India and Ukraine Chamber of Commerce to be set up

India and Ukraine Chamber of Commerce to be set up

An India-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce will be established in the upcoming months in an effort to strengthen commercial ties. The Chamber will work to increase opportunities for investment and cooperation in industries including infrastructure and power with the help of the Ukrainian government.

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India and Ukraine Chamber of Commerce to be set up: Key Points

  • The event happened after Emine Dzhaparova, Ukraine’s first deputy foreign minister, visited India.
  • Dzhaparova recommended during the tour that Indian infrastructure companies take part in the restoration of Ukraine, which is at war with Russia.
  • The private sectors in both countries were unable to interact and look for opportunities in the absence of a chamber of commerce.
  • In the coming months, efforts are being made to create such a body, according to people with knowledge of the situation.

India and Ukraine Trade Relations:

  • The Ukrainian Embassy in India reports that in 2021, bilateral trade between India and Ukraine totaled $3.45 billion.
  • Ukraine sold fertilisers and vegetable oils worth $2.49 billion to India, but it also received $961.2 billion worth of commodities from that country.
  • Pharmaceuticals and electrical equipment made up its two primary imports.
  • India and Ukraine have signed a number of agreements over the past 20 years in a variety of industries, including the promotion of investment, standardisation, merchant shipping, research, and technology.
  • However, since its conflict with Russia erupted in February 2022, Ukraine’s GDP has experienced a sharp decline.
  • Various estimates place Ukraine’s economy’s pre-war size at between a third and half of what it is today.
  • Ukraine’s economy has been severely hampered by its year-long conflict with Moscow, the destruction of important industrial districts, and relentless strikes on its electrical infrastructure.
  • According to a calculation made by the World Bank, the European Commission, and Ukrainian authorities, Kyiv’s economy would need to be rebuilt with close to USD 349 billion.

Mongolia refinery to be built by India by 2025

How did India support Ukraine?

  • India has supported Ukraine by sending numerous batches of emergency medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
  • New Delhi agreed to give Ukraine school buses during the recent visit of deputy foreign minister Emine Dzhaparova to India. Discussions about commerce and the economy also took place during Minister Dzhaparova’s visit.
  • Additionally, Kyiv asked India to provide additional humanitarian aid and urgent relief.

Mongolia refinery to be built by India by 2025

Mongolia refinery to be built by India by 2025

Mongolia will have its first oil refinery up and running by 2025. The first phase of the $1.2 billion Indian soft loan-funded Mongol Oil Refinery will be finished by the end of the year. Given that Russia is the only source of energy imports for Mongolia, the development has strategic ramifications.

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Mongolia refinery to be built by India by 2025: Key Points

  • The refinery will enable Mongolia to satisfy 70% of its domestic demand.
  • According to the nation’s ambassador, Dambajav Ganbold, the first oil refinery in Mongolia, which is being constructed on the outskirts of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar with funding from India, would be finished by 2025.
  • Mongolia also intends to entice investment from India in its mining and metals industries with intentions to start shipping coking coal to India by 2024.

What all Mongolia have to offer?

  • Important rare earth metals are also found in Mongolia, which may be essential to India’s plans to develop cutting-edge technical capabilities in semiconductors and sustainable transportation.
  • Indian businesses have already travelled to Mongolia to investigate these possibilities. It is anticipated that regular direct flights between Mongolia and India will be established in order to enable these exchanges.
  • India is Mongolia’s significant “third neighbour” in this area. This is one of the foreign policy’s key ideas, and it first came up because of Mongolia’s two large neighbours, Russia and China.
  • So, in order for Mongolia to be an independent state, it is needed to establish contact with a third neighbour.
  • This provides Mongolia the chance to expand and strengthen collaboration both locally and globally.
  • Since Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Mongolia in 2015, the governments have agreed to build the country’s first oil refinery.
  • This refinery project, which comprises four packages, is currently in full swing.
  • Right now, the first package, or EPC 1, is more than 70% finished, and it will be finished this year.
  • Following the tender procedure for the final three packages, Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited was chosen.
  • Mongolia’s Independence and energy security will increase thanks to the refinery.

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Important Takeaways For All Competitive Exams:

  • Mongolia capital: Ulaanbaatar
  • Mongolia Prime Minister: Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene
  • Mongolia currency: Tugrik

Ministry of Health plans to launch 100 Food Streets Nationwide

Ministry of Health plans to launch 100 Food Streets Nationwide

The Union Health Ministry and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs have made a noteworthy and inventive decision to urge states and Union Territories to establish 100 food streets in 100 districts throughout the country. This pilot project is intended to serve as a model for other streets to follow and promote hygienic and safe food practices.

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The objective of this initiative is to encourage food businesses and community members to adopt safe and healthy food practices, ultimately leading to a decrease in foodborne illnesses and an enhancement in overall health outcomes.

Ministry of Health plans to launch 100 Food Streets Nationwide: Key Points

Union Health Secretary, Shri Rajesh Bhushan and Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs Secretary, Shri Manoj Joshi, wrote a letter to states emphasizing the importance of safe and clean food for the health of citizens. They explained that following safe food practices not only supports the “eat right campaign” and food safety but also enhances the credibility of local food businesses, generates employment opportunities, boosts tourism, and contributes to the economy. Additionally, it helps in maintaining a cleaner and eco-friendly environment.

Street foods are deeply rooted in Indian culture and can be found throughout the country, showcasing the diverse local culinary traditions. In addition to offering affordable daily sustenance to millions of people, street food also creates job opportunities and contributes to the tourism industry. However, there are concerns about food safety and hygiene at street food stalls and markets. As urbanization continues to advance, these hubs offer convenient access to food, but also exacerbate the problem of contaminated and unsafe food due to unsanitary practices.

The one-of-a-kind project will be executed through the National Health Mission (NHM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and with technical assistance from FSSAI. To address significant gaps, financial support in the amount of Rs.1 crore per food street/district will be provided to the States/Union Territories. 100 such food streets will be established in 100 districts throughout the country, with a standardized branding of the food streets in compliance with FSSAI guidelines. This support will be given under the National Health Mission (NHM) in the ratio of 60:40 or 90:10.

Ministry of Health plans to launch 100 Food Streets Nationwide: State Level Planning

At the state level, Municipal Corporations/Development Authorities/District Collectors will lead significant initiatives to ensure the integration of financial resources and physical infrastructure. Other efforts such as training for food handlers, third-party audits, and certification of Eat Right Street Food Hubs, as well as the “Support to Urban Street Vendors (SUSV)” scheme under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAYNULM) from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, have been implemented to enhance food safety standards. Furthermore, the States/Union Territories may conduct training programs for street vendors to educate them on food safety, hygiene maintenance, and waste management.

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State/UT wise Number of Food Streets

Below is the state wise list of Number of food streets proposed by Ministry of Health:

State/UT wise Number of food streets

State/Union Territory

Number of food streets
Andhra Pradesh 4
Assam 4
Bihar 4
Chhattisgarh 4
Delhi 3
Goa 2
Gujarat 4
Haryana 4
Himachal Pradesh 3
Jammu & Kashmir 3
Jharkhand 4
Karnataka 4
Kerala 4
Ladakh 1
Madhya Pradesh 4.
Maharashtra 4
Odisha 4
Punjab 4
Rajasthan 4
Tamil Nadu 4
Telangana 4
Uttar Pradesh 4
Uttarakhand 4.
West Bengal 4
Arunachal Pradesh 1
Manipur 1
Meghalaya 1
Mizoram 1
Nagaland 1
Sikkim 1
Tripura 1
A & N Islands 1
Chandigarh 1
DI) & DNH 1
Lakshadweep 1
Puducherry 1
Total 100

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Empowering Rural India: An Overview of the SVAMITVA Scheme

Why the scheme is in news?

During the celebration of National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) on 24th April 2023 at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh. The Prime Minister handed over SVAMITVA(Survey of villages and mapping with improvised technology in village areas) Property Card to select beneficiaries, symbolizing the attainment of a milestone of 1.25 crore property cards distribution under the SVAMITVA Scheme in the country.

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Ministry: – Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Launch Year: –  24th April 2021 after successful completion of the pilot phase of the scheme (2020-2021) in 9 states

Implementing Body: – Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Objectives: – 

  1. Creation of accurate land records for rural planning and reduce property-related disputes.
  2. To bring financial stability to the citizens in rural India by enabling them to use their property as a financial asset for taking loans and other financial benefits.
  3. Determination of property tax, which would accrue to the GPs directly in States where it is devolved or else, add to the State exchequer.
  4. Creation of survey infrastructure and GIS maps that can be leveraged by any department for their use.
  5. To support in the preparation of a better-quality Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) by making use of GIS maps

Target of the Scheme: – to promote socio-economic empowerment and a more self-reliant rural India.

Beneficiaries: – Village household owners

Funding: – Central Sector Scheme

Budget Allocation: – So far, the budget allocated for the SVAMITVA (Survey of villages and mapping with improvised technology in village areas) scheme is ₹ 79.65 Cr. (Actual), ₹ 140 Cr. (RE) & ₹ 150 Cr. (BE) for the fiscal years 2020-21, 2021-2022, and 2022-23 respectively.

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24th April Current Affairs – Top News of the Day

Today’s Current Affairs

24th April 2023 Current Affairs are incorporated with the important news that made the current affairs headlines for banking, UPSC or other competitive exams. Daily Current Affairs is the complete bag of important news that is held all day long. One should have complete knowledge about banking terms, current affairs news, etc. So, here is the Top News of the Day for 24th March 2023 to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz. 

Here is the Current Affairs 24th April 2023 covering the following news headlines: World Book and Copyright Day, World Immunization Week 2023, PM GatiShakti, World Bank’s Logistic Performance Index, Reserve Bank Innovation Hub.

National News

1. NHAI to Develop 10,000 km of Optic Fibre Cables Across India by FY 2025

India and Ukraine Chamber of Commerce to be set up - Part 1582_14.1

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to develop an integrated network of around 10,000 kilometers of optic fiber cables (OFC) infrastructure across India by the fiscal year 2025. The project will be implemented by NHAI’s special purpose vehicle, National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), which will create utility corridors along the national highways to develop the OFC infrastructure. The OFC network will provide internet connectivity to remote regions in India and facilitate the country’s transition to modern telecommunication technologies such as 5G and 6G. Pilot tracks for the development of digital highways have already been identified by NHAI, with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and Hyderabad-Bangalore corridor included in the plan.

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International News

2. British Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab Resigns Following Bullying Investigation

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Dominic Raab, the British Deputy Prime Minister, has resigned after an independent investigation found that he acted in an intimidating manner toward colleagues. The 48-page report by lawyer Adam Tolley investigated more than a dozen complaints about Raab’s behavior, with Tolley concluding that Raab did act in an intimidating way with colleagues in two of the three sets of complaints against him.

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3. Kenya’s Kiptum Wins London Marathon in 2nd Fastest Time

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Kelvin Kiptum, a 23-year-old Kenyan athlete, collapsed to the ground after achieving victory in the London Marathon and posting the second-best time in history for the distance. Kiptum broke the course record with an impressive time of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 25 seconds, falling short of Eliud Kipchoge’s world record by only 16 seconds. Amos Kipruto, Tamirat Tola, and Mo Farah, the legendary long-distance runner, were among the elite men’s field that Kelvin Kiptum left behind in what was Farah’s final marathon. Farah, at the age of 40, finished in ninth place with a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 28 seconds.

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States News

4. Khongjom Day in Manipur in 2023

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Khongjom Day was commemorated at Khongjom in Thoubal district of Manipur to honour the soldiers who fought in the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War. Manipur’s Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Governor Ms. Anusuiya Uikey were among those who paid their respects to the heroes at the event, held at Kheba Ching in Khongjom. During his address, the Chief Minister emphasized that the youth have a responsibility to preserve and defend the dignity, freedom, and sovereignty of the country. He also asserted that independence should not be interpreted solely in the context of separatism and regionalism.

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5. Kerala launches ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ to revive sports culture

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The Kerala government initiated a project aimed at reinvigorating the sports culture in the state by establishing high-quality playgrounds in every panchayat. The ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ project was launched by Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, at Kallikkad. During the inauguration, he emphasized the significance of a strong sports culture in fostering a robust and contented community.

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Appointments News

6. Shantanu Roy to become new CMD of BEML Limited

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Shantanu Roy has been recommended as the next Chairman and Managing Director of BEML Limited, a Miniratna PSU under the Ministry of Defence. The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) panel selected him for the position from a list of three candidates, all of whom were from BEML Limited. Roy is presently serving as Director (Mining & Construction Business) in the same organization and has over 30 years of extensive experience in capital goods sectors for defense, mining & construction, transportation, transmission, renewable, and large power projects.

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Defence News

7. 2023 Locked Shields cyber-defense exercise held in Tallinn by NATO

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Over 3000 participants from 38 countries – including, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies and partners – participated in the 2023 edition of the annual exercise “Locked Shields,” hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn (Estonia). “Locked Shields” is the world’s largest cyber defence exercise. It started on 18 April 2023 and involved protecting computer systems from real-time attacks and simulating tactical and strategic decisions in critical situations.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

  • NATO Founded: 4 April 1949, Washington, D.C., United States;
  • NATO Founders: United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Italy;
  • NATO Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium;
  • NATO Secretary General: Jens Stoltenberg.

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Banking News

8. Canara Bank has partnered with Reserve Bank of India innovation hub

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Canara Bank, in partnership with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), has introduced a new customer-friendly service called “Digitalised Submission of Form 15G/15H,” which is aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction. These are self-declaration forms that individuals submit to the bank to avoid the deduction of TDS on interest income, provided their income is below the basic exemption limit. These forms, namely Form 15G (for individuals and HUFs) and Form 15H (for senior citizens), require PAN information to be furnished.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

  • RBI Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata;
  • RBI Governor: Shaktikanta Das;
  • RBI HQ: Mumbai.

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Ranks and Reports News

9. First-ever waterbody census: West Bengal tops list among states, Sikkim at the bottom

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The Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the first-ever Census of Water Bodies, which has revealed that West Bengal has the highest number of water bodies in India, while Sikkim has the lowest. This census has been conducted in convergence with the 6th Minor Irrigation Census under the Irrigation Census scheme launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. West Bengal has the highest number of water bodies in India, with 7.47 lakh water bodies, according to the Census of Water Bodies by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Sikkim has the least number of water bodies, with only 134.

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10. India jumps 6 places on World Bank’s Logistic Performance Index, ranks 38

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India has made a significant leap on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, moving up six places to 38th out of 139 countries in the 2023 ranking. This improvement is the result of the country’s substantial investments in both hard and soft infrastructure, as well as technology. In 2018, India was ranked 44th on the index, and its current position marks a considerable improvement from its 54th rank in 2014.

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Awards News

11. PM GatiShakti national master plan wins award for excellence in public administration

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At the 16th Civil Services Day Celebration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded the Excellence in Public Administration-2022 award to the PM Gati Shakti national master plan in the ‘Innovation (Central)’ category. The plan was launched in October 2021 to reduce logistics costs and streamline critical infrastructure projects. The award recognizes the innovative approach of the plan towards improving the country’s infrastructure and its impact on public administration.

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Sports News

12. Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara named gates unveiled at iconic SCG

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Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has turned 50 this year on 24 April and to honour him the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia has unveiled a set of gates named after him. Along with him, the SCG also added the name of another cricketing legend Brian Lara, who will be sharing the honour with Sachin Tendulkar. The gates were be unveiled to mark Tendulkar’s 50th birthday and the 30th anniversary of Lara’s 277 at the SCG, in which he scored a century in the test played in January 1993. With this new honour, both the legends will join the league of great Donald Bradman, Alan Davidson and Arthur Morris.

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Important Days

13. World Immunization Week 2023 observed on 24th to 30th April

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World Immunization Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to highlight the collective action needed to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases. The aim of this week is to increase awareness around the benefits of immunization and also to encourage people to get vaccinated. This year the day is observed from April 24th to April 30th and is an important effort to help prevent the spread of deadly diseases around the world. The theme for this year’s World Immunization Week is “The Big Catch-Up” and aims to emphasize the need for countries to accelerate their progress towards ensuring that everyone, particularly children are protected from preventable diseases.

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14. International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2023 observed on 24 April

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The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is celebrated annually on 24 April. The Day acknowledges the use of multilateral decision making and diplomacy in achieving peaceful resolutions to conflicts among nations. This day aims to promote the principles of multilateralism and diplomacy in resolving global challenges and conflicts. The observance also serves as a reminder of the importance of the United Nations and other multilateral organizations in facilitating cooperation and collective action among nations.

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15. World Book and Copyright Day 2023: 23 April

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World Book and Copyright Day is observed on April 23 every year to promote reading books, particularly among the younger generation. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) initiated this event with the aim of combating the reduced importance given to reading due to the excessive availability of information from various sources. The purpose of this day is to encourage people worldwide to cultivate a habit of reading books. The focus is on promoting reading as the primary source of information and entertainment. The theme for World Book Day 2023 is ‘Indigenous Languages.’ It focuses on promoting the diversity in native languages of a country.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

  • UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France;
  • UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945, London, United Kingdom;
  • UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay.

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India celebrates 24th April as National Panchayati Raj Day

The Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh, will commemorate National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24, 2023, at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh. The event is part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) – Samaaveshi Vikaas (Inclusive Development) campaign, which aims to celebrate people’s participation in the saturation of people-centric schemes. The Prime Minister will be the chief guest and will address the elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions as well as Special Gram Sabhas across the country. The launch of an integrated e-GramSwaraj and GeM portal for public procurement at the Panchayat level and the distribution of SVAMITVA Property Cards to select beneficiaries will be among the highlights of the event.

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Understanding the Concept of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) in India

Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) is India’s rural local self-government system established by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, of 1992. PRI manages local affairs and rural development through elected local bodies.

Evolution of the Panchayati Raj System in India

The evolution of the Panchayati Raj in India can be divided into several periods from a historical perspective. In the Vedic era, the concept of the inclusion of a spiritual man in a group of five persons, known as ‘Panchayatan’, was prevalent, but it later vanished. The democratic bodies at the local level included Sabha, Samiti, and Vidatha, mentioned in the Rigveda, which the king had to consult regarding certain functions and decisions. In the Epic era, the administration was divided into Pur and Janpad, or city and village, with a Caste Panchayat in every state, and one person elected by the Caste Panchayat as a member of the king’s Council of Ministers. The ancient period saw the existence of a well-established system of local government run on traditional patterns, with the headman and a council of elders playing a crucial role in village life. During the medieval period, the self-government of villages eroded due to the casteism and feudalistic system of governance under the Mughal rule.

During British rule, village panchayats lost their autonomy and became weak. The Mayo’s resolution of 1870 gave impetus to the development of local institutions by enlarging their powers and responsibilities and introduced the concept of elected representatives in urban municipalities. Lord Rippon in 1882 provided a democratic framework to these institutions by mandating that all boards should have a two-thirds majority of non-officials who had to be elected. Local self-government institutions received a boost with the appointment of the Royal Commission on Centralization in 1907, which recognized the importance of panchayats at the village level. The Montagu Chelmsford reforms of 1919 transferred the subject of local government to the domain of the provinces and recommended complete independence for them from external control. However, due to organizational and fiscal constraints, these panchayats remained limited in number, scope, and functions.

After the Constitution came into force, Article 40 mentioned Panchayats, and Article 246 empowered the state legislature to legislate on any subject relating to local self-government. However, the inclusion of Panchayats into the Constitution was not unanimously agreed upon. Despite constitutional provisions, Panchayati Raj institutions continued to be weak until the 1980s when the government initiated the Panchayat Raj Institutions scheme. The 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 made Panchayati Raj institutions a constitutional mandate and provided for the devolution of powers, functions, and finances to the panchayats. Today, Panchayati Raj institutions play a vital role in grassroots democracy and development in India.

Salient features of Panchayati Raj

  • Gram Sabha: village assembly of registered voters, can perform functions entrusted by state legislature
  • Three-tier system: PRI at the village, intermediate, and district levels for uniformity (except in states with <20 lakh population)
  • Election: direct election of members at all levels, indirect election of a chairperson, state legislature determines election rules
  • Reservation of seats: seats reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women; one-third of total seats to be filled by direct election reserved for women; state legislature can make reservations for backward classes
  • Duration of Panchayats: five-year term, can be dissolved early, new elections held before the natural term expires or within six months of dissolution
  • Qualification & Disqualification: disqualification under laws for state legislature elections, minimum age of 21, state legislature determines disqualification authority
  • State election commission: oversees electoral rolls and conduct of elections, governor appoints commissioner who can only be dismissed for reasons specified for dismissing a judge
  • Powers and functions: state legislature endows panchayats with necessary self-government powers and authority
  • Finances: panchayats are authorized to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, receive grants-in-aid, establish funds for all money
  • Finance Commission: governor establishes an annual commission to review finances, make recommendations, and provide findings for the central finance commission
  • Audit: state legislature determines the auditing mechanism for PRI
  • Application to UT: president can direct application to union territories with specified modifications
  • Exempted areas: Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, scheduled areas, tribal areas, hill area of Manipur, and Darjeeling district of WB are exempt unless provisions extended by parliament under specified modifications
  • Bar to the interference of court: courts cannot interfere in electoral or delimitation matters, state legislature determines election petition mechanism
  • 11th schedule: identifies areas under PRI purview.

The celebration of National Panchayati Raj Day is a significant step towards creating awareness and building momentum for India@2047 and achieving the global SDGs agenda in the local context by 2030. The event will witness the participation of more than one lakh participants, including representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, other stakeholders, and residents/rural masses. An exhibition showcasing different thematic stalls will also be set up at the venue of the national function of NPRD-2023 for the benefit of the general public, highlighting initiatives and achievements under various government programs such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM-G), Amrit Sarovar, Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, Rural Tourism Development (Home Stay), SVAMITVA, Jal Jeevan Mission, and others.

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Himachal Pradesh (HP) has become the first Indian state to develop a DNA database for unidentified bodies

Himachal Pradesh has made history by becoming the first Indian state to establish a DNA database specifically for unidentified bodies. This groundbreaking initiative commenced in April 2022, and the database currently contains 150 DNA samples of unknown individuals, according to recent news reports.

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More About The DNA database:

In 2022, the Directorate of Forensics Services in Junga obtained DNA profile databasing and matching technology from the United States called Smallpond TM software at a cost of Rs. 55 lakh. The database is currently being populated and organized and has a capacity of around 20,000 DNA profiles, which can be expanded as needed.

Significance of a DNA database:

The creation of this database is a significant development for families who have been frantically searching for their missing loved ones, endlessly providing photographs and other information in the hopes of discovering their whereabouts. Assistant Director (DNA) at the Directorate of Forensic Services in Junga, Vivek Sahajpal, told the media that the DNA database will be an immense help in such cases, providing crucial details that can aid in identification.

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Bihu performance in Guwahati creates Guinness World Record

Indian batter Ishan Kishan hits fastest ODI double hundred off 126 balls_80.1

PM GatiShakti national master plan wins award for excellence in public administration

At the 16th Civil Services Day Celebration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded the Excellence in Public Administration-2022 award to the PM Gati Shakti national master plan in the ‘Innovation (Central)’ category. The plan was launched in October 2021 to reduce logistics costs and streamline critical infrastructure projects. The award recognizes the innovative approach of the plan towards improving the country’s infrastructure and its impact on public administration.

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More About The PM GatiShakti national master plan wins award for excellence in public administration:

Modi  highlighted the importance of utilizing the single platform that consolidates all infrastructure-related data to better plan and execute projects, especially in the social sector.

He added that PM Gati Shakti would help identify citizens’ needs, tackle education challenges, and enhance communication between departments, districts, and blocks, leading to the development of future strategies.

About PM GatiShakti:

Movement' and 'Strength' to Build India

PM GatiShakti is a national master plan launched by the Indian government in October 2021. The plan aims to streamline critical infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, ports, airports, and telecom, and reduce logistics costs.

The master plan consolidates all infrastructure-related data into a single platform to facilitate better planning and execution. The plan intends to contribute to the development of future strategies by improving communication between departments, districts, and blocks, and identifying citizens’ needs. Over 30 central ministries or departments, including infrastructure, economic and social sector line ministries, and all 36 states and union territories, have joined the national master plan. The plan received the Excellence in Public Administration-2022 award in the ‘Innovation (Central)’ category at the 16th Civil Services Day Celebration.

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Asha Bhosle to receive Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar

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Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara named gates unveiled at iconic SCG

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Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has turned 50 this year on 24 April and to honour him the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia has unveiled a set of gates named after him. Along with him, the SCG also added the name of another cricketing legend Brian Lara, who will be sharing the honour with Sachin Tendulkar. The gates were be unveiled to mark Tendulkar’s 50th birthday and the 30th anniversary of Lara’s 277 at the SCG, in which he scored a century in the test played in January 1993. With this new honour, both the legends will join the league of great Donald Bradman, Alan Davidson and Arthur Morris.

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Looking at the data, Lara’s 277 remained to his highest at the SCG, where he totalled 384 runs at the ground in four Tests overall. Meanwhile, Sachin had an average of 157 at the iconic ground, where he scored 785 runs in five Tests over the years with three centuries. It also includes the memorable 241 not out in January 2004. In 13 international matches at SCG, Mr. Tendulkar has scored 1,100 runs at an average of 100, with four centuries and four fifties and the best score of 241*. Behind West Indies’ Viv Richards (1,134 runs) and Desmond Haynes (1,181 runs), he is the third-highest run-scorer at the venue among non-Australian players.  In his 67 international matches there, Tendulkar scored 3,300 runs at an average of 42.85. He scored seven centuries and 17 half-centuries in the country, with the best score of 241*.

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Canara Bank has partnered with Reserve Bank of India innovation hub

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Canara Bank, in partnership with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), has introduced a new customer-friendly service called “Digitalised Submission of Form 15G/15H,” which is aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction. These are self-declaration forms that individuals submit to the bank to avoid the deduction of TDS on interest income, provided their income is below the basic exemption limit. These forms, namely Form 15G (for individuals and HUFs) and Form 15H (for senior citizens), require PAN information to be furnished.

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A lot of residents, especially senior citizens, submit their 15G and 15H forms to their banks at the beginning of each fiscal year, particularly in the first few weeks of April. Presently, our bank allows these forms to be submitted through online banking or mobile banking, which require familiarity with and access to these services. However, many elderly individuals are not accustomed to using internet and mobile banking services, so they have to stand in long queues at bank branches throughout the day to submit these tax exemption forms.

About the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub: 

  • The Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) recognized the problem, engaged with various banks to explore possible solutions, and developed a blueprint to resolve the issue. The suggested solution employs technologies that elderly citizens are already familiar with, and uses an OMNI-channel approach. As a result, all depositors, including senior citizens, can now conveniently submit their Tax Waiver forms through SMS and Website, using their registered mobile phone number, from anywhere and at any time.
  • The Reserve Bank of India Innovation Hub (RBIH) is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) that was launched to promote innovation in the financial sector. The RBIH works towards identifying areas where innovation can help address challenges and opportunities in the financial industry, and facilitates the development of solutions through collaboration with banks, fintech companies, and other stakeholders. Its main goal is to enhance financial inclusion, efficiency, resilience, and customer service through innovation.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

  • RBI Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata;
  • RBI Governor: Shaktikanta Das;
  • RBI HQ: Mumbai.

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