News:In Punjab, a group of Nihangs attacked a police personnel in the wake of lockdown due to Coronavirus pandemic. Facts: Nihang:It is an order of Sikh warriors characterised by blue robes, antiquated arms and decorated turbans. Origin:They are believed to have originated either from Akali Dal started by Guru Hargobind or from Fateh Singh and… Continue reading Explained:Who are Nihangs?
Author: ForumIAS
Ambedkar Jayanti
News:On 14 April 2019, the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has been celebrated. Facts: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in Mhow, Central Province (now Madhya Pradesh). He was India’s first Law Minister and was Chairman of the Drafting Committee for the new Constitution. Contributions: Mahad Satyagraha: It was led by… Continue reading Ambedkar Jayanti
Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme
News:The Government of India in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds. Facts: The Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme was introduced in 2015.They are government securities denominated in grams of gold. Aim: To reduce the demand for physical gold and shift a part of the domestic savings used for… Continue reading Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme
JUICE Mission
News:European Space Agency has announced its plan to launch JUpiter ICy moons Explorer(JUICE) mission by 2022. Facts: Aim:To spend at least three years making detailed observations of the giant gaseous planet Jupiter and three of its largest moons, Ganymede, Callisto and Europa.
World Economic Outlook
News:The International Monetary Fund(IMF) has released the World Economic Outlook Report. Facts: The report is published twice a year. Aim: To provide analysis and forecasts of economic developments of member countries and highlights risks and uncertainty. Additional Facts: International Monetary Fund(IMF): It is an organization of 189 countries which seeks to ensure the stability of… Continue reading World Economic Outlook
Meru Jatra Festival
News:Odisha’s Ganjam district administration has banned the Meru Jatra festival and congregations due to Covid-19. Facts: Meru Jatra marks the end of the 21-day-long festival of penance named ‘Danda Nata’. Danda Nata Festival: It is a 21-day long seasonal folk dance festival that is celebrated in the month of ‘Chaitra’. During the festival, people who… Continue reading Meru Jatra Festival
US Approves Sale of Military Hardware
News:The US State Department has approved the sale of missiles and torpedoes worth $155 million to India. Facts: Harpoon Block II Missile: It is an anti-ship missile capable of performing both land-strike and anti-ship missions. It would be integrated into the P-8I aircraft to conduct anti-surface warfare missions in defense of critical sea lanes. MK… Continue reading US Approves Sale of Military Hardware
All India Agri Transport Call Centre
News: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare launched All India Agri Transport Call Centre Facts: Aim: Facilitate coordination between states for inter-state movement of perishables. It is an initiative of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare.
Amendments to EIA NOTIFICATION, 2006
News: Ministry of Environment,Forest and Climate Change, has made an amendment to EIA Notification 2006 to fasten availability/production of various drugs against COVID-19. Facts: All projects or activities in respect of bulk drugs and intermediates, manufactured for addressing various ailments, have been re-categorized from the existing Category ‘A’ to ‘B2’ category. Projects falling under Category… Continue reading Amendments to EIA NOTIFICATION, 2006
Govt issues list of National Directives for COVID-19 management
News: Ministry of Home Affairs issued National Directives for COVID-19 management Facts: Wearing of face cover in workplaces and public places compulsory. Fine for spitting in public places. Ban on sale of tobacco products and alcohol Gatherings of more than five people not allowed in public spaces or in any organisation District magistrates have been… Continue reading Govt issues list of National Directives for COVID-19 management
