assets, while for HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, ▪ State Bank of India followed PPBL as the
the requirement is kept at 0.2%. second-largest beneficiary with 664.89 Million
▪ The additional CET1 requirement is in addition Transactions.
to the capital conservation buffer and was
prescribed to strengthen these Bank's Capital. First Telecom Company to roll-out UPI
▪ The capital conservation buffer, at 2.5% of a AUTOPAY:
bank's total exposures, is in addition to the ▪ National Payments Corporation of India
4.5% Minimum Requirement for Common (NPCI) and Reliance Jio have announced that
Equity Tier 1 capital. UPI AUTOPAY has now been introduced for
the telecom industry with Jio.
LazyPay tie-up with SBM Bank ▪ Jio’s integration with UPI AUTOPAY has
India to Launch LazyCard: made it the first player in the telecom industry
▪ LazyPay, a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) to go live with the unique e-mandate feature
solution by PayU Finance, announced its that was launched by NPCI.
partnership with SBM Bank India to launch ▪ Using the UPI AutoPay launched by NPCI,
LazyCard, a prepaid payment instrument customers can now enable recurring e-mandate
backed by a credit line that works on the Visa using any UPI application for recurring
Payment network. payments such as mobile bills, electricity
bills, EMI payments, entertainment/OTT
▪ LazyCard reaches over 62 million pre- subscriptions, insurance, mutual funds among
approved users of LazyPay, with a credit limit others.
of up to 5 lakhs.
About NPCI:
About SBM Bank India: ▪ Founded: 2008.
▪ SBM Bank (India) Ltd. incorporated on 1st
▪ Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
December 2018, is an Indian private sector
Bank headquartered in Mumbai, India. ▪ MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe.
▪ It is the first-ever foreign bank in India, Digital Payments Index for September
licensed to operate as a Scheduled Commercial 2021:
Bank by the Reserve Bank of India in virtue of ▪ The RBI’s Digital Payment Index, which
a wholly-owned subsidiary Model. shows the deepening of payments through
▪ SBM Bank (India) Ltd. is a step-down digital modes in India, rose by 39.64 per cent
subsidiary of State Bank of Mauritius. to 304.06 in September 2021 against 217.74 in
the year-ago month.
Most Preferred UPI Beneficiary Bank in
▪ RBI has introduced Digital Payments Index
India:
in January 2021 with March 2018 as the base
▪ Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) became the
year to capture the extent of digitization of
largest and fastest-growing UPI beneficiary
payments across the country.
bank in India. It becomes the first beneficiary
bank in the country to achieve the landmark of ▪ RBI has started publishing the Digital
over 926 million UPI transactions in a Single Payments Index (DPI) on a semi-annual
Month. basis from March 2021 onwards with a lag
of 4 months. This means that the DPI will be
▪ Beneficiary banks are the banks of the account
released by RBI for March and September
holder who is receiving money.
every year in the months of July and January
▪ While State Bank of India (SBI) topped respectively.
the chart of being the biggest remitter in
▪ The RBI-DPI comprises five broad parameters
December 2021, according to data released by
that enable measurement of deepening and
ECONOMICS | 69
penetration of digital payments in the country

over different time periods, viz. payment
enablers (with 25 per cent weight), payment
infrastructure—demand-side factors (10 per
cent), payment infrastructure—supply-side
factors (15 per cent), payment performance (45
per cent) and consumer centricity (5 per cent).
About Reserve Bank of India:
▪ The Reserve Bank of India was established on
April 1, 1935 in accordance with the provisions
of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
▪ The Central Office of the Reserve Bank was
initially established in Kolkata but was
permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937. The
Central Office is where the Governor sits and
where policies are formulated.
▪ Though originally privately owned, since
nationalisation in 1949, the Reserve Bank is
fully owned by the Government of India.
4.4 PUBLIC FINANCE: FISCAL POLICY

GST Council defers Tax Rate Forex Reserves down by USD 1.466 bn
increase on Textiles: to USD 633.614 bn:
▪ The GST was retained the status quo and not ▪ The Country’s Foreign Exchange Reserves
go to 12% from 5% in the case of textiles. declined by USD 1.466 billion to USD 633.614
▪ Various States such as Gujarat, West Bengal, billion in the week ended December 31, RBI
Delhi, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu had opposed data showed.
the move to raise the Goods and Services Tax ▪ During the reporting week ended December
(GST) rate on textiles to 12% with effect from 31, the decline in foreign exchange reserves
January 1, 2022. was on account of a fall in foreign currency
▪ However, a similar demand for footwear was assets (FCA), a major component of the overall
not considered and the sector will attract GST reserves.
of 12% from January 1, irrespective of prices. ▪ Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency
assets include the effect of Appreciation or
Current Account Slips to Deficit in Q2: depreciation of non-US units like the euro,
▪ India’s Balance of Payments (BoP) position pound and yen held in the Foreign exchange
moved to a deficit of $9.6 billion in the Quarter reserves.
ended September (Q2), as widening trade ▪ Gold reserves rose by USD 14 million to USD
deficit weighed. 39.405 billion in the reporting week.
▪ At 1.3% of GDP, this compares with a surplus ▪ The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the
of $6.6 billion in the immediately previous International Monetary Fund (IMF) remained
Quarter and with a surplus of $15.3 billion a unchanged at USD 19.114 billion in the
year earlier. reporting week.
▪ The deficit in the Current Account in Q2 ▪ The country’s reserve position with the IMF
was mainly due to widening of trade deficit was also unchanged at USD 5.207 billion in the
to $44.4 billion from $30.7 billion in the reporting week.
preceding quarter and an increase in net outgo
of Investment Income. About Foreign Exchange Reserves:
▪ Foreign exchange reserves are assets held on
About Current Account: reserve by a central bank in foreign currencies,
▪ A country's Current Account records the value which can include bonds, treasury bills and
of exports and imports of both Goods and other government securities.
services and international transfers of capital.
▪ It needs to be noted that most foreign exchange
▪ It is one of the three components of its Balance reserves are held in US dollars.
of Payments (BoP), the others being the
▪ India’s Forex Reserve include:
capital account and the Financial Account.
1. Foreign Currency Assets
▪ Current account measures the nation's
earnings and spendings abroad and it consists 2. Gold reserves
of the balance of trade, net primary income or 3. Special Drawing Rights
factor income (earnings on foreign investments 4. Reserve position with the International
minus payments made to foreign investors) Monetary Fund (IMF).
and net unilateral transfers, that have taken
place over a given period of time.
ECONOMICS | 71
Saa`Thi Mobile App on Investor

Education:
▪ The New App Saa`Thi aims to empower
investors with accurate knowledge about the
securities market.
▪ The App will cater largely to individual
investors, who have recently entered the
markets and carry out trading via their mobile
phones.
▪ The app will be helpful in easily accessing all
the relevant information like the basic concepts
of Securities Market, KYC Process, trading
and settlement, mutual funds, recent market
developments, investor grievances redressal
mechanism, etc.
▪ It is currently available in Hindi and English.
About SEBI:
▪ The Securities and Exchange Board of India
was established on April 12, 1992 in accordance
with the provisions of the Securities and
Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
▪ Headquarters: Mumbai.
▪ Chairperson: Ajay Tyagi.
4.5 PUBLIC FINANCE: TAX STRUCTURE IN INDIA

November’s GST Revenues: Centre releases Rs 95,082 Crore to
▪ November’s GST revenues were the second States as January Tax Devolution:
Highest since the introduction of this indirect ▪ The finance ministry released Rs 95,082 crore to
Tax regime in July 2017. states, which includes an advance instalment
▪ While revenues from domestic transactions of tax devolution of Rs 47,541 crore, almost
were up 5% year-on-year in December, there double of their entitlement during the month
was a significant variation among collections of January.
in States, with revenues falling by 4% in Tamil ▪ With the release of the second advance
Nadu and by 2% in Rajasthan, Gujarat and installment, the states would have received
Andhra Pradesh. an additional amount of Rs 90,082 crore under
▪ West Bengal and Bihar both saw a 10% decline tax devolution over and above what has been
in revenues, while Uttar Pradesh recorded a budgeted to be released till January, 2022.
marginal 2% rise. ▪ Among those, Tamil Nadu's share of Rs.1939.19
▪ Maharashtra, on the other hand, clocked a crore of first instalment and second instalment
healthy 11% growth while Karnataka revenues of Rs.1939.19 crore, total Rs.3878.38 crore has
rose 12%. been released by Centre to Tamil Nadu as tax
About GST: devolution.
▪ Goods and Service tax has been implemented ▪ Among the states received the tax devolution,
by the Union government on 1st July 2017 all Uttar Pradesh received the highest Amount
over the country, through 101st Constitutional (17,056.66 crore) followed by Bihar, Madhya
Amendment act. Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Rajasthan,
▪ Goods and services are divided into five Odisha, Andhra Pradesh.
different tax slabs for collection of tax: 0%, 5%, ▪ State which received lowest share among
12%, 18% and 28%. larger state category is Himachal Pradesh (789
▪ The revenue Loss incurred by the States crores).
because of the implementation of GST will be
given compensation for five years from the
Implementation of GST.
▪ Goods kept outside the GST:
9 Alcohol for human consumption (i.e., not
for commercial use).
9 Petrol and petroleum products (GST will
apply at a later date), i.e., petroleum crude,
high-speed diesel, motor spirit (petrol),
natural gas, aviation turbine fuel.
5. SCIENCE
5.1 LATEST INVENTIONS ON SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

World’s First artificial intelligence- “Yogyata” Application:
Equipped Judge: ▪ The Common Services Centers (CSC) has
▪ China has created a judge equipped with recently launched the “Yogyata” mobile
artificial intelligence, which is the first of its phone application. It aims to provide
kind in the world. vocational education and skill enhancement
▪ This AI-equipped judge gives 97 percent opportunities to youth and other citizens in
correct decisions after listening to verbal rural areas.
Arguments. ▪ It includes the access to courses like Cyber
▪ It is produced by Shanghai Pudong People’s Security, CAD and 3D printing, to increase
Procuratorate which is the busy Prosecution employability The training content is on a
Office. continuous learning mode and the courses are
yearly subscription-based.
▪ It has been built using thousands of cases from
around the world. These cases are from the
year 2015 to 2020.
Researchers find Anticancer Activity in

Marine Seagrass:
▪ Researchers have found scientific evidence
of a strong anti-cancer activity in the ethyl
acetate fraction of Halodule uninervis, a
Species of seagrass found in the coastal
Region of Mandapam close to Rameswaram
in southern Tamil Nadu.
▪ The study, claimed to be the first of its kind,
was aimed at evaluating the invitro anti-
cancer activity of ethyl acetate fraction of this
seagrass species against various human cancer
cell lines, including malignant melanoma,
lung, cervix, carcinoma and colorectal cancers.
5.2 LATEST DISCOVERIES IN HEALTH SCIENCE

India’s Serum Institute Applies for full About WHO:
approval of Covishield Vaccine: ▪ The World Health Organization (WHO) is
▪ Serum Institute of India has applied to the a specialized agency of the United Nations
country’s drug regulator and the health responsible for International Public Health.
ministry for full approval of its COVID-19 ▪ Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it
vaccine Covishield, the company’s chief has six regional offices and 150 field offices
Executive said. Worldwide.
▪ Serum Institute, which produces AstraZeneca’s ▪ The WHO was established on 7 April 1948.
COVID-19 vaccine under the brand name ▪ Director-General: Tedros Adhanom.
Covishield, has supplied more than 1.25
billion doses of the shot in India. Sonowal bats for AYUSH Immunity kit:
▪ The Ministry of AYUSH has developed an
ICMR Approves India-made kit to Ayurvedic kit for increasing immunity to
Detect Omicron: combat the variants of COVID19 named
▪ The Indian Council of Medical Research Ayuraksha Kit.
(ICMR) has approved a testing kit for ▪ The kit comprising Chyavanprash, Sanshmani
detecting the Omicron variant of the SARS- Vati, Anu Taila and Ayush Kwath to increase
CoV-2 coronavirus. immunity in the fight against the Coronavirus.
▪ The kit is manufactured by Tata Medical and
Xenotransplantation:
Diagnostics and is named OmiSure.
▪ A US man has become the first person in
▪ The RT-PCR kit, Omisure, was earlier sent to
the world to get a heart transplant from a
the ICMR for approval after continued Testing.
Genetically-modified pig. David Bennett, 57,
The kit will be used to confirm the Omicron in
is doing well three days after the experimental
patients with its S-Gene Target Failure (SGTF)
seven-hour procedure in Baltimore.
strategy.
▪ The possibility of using animal organs for
▪ The kit currently in use to detect Omicron in
so-called xenotransplantation to meet the
India has been developed by the U.S.-based
Demand has long been considered, and using
scientific instrumentation company Thermo
pig heart valves is Already Common.
Fisher. It, too, uses the SGTF strategy to detect
the variant. New ‘Deltacron’ Covid Variant:
New Coronavirus Variant 'IHU' ▪ Cyprus has detected a new variant dubbed
as “Deltacron”, that has a similar genetic
identified in France:
background to the Delta variant, coupled with
▪ As the world grapples with the highly mutated 10 mutations from Omicron.
Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, scientists
About Cyprus:
have identified a new strain of the COVID-19
▪ Capital: Nicosia.
causing virus in Southern France.
▪ Currency: Euro.
▪ Known as 'IHU', the B.1.640.2 variant has
been reported by researchers at institute IHU ▪ Continent: Europe.
Mediterranee Infection in at least 12 cases, and ▪ President: Nicos Anastasiades.
has been linked to travel to African Country
Cameroon. Covid Vaccine for 12-14 Age Group:
▪ India may begin inoculating children in the
▪ The B.1.640.2 has not been identified in
12-14 age group against COVID19 in March
other countries so far or labelled a variant
as the 15-17 population is likely to get fully
under investigation by the World Health
vaccinated by then, N.K. Arora, Chairman of
Organization (WHO).
SCIENCE | 75
the COVID19 working group of the National NeoCov Coronavirus:

Technical Advisory Group on Immunization ▪ A team of Wuhan researchers found a new
(NTAGI). kind of coronavirus, NeoCov, among bats in
▪ NTAGI is the highest advisory body on South Africa.
immunization in the country which consists ▪ In a study, the researchers said that the virus
of independent experts who provide may pose a threat to humans in the future (1
recommendations on vaccines after reviewing out of 3 may die).
data on disease burden, Efficacy and cost- ▪ The virus is closely related to the Middle East
effectiveness of vaccines. respiratory syndrome (MERS), a viral disease
Omicron in Community Transmission: that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in
2012.
INSACOG
▪ Omicron is now in community transmission ▪ According to the study, NeoCov can penetrate
in India and has become dominant in human cells in the same way as the COVID-19
multiple metros, where new cases have been virus.
rising exponentially, the Indian SARSCoV2 ▪ NeoCov is only one mutation away from
Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) said. becoming dangerous for humans.
▪ INSACOG, jointly initiated by the Union Portable Device to Detect Oral Cancer:
Health and Family Welfare Ministry, the
▪ Scientists from IIT Kharagpur have developed
Department of Biotechnology and others, is a
a portable, inexpensive device for detecting
consortium of 38 laboratories monitoring the
oral cancer. The estimated cost per device is
genomic variations in SARSCoV2, the novel
within USD500.
Coronavirus causing COVID19.
▪ The new technology enables a clinician in
Omicron Testing Kit – OM: a community health centre detect potential
▪ The CSIR - Central Drug Research Institute has vulnerable cases early enough, during the
developed an indigenous RT-PCR diagnostic First Examination.
kit, ‘Om’.
▪ This is for the testing of the Omicron variant of
Coronavirus.
▪ It is the first kit made by any government
institution.
▪ And it is the third to be made indigenously, for
specific testing of Omicron.
About CSIR:
▪ The Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research abbreviated as CSIR was established
by the Government of India on 26 September
1942 as an Autonomous body that has emerged
as the largest research and development
organisations in India.
▪ Though it is mainly funded by the Ministry
of Science and Technology, it operates as
an autonomous body through the Societies
Registration Act, 1860.
▪ Since 18 October 2018, Shekhar C. Mande is
the Director General of CSIR-cum-Secretary
DSIR.
5.3 SPACE
‘ISRO gearing up for Multiple Space than that on Earth.
Missions in 2022’ ▪ The presence of water had been confirmed by
▪ Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is remote observation but the lander has now
gearing up for a number of missions in 2022 Detected signs of water in rocks and soil.
including the launch of the first unmanned ▪ A device on-board the lunar lander measured
mission of Gaganyaan, its Chairman, K. Sivan the spectral reflectance of the regolith and the
said. In his New Year’s message for 2022, Mr. rock and detected water on the spot for the
Sivan said ISRO had a number of missions to First Time.
execute this year. ▪ The Chang'e-5 spacecraft landed on one of the
▪ These include youngest mare basalts located at a mid-High
9 The launch of the Earth Observation latitude on the moon.
Satellites, EOS4 and EOS6 on board the About Change'e 5:
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). ▪ Chang'e 5 is the fifth lunar exploration mission
9 The EOS02 on board the maiden flight of of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program,
the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). and China's first lunar sample-Return Mission.
9 Chandrayaan 03, Aditya Ll, XpoSat, IRNSS ▪ Like its predecessors, the spacecraft is named
and technology demonstration Missions after the Chinese moon goddess Chang'e.
with indigenously developed Advanced ▪ It was launched on 23 November 2020 from
Technologies. Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on Hainan
▪ ISRO has delivered the Sband SAR payload to Island, landed on the Moon on 1 December
NASA for NISAR [NASA ISRO SAR] mission. 2020, collected 1731 g of lunar and returned to
The NISAR mission, scheduled for launch in the Earth on 16 December 2020.
2023, is optimized for studying hazards and ▪ Chang'e-5 was the first lunar sample-return
global environmental change and can help Mission since the Soviet Union's Luna 24 in
manage natural resources better and provide 1976.
information to scientists to better understand ▪ The mission made China the third country to
the effects and pace of Climate Change. return samples from the Moon after the United
▪ A Venus mission, DISHA –a twin Aeronomy States and the Soviet Union.
satellite mission and TRISHNA, an ISROCNES
[Centre national detudes spatiales] Mission in Qualification test of Cryogenic
2024. Engine for Gaganyaan Successful:
▪ The Indian Space Research Organisation
China's lunar probe finds First Successfully conducted the qualification
on-site Evidence of Water on Moon's test, for 720 seconds, of cryogenic engine
Surface: for the Gaganyaan programme at the ISRO
▪ China's Chang'e 5 lunar lander has found the Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri. ISRO
first-ever on-site evidence of water on the said the performance met the objectives and
surface of the moon, lending new evidence to the parameters closely matched with the
the dryness of the satellite. predictions.
▪ The study published in the peer-reviewed ▪ This successful longduration test is a major
Journal Science Advances revealed that the Milestone for the human space programme
lunar soil at the landing site contains less — Gaganyaan. It ensures the reliability
than 120 parts-per-million (ppm) water or 120 and robustness of the cryogenic engine for
grams water per ton, and a light, vesicular induction into the human rated launch vehicle
rock carries 180 ppm, which are much drier for Gaganyaan.
SCIENCE | 77
About Gaganyaan Mission:

▪ Gaganyaan is a mission by the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO).
▪ Under the Gaganyaan Schedule:
9 Three flights will be sent into orbit.
9 There will be two unmanned flights and
one Human spaceflight.
▪ The Gaganyaan system module, called
the Orbital Module will have three Indian
Astronauts, including a woman.
▪ It will circle Earth at a low-earth-orbit at an
Altitude of 300-400 km from earth for 5-7 days.
▪ Launch Vehicle:
9 GSLV Mk III, also called the LVM-3
(Launch Vehicle Mark-3,) the three-stage
heavy lift launch vehicle, will be used to
launch Gaganyaan as it has the necessary
payload capability.
James Webb Space Telescope Snapped

in Its Orbit 15 Lakh Kms away From
Earth:
▪ The Rome-based Virtual Telescope Project
has released a picture of the James Webb Space
Telescope among the stars after the latter just
arrived at its destination on January 25.
▪ According to project manager Gianluca
Masi's report, Webb was imaged just when it
entered its orbit at the second Lagrange point
after travelling 1.5 million kilometres after its
launch on December 25.
▪ On January 25, Webb entered its orbit at the
second Lagrange point, a location that has
been chosen for its gravitational stability and
to save the telescope's instruments from the
Sun's heat.
▪ Built at a cost of $10 billion, Webb has been
touted as the successor of NASA-ESA's
Hubble Space Telescope which will follow up
on the findings of the latter.
▪ Scientists also say that it is the most powerful
telescope ever built and has the highest level of
sensitivity to the infrared wavelength of light.
▪ The telescope, in the simplest of terms, is a
time machine that would peer 13 billion years
ago to Answer Questions about the origins of
the Universe.
5.4 NEW SCIENTIFIC LABORATORIES/OBSERVATORIES/

CENTRES
Indian Army Sets Up Quantum
Research Laboratory:
▪ The Indian Army created a quantum laboratory
at Military College of Telecommunication
Engineering (MCTE) in Mhow, in the state of
Madhya Pradesh with the support from the
National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
▪ The officials said that the Army has set up a
quantum computing laboratory and a centre
for artificial intelligence (AI) at the institute.
6. NATIONAL –
DIARY OF EVENT
Sale of Electoral Bonds 2022: each in the months of January, April, July and
▪ The sale of the 19th tranche of electoral bonds October as may be specified by the Central
will begin from January 1, 2022. Government.
▪ The issuance of these bonds was approved by ▪ A person being an individual can buy bonds,
the central government, ahead of the Assembly either singly or jointly with other individuals.
elections in next few months. The sale will go ▪ Donor’s name is not mentioned on the bond.
on till January 10.
Oxfam India says work in 16 States will
▪ The elections are due in Uttar Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and be Affected:
Goa. ▪ Oxfam India said that the Central Government’s
refusal to renew its Foreign Contribution
▪ "State Bank of India (SBI), in the XIX Phase of
Regulation Act (FCRA) registration would
sale, has been authorized to issue and encash
severely affect the Organization’s ongoing
Electoral Bonds through its 29 Authorized
crucial humanitarian and social work in 16
Branches with effect from January 1 to January
States.
10, 2022," the finance ministry said in a
statement. ▪ According to the list released by the MHA
on January 1, 2022, Oxfam India’s FCRA
▪ The 29 specified SBI branches are in cities,
registration renewal request has been denied,
such as Lucknow, Shimla, Dehradun Kolkata,
restricting the flow of foreign funds to the
Guwahati, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram,
Organisations.
Patna, New Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar,
Gandhinagar, Bhopal, Raipur, and Mumbai. Budget 2022: Govt may Hike Agri
About Electoral Bonds: Credit Target:
▪ Electoral Bond is a financial instrument for ▪ With a view to give a boost to the agriculture
making donations to political parties. sector, the government is likely to raise farm
▪ The sale of the first batch of electoral bonds credit target to about Rs 18 lakh crore in
took place from March 1-10, 2018. the Budget 2022-23 to be presented on 1st
▪ The 18th tranche of the bond sale took place February.
from September 1 to September 10, 2021. ▪ For the current financial year, the Government
▪ The bonds are issued in multiples of Rs. 1,000, has set a credit target of Rs 16.5 Lakh Crore.
Rs. 10,000, Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1
crore without any maximum limit. India Appeals against WTO Dispute
panel ruling on Sugar Export Subsidies:
▪ State Bank of India is the only bank authorized
to issue and encash these bonds, which are ▪ India has appealed against a ruling of the
valid for fifteen days from the date of issuance. World Trade Organization's (WTO) trade
dispute settlement panel which ruled that
▪ These bonds are redeemable in the designated
the country's domestic support measures for
Account of a registered political party.
sugar and sugarcane are inconsistent with
▪ The bonds are available for purchase by any Global trade norms.
person (who is a citizen of India or incorporated
or established in India) for a period of ten days
▪ The appeal was filed by India in the WTO's "atma-nirbhartha", India needs to allow
Appellate Body, which is the final authority private collaboration, wherever it is possible,
on such Trade Disputes. with stringent quality controls.
▪ India has stated that the WTO's dispute panel ▪ The Vice President virtually laid the
ruling has made certain "erroneous" findings Foundation stone of the "Towed Array
about domestic schemes to support sugarcane Integration Facility", essential for the
producers and exports and the findings of the development of towed array sonar systems,
panel are completely "unacceptable" to it. which is critical to underwater defence.
▪ The panel in its ruling on December 14, 2021 9 The towed array sonar system is expected
recommended India to withdraw its alleged to enhance the Navy's capabilities to detect
prohibited subsidies under the Production Quieter Enemy Submarines Underwater.
Assistance, the Buffer Stock, and the Marketing ▪ The Vice President said NPOL's role towards
and Transportation Schemes within 120 days national security is paramount as all warships
from the adoption of this report. or conventional submarines in the fleet of
▪ Ruling in favour of Brazil, Australia and the Indian Navy are equipped with NPOL-
Guatemala in their trade dispute against India developed sonars.
over New Delhi's sugar subsidies, the WTO ▪ Formed in the Southern Naval Command
panel has stated that the support measures are in 1952, NPOL later became part of DRDO
inconsistent with WTO trade rules. in 1958. It will be celebrating its 70th year of
About WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION: Inception in 2022.
▪ The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an
intergovernmental organization that regulates India's Covid Vaccination Programme
and facilitates international trade between one of World's Most Successful: Govt
nations. ▪ In the fight against the global pandemic,
▪ It officially commenced operations on 1 India's National Vaccination Programme has
January 1995, pursuant to the 1994 Marrakesh been one of the most successful and largest
Agreement, thus replacing the General vaccination programmes when compared
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) that to many developed western nations with
had been established in 1948. significantly low population base to Vaccinate,
said the Union Health Ministry.
▪ The WTO is the world's largest international
Economic organization, with 164 member ▪ Since the start of the national COVID-19
states representing over 96% of global trade vaccination drive on January 16 last year,
and global GDP. India has administered to over 90 per cent of
its eligible citizens first doses and 65 per cent
▪ The WTO is headquartered in Geneva,
second doses.
Switzerland.
▪ In the vaccination drive, so far, the country
▪ Purpose: Reduction of tariffs and other
has achieved several milestones, which
barriers to trade.
have no precedent in the world, including
▪ Director-General: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. administering over 100 crore doses in less than
▪ She is the first woman and first African to lead nine months, administering 2.51 crore doses in
the World Trade Organization as Director- a single day and several times Administering
General. one crore doses in a day, the ministry said.
Make India Self-Reliant in all ▪ Compared with other developed nations,
India has done a better job in administering
domains: Naidu
Covid vaccination to its eligible adult citizen
▪ Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu while of 93.7 crore (as per the RGI (Registrar General
inaugurating the 70th Anniversary celebrations of India)) across all its states and UTs (union
of the Naval Physical and Oceanographic territories).
Laboratory (NPOL) in Kochi, said, to achieve
NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENT | 81
▪ Table Source the Coverage of Vaccines to the Kalpana Chawla Centre for
Eligible Population Research in Space Science &
Technology (KCCRSST):
FIRST DOSE SECOND DOSE ▪ Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh Kalpana
India - 93.7% India - 65% Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science
& Technology (KCCRSST) at Chandigarh
America - 73.2% America - 61.5% University, Gharuan, the first of its kind in
Britian - 75.9% Britain - 69.5% North India.
▪ The union minister also launched Chandigarh
France - 78.3% France -73.2% University's Defence Scholarship Scheme,
Spain - 84.7% Spain - 81% worth Rs 10 Crore, for the wards of Defence
Personnel of the three services.
▪ The centre was established with the objective of
Census Data Collection Deferred:
training students in space science and satellite
▪ The first phase of census and the collection development and to meet future challenges
of details to update the National Population in the area of space research, this state-of-the-
Register (NPR) have been postponed at least art space centre would be the Ground Control
till September. Station (GCS) for the Chandigarh University's
▪ The Registrar General of India (RGI) had in Student Satellite (CUSAT), an in-house
December informed the States that the freezing developed nano-satellite being designed by
of boundaries of districts, subdistricts, tehsils, the students of Chandigarh University, and a
talukas and police stations had been postponed Geo Spatial Centre for research, besides other
till June 2022. important Projects.
▪ Freezing of boundary limits of administrative ▪ It may be mentioned here that CUSAT will
units, at least three months prior to the exercise, be among the 75 student-built satellites to be
is a prerequisite for conducting the census. launched into space on the eve of the 75th
Census in India Independence Day in 2022.
▪ The decennial (once in 10 years) Census ▪ The Chandigarh University has joined the
is conducted by the Office of the Registrar list of 13 institutes like Indian Institute of
General and Census Commissioner, Ministry Technology (IIT) Kanpur, IIT Bombay and
of Home Affairs became the first university in North India to
▪ First Census was conducted in 1881 design and develop its own satellite.
▪ Sixteenth Census - Census 2021 ▪ With the launch of CUSAT, Punjab will
▪ Census 2021 was postponed owing to the become the first border state in India to have
outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. its Own Satellite in space.
▪ However, it will be the first digital Census, States told to share Intel on
also with a provision for self-enumeration. Common Grid:
▪ It is for the first time that information of ▪ The Union Government has asked the States
Households headed by a person from the to share more intelligence inputs through
Transgender Community and members living the Multi Agency Centre (MAC), a common
in the family will be collected. - Earlier there counter-terrorism grid under the Intelligence
was a column for male and female only. Bureau that was made operational in 2001
Following the Kargil War.
▪ At a high-level meet, Union Home Minister
Amit Shah asked the Directors-General of
Police to share adequate information and
actionable inputs through the MAC.
▪ As many as 28 organisations, including of the Government of India, charged with

the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), the military's research and development,
armed forces and State police, are part of the Headquartered in Delhi, India.
platform. Various security agencies share real- ▪ DRDO was formed in 1958 from the
time intelligence inputs on the MAC. Amalgamation of the then already functioning
▪ All the States have a Subsidiary Multi Agency Technical Development Establishment (TDEs)
Centre (SMAC) located in the capitals. of the Indian Army and the Directorate of
Technical Development & Production (DTDP)
Road named after PM Modi: with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
▪ The road connecting Tsomgo Lake and ▪ Chairman: Dr G. Satheesh Reddy.
Nathula Border in Sikkim with the capital
Gangtok has been named after Prime Minister Tamilisai inaugurates Central Kitchen
Narendra Modi as “Narendra Modi Marg”. at Lawspet:
▪ This newly constructed road has been Officially ▪ Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan
inaugurated by Governor Ganga Prasad. inaugurated the modernised kitchen of the
▪ The old route connecting the Nathula Border Akshaya Patra Foundation at Lawspet.
with the capital Gangtok has been Named ▪ The Education Department had signed an
after former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal agreement with the foundation, a non-profit
Nehru. wing of the International Society for Krishna
▪ Officials said the 19.51-km-long road has been Consciousness, in 2018, for the supply of
operational for commuters for a year, but nutritious mid-day meals to 50,800 children
now it has been officially inaugurated by the Studying in 291 schools in Puducherry.
Governor. ▪ The kitchen was constructed at a cost of around
₹15 crore with the support from the New
DRDO 64th Foundation Day
India Assurance Corporation Limited and the
▪ The Defence Research and Development General Insurance Corporation of India.
Organisation (DRDO) has observed the 64th
Foundation Day of its establishment on PM Modi lays foundation stone of Major
January 01, 2022. Dhyan Chand Sports University:
▪ DRDO was established with just 10 ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays the
Laboratories to enhance the research work in foundation stone of Major Dhyan Chand
the Defence sector. Sports University in Meerut.
▪ At that time, it was tasked with designing and ▪ The University will be established at Salawa
developing cutting edge defence Technologies and Kaili villages of Sardhana town in Meerut
for the Indian Armed Forces. at an estimated cost of about 700 Crore rupees.
▪ As of now, DRDO is working in multiple ▪ The University will have the capacity of
cutting-edge military technology areas, Training 1080 sportspersons including 540
which include aeronautics, armaments, female and 540 Male Sportspersons.
combat vehicles, electronics, instrumentation,
engineering systems, missiles, materials, naval Energy Transition Advisory Committee:
systems, advanced computing, simulation, ▪ The Energy Transition Advisory Committee
cyber, life sciences and other technologies for was formed by Ministry of Petroleum and
defence. Natural Gas. It is headed by Tarun Kapoor,
About DRDO: former Secretary of Petroleum Ministry.
▪ The Defence Research and Development ▪ It will focus on increasing the share of clean
Organisation (DRDO) is the premier agency Energy sources such as hydrogen, biofuel,
under the Department of Defence Research Nuclear, geothermal, tidal in the energy mix
and Development in Ministry of Defence of the country.
Why was the committee formed? MHA forms Committee to Probe into PM
9 To help India achieve its net zero emission Modi's Security Breach in Punjab:
Target by 2070. ▪ Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has
9 To create an energy transition road map constituted a committee to enquire into the
(within 6 months). serious lapses in the security arrangements
9 To create a step – by – step plan for moving during Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra
from Fossil fuels to Green Energy. Modi's visit to Ferozepur, Punjab on 05.01.2022.
▪ The three-member committee will be led by
Digi Zone
Sudhir Kumar Saxena, Secretary (Security),
▪ Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India has Cabinet Secretariat, and would comprise
inaugurated “Digi Zone”, at Bandra Kurla Balbir Singh, Joint Director of the Intelligence
Complex, Mumbai, as part of its effort to Bureau, and S Suresh, IG, Special Protection
enhance its digital footprint. Group.
▪ LIC’s Digi Zone can be used by the customers
to purchase policies online, pay the premium Centre Releases Revenue Deficit Grant
and avail of other services. to 17 States:
▪ The Central government released Rs 9,871
First Open Rock Museum Inaugurated: Crore as revenue deficit grant to 17 states
▪ Union Minister of State for Science & including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana,
Technology Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala,
first open rock museum on the campus of the Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland,
CSIR National Geophysical Research Institute Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu,
(NGRI). Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
▪ About 46 different types of rocks of ages ▪ This was the 10th instalment of the Post
ranging from 3.3 billion years to around 55 Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) grant
million years, have been displayed in a garden Released to the states.
with descriptions giving their Economic and
▪ The Post Devolution Revenue Deficit
scientific importance.
Grants are provided to the States as per the
▪ The rocks have been sourced from Odisha, recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance
Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Jammu Commission to meet the gap in Revenue
& Kashmir and others. Accounts of the States post devolution.
▪ The country was celebrating 75 years of ▪ The eligibility of States to receive this grant
Independence and CSIR celebrating 80 years and the quantum of grant was decided by
of its Formation. the Commission based on the gap between
About National Geophysical Research assessment of revenue and expenditure of the
Institute (NGRI): State after taking into account the assessed
▪ The National Geophysical Research Institute devolution for the Financial Year 2021-22.
(NGRI) is a geoscientific research organization About Finance Commission:
established in 1961 under the Council of ▪ The Finance Commission (FC) is a
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), constitutional body, that determines the
India's largest Research and Development method and formula for distributing the tax
Organization. proceeds between the Centre and states, and
▪ Location: Hyderabad, Telangana. among the states as per the Constitutional
Arrangement and Present Requirements.
▪ Under Article 280 of the Constitution, the
President of India is required to constitute a
Finance Commission at an Interval of five
Years or earlier.
▪ The 15th Finance Commission was constituted ▪ As many as 13,737 out of 14,200 villages in the
by the President of India in November 2017, State are on the ODF Plus list, which is 96.74%.
under the chairmanship of NK Singh. ▪ This was followed by Tamil Nadu with 4,432
▪ Its recommendations will cover a period of villages (35.39%) and Karnataka with 1,511
Five years from the year 2021-22 to 2025-26. villages (5.59%). Gujarat took the 17th Position
with only 83 villages (0.45%).
Chittaranjan National Cancer
Institute in Kolkata: Jammu and Kashmir set to have
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate district-level Good Governance Index:
the second campus of Chittaranjan National ▪ Jammu and Kashmir will soon become the
Cancer Institute (CNCI) in Kolkata on January First Union Territory to have a district-level
7 via video conferencing. Good Governance Index, Union minister
▪ The second campus of CNCI has been built in Jitendra Singh announced.
line with Modi's vision to expand and upgrade ▪ The Centre will set up the index and the
health facilities in all parts of the Country. department of administrative reforms and
▪ Around Rs 400 crore was provided by the public grievances will carry out this task in
Union government and the rest by the West collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir
Bengal Government in the ratio of 75:25. Government.
▪ The framework of the proposed Index has
Government Approves `12,031 Crore in been finalised with the technical support from
Green Energy Push: the Centre for Good Governance, Hyderabad.
▪ The Government cleared a `12,031 crore plan ▪ The framework will have 58 indicators that
to set up infrastructure to transmit electricity Assess different aspects of development and
from renewable energy projects as it seeks to District Administration.
Boost the output from green sources and meet
half of the nation’s energy requirement from Modi’s vision of a ‘Sweet Revolution’:
them by 2030. ▪ To harness export potential of honey in
▪ The investment Approval by the Cabinet line with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) is for Modi’s vision of a ‘Sweet Revolution’ through
the second phase of the green energy corridor, promotion of beekeeping and allied activities,
which will help supply 20 gigawatts (GW) of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products
renewable energy to the national grid from Export Development Authority (APEDA)
Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, has been giving thrust on boosting exports
Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. through ensuring quality production and
▪ The project is Expected to help India meet the market expansion to newer countries.
climate commitments it made at the COP-26 ▪ At present, India’s natural honey exports are
summit in Glasgow. majorly dependent on one market - the United
▪ The CCEA’s decision adds strength to India’s States, which accounts for more than 80 per
efforts of achieving the target of 450GW in the cent of the exports.
Renewable Energy Sector. ▪ APEDA is working with the exporters to deal
with the challenges such as higher Freight
Telangana tops in Highest Number of cost, limited availability of containers in peak
ODF villages: honey export season, higher Nuclear Magnetic
▪ Telangana stood first in the country in the list of Resonance test costs and inadequate Export
the Highest Number of Open Defecation Free incentives.
(ODF Plus) villages under the Swachh Bharat
Mission (Grameen) Phase-II programme till
December 31, 2021.
▪ India exported 59,999 metric tonnes (MT) of ▪ It functions under the Ministry of Commerce
natural honey worth Rs. 716 crore (US $ 96.77 and Industry.
million) during 2020-21, with the United States ▪ Headquarters: in New Delhi.
taking a major share at 44,881 MT.
▪ Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, SC permits NEET Counselling
Bangladesh and Canada were the other top Under Present OBC, EWS Quota:
destinations for Indian honey. India started ▪ The Supreme Court allowed National
its first organized exports in the year 1996-97. Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)
▪ India ranks 8th and 9th in the world in counselling to proceed so as to not “dislocate”
Honey producing and exporting countries Medical admissions this year.
respectively. ▪ The court also upheld the 27% reservation for
▪ China, Turkey, Canada, Argentina, Iran and the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and 10%
USA are among the major honey-producing for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in
countries, accounting for 50% of total world the All-India Quota (AIQ) seats in accordance
Production. with a July 29, 2021 government order.
▪ North East Region and Maharashtra are the ▪ The `8 Lakh Gross Annual Family Income
Key areas for natural honey production in the Limit criterion for identifying the EWS, as
country. originally notified by a January 2019 official
▪ Around 50% of the honey produced in India Memorandum and recommended for retention
is consumed domestically and the rest is by the government appointed former Finance
Exported across the globe. Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey led Expert
Committee on December 31, 2021, would
▪ The Government of India approved Allocation
be now implemented for the admission year
of Rs 500 crore for the National Beekeeping
2021-2022.
and Honey Mission (NBHM) for three years
(2020-21 to 2022-23). India to Export Mango to U.S. after
About National Beekeeping and Honey Hiatus:
Mission (NBHM): ▪ India did not export mangoes to the U.S. for
▪ The mission was announced as part of the two and a half years as the U.S. phytosanitary
Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative in February Inspectors did not visit during 2020 and 2021.
2021. ▪ The new Agreement also covers Pomegranate.
▪ NBHM aims for the overall promotion & Both items will begin arriving in the U.S. from
development of scientific beekeeping in February. Under this agreement, India will
the country to achieve the goal of ‘Sweet import alfalfa hay and cherries from the U.S.
Revolution’ which is being implemented from April.
through National Bee Board (NBB). ▪ Mango and pomegranate exports will start
▪ There is a budget of Rs.170 crore for the Mini from January-February 2022 and Pomegranate
Mission. arils exports from April 2022.
▪ The purpose is for developing beekeeping ▪ The development comes months after the 12th
in the country, developing honey clusters, India-USA TPF (Trade Policy Forum) Meeting
Improving quality and productivity of honey held on November 23, 2021.
and also increasing exports. About Mango:
About APEDA: ▪ India is the world’s largest producer of
▪ The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Mangoes.
Export Development Authority (APEDA) was ▪ China and Thailand stood at 2nd and 3rd
established by the Government of India under position among mango producing countries in
the Agricultural and Processed Food Products the world.
Export Development Authority Act, 1985.
▪ Uttar Pradesh (23.47%) tops the list of Mangoes non-sovereign lending in South and Southeast
producing states. Other major producing states Asia.
are Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, ▪ The AIIB has approved more loans for India
Bihar and Gujarat. than any other member of the bank.
▪ In the year 1950, Mango fruits were adopted as ▪ China is its biggest shareholder and India is
the National Fruit of India. the second largest.
▪ 22 July is celebrated as National Mango Day ▪ The U.S. and Japan are not among its 105
or Mango Day. Members.
▪ Salem is known as the Mango city in India. ▪ The AIIB has funded 28 projects in India
Amounting to $6.7 billion.
No need for lockdown, says Soumya
About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank:
Swaminathan:
▪ The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
▪ The World Health Organization’s Chief
(AIIB) is a multilateral development bank
Scientist Soumya Swaminathan said
that aims to improve economic and social
lockdowns were not needed since there was a
Outcomes in Asia.
better understanding of the novel Coronavirus
that causes COVID19. ▪ The bank currently has 105 members.
▪ The three Cs — Close contact, Crowds and ▪ President: Jin Liqun of China.
Close settings — were the key to the spread ▪ It is established by the AIIB Articles of
of the disease, she said, urging people to wear Agreement (entered into force Dec. 25, 2015)
Masks. which is a multilateral treaty.
▪ It is headquartered in Beijing and began its
Startup India Innovation Week: operations in 16th January 2016.
▪ The Department for Promotion of Industry and
▪ Fourteen of the G-20 nations are AIIB members
Internal Trade and the Ministry of Commerce
including France, Germany, Italy and the
and Industry has decided to organize a week-
United Kingdom.
long virtual innovation celebration called
‘Startup India Innovation Week’. No PM photo in Vaccination
▪ This is to showcase the spread and depth of Certificates in Poll bound States
Entrepreneurship across India. ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name and
▪ The virtual event is organized from January 10 photo will be removed from the COVID19
to January 16, 2022. vaccination certificates issued in the five poll
▪ The event also aims to commemorate the 75th bound States since the model code of conduct
year of India’s independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit has come into force there.
Mahotsav’. ▪ Union Health Ministry would apply the
necessary filters on the CoWIN platform to
Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel Joins remove Mr. Modi’s photo from the certificates
Beijing based AIIB: issued to people in Goa, Manipur, Punjab,
▪ Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
Urjit Patel has been appointed vice president
of the Beijing based Asian Infrastructure India’s Passport Rank Improves to 83
Investment Bank (AIIB). from 90
▪ Mr. Patel will serve a three-year term as one of ▪ India’s passport power has improved this
the multilateral development bank’s five vice- Quarter compared to 2021. It now ranks at
presidents, and will take the place of Former 83rd position in the Henley Passport Index,
Gujarat Chief Secretary D.J. Pandian who had Climbing seven places from 90th rank last
been, as Vice-president, leading the AIIB’s Year.
investment operations and all sovereign and
▪ However, in 2020, its rank stood at 84 while in ▪ PM Modi said that the role of the MSME sector
2016, India was ranked 85th along with Mali is very important in creating 'Atmanirbhar
and Uzbekistan. Bharat'.
▪ Japan and Singapore top the index. ▪ It is very important our MSME use the
▪ The current rankings are for first quarter of technologies that are changing the world. The
2022 and India shares the position with Sao new MSME centre is an important step in that
Tome and Principe in Central Africa, behind direction.
Rwanda and Uganda. ▪ Following the inauguration of the festival by
▪ Since 2005, Henley Passport Index ranks Modi, the National Youth Summit will take
world’s passports according to the number place in which panel discussions on four
of destinations their holders can access themes -
without prior visa and is based on data from 9 Environment, climate and sustainable
International Air Transport Association Development Goals (SDG) led growth;
(IATA). Growing disparity India now has visa 9 Technology, entrepreneurship and
free access to 60 destinations worldwide with Innovation;
Oman and Armenia being the latest Additions. 9 Indigeneous and ancient wisdom;
▪ India has added 35 more destinations since 9 National character, nation building and
2006. home grown; will happen.
25th National Youth Festival: World’s third-largest Start-up
▪ The festival organized by the Ministry of Ecosystem:
Youth Affairs and Sports from January 12 to
▪ India became the third-largest start-up
16 in Puducherry will mark India's 75th year of
ecosystem in the world, said Niti Aayog CEO
independence.
Amitabh Kant on January 09.
▪ The National Youth Festival is aimed at
▪ Youth from the diaspora have a massive role
Shaping the minds of India's youth and
to play; potential for India 2.0 comes from tech
Transforming them into a "united force for
Innovation by youth, said Kant.
Nation building."
▪ It aims to bring Diverse cultures of India and Amitabh Kant says policy should be
integrate them into a united thread of 'Ek pro-innovation, light touch:
Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. ▪ Speaking at an event organised by Microsoft
▪ The prime minister also inaugurated a India, Kant pointed out India is creating Three
technology centre of the MSME ministry and Unicorns a month.
Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Manimandapam ▪ Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said the
via video conference. country’s policies need to be pro-innovation,
Perunthalaivar Kamarajar ManiMandapam: light touch and progressive, as also they
▪ It is an auditorium with an open-air theatre in should be benchmarked against the world’s
Puducherry . best.
▪ The auditorium, which can accommodate
more than 1000 people, would primarily be India’s first “Mobile Honey Processing
used for Educational Purposes. Van”:
Technology Centre of the MSME Ministry: ▪ Khadi and Village Industries Commission
▪ The technology centre has been built at a (KVIC) Chairman, Vinai Kumar Saxena has
cost of nearly ₹122 crore with a focus on the launched the country’s first Mobile Honey
Electronic system design and manufacturing Processing Van at Village Sirora in Ghaziabad.
(ESDM) sector. ▪ The Mobile Van has been designed in-house
▪ It will cater to the skill development of Youth by KVIC at its Multi-disciplinary Training
and also train around 6,400 trainees per year. Centre, Panjokehra, at a cost of Rs 15 lakh.
▪ This mobile honey processing unit can process ▪ Drawing from the words of Sri Aurobindo,
up to 300 KG of honey in 8 hours. whose 150th anniversary also coincided with
▪ The van is also equipped with a testing the NYF, that “a brave, frank, clean hearted,
Laboratory, that would instantly examine the courageous and aspiring youth is the only
Quality of honey. foundation on which the future nation can
▪ In line with the Prime Minister’s dream of be built,” Mr. Modi said he believed that the
“Sweet Kranti” (Sweet Revolution) through nation’s youth were not only a “demographic
honey production, the KVIC has come up with dividend” but “drivers of development” and
this unique innovation to enable beekeepers Proponents of democratic values.
and farmers to get a fair prices for their Honey ▪ The Prime Minister also gave a call to the
Production. Youth to espouse a “vocal for local” motto as a
▪ KVIC has designed the innovative Mobile fitting tribute to the great sons that the country
Honey Processing Van that will process had produced.
beekeepers’ honey at their doorsteps and thus What’s Indians searched for in 2021:
save them the hassle and the cost of taking the
▪ According to Google Trends, the Indian
honey to processing plants in far off cities for
Premier league was the most searched topic in
Processing.
India in 2021.
Indu Malhotra Panel to Probe Security ▪ Along with cricket, other sporting events such
Breach: as the Tokyo Olympics, the Euro Cup and
▪ The Supreme Court appointed a committee copa America also garnered wide Interest.
Chaired by its former judge Indu Malhotra ▪ However, these topics trended only when
to inquire into a security breach that led to the events were streamed live. On the other
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s convoy hand, CoWIN and COVID-19 vaccine, which
being stuck on a flyover in Punjab on were among the top trends last year, garnered
January 5. sustained interest throughout the year,
especially after the country's vaccination drive
Modi exhorts youth to Adopt Motto of opened up for all adults in May.
‘Compete & Conquer’: ▪ Among movies, Jai Bhim was the most
▪ Foreseeing the dawn of the Golden Age of searched, and among personalities Neeraj
startups in India, Prime Minister Narendra Chopra and Aryan Khan were widely
Modi issued a call to the country’s youth to searched.
adopt the motto of “Compete and Conquer”
as their guiding principle in life. MIOT Opens Eye Care facility at
▪ Inaugurating, in virtual mode, the Seychelles:
25th National Youth Festival (NYF) hosted by ▪ MIOT Hospitals opened an eye care facility in
the Union Territory of Puducherry, Mr. Modi Seychelles on January 14 2022.
said the evolution of the startup ecosystem ▪ Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan
that had grown to over 50,000 units, about inaugurated the MIOT International Total Eye
10,000 of them initiated during Six to seven Care.
months of the COVID19 Pandemic, reflected ▪ Indian High Commissioner for Seychelles
the “can do” spirit of the youth of today. General Dalbir Singh Suhag was present.
▪ The Government had initiated several Schemes ▪ Created in collaboration with Visus Optical
focused on creating space for the Youth to Seychelles, it was the first such facility set up
translate their ideas and develop their skills by an Indian hospital in Seychelles.
such as MUDRA, StartUp India, StandUp ▪ Prithvi Mohandas is the managing director of
India and the Atal Incubation centres, the MIOT Hospitals.
Prime Minister said.
Republic Day Celebrations will now by Indian Institute Technology (IIT) alumni
begin every year from January 23: for water purification through innovative
▪ Republic Day celebrations will now begin technology with financial support from
every year from January 23 instead of January Technology Development Board (TDB).
24 to include the Birth Anniversary of Subash ▪ The facility aims to provide clean drinking
Chandra Bose. water at a price much lesser than the market
▪ This is in line with the Narendra Modi price.
government's focus on commemorating ▪ A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
important aspects of India's history and was also signed between TDB, a statutory
culture, they said, noting it had earlier body of the Department of S&T and Swajal
started celebrating Bose's birth anniversary as Water Private Limited.
"Parakram Divas" on January 23. ▪ The Gurugram based company’s patented
▪ Other such days, observance of which have system, ‘Clairvoyant’ uses artificial
become a yearly affair, are intelligence to optimise purification systems
9 August 14 as Partition Horrors and predict future breakdowns.
Remembrance Day, India’s First Sanitary-Napkin Free
9 October 31 as National Unity Day Village:
(birth anniversary of Sardar Patel),
▪ Kerala’s Kumbalanghi in Kochi is set to
9 November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas become the country’s first sanitary napkin-free
(Birsa Munda's birth anniversary), panchayat.
9 November 26 as Constitution Day and ▪ This move is a part of the ‘Avalkayi’ initiative,
9 December 26 as Veer Baal Divas (a tribute which is being implemented in the Ernakulam
to the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh). parliamentary constituency, in association with
the “Thingal Scheme” of HLL Management
Odisha Tops Medal Chart in National Academy’s and Indian Oil Corporation.
Skill Competition: ▪ Under this initiative, 5000 menstrual cups will
▪ Odisha topped the medal chart with be distributed to women aged 18 and above in
51 Winners, followed by Maharashtra, 30 Kumbalangi village.
and Kerala, 25 winners, at the India Skills
2021 National Competition organized by Hyderabad bids to host Formula
the National Skill Development Corporation E World Championship:
(NSDC) in New Delhi from January 7 to ▪ Hyderabad officially bids as a candidate to
January 9. host the Formula E World championship
▪ Odisha won 10 gold, 18 silver, nine bronze and exclusively for electric cars, scheduled to be
14 medallions in the country’s biggest skill held between November 2022 and February
competition. 2023.
▪ The Closed-door competition witnessed ▪ The race may be held on the 2.37-km track
Participation in 54 skills such as concrete in and around the Secretariat Complex in
construction work, beauty therapy, car Hyderabad.
Painting, Health and social care, visual
merchandising, Graphic Design technology, Commemorative Postal Stamp on the
Wall and floor tiling, welding, among others. Covid-19 Vaccination:
▪ The government of India has released a
AI-driven Start-Up for Water commemorative postal stamp on the Covid-19
Purification by IIT Alumni: vaccination on January 16 to mark the
▪ Union Minister of State of Science & first anniversary of the country’s national
Technology Dr Jitendra Singh has launched immunization programme against the virus.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven Start-Up
▪ The commemorative stamp design features a it had received consolidated claims of `6473.74
healthcare worker inoculating a senior citizen crore, higher than the allocated amount, and
with COVID-19 vaccine, along with an image has therefore sought additional allocation of
of ‘COVAXIN’ vial. the Balance Amount.
▪ This stamp signifies the remarkable work About IREDA:
done by our frontline healthcare workers ▪ Indian Renewable Energy Development
and scientific community across the country Agency Limited (IREDA) is a Mini Ratna
in protecting the people against the COVID (Category – I) Government of India Enterprise
pandemic. under the administrative control of Ministry
of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Cabinet Approved the infusion of `1500
▪ IREDA is a Public Limited Government
crore in IREDA:
Company established as a Non-Banking
▪ The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Financial Institution on 11 March 1987
(CCEA) approved the infusion of `1500 crore engaged in promoting, developing and
in Indian Renewable Energy Development extending financial assistance for setting up
Agency Ltd (IREDA). projects relating to new and renewable sources
▪ The investment will help generate 10,200 jobs of energy and energy efficiency/conservation.
and reduce carbon emissions equivalent to ▪ Motto: “ENERGY FOR EVER”.
approximately 7.49 million tons per year.
▪ Headquarters: New Delhi.
▪ The additional equity infusion will enable the
mini-ratna company under the ministry of new India Telecom User Base Grows to 1.19
and renewable energy to lend Approximately million: TRAI
`12,000 crore to the renewable energy sector, ▪ Telecom subscriber base in the country grew
helping meet the sector’s debt requirement for marginally to 1,191.05 million at November
additional capacity of 3,500–4,000 MW. end with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel
▪ The equity infusion will also enhance the expanding their user base, according to TRAI
specialized non-banking finance agency’s data.
net worth, which will help it in additional ▪ Reliance Jio has also toppled BSNL as top
financing, thus contributing better to the fixed line broadband subscriber and now
Government’s targets. It will also improve the leads the segment with 4.34 million customers
capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio to facilitate which had been dominated by the state-run
its lending and Borrowing Operations. telecom since its inception about 20 years ago.
▪ But according to the Reserve Bank of India, ▪ Reliance Jio led the growth in mobile segment
the loan can only be lent on 20% of the net with net addition of 20,19,362 customers taking
worth. The net worth of IREDA is `3000 crore. its total subscriber base to over 428 million.
It can lend loans up to `600 crore only. ▪ Bharti Airtel added 13,18,251 new Mobile
▪ Separately, the Union cabinet approved a Subscribers.
scheme for grant of ex-gratia of `973.74 crore, ▪ Vodafone Idea (VIL) continued to lose
the difference between compound interest and subscribers.
simple interest for six months to borrowers in
About TRAI:
specified loan accounts.
▪ The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
▪ The government had approved the scheme for (TRAI) was established with effect from
six months during the first wave of the covid 20th February 1997 by an Act of Parliament,
pandemic between 1 March and 31 August called the Telecom Regulatory Authority of
2020. India Act, 1997, to regulate telecom services,
▪ State Bank of India, the nodal agency under including fixation/revision of tariffs for
the scheme for consequent reimbursement to telecom services which were earlier vested in
lending institutions, told the government that the Central Government.
▪ TRAI's mission is to create and nurture ▪ The First Commission was constituted on 31st
Conditions for Growth of telecommunications January 1992 with Mrs. Jayanti Patnaik as the
in the country in a manner and at a pace which Chairperson.
will enable India to play a leading role in ▪ The Second Commission was constituted on
emerging Global Information Society. July 1995 with Dr. (Mrs.) Mohini Giri as the
▪ One of the main objectives of TRAI is to provide Chairperson.
a fair and transparent policy environment ▪ The Third Commission was constituted on
which promotes a level playing Field and January 1999 with Mrs. Vibha Parthasarathy
Facilitates fair competition. as the Chairperson.
▪ The TRAI Act was amended by an ordinance, ▪ Current Chairperson is Rekha Sharma since
effective from 24 January 2000, establishing August 7, 2021.
a Telecommunications Dispute Settlement
and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to take SWAYAM-NPTEL Online Certification
over the adjudicatory and disputes functions Courses for January 2022:
from TRAI. ▪ NPTEL is currently offering 593 courses
▪ TDSAT was set up to adjudicate any dispute across Engineering, Sciences, Management,
between a licensor and a licensee, between Humanities and Social Sciences through the
two or more service providers, between a SWAYAM platform.
service provider and a group of consumers, ▪ All those candidates who are interested can
and to hear and dispose of appeals against any now apply for these courses by enrolling
direction, decision or order of TRAI. themselves for free of cost by visiting the
official website; i.e.swayam.gov.in/NPTEL.
Crimes Committed against Women
▪ Some of the most popular courses offered
2021:
this time include Data Science for Engineers,
▪ There was a 30% rise in complaints of crimes Electrical Vehicles, programming courses such
against women in 2021 as compared to 2020 as Python, Java, C and C++.
when 23,722 complaints were received.
▪ An array of new courses has also been
▪ Nearly 31,000 complaints of crimes committed introduced for the January 2022 term
against women were received by the National including a course on Hindustani Music,
Commission for Women (NCW) last year, the Multidisciplinary courses such as Research
highest since 2014, with over half of them from Methodology for students in research, Basic
Uttar Pradesh. Course in Ornithology, Oral Biology for
About National Commission for Women: students in Dental Studies, Blockchain and
▪ It was set up as a statutory body in January its Applications, and Online Privacy, among
1992 under the National Commission for others.
Women Act, 1990. ▪ Introduction to Machine Learning course is
▪ Its mission is to strive towards enabling women offered in Tamil and Signals and Systems
to achieve equality and equal participation in course is offered in Hindi this Semester.
all spheres of life by securing her due rights About SWAYAM:
and entitlements through suitable policy ▪ Study Webs of Active Learning for Young
formulation, legislative measures, etc. Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM), was launched
▪ Its functions are to: on July 9, 2017 by the Ministry of Human
9 Review the constitutional and legal Resource Development to provide one
safeguards for women. integrated platform and portal for online
9 Recommend remedial legislative measures. courses.
9 Facilitate redressal of grievances. ▪ Former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee
9 Advise the Government on all policy launched SWAYAM and SWAYAM Prabha.
matters affecting women.
▪ SWAYAM is a programme initiated by About NPTEL:

Government of India and designed to achieve ▪ National Programme on Technology
the three cardinal principles of Education Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) is a project of
Policy viz., access, equity and quality. MHRD initiated by seven Indian Institutes
▪ The objective of this effort is to take the best of Technology (Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur,
teaching learning resources to all, including Kharagpur, Madras, Guwahati and Roorkee)
the most disadvantaged. along with the Indian Institute of Science,
▪ SWAYAM seeks to bridge the digital divide Bangalore in 2003, to provide quality education
for students who have hitherto remained to anyone interested in learning from the IITs.
untouched by the digital revolution and have ▪ The main goal was to create web and video
not been able to join the mainstream of the courses in all major branches of engineering
knowledge economy. and physical sciences at the undergraduate
▪ Courses delivered through SWAYAM are and postgraduate levels and management
available free of cost to the learners, however courses at the Postgraduate Level.
learners wanting a SWAYAM certificate National Disaster Response Force:
should register for the final proctored exams ▪ The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
that come at a fee. is an Indian specialized force constituted
▪ The study material on the central "for the purpose of special response to a
government’s e-learning platform, Study threatening disaster situation or disaster"
Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Minds (SWAYAM), is being translated into ▪ NDRF was constituted with 8 Battalions in
eight regional Indian languages, These eight 2006.
languages–Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada,
Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu. ▪ At present, National Disaster Response Force
consist of 16 battalions from the BSF, CISF,
▪ The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) CRPF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles with each
platform has 521 courses translated into Battalion consisting of 1149 personnel.
vernacular languages. The maximum number
of courses (130) has been translated in Hindi, ▪ These NDRF battalions are located at 16
followed by Tamil with 94 courses and Gujarati different locations in the country based on
with 57 courses. the vulnerability profile of country and to cut
down the response time for their deployment
▪ The current SWAYAM platform is developed at disaster site.
by Ministry of Education and NPTEL, IIT
Madras with the help of Google Inc. and ▪ NDRF is functioning under the Ministry of
Persistent Systems Ltd. Home Affairs, Government of India, within
the overall command, control and leadership
SWAYAM Prabha: of the Director General, NDRF.
▪ It is an initiative of the Ministry of Human
▪ Current Director General: Atul Karwal.
Resources Development to provide 32 High
Quality Educational Channels through DTH 'Seema Bhawani' of BSF:
across the length and breadth of the country ▪ ‘Seema Bhawani’ is the all-women biker team
on 24X7 basis. of the Border Security Force (BSF). The team
▪ It has curriculum-based course content will showcase their talent on the Republic Day
covering Diverse Disciplines. 2022, for the second time.
▪ This is primarily aimed at making quality ▪ Over 100 female troops from different ranks
learning resources accessible to remote areas are taking part in the event.
where internet availability is still a challenge. ▪ Seema Bhawani team was formed in the year
▪ The DTH channels are using the GSAT-15 2016 and they participated in the Republic
satellite for programme telecasts. Day parade in 2018, for the first time.
Open Data Week 2022: The study: ‘Indian Tech Startup

▪ The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Ecosystem: Year of The Titans’
Affairs (MoHUA) announced the “Open Data ▪ Startups raised a record $24.1 billion in 2021,
Week” that will see participation from all the a two-fold increase over preCOVID19 levels,
100 smart cities, a move aimed at ensuring a according to a new study by NASSCOM and
collaborative effort towards making Indian Zinnov.
Cities “data smart”. ▪ According to the study, ‘Indian Tech Startup
▪ The Open Data Week will be conducted during Ecosystem: Year of The Titans’, more than
the third week of January from 17th January 2250 startups were added in 2021, over 600
2022 to 21st January 2022. more than what was added in the previous
▪ It is divided into two segments — year.
9 The uploading of datasets, visualization, ▪ It added that while the U.S. remains the
APIs and data blogs on the Smart Cities leading source of Foreign Direct Investment
Open Data Portal from January 17 to (FDI) in Startups.
January 20.
Many Freedom Fighters
9 The celebration of a “Data Day” by all
smart cities on January 21.
Recognized now: PM
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a
Amar Jawan Jyoti now Merged with hologram of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at
War Memorial flame: India Gate on 23rd January, where a grand
▪ The Iconic Amar Jawan Jyoti (AJJ), was statue of the freedom fighter would be placed
Inaugurated after the 1971 Liberation War of soon.
Bangladesh by former Prime Minister Indira ▪ Marking Netaji’s 125th birth anniversary, the
Gandhi. hologram was installed under the canopy
▪ Jyoti was “merged” with the flame at the where a statue of King George V had stood till
National War Memorial (NWM). its removal in 1968.
▪ The NWM, inaugurated in February 2019, is ▪ He cited his government’s decisions, including
located at the ‘C’ Hexagon near India Gate and observing
was built in memory of the soldiers who laid ▪ Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in honour of tribal
down their lives for the country in the post- freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda,
Independence period. ▪ Constructing the Statue of Unity in honour of
▪ India Gate, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
was unveiled by Lord Irwin on February 12, ▪ Naming an island in the Andamans after
1931. Netaji, as steps in that direction.
▪ It was built to honor over 83,000 soldiers of ▪ Mr. Modi conferred the Subhas Chandra Bose
British India who died from 1914 to 1921. Aapda Prabhandhan Puraskar, or awards for
▪ The AJJ was set up to pay homage for the disaster management, for 2019, 2020, 2021 and
soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1971 2022 on individuals and institutes for their
War. work in Disaster Management.
▪ The memorial of the unknown soldier, an
PM Modi holds meeting with DMs:
inverted bayonet with a helmet structure,
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked district
along with the AJJ was inaugurated under the
magistrates to work on time-bound targets to
arch of India Gate by then Prime Minister Indira
increase ease of living for people and asserted
Gandhi on January 26, 1972 to commemorate
that the country’s goal today is to achieve 100
India’s victory in the 1971 war.
percent saturation of services and facilities.
▪ Modi also called for a direct and emotional
connection between administration and the
public to ensure ‘top to bottom’ as well as New India before 100th Year of
‘bottom to top’ Governance Flow. Independence:
▪ Modi said the teamwork of Centre, states ▪ After unveiling the hologram statue of
and local Administration was yielding good Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate,
results in aspirational districts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his
▪ The prime minister said that these districts government has a target to build a new India
have proved that due to the elimination of before the 100th year of Independence.
silos in implementation, optimum utilization ▪ PM Modi also said “Netaji used to say 'Never
of resources takes place. lose faith in the dream of independent India’.
▪ Launched by the prime minister in January There is no power in the world that can shake
2018, the Aspirational Districts Programme India".
aims to quickly and effectively transform 112 ▪ He also advised people to move ahead in their
most under-developed districts across the lives by taking inspiration from the 'Can Do,
country. Will Do' spirit of Netaji as he refused to bow
▪ The prime minister said various ministries before the British.
and departments of the government have
prepared a list of 142 districts that are not so Gandhi's 'favourite' hymn being
much lagging in development but are weak on dropped from Beating Retreat:
one or two parameters. ▪ One of Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymns
▪ This is a new challenge for all the Governments "Abide with Me" has been dropped from this
– the government of India, the state year's Beating Retreat ceremony on January
government, the district administration, and 29.
the Government Machinery. ▪ "Abide With Me", written by Scottish Anglican
▪ PM called for time-bound targets for taking poet and hymnologist Henry Francis Lyte
roads to all the villages of the districts, in 1847, has been part of the Beating Retreat
Ayushman Bharat cards, bank accounts ceremony since 1950.
to every person, Ujjwala gas connection, ▪ The Centre had in 2020 also planned to drop
insurance, pension housing for everyone. "Abide with Me" from the Beating Retreat
▪ Modi also pitched for a two-year vision for ceremony but had later retained it after a huge
every district. uproar.
▪ He suggested that every district can identify 10 ▪ For this year's ceremony, the hymn has been
tasks to be completed in the next three months replaced by the popular patriotic song 'Ae
to improve ease of living for common people. Mere Watan Ke Logon', which was written by
Kavi Pradeep to commemorate the supreme
▪ Similarly, five tasks may be associated with
sacrifice made by the Indian soldiers during
the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, he added.
the 1962 Indo-China war.
▪ The Prime Minister said the country is
witnessing a silent revolution in the form of “Statue of Equality’ gets Final Touches”
Digital India and no district should be left ▪ Work is going apace on the 216 ft tall statue
behind in this. of the 11th century reformer and Vaishnavite
▪ He pointed out the importance of digital saint, Sri Ramanuja in a sitting position, to be
infrastructure reaching every village and unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at
becoming a means of door-step delivery of the sprawling 40-acre ashram of Sri Tridandi
services and facilities. Chinna Jeer Swamy in Muchintal on the
▪ Modi also asked NITI Aayog to devise a mode outskirts of Hyderabad on February 5 2022.
of regular interaction between the district ▪ The ‘Statue of Equality’, as it is called, is being
DMs. installed to mark the 1000th birth Anniversary
of Sri Ramanuja.
▪ It was built of panchaloha, a combination of turnover of USD 400 billion (approximately

gold, silver, copper, brass and zinc, by the INR 26,00,000 crore) by 2025.
Aerospun Corporation in China and shipped ▪ The National Policy of Electronics 2019
to India. (NPE 2019) replaces the National Policy of
▪ It is the second largest in the world in sitting Electronics 2012 (NPE 2012).
position of the saint.
Revamped CGHS website and Mobile
▪ The monument will be surrounded by 108
“Divya Desams” of Sri Vaishnavite tradition App Launched:
(model temples) like Tirumala, Srirangam, ▪ Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh
Kanchi, Ahobhilam, Badrinath, Muktinath, Mandaviya on January 24 launched the
Ayodhya, Brindavan, Kumbakonam and upgraded CGHS (Central Government Health
others. Scheme) website and MyCGHS app.
▪ The idols of deities and structures were ▪ The launch of the revamped CGHS website
constructed in the shape at the existing linked with a mobile app is an important
temples. and timely step towards catering to India’s
increasing digital penetration. The website has
▪ Statue of Sri Ramanuja made of 120 kg gold,
several updated features which shall hugely
representing the years he lived, will be
aid beneficiaries.
inaugurated by President Ramnath Kovind by
performing the first puja on February 13 2022. ▪ With the newly provided feature of tele–
consultation, the CGHS beneficiaries can seek
‘India can make $300bn Electronics by expert advice directly through teleconsultation,
2026’ he said. With these improved facilities, the
▪ Ministry of Electronics and Information CGHS aims to further increase its outreach to
Technology, in association with ICEA, released beneficiaries with ease of providing various
a 5-year roadmap and Vision Document for the facilities.
electronics sector, titled “$300 bn Sustainable ▪ The website has been developed in accordance
Electronics Manufacturing & Exports by 2026.” with Guidelines for Indian Government
▪ This roadmap is the second volume of a two- Websites (GIGW) and has user friendly
part Vision Document – the first of which titled features including aid for visually impaired
“Increasing India’s Electronics Exports and persons like audio play of the text and option
Share in GVCs” was released in November to increase the font size etc.
2021. ▪ The website also has a link to beneficiary login
▪ It is lower than the target of $400 billion by 2025 for accessing online facilities such as tracking
set as per the National Policy on Electronics of medical claims, grievances, status and
(NPE) 2019. downloading of CGHS card, accessing history
About National Policy on Electronics (NPE)
of medicines, online appointment system and
various other facilities.
2019.:
▪ The Policy envisions Positioning India as a ▪ The CGHS is the nodal healthcare provider to
global hub for Electronics System Design Central government employees, pensioners
and Manufacturing - (ESDM) by encouraging and certain other categories of beneficiaries
and driving capabilities in the country for and their dependents enrolled under the
developing core components, including scheme.
chipsets, and creating an enabling
Nagaland - Assam Border Dispute:
▪ Environment for the industry to compete ▪ Nagaland and Assam share about 512 km
Globally. boundary and disputes along the border
▪ Targets: Promote domestic manufacturing between the two states are believed to have
and export in the entire value-chain of ESDM been going on from 1963 after Nagaland
for economic development to achieve a attained statehood.
About Nagaland: ▪ So far, 16 States have responded. Seven States

▪ Nagaland is a state in northeastern India. — Haryana, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh,
▪ It is bordered by the state of Arunachal Pradesh Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Arunachal
to the north, Assam to the west, Manipur to Pradesh, all governed by the Bharatiya Janata
the south and the Sagaing Region of Myanmar Party (BJP) — have given their consent to the
to the east. proposal.
▪ Its capital city is Kohima and its largest city is ▪ Five States — Odisha, Meghalaya, Jharkhand,
Dimapur. Rajasthan and West Bengal — have responded
▪ Nagaland became the 16th state of India on 1 to the DoPT, opposing the amendments.
December 1963. ▪ The Chief Ministers of three other States —
▪ After elections in January 1964, the first Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana — have
democratically elected Nagaland Legislative written to the Prime Minister to register their
Assembly was constituted on 11 February opposition.
1964. About All India Services:
▪ The All-India Services (AIS) comprises the
India’s first state to launch AVGC Center three civil services of India:
of Excellence: 9 Indian Administrative Service (IAS);
▪ The Government of Karnataka has launched 9 Indian Police Service (IPS); and
India’s first AVGC Center of Excellence
9 Indian Forest Service (IFoS).
(CoE) (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming,
and Comics) in Mahadevapura, Bengaluru, ▪ AIS officers are recruited by the Union
Karnataka. Government (by UPSC) and their services are
allotted under various State Cadres
▪ It is also the biggest centre in Asia.
▪ However, the Cadre Controlling Authority of
India’s first Para-Badminton Academy: AIS is the Union Government.
▪ India’s first para-badminton Academy has ▪ The DoPT is the cadre controlling authority of
been set up in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. IAS officers.
▪ It has all the advanced equipment and facilities. ▪ Cadre controlling authority for deputation
▪ The set-up will improve India’s medal of Indian Police Service and Indian Forest
prospects at the 2024 Paralympics to be held Service Officers (IFoS) is the Ministry of Home
in Paris, France at Stade de France stadium. Affairs (MHA) and the Environment Ministry
▪ The badminton centre has been launched respectively.
by the head national coach of the Indian ▪ As per Article 312 of the Indian Constitution,
para-badminton team, Gaurav Khanna, in the Parliament is entitled to create one or more
association with Ageas Federal Life Insurance. All India services (including an All-India
Judicial Service) common to the Union and the
Centre to remind States again of IAS States.
Cadre Rules ▪ The recruitment to all these services is made by
▪ The Department of Personnel and Training the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
(DoPT) will send another reminder to States
to respond to its proposal to amend the Decommissioned INS Khukri to be
Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, Converted into Museum
1954, with which Indian Administrative ▪ INS Khukri, the lead ship of the Indian
Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Navy’s Khukri class missile corvettes which
Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officers could was decommissioned last December, was
be deputed to the Union government and handed over to the Diu Administration to be
Ministries without necessarily taking the State converted into a museum.
government’s nod.
▪ Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Khukri airline, along with taking on a debt of `15,300
was commissioned on August 23, 1989 in crore.
Mumbai by the then Defence Minister Krishna ▪ Of the total debt and liabilities of Air India
Chandra Pant of `77,396 crore, the government will absorb
Indian IT firms outpace US competitors `62,096 crore.
in Brand Finance IT Services ranking: ▪ Tatas will get Air India’s fleet of 141 planes,
▪ Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has along with ownership of iconic brands like Air
become the second most valued brand in the India, Indian Airlines and the Maharajah.
information technology (IT) services sector ▪ As many as 13,500 permanent and contractual
globally, while Accenture retains the title of employees will also move to the Tata fold and
the world’s most valuable and strongest IT have to be retained at least for one year.
services brand, according to Brand Finance.
TVS Motor Co. buys 75% of Swiss EV
▪ Infosys has emerged as the fastest growing
firm:
IT services brand following 52 per cent brand
▪ TVS Motor Co. has acquired 75% stake in
value growth since last year and 80 per cent
Switzerland’s largest e-bike player Swiss
since 2020 to $12.8 billion, earning it third spot,
E-Mobility Group for $100 million.
the brand valuation consultancy said in its
latest Global 500 IT Services Ranking report. ▪ The acquisition has been made in an all-cash
deal through TVS Motor (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
▪ TCS and Infosys have pushed IBM to fourth
spot from second. IBM’s brand value now ▪ This is the second acquisition by TVS Motor in
stands at $10.6 billion, a decline of 34 per cent recent times after the buyout of majority stake
from last year and 50 per cent since 2020. in e-mobility firm EGO Movement — also
Swiss — in September.
▪ The US technology major’s brand value has
fallen significantly after the divestment of ▪ Asserting that the firm was planning to buy
Kyndryl. the remaining stake next year, Sudarshan
Venu, JMD, TVS Motor, said: “We see this as a
▪ Apart from TCS and Infosys, there are four
key driver of our growth in Europe and other
more Indian companies in the top 25 IT
developed markets.”
services brands - Wipro (7th), HCL (8th), Tech
Mahindra (15th) and L&T Infotech (22nd). 6% of MSMEs owned by SC
Air India Back to Tata Group: Entrepreneurs
▪ The Union Government on 27 January 2022 ▪ Maharashtra tops India’s list in the number of
transferred its shares in Air India, along with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
control and management, to the Tata Sons owned by entrepreneurs from the Scheduled
subsidiary Talace. Castes with as many as 96,805 enterprises.
Generally, the proportion of enterprises
▪ The airline has been a public sector undertaking
owned by Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs in
from 1953.
the overall national tally of MSMEs is 6%.
▪ The transaction covers Air India, Air India
▪ Tamil Nadu with 42,997 enterprises and
Express and the Government’s entire 50%
Rajasthan with 38,517 units occupy the
stake in a Ground Handling company AI
second and third slots, according to the data
SATS.
furnished by the Office of the Development
▪ Tata Group founder J.R.D Tata launched the Commissioner in the Union Ministry of
Nation's First Air carrier as Tata Airlines in MSME.
1932 which is now Air India.
▪ The fourth, fifth and sixth slots belong to
▪ When Air India merged with Indian Airlines Uttar Pradesh (36,913 units), Karnataka
in 2007-08, it started incurring losses. (28,803 enterprises) and Punjab (24,503 units)
▪ Tata Sons have paid `2700 crore in cash for the respectively.
▪ As on January 23, 2022, the number of SC of Excellence' in 12 States with technical

owned enterprises at the all-India level was assistance from the Israel Government.
4,53,972, of which micro enterprises accounted ▪ Already, the Israel Government has
for 4,50,835, small 3,004 and medium 133. established 29 Centre of Excellence (CoEs) in
▪ The Udyam system of registration, which came 12 States, which are producing more than 25
into force on July 1, 2020, is a prerequisite for million vegetable plants, over 3,87,000 quality
any MSME (regardless of the social category fruit plants and can train more than 1.2 lakh
of ownership) to avail itself of concessions farmers per year.
or benefits from the Central and State ▪ The 150 villages that are located around CoEs
governments and the last date for migration will be converted into 'Villages of Excellence.'
to Udyam has been extended up to March 31, "Out of which, 75 villages are being taken up
2022. in the first year to commemorate the 75th year
of India's independence, where India and
Philippines inks $375 mn BrahMos Israel will work together," Union Agriculture
Missile Deal: Minister Narendra Singh Tomar conveyed in a
▪ India got its first ever export order for BrahMos meeting with new Israeli Ambassador to India
Missiles when the Philippines' Defence Naor Gilon on January 27.
Ministry signed a USD 374 million contract ▪ The Ambassador of Israel, Mr. Gilon evinced
with the BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd (BAPL) interest in further collaboration with agri-
to supply undisclosed number of missiles. research body ICAR and making available the
▪ BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russia joint latest technologies available with Israel.
venture, produces the supersonic cruise
missile BrahMos that can be launched from India, Oman to hold 10th Military
submarines, ships, aircraft, or from land Cooperation Meeting:
Platforms. ▪ After a gap of three years, India and Oman
▪ The BAPL (BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd) are set to hold a meeting of the Joint Military
signed a contract with the Department of Cooperation Committee (JMMC) during the
National Defence of the Republic of Philippines visit of Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi, Secretary
on January 28, 2022, for supply of shore-based General, Ministry of Defence of Oman.
anti-ship missile system to Philippines. ▪ The JMCC is the highest forum of Engagement
between India and Oman in the field of
Swachhata Start-Up Challenge: defence that evaluates and provides guidance
▪ Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to the overall framework of defence exchanges
launched the Swachhata Start-Up Challenge to between the two sides.
encourage innovative start-ups to transform ▪ The JMCC was to hold discussions annually,
the Sanitation and waste Management Sector. but a meeting could not be organised since
▪ The challenge has been launched in partnership 2018, when the meeting of the 9th JMCC was
with Department of Promotion of Industry and held in Oman.
Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Agence Française ▪ Defence exchanges between the two
de Développement (AFD). It seeks to promote countries are guided by a framework MoU
enterprise development under Swachh Bharat (Memorandum of Understanding), which was
Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0). renewed in 2021.
India to convert 150 villages into India’s largest EV Charging Station:
'Villages of Excellence' with Technical ▪ India’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging
help from Israel: station with a capacity of 100 charging points
▪ The Centre on January 28 said it has decided to for 4 wheelers, was opened at Delhi-Jaipur
convert as many as 150 villages into 'Villages National Highway in Gurugram.
▪ Previously, India’s largest EV charging station ▪ Riddhima is a student of class 7th and she
was situated in Navi Mumbai with 16 AC & 4 has written that she wants to see an India in
DC charging ports for EVs. the 100th year of independence which is the
▪ The new EV charging station has been cleanest country in the world, completely
free of terrorism, included in the 100 percent
developed by tech-piloting company Alektrify
literate countries, zero accident country, and
Private Limited.
be capable of food security with sustainable
National Commission for Women’s Technology.
Foundation Day programme: ▪ I have also got a post card of Navya Verma of
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
▪ “Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address
30th National Commission for Women (NCW) 9 Navya has written that her dream for 2047 is
Foundation Day programme on January 31 at of an India where everyone has a dignified
life, where farmers are prosperous and
4.30 p.m. via video conferencing.
there is no corruption.
▪ The theme of the programme is ‘She the
▪ Navya, your dream for the country is very
Change Maker’, aimed at celebrating the
commendable. The country is also moving
achievements of women in different fields. rapidly in this direction. You talked about a
PM’s address in the 85th Episode of corruption free India. Corruption hollows the
country like a termite. Why wait for 2047 to
‘Mann Ki Baat’: get rid of it? All of us countrymen, today's
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the youth have to do this work together, as soon
nation on January 30 in this year's first episode as possible and for this it is very important
of 2022 of his monthly radio programme that we give priority to our duties. Where duty
'Mann Ki Baat'. is felt, Duty is paramount, corruption cannot
▪ The 85th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', which is even think of entering there.
broadcast on the last Sunday of every month, ▪ The awareness about education is visible
was aired at 11.30am on the entire network of at every level in the society. The example
All India Radio and Doordarshan and also on of Taimmal ji living in Udumalpet block
AIR News and mobile app. of Trippur district of Tamil Nadu is very
inspiring.
▪ PM said, in the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the
country is re-establishing its national symbols 9 Taimmal ji does not have any land of her
own. For years, her family is making a
through these efforts. We saw that the 'Amar
living by selling coconut water. Taimmal
Jawan Jyoti' near India Gate and the Jyoti lit
ji, who had accumulated some capital by
at the 'National War Memorial' in the vicinity, selling coconut water, donated one lakh
were merged. At the 'National War Memorial', rupees to the school in which her children
the names of all the bravehearts of the country are studying, to improve the condition
who have been martyred since Independence of the classrooms and to fix the school
have been inscribed. Infrastructure.
▪ The 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' lit at the memorial is a
Budget 2022:
symbol of the immortality of the martyrs".
▪ The Budget Session of Parliament will
▪ More than one crore children have written to commence on January 31 and is scheduled
me through their 'Mann Ki Baat' post cards. to conclude on April 8. The President will be
▪ I have shortlisted some postcards for the addressing both the Houses of Parliament
listeners of 'Mann Ki Baat' which I want to assembled together on January 31.
share with you. Like this one is the post card ▪ Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will
of Riddhima Swargiyari from Guwahati, table the Economic Survey for 2021-22 in the
Assam. Lok Sabha on Jan 31 soon after the President's
Address to both Houses of Parliament. She time, for the next financial year beginning
will present the Union Budget for the fourth April 1, 2022, on February 1.
History of Budget
Historical Status Budget Year Presented by Finance Minister
Scottish economist and politician James

India’s First Budget April 7,1860. Wilson from East India Company presented
it to the British Crown.
First Budget of Independent November 26,

R.K. Shanmugam Shetty.
India 1947
Longest Budget Speech February 1,

Nirmala Sitharaman.
(2 hrs, 42 min) 2020
Most no of words in Budget

1991 Manmohan Singh.
Speech- 18,650 words
Most no of words in Budget

2018 Arun Jaitley.
Speech-18,604 words
Least no of Words in Budget

1977 S M Patel.
Speech- (800 words)
First Paperless Budget 2021-22 Nirmala Sitharaman.
Special Name of Budget Budget Year Reason
Black Budget 1973-74 Fiscal deficit of Rs. 550 Crores.
Carrot & Stick Budget Feb. 28, 1986 It offered both rewards and punishment.
Epochal Budget 1991 Economic Liberalisation.
Slashed marginal income tax rate for

Dream Budget 1997-98 individuals &Companies, slashed customs
duty. (Chidambaram -Finance Minister)
Laid the road map for the growth of India’s

Millenium Budget 2000 Information Technology (IT) industry.
(Yashwant Sinha)
Several Proposals were withdrawn or rolled

RollBack Budget 2002-03
back. (Yashwant Sinha)
To revive Asia’s 3rd largest economy by

Once-in-a-Century Budget Feb 1, 2021-22.
investing in infrastructure & health care.
7. INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS
Population will Increase by 7.4 crore in ▪ It is headquartered at Shanghai, China.
a Year: In 2018, the NDB received observer status
▪ According to the US Census Bureau today, in the United Nations General Assembly,
on January 1, 2022, the world’s population establishing a firm basis for active and fruitful
has increased by 780 million people, which cooperation with the UN.
represents an increase of 0.9 percent.
▪ With this, the US Census Bureau has estimated UK Ex-PM Tony Blair Becomes Sir Tony:
that, this year, 4.3 children will be born ▪ Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
worldwide every second, while 2 people will has been awarded a knighthood by Queen
die every one second. Elizabeth II and becomes to be called as 'Sir'
▪ The Census Bureau estimates that, in the from January 1 2022.
last one year, the population of America has
▪ Blair has been appointed as the member of
increased by 7 lakh 70 thousand and on New
Year’s Day 2022, the population of America the "Order of the Garter", England's oldest
has increased to 33.24 million. and most senior honour which is made as a
▪ The Census Bureau estimates that there has Personal choice of the Monarch.
been a 0.2 percent increase in the population ▪ The Ceremonial Order, founded in 1348, is
between this year’s New Year’s compared to recognition of significant Public Service, and
Last year’s New Year’s. is made prime ministerial advice as with other
BRICS New Development Bank: New Year honours.
▪ The BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) World Powers vow to Stop Spread of
announced that it will add Egypt as its new
member. NDB was established by BRICS
Nuclear Weapons:
nations, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, ▪ Five Global Nuclear Powers pledged to
and South Africa, in the year 2015. prevent atomic weapons spreading and to
▪ Egypt is the fourth new member admitted avoid nuclear conflict, in a rare joint statement
into NDB, after Bangladesh, the United Arab ahead of a review of a key nuclear treaty later
Emirates (UAE) and Uruguay. Marcos Troyjo this year. “We believe strongly that the further
is the President of the NDB. spread of such weapons must be prevented,”
About New Development Bank: said permanent UN Security Council members
▪ It is a multilateral development bank jointly China, France, Russia, the U.K. and U.S.
founded by the BRICS countries at the 6th
▪ The statement was issued after the latest
BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil in 2014.
review of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation
▪ It was formed to support infrastructure and
sustainable development efforts in BRICS and of Nuclear weapons (NPT) — which first came
other underserved, emerging economies for into force in 1970 — was postponed from its
faster development through innovation and scheduled date of January 4 to later in the year
cutting-edge technology. due to the COVID19 pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS | 103
‘India, Israel in Talks for free Trade About TRIPS:

Agreement’ ▪ TRIPs came into effect in January 1995.
▪ India is in dialogue with Israel for concluding ▪ It frames the IP system in terms of Innovation,
a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Commerce technology transfer and public welfare.
and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said. ▪ The TRIPS Council is responsible for
▪ The announcement coincides with the administering and monitoring the operation
30th Anniversary of the establishment of of the TRIPS Agreement.
Diplomatic ties between the two countries.
▪ TRIPS was negotiated during the Uruguay
▪ Both sides are currently in talks to mark the Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs
Occasion with high-level visits and new and Trade (GATT) in 1986–1994.
Agreements.
▪ The TRIPS Agreement is also described as a
▪ Mr. Goyal also informed that bilateral free
“Berne and Paris-plus” Agreement.
trade agreements are being negotiated with the
United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, World’s longest Metro line Opened in
Australia and Canada. Shanghai:
▪ He said the agreement with the UAE was ‘close ▪ On December 31, 2021, World’s longest
to finalization’ while the FTA with Australia Metro Line was opened in China’s Shanghai
was at a ‘very advanced stage.’ Province.
▪ The FTAs would cover a wide range of
▪ With this, the total length of metro network in
sectors such as agricultural Products and
Shanghai has extended to 831 km.
Pharmaceuticals.
▪ Shanghai continues to be the longest network
India wants WTO meet on COVID Across the world.
Package:
NATO to hold Foreign Ministers Meeting
▪ India has sought an emergency meeting
of the General Council of the World Trade over Ukraine:
Organization (WTO) this month in Geneva ▪ NATO announced that the alliance will hold
to deliberate upon the world trade body’s a virtual meeting of foreign ministers from
proposed response package, including patent the 30 member nations on 7th January 2022 to
waiver proposal, to deal with the pandemic assess the situation in Ukraine and upcoming
Amid rising coronavirus infections globally. talks with Russia to ease the tension between
▪ The General Council is WTO’s highest the Cold War foes.
Decision-making body in Geneva. ▪ The meeting will be chaired by the NATO
▪ Expressing disappointment over no progress Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg.
on TRIPs (Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual About North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s
Property Rights) waiver proposal to deal with
(NATO):
the pandemic, India has called for including
▪ Formation:
this proposal into WTO’s Proposed response
package. 9 NATO was established by the North
Atlantic Treaty (also called the Washington
▪ In October 2020, India and South Africa
submitted the first proposal, suggesting Treaty) of 4th April, 1949, by the United
a waiver for all WTO members on the States, Canada, and several Western
implementation of certain provisions of the European nations to provide collective
TRIPs agreement in relation to the prevention, security against the Soviet Union.
containment or treatment of COVID19. ▪ Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
▪ Political and Military Alliance: ▪ Each Member State holds the presidency of the
9 NATO's primary goals are the collective Council of the European Union for six months
defence of its members and the maintenance on a Rotational Basis.
of a democratic peace in the North Atlantic
India Hails Statement by 5 world
Area.
Powers to Stop Nuclear Weapons:
9 The collective defence principle enshrined
▪ India welcomed a joint pledge by the US, the
in NATO’s Article V states that “an attack
UK, China, Russia and France to prevent the
against one ally is considered as an attack
spread of atomic weapons and reaffirmed its
against all allies”.
nuclear doctrine of maintaining a credible
▪ NATO’s Forces: Minimum deterrence based on a 'no first use'
9 NATO has a military and civilian Policy and Commitment to Universal nuclear
headquarters and an integrated military Disarmament.
command structure but very few forces or
assets are exclusively its own. India, U.K. kick off talks for Free Trade
9 Most forces remain under full national Agreement:
command and control until member ▪ India stands to gain from this Multidimensional
countries agree to undertake NATO- Economic Partnership with exports growth
Related Tasks. in leather, textiles, Jewellery, processed agri
▪ NATO's Decisions: products.
9 A “NATO decision” is the expression of the ▪ The bilateral trade of $50 billion is expected to
collective will of all 30 member countries double to $100 billion in 10 years.
since all decisions are taken by consensus. ▪ A joint statement quoted both sides as
saying they would consider the option of an
Second Successful test Flight of a ‘Interim Agreement’ while negotiations for a
Hypersonic Missile: comprehensive pact continue.
▪ North Korea claimed to have conducted the
Second successful test flight of a hypersonic Best Time to Invest in India: PM Modi
Missile, days after leader Kim Jong Un vowed ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the
to bolster his military forces despite Pandemic- World Economic Forum’s Davos Agenda.
related difficulties. ▪ During his speech, he talked about some of
▪ The launch is the North’s first known Weapons the pressing issues like Covid, climate change,
test in about two months, indicates the country cryptocurrency, reforms and initiatives taken
will press ahead with plans to modernize its by his government for ease of doing business.
nuclear and missile arsenals rather than return ▪ He also said India is promoting 'Ease of Doing
to disarmament talks Anytime soon. Business' by reducing our corporate tax rate
making it most competitive. This is the best
The Council of European Union: time to invest in India.
▪ On 1 January 2022, France, for the first time ▪ India's focus is not only on easing the processes,
in 14 years, will take over the presidency of but also on incentivizing investment and
the Council of the European Union (EU) from production.
Slovenia.
▪ India is making policies, taking decisions
▪ France will hold the presidency of the Council regarding the present as well as the goals of
of the EU for six months from 1 January to 30 the next 25 years. In this period, India has
June 2022. set the Goals of high growth, a saturation of
▪ The presidency of the council is responsible welfare, and wellness.
for conducting meetings, determining the ▪ This period of growth will also be green, it will
Agenda, and facilitating dialogues with other also be clean, it will also be sustainable, it will
EU institutions. also be reliable.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS | 105
Rising sea levels prompt Indonesia to About European Union’s Parliament:

Relocate Capital: ▪ Headquarters: Strasbourg, France;
▪ Indonesia’s parliament passed a law approving ▪ Founded: 10 September 1952, Europe.
the relocation of its capital from slowly sinking
Swiss Gold Exports:
Jakarta to a site 2,000 kilometers away on the
▪ Switzerland is the world’s largest gold refining
jungle-clad Borneo Island that will be named
centre and transit hub. Its trade data showed
“Nusantara”.
a 2020 plunge in exports to Asia, where most
▪ The new capital will cover about 56,180 gold is sold as jewellery, and huge shipments
hectares in East Kalimantan province on the to the U.S. and Britain, where investors cluster.
Indonesian part of Borneo.
▪ In 2021, exports to India surged to 507 tonnes,
Global list for On-time Performance up from 148 tonnes in 2020 and the most since
Airports for 2021: 2015.
▪ Chennai International Airport has been 20th Dhaka International Film Festival:
ranked eight for on-time performance among ▪ P.S Vinothraj directed film Koozhangal from
large international airports globally for 2021 India won the best film award in the Asian
by Cirium — an organization that provides Film Competition section at the 20th Dhaka
aviation data to the travel, finance, aerospace International Film Festival.
and Aviation Industries.
▪ Information and Broadcasting Minister of
▪ It is the only Indian airport ranked in the top Bangladesh Hasan Mahmud gave away the
10. awards as Chief Guest during the concluding
▪ The top three are Miami Airport in the United session organized at the National Museum
States, Fukuoka Airport and Haneda Airport auditorium in Dhaka.
from Japan 2nd & 3rd respectively.
West African bloc Suspends Burkina
▪ The on-time departures to 70 routes globally
Faso after Military Coup:
analysed by Cirium is 89.32 per cent for
Chennai. Current Chennai Airport Director is ▪ West Africa's main regional bloc (ECOWAS)
Dr Sharad Kumar. on January 28 suspended Burkina Faso from
its Governing bodies over this week's military
First Black Woman to appear on US coup but stopped short of imposing any
Coin: sanctions.
▪ The US Treasury has minted coins featuring About Economic Community of West African
poet Maya Angelou – the first black woman States (ECOWAS):
ever featured on the US 25-cent coin known as ▪ Established on May 28 1975 via the treaty of
a Quarter. Lagos.
▪ Angelou, a poet and activist, was the first ▪ ECOWAS (also known as CEDEAO in French)
black woman to write and perform a poem at is a 15-member regional group with a mandate
a Presidential Inauguration. of promoting economic integration in all fields
of activity of the constituting countries.
Roberta Metsola takes over EU ▪ Member countries making up ECOWAS are
Parliament Presidency: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’
▪ Roberta Metsola, a Christian Democrat from Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea
Malta, was elected president of the European Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra
Union’s parliament. Leone, Senegal and Togo.
▪ She is the European Parliament’s youngest ▪ Mali was suspended in 2020 and Guinea in
president. 2021 from the bloc.
Brand Finance Global 500-2022 Report: ▪ The Indian conglomerate Tata Group has
▪ Apple holds on to world’s most valuable emerged as the most valuable brand from
brand title with record valuation at more India and also in South Asia. It is the only
than US$355 billion (the highest brand value brand from the country in the top 100.
ever recorded in the Brand Finance Global 500
▪ The Global Rank of Tata Group 78.
ranking history), followed by Amazon and
Google. ▪ Brands in the top 10:
▪ New entrant TikTok (18th) named world’s 9 Apple , Amazon, Google, Microsoft,
Fastest-growing brand, up 215%, leading 9 Walmart, Samsung, Facebook,
Global revolution in media consumption.
9 Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
▪ US and China continue to dominate claiming
2/3 of brand value in ranking, while UK sees 9 Huawei, Verizon.
fastest growth out of top 10 countries, up 47%,
Gehri dosti, says Israel PM about ties
following Shell’s HQ move.
▪ Microsoft’s Satya Nadella comes out top in
with India:
Brand Finance Brand Guardianship Index ▪ Israel and India have a “gehri dosti” (deep
2022 of World’s top 250 CEOs. friendship), Israeli Prime Minister Naftali
▪ Development of COVID-19 vaccines sees Bennett has said and thanked his Indian
pharma named fastest-growing industry, counterpart, Narendra Modi, for his “deep
while tourism sector remains below pre- commitment” to the “strong and robust
pandemic valuation. friendship”.
▪ WeChat named world’s strongest brand for ▪ The two nations celebrated 30 years of
second consecutive year with top score of 93.3
Establishment of Diplomatic relations.
out of 100 and elite AAA+ rating.
▪ Tech remained the most valuable industry ▪ Though India had recognised Israel on
in the list in terms of sector followed by September 17, 1950, full-fledged diplomatic
Retail, Banking, Media and Telecoms in top 5 relations between the countries were
respectively. established on January 29, 1992.
8. TAMILNADU
AFFAIRS
CM opens Medical Centres at 7 Temples: ▪ For participation, Chennai residents are
▪ Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin Requested to register in the Strava app.
Virtually inaugurated Medical Centres at ▪ When participants record their activity on
seven temples on behalf of the Hindu Religious Strava app, it will automatically be tracked as
and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) part of the challenge.
Department for the benefit of Devotees.
Governor Inaugurates Mega Isai Vizha:
▪ The temples are Subramaniyaswamy Temple
▪ Governor R.N. Ravi inaugurated the Mega Isai
in Tiruchendur, Arunachaleswarar Temple
Vizha (Season-5) organised by Tamil Cultural
in Tiruvannamalai, Angala Parameswari
Academy at Narada Gana Sabha in Chennai
Temple in Melmalayanur, Lakshmi
on January 1, 2022.
Narasimhaswamy Temple in Sholinghur,
Subramaniyaswamy Temple in Maruthamalai, ▪ Governor R.N. Ravi presented the "Isai
Subramaniyaswamy Temple at Tiruttani and Chemmal" award to vocalist Aruna Sairam.
Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple at Palani. 22nd Anniversary of Thiruvalluvar Statue
▪ In these medical centres, besides basic in Kanniyakumari:
amenities, first aid and basic treatment would ▪ The Thiruvalluvar Statue, or the Valluvar
be provided with oxygen cylinders, beds and Statue, is a 41-metre-tall (133 ft) stone sculpture
Lifesaving Medicines. of the Tamil poet and philosopher Valluvar,
‘Singara Chennai 2.0 Veedhi Vizha’: author of the Tirukkural, an ancient Tamil
work on Dharma and morality.
▪ The Greater Chennai Corporation launched
Singara Chennai 2.0 Veedhi Vizha, a cycling ▪ It is located atop a small island near the town
and walking initiative for residents. of Kanyakumari on the southernmost point
of the Indian peninsula on the Coromandel
▪ The festival will continue till January 26.
Coast, where two seas (the Bay of Bengal and
▪ As part of the festival, the Corporation has the Arabian Sea) and an ocean (the Indian
invited residents to take up the walking and Ocean) meet.
Cycling challenge this year.
▪ The statue was sculpted by the Indian Sculptor
▪ Nalamigu Chennai is one of the main themes V. Ganapati Sthapati, who also created the
of the Singara Chennai vision. Iraivan Temple, and was unveiled on the
▪ To celebrate 75 years of Independence, the millennium day of 1 January 2000 by the then
Government has already encouraged line Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
agencies to organise various events that would ▪ It is currently the 25th tallest statue in India.
also motivate people towards a Healthy
Lifestyle. Tamil Nadu’s borrowings 17% lower so
▪ The initiative is also part of the walking far, this Financial Year:
and cycling challenge among 75 cities in ▪ Tamil Nadu’s market borrowings in the First
the country. The number of registrations in Nine Months of the 2021-22 financial year
Chennai has crossed 1,000 because of the have been about 17% lower than last year,
participation of cycling clubs. amid improving revenue.
▪ The State has borrowed `52,000 Crores in Tiruvannamalai Creates 1,121 Farm
April-December 2021, compared with `63,000 Ponds in a Month:
crores in the same period during the Previous ▪ Tapping the workforce, mostly women
Financial Year. laborer’s, under the Mahatma Gandhi National
▪ The borrowings have been done through the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
auction of State Government Securities or (MGNREGS), the district administration in
State Development Loans. Tiruvannamalai has created 1,121 farm ponds
▪ Tamil Nadu’s revenue has rebounded after the in a month’s time as part of its efforts on water
conservation.
Second wave of COVID19.
About MGNREGA Scheme:
▪ Its total revenue receipts increased about 22%
▪ MGNREGA is one of the largest work
to `1,18,992.48 crore in April-November 2021,
Guarantee programmes in the world.
from `97,635.78 crore in the same Period Last
Year. ▪ Objective:
9 The primary objective of the scheme is
▪ The total revenue receipts include tax
to guarantee 100 days of employment in
Revenue, non-tax revenue, grants-in-aid and
every financial year to adult members of
contributions.
any Rural household willing to do public
▪ Tax revenue comes from the State’s own work-related unskilled manual work.
direct sources like the State GST, stamps
▪ Legal Right to Work:
and registration fees, land revenue, tax on
petroleum products and revenue from liquor 9 Unlike earlier employment guarantee
schemes, the act aims at addressing the
sales and the State’s share in the Central and
causes of chronic poverty through a rights-
other taxes and duties.
based framework.
▪ The revenue receipts got a boost with the
9 At least one-third of beneficiaries have to
Union Government devolving `3,878.38 crore
be women.
to the State in November last.
9 Wages must be paid according to the
▪ The State also got `8,095 crores in back-to- statutory minimum wages specified for
back GST compensation loan from the Union agricultural laborers in the state under the
Government for 2021-22. Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
▪ Tamil Nadu’s revenue expenditure stood at ▪ Demand-Driven Scheme:
`1,26,862.35 crore in April-November 2021. 9 The most important part of MGNREGA’s
▪ As a result, the revenue deficit (which implies design is its legally-backed guarantee
revenue expenditure which is higher than for any rural adult to get work within 15
revenue receipts) stood at about ` 7,869.87 days of demanding it, failing which an
crore as in November 2021, lower than ‘unemployment allowance’ must be given.
`10,126.14 crore posted in October 2021. 9 This demand-driven scheme enables the
About SDL: self-selection of workers.
▪ State Development Loans (SDLs) are sovereign ▪ Decentralised Planning:
securities issued by various State Governments 9 There is an emphasis on strengthening
to raise funds from the market. the process of decentralization by
▪ In India, the Central Government issues both giving a significant role in Panchayati
treasury bills and bonds or dated securities Raj Institutions (PRIs) in planning and
while the State Governments issue only bonds implementing these works.
or dated securities, which are called the State 9 The act mandates Gram sabhas to
Development Loans (SDLs). G-Secs carry recommend the works that are to be
practically no risk of default and, hence, are undertaken and at least 50% of the works
called risk-free gilt-edged instruments. must be executed by them.
TAMILNADU AFFAIRS | 109
Survey to ascertain how many Sri Prime Minister of India, on 30 October 1964.
Lankan Tamils want Indian Citizenship: Officially, it was known as Agreement on
▪ A panel constituted by the Tamil Nadu Persons of Indian Origin in Ceylon.
Government, tasked to find durable solutions ▪ It was a significant agreement in determining
for short and long-term issues facing the Sri the status and future of people of Indian origin
Lankan Tamils living in and out of camps in Ceylon.
across the State, has decided to undertake a About Sirima- Gandhi Pact:
survey to ascertain how many among them
▪ The Sirima–Gandhi Pact or Srimavo-Gandhi
want Indian citizenship.
Pact was an agreement that was signed
▪ The Advisory Committee, which was between Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the Prime
constituted by the State Government following
Minister of Sri Lanka, and Indira Gandhi, the
the announcement made by Chief Minister
Prime Minister of India, on 28 June 1974.
M.K. Stalin in the Assembly last Year.
▪ It was a follow-up agreement of Sirima-Shastri
▪ After a survey, the State Government would
then request the Union Home Ministry to Pact that left 150,000 people of Indian origin
consider the case of Sri Lankan Tamils and in Sri Lanka to future account. Sirima-Shastri
make necessary provisions in the Citizenship Pact agreed to grant Ceylonese citizenship to
(Amendment) Act, 2019, to facilitate Indian 300,000 Indian population in Sri Lanka and
Citizenship for them. 525,000 people Repatriation to India.
▪ About 50% of the camp population wanted ▪ The pact is considered one of the good
Indian citizenship on the grounds of their relationship factors between India and Sri
Indian origin and citizenship by birth for their Lanka since it contributed to solve the issues
children. of stateless Indian origin people in Sri Lanka.
▪ MP Kalanidhi Veerasamy insisted on
CM meets expert panel on Flood
removing the ‘illegal migrants’ tag from Sri
Lankan Tamils, which he contended was the prevention in Chennai
main obstacle to their legal demand for Indian ▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin chaired a meeting
citizenship. of the Chennai Flood Disaster Mitigation and
▪ Tamils from Sri Lanka could be categorized Management Committee.
under multiple categories — those who arrived ▪ Committee Head: V. Thiruppugazh
after the signing of the SirimavoShastri Pact ▪ In October last year, the State government
and SirimavoGandhi Pact, those who came constituted the committee, which noted that
after the holocaust, those who arrived during
Chennai was prone to natural disasters and
the war between the Sri Lankan Government
Cyclones.
and rebel forces, and children of these persons,
who were born in Tamil Nadu, among others. ▪ Chennai’s terrain was flat with most of the
area at an average elevation of two metres
▪ As of July 1 2021, a total of 58,668 persons from
18,937 families living inside camps and 34,123 above the Mean Sea Level and some of them
persons from 13,553 families of Sri Lankan were even below the sea level, according to a
origin were living outside the camps across Government Order.
Tamil Nadu.
‘Humayun Mahal restoration to be
About Sirima – Shastri Pact:
completed by August’
▪ The Sirima–Shastri Pact or Srimavo-Shastri
Pact (also known as the Indo-Ceylon ▪ The project to restore the historic Humayun
Agreement and Bandaranaike-Shastri Pact) Mahal in Chepauk Palace complex is expected
was an agreement that was signed between to be completed by August.
Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the Prime Minister ▪ Nearly 85% of the work to restore the fire-hit
of Sri Lanka, and Lal Bahadur Shastri, the heritage structure has been completed.
▪ Public Works Minister E.V. Velu inspected the ▪ In the consumption of Petrol, Tamil Nadu
`41.12 crore work being taken up at Humayun Ranks third in India. To reduce the usage
Mahal on Wallajah Road. of Petrol, mixing of 20 % ethanol is being
▪ The 250-year-old Humayun Mahal was built promoted.
in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture between ▪ Apart from sugarcane, the Central Government
1868 and 1871. has allowed production of ethanol from
▪ It functioned as Revenue department’s produces such as maize, rice etc.
headquarters during the British era and About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna
then had various State government offices, Yojana (PMGKAY):
including Horticulture and Revenue, ▪ Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
Functioning in the building. (Prime Minister's Food Security Scheme for
the Poor) is a food security welfare scheme
T.N. Assembly Session:
announced by the Government of India in 26
▪ The first session of the Tamil Nadu Legislative
March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic
Assembly for the year is set to commence
in India.
with the customary Governor’s address to the
House in Kalaivanar Arangam on Wallajah ▪ The program is operated by the Department
Salai in Chennai on January 5. of Food and Public Distribution under the
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and
▪ Assembly Speaker M. Appavu called on
Public Distribution.
Governor R.N. Ravi at the Raj Bhavan and
extended the traditional invitation to him to ▪ The scheme aims to feed the poorest citizens
deliver the inaugural address. of India by providing grain through the
Public Distribution System, to all the priority
Food Secretary held Review households (ration card holders and those
Meeting in UDHAGAMANDALAM: identified by the Antyodaya Anna Yojana
▪ Shri. Sudhanshu Pandey IAS, Secretary scheme).
(Department of Food Public Distribution), ▪ PMGKAY provides 5 kg of rice or wheat
Govt. of India, held a review meeting for Tamil (according to regional dietary preferences) per
Nadu at Udhagamandalam regarding the person and 1 kg of dal to each family holding
implementation of the Central Government a ration card.
Schemes with State Government. ▪ The scale of this welfare scheme makes it the
▪ He has told the district administration to largest food security program in the world.
interact with owners of tea estates in the
About National Food Security Act (NFSA),
Nilgiris and help migrant workers enroll in the
2013:
‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ Programme.
▪ Notified on: 10th September, 2013.
The migrants should be encouraged to register
on ‘Mera Ration’ app. ▪ Objective:
▪ While reviewing the PMGKAY scheme, it 9 To provide for food and nutritional security
was observed that State needs to gear up its in the human life cycle approach, by
distribution of the entire allocation of the ensuring access to adequate quantities of
Foodgrains made by Government of India. quality food at affordable prices to people
to live a life with dignity.
▪ State Government was also advised to get the
verification of the National Food Security Act ▪ Coverage:
(NFSA) card holders done to data cleaning, de- 9 75% of the rural population and upto
duplication so that all the eligible and Genuine 50% of the urban population for receiving
people are extended the benefit of Food grains subsidized foodgrains under Targeted
at the subsidized rate. Public Distribution System (TPDS).
9 Overall, NFSA caters to 67% of the total under the purview of the Hindu Religious
population. and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE)
▪ Eligibility: Department.
9 Priority Households to be covered under ▪ A total of 52,803 persons, including around
TPDS, according to guidelines by the State 7000 women, who work as priests, temple staff
Government. and Odhuvars would receive the clothes.
9 Households covered under existing ▪ The male priests would get two sets each of
Antyodaya Anna Yojana. dhoti-angavasthram with mayil kann and the
▪ Provisions: women will receive maroon-coloured saris
with yellow borders.
9 5 Kgs of food grains per person per month
at Rs. 3/2/1 per Kg for rice/wheat/coarse Electorate in Tamil Nadu Crosses 6.36
Grains. Crore:
9 The existing AAY household will continue ▪ As per the final electoral rolls published, the
to receive 35 Kgs of food grains per total electorate in the State stands at 6,36,25,813,
household Per month. which includes 3,23,91,250 women, 3,12,26,759
9 Meal and maternity benefit of not less than men and 7,804 persons from the third gender,
Rs. 6,000 to pregnant women and lactating the Chief Electoral Officer said.
mothers during pregnancy and six months ▪ Shozhinganallur Assembly constituency in
after the child birth. Chengalpattu district continues to have the
9 Meals for children up to 14 years of age. highest number of electors – 7,11,755, including
9 Food security allowance to beneficiaries in 3,55,394 women and 122 members of the third
case of non-supply of entitled food grains gender, followed by Kavundampalayam in
or Meals. Coimbatore district with 4,76,467 electors. It
9 Setting up of grievance redressal includes 2,39,021 women, 2,37,305 men and
mechanisms at the district and state level. 141 from the third Gender.
▪ Kilvelur constituency in Nagapattinam
Startup to Upskill Disadvantaged Youth: district has the lowest number of voters –
▪ GUVI, an online technical learning platform, 1,78,517, including 91,613 women, 86,893 Men
will offer upskilling courses for free to over and 11 from the third gender.
one million disadvantaged youngsters in the ▪ Chennai District has 40.8 Lakh Voters:
Country. 9 Chennai district has 40,80,578 voters,
▪ The beneficiaries will receive courses on according to the final electoral rolls
Python programming and advanced AI in released after the completion of the Special
English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu among Summary Revision 2022.
Other Languages. 9 According to a release from the Greater
▪ Union Higher Education Minister Dharmendra Chennai Corporation, there are 26,540 more
Pradhan lauded GUVI for contributing to voters in the district now than compared to
the efforts of All India Council for Technical the number of voters in draft electoral rolls
Education (AICTE) in upskilling Economically that was released on November 1, 2021.
Disadvantaged Youth. 9 Among the voters, 20,04,860 were men,
Stalin Distributes Uniforms to staff, 20,74,616 women and 1,102 persons who
Identified themselves as others.
Priests of Temples:
▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the 9 There were 69,756 more women than
Scheme to provide uniforms and dhoti- men. Of the 16 Assembly constituencies
angavasthram to Archakas, Bhattacharyas, in Chennai, Velachery has the highest
Odhuvars and Poosaris and staff of temples Number of 3,17,349 voters and Harbour
has the lowest number of 1,78,665 voters.
9 Harbour is the only constituency in Agro-Industrial Corridor project to

Chennai where men voters (92,978), out- Commence Next Year:
number women (85,626). ▪ Governor R.N. Ravi said the agro-industrial
corridor project would commence next year.
Customary Address of Governor R.N.
▪ The project would address the industrial
Ravi to the Tamil Nadu
infrastructure deficit in Cauvery delta districts
Legislative Assembly: by promoting agro based industries.
▪ The State Government urged the Centre ▪ The medical devices industry has been
to release funds totaling about `6230 crore identified as a sunrise sector and in order
from the National Disaster Response Fund to develop a comprehensive ecosystem for
Immediately to ameliorate the effects of this industry, a Medical Devices Park is
Damage caused by the recent heavy rain and being established over 150 acres. The State
Flooding. will also be setting up the Nation’s First
▪ In order to carry out mining in an Ecologically Largescale Furniture Park over 1100 acres in
sustainable manner and mobilize revenue Thoothukudi.
for the government, a ‘Natural Resources ▪ These two parks would generate Employment
Management Plan’ would be formulated. for around three lakh persons.
▪ A detailed action plan titled ‘Towards One ▪ The government has declared January 12 as
Trillion Dollar Economy’ would be prepared ‘World Tamil Diaspora Day’, which will be
to ensure that the State Government’s vision marked by Special Events Every Year.
of ‘One Trillion Dollar Economy’ by 2030 is
T.N. may Clip Governor’s Powers to
realized.
Appoint VCs
▪ The State Government also urged the GST ▪ After Maharashtra and West Bengal sought to
Council and the Union Finance Ministry to vest the Government with more powers in the
continue the GST compensation at least till June appointment of Vice-chancellors to the State
30, 2024, contending that the State’s Revenues universities, the Tamil Nadu Government is
were yet to recover from the pandemic. exploring options to empower itself to make
▪ Since the introduction of GST, the State was the Appointment instead of the Governor.
not able to realise the high growth of tax ▪ At present, Vice-chancellors are appointed by
collections that it had witnessed during the the Governor, in his capacity as the Chancellor
VAT regime. of the State universities, from a shortlist of
▪ The GST compensation will be ceased to exist three names submitted by a search committee.
on June 30, 2022 as of now. About:
▪ Proceeding’s Webcast: ▪ Article 154 of the Constitution of India vests
the executive power of the state in Governor.
9 Besides the regular live telecast of the
Governor's Address in the House by ▪ One of the executive powers of the Governor is
DD Podhigai, a YouTube channel of the that he acts as the chancellor of universities in
Directorate of Information and Public the state. He also appoints the Vice Chancellors
of universities in the state.
Relations web streamed the proceedings.
9 For the first time, the videos of Question Bills to Create New Local bodies
Hour, scheduled on January 6 and 7, and introduced in Assembly
the Chief Minister's reply to the debate ▪ Municipal Administration Minister K.N.
on the motion of thanks to the Governor's Nehru introduced the bills for creation of
address to the House, scheduled on the last Municipal Corporations for Cuddalore,
day of the sitting, will be made available Kancheepuram, Sivakasi, Karur, Tambaram
through DD Podhigai. and Kumbakonam.
▪ He said considering the rapid pace of to identify the encroachments.

urbanization in the State, it was imperative to ▪ Realtime monitoring of forest fires and wildlife
Reorganize the urban local bodies. depradation would also be carried out.
▪ As per the 2011 Census, 48.5% of people in the ▪ The aim was to create a centralized repository
State lived in urban areas. of spatial database.
▪ “Over 53% of the people in the State live in ▪ Geotagging of all forestry development
Urban areas now” he added. activities and forests, monitoring of plantation
▪ The total number of municipalities in activities, climate impact assessment, wildlife
Tamilnadu is increased from 15 to 21. Corridor monitoring, human wildlife conflict
Reporting could be done.
TNPSC to Recruit for State PSUs:
▪ The digitization would also be useful for
▪ The Assembly passed a Bill to entrust the Delineation of wildlife corridors, Eco sensitive
Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission zones, wetlands and zones of influence.
(TNPSC) with the additional function of
recruiting candidates for certain posts in the Temple Advisory Committee:
State public sector undertakings, Corporations ▪ The Tamil Nadu Government constituted a
and Statutory boards. state level advisory committee for all major
Hindu temples under the purview of the
Supplementary Budget Estimates
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments
Presented (HR&CE) Department.
▪ Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga
▪ A Government order said Chief Minister M.K.
Rajan presented the first supplementary
Stalin will be the committee’s chairman and
Estimates Amounting to `3,719.65 crore for HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekarbabu will be its
2021-22 in the Assembly. vice chairman.
▪ They represent 1% of the total spend of the ▪ The HR&CE Secretary will be a member,
state. and the HR&CE Commissioner the member
Term of Cooperative Societies cut to 3 Secretary.
Years: ▪ The committee will oversee the maintenance
▪ The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed the Bill to of major temples with an annual income of
further amend the Tamil Nadu Cooperative over `10 lakhs.
Societies Act, 1983 to reduce the term of the ▪ The Members will hold office for Three Years.
office of the board of directors of cooperative
societies from Five Years to Three Years.
Participation of Visually Impaired in
Co-operative Union Elections:
Forest Department to Digitize ▪ A bill was passed in the Assembly stating that
Various Activities: the visually impaired people are eligible to
▪ As part of the Tamil Nadu Digital Forests contest in the Co-operative Union elections.
initiative, the Forest Department has decided ▪ Anyone who is illiterate in Tamil or English
to digitize various activities. or any other language declared by the
▪ A sum of `33.10 crore has been sanctioned Government under the Tamil Nadu Co-
for the next two years to take up a digital operative Societies Act is eligible to be elected
GPS survey of forest blocks to prepare the or appointed as a member of the Board of
necessary geo-database with details of the Directors of any registered Co-operative
boundaries. Also strengthening of information Society.
technology infrastructure and end-to-end ▪ Under this rule, in the election held in 2013
computerization of the Department will be for the Co-operative Societies, the applications
taken up simultaneously. filed by the visually impaired Candidates at
▪ The digitization of forest boundaries will help the time were rejected by Election Officials.
▪ Therefore, legislation has been enacted to regulated markets. The scheme aims to protect
ensure that visually impaired and physically the soil and environment and increase farmers’
handicapped persons are eligible to be elected income.
and appointed as members of any of the
registered co-operative Societies. New App among Bunch of Goodies for
TN Farmers:
ASI’s Decision to set up Tamil EpiGraph ▪ Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a raft of
Office Welcomed: schemes for farmers including e-vaadagai, a
▪ CPM state secretary K Balakrishnan welcomed mobile app to rent farm equipment, scheme
the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to provide agricultural inputs to cultivate
decision to change the ASI’s Southern Region pulses on rice fallow areas, and sustainable
Deputy Superintendent office into Tamil cotton cultivation mission to increase cotton
Epigraph Deputy Superintendent office as it Production.
would help the scholars and researchers to ▪ Through the Uzhavan mobile app, farmers
access Unpublished inscriptions. can also learn about the State Agricultural
▪ He urged the union government to bring all Engineering Department’s latest initiatives
the Tamil inscriptions and related documents and schemes, and get their doubts cleared.
kept at Mysore Central Archaeological They can also use the app to get details of rent
Department office to the Chennai office and of equipment and conditions for using them.
to make all necessary arrangements including ▪ Stalin also launched a scheme to provide
appointment of adequate staff for the Chennai 2,118 pieces of agricultural machinery for a
office to preserve and maintain the inscriptions. total subsidy of Rs 50.73 crore, and presented
▪ Tamil inscriptions, manuscripts and Machinery to five farmers at the secretariat.
archaeological symbols were all Unmaintained ▪ The equipment is being given to women SC/
and unprinted and preserved by the Mysore ST farmers at 50 per cent subsidy and other
Central Archaeological Office, making them farmers at 40 per cent subsidy. This scheme
unusable by Tamil researchers and Activists. will be implemented in all districts except
▪ It is to note that Madras HC had already Chennai.
Passed an appropriate order to preserve the ▪ The CM also inaugurated new buildings for
Tamil Inscriptions. the Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing
Board in Kanniyakumari, Dharmapuri,
Scheme to Promote Lentil Cultivation:
Dindigul, Theni, Krishnagiri, Tenkasi,
▪ Tamil Nadu Government has initiated a Perambalur, and Thiruvarur districts.
Scheme to promote lentil cultivation (black
▪ Under the Sustainable Cotton Cultivation
Gram / green lentils).
Mission, long-staple cotton variety, which is
▪ A scheme to provide agricultural inputs to in high demand, will be cultivated on 25,000
encourage farmers to cultivate pulses on Hectares using integrated methods.
rice fallow areas after harvesting samba and
▪ At the secretariat, five farmers received inputs
thaladi crops was launched.
for cotton cultivation from the chief Minister.
▪ Cultivation of pulses on such land areas Farmers who produce seeds of long-staple
is planned on 11 lakh acres this year. Five cotton varieties will get an incentive of Rs 60
farmers from Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur per kg.
districts received agricultural inputs from the
▪ Subsidised Machinery:
CM at the secretariat.
9 A new scheme will provide 2,118 pieces of
▪ The inputs include certified seeds, bio
agricultural machinery on a total subsidy
Fertilizers and Micronutrients.
of Rs 50.73 crore.
▪ Also, the pulses thus produced will be
9 Women SC/ST farmers will get it at 50%
procured by Minimum Support Price through
subsidy, and others at 40%subsidy.
Essay Competition on Ahimsa: ▪ The functioning of the quarries and depots

▪ In memory of Mahatma Gandhi and thousands will be monitored through CCTV cameras
of freedom fighters, the Chennai based Round the clock.
Gandhi Peace Foundation will organise an ▪ A centralized control room will be set up for
essay competition on the subject “The Ahimsa real time monitoring of sand quarry activities
Abundant in Me”. across the State.
▪ Those in the age group of 10 to 25 may send
T.N. Hopes to meet its Rice Production
their essays not exceeding 500 words based on
how they manage their day-to-day Problems Target:
creatively by adopting ahimsa. ▪ For 2021-22, the State has fixed an overall
target of 125 lakh tonnes of grain, including 42
Tamil Nadu should set up a lakh Tonnes of millets and 7.5 lakh tonnes of
‘Citizens’ Information Portal’: pulses.
▪ Leading economist Jean Dreze has made a ▪ For the three previous years (from 2018-19 to
strong case for the creation of a Citizens’ 2020-21), the State’s rice production ranged
Information Portal (CIS) in Tamil Nadu, from 61.32 lakh tonnes in 2018-19 to 72.83 in
saying that it would facilitate social audits and 2020-21.
other efforts to curb corruption. ▪ According to the Reserve Bank of India’s
▪ Mr. Dreze, a member of the State Advisory publication, Handbook of Statistics on Indian
Council, said though Tamil Nadu, like the Economy for 2020-21, Tamil Nadu’s highest
Centre, had a user-friendly facility for online rice production since 2001-02 was 75.17 lakh
Right to Information (RTI) queries, “it was tonnes during 2015-16.
Only for one department so far.” ▪ The officials are of the view that given the
▪ In a letter to the Chief Minister, he proposed Government’s Emphasis on millets and pulses,
extending the facility to all departments as the their Production will help the State meet its
first step towards transparent governance. He overall Grain Target.
explained that the online facility of the Central
Government had made it possible not only
to file RTI queries but also to monitor their
progress, pay fees if any, file appeals etc. T.N. likely to Borrow `25,800 Crores in
State Government Fixes basic Price for Q4, 2022:
▪ The Tamil Nadu Government has indicated
Sale of River Sand:
that it will borrow `25,800 crores in Q4
▪ The State Government has fixed the basic Cost
(January March) of the financial year 2021-22
of river sand as `1000 per unit and plans to
by auctioning bonds, called State Development
take steps to open new sand quarries and
Loans, according to the Reserve Bank of India’s
Government depots in two months.
borrowing calendar.
▪ According to a Government Order, approved
▪ This is marginally higher than the about
building plans have been made mandatory for
`25,000 crores borrowed during the same
customers to book river sand Loads.
period last year.
▪ Besides online booking, buyers may also pay
▪ From April to December 2021, the State had
in cash at the special bank extension counters
Borrowed `52,000 crores, slightly higher than
to be established at government sand depots.
the `51,950 crores indicated for the period.
▪ Customers will also have to provide the
registration number of vehicles at the time ▪ However, it was 17% lower than `63,000 crores
of booking, which will be verified by the borrowed during April - December 2020.
Water Resources Department (WRD) during ▪ The State Development Loans are the Major
Delivery. source of borrowing for the States to fund their
fiscal deficit that arises when total Expenditure GSDP for 2021-22, with an additional 0.5%
exceeds Total Revenue. limit for those undertaking critical power
▪ Excluding the GST compensation of sector reforms. And one of the reforms is the
`8,095 crore received as back-to-back loan, introduction of direct benefit transfer to all
Tamil Nadu’s fiscal deficit is estimated to be Farmers.
`92,529.43 crore in 2021-22, which is 4.33% of ▪ The Tamil Nadu Government has urged
the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). the Union Government to continue the GST
▪ Accepting the 15th Finance Commission’s Compensation at least till June 30, 2024.
recommendations, the Union government has
allowed the States to borrow up to 4% of the
Coverage
Target Coverage achieved
Normal Achieved
Season fixed for during 2021-22
Coverage during
2021-22 (till Jan, 3,2022)
2020-21
Kar/Kuruvai/Sornavari
(KKS)
Cauvery Delta 1.19 1.668 1.439 1.984
Non-Delta Region 1.649 1.351 1.608 2.121
KKS Total 2.839 3.019 3.047 4.105
Samba/Thaladi/Pishanam
(STP)
Cauvery Delta 5.213 5.455 5.419 5.389
Non-Delta region 7.313 8.22 8.578 9.399
STP Total 12.526 13.675 13.997 14.788
Navarai / Kodai (NK)
Cauvery Delta 0.35 0.002 0.32 0.006
Non-Delta region 1.865 0.614 1.886 0.734
NK Total 2.215 0.616 2.206 0.74
Grand Total 17.58 17.31 19.25 19.633
Source: State Agriculture
*in Lakh Hectares
Department
New Appointments in Tamil Nadu: CM declares Chikkaiah Naicker College

▪ IAS officer Sudeep Jain has been posted in Erode as a Government College:
as Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu ▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin declared Chikkaiah
Minerals Ltd. Naicker College (CNC) in the city as a
▪ S. Arunraj will be posted as Executive Director Government college.
of the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu ▪ The college was started in 1954 by Thanthai
Ltd. Periyar.
▪ G. Prakash has been posted as Commissioner ▪ The College continues to be under the control of
of Milk Production and Dairy Development.
the State Government from 1998 and the Joint
▪ N. Subbaiyan will continue holding the post Director of Collegiate Education, Coimbatore
of Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu region, is administering its Activities.
Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd.
▪ There has been a demand for over 20 years
Nemmeli Third Desalination plant to be to convert it as a government college and
ready by April 2023: the State Government now declares it as a
▪ Nearly 32% of the work on the third Government College.
desalination plant at Nemmeli along the
Digital Philatelic Exhibition:
East Coast Road with a capacity to treat 150
million litres a day (mld) of seawater has been ▪ The Department of Posts, Tamil Nadu Circle,
completed. has Organised the 13th State-level philately
Exhibition in digital mode.
▪ Work is in progress to simultaneously lay a
pipeline to supply treated water to various ▪ Called ‘TN Digipex 2022’, the virtual
south Chennai and suburban areas, catering to Exhibition being Organised in association
9 lakh population. with the South India Philatelists’ Association,
▪ The plant is expected to be ready by April next was inaugurated on January 7 and completed
year. on January 10.
▪ The `1,259.38crore project is being ▪ “India’s rich Cultural Heritage” is the theme
implemented under the AMRUT scheme and of the Exhibition.
with financial assistance from KFW (German ▪ The exhibition was being held in digital mode
Development Bank). for the first time to promote philatelists’
collection and to help the youth appreciate the
ISBACON 2022:
Country’s Culture and Heritage.
▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said entrepreneurs
should focus on new industries while IIT Madras Tech Fest Shastra 2022:
consolidating their position in the existing ▪ Shaastra 2022, the annual festival of IIT Madras
Sectors. will be taking place virtually from January 13
▪ In the wake of the pandemic, entrepreneurs and 16.
should equip themselves to face new ▪ Shaastra is student-run technical festival that
challenges. comprises events and competitions in diverse
▪ Inaugurating ISBACON 2022, the 14th Annual disciplines that ranges from Aeronautics and
conference of Indian Science and Technology Biotechnology to Business.
Entrepreneurs Parks and Business Incubator ▪ This Edition's Summit will focus on gaming
Association (ISBA) in Chennai, Mr. Stalin and Gaming Technology.
said: “We welcome major industries. At ▪ The event would encourage the young minds
the same time, we are giving importance to to solve various industrial and societal-related
MSMEs.” problems in diverse disciplines.
▪ Many events of the 22nd edition of Shaastra, However, he said, that alone would not be
one of India's biggest Annual student-run enough and the State needed to focus on
technical festival, are free to access for the Export-oriented labour-intensive sectors.
public. ▪ It was important to address the resource
▪ The theme for this year's edition is “Code to constraint faced by the State with high deficits
Chaos.” and most of the revenue going towards interest
payments.
Govt. to hold 35.8% stake in Vodafone
▪ Two big areas which needed reforms were
Idea: Property tax sector and power sector.
▪ The Board of Directors of Vodafone Idea Ltd.
approved the conversion of interest — related Government notifies rules for Preparing
to spectrum auction instalments and on Regional Plans:
adjusted gross revenue dues to the Centre — ▪ The Tamil Nadu government has notified the
into equity. Regional Plan (Preparation, Publication and
▪ Post conversion, the government would own Sanction) Rules, 2021, under the Tamil Nadu
35.8% of the telecom carrier. This follows the Town and Country Planning Act, 1971.
reform package announced by the Government ▪ According to the notification, within 18
last year. Months of the constitution of the Regional
▪ The Net Present Value of this interest is Planning Authority (RPA), it should prepare
expected to be about `16,000 crores. a land and building use map for the regional
planning area and for the different parts of the
CM’s Economic Advisory Council Regional Area.
member for Universal Basic Income: ▪ Within two years of the preparation of the land
▪ Member of Economic Advisory Council to and building use map, the RPA should prepare
the Chief Minister Arvind Subramanian said a draft regional plan for the regional planning
he was in favour of the State introducing a area in consultation with the Development
Universal basic income scheme. and local planning authorities.
▪ An idea of a minimum basic income would ▪ The draft regional plan would have the
help complete Tamil Nadu’s social safety net Location of the region, its historic evolution,
Project and help in individuals realizing their topography, geology and geomorphology,
Potential. hydrology (surface and ground water), climate,
▪ Mr. Subramanian said Tamil Nadu had a administrative profile, functional areas and
Successful social development model and the ratio of urban and rural Development,
currently beneficiaries were targeted based on among others.
particular criteria. ▪ It would also have the extent of use of land
▪ His personal view is universal basic income for residential, industrial, commercial,
is one more step where one can look at the Agricultural and recreational purpose or
leakages happening and rationalize and design as forest or for mineral exploitation, and
a well targeted minimum income Programme. Tentative land requirement projections from
▪ His idea was a quasi-universal basic income various sectors for various zones.
model where the rich were excluded and the ▪ On receiving the draft regional plan from the
Rest covered. RPA through the Director, the Government
▪ Despite having the technology and talent, will either give its consent or direct the RPA to
Chennai had only three Unicorns (startups make modifications in the regional Plan.
valued over $1 billion) out of 80 in India, ▪ After the draft is published and objections and
he added. Unicorns were the boom sector suggestions are received and issues are sorted
in India in the last three years and Tamil out, it will be notified in the Gazette of Tamil
Nadu lagged behind in this dynamic sector. Nadu.
CM lays Foundation for Kalaignar ▪ The new campus is fully funded by the Union
Memorial Library in Madurai: Government and is built at a cost of Rs 24
▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin virtually laid Crore.
the foundation for the Kalaignar Memorial ▪ The new campus is equipped with a spacious
Library in Madurai, to be constructed at a cost library, an e-library, seminar halls and a
of `99 crores. Multimedia hall.
▪ The institute library has a rich collection of
PM opens 11 New Medical Colleges in over 45,000 ancient Tamil books.
T.N: ▪ It also aims to translate and publish
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually ‘Thirukkural’ in various Indian as well as 100
Inaugurated a record 11 new government Foreign languages.
Medical colleges across Tamil Nadu.
▪ After inaugurating the campus, PM urged
▪ The colleges, established in Ariyalur, Dindigul, the tamil speaking youth to translate English
Kallakurichi, Krishnagiri, Nagapattinam, Content into their mother tongue.
Namakkal, Ramanathapuram, the Nilgiris,
▪ He informed that the government is
Tiruppur, Tiruvallur and Virudhunagar,
Developing an AI based language translation
would have a cumulative annual intake of
tool to translate English online courses into 12
1,450 MBBS students.
Indian languages including Tamil.
▪ Mr. Modi, after inauguration speaking from
New Delhi, said it was for the first time that Helplines Opened for Interstate
11 medical colleges were being inaugurated in Migrant Workers:
one State. ▪ The Tamil Nadu Government has requested
▪ The previous record was nine medical colleges interstate migrant workers to stick to their
in Uttar Pradesh. Workplaces without any fear or anxiety over
▪ The cost of constructing the new colleges in the third wave of the COVID19 pandemic.
Tamil Nadu was shared by the Centre (`2,145 ▪ It has opened control rooms in nine districts
crore) and the State (`1934.6 crore). and Announced Helplines.
▪ Mr. Modi said that in 2014, there were 387 ▪ The helplines are 04424321438 and 04424321408
medical colleges, but the number had gone up which function from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
to 596.
TN CM Calls for Unity Among Tamil
▪ In 2014, India had around 82,000 medical
Diaspora:
Undergraduate and postgraduate seats.
▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called for unity
▪ In the last seven years, this number had gone
among the global Tamil diaspora and urged
up to around 1.48 lakh.
them to overlook divisions in Tamil Nadu.
▪ The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat
▪ He invited them to visit Tamil Nadu with
Infrastructure Mission is aimed at addressing
their children to show them the rich cultural
the critical gaps in health infrastructure and
Heritage of the Tamils.
Health research, especially in districts.
▪ He was speaking virtually at the World
▪ A support of over `3000 crore would be
Tamil Diaspora Day (January 12) celebration
provided to Tamil Nadu in the next five years,
organised by the Commissionerate of
he added.
Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non-resident
NEW CICT CAMPUS in TN: Tamils.
▪ The Establishment of a new campus of the CICT 31,000 COVID19 Patients covered under
in Chennai is in line with the Prime Minister’s
CMCHIS:
vision to protect and preserve Indian heritage
▪ The treatment of 31,145 COVID19 patients
and promote classical Languages.
was covered under the Chief Minister’s
Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme ▪ The Chief Minister also launched various
(CMCHIS) at a cost of nearly `382 crore. Schemes to distribute marriage assistance to
▪ A total of 1,600 hospitals — 714 Government Eligible women through the Social Welfare
hospitals and 886 Private Hospitals — were and Women Empowerment Department.
being empanelled under the CMCHIS.
▪ Recently, the Tamil Nadu Government ▪ For 2021-22, `762.23 crore has been sanctioned,
entered into an Agreement with United and this is expected to benefit over 94,700
India Insurance Company to implement the women, including 53,599 degree or Diploma
CMCHIS for five more years at a total cost of holders and 41,101 others.
`1248 crore. ▪ The beneficiaries are given an 8 gram gold
coin along with cash assistance, depending on
CM Releases Govt. ‘Report Card’, says their educational qualifications.
2,619 files have been Cleared: ▪ The Marriage assistance schemes are aimed
▪ Presenting the ‘report card’ of his Government, at promoting the education of girl children,
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said preventing child marriage and encouraging
9 He had cleared 2,619 of the 2,683 files that Social Reform.
came to him since he assumed office in
May last Year. Magizh Kanitham:
9 His government had cleared within 100 ▪ Samagra Shiksha will organise “Magizh
days over 2.5 lakh petitions he had received Kanitham”, a virtual training programme, on
during his Electoral Campaign. January 21 and 22 for mathematics teachers
from government schools, in a bid to make
9 Over 2.15 crore families had received
learning the subject simple and fun for
COVID19 relief assistance of `4000 each. Students.
9 While 2.15 crore families had received the ▪ The programme, which will cover Classes VI
dry rations distributed by the government to VIII, will help teachers use interactive tools
as part of the COVID19 relief kit, 50 lakh and aids to dispel the fear in students about
people benefited from the Makkalai Thedi the Subject.
Maruthuvam scheme.
9 Under the Illam Thedi Kalvi scheme, 80,138 Tools to Test ties with the Past
centres were set up, and 1,73,792 lakh ▪ Archaeological excavations at Keeladi and
children who dropped out of school were last year’s carbon dating analysis of rice with
identified and reenrolled. soil found in a burial urn at Sivakalai, which
9 The Dearness Allowance for over 18.30 indicated the Thambirabarani civilisation
lakh State government employees, teachers Dates back to 3,200 years, have reignited an
and pensioners was increased, and gold Interest in the ancientness of Tamil civilisation.
loans were waived, benefiting 13.50 lakh ▪ The State is now using scientific Methodologies,
families. along with literary evidence, to ensure the
findings are irrefutable and stand intellectual
Chief Minister Launches Distribution of scrutiny globally.
Enhanced Pension to Retired Priests: ▪ Normally, the process would be to excavate,
▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the exhibit, and corroborate with literary sources.
distribution of enhanced pension to eligible
▪ An Ancient DNA Lab is being set up at
retired priests, who had served in temples
Madurai Kamaraj University in collaboration
including the ones that do not come under the
with international agencies. Samples are being
control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable
sent to Florida for carbon dating.
Endowments Department.
▪ This year, three sites will be added to the
▪ The move is expected to benefit a total of 1,904
excavation list —Tulukkapatti and Vembakottai
retired priests across the State.
to validate the cultural significance of ▪ It all began with a decision taken at a meeting
Adichchanallur and Sivakalai; and Perumbalai at the Victoria Public Hall in Chennai in
that is on the erstwhile Kongu Nadu border. November 1916 to form an organisation
to voice the grievances of nonBrahmins.
Efforts are on to undertake undersea Among those present were T.M. Nair and P.
explorations through a reconnaissance Survey Theagaraya Chetti.
at Korkai, an ancient port. ▪ The meeting paved the way for the
▪ This will be a multimodal agency operation Establishment of the Justice Party.
involving the National Institute of Ocean ▪ A month later, the leaders unveiled a
Technology and the Indian Maritime Document, called ‘Non Brahmin Manifesto’.
University. Thus began the campaign for getting a Rightful
▪ Focus on Archaeology share of the Non Brahmins in public life and
9 Excavation sites in Tamil Nadu include in Government services. Four years later, the
Korkai, Sivakalai, Keeladi, Adichanallur, Justice Party came to power in the Elections
Gangaikondacholapuram, Myladumparai to the Legislative Council, which was how the
and Kodumanal. legislature was called.
9 Funding for Archaeology has ▪ It had its moments of success in September
been Increased from few lakhs to 1921 and August 1922 when two Government
Rs. 5 crores with separate Allocations for orders (GOs), famously called “Communal
documentation and scientific analysis. GOs”, were issued.
9 State-of-the-art Museums are being built ▪ In his Politics and Social Conflict in South
at Keeladi and Tirunelveli to display the India, the Non Brahman Movement and Tamil
Cultural Heritage of the Vaigai and Porunai Separatism, 1916-1929,’ American historian
river valleys. Eugene F Irschick mentions the party “pursued
9 TN Chief Minister M K Stalin has said its demands doggedly, for it realised that
excavations would be carried out in other the implementation of Government Orders
states and countries in search of Tamil to redistribute Government appointments
roots. in favour of Non-Brahmans would fulfil
some of the party’s first Articulated ideas —
9 They include the ancient port city of
administrative power, social position and
Muziris, now known as Pattanam in
Economic Security.”
Kerala; Quseir-al-Qadim and Berenice in
Egypt; and Khor Rori in Oman. ▪ In the first GO, six broad classifications —
Brahmins, Non-Brahmin Hindus, Indian
9 The research will help to establish the
Christians, Muhammadans (Muslims),
Tamil's trade relations with these countries.
European & Anglo Indians, and Others —
History of Reservation in Tamil Nadu: were created.
▪ The recent Supreme Court order permitting ▪ The second GO pointed out that Non
27% quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) Brahmin Hindus constituted 48% of the new
in the all India quota for admissions to the appointments made in the six months ending
undergraduate medical courses has been December 1921.
hailed by almost the entire political spectrum ▪ Six years later, when P. Subbaroyan was
in Tamil Nadu as a milestone in the History of the Chief Minister, a scheme of quota was
social justice. designed under which Non Brahmins would
▪ The words, ‘Social Justice,’ may even sound get 5 out of 12 posts (41.67%) and Brahmins,
Cliched to some but a look at the evolution of Anglo Indians Christians and Muslims 2 each
the reservation system reveals how the idea (16.67%).
is an important chapter in the contemporary ▪ Depressed Classes, now called Scheduled
Politics in Tamil Nadu. Castes, would get 1 out of 12 (8.33%). This
development was described by R. Kannan, 69% quota system had to get a constitutional
UN diplomat, in his book “Anna: The Life safeguard, which became a reality in 1994
and Times of C.N. Annadurai”, as the basis owing to the efforts of the then Chief Minister
for the present scheme of reservation. Jayalalithaa (AIADMK) and Prime Minister
▪ Three Months after Independence, when P.V. Narasimha Rao (Congress).
Omandur P. Ramaswami Reddiar of the ▪ During the fifth innings of Karunanidhi as
Congress was the Chief Minister, an exclusive Chief Minister (2006-11), Arunthathiyars and
category — Backward Hindus — was created, Muslims were given internal quotas of 3% and
with 14.29% of the seats earmarked for them. 3.5% within the overall quota for the SCs and
▪ After the Constitution was adopted in 1950, the BCs respectively.
the Madras High Court and then the Supreme
NGT Directs Govt. to Stop Work on Fish
Court quashed the scheme of reservation on
the Grounds of violation of the principle of Landing centre in Thoothukudi:
equality. ▪ The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has
Directed the Tamil Nadu Government to stop
▪ Agitations organised by Dravidar Kazhagam
Further construction of a fish landing centre
founder ‘Periyar’ E.V. Ramasamy Naicker
and associated structures at Singithurai in
and pressure exerted by K. Kamaraj, a
Thoothukudi district, which was undertaken
towering figure of the Congress, on the
without requisite clearance under the Coastal
Central government made possible the first
Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011.
Constitutional amendment.
About Coastal Regulation Zone:
▪ In September 1951, the Scheduled Castes
(SCs)/the Scheduled Tribes (STs) were ▪ In India, the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
provided with 15% and the BCs with 25%. Rules govern human and industrial activity
close to the coastline, in order to protect the
▪ Kamaraj, as Chief Minister, had got ready the Fragile ecosystems near the sea.
list of ‘More Backward’ among the BCs after
a study. ▪ They restrict certain kinds of activities —
like large constructions, setting up of new
▪ A GO issued in January 1957 stipulated that industries, storage or disposal of hazardous
on a par with those of the SCs, educational material, mining, reclamation and bunding —
concessions alone need be granted to 58 within a certain distance from the coastline.
Communities identified in the list.
▪ Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification
▪ Thirty two years later, when DMK leader was first issued in 1991 by Ministry of
M. Karunanidhi was the Chief Minister, this Environment, Forest and Climate Change
list became the basis for the creation of the (MoEFCC) under Environment (Protection)
category — Most Backward Classes (MBCs) — Act, 1986 with the mandate to take measures to
which got 20% out of 50% for the BCs. protect and conserve our coastal Environment.
▪ Following the recommendations made by ▪ Several amendments were made in the CRZ
the First Backward Classes Commission 1991 notification which was consolidated and
(1969-70), headed by A.N. Sattanathan, issued in the CRZ 2011 notification. The CRZ
Chief Minister Karunanidhi, in May 1971, 2011 notification took into account the Issues
announced 31% quota for the BCs and 18% for of CRZ 1991.
the SCs/STs.
Objectives of CRZ 2011:
▪ In February 1980, the AIADMK Government,
9 To conserve and protect coastal stretches;
led by M.G. Ramachandran, which had
unsuccessfully tried to introduce the creamy 9 To ensure livelihood security to the fishing
layer concept among the BCs, hiked the & local communities living in the coastal
quantum of reservation to 50%. In the wake areas;
of the Supreme Court’s verdict in 1992 in 9 To promote development in a sustainable
the Mandal Commission case, the State’s manner based on scientific principles,
taking into Account Natural Hazards and ▪ This Scheme has been launched in seven
sea-level rise. districts namely- Thanjavur, Tirunelveli,
▪ In December 2018, Union cabinet approved the Madurai, Tiruchi, Coimbatore, Chennai and
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, Salem.
2018. ▪ The Scheme will hinge on women public
9 Shailesh Nayak Committee was constituted health workers, women health volunteers
in June 2014, and it submitted its report in (WHVs), Physiotherapists and Nurses, who
January 2015. will Provide Healthcare at the Doorstep.
T.N. will Install Pennycuick’s Statue in Mayorship Reserved for SC Woman

U.K: Candidate:
▪ The Tamil Nadu Government will install ▪ The Tamil Nadu Government issued orders to
a statue of Col. Pennycuick in Camberley, reserve the Chennai Mayor post for a woman
United Kingdom, the birthplace of the British belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) when
Army Engineer, who was Instrumental in ordinary elections are conducted for the urban
constructing the Mullaiperiyar reservoir. local bodies in 2022.
▪ Marking the Birth Anniversary of the late ▪ It also reserved the mayor posts in Tambaram
architect of the reservoir, Mr. Stalin said that and Avadi Municipal Corporations for a SC
the government would take steps to install (Women) and SC (General) respectively.
the statue at the city’s central park, after
▪ This will be the first time a woman from the
obtaining necessary Permission from the U.K.
SC community will be elected as Mayor of
Government.
Chennai when “indirect elections” are held for
▪ Col. Pennycuick built the dam in 1895
the urban local bodies this year.
which had resulted in farmers carrying out
Cultivation on over 2 Lakh Acres of land. ▪ The mayor posts in nine Corporations —
▪ Apart from this, the reservoir has also been a Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Dindigul, Erode,
prime source of drinking water in the region. Kancheepuram, Karur, Madurai, Sivakasi
and Vellore have been reserved for Women
▪ As a mark of respect, late Chief Minister M.
Karunanidhi had unveiled Col. Pennycuick’s (General) candidates.
statue on the Public Works Department ▪ The mayor post in other 9 Corporations
campus in Tallakulam, Madurai on January - Trichy, Salem, Tirunelveli, Tiruppur,
15, 2000. Thanjavur, Thoothukudi, Hosur, Nagercoil,
Kumbakonam are reserved for General
Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam: category.
▪ Since the launch of Makkalai Thedi ▪ The State government also reserved the post
Maruthuvam Scheme on August 5 2021 in of chairperson of 10 municipalities to SC
Tamil Nadu, the beneficiaries of the scheme (General) candidates, 10 Municipalities to SC
crossed over 45 lakhs. (Women), one Municipality to woman from
▪ This scheme has been made to provide door- the Scheduled Tribes (ST) and 58 others to
to-door health facilities among the people of Women (General).
the state who are above 45 years of age. ▪ It also reserved 288 chairperson posts in town
▪ Under the Door Step Health Care Scheme, panchayats — two for ST (Women), one for
door-to-door checkups and medicines will be ST (General), 43 for SC (Women), 42 for SC
provided to the people. (General) and 200 for Women (General).
▪ To bring development in all the health ▪ There are 21 Municipal Corporations in Tamil
Facilities delivered through this scheme, the Nadu. Among them, Cuddalore, Sivakasi,
Government has covered 1172 health sub Kumbakonam, Tambaram, Karur, Hosur,
centres, 189 Primary health centers and 50 Nagercoil and Avadi Corporations are facing
Community Health Centres. the election for the First Time.
TN is the most Attractive relief and rehabilitation due to any threatening

Investment Destination: disaster situation or disaster.
▪ Tamil Nadu has emerged as the most attractive ▪ It supplements the State Disaster Response
investment destination in the first nine months Fund (SDRF) in case of a disaster of severe
of FY22. nature, provided adequate funds are not
▪ The State is the highest net gainer in terms of available in the SDRF.
Investment during April to December 2021.
Central Institute of Classical Tamil
▪ The State attracted investment worth `1,43,902 Releases Eight Books:
crore during this period against `36,292 crore
▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin released eight books
in the same period last year — a net gain of
published by the Central Institute of Classical
`1,07,610 crore.
Tamil (CICT) in Chennai when he visited its
▪ Gujarat came second with a net gain of `77,892 new premises at Perumbakkam.
crore and Telangana third (`65,288 crore), says ▪ Minister for Industries (who holds the
a report by Projects Today. portfolio of Tamil Official Language and
▪ Some of the companies that have committed Culture) Thangam Thennarasu received the
investment in Tamil Nadu include Tata Group; first copies of the books.
JSW Renew; Hindustan Unilever; TVS Motor;
▪ The books are:
Adani and Larsen & Toubro.
9 Tholkappiya Aayvu, Dheivachchilayaar
CM asks Home Minister to Release Uraineri, Ayngurunooru Kurinji,
NDRF aid: Ayngurunooru Paalai, Vaaymozhi
▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to Vaaypattu Kotpaattu Nokkil Sanga
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterating Ilakkiyam, Puthiya Nokkil Kalabirar
his request to urgently release the National Varalaaru, Dravidian Comparative
Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) assistance for Grammar - II and A Historical Grammar of
the damages caused by the recent floods. Tamil.
About National Disaster Response Fund About CICT:
(NDRF): ▪ The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT)
▪ National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) is an autonomous Institute of higher research
was renamed as National Disaster Response functioning under the Ministry of education,
Fund (NDRF) with the enactment of the Government of India.
Disaster Management Act in 2005. ▪ This is an Institute constituted specifically for
▪ It is placed in the “Public Account” of carrying out higher research Classical Tamil at
Government of India under “reserve funds not international levels not to be found elsewhere
bearing interest. globally.
▪ Public Accounts: It was constituted under ▪ This unique Institute is functioning in Chennai
Article 266 (2) of the Constitution. It accounts from May 19, 2008. Earlier, from March, 2006
for flows for those transactions where the to May 18, 2008, the Institute was functioning
government is merely acting as a banker eg. in the campus of the Central Institute of Indian
provident funds, small savings etc. These Languages, Mysore and it was called Centre
Funds do not belong to the Government and for Excellence of Classical Tamil.
have to be paid back at some time. ▪ The CICT is engaged in several research
▪ Expenditures from it are not required to be activities aimed at establishing the ancientness
approved by the Parliament. and uniqueness of Tamil and of Classical
▪ It is managed by the Central Government for Tamil in particular and in propagating its
meeting the expenses for emergency response, Findings Globally.
Northern districts ahead in Readmitting ▪ Again, the Tamil Nadu government on August
‘Out of School Children’: 25, 2021 renamed the State Development Policy
▪ Northern districts of Tamil Nadu account for Council as the State Planning Commission.
about 40% of 1.77 lakh children who have been ▪ The SDPC was tasked with preparing short,
brought back to the system of schooling. medium and long-term plans and strategy
▪ In what is billed as the first of its intervention, documents, monitoring, evaluation and policy
an exercise is under way to take back those advocacy, creating policy coherence and
who have fallen into the category of “Out of implementation of special programmes.
school children (OoSC).” ‘Reservation of Mayor post based on
▪ In the School Education Department’s Census 2011, Legal Provisions’
initiative of readmitting the children, ▪ The scheme of reservation, worked out for the
Tiruvallur district topped in the State with post of Mayor for 12 municipal corporations
14,526 children, followed by Chennai — 9,833 out of 21 in Tamil Nadu, is based on the data of
and Chengalpattu — 9,359. Census 2011 and the legal provisions relevant
▪ The annual OoSC survey carried out five to urban local bodies, according to a senior
months ago covered 5,37,587 children. Government Official.
CM asks Planning Panel to Monitor Anna Centenary Library Restoration
Schemes: Underway:
▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called upon the ▪ The Anna Centenary Library in Kotturpuram
members of the State Planning Commission is all set to get an overhaul.
(SPC) to come up with comprehensive ▪ In the next six months, visitors here will be
suggestions for the development of the State. welcomed by a sea of changes that include an
He urged them to monitor whether the welfare LED wall displaying events and programmes,
schemes implemented by the Government special light settings, refurbished floors, and
reached the people at the grassroots. new furniture.
▪ SPC Vice Chairperson J. Jeyaranjan made ▪ A major chunk from Rs 29 crore would be spent
a presentation on the functions of the to repair and improve the infrastructure in the
commission, new policies, information on the library. The government allotted Rs 6.5crore to
department wise reviews, field visits. buy new books, e-books and e-journals for the
▪ Chairing the review meeting Stalin pointed next three years.
out: “We have to agree that our development ▪ The library was inaugurated by the then Chief
is not equally distributed. Industrial growth Minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi on 15
differs between districts and so is education. September 2010, named after the former chief
While poverty is low in some districts, it is minister of Tamil Nadu, C. N. Annadurai.
high in other districts." ▪ Built on 8 acres of land, the 9-floor library
About State Planning Commission of Tamil houses a total area of 333,140 sq. ft and has a
Nadu: capacity to accommodate 1.2 million books, it
▪ The State Planning Commission was is the largest library in South Asia.
constituted on 25-05-1971 to help Government ▪ The library was designed by
to implement its policies effectively by more C. N. Raghavendran.
efficient utilization of the material, capital and ▪ In July 2010, the library building received the
human resources within the State and outside LEED NC Gold rating from IGBC becoming
it. the first library building in Asia to reach this.
▪ The state Government has changed the name This project has achieved 43 LEED points,
of the State Planning Commission into State highest amongst any Government buildings
Development Policy Council on 23-04-2020. in Tamil Nadu thus far.
Foundation stone laid for Bharathi ▪ The scheme, improvised and expanded by the
Centre at Kadayam: successive regimes, has become an acclaimed
▪ Speaker M. Appavu laid the foundation stone universal model to attract students to schools
for Bharathi Centre to be built at Kadayam in and Prevent Dropouts.
Tenkasi district, the native place of the poet’s ▪ Consistency on the State’s two language policy
wife Chellammal, on an outlay of `2 crore. drafted to oppose the Centre’s attempted
Hindi imposition, brought with it a byproduct,
▪ The centre, to be built by Sevalaya, a non-
English proficiency, a key driver of global
Governmental Organisation, will come up
employment opportunities.
on Kadayam library premises, where life-size
▪ If this prepared Graduates for the corporate
bronze statues of Bharathi and Chellammal
world, privatization of engineering education
will also be installed.
by the M.G. Ramachandran regime, despite its
Fourth Police Commission in critical drawbacks, ensured Tamil Nadu was
Tamil Nadu: ready with qualified manpower to supply to
the information technology sector in its early
▪ Tamilnadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has
years.
issued orders to constitute the Fourth Police
Commission which will be headed by retired ▪ Three other factors facilitated this upward
Madras High court Judge C.T. Selvam. mobility for families that did not belong to the
socially privileged classes.
▪ The state government order said that the Tamil
▪ First, the affirmative communal reservation
Nadu Government is determined to ensure a
policy driven by the core understanding of
crime-free environment.
the political class that not family vocation but
▪ It further stated that the Police department is education is empowerment.
playing an important role in maintaining law
▪ Second, the vision to create necessary
and order in the state.
infrastructure for the IT and manufacturing
▪ In a bid to improve the relationship between sectors when the time was ripe by the M.
the police and the general public, the Dravida Karunanidhi (DMK) dispensation during
Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government had 1996-2001.
set up three police commissions, 1969, 1989, ▪ Third, the Tamil Nadu Placement Programme
and 2006 respectively. launched during Jayalalithaa’s regime (2001-
▪ Senior IPS officer Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal 06) that brought competent job aspirants
will function as the panel’s Member-Secretary. under one platform and reversed the lopsided
▪ The Police Commission will extensively recruitment policy of corporates of heading to
examine measures towards the welfare of city colleges for talent hunting.
police personnel and various other aspects ▪ In school education, Tamil Nadu was a model
related to policing and will submit its for activity-based learning, and the Uniform
recommendations within a time frame. System of School education (USS or Samacheer
Kalvi) has to an extent bridged the disparity in
Progressive Policies put the State in the quality of Education.
Pole Position Track Record of GER in TN:
▪ Continuation, improvisation and expansion of ▪ T.N.’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) is 51.4 as
early progressive policies to take education to against the national Average of 27.1.
the masses have catapulted Tamil Nadu to an ▪ GER of women is 51 against national average
envious position in the knowledge Economy. of 27.3.
▪ The Congress’s K. Kamaraj had not only ▪ GER of SC men and women are 38.8 and 40.4
taken schools to the villages but launched respectively, and of ST men and women are
the farsighted noon-meal scheme to ensure 43.8 and 37.7 respectively, which are almost
retention of students. double the National Average.
▪ The state has 587 engineering and Architectural 9 Thullukkarpatti in Tirunelveli district
colleges. (Phase I)
▪ It has 495 Polytechnic institutions and 14 hotel 9 and Perumpalai in Dharmapuri district
management/catering institutions. (Phase I)
▪ There are 887 arts and science Colleges, 649 ▪ These excavations would go on till September.
Colleges of education, 11 Physical education
colleges, and two schools of Social Work. Silent Revolution in R & D in
What is GER? Tamil Nadu:
▪ Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) or Gross ▪ A silent revolution in the research and
Enrolment Index (GEI) is a statistical measure development (R&D) space has been on in
used in the education sector, to determine Tamil Nadu in recent years.
the number of students enrolled in school at
several different grade levels (like elementary, ▪ Industry captains say the State’s progress
middle school and high school), and use it to has remained an untold story, and there is
show the ratio of the number of students who potential to make it a hub for innovation.
live in that country to those who qualify for ▪ According to statistics from the Department
the particular grade level. of Science and Technology, Government of
India, Tamil Nadu’s R&D spend stood at ₹668
T.N. to Conduct Reconnaissance Survey
crore in financial year 2017-18, accounting for
in Sea off Korkai Coast:
about 9.5% of ₹7,264.81 crore spent in India.
▪ A reconnaissance survey in the sea off the
coast of Korkai in Thoothukudi district, which ▪ This was the second highest, after Gujarat,
finds mention in Sangam literature, will be which accounted for 10.9%.
undertaken by the Tamil Nadu Archaeology ▪ The State has 751 R&D institutions as of
Department in collaboration with the Indian 2021 and 2,742 patents were filed in 2017-18
Maritime University & National Institute of accounting for 17.6% of the 15,550 applications
Ocean Technology. filed by Indian nationals. Only Maharashtra,
▪ The offshore explorations would be undertaken with 24.6% of patents, was ahead.
near the estuary where the Thamirabarani
▪ French glass and building materials maker
joins the sea, and are aimed at exploring the
Saint-Gobain explored at least four different
archaeological value of the ancient port of
Korkai. States where it had a manufacturing footprint
to set up an R&D centre.
▪ From the first week of February, archaeological
excavations would be undertaken at seven ▪ The company set up its R&D facility in 2012
sites across the State, he added. and moved into a permanent place at IIT
▪ The excavations would be undertaken in Madras Research Park in 2016 and has done
9 Keeladi and nearby locations (Konthagai, 120 patents, including 26 filed last year.
Agaram and Manalur) in Sivaganga district ▪ The roots of R&D go way back to the
(Phase VIII); establishment of Central Leather Research
9 Sivagalai in Thoothukudi district Institute in Chennai in 1948, as a constituent
(Phase III) laboratory of the Council of Scientific and
9 Gangaikondacholapuram in Ariyalur Industrial Research (CSIRCLRI).
district (Phase II) ▪ Tamil Nadu is among the first three positions
9 Mayiladumparai in Krishnagiri district in India in automotive, auto components,
(Phase II) general Engineering, space tech, software,
9 Vembakkottai in Virudhunagar district wind energy, healthcare, cotton spinning and
(Phase I) readymade Garments.
Electric Vehicle Wave in Chennai: A Steady Growth of SC

▪ Tamil Nadu, known as the Detroit of Asia for Entrepreneurs
over two decades with the presence of Major ▪ Tamil Nadu, a front ranking State in the sector
automobile manufacturing units and allied of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
industries in and around Chennai, has quickly (MSMEs), is witnessing a steady growth of
embraced the Electric Vehicle (EV) wave. entrepreneurs from the Scheduled Castes.
▪ In the last six months, the TN CM M.K. Stalin ▪ Though the number of the SC entrepreneurs
has inked 10 memoranda of understanding in is not proportionate to the share of the
the EV space, entailing an investment of `6,541 community in the population, it is growing.
crore and jobs for 26,865 people. ▪ In fact, as per the 4th All India Census of
▪ Mobility Park: A first of its kind `300 crore EV MSMEs (registered sector) census undertaken
in 2006-07 and published in 2011, the State had
future mobility park is coming up at Soolagiri
the highest number of SC owned enterprises
in Krishnagiri.
with 18,120, about 15.24% of such units at the
Eight lakh incentive to Chess all-India level.
Grandmaster: ▪ Under the schemes New Entrepreneur cum
▪ The CM also handed over a cheque for Enterprise Development Scheme (NEEDS)
and Unemployed Youth Employment
`8 lakh as an incentive to Bharat Subramaniam,
Generation Programme (UYEGP) the SC
a native of Tamil Nadu who became the Chess
participants are given support.
Grandmaster this year.
▪ The SC entrepreneurs refer to the arrangement
▪ Minister for Sports Development Siva V.
by the Central government wherein out
Meyyanathan was present. of the 25% target of annual procurement
Ennum Ezhuthum Mission: from MSMEs, 4% should be set aside for SC
enterprises.
▪ The Tamil Nadu Government Recently
Announced a Foundational Literacy and Status of Scheduled Castes owned
Numeracy Programme called the Ennum MSMEs as on June 30, 2020:
Ezhuthum Mission, to be implemented in ▪ They pertained to those units registered under
2022-2023 in government schools across the the Udyog Aadhar Memorandum (UAM),
which was in existence between September
state over the next five years.
2015 and June 2020.
▪ Working with children in Class 1, 2 and 3, the
▪ Udyam replaced UAM in July 2020.
ambitious project aims to ensure that by 2025,
all students in Tamil Nadu’s government Tamil Nadu enjoys a Pride of Place at the
schools are able to have reading and arithmetic all-India Level:
skills appropriate for their level by age 8 (or ▪ Ranked third nationally, Tamil Nadu has an
estimated Number of 49.48 lakh MSMEs with
Class 3).
8% share, providing employment to 96.73 lakh
▪ Madhi Foundation, an NGO is collaborating persons.
with the Tamil Nadu Government to
▪ After the launch of Udyam, Tamil Nadu has
implement the Ennum Ezhuthum Mission.
been placed second with 5,48,504 registered
Merlia Shaukath is the founder of Madhi MSMEs and 10.8% of all the enterprises
Foundation. registered across the country till the end of
▪ The field Experiment of the programme has September 2021.
begun in Tamil Nadu. Concessions & Incentives for SC
▪ A curriculum manual containing Tamil, Entrepreneurs:
Mathematics and English subjects is currently ▪ SC/Scheduled Tribes account for 19% of
being developed for this purpose. aspirants under the New Entrepreneur-cum-
Enterprise Development Scheme (NEEDS), a CLAPP Rolled out for Police:

Tamil Nadu Government Scheme. ▪ A new android app has been launched for
▪ Annually, 1,000 Candidates are chosen to Greater Chennai police personnel to apply for
assist the educated youth to become First Leave and to get it sanctioned immediately.
Generation Entrepreneurs. ▪ Called "CLAPP (Complete Leave APP)", the
▪ State government provides an additional app has been designed to eradicate delays,
capital subsidy of 5% on the value of Eligible summary rejections or favoritism by the
plant and Machinery subject to a Maximum of sanctioning authority and is aimed at Ensuring
5 Lakh. transparency in the leave process.
▪ In the allotment of plots or sheds by the ▪ The sanctioning authority must respond
Tamil Nadu small Industries Development within three hours. If there is delay of more
Corporation, Priority is shown to the extends than three hours, it will be escalated to the
of 20% for SC/ST and transgender. officer above the sanctioning authority.
▪ Under Unemployed Youth Employment ▪ For those who do not have the internet, they
Generation Programme (UYEGP), a can use advanced CLAPP V2 and apply by
sending an SMS.
Programme of the state government, and
Prime Minister's Employment Generation Madurai's Alanganallur to get new
Programme (PMEGP), a Central Scheme, the Jallikattu Arena:
beneficiary contribution is kept at 5%. ▪ Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced that a
▪ While the upper age limit is fixed at 45 Under new jallikattu arena with world-class Facilities
the UYEGP, the Centre, through PMEGP, would be built at Alanganallur.
provides a subsidy of 25% of the Project cost ▪ An exhibition centre on bulls will also be set
for enterprises set up in Urban areas and 35% up near the arena.
for enterprises in Rural Areas. ▪ This was among the works for various
schemes in the district, costing
Item Micro Small Medium Rs 342.33 crore, the Chief Minister inaugurated
through video conferencing.
Tamilnadu 51,016 4,927 104 ▪ Referring to Chennai's rapid developmental
Proportion Growth following the inception of the Chennai
Metropolitan Development Authority
of SC-owned
(CMDA), Stalin said,
enterprises
in the State’s 9 "The recently-unveiled Urban
Development Authority for Madurai will
total MSME 5.26% 3.7% 2.40%
ensure the development of the city. All
enterprises
infrastructure here will be augmented
belonging
considering the city’s rising Population”.
to all Social
Categories Semmozhi Tamil Awards Presented to
Proportion
10 Scholars:
of SC-owned ▪ The awards are presented by the Kalignar M.
Karunanidhi Tamil Aivu Arakkatalai, which
enterprises of
was set up by the former Chief Minister after
Tamil Nadu in 6% 8.20% 6.30%
the Central Institute of Classical Tamil was set
all-India figure
up in 2008.
of SC-owned
▪ The award was instituted in 2009 with
enterprises
Prof. Asko Parpola from Finland being its
first recipient at the World Classical Tamil Tamil Nadu will Execute Water
Conference in Coimbatore in 2010. Project: Minister
▪ The award carries a cheque for `10 lakh, a ▪ Water Resources Minister Durai Murugan
citation plaque and a bronze replica of the asserted that Tamil Nadu had the right to
Donor execute, legally and on humanitarian grounds,
▪ There are two foreigners in the list - V.S. Rajam the second phase of the Hogenakkal combined
(USA) and Ulrike Niklas (Germany) drinking water project.
▪ The 10 scholars are: ▪ The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, in its
S.No Scholars Years final order of February 2017, allocated 2.2
thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) to Tamil
1 VS. Rajam 2010 Nadu for consumptive use.
2 Pon Kothandaraman 2011 ▪ Consequently, the State had been permitted to
draw about 11 tmc ft. This had been made, after
3 E. Sundaramoorthy 2012
the Tribunal had apportioned water among
4 P. Marudhanayagam 2013 States [and Union Territory of Puducherry]
5 K. Mohanarasu 2014 of the Cauvery basin on the basis of irrigated
areas served.
6 Maraimalai Illakuvanar 2015
▪ After providing water to all parties to the
7 K. Rajan 2016 dispute, the Tribunal had fixed 25.71 tmc
8 Ulrike Niklas 2017 ft as Tamil Nadu’s share out of the balance
quantum of water.
9 Erode Tamizhanban 2018
▪ This was worked out on the basis of the 2011
10 K. Sivamani 2019 Census, after considering the requirements of
the permitted Irrigated Schemes.
Keeladi Excavations Documented:
Stalin opposes Changes to IAS Rules:
▪ The Archaeological excavations at Keeladi
▪ Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote
in Sivaganga district have highlighted how
to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposing
urbanised the Vaigai valley was as early as the
the proposed Amendments to the IAS (Cadre)
6th Century B.C.
Rules, 1954.
▪ Now, an artist has documented the lives and
work of the men and women involved in the ▪ He argued that it struck at the very root of the
excavation. country’s federal polity and State autonomy.
▪ V. Saranraj’s photographs have been ▪ He urged the Prime Minister to engage with
displayed, under the title, ‘Keeladi,’ as part of the States to further strengthen the nation’s
the Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) Edition- federal spirit.
III at the Roja Muthiah Research Library at ▪ Contending that civil servants must be
Taramani. allowed to work with a free mind and stay
▪ They showcase the role of these workers in apolitical, Mr. Stalin said the ramifications
the excavation and the steps involved in the of the proposed amendments were ominous
process before artefacts were presented. and would cause an irreparable damage to
▪ From measuring the site to digging, probing, the spirit of cooperative federalism that exists
accessing historical objects, carefully collecting between the Union and the States and result
and cleaning them and the tools that were in concentration of power with the Union
used, the photographs have documented it all. Government.
Arumughaswamy Panel gets Public Libraries Act, Rules to be

Extension revisited
▪ The State Government extended till June 24 ▪ Conscious of the problem of lack of funds being
the tenure of Justice A. Arumughaswamy faced by public libraries and the consequent
Commission of Inquiry constituted to probe adverse impact on development works of
the Libraries Department, the Tamil Nadu
the death of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.
government has decided to revisit the Public
▪ The panel’s tenure was to expire on January Libraries Act, 1948, and the Public Libraries
24. Rules, 1950.
▪ The panel had sought extension to examine ▪ An eight-member high-level committee,
witnesses in the wake of the Supreme Court headed by former Tamil University Vice-
order. chancellorM. Rajendran, has been constituted,
according to an order issued by the Education
BHOG Certification for Prasadam Department last week.
▪ Chief Minister M. K. Stalin appreciated the
Urban Local Bodies polls to be held in
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments
Single Phase on Feb. 19
(HR&CE) Department for obtaining BHOG
▪ Tamil Nadu State Election Commissioner V.
certification for Prasadam (offering to deities)
Palanikumar announced that the urban local
and food distributed as part of Annadhanam
bodies polls for 21 municipal corporations,
scheme at 314 temples in the State. including Chennai, 138 municipalities and
▪ As a token of appreciation, he met the 490 town Panchayats, will be held in a single
executive officers of 15 temples at an event at phase on February 19.
the Secretariat and handed over the Blissful
Hygienic Offering to God (BHOG) certificates CM to launch All India Federation for
issued by the Food Safety and Standards Social Justice
Authority of India. ▪ On the occasion of Republic Day, Chief
Minister M.K. Stalin said he will soon launch
Chola-era Inscriptions found at Temple an All-India Federation for Social Justice,
near Villupuram which will have “leaders from oppressed
classes from all States”.
▪ Inscriptions of the Chola period were
▪ Addressing a national webinar on ‘Taking
discovered at the Vishnu temple at Angur in
Forward the Struggle for Social Justice and
Villupuram district. Joint National Programme (JNP) for Social
▪ They belong to the period of Kulottunga I Justice Movement’, Mr. Stalin said,
(1070-1120), Vikrama Chola (1118-1135) and 9 “The proposed federation will provide
Kulottunga II (1133-1150). suggestions to all States on laws related to
social justice.
CM Inaugurates T.N. Unmanned Aerial 9 ‘Everything for everyone’ will be the base
Vehicles Corpn. Expo of this federation. This will be a federation
▪ Inaugurating the Tamil Nadu Unmanned that works to achieve the principles of
Aerial Vehicles Corporation exhibition in federalism and Social Justice.”
Anna University, Chennai, which has been set ▪ The webinar was jointly organized by the All-
up at `10 crore, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said India Backward Classes Federation (AIBCF),
the need for drones were on the rise. the Social Revolution Alliance (SRA), Phule
Ambedkari Gauravshali Aur Adarshawadi
▪ He also virtually inaugurated the 1 MW Muhim (PAGAAM), the All India Backward
capacity solar power plant established at and Minority Communities Employees
`7.25 crore in the Madurai Kamaraj University Federation (BAMCEF), We the People (WTP)
campus. and Lead India.
CM Announces Awards for Otteri during Nivar cyclone and rescued a

Scholars: differently-abled boy Palani and reunited him
▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the 2021 with his family in three hours was given the
awards for scholars, organisations and media award.
houses that contributed to the development of ▪ Next to receive the award was M.Rajiv
Tamil language. Gandhi, a fireman from Villupuram district,
▪ From this year the award money has been who rescued two boys from drowning in a
flood.
increased to `2 lakhs from `1 lakh each.
▪ Dr. K. Asokan, forest veterinary assistant
▪ The award winners will be honoured with
surgeon, was awarded the gallantry medal for
a one sovereign gold medal, a shawl and a
successfully tranquilising two forest elephants
citation.
and saving many lives.
▪ The winners are:
▪ Four members of the public were awarded the
9 Perarignar Anna Award - Nanjil Sampath. Anna medal for gallantry.
9 Mahakavi Bharathiyar Award ▪ Tey are
- Bharathi Krishnakumar. 9 Muthukrishnan from Sivaganga was
9 Pavendhar Bharathidasan Award awarded for saving the lives of five people
- Senthalai Gowthaman. who fell into a canal. Nine-year-old
9 Sollin Selvar Award - Surya Xavier. Chandrasekaran of Tiruchy got the award
9 Singaravelar Award - for saving the life of a Class four student
Madukkur Ramalingam. who fell into a well.
9 Thamizhthai Award - Malaysian 9 Sokknathan and Sudha, from Tiruppur,
Tamil Writers Association. were awarded the medal for rescuing five
school children from drowning.
9 Arutperunjyothi Vallalar
Award– Sanjeevirayar. 9 M.Thaniyarasu from Tiruvottiyur was
awarded for alerting the residents of
9 Si Pa Aditanar Award -
TNUHDB building before it collapsed.
Uyirmmai magazine.
▪ C.Ramasamy from Salem district was
9 Kambar Award - Bharathi Baskar. awarded C. Narayanasamy Naidu Award for
9 G.U. Pope Award - veteran journalist the highest yield of rice (13,800 kg per hectare).
and former Readers’ Editor of The ▪ Gandhi Adigal Police Medal was given
Hindu A.S. Panneerselvan. to policemen for their outstanding work in
9 Maraimalai Adigalar Award - Suki Sivam curtailing illicit liquor.
9 Ilango Adigal Award - Nellai Kanan. ▪ The Tirupur south, Tiruvannamalai Taluk
9 Ayothidas Pandithar Award and Anna Nagar police stations were named
- Gnana Aloysius. the best police stations in the State.
Stalin Presents Anna medals for Padma Sri to me will bring joy and
Gallantry to Brave Hearts: encouragement to Thavil Musicians:
▪ An Air Force helicopter showered flower ▪ Thavil musician Kongampattu AV
petals over the venue after the tricolour was Murugaiyan, one of the Padma Shri recipients
unfurled. Wing Commander Anuj Gupta is joyous over the announcement by the
was the overall Parade Commander of the Ministry of Home Affairs on the occasion of
Republic Day parade in Chennai. 73rd Republic Day.
▪ Stalin presented Anna medals for gallantry to ▪ "It is not only an honour for me but the award
policemen and members of the public. to me will bring joy and encouragement
▪ Inspector Rajeswari who saved Ganesh, to young musicians to learn Thavil," said
a painter, from a dilapidated house in Murugaiyan.
▪ The 58-year-old Thavil exponent who is that would provide seamless coverage by
the only recipient of the Padma award from easing the process of application, approval
Puducherry was born in Kongampattu village, and Installation of Telecom Infrastructure.
near Kandamangalam in Villupuram district. ▪ A G.O. issued by the Information Technology
▪ He is the seventh from Puducherry to win the Department recently said the policy was in
Padma award. consonance with Indian Telegraph Right of
▪ He is a recipient of several awards including the Way Rules 2016 and is applicable to all existing
Kalaimamani Award from the Government of and future telecom infrastructure, which
Tamil Nadu in 2006. would streamline the process of applications
▪ He was conferred the title of ‘Aasthana and granting of permission for installation of
Vidwan’ by Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peeda and mobile towers, laying of optical fibre cable and
Sreepuram Golden Temple. other telecom infrastructure.
▪ He was an A Plus Grade Artist on All India ▪ The policy aims at increasing mobile telecom
Radio, who has also performed at concerts in penetration in rural areas, providing reliable,
several international countries and represented affordable, high-quality telecommunication
India in the “Festival of India" in Paris. and internet services and providing high
speed and high-quality broadband access to
▪ He is a Thavil teacher at Villupuram
the rural areas and adopting green and citizen
Government Music school, where he has
friendly telecom sites.
taught more than 300 students in his 23 years
of service at the school. ▪ For laying Underground Telegraph
Infrastructure, every application would have
Funds Alloted for Magizh Kanidham to be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of
Scheme: ₹1000 a kilometre or part thereof exclusive of
▪ 'Magizh Kanitham' (Learning Mathematics taxes.
with Joy) will, according to Samagra Shiksha ▪ In case of establishing Mobile Tower
officials, kindle interest among children to (Overground Telegraph Infrastructure),
learn mathematics. every application has to be accompanied by a
▪ To implement the scheme, Tamil Nadu onetime non-refundable fee of `10,000 a tower.
government has allotted Rs. 93.79 lakhs for ▪ For establishing Overground Telegraph/
6948 schools (Rs. 1350 per school). Optical Fibre Cable line, every application
▪ R. Sudhan, State Project Director, Samagra under subsection of (1) of Section 11 of this
Siksha in his circular to primary education Policy, shall be accompanied by a onetime
officials said for the students from 6th to 8th nonrefundable fee of `1000 per kilometre or
class in government schools in Tamil Nadu to part thereof exclusive of taxes, it said.
learn maths easily 'Magizh Kanidham' scheme
is yet to be implemented. States must decide on SC/ST Quota in
▪ The School Education Department has
Promotions:
conducted an online training programme for ▪ The Supreme Court refused to lay down the
mathematics teachers on January 20 and 21 “yardstick” for determining the inadequacy
to give them a basic knowledge on the new of representation for granting reservation
concept. in promotions for Scheduled Caste and
Scheduled Tribe candidates in government
State unveils its Telecom Infrastructure jobs.
Policy 2022: ▪ The court stuck firm by the decisions of its
▪ The State government has formulated the Constitution Benches in the Jarnail Singh and
Tamil Nadu Telecom Infrastructure Policy, M. Nagaraj cases that the question of adequate
2022, aiming at developing a robust and secure representation of SC/ST communities ought
state-of-the-art telecommunication network to be left to the respective States to determine.
Acknowledging Demographic CM Administers Pledge against

transition, T.N. prepares Draft policy for Untouchability:
Elders: ▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin administered the
▪ The Government of Tamil Nadu has framed pledge against untouchability to Ministers,
a Draft policy for senior citizens in an senior officials and staff at the Secretariat in
Acknowledgement of the State’s ongoing Fort St. George on January 29, to mark the
demographic transition. In this endeavor, it death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
plans to partner with field experts, academic About:
institutions and civil society organisations ▪ The Gandhi murder trial took place in Delhi’s
working for the welfare of senior citizens in Red Fort.
rural and urban Tamil Nadu. ▪ Godse and Narayan Apte were sentenced
▪ The draft document is based on Article 41 to death. Vinayak Savarkar was acquitted.
of the Constitution, which requires the State Others, including Nathuram’s brother Gopal
to secure the right to work, education and to Godse, were given prison sentences on
public assistance in cases of unemployment, conspiracy charges.
old age, sickness and disablement. Books on Gandhiji's Assassination:
▪ According to the report Elderly in India, 2021 ▪ Veteran journalist Dhirendra K Jha - 'Gandhi's
released by the Ministry of Statistics and Assasin: The Making of Nathuram Godse
Programme Implementation, Tamil Nadu and His Idea of India'.
had 13.6% of senior citizens last year. ▪ Koenraad Elst - 'Why I Killed the Mahatma:
▪ It is projected to have the second highest Uncovering Godse’s Defence'.
proportion of people aged 60 and above (after ▪ Justice GD Khosla was one of the judges who
Kerala), with 18.2% in 2031. presided over Godse’s trial. He authored the
▪ As per the draft policy, the State government book 'Murder of the Mahatma'.
will focus on health and nutrition, social ▪ Prof Makarand R Paranjape - 'The Death and
security schemes, livelihood and income Afterlife of Mahatma Gandhi' in 2014.
security, housing and environment, safety,
▪ Louis Fischer - biography 'The Life of
institutional care, awareness and education,
Mahatma Gandhi'.
research and documentation, disaster
management and set up the Directorate for the ▪ British historian Robert Payne - 'The Life and
Welfare of the Senior Citizens. Death of Mahatma Gandhi'.
▪ Tushar Gandhi, the Mahatma’s grandson -
541 MBBS, BDS seats Allotted in First 'Let’s Kill Gandhi' in 2007.
day of Medical Counselling under 7.5
per cent Quota:
▪ Medical counselling for government school
students under the 7.5 per cent reservation
began on January 28.
▪ The selection committee had called 762
candidates for the counselling, of which 739
attended it.
▪ A total of 541 seats were allotted, of which 437
were MBBS seats.

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Government of Tamil Nadu

Department of Employment and Training

Course : Competitive Exam

Department of Employment and Training

100 PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Date Day Theme / Remark

Date Day Theme / Remark

Date Day Theme / Remark

▪ Armed Forces Veterans Day recognizes the

▪ The Indian Army Day is celebrated to honor each

▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared to

▪ National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

Date Day Theme / Remark

Date Day Theme / Remark

▪ Every year on 25 January National Voter's

▪ Every year on 25 January National Tourism

Date Day Theme / Remark

International ▪ (The largest Nazi death camp, Auschwitz-

1.2 PROFILE OF STATES

1.3 DEFENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY AND TERRORISM

Explosion in destroyer INS Ranvir: About BrahMos:

Extended Range BrahMos Tested:

1.4 WORLD ORGANISATIONS – PACTS AND SUMMITS

"P3 (Pro-Planet-People) Movement: World Employment and Social Outlook –

1.5 EMINENT PERSONS

Kathak Northern India First Indian to Complete Prestigious

1.6 SPORTS & GAMES

Tata Group is Title Sponsor: Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia to

ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year:

Winter Olympics 2022: Women's Doubles:

Roger Federer’s Winning Records:

Odisha Open Badminton 2022:

1.7 AWARDS & HONORS

Dr. Subhas Mukherjee Award: 9 The Master Artisans - Amita Sachdeva

9 His works, My Judgments in the Light of 9 The statue of Thiruvalluvar in Bengaluru

South Indian Bank won UiPath Innovation Promotion Group and

▪ Similarly online competitions in all states IBSi Innovation Awards 2021:

▪ Founded: 22 November 1965. the legislative assembly elections in Tamil

1.8 BOOKS & AUTHORS

TN Governor Ravi Launches Two Books:

1.9 LATEST HISTORICAL EVENTS

1.10 CULTURAL PANORAMA

▪ The day commemorates the initial recognition

International Folk Art Festival:

1.11 INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURS

▪ The Commerce Ministry’s investigation

1.12 APPOINTMENTS- WHO - IS WHO

Indian-Origin in Tesla Autopilot Team: New IIT-M Director:

New TAHDCO Chairman: About NHIDCL:

▪ The appointment comes two days before the

▪ Each standing committee consists of 31 POSH Act: HC Guidelines Challenged:

About: ▪ In exercise of the powers conferred by the

Articles related to Elections ▪ It aimed to provide for Regulation of an Armed

▪ The Citizenship Act,1955 provides various Centre’s Response awaited on law on

2.2 GOVT.WELFARE ORIENTED GOVT. SCHEMES THEIR UTILITY

About SPMRM: Veer Gatha Project:

Identification of Beneficiaries: partial disability.

3.2 ENVIRONMENT ECOLOGY

India’s oldest Sloth Bears ‘Gulabo’ Sixth Warmest Year: