India, UAE Launch Maiden Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’

The Indian and UAE armies have commenced their first-ever joint military training exercise called ‘Desert Cyclone’ in Rajasthan on January 2. The drills aim to enhance counter-insurgency capabilities in desert terrain. Scale and Scope Over 45 troops each from India’s ..

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2024

Category: Defence Current Affairs

India Forms 16th Finance Commission Under Economist Arvind Panagariya

The Indian government has formed the 16th Finance Commission to review fiscal distribution between the Union and States for 5 years from 2026. Dr Arvind Panagariya, former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman, will helm the panel. Constitutional Mandate Under Article 280(1) ..

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2024

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs

NEHHDC Establishes Ashtlaxmi Haat for Northeast Arts and Crafts

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) is setting up a dedicated marketplace and residency in Guwahati to boost incomes for regional artisans. Introducing Ashtlaxmi Haat Named after Ashtalaxmi, the eight Hindu goddesses of wealth, the ₹7.6 crore ..

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2024

Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs

NEDFi Sanctions Over ₹750 Crores for 5,300 Northeast Projects

North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) has provided funding of ₹766 crore to around 5,338 enterprises across sectors in northeast India between January-November 2023. Overall Role NEDFi facilitates industrial and services projects in the Northeast by offering financial assistance and ..

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2024

Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs • India Nation & States Current Affairs

10th Edition of Sagar Parikrama

India’s Fisheries Minister Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the 10th edition of Sagar Parikrama – a coastal yatra spreading awareness about government welfare schemes among fishermen. Key Focus Areas The 15-day journey spans fishing harbors and villages across Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry. ..

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2024

Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs

India Extends Auto PLI Scheme Tenure, Offers More Flexibility

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program for the automobile sector has been extended by one year through March 2028. Simultaneously, amended rules provide added clarity and concessions to approved applicants. Revised Incentives Timeline Initially envisaged for five years starting 2023-24, ..

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2024

Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs

Leap Year 2024

February 29th only comes once every four years – but what exactly is a leap year and why was an extra calendar day needed? Accounting for Earth’s True Revolution A solar year equals one full revolution of Earth around the ..

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2024

Category: Important Days & Events Current Affairs

Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh Takes Charge as Indian Navy’s Chief of Material

On January 1st, Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh assumed duties as the Chief of Material of the Indian Navy. He took over from Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, who retired following 39 years of praiseworthy service spearheading the Navy’s maintenance efforts. Key ..

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2024

Category: Defence Current Affairs

Elephant Herds Compete More for Food in Grasslands vs Forests: Study

Elephants exhibit greater conflict over food in human-altered grasslands compared to forests, despite greater resource abundance in the former, a new study reveals. Probing Pachyderm Behavior Scientists from Bengaluru’s Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research analyzed data from long-term ..

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2024

Category: Environment Current Affairs