Focus Merit

Category: All Current Affairs

48th Statehood day anniversary celebrated in Meghalaya

January 22, 2020

Meghalaya celebrated the 48th anniversary of statehood day on 21st January with cultural fanfares immersed in remnants of the ‘Hill State Movement’ that led up to the declaration of Meghalaya as a separate state in the year 1972. Traditional songs and dances marked the celebration at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong. The celebrations will continue till the Republic Day celebration.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stressed on the need to remember the glorious past, document it and pass it on to the younger generations. He said that slogans to die for the state should be replaced by slogans to live for the state and the nation by doing what needs to be done.

Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana launched in Uttar Pradesh

January 22, 2020

Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana has been launched by the government of Uttar Pradesh to provide financial assistance of five lakh rupees to the family of farmers who die or become handicapped while working in fields.

The scheme will cover farmers and their family members in the age group of 18-70 years and for the first time, will also include the Bataidars, who work in the field of other persons and share the crop after it is harvested.

Government has also decided to implement Mukhyamantri Paryatan Samvardhan Yojana to boost tourism in state under which one tourist point will be developed with a fund of 50 lakh rupees in each and every assembly segment of the state.

Reading of Preamble and Marathi to be mandatory in Maharashtra schools

January 22, 2020

Maharashtra Government has made the reading of the Preamble of the Constitution mandatory for the Maharashtra schools. The  reading will be done after prayer in all primary and secondary schools in Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra government will also enact a law during the next Assembly session, making it mandatory to teach Marathi language in all schools in the state from Class 1 to Class 10 irrespective of mediums of instructions. The next session of the Assembly will be held in February.

Shiv Sena leader, Subhash Desai who is also the Marathi Language Minister, stated the draftbill in this connection is being prepared. The comment was made during an interaction organised by the ‘Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh’.

Brazilian President invited as the Chief Guest on India’s 71st Republic Day

January 22, 2020

On the occasion of 71st Republic Day Parade at Raj Path, New Delhi on 26 January, President of Brazil Jair Messias Bolsonaro has been invited as the chief guest. Bolsonaro will arrive in New Delhi on a four-day state visit to India.

President Ram Nath Kovind will meet President Bolsonaro on January 25th, President Kovind who will host a Banquet in his honour. Vice President and the External Affairs Minister will call on President Bolsonaro.

Delegation comprising of seven Ministers, Chairman of Brazil-India Friendship Group in the Brazilian Parliament, senior officials and a large business delegation will also be accompanying President Bolsonaro.

32nd edition of PRAGATI chaired by Prime Minister Modi

January 22, 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 32nd interaction through PRAGATI platform which was held in New Delhi. PRAGATI is defined as the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.

Prime Minister had launched the multi-purpose and multi-modal governance platform PRAGATI on 25th March 2015. PRAGATI is an integrating and interactive platform aimed at addressing the common man’s grievances.

PRAGATI also helps in simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the Centre as well as projects flagged by various State governments.

‘National Startup Advisory Council’ to be set up by Government of India

January 22, 2020

The ministry of commerce has officially announced the establishment of the National Startup Advisory Council to provide representations to the Indian startup ecosystem during policy-making processes. The council will be led by union minister Piyush Goyal. The Council will advise the Government on measures needed to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country to drive sustainable economic growth and generate large scale employment opportunities.

Although the commerce ministry hasn’t finalised on the name of the members yet, the central government will be nominating the members for a period of two years. The council will consist of founders of successful startups, entrepreneurs, representatives from incubators and investors, along with representatives from government departments and regulators that deal with startups.

Ashwani Kumar’s ‘Dignity – A purpose in perpetuity’ launched

January 22, 2020

The launch of former Union minister Ashwini Kumar’s book ‘Human Dignity — A purpose in perpetuity’ , Singh stated institutions of “our liberal and libertarian democracy” have been put to test on several occasions when fundamental freedoms were threatened.

The book is published by US based publisher Lexis Nexis. The books portrays the author’s view on issues related to freedom, dignity and justice faced in society. Former Vice-President Hamid Ansari also took part in this occasion.

‘The Gateway’ A Social Commentary on Safety of Senior Citizens

January 22, 2020

‘The Gateway’ by Hariharan Balagopal draws attention to the plight of senior citizens who are susceptible to a multitude of crimes against them – ranging from petty robberies to murders. The novel also stresses on the importance of preventing self-isolation by senior citizens.

Within the bracket are several other crimes committed against the elderly, often undetected and unreported, like ill-treatment, rape, deliberate neglect, and physical harm by own kin. Bonding over food and drinks is one of Delhi’s essential characteristics, and ‘The Gateway’ employs it effectively for a cause.

Former Indian cricketer Man Mohan Sood passes away at 80

January 22, 2020

Former Test batsman and National selector Man Mohan Sood passed away at the age of 80. Sood played one Test and 39 first-class matches with one century in his cricket career.

Sood made his first class debut against Services in 1957 and played his final Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir in 1964. His lone Test appearance came against Richie Benaud-led Australia at Madras in 1960 when India lost by an innings and 55 runs.

Tendulkar and Walsh to coach Aussie bushfire relief match

January 22, 2020

Sachin Tendulkar and Courtney Walsh will coach star-studded teams in a charity match to raise funds for victims of Australia’s bushfires. The former Test captains are the latest players to come out of retirement for the appeal, joining Aussie greats Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Michael Clarke and Shane Watson. India’s Tendulkar and Windies fast bowler Walsh will coach teams skippered by Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting respectively. Steve Waugh and Australian coach Justin Langer will also have non-playing roles.

The bushfire relief match will take place ahead of the Big Bash final with the venue to be confirmed on January 31 after the Qualifier is played with the winning team hosting the final. Before that double-header, the Australia and India women’s teams will play their tri-series match in Melbourne and it could be the city hosts the trio of matches if the Melbourne Stars secure the BBL final at the MCG.