News at a Glance – Year 2022 – INTELLI-DUCKK.COM

Major Headlines (November 01 – 30, 2022)

October GST revenue crosses Rs. 1.51 lakh crore; National average stood at 18% during October
Projected poll results show Netanyahu inching towards reclaiming power in Israel
DRDO tests Phase 2 of ballistic missile defence
In a U-turn, Sunak says he will attend the COP27 in Egypt
Decline in pre-primary enrolments continued in 2021-22, says government report
Netanyahu, allies secure victory in Israel election
All employees can opt for EPFO pension scheme : SC; The court uses its extraordinary powers under Article 142 to allow eligible members who had not opted for enhanced pension coverage prior to the 2014 amendments to do so in four months
China’s home-grown Beidou satellite system eyes global footprint
Mathura-Vrindavan aims to become a carbon neutral tourist destination by 2041
Navy chiefs of Quad in Japan ahead of Malabar Exercise; The meeting on the naval exercise, which was started in 1992 between India and the U.S.
China to persist with ‘zero-COVID’ policy
Iran tests Ghaem 100, multi-stage rocket that can carry satellites
Cash-strapped Pakistan set to get additional $13 billion in financial support from China, Saudi Arabia
North Korea launches ballistic missiles as U.S.-South Korea Air Force exercises end
Supreme Court, in a majority verdict, upholds the EWS quota; 10% reservation to the ‘poorest of poor’ among forward castes does not affect Basic Structure of the Constitution, say three judges of the five-member Bench; CJI, another judge hold that exclusion of other communities in avowedly discriminatory
Cooperate or Perish, UN Chief cautions at COP-27; He added, We’re on highway to climate hell
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change grants clearance for the diversion of 130.75 sq. km of forest on Great Nicobar Island for the mega Rs. 72,000-crore project that includes a trans-shipment port, an airport, a power plant and a greenfield township
Chiefs of Indian, French Air Forces join ongoing Garuda-VII air exercise in Jodhpur
India ready to help ‘de-risk’ Ukraine situation, Jaishankar tells Russia
Kerala moves to remove Governor as Chancellor; Renowned academic experts will head universities
D.Y. Chandrachud takes charge as the 50^th Chief Justice of India
Level of groundwater extraction lowest in 18 years, finds study
Centre devises new guidelines for TV Channels; broadcast of socially relevant topics compulsory
At COP-27, India insists on higher global climate finance target by 2024
ISRO’s cryogenic engine, developed for LVM3, passes hot test
Arif Mohammed Khan removed as Chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam; An eminent person from the field of art and culture will be the new Chancellor; State brings governance system and management structure of the institution fully under government control
Current account deficit may be lower than 3% this fiscal
Jharkhand Assembly passes Bill to raise reservation in government jobs to 77%
MBBS in Hindi lost in transliteration? Doctors, students, hospitals raise concerns about viability of programme and employability of students from bilingual stream in Madhya Pradesh
Some countries have registered 1.5 ‘C goal in COP-27 text, says U.S.
At ASEAN summit, Biden promises countries that U.S. will work with them
G-20 summit to focus on food, energy security; PM Modi is set to meet several world leaders in Bali; he will discuss the plans for the 2023 summit to be held under India’s presidency, environment and gender issues
Retail inflation cools to 6.77% in October from 7.41% in September
Atomic energy, hydrogen power India’s net zero plan; India announces long-term strategy at COP-27
Wholesale inflation slipped to single digit at 8.4% in October
India’s exports shrink 16.7% and imports rise 5.7% in October
PM Modi meets Xi, Biden in Bali at G 20 meet; Talks with 8 leaders today
Nine Russian banks open vostro accounts for Rs. Trade; Russia is first country to facilitate Rs.-based export-import transactions
India’s population growth in stabilising, it is an indicator of effective health policies, says UN
War causing immense human suffering: G-20; Joint declaration says the conflict in exacerbating existing fragilities in the global economy, constraining growth, threatening energy and food security and elevating financial stability risks
At COP-27, India and three others oppose ‘carbon border tax’
India deploys new docks, upgrades speedboats for Pangong Tso patrol
India takes part in Moscow talks on forming ‘inclusive government’ in Afghanistan
U.K. and India to launch a Young Professionals Exchange in 2023, says Downing Street
Supreme Court agrees to list plea for Collegium system review; Petitioners seeks revival of National Judicial Appointments Commission that gave government a say in the appointment of judges
Draft digital data protection Bill tabled for public comments; The draft Bill narrows the scope of the data protection regime to personal data protection – a move welcomed by the industry
India’s first private rocket lifts off from ISRO spaceport; The six-metre tall launch vehicle Vikram-Sis named after Vikram Sarabhai; the rocket is developed by the Hyderabad-based start-up Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited
N.Korea’s ICBM, with range to strike entire U.S., lands near Japan’s waters
PM Modi inaugurates Arunachal’s first greenfield airport, Donyi Polo Airport
67% drop in PM-Kisan payout in 3 years; The number of beneficiaries of the scheme came down from 11.84 crore to 3.84 crore since the first instalment in February 2019 till the 11^th instalment in May-June 2022, show Agriculture Ministry data
Andaman seeks GI tag for Nicobari hodi boat; The hodi is the Nicobari tribe’s traditional craft
INCOIS keeps watch on Barren Island volcano for signs of an eruption which could lead to tsunami or monstrous undersea landslide akin to what had happened in Indonesia in 2018
India proposed a permanent secretariat for ‘No Money for Terror’(NMFT), a ministerial conference, in order to sustain the global focus on countering the financing of terrorism
COP-27 sets up loss and damage fund to compensate the most vulnerable countries from climate-linked disasters, new panel to decide its future
ISRO to attempt 200^th successful launch of RH-200 rocket in a row
Qatar, China sign world’s ‘longest’ gas supply deal
162 dead after 5.6 magnitude earthquake hits Java island
Crisil pares GDP growth view to 7%, cites global slowdown
SC calls out Centre over short tenures of CECs; Centre paying mere ‘lip-service’ to independence of poll panel, evident in the way Chief Election Commissioners have had a term of just a few hundred days since 2004, says Justice Joseph
Tamil Nadu gets its first biodiversity heritage site; Tamil Nadu government declares Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram villages as first biodiversity heritage in the state
Europe to be hit the hardest in global slowdown, says OECD; Global slowdown seen falling from 3.1% in 2022 to 2.2% in 2023
Scottish parliament cannot hold poll for independence: Court
India growth to slow to 5.9% in 2023, says Goldman Sachs
Domestic demand to offset effect of global downturn: Ministry
Aviation Ministry notifies draft Aircraft Security Rules, 2022; The draft Rules, once finalised, ill empower BCAS to impose penalties upto Rs. 1 crore on airports and airlines for violation of security measures
Government forms panel to look into MGNREGA’s efficacy
Birth certificate to be made mandatory for jobs, driving license, passport, voting rights
PSLV-C54 successfully places nine satellites in multiple orbits; Earth observation satellite EOS-06 and eight nanosatellites, including one for Bhutan and commercial entities, constituted the payload
China’s anti-lockdown protests spread to dozens of campuses
Egyptian President Sisi to be chief guest at Republic Day celebrations
Japan PM wants defence Budget to reach 2% of GDP by 2027
Qatar announces deal to supply natural gas to Germany from 2026

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (October 01 – 31, 2022)

India abstains on UNSC resolution condemning Russia’s ‘referenda’
Indore bags cleanest city award for sixth year, M.P. ranks first among states
Reserve Bank raises rates by 50 bps, brings down growth outlook by 7%
Swedish scientist Svante Paabo gets medicine Nobel prize for work on human evolution
Induction of indigenously built Light Combat Helicopter marks a new chapter: Air Chief
Scientists Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Morten Meldal and K. Barry Sharpless won the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering reactions that let molecules snap together to create desired compounds and that offer insight into cell biology
Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger won the prize in physics for their advances in quantum mechanics on the behavior of subatomic particles, opening the door to work on super computers and encrypted communication
Sri Lanka is anticipating a ‘significantly lesser’ number of favourable votes at UNHRC
Centre raises credit limit under ECLGS for airlines to 100% of debt up to Rs. 1,500 crore
French author Annie Ernaux wins Literature Nobel Prize 2022
World Bank pares India FY23 growth projection to 6.5%
India abstains from on Sri Lanka vote at UN Human Rights Council
Human Rights activists/organisations from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine won the Nobel Peace Prize
At Rs. 7.45 lakh crore, direct tax receipts cross half the target
Russia launches fresh attack with missile raids; India ‘deeply concerned’ over increase in violence
Pakistan to take part in closing ceremony of SCO anti-terror exercise hosted by India
Fed ex-Chair Ben Bernanke shares Nobel with 2 other U.S. economists, Douglas W. Diamond and Philip H. Dybvig
IMF cuts India’s growth forecast to 6.8% this year; The fund cites Ukraine war, record-high inflation and effects of pandemic as key reasons
D Y Chandrachud nominated as next Chief Justice of India
UN Security General, PM to launch initiative on environment in Gujarat
G7 vows support for Ukraine after Russian forces launch mass strikes
Inflation accelerates to 7.41%, highest since April; September food inflation quickens sharply to 8.41%
August industrial production shrinks 0.8%, inflation drags; Manufacturing, mining sector output contract
ISRO’s own Next-Gen Launch Vehicle may assume PSLV’s role
Global Hunger Index is out, India is ‘serious’ category at rank 107
U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum set for November 8, modest outcomes likely
ISRO’s LVM3 to launch 36 OneWeb satellites on October 23
Xi JinPing set for third term, China to unveil new leadership
Big private projects give investment boost in Q2
About 41.5 crore Indians out of multi-dimensional poverty since 2005-06
PM Modi inaugurates ‘One Nation, One Fertiliser’ scheme
Japan seeks GI tag for nihonshu, an alcoholic beverage; This is the first time a product from Japan has filed for a tag at the GI Registry in Chennai
Pakistan likely to be taken off FATF grey list this week
China again blocks 2 proposals on Pakistan terrorists at UNSC
Truss announces exit; U.K. to get its 3^rd PM in three months
Rishi Sunak becomes Britain’s first non-white Prime Minister
Cyclone Sitrang kills at least 24 people in Bangladesh
ISRO to boost NavIC, widen user base of location system
Kalanamak rice is now small, strong; Indian Agriculture Research Training has successfully tested two new dwarf varieties in Uttar Pradesh that give double the yield

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (September 01 – 30, 2022)

GST revenues cross the Rs. 1.4 lakh crore mark again; However, August collection is 3.6% lower than July’s
Vostok-2022 begins in Russia with India, China participating; U.S. criticises India’s attendance in the joint military exercise
U.N. accuses China of Uighur rights abuses; China denounces the HRC report as a ‘patchwork of false information cooked up’ by Western nations
PMI flags fastest manufacturing output growth since November; Easing inflation fears lift sentiment to 6-year high: S&P Global
India to host Quad senior officials’ meeting next week; It comes ahead of PM’s visit to SCO summit with Russia, China
Vikrant a reflection of self-reliant India: PM; Country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier commissioned into the Navy
IMD forecast predicts above average rainfall in September; Active spells in recent years is due to La Nina conditions
G7 agrees to implement price cap on Russian oil; The group plans to deny shipping to oil above the price cap
‘Chinese investment’ in sea cucumber farm kicks off concerns in Sri Lanka; Northern fishermen see the government thrust on commercial aquaculture as a threat
Justice Chandrachud is new head of NALSA; He takes over from CJI U.U. Lalit
‘Dark Sky Reserve’ to come up in Ladakh; Hanle, situated 4,500 m above sea level, is one of the world’s most optimal sites for astronomical studies
ISRO tests system to recover spent rocket stages; Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator successfully test-flown by VSSC on a Rohini-300 sounding rocket
Liz Truss wins Conservative race to be the U.K.’s next PM; She beats Indian-origin Rishi Sunak for the top post
Preventive Detentions rose in 2021 as per NCRB; Number of people in custody or detained at the end of year highest since 2017
Services PMI flags rebound in August; Business sentiment in India recovers to best level since May 2018, S&P Global’s sectoral survey shows
Europe heading for recession as cost-of-living crisis deepens; Euro slips below 99 cents as Russia keeps gas supply shut
Bangladesh PM favours early solution for Teesta, other issues; Kushiyara water treaty among the seven deals signed between the two countries
Quad discusses China moves, COVID vaccine; Foreign Ministries officials held meet
Liz Truss takes office as Britain’s PM; The new PM faces huge economic and political challenges, from inflation to Northern protocol
Putin attends military drills with China, others; India has sent an Army contingent
UN slams Sri Lanka’s rights record; Impunity for rights abuses is the underlying reason for the economic crisis
Global challenges won’t deny dent India’s recovery, says Moody’s; Rating firm lowers FY23 growth forecast to 7.6%, retains Baa3 rating for country
Future oils supplies will mostly come from Gulf: Oil Minister; Moscow is now India’s second-biggest supplier after Iraq
Nomura raises CAD estimate as exports lag; It flags high monthly trade deficits
Xi, Putin to hold talks in Uzbekistan; Narendra Modi will also attend the SCO summit; he will hold talks with the Russian leader
CBDC to reduce time, cost in cross-border terrorism: RBI’s Sankar; It will also reduce settlement risk
India, China troops disengage at LAC friction point in Ladakh; Pullback begins from Patrolling Point-15 in the Gogra-Hotsprings area
Longest-reigning monarch of U.K., Elizabeth II dead
India ranks 132 out of 191 countries in the Human Development Index 2021
U.S. to refit Pakistan F-16s; India silent; Announcement came amid talks between senior Indian and U.S. officials
European Central Bank lifts rates by record 75 bps to fight inflation; Central bank sees more rate increases
India, China to take up remaining LAC issues; Gogra-Hot Springs disengagement to be over on Monday
India stays out of ‘trade pillar’ at Indo-Pacific meet; Concerns over discriminatory clauses
King Charles III proclaimed Britain’s monarch; Vows to follow the inspiring Queen
Kyiv reclaims Russian-held territory; This winter is a turning point and can lead to de-occupation, says Zelensky
Expert team to visit Hoysala temples; It will cover Belur, Halebid, and Somanathpur and submit report to UNESCO
Third stealth frigate of Project 17A Taragiri launched in Mumbai
Charles III proclaimed King of Australia; Similar ceremony held in New Zealand; Queen Elizabeth II’s coffing begins final journey Scotland; Both former British colonies have been independent for decades but retain the monarch as their head of state
Retain inflation resurges to 7% as food prices mount; Industrial output growth in July drops to 2.4%
CAA petitions to be heard on October 31; CJI asks parties to draw road map, highlight issues; case to go to 3-judge Bench
India raises Sri Lankan Tamil issue in UN; It voices concern over lack of ‘measurable progress’ on Colombo’s commitments of a political solution
Making New Zealand a republic not a priority: PM; British monarch is its head of state
India may need up to 28GW in new coal-fired plants by 2032; Estimate is in addition to 25 GW under construction: Central Electricity Authority
India, China confirm withdrawal of troops from PP-15 in Ladakh; This disengagement marks a step forward to end the stand-off since May 2020
Iran may urge India to restart oil import; Modi to meet Raisi on sidelines of SCO
India to hold G-20 summit in 2023; Bangladesh, UAE, Singapore, Spain , Mauritius , Oman will be ‘guest countries’
Cadets back at J&K lake after 33 years; Training drills in the area were suspended in 1989 under the shadow of militancy
Union government push for use of Hindi; Home Ministry to promote use of language for official work in foreign countries
Wholesale inflation slowed to an 11-month low at 12.4% in August; Primary food article prices harden, other segments report milder inflation
Armenia-Azerbaijan border clashes toll rises to over 170; Truce holding, no fresh violence reported overnight: Yerevan
Fitch cuts FY23 India growth outlook to 7% on high inflation; Ratings firm flags global slowdown, expects RBI to continue with rate increases
At SCO meet, Modi and Sharif spar over transit trade access; PM flags energy, food crises due to COVID-19 and war
Sri Lanka set to revive and upgrade FTA with India: Ranil; It seeks a comprehensive economic and tech partnership
Cheetahs from Namibia get a new home in India; PM releases three at National Park in Madhya Pradesh
China blocks listing of Lashkar commander Sajid Mir at UNSC; This is Beijing’s third attempt in three months
NSCN(I-M) to resume peace talks with Centre; Group meets with Core Committee on Naga Political Issue
Net direct tax kitty crosses Rs. 7 lakh crore; Finance Ministry says the 23.3% rise is a clear signal of economic revival
Powerful earthquake strikes Taiwan; People trapped as three-storey building collapses; part of a passenger train derails
Typhoon Nanmadol makes landfall in Japan; Millions of people urged to take shelter
China remains formidable challenge, says Navy chief; Admiral Hari Kumar says Beijing has maintained a continuous presence in the Indian Ocean Region since 2008 by leveraging anti-piracy operations to normalise its naval presence
Russian President Putin mobilises more troops, says nuclear threat ‘not a bluff’
ADB pares India FY23 GDP growth forecast to 7%, from 7.5%
Bank GNPAs may hit decadal low of 4% in FY24: Crisil Ratings
Rupee slides to new low of 80.79 on Fed rate increases, stance; Analysts expect RBI to step in and contain volatility in coming sessions, say ‘rupee may be seen in a range of 80.40 to 81.20’ against the dollar
G4 countries highlight ‘urgent need’ for reform in UN Security Council
ISRO eyeing 200^th successful launch of Rohini RH-200 sounding rocket in a row
Biden terminates Afghanistan’s major non-NATO ally tag; The designation had helped the U.S. and Afghanistan maintain defence and economic ties
Centre’s push for NavIC system lands smartphone giants on unknown road
S&P sticks to 7.3% FY23 growth forecast; India’s retail inflation is expected to stay above the 6% mark till the end of 2022
Government app ‘Jaldoot’ to capture data on groundwater levels
Centre bans PFI, 8 front bodies for five years under UAPA
Eastern command’s ex-chief Anil Chauhan is the new Chief of Defence Staff
SC axes 51-year-old curb, single women get equal abortion rights
U.S. announces $810 mn in funding for Pacific islands; This will allow the U.S. to increase its diplomatic footprint in the Cook island and Niue
Current account deficit widened to 2.8% of GDP in Q1

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (August 01 – 31, 2022)

India, Oman to hold joint military exercise – ‘AL NAJAH-IV’ between contingents of Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman
Orunodoi scheme to aid Assam’s Tricolour plans; Beneficiaries to get Rs.18 extra to buy flag
Debris from Chinese rocket falls to earth; Not sharing details about object’s descent irresponsible and risky, say NASA
GST collections jump by 28% to Rs. 1.49 lakh crore on imports; July’s receipts are the second-highest monthly figure
Normal rainfall in August, September: IMD; But parts of east-central, east and northeast India may witness a deficit, it says
Myanmar junta extends emergency by 6 months; Difficult to implement ASEAN plan
Manufacturing PMI hits 8-month high; July’s output growth fastest since November, input cost inflation slows to 11-month low: S&P Global
Wildlife Protection Bill gets approval from Lok Sabha; Key thrust of the Bill is to make Indian law compatible with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Trade deficit soared past $31 bn in July; Goods exports slid marginally even as imports surged 43.6%; silver imports zoomed
SC calls for a panel to look into freebies issue; Court asks parties for inputs to set up a specialised body
China steps up pressure on Taiwan; Military exercises to seal off airspace for four days
India to host UNSC meet on counter terrorism; Meeting in October to bring representatives of 15 countries, including China and Russia, for talks on emerging threats
U.S., Indonesia hold joint military drills amid China concerns; Over 5,000 soldiers participate, which will last till August 14
Services growth slides to 4-month low; Business sentiment worsens with only 5% firms expecting growth a year from now, PMI survey shows
China holds military drills, fires missiles near Taiwan; Beijing’s unprecedented response after Pelosi’s Taipei visit
Sri Lanka firmly committed to One China policy: Ranil; Countries must refrain from provocations, President says
Iran nuclear talks restart in Vienna with EU mediation; Aim is to guarantee civilian nature of nuclear programme
Inflation driving 8% of GST revenue rise; SBI research sees current account deficit widening to 3.7% of GDP, pegs trade deficit at 8.5% in 2022-23
RBI raises rates, vows nimble policy; Policy repo rate raised by 50 basis points to 5.4%
China sanctions Pelosi, suspends key U.S. talks; Beijing continues live fire drills in 6 regions around Taiwan
Jagdeep Dhankhar is new Vice-President; Alva condemns Opposition leaders who backed him
PM lauds States for cooperative federalism in fighting COVID-19; NITI Governing Council discusses crop diversification, NEP, urban governance
Satellites launched by SSLV in ‘wrong orbit, not usable’; Launch vehicle put them in elliptical, not circular orbit: ISRO
India begins cooperation with Combined Maritime Forces; Modalities of nature of cooperation is being worked out, say officials
States holding up results of Economic Census: Centre; Parliament panel raps Ministry of Statistics for the delay
CSIR gets its first women chief; N.Kalaislvi, ‘lithium battery expert’, is expected to aid India’s e-vehicle push
Don’t disturb normal affairs with Sri Lanka: China to India; Beijing terms New Delhi’s opposition to ship visit ‘senseless’
Panel bats for equality in child’s guardianship; Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act discriminates against women
80% decline in value of fake currency notes; Discernible trend of reduction in number of counterfeit notes detected in banking system: Minister
China military begins new Taiwan drills; According to Taipei, it tracked 13 vessels and 39 aircraft, of which 21 jets crossed the median line
Nitish Kumar dumps BJP for RJD, set to form government afresh; He claims support of 164 MLAs from seven parties
To boost spending, Centre releases Rs. 1.16 lakh crore to States; Two-month dues in one go to ease constraints after end of GST compensation
India, Australia to sign film treaty; Union Cabinet gives approval for joint production of audio-visual content
Taiwan drills conclude, China reaffirms reunification pledge; Military exercises near Taipei would bring in a new normal
SC not in favour of derecognising political parties over freebies; Derecognition of parties is undemocratic: CJI
Youth employment declined in India, says ILO report; COVID-19 has hurt youth more than any other age group
Indices surge to 4-month high on finance, IT stocks; Rupee drops 37 paise despite inflows
Avoid unilateral action to alter Taiwan status quo, says India; New Delhi calls for de-escalation of tensions
Salman Rushdie stabbed at New York event; One held; author undergoing surgery
Retail inflation in India eases to 6.71% in July
Global instability posing challenge to national security; Volatility created by the Ukraine war has made investment atmosphere difficult, says Jaishankar
Essential Commodities Act invoked to rein in tur dal price; States to monitor and verify stocks available with traders
Industrial output growth slows; IIP expands 12.3% from a year earlier, but rises only 0.14% over May 2022 levels
Exports grew 2% in July, imports jumped 44%; Trade deficit stood at record $30 bn
India can sustain CAD of 2.5-3%: RBI Deputy Governor Michael Patra; RBI Deputy Governor says current account deficit of less than 3% will not cause external sector crisis
Growth of 11% can vault India to 2^nd spot by 2031; RBI’s Patra cites GDP in PPP as relevant
Country facing twin challenges of corruption and nepotism: PM Modi; Misogyny needs to be combated too, says Modi
3-D printed cornea put to test in a rabbit; No synthetic components used, says scientists
China announces new military drills; It accuses U.S. delegation in Taiwan of trying to challenge its one-China principle
U.K. authorises Moderna’s Omicron-specific booster; All adults over 50 would be offered the vaccine dose
India gifts Dornier aircraft to Sri Lanka; Colombo had requested two of them in 2018; another to arrive within two years
India, China troops to take part in Russia war games in Vostok; The drills would include airborne troops, bombers and military cargo aircraft
Centre raises thresholds for prosecution under Customs Act; Limits won’t apply for offences around fake currency, arms
Supreme Court orders status quo on move to put panel in charge of Indian Olympic Association; Appointment of committee may result in a sporting ban on India globally: Centre
BRI projects are slow, but lending rises; In the first half of 2022, China’s investments and contracts in 147 countries amounted to $28.4 billion
Elevated inflation needs apt policy reply; Imported inflation, pending pass-through of input costs by producers remain risks, write RBI officials
Indian team deliberating on ocean diversity pact; A key aspect of the agreement is deciding on the rights of companies that undertake exploration for marine resources
Himachal prone to natural disasters, says study; Latest State of Environment report shows the hill State is vulnerable to 25 out of 33 identified types of hazards
China’s Russia coal imports hit 5-year high; China buys discounted coal while Western countries shun Russian cargoes over its Ukrainian invasion
Facing government action, Huawei to dial down R&D operations; Decision comes after I-T searches and probes into ‘national security’ aspects
Death toll in Himachal floods rises to 27; Six persons still remain untraced as weather relents on Sunday; IMD predicts more rainfall for State
Zelensky warns of ‘ugly’ Russian attack around Independence Day; Don’t let Moscow spread despondency and fear ahead of the August events
India, Iran sign pact to aid movement of seafarers; Centre highlights role of Chabahar port as a trade multiplier
Auto parts sector saw record FY22 sales; Metric rose 23% to Rs. 4.2 lakh crore; PV, CV, tractor sales reached pre-pandemic levels: ACMA president
Loan defaulters, entities under probe need NOC to invest overseas; New norms to ease of doing business
U.K. shrank 11% in 2020, drop worst since 1709; Health, retail data spur GDP revision
Sensex slides 1.5% on fears of Fed rate increase, slowdown; Domestic currency likely to trade in 79.20-80.10 range
Adani group makes bid to take over NDTV; It indirectly acquires 29.18% stake, to make open offer for 26%
DRDO, Indian Navy test indigenous missile; VL-SRSAM can target aerial targets
Benami law can’t be applied retrospectively: SC; Bench declares as ‘unconstitutional’ 2016 amendments which can send a person to prison for 3 years
Iran drops some of its key demands for nuclear pact; Final deal could take a little longer as gaps remain: official
Taiwanese resolve to defend island can’t be shaken: Tsai; She meets U.S. scholars on the anniversary of the 1958 crisis
Economics expect Q1 GDP growth at 13-15.7%; Services sector may drive growth: ICRA
Nitish government wins floor test in Bihar assembly; Opposition members stage walkout from the House twice
Regional language important in early learning: UGC Chairman; Panel aims to bring out 1,500 books in regional languages in the next one year
Central teams in Chhattisgarh to probe MGNREGS works; Official says national level monitor pointed out lapses
Wind project addition to peak by 2024; After that year, fresh projects are likely to be wind-solar hybrids, says report
GST kitty for top States could rise 20% in FY23, says Crisil; Their overall revenues are expected to grow at a moderate 7%-9% this year
Malware found in 5 phones, no proof it’s Pegasus: Panel; SC committee looks through 29 phones
NDTV promoters cite ban on dealing in shares; Adani group had sought 29% shares within two days
Citing border pacts, China objects to India-U.S. drills; India says the exercises are not violative of agreements
Aircraft carrier Vikrant to be commissioned on September 2; It will enhance peace and security, says Navy’s Vice-Chief
China faces jobs crunch as lockdowns retard growth; Hiring has fallen as Q2 economic expansion slowed to 0.4%
Need-zero target could boost India’s GDP: Study; It can create 15 million jobs by 2047
Centre picks 75 tribal districts for TB intervention project; Move comes after door-to-door screening of over 68,000 villages in tribal districts
China pledges support to Sri Lanka at UNHRC session; Envoy slams ‘the rude interference from third parties’
British households face skyrocketing energy costs; U.K. regulator announces 80% hike in energy price cap
Russia-China cooperation in Arctic a concern: NATO; It challenges our interests: Stoltenberg
Data Protection Bill likely to be presented in Budget session
To boost self-reliance, Defence Minister releases third indigenisation list; Rajnath Singh sets timeline for import ban on 780 crucial equipment

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (July 07 – 31, 2022)

Spicejet gets DGCA notice for safety places; Regulator flags poor maintenance, failure to pay vendors
British PM Johnson vows to ‘keep going’; More ministers quit; a group of Cabinet members would ask the PM to resign, local media report
RBI eases rules to boost forex inflows; It relaxes interest rates on NRI’s foreign currency deposits, doubles overseas borrowing limit for firms
Boris Johnson resigns as PM, political drama ends in Britain; Rishi Sunak, Ben Wallace, Liz Truss among contenders for the top post
Centre to promote dragon fruit cultivation; Plan is to increase cultivation from 3,000 hectares to 50,000 hectares in five years
Monsoon getting hotter than summer: Study; Average temperatures during the season are 0.3 degrees Celsius higher than the average summer figures, says CSE analysis
Former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe assassinated; Suspect said he had a grudge against Abe over his links with a particular organization, say police
Differences over Russia dominate G-20 meeting; Divisions among the countries were visible as the U.S. and Russia blamed each other for the crisis
NDA nominee Droupadi Murmu elected 15^th President of India; Amid heavy cross-voting, she received 64.03% of the total valid votes polled
Dinesh Gunawardena likely to be named Sri Lankan PM; President Ranil invites all parties to join the government
High alert as Delhi reports monkeypox; India’s fourth case has no history of foreign travel
Droupadi Murmu to take oath as India’s 15^th President today; She is the youngest and the first tribal person to occupy the top constitutional post
5G spectrum auction from tomorrow; Reliance Jio, Adani Data Networks, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to participate in the bidding
China launches second space station module; Wentian to host space for experiments, serve as short-term living quarters
WHO classifies monkeypox as ‘public health emergency’; Outbreak has affected over 14,500 people in 72 countries
Dinesh Gunawardena sworn in as Sri Lanka Prime Minister
Antarctic Bill passed in Lok Sabha; The Bill extends the jurisdiction of Indian courts
Russia, Ukraine seal grain exports deal; In their first deal since the war began, the countries agreed to start shipping food via the Black Sea
Karnataka tops NITI Aayog innovation index list which determines innovation capacities and ecosystems at the sub-national level; Report suggests steps to secure a place among top 25 nations in the Global Innovation Index
Italy PM Mario Draghi quits after coalition falls apart; President is likely to dissolve Parliament and call early vote
Russia resumes gas supplies to Europe via Nord Stream; Uncertainty over a possible energy crisis lingers in the Union
ADB pares India FY23 growth forecast to 7.2% citing price rise; Bank sees inflation quicken to 6.7%, flags erosion of consumer purchasing power
Banks’ NPA ratio likely to fall to 5-5.55% by March 2024: S&P; Agency sees credit costs stabilising at 1.5% for FY23
China may be planning one more highway via Aksai Chin; It will run close to several disputed areas, a report says
RBI to initiate Central Bank Digital Currency in wholesale, retail sectors; Implementation in phases, says ED
U.K. records its highest-ever temperature; The heatwave in Europe has also contributed to deadly wildfires in France, Greece, Portugal and Spain
High alert as Delhi reports monkeypox; India’s fourth case has no history of foreign travel
Droupadi Murmu to take oath as India’s 15^th President today; She is the youngest and the first tribal person to occupy the top constitutional post
5G spectrum auction from tomorrow; Reliance Jio, Adani Data Networks, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to participate in the bidding
China launches second space station module; Wentian to host space for experiments, serve as short-term living quarters
WHO classifies monkeypox as ‘public health emergency’; Outbreak has affected over 14,500 people in 72 countries
Dinesh Gunawardena sworn in as Sri Lanka Prime Minister
Antarctic Bill passed in Lok Sabha; The Bill extends the jurisdiction of Indian courts
Russia, Ukraine seal grain exports deal; In their first deal since the war began, the countries agreed to start shipping food via the Black Sea
India adds five more Ramsar sites; Three of them are in Tamil Nadu and one each in Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram
Third parties joining CPEC in inherently illegal: India; Reiterates importance of PoK in Indian scheme of things
EU to reduce gas use by 15% over threats of supply cuts by Russia; Gazprom says cutbacks necessitated by delay of delivery of repaired turbine
Russia to leave ISS after 2024, focus on building own outpost; Roscosmos chief tells Putin Moscow will fulfil its obligations
Bangladesh seeks $4.5 billion IMF loan as reserves shrink; in Dhaka, D-8 nations seek to overcome economic hardships
IMF cuts outlook for global growth, flags recession risk; Fund lowers India growth projection for fiscal 2022 to 7.4%
SC upholds powers of arrest, raid under PMLA; Money laundering is no less heinous than terrorism
Prime Minister inaugurates the FIDE 44^th Chess Olympiad in Tamil Nadu capital; There has never been a better time for sports in India: Modi
New addition to Kerala’s damselfly list; Anamalai Reed-tail first spotted at Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary in Thrissur district
Colombo denies reports on Chinese ship; Reports say it will enter Hambantota in August; India says it is monitoring the ship’s progress ‘carefully’
Wildlife amendments to ‘save entrepreneurs from harassment’; The move may decrease the burden on the judicial system
Core sector output rises by 12.7%; Crude oil output dropped 1.7% from a year earlier
Jaishankar pushes for Chabahar port; No talks announced at SCO meet in Tashkent with Chinese, Pakistan and Taliban Foreign Ministers
Centre to issue new health warning on tobacco products; Amended rules will be applicable from December 1
Chinese ship set to dock in Sri Lanka; It is arriving for replenishment, says Colombo
5G telecom services to be rolled out from October: Minister; Government will intervene if prices are high
China is holding military drill near Taiwan; The ‘live-fire exercises’ come ahead of U.S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s possible visit to the island
Protesters occupy Iraq Parliament; Supporters of cleric Sadr oppose Mohammad Shia al-Sudani’s candidancy for PM

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (July 06, 2022)

Centre to soften punitive steps in environment cases; Ministry points to suggestions to decriminalise provisions of Environment Protection Act
Panel suggests increasing tenure of House committees; Calls for a dedicated hour in RS to discuss their reports
Centre asks States to boost paddy sowing; There has been a 27% fall in the sown area to 43.45 lakh hectares till July 1 this season, show data
Navy eyes government route to buy carrier-based jets; Pact with France or U.S. likely as India’s indigenous aircraft carrier gets ready for commissioning
Sri Lanka bankrupt, crisis may last until 2023: PM Ranil Wickremesinghe; Food, fuel, medicine will be scarce
Sweden, Finland sign protocol to join NATO, await ratification; They can now participate in NATO meetings, have greater access to intelligence
PMI pegs services growth at 11-year high; Inflation weighs down business confidence, with just 9% firms foreseeing growth one year later
Rupee falls to 79.33 after June trade deficit widens; Shortfall hit a record high of $25.63 bn

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (July 05, 2022)

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde wins confidence vote; Says he and MLAs with him have not left the Shiv Sena
Hotels can’t force customers to pay service charge: Centre; Guidelines say no such amount can be added to the bill
Australia to give minerals to Indian EV makers; India will try to source lithium, cobalt
PM Modi India leading the world in digital revolution; At Digital India Week, Modi launches multiple portals
Myanmar hosts first regional meeting since coup; China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and counterparts from Mekong Delta nations take part
Exports grow 16.8%, imports surge 51% widening trade deficit; Coal, gold purchases expand June trade shortfall to a new record of $25.63 billion
Government to review oil export tax on forex rate, oil price; It will reassess windfall tax fortnightly

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (July 04, 2022)

BJP nominee elected Speaker in Maharashtra; trust vote today; Eknath Shinde government requires the support of 145 MLAs in the Assembly
Indians can get Rs. 10 lakh from relatives abroad; Home Ministry amends FCRA rules
GST decision upsets dairy farmers; Officials of cooperatives say that prices of milk products will be increased with the imposition of tax
After fall of city, Russia stakes claim to Luhansk; Zelensky refuses to accede territory
Targeting GI tag, Mayurbhanj’s superfood ‘any chutney’ to find more tables; For Odisha tribes, dishes made of weaver ants offer a cure to many illnesses and are known to boost the immune system and keep diseases at bay
Mass testing in the new normal in China’s capital; It is the key weapon in maintaining ‘zero-COVID’ status

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (July 02 & 03, 2022)

DRDO carries out test flight of autonomous UAV; It was developed in Bengaluru unit
PM Modi held talks with Putin; The leaders discuss Ukraine, bilateral trade in agricultural goods, and fertilizers
PMI hints manufacturing slowed to a 9-month low; Prices drag confidence to 27-month low
India adds 540 species to faunal database; New species Crocidura narcondamica found in the Andaman and Nicobar islands
Protesters storm Libyan Parliament, set it ablaze; Public anger over prolonged power cuts, political deadlock
Typhoon sinks ship off Hong Kong; Dozens of crew in danger after the vessel suffered damage and broke into two
China’s Foreign Minister visits Myanmar for talks on Mekong; Rising number of hydro projects on the river raises concerns
India-EU to hold next round of FTA talks at Brussels in September; Negotiators concluded first round of parleys on trade, investment on July 1

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (July 01, 2022)

Eknath Shinde is Maharashtra CM, Devendra Fadnavis his deputy; The vote of confidence of the new government will be held tomorrow
Modified PSLV places three foreign satellites into orbit; ISRO uses PS-4 stage as an orbital platform for experiments
Ban on single-use plastic kicks in today; National and state-level control rooms set up, special enforcement teams formed
Russia withdraws from Snake Island; Ukraine says it has driven the enemy forces out after a massive artillery and missile assault overnight
Israel Parliament dissolved, election set for November 1
Good progress in talks with Sri Lanka: IMF; The island nation is counting on the IMF to bail its economy out, with an Extended Fund Facility
Banks have capital to buffer any shock; Financial Stability Report underlines improvements in lenders’ asset quality, NBFCs’ capitalisation
May core sector output rises 2.6% sequentially; Cement output slips 3.15% from April
Fiscal deficit touched 12.3% of FY23 goal in May; Deficit projected at 6.4% of GDP in FY

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (June 30, 2022)

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray resigns after SC denies stay in floor test: Rebel MLAs leave Guwahati for Mumbai, via Goa
Government hikes GST for household items; Council hikes tax on over two dozen goods and services from July 18
New norms to revise electoral rolls in J&K, Gujarat, Himachal; Qualifying date in October 1, entries to be linked to Aadhaar
Speeding major cause of death: Lancet study; Of the total 1,31,714 deaths due to road accidents, speeding accounted for 91,239 or 69.3%, says Ministry report of 2020
Turkey puts SweFin’s NATO deal test; After making way for the countries’ entry to bloc, Erdogan seeks extraditions from Finland, Sweden
Rupee weakens past 79 on dollar buying by FPIs, oil firms; Indian currency has weakened by about 6.3% versus U.S. dollar so far in 2022

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (June 29, 2022)

Maharashtra: BJP seeks floor test in House, CM Uddhav Thackeray makes fresh plea to rebels
Coast guard squadron in Porbandar; The Porbandar-based squadron will have Advanced Light Helicopter-Mk-IIIs
Russia offensive will end when Ukraine surrenders: Kremlin; Eight killed, 21 wounded in Russian strike on Lysychansk
Sri Lanka halts fuel sales for two weeks; Bus services between provinces suspended, citizens urged to work from home, schools remain shut
Rate adjustments loom as GST Council meets first time in 2022; State urge extension of compensation period, else moot rejig of revenue shares

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (June 28, 2022)

PM Modi invites G7 nations to invest in clean energy; Access to energy should not be a privilege of the rich and the poor also should have equal right to energy
India’s gig workforce to reach 2.35 crore by 2030: NITI Ayog; Social security, work accident insurance among the recommendations
Sikar in Rajasthan tops school grading index at district level; Assessment was based on 83 indicators in 6 categories
India, Malaysia discuss defence ties; Both countries to upgrade HADR operations
World Bank approves $250-mn loan to boost India’s road safety
GST panel may discuss States’ compensation, e-com norms; 28% tax for online games, casinos, horse racing may get nod
NATO to raise response force from 40,000 to 3 lakh troops; Its new strategic concept to focus on Russia and China

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (June 26 & 27, 2022)

Iran-U.S. nuclear talks to resume soon, says EU; Need to get economic benefits: Tehran
GST compensation cess extended till 2026; The levy on luxury, demerit goods will be collected 4 more years till March 2026, to repay borrowings
Iran launches rocket into space ahead of nuclear talks; Washington calls the move ‘unhelpful’, warns of sanctions
G7 proposes $600-bn global infrastructure plan to rival China
Second day of protests over U.S. abortion ruling; 8 states impose ban on the procedure
China upgraded firepower on LAC; Intelligence inputs cite upgraded air defence systems and expanded runways
Odisha to install siren to caution elephant movement in forest; Officials have been deployed to assess its operability

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (June 21-25, 2022)

First set of Agniveers will join service in June 2023, says Army; Registrations to start on July 1, job rallies in August
Draupadi Murmu is NDA pick; Opposition parties field Yashwant Sinha; BJP chooses tribal leader for President; she will take on former party veteran
U.S. Navy, Iran in tense encounter; American warship fired a warning flare at an IRGC speedboat in Strait of Hormuz
Earthquake kills over 1,000 in east Afghanistan; 600 injured, remote mountain villages bear the brunt
PM Modi to attend G-7 summit in Germany; Members to plan move against Russia
Four new corals recorded from Indian waters; The species newly found off Andaman and Nicobar belong to the same family called Flabellidae
Pakistan secures IMF deal to restore $6 billion stalled aid; Monetary body has put forth conditions for Islamabad
BRICS supports dialogue between Russia, Ukraine; PM hails ‘practical’ cooperation of group
Government said to aim to keep deficit at 6.7%; Centre to miss budget deficit goal of 6.4%, will seek to cap fiscal slippage within last year’s level: officials
AI can add $500 bn to GDP by 2025: Nasscom; Investments may touch $881 mn by 2023
Parameswaran Iyer will be new NITI Aayog CEO; Now, he is Programme Manager of Water Resources Group

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (June 16-20, 2022)

Cabinet approves mega 5G auction; Tech firms can set up captive networks
Trade gap widens as imports surge 63%; Merchandise exports rose 21% in May; oil, coal, gold purchases lifted imported to $63.22 bn
U.S. Fed raises rate by 75 bps to tame inflation; Rate move biggest since 1994
Unemployment rate dips in first quarter of 2022: survey; Rate for urban areas decreased to 8.2% in the first quarter
India better placed to avoid risk of stagflation: RBI officials; Domestic economic activity is gaining strength, write authors of Bulletin article
WTO said to extend e-com tariff freeze in provisional deal; Extension until next ministerial meeting, agreement shows
Pakistan may get off FATF ‘grey list’ after on-site check; Continued political commitment to combating terror financing, money laundering has led to significant progress: watchdog
EU backs Ukraine’s ‘European dream’; Zelensky thanks the bloc’s leadership for their ‘historic decision’; Russia cuts gas supplies to the West
China gets its third aircraft carrier; Technology onboard includes electromagnetic catapults to launch jets off deck

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (June 11-15, 2022)

Fitch upgrades India’s outlook to stable citing rapid recovery; Credit rating firm pares FY23 growth forecast to 7.8%, sees inflation at 6.9%
Industrial output growth rose to 8-month high of 7.1% in April; Low base helped, mining output lower than expected: ICRA
After 103 days, India’s COVID-19 numbers cross 8,000-mark; Positivity rate is 2.41%
India-Russia deal on radio equipment; RTS signs contract with AAI to supply 34 sets of instrument landing system
Israeli strike caused damage to Damascus airport: Syria; Attack rendered the main runway unserviceable, it says
Venezuela, Iran enter into 20-year agreement; Both countries hit by U.S. sanctions; Maduro hails Tehran’s supply of fuel tankers
U.S. Senators reach bipartisan deal on gun safety measures; Focus on improved school safety, mental health programmes
Retail inflation eases to 7.04%; Prices rise in vegetables surges to 18.3%; urban food inflation accelerates to 8.2%
India is expanding its nuclear arsenal: SIPRI; Number of warheads has risen to 160
Rupee weakens past 78, stocks slide eyeing Fed rate increase
India’s coal imports likely to drop 11% to 186 mt in FY23; Non-coking coal imports may touch 130 mt, forecast shows
First ‘Bharat Gaurav’ express train service flagged off; Objective is to show India’s rich cultural heritage
Centre clears Agnipath scheme; Agniveers can apply for regular employment after years and may get priority
Unemployment has decreased, says latest labour force survey; Data show rate of joblessness fell to 4.2% in 2020-21, compared with 4.8% earlier

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (June 08, 09 & 10, 2022)

Tamil Nadu tops food safety index; Gujarat, Maharashtra take top slots
New rules allow ex-officers to hold Chief of Defence Staff post
India aims to join Nuclear Suppliers Group: Minister; S. Jaishankar was speaking on foreign policy decisions of the government
Advisory Board on disability not reconstituted since 2020; It is to meet on June 24 to decide on Accessible India Campaign, says official
Air Sports in the country to have an oversight body; Minister of Civil Aviation unveils national air sports policy
World Bank cuts India’s FY23 GDP growth forecast to 7.5%

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (June 05, 06 & 07, 2022)

May services PMI hits a 133-month high; Jobs still shrink as sentiment stays subdued on inflation pressures, continued drop in global orders
Surrogacy law faces challenge in court; Its provisions deny choice and privacy and are discriminatory, say practitioners
Australia cites threat from Chinese jet; Aircraft carried out dangerous manoeuvres on May 26
China marks new space milestone; Astronauts dock at Tiangong space station which will be operational by 2022-end
Rs. 76,390-cr. defence projects gets nod; The proposals include manufacture of Dornier aircraft and Su-30 MKI engines by HAL
Boris Johnson faces no-confidence vote; To remain in office, he needs to win the backing of a majority of the 359 Conservative lawmakers
Policy certainty, transparency critical for asset monetisation; CEA says regulatory framework needs to remain consistent and predictable

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (June 02, 03 & 04, 2022)

GST collections jumped 44% to almost Rs. 1.41 lakh crore in May
Pre-monsoon rainfall 105% above normal this year; Rainfall received between March 1 and May 31 is the highest in 51 years
May manufacturing PMI hints at sustained rebound in sector; Producers passed on input costs at fastest pace since October 2013: S&P Global
India, Israel seek links on futurist defence tech; Broad consensus between both the countries on fortifying strategic ties, says Rajnath Singh
Modi assures Sri Lanka of immediate fertilizer supply; Swift arrival of consignment critical to production cycle
Trade deficit widened to a record $23.33 bn last month; Exports rose 15.5%, imports surged 56.1% to stay above $60 bn for a third month

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (June 01, 2022)

Q4 GDP growth decelerates to 4.1%; Economy expanded 8.7% in 2021-22
India, China to hold next round of talks; Disengagement at Patrolling Point 15 in the Hot Springs had become a contentious topic last time
EU bans majority of Russian oil imports; Embargo a big step forward, says Belgian PM
Israel signs UAE free trade deal, its first in Arab world; Duty to be scrapped on 96% of products
Australia PM names Assistant Minister for the Republic; A symbolic step toward ouster of Queen as head of state
Fiscal deficit improved to 6.7% in FY22; Higher tax mop up helps; official estimates released in February had pegged deficit at 6.9% of GDP
Core sector production grew 8.4% year-on-year in April; Output for all sectors barring electricity shrank from March
India to oppose WTO freeze on e-com duties; Need policy space for digital progress

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 30 & 31, 2022)

Centre retracts caution on Aadhaar photocopies; UIDAI had warned against sharing them to avoid ‘misuse’
U.S. becomes India’s biggest trading partner at $119 billion; India’s commerce with China stands at $115 billion in 2021-22
Modi releases PM CARES benefits for ‘COVID orphans’; A total of 4,439 children identified; no poor person will be left out, says PM
10 Pacific island nations reject China security pact; They shouldn’t be too anxious about Beijing’s aims: Wang Yi
Monkeypox won’t turn into pandemic: WHO; But there are still many unknowns about the virus
May inflation may slow to 7%: SBI report; Recent steps to tame prices may take few months to fully impact, deficit on track
No women CFO in Nifty 50: IFMR-D&B study; Under 5% of Nifty 250 CFOs are women

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 28 & 29, 2022)

India to get semi-high speed freight train; The ‘Gati Shakti’ train will run from December
New Arunachal monkey named after mountain pass; Sela macaque was identified and analysed by a team from the ZSI and the University of Calcutta
BRICS group may soon begin expansion process, says China; Foreign Ministers have reached consensus on the process
RBI warns banks on restructured loans; Flags possibility of increased slippages from sectors that have been more exposed to the pandemic

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 26 & 27, 2022)

78% students found remote learning burdensome: survey; As many as 24% said they had no digital devices at home, according to NAS 2021
Frame policies to protect LGBTIQ+ workers, says ILO; A national policy will help in ending discrimination and exclusion, says document released by the world body
Learning loss will dent India’s GDP: Asian Development Bank; 3.2% dip likely due to COVID school closures
Blinken outlines policy to counter China; U.S. aims at leveraging bloc opposed to Russia’s Ukraine invasion into broader coalition against Beijing
India, Japan to work together to help Sri Lanka during crisis; Modi, Kishida met on May 24 on the sidelines of the Quad
Moody’s pares India 2022 growth projection to 8.8%
SBI economists see Q4 GDP growth slowing to under 3%; Omicron, geopolitical issues been dragging FY22 growth down to 8.2%-8.5% pace

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 25, 2022)

PM Modi: Quad is a ‘force for good’; Countries at the summit launch maritime initiative to track ‘dark shipping’
Centre scraps import duties on crude sunflower, soyabean oils; Bid to tame inflation; after wheat, export of sugar restricted to 10 million tonnes
60% e-waste recycling likely by 2023; Draft notification says companies will have to pay ‘environmental compensation’ for missed targets
Ayushman Bharat Health Account app relaunched; New user interface, more utilities
Sri Lanka to seek additional $500 million Indian loan for fuel; Non-essential staff told to work from home to save fuel
Oil rises as tight supply trumps economy fears, China curbs; EU moves closer to ban on Russian oil; IMF chief says cannot rule out recession

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 23 & 24, 2022)

Centre bearing full duty cut burden: Finance Minister; Sitharaman says basic duty on petrol and diesel, which is shared with States, remains untouched
Quad meeting faces criticism from China; Wang Yi says U.S. strategy is to sow discord in Indo-Pacific
PM-elect Albanese vows to repair Australia’s global image; Climate will be top among Labour leader’s list of priorities
Indian aid reaches Sri Lanka port; New Delhi sends consignment of rice, milk powder and drugs to Colombo
India to join Biden’s new trade initiative for Indo-Pacific region; U.S. says framework will strengthen economic ties, but won’t be a free trade deal
World may have lost 11.2 crore jobs: ILO; Gender gap in India’s employment data finds mention in the ‘world of work’ report
Ahead of Quad, Albanese sworn in as Australia PM; He will represent country at summit
GDP likely grew only 3.5% in Q4: ICRA; Commodity price spikes, lower wheat yields amid heatwave, Omicron hit contract-driven sectors
Heatwaves could worsen inflation pressures, affect growth, says Moody’s; Rule changes can only temper prices

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 20, 21 & 22, 2022)

Supreme Court says Centre, States have equal powers to make GST-related laws
29 phones tested for Pegasus spyware: SC; Court gives more time to its panel to submit probe report
Government reconstitutes Central Advisory Board on Archaeology
Norms eased for GM crop research; The guidelines exempt researchers from seeking appraisal committee nod
Quad working to get the nod for vaccine initiatives: U.S.; It seeks Indian regulatory approval
Labour Party wins Australia polls; Anthony Albanese set to become new Prime Minister
New species of snake found in Meghalaya; It is named Trimeresurus mayaae

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 18 & 19, 2022)

1 in 6 global deaths in 2019 linked to pollution; Lancet panel studies impact on health
Wholesale inflation quickened to record high of 15.1% in April
Ethanol blend in petrol to be raised to 20% in 3 years; Cabinet advances deadline for fuel firms by 5 years via amendment to National Policy on Biofuels, 2018
NHRC flags pollution effect on human rights; In advisory, it urges Centre and States to take action
Past seven years warmest: World Meteorological Organisation; Extreme weather led to economic damage, worsened food, water security

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 16 & 17, 2022)

Madhya Pradesh finds hepatitis in COVID-affected children; Unexplained condition is different from Multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Finland, Sweden inch closer to becoming part of NATO; Bloc chief expects the joining process to be very quick
SCO terror meet starts, officials from China, Pakistan, Russia in Delhi; India flays Organisation for Islamic Cooperation statement on delimitation in J&K
India and French Navies jointly patrol Indian Ocean; India continues focus on expanding maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare cooperation in the region
Awaiting U.S.’s response to nuclear talks solutions; Iran holds discussions with E.U. officials
Rate increases may not cool price gains driven by war; SBI economists say 59% of recent inflation spike driven by Russia-Ukraine conflict

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 14 & 15, 2022)

SC declines to stay J&K delimitation report; Court, however, asks Centre to file affidavit on the exercise
China, Russia, Pakistan to attend SCO anti-terror meet in Delhi; First such official discussion in India since LAC stand-off and Ukraine invasion
ISRO tests booster for Gaganyaan; GSLV Mk-III rocket, to be used for the mission, will have two HS200 boosters
3.2 crore used facilities under Ayushman scheme: Centre; 18 crore health cards have been issued
Erdogan opposes Finland, Sweden joining NATO bloc; Turkey, a member state, has a veto on the group’s decisions
Nuclear talks with Iran have been reopened: EU; Final agreement within sight: EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borell
Exports rose 30.7% in April, imports grew 31%; FY23 trade deficit may surge to $255 bn
India bars wheat export with immediate effect; Government cites sudden spike in global prices
Indian children youngest to reach mobile maturity: McAfee; Study reveals 22% of them were exposed to cyberbullying

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 12 & 13, 2022)

SC puts colonial sedition law on hold; Court suspends pending criminal trials under Section 124A, allows Centre to reconsider the law
Odisha, A.P. on alert over cyclone; West Bengal expects zero impact from Asani
CBI arrests six officials, eight others in FCRA bribery case; Arrests come after the agency conducted searches in many States
Ireland warns U.K. against threats to Brexit protocol; Tensions over Northern Ireland accord
Inflation is the biggest challenge now; Interest rate increases to stem rising prices could, however, dent fledging demand recovery: official
Retail Inflation quickens to an almost eight-year high at 7.8%; April CPI inflation spurred by higher fuel, food costs with CFPI racing at 8.4%
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appoints Ranil Wickremesinghe as Sri Lanka Prime Minister
Finland leaders say country will seek NATO membership; Kremlin warns of retaliatory steps
Seeking to counter China, Biden hosts ASEAN leaders; Military-ruled Myanmar will not be represented at the meet
GDP growth to be almost 8% this fiscal; Budget’s capex-driven fiscal path to help economy weather inflationary headwinds: Finance Ministry

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 10 & 11, 2022)

Amid rising violence, Mahinda Rajapaksa quits as Sri Lanka Prime Minister; Resignation accepted, Cabinet dissolved
We will reconsider sedition law: Centre; Affidavit in SC indicates shift in stance
Cyclonic storm ‘Asani’ set to weaken near Odisha coast; Cyclone triggers heavy rain on east coast
Andaman to get gas-based power plant; Environment Ministry has approved an exemption to laws governing regulation of coastal zones
Operation Dudhi: Assam Rifles honours surviving soldiers; A team of 15 soldiers killed 72 extremists
Marcos Jr. leads in Philippines elections; He looks set to secure absolute majority
Death toll in Sri Lanka rises to 8; 220 hospitalised a day after pro-Rajapaksa mob attacked protesters
EU says Russia hacked satellite ahead of invasion; Cyberattack facilitated military assault
Debt norms cloud States’ borrowings; Deducting off-budget borrowings will lift transparency, but end up cramping States’ fiscal room: ICRA

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 08 & 09, 2022)

UNSC jointly backs peace bid in Ukraine; This is its first statement since the Russian invasion
Sinn Fein hails ‘new era’ as it wins Northern Ireland vote; The party has secured 27 assembly seats, ahead of the DUP
Ukraine says it sank Russian landing craft; No confirmation yet from Moscow
Sri Lankan Emergency sparks criticism; Diplomats, rights group and Opposition call the move counter productive
North Korea fired missile from submarine: Seoul
Anonymity is innate risk in blockchain; Sitharaman says use of the technology is imperative but uncertainty is a ‘powerful imponderable’
Russia bombs shelter, 60 dead; G7 leaders hold online talks with Zelensky, stress phasing out of Russian oil
Beijing loyalist John Lee elected as Hong Kong’s leader; He will replace current leader Carrie Lam on July 1

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 06 & 07, 2022)

WHO estimates 4.7 million COVID-linked deaths in India; The figure is nearly 10 times the government’s official count for 2020 and 2021
Delimitation commission notifies new J&K Assembly constituencies; Jammu to get 43 seats, Kashmir 47
NASA climate scientist Cynthia Rosenzweig wins World Food Prize
U.K. and Japan reach new defence agreement; Japan condemned Russia’s invasion and joined Western nations in imposing sanctions against Moscow
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya declares Emergency yet again
Italy, India discuss Ukraine, energy and G-20 cooperation; Italian Foreign Minister made no criticism of Russia’s actions
Fertility rate falls further, obesity rises; Stunting among children marginally dipped, number of women with bank accounts surged: NFHS
Cyclonic storm brewing over Bay of Bengal, Odisha on alert

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 05, 2022)

RBI surprises with 40 bps rate increase, amid inflation ‘alarm’; Inflationary pressures becoming acute
J&K delimitation panel award likely to be notified today; Completion of the exercise will pave way for the polls, the first in the Union Territory
PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Nordic leaders; Blue economy, clean energy, IT and innovation discussed
Highest sex ratio at birth in Ladakh; Manipur has lowest followed by Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu in 2020: Says Annual Report on Vital Statistics based on 2020 Civil Registration System report
Sri Lanka’s usable reserves are negligible: Finance Minister; Aid from IMF might take up to 6 months to come through
EU proposes phased Russian oil embargo, more sanctions
In latest show of force, North Korea fires ballistic missile; Pyongyang has conducted 14 weapons tests so far this year
Foiled 18 lakh cyberattacks in January-March in India: Norton; Criminals use deepfakes, romance scams, crypto channels

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 04, 2022)

April exports cross $38 bn, deficit widens; Outbound shipments slip 9.5% from March 2022 levels
India, Denmark to strengthen green strategic partnership; Focus to be on green hydrogen, renewable energy
India slips to position 150 out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index compiled by the Reporters Sans Frontiers
India extends more aid to Sri Lanka; New Delhi will offer fuel worth $200 million based on a short-term loan facility
Slovakia wants to be left out of embargo on oil; EU to declare sanctions on Russian oil

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 03, 2022)

No one can be forced to get vaccinated: Supreme Court; Some state-level curbs on unvaccinated disproportionate
Manufacturing quickens input costs rise, shows PMI; Consumer goods producers report a contraction
Ministry of Home Affairs report flags NSCN-IM attacks; The Naga group was responsible for 44% of insurgency-related incidents in 2020
China’s economy falters amid COVID woes; Companies and investors unsure about how government plans to balance ‘zero-COVID’ approach and growth
EU slaps anti-trust charge against Apple; The tech firm is accused of blocking rivals from its iPhone payment system
Tata Steel to stop Russia coal imports on supply uncertainty; Supplies from U.S., other markets to make up for shortfall

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (May 01 & 02, 2022)

Dry spell sparks wildfires across Himachal; Several acres of forest have been destroyed
‘Invest Rajasthan’ summit targets Rs. 10-lakh-crores outlay; Major focus on infra, industrial growth
Gross green violations in Sunderbans: CAG; Construction at East Kolkata Wetlands is also against CRZ norms, says report
Heatwaves are starting earlier than before: World Meteorological Organisation; Weather body sounds note of caution
North Korean leader Kim threatens ‘pre-emptive’ use of nuclear weapons; He plans to continue developing his nuclear-armed military
April GST revenues go past Rs. 1.67 lakh crore; Finance Ministry terms collection a sign of ‘faster recovery’
E-Shram to help settle workers’ accident claims; Direct benefit transfer via unique ID
Indian-origin IT expert to head tech department at Central Intelligence Agency; Nand Mulchandani picked for the post
Saudi Arabia offers Pakistan $8 billion in financial support; Islamabad is plagued by inflation and sliding forex reserves

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 29 & 30, 2022)

5G service roll-out likely in August-September; Plans afoot for spectrum auction in June: Minister
India, Bangladesh discuss high-level visits; The two sides highlight trade, commerce and connectivity, affected by different restrictions
Xi’s ‘Global Security Initiative’ looks to counter Quad grouping; This is to ‘oppose unilateralism, and say ‘no’ to group politics’
Antitrust regulator CCI said to raid 2 of Amazon’s top sellers; Cloudtail, Appario are accused of violating India’s competition laws
Reporting of cyber breaches made mandatory for all firms; Escalation must within 6 hours of detection: MeitY
Coal will be key energy source even in 2040; India pragmatic in coal debate: World Coal Association
China to ease curbs on entry of Indian students; Embassy in Beijing compiling list of those stranded in India
Heatwaves linked to man-made climate change; Scientists say carbon emissions must be curbed
Economy may take till FY35 to overcome COVID-19 losses; Feasible range of medium-term GDP growth works out to 6.5-8.5%: RBI report

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 27 & 28, 2022)

Act against communal hate, SC tells two States; Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh told to take preventive steps
U.S. hosts weapons summit as Moscow warns of world war; NATO, in essence, in engaged in a war with Russia through a proxy, says Lavrov
Countries will have to ‘justify’ veto votes at UN; Reform prompted by Ukraine invasion
China, India add coal plants as global capacity addition dips 13%; China leads coal power expansion trailed by India, which aims to add 6,100 MW
CBDT aims to lift tax-GDP ratio to 15-20% from the current 12%; India logs record net direct tax revenue in FY22: Mohapatra
Plan for 4G upgrade in LWE areas; BSNL will maintain the sites for another five years: official
Russia stops gas supply to 2 NATO nations; European leaders decry the move as ‘blackmail’
China reports first human case of H3N8 bird flu; Risk of spread among people is low

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 25 & 26, 2022)

After a hiatus, household consumer spending survey to resume in July; It helps arrive at estimates of poverty levels
‘Nagas without borders’ spreads message of unity; On its 75^th anniversary, the students’ body brings Nagas from across northeast, Myanmar together
French President Emmanuel Macron projected to win second term; Early projections show incumbent President winning 57-58% of the vote against Le Pen’s 41-43%
No limits to Russia-China ties, says EU chief amid Ukraine war; Ursula von der Leyen seeks ‘diplomatic solution’ to Ukraine crisis
Tamil Nadu clips Governor’s power to appoint Vice Chancellors; Two Bills seek to empower State in appointments
Indian entities filed 1.38 lakh patents from 2015 to 2021; They also filed more than 9,500 patents in U.S.: Nasscom
Labour participation dips to 40% from 46% in six years; Labour force participation for women drops to 9.2% from 15%, CMIE data show

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 23 & 24, 2022)

India-U.K. defence, trade ties to get a booster shot; U.K. likely to offer series of technological collaborations
India extends duration of $400 mn currency swap; Sri Lanka also draws on $1 bn credit line
Global sanctions on Russia may help spur Indian exports: EEPC; Maintaining current export trend unlikely to be easy
WTO may ease curbs on Indian grain exports; Where there is hunger, there are grains to go, says Minister
NSA Ajit Doval to lead first international intelligence heads’ Delhi meet; 20 nations to participate in conference just ahead of the Raisina Dialogue
Delhi reports first case of BA.2.12 strain; Doctors recommend targeted testing and more genome sequencing
Loyalists turn on Sri Lanka PM as street protests continue; Media Minister announces his support for protesters
Russia to deploy Sarmat missiles by autumn; The ICBMs are capable of carrying nuclear warheads and decoys, and striking targets in U.S., Europe

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 21 & 22, 2022)

PM Modi announces visas for AYUSH therapy; Modi says traditional medicine practices could attract people from across world
Sixth and last Scorpene takes to water; INS Vagsheer to be inducted next year
Russia tests nuclear-capable Sarmat ballistic missile
Government to tweak e-commerce portal rules including amendments to ensure ‘algorithmic fairness’
Maldives bans ‘India Out’ campaign; President Solih calls it a ‘threat’ to national security, says it ‘exploited’ freedoms
Prime Ministers’ Museum thrown open to the public; Exhibits on Constitution, personal effects on display
Expert body needed on man-animal conflict: House Panel; Standing Committee on Science says the issue needs legislative backing
NITI Ayog targets EV push with battery-swapping policy; Draft plan aimed at electric two and three wheelers

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 19 & 20, 2022)

Wholesale price inflation climbs to 14.55% in March; The broad-based inflation is led by fuel and power
New Cabinet in Sri Lanka amid protests; Gotabaya, Mahinda retain their posts; a total of 17 members, including former Ministers, inducted
North Korea urged to return to talks after missile tests; U.S., South Korea call for ‘strong response’
China Q1 GDP tops forecast, expands 4.8%; March weakness raises outlook risks
Government proposes law to aid lessors repossess aircraft; Ministry seeks stakeholder comments
Russian air strikes kill seven in Lviv, forces amass in east; Moscow says it hit 16 military targets across Ukraine
Sri Lanka’s PM Mahinda for clipping President’s power; He moots restoring 19^th amendment empowering PM
Star rating for packaged food unlikely to help, say global experts; They write to Health Minister against the system that is to be adopted by FSSAI
China, Solomon Islands sign landmark security agreement; No plan for a Beijing military base, says Pacific island nation
IMF cuts India forecast to 8.2% on war; Fund downgrades growth projections for world, most major economies from its January forecasts

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 17 & 18, 2022)

Fuel ship sinks off Tunisia, threatens marine life; Navy rescues crew; authorities activate ‘national emergency plan’ to prevent pollution from oil spill
Chinese astronauts back on earth after six months; This was China’s longest crewed mission
BRICS meet likely in June, India to attend China-based event; Delhi’s confirmation comes weeks after visit of Foreign Minister Wang Yi
China deploying UAVs near LAC; Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance are core tasks
Boris Johnson to start India visit from Gujarat; Ukraine to feature prominently in official exchanges
Sri Lankan delegation heads to U.S. to seek $4-bn IMF package; It had resisted seeking help till now; Colombo Stock Exchange shut for a week
North Korea tests new weapon bolstering nuclear capability

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 16, 2022)

Sri Lanka will not ignore poor while seeking IMF assistance
e-DAR portal to speed up accident compensation claims; It will be linked to other databases for instant information
India gets S-400 training equipment; Second regiment from Russia likely to see some delay due to Ukraine war
As COVID cases rise in north India, experts urge action; Social gatherings, non-masking could lead to spread of new variants, say doctors
Navy accelerates indigenisation efforts, focus on weapons and aviation items
Nepal running low on foreign exchange reserve; Central bank advices cutting imports
Russia may be in default by paying in roubles: Moody’s; Russia last defaulted on foreign bonds after 1917 revolution
China reduces reserve norms for banks as economy slows; PBOC’s 25 basis points cut to release about $83.25 billion in long-term liquidity

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 14 & 15, 2022)

India to grow at 8%: World Bank; Due to Ukraine war, growth in South Asia expected to be slower than expected
Sri Lanka seeks help for funds; Colombo has reached out to Delhi and Beijing for $3 billion in ‘bridge finance’
UGC issues norms for students to do two programmes at once; The guidelines are applicable to academic programmes other than Ph.D.
Finland to decide on NATO membership ‘within weeks’
IMD forecasts ‘normal monsoon’, no El Nino; Met Department updates long period average rainfall to 87 cm
Russia warns against NATO enlargement; Medvedev says Moscow will deploy nuclear weapons if Finland and Sweden join the U.S.-led alliance

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 13, 2022)

Sri Lanka announces $51-billion debt default to combat crisis; ‘Emergency measures’ come ahead of negotiations with IMF for a loan package
India, U.S. hold broad 2+2 discussions; India joins Bahrain-based multilateral partnership Combined Maritime Force as associate partner
No El Nino expected, it will be a ‘normal’ monsoon, says Skymet; Private agency says rain will be subdued in August; IMD forecast later this week
MEA’s inter-ministerial group to focus on South Asia; ‘Neighbourhood first’ policy under consideration
Russian forces close in on Mariupol; We are not getting as much weapons as we need to end this war sooner, says Ukraine’s Zelensky
Taiwan issues wartime survival handbook; It is to prepare public before a disaster
February industrial output growth inches up to 1.7%; Manufacturing shrinks 5.5% from January; consumer goods take a hit
WTO slashes global trade growth outlook amid war; Cuts 2022 forecast to 3%, from 4.7%

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 12, 2022)

Modi pushes for peace as Shehbaz flags Kashmir; Elected unopposed, new Pakistan PM raises issues of Article 370
Ukraine dominates Modi-Biden talks; Consultation with India to continue, says U.S. President
NITI puts out Energy and Climate Index list; Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab emerge on top; parameters include discoms’ performance, sustainability
Russian troops readying for offensive in east, says Zelensky; Kremlin says operation won’t halt for talks; rebels claim they control Mariupol
TRAI moots up to 40% spectrum price cut; Authority also recommends 36% lower prices for 5G airwaves, easier spectrum surrender norms

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 11, 2022)

Pakistan’s Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif nominated for PM post; Imran’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party to protest
NSCN(K) seeks united push for solution; Head of the Khaplang group advocates a ‘common draft for all Naga groups’
Ukraine crisis to headline India-U.S. ‘2+2’ meet; Defence, science and technology, climate and public health, building supply chains are high on agenda
Bengal coast faces most erosion; About 34% of Indian coastline in under varying degrees of the threat: Ministry
Sri Lankan doctors seek urgent medical supplies to save babies; Disruption in supply of essentials has put public health system in distress

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 09 & 10, 2022)

All adults to get precaution jab; It will be available at private centres from tomorrow; nine-month gap mandatory
Home Ministry seeks six more months to frame rules of CAA
India studying U.S. sanctions on Alrosa; Diamonds have been a major component of trade between India and Russia in the recent years
Centre sets up task force to promote animation, gaming; Move follows announcement made by Finance Minister
World food prices rose to a new record in March; Malnourishment may rise on war: FAO
Imran Khan government ousted in trust vote; Opposition wins 174 votes in the 342-member House
Iran President vows to continue nuclear development projects; Tehran imposes sanctions on another 16 U.S. officials
Protesters take over Colombo seafront; Families of Easter blast victims join demonstrators; Sri Lanka witnesses its largest agitation yet

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 08, 2022)

Pakistan SC restores Parliament; orders no-trust vote tomorrow; Bench declares as unconstitutional the controversial ruling by Deputy Speaker
Chandigarh wants to retain its U.T. tag, passes resolution; City should get its own Legislative Assembly, it says
Russia suspended from rights council; India abstains from vote at UNGA
India-U.S. 2+2 will discuss key issues, says MEA; Disagreement over New Delhi’s position on Russia continues
Sri Lanka braces for more shortages; Amid plunging currency, traders seek urgent action to avert an ‘economic catastrophe’
Ukraine calls on NATO to provide more weapons; It seeks arms as Russia refocuses its offensive on the east
GatiShakti, PLI will offset global headwinds, spur growth: Finance Ministry; Impact of geopolitical tensions on food, fertilizer, oil prices clouding prospects

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 07, 2022)

India offers help to end Russia-Ukraine conflict; Russia is ‘very important partner’: External Affairs Minister
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has no reason to resign; President was elected by 6.9 million people: Chief whip
EPFO issues guidelines on taxing interest; 20% tax if PAN is not linked to account
Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 cleared; Home Minister says data collected will be protected; The Bill seeks to authorize the collection, storage and analysis of biometric samples of convicts and others involved in criminal matters
UNGA to vote on Russia’s Human Rights Council suspension; India’s vote after it called for inquiry into excesses in Bucha to be watched closely
Israeli government loses majority; Conservative MP quits coalition
ADB projects India FY23 growth at 7.5%; Asian leader sees average inflation at 5.8% this fiscal; says States’ finances pose a key challenge

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 06, 2022)

Gotabaya government loses majority in Parliament; Over 40 MPs of Sri Lanka’s ruling alliance sit separately
Let dam committee continue for a year; Centre presents before SC interim Mullaperiyar plan
BrahMos sale to Philippines a bilateral deal; Envoy says though Russia was part of its development, its sale is a transaction between two countries
IPCC report endorses India’s position on climate finance; Climate change is a global action problem, says Bhupender
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting blocks 22 YouTube-based news channels for spreading fake news
EU allies expel over 200 Russian envoys; The bloc proposes new sanctions, including a ban on coal imports, for alleged war crimes in Ukraine
Global bond sales to surpass $10 trillion in 2022, says S&P; Borrowing to stay elevated on high debt rollovers needs, war

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 04 & 05, 2022)

No-trust vote dismissed, Imran gets Pakistan Parliament dissolved; Opposition turns to top court after President acts on Prime Minister’s advice
All Cabinet Ministers quit in Sri Lanka; Mahinda remains PM, to meet Gotabaya today
IPCC report talks going down to the wire; Emerging economies insist that their right to development must be recognised
Pakistan SC promises a ‘reasonable order’; President asks Imran to stay till caretaker PM is appointed
Opposition rejects Gotabaya offer; President’s invite to all parties to join Cabinet came amid escalating protests
IPCC report may spell death knell for coal-based units; Central Electricity Authority said India has about 211 GW of operational coal-fired power plants, 10% of global capacity
Biological E. to receive mRNA vaccine technology from WHO; Hub can manufacture products beyond COVID vaccines
99% of world’s population is breathing polluted air: WHO; Study covered 6,000 cities, other settlements in 117 nations
Parent HDFC to merge with HDFC Bank; Deal to create financial behemoth with assets of over Rs. 27.24 lakh crore, help boost bank’s market share

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 03, 2022)

India-Australia deal seeks to double bilateral trade in 5 years; Significant economic pact for New Delhi amid Canberra’s tensions with Beijing
Pakistan Army chief calls for talks with India; General Bajwa hints at China role in talks
WHO records new SARS-CoV-2 variant; XE recombinant reported in U.K.
Nepal PM seeks steps to resolve border dispute; Modi, Deuba hold bilateral talks in New Delhi, flags off the first cross-border railway link between India and Nepal
Army inducts Russian Man portable air defence systems (MANPADS); Igla-S is a short-range weapon
Amid unrest, Sri Lanka imposes curfew; President says Emergency was declared in the interests of public security; protesters ask government to go
Amazon workers in New York vote to unionise; First labour win in retail firm’s history

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 02, 2022)

CJI flags ‘falling credibility’ of CBI; Justice Ramana calls for umbrella probe body to avoid multiple proceedings
Day after unrest, Sri Lanka government declares Emergency
Centre introduces Antarctica Bill; It envisages regulating visits and activities to the continent without a permit
Punjab passes resolution to transfer Chandigarh to itself; The Union Territory serves as joint capital with Haryana
Record nesting of Olive Ridley turtles; Scientists tagged over 6,000 turtles to gather information on breeding behaviour
Ukraine talks to resume amid tensions; Putin says European countries must pay for Russian energy in roubles; EU rejects ultimatum
China slams Russia sanctions in summit with EU; At virtual meet, Beijing blames U.S. for pushing to expand the NATO closer to Russia’s borders
GST collections hit new high in March; Finance Ministry terms record Rs. 1.42 lakh crore of receipts an indicator of a ‘faster recovery’

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (April 01, 2022)

Supreme Court strikes down T.N. Vanniyar quota; Reservation was based on antiquated quota
U.S. Deputy NSA warns India of ‘consequences’; Daleep Singh cautions against trade deals with Russia
India prepared for climate refugees, Centre tells LS; Opposition seeks strategy on tackling emissions from coal
Hundreds march to Gotabaya’s house; Amid rising costs, shortages of essentials and long power cuts, people call for government to step down
China, Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to boost three-way ties; Wang Yi calls for extending CPEC to Afghanistan
Core sector output rises 5.8%; Economists cite low base effect; output shrank 5.3% from January’s level
Trade gap widens Q3 current account deficit to $23 billion; FDI slumps to $5.1 bn, portfolio investments log net outflow

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 31, 2022)

Imran loses majority after key partner sides with Opposition; Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif will be next PM, says Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
Modi moots free trade agreement for BIMSTEC; MEA says India will be the ‘security pillar’ of the grouping
ISRO to step up tracking of space debris; New radars and optical telescopes under NETRA project being deployed
India, Germany discuss Ukraine situation; Berlin’s Foreign and Security Adviser says ‘there is a solid basis of commonality of view with our friends in India’
Sri Lankan hospital suspend surgeries after 10-hour outage; No oil in power thermal generators, diesel stocks dry up
Russian, U.S. ISS space travellers return to Earth; U.S. astronaut ends record 355-day stay
Axis to buy Citi’s India consumer arm for $1.6 bn; Acquirer to absorb 3,600 employees
Make cotton stock declaration mandatory; Textile sector says reliable data lacking

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 30, 2022)

Indian power projects replace Chinese ventures in Sri Lanka; Concerns were raised over projects’ proximity to T.N.
India seeks closer BIMSTEC partnership; Members should create supply and value chains to prevent ‘external shocks’: Jaishankar in Colombo
Russia to scale back attack near Kyiv; In Istanbul talks, Ukraine proposes neutrality in return for guarantees, signals compromise on Crimea
Moscow insists on payment in rouble; G7 Ministers call is ‘unacceptable’
ICRA cuts FY23 growth forecast to 7.2% on Ukraine war, oil costs; Agency sees impact on demand as high fuel, commodity prices squeeze incomes

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 29, 2022)

Protest in Lok Sabha as Bill envisages lifting biometrics of detainees; New Criminal Procedure Bill violates rights: MPs
No-confidence motion tabled against Imran government; Opposition says it has 172 votes in 342-seat House
Zojila tunnel work apace, deadline advanced to 2024; 1,000 workers toiled through winter to speed up project
Pramod Sawant takes over as Goa CM for a second term; Eight BJP legislators inducted in Cabinet in the first round
Full passenger traffic recovery by end of FY23, says AAI; Airlines, airports, allied sectors shed 19,200 jobs: MoS Singh
Eleven crypto exchanges probed for tax evasion: Minister; Almost Rs. 96 crore recovered by GST authorities

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 27 & 28, 2022)

Ahead of no-trust vote, Imran says no deal with Opposition; Beleaguered Pak. PM says he will continue fight against ‘white collar corruption’
Russian Foreign Minister to visit Delhi this week; Focus on oil purchase, payment, defence supply hurdles
India’s ‘space economy’ valued at Rs. 36,794 crore; The sector has evolved considerably and now accounts for about 0.23% of the GDP, says a study by two premier institutions
India, UAE trade pact likely from May 1; Exporters of almost 6,090 goods will get duty-free access to the UAE market
U.S. not seeking regime change in Russia; Blinken’s course-correction comes after Biden’s comments suggested a desire for Putin’s ouster
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets Nepal leaders, signs 9 MoUs; Railway, PowerGrid deals discussed

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 25 & 26, 2022)

Government steps in to tackle Russian trade hurdles; Jaishankar does not rule out reviving rupee-rouble trade; India abstains in UNGA
India to be TB-free by 2025: Mansukh; 19% increase in patients in 2021 as compared to previous year, says latest report
West to bolster Ukraine aid as war enters second month; NATO leaders to boost defences in Eastern Europe, deploy four new combat units
North Korea fires new ICBM in largest test since 2017; Pyongyang has launched nearly a dozen weapon tests this year in defiance of UN sanctions
India will need 2,210 new aircraft in the next two decades, says Airbus
UGC draft rules make entrance test must for PhD admissions; Doctoral candidates would be required to take up 3 courses
Coal mining operations resume in Assam reserve; It was temporarily suspended in 2020

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 24, 2022)

Exports cross $400-bn annual target as goods shipments jump; Prime Minister congratulates farmers, weavers and MSMEs on the achievement
Centre to recall order on COVID containment; Use of masks, hand hygiene to continue
Pushkar Singh Dhami takes oath as Uttarakhand Chief Minister; Kumaon, Garhwal get representation
Shringla calls for alignment between UN and LAS; Foreign Secretary spotlights Middle East peace process while battling for a two-state solution in Israel-Palestine conflict
China: Russia can’t be ousted from G20; U.S., allies assessing its membership
Poland expels 45 Russian diplomats; Warsaw says they were involved in espionage; Moscow denies allegation, threatens to retaliate
American mathematician Sullivan wins Abel prize; His ‘ground-breaking contributions to topology’ is honoured
Domestic air traffic will exceed pre-COVID level by 2023-24; Government to focus on ‘inclusion, access, affordability’, says Aviation Minister Scindia

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 23, 2022)

Fuel price hike sparks uproar in Parliament; Petrol, diesel to cost 80 paise more; LPG cylinder up by Rs. 50
Sri Lankan Tamil families flee to India citing economic crisis; 16 people clandestinely reach Rameshwaram in two batches
Haryana passes Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2022, against religious conversion by allurement, coercion or fraudulent means
FTA talks expected during Israeli PM’s visit; Five agreements to be signed
Most of Ganga clean, claims Jal Shakti Ministry; Water clean enough for bathing, capable of supporting river ecosystem
Biden flags India’s ‘shaky’ response to Putin’s actions; NATO, Pacific presented a united front
Search on for survivors in China crash; Officials try to locate black box; airline to ground its entire Boeing 737-800 fleet
Troops roped in to oversee fuel distribution in Sri Lanka; Four die in queues at fuel stations, clashes reported too
Fitch cuts India’s FY23 growth forecast to 8.5% from 10.3%; Rating firms raises inflation forecast, says it could surpass 7% on higher fuel prices
Oil climbs close to $116 as EU weighs embargo on Russia; European Union Foreign Ministers are split on oil sanctions

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 22, 2022)

Indo-Pacific should be free of conflicts, says Morrison; Modi seeks cooperation among democracies of the region
Plane with 132 on board crashes in China; The Boeing 737 flight suffered a sudden descent and crashed into a mountain
SC to hear petitions on criteria for EWS quota next month; Court has questioned setting Rs. 8 lakh as annual income limit for reservation
India puts Boeing 737 fleet under surveillance; Three airlines operate 64 such aircraft
Less than 1% of oil imports from Russia; Hardeep Singh Puri says India’s major sources of crude are Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nigeria and U.S.
29 stolen antiquities brought back to India from Australia; They will be sent to the States from where they were stolen
Sri Lanka turns to China for further $2.5 bn assistance; Debt restructuring in the work, says Chinese Ambassador
World sleepwalking to climate disaster; Plan to cap temperature rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius in on life support: UN Chief
India comfortably placed to deal with any effect of war; RBI chief says central bank, MPC see no fear of stagflation in the country

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 21, 2022)

Japan still hopes India will join RCEP; Collaborations between the two countries may suffer if it stays out, says Kishida Cabinet official
Covishield second dose eight weeks after first dose; Government has to take the final call: NTAGI
India hopes to put down roots in Arctic; Nations aspires to have a permanent presence with more research and satellite stations in the region
Ukraine colleges offer online classes; Indian panel, however, does not recognise or approve any medical course held only in online mode
Islands brace for cyclone, ship services suspended; People evacuated from coastal areas of Andaman: Officials
Yemen rebels launch strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities; Oil production at one site was affected temporarily

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 19 & 20, 2022)

India plans to introduce 8 deep ocean gliders; Ocean mission is aimed at studying climate conditions, monsoon patterns
Restart monitoring respiratory infections; Alert follows COVID-19 surge in southeast Asia, Europe
Suspected poisoning kills 100 vultures in Assam; Experts at the conservation centre save 12 Himalayan griffons and a steppe eagle
Moscow using UN to spread propaganda, say six nations; Meet convened to discuss claims about Kyiv’s bioweapons
Great Barrier Reef suffers severe coral bleaching; UN set to reconsider its heritage status
Finland ranked happiest country for fifth year; Afghanistan, Lebanon come last on list
India, Japan set target for $42 bn investment; Kishida discusses Ukraine conflict, LAC situation with Modi
Study reveals major decline in golden langur habitat; Impact of land-use change will be fatal to them, says officer

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 17 & 18, 2022)

Neutrality for Ukraine is on the table: Lavrov; There’s hope for compromise, says Russian Foreign Minister
India and China in talks over Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit; Month-end visit could mark turnaround in relations between the neighbours
Patent rights on COVID-19 jabs may be waived; The reprieve will, however, not apply to drugs, diagnostic devices, says European Union proposal
Stress for banks likely on Russia-Ukraine crisis: S&P; Progress slow on existing weak assets
Indian firms buy more oil from Russia, energy ties may deepen; After IOC, HPCL buys two million barrels of crude
South Korea registers over 6 lakh COVID-19 cases in a day; WHO warns nations to be more vigilant as global cases spike
Sustainability the focus at Dubai Expo; Event with 192 pavilions coming to a close on March 31
Ukraine war could cut 1% off global growth: OECD; It urges targeted government spending hikes

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 16, 2022)

Wearing hijab is not essential part of religion: Karnataka HC; Ban in schools constitutionally permissible
Apex court stays telecast ban on MediaOne; Channel can operate as before January 31
SOPs under review after accidental missile launch; We attach highest priority to safety and security of our weapon systems, says Defence Minister
U.S. warns China against Russia support; Jake Sullivan and Yang Jiechi held substantial discussion on Russia’s war against Ukraine: White House
Russian forces press in on Kyiv as talks resume; 35-hour curfew to come into effect
No question of national unity government now, says Ranil; National consensus needed to tide over economic crisis
High crude oil prices are unsustainable; India is well braced to cope with surge in import costs; WPI inflation to ease soon: Finance Ministry

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 15, 2022)

COVID jab for 12-14 age group from tomorrow; They will get Corbevax; precaution dose for all above 60
Retail inflation climbs to 6.07%; Touches an eight-month high in February
China backs Pakistan call for investigation; Spotlight on missile firing incident
Ukraine, Russia cite progress in talks; Putin’s forces edge closer to capital Kyiv, keep up siege of southern port city of Mariupol
Iran Foreign Minister heads to Moscow for nuclear talks; Negotiations stalled after Russia demanded new guarantees
Maldives lifts health emergency, mask mandate; The government will draw up and implement a ‘national strategy’ going forward
Merchandise exports rose 25%, imports surged 36% in February; Trade deficit widens to $20.9 billion on sharper growth in non-gold imports
February wholesale price inflation quickens to 13.11%; Inflation in manufactured products picks up pace

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 14, 2022)

PM briefed on missile issue, reviews defence situation; Cabinet Committee on Security meeting also discusses fallout of Ukraine war
With the Russian forces stepping up their attack on Ukrainian cities, India relocates embassy in Ukraine to Poland
Ukraine crisis delays AK-203 retrials; While the production activities are on, manufacturing of rifles will start after the tests
Russian airstrike hits Army base, kills 35; Over 30 cruise missiles pound the facility used to train Ukrainian military personnel, host NATO drills
Adani group inks deal for power projects in Sri Lanka; The renewable energy projects aim at generating combined capacity of 500 MW, at a cost of $500 mn
Government drugstores to sell nutraceuticals; Currently, there are 8,675 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendras operational across the country

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 12 & 13, 2022)

EPF rate cut to 8.1% to hit savings; Trade union representatives decry decision
‘Positive shifts’ in talks with Ukraine: Putin; Russian President plays down sanctions
India orders inquiry into accidental firing of missile; Caused due to a glitch, it tells Pakistan
India, China holds 15^th round of military talks; Focus on PP 15 in Gogra-Hot Springs
U.S., allies to end normal trade ties with Russia; President Joe Biden also announces ban on imports of seafood, vodka and diamonds
North Korea may fire missile to put satellite in space; South Korea detected 2 launches last week
India, Canada to reboot trade agreement talks; Investment protection treaty on cards
Iran deal could collapse on Russian demands; Conclude deal with urgency: E3 group

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 09, 10 & 11, 2022)

Ukraine drops pitch for NATO; Zelensky says open to compromise on breakaway regions; Zelensky asks Modi to help end conflict
All international flights to resume from March 27; Move ahead of summer travel season could bring down fares
Bangladesh, India, Nepal to move ahead on Motor Vehicles Agreement pact; Bhutan has not endorsed the plan for now
ICRA sees serious downside risks to growth; Current account deficit to cross 3.2%
Overthrowing Ukraine government is not our goal, says Russia; Will prefer to achieve Kyiv’s neutral status through talks
Cabinet nod for new firm to monetise land assets; Government eyes substantial revenues
EU tightens sanctions on Russia, blacklists lawmakers; Three Belarusian banks cut off from the SWIFT system
Soaring energy prices could hurt growth, consumption, warns S&P; It says large net energy importers like India could face ‘terms of trade’ shock
Kremlin hits back at Western sanctions with export bans; Putin says actions are hurting U.S., where inflation is rising
Iran won’t accept curbs on its defensive power; Talks on nuclear deal in final stages
Inflation may stay below 6% even if oil averages $100: Crisil

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 08, 2022)

Labour Ministry launches ‘donate a pension’ scheme; It allows a citizen to pay premium for unorganised workers
DD India is now on OTT platform; Prasar Bharati signs MoU with Yupp TV to expand channel’s reach to U.S., Europe
China says U.S. is trying to build ‘Indo-Pacific NATO’; Wang Yi describes ties with Russia as being ‘rock solid’
Russia give hearing at UN top court a skip; Kyiv lodged a case at the ICJ on February 27
Sensex plunges 2.74% as crude price surges; Impact on fiscal deficit, CAD feared
Exports of processed agri foods rise 23%: Government; Rice top forex earner in April-January
China’s export growth slows, Ukraine crisis poses risk; Exports rose 16.3% in Jan-Feb, slower than 20.9% in December

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 06 & 07, 2022)

Putin warns against imposing any no-fly zone over Ukraine; He says a third party declaration means joining war
FATF retains Pakistan on its terror funding ‘grey list’; Country meets 32 of 34 action points
2 rare spiders rediscovered after a century; Species spotted on campus of Christ College at Irinjalakuda in Kerala
Naval exercise MILAN concludes in Vishakapatnam; The sea phase of the 11^th edition saw the participation of 26 ships, one submarine and 21 aircraft from over 40 countries
China hikes military spending by 7.1%, sets 5.5% GDP target; A draft budget says defence spending would be hiked to 1.45 trillion Yuan
Europe’s fastest rising refugee crisis since Second World War; Over 1.5 million refugees from Ukraine crossed into neighbouring nations: UN
Locally made trainer aircraft trainer aircraft finishes sea trials; HANSA-NG is reportedly one of the most advanced trainers
North Korea confirms tests on reconnaissance satellite; Data transmission, reception and control system tested

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 05, 2022)

India abstains again on vote at the UNHRC as the Council decided to set up an international commission of enquiry into Russia’s actions in Ukraine
Halt hostilities for evacuation, India urges Russia and Ukraine; Over 1,000 students trapped in Kharkiv, Sumy
Russia seizes Europe’s largest nuclear plant; Fears of a potential disaster at the Ukrainian facility sparks alarm; ‘No signs of elevated radiation levels’
China Parliament to meet amid economy, Ukraine challenges; Beijing may raise defence budget by around 7%: reports
UNSC holds meet to discuss Zaporizhzhia fire; Several western countries, including the U.S., U.K., slammed Russia for endangering nuclear facilities
Conflict will worsen chip shortage: Moody’s arm; ‘Neon, palladium supplies may be fit’

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 04, 2022)

Andhra Pradesh government can’t change capital: A.P. High Court; HC directed state government to construct and develop Amaravati within six months
High death toll among unvaccinated; ICMR chief says 92% of those who died of COVID-19 this year had not received the doses
Huge tax evasion done by multinational group: I-T Department; It manipulated books of account to show reduced income
Beijing-based AIIB puts Russia, Belarus projects on hold; Adherence to international law lies at core of institution
Sri Lanka reels under fuel crunch, power cuts; Energy, Industries Ministers sacked after both criticised government response to the dollar crisis
Trade deficit seen high, to widen CAD; Nomura sees oil surge, gold demand swell import bill; conflict may broaden current account gap

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 03, 2022)

UN General Assembly asks Russia to pull back troops; India abstains from voting on resolution
U.S. imposes sanctions on Belarus; Biden slams Putin, outlines fight against inflation in U.S.; Won’t send troops to Ukraine, he says at SOTU address
Trade deficit widens to $21 bn again as imports climb 35%; Cumulative exports near $400 bn target, gold imports regain momentum
Banks fret as sanctions stall Russia trade settlements; RBI meets with select bankers to assess lenders’ exposure
February manufacturing PMI signals uptick in output, orders; Margin worries continue to spur job losses, says IHS Markit
Oil spikes as Russian supply concerns rise; Sanctions on Russian banks takes toll

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 02, 2022)

Six days and 6.7 lakh refugees: the world is in throes of a crisis; Around a million are estimated to be internally displaced in Ukraine, says UN
JEE-Main 2022 first phase to begin on April 16, says NTA
Geotagging of Waqf properties picks up pace; Project under Quami Waqf Boards Taraqqiati Scheme’s deadline revised to November 2023
Doubts over defence supplies to India; Deliveries from Moscow, Kyiv could be delayed; threat of sanctions loom large
Washington expels 12 Moscow UN diplomats on spying charges; Russia says the move curtailed chances for diplomacy
Cash-strapped Egypt hikes Suez Canal transit fees for ships
War may spur shift of IT jobs from Russia, Ukraine to India; About 70% of these 80,000-1 lakh jobs may come to India

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (March 01, 2022)

Fighting in Ukraine must stop: UN chief; Ukraine, Russia spar at UN General Assembly meet; Talks between Moscow, Kyiv to continue
Ukraine seeks to join EU as first round of talks with Russia ends; Russia economy reels under array of sanctions
Diplomats reconvene for Iran nuclear talks; Tehran says it awaits West’s political decisions; France calls for restoring agreement soon
Core sector growth moderates to 3.7%, cement expands 13.6%; Crude oil output slips for 50^th month in a row, fertilizer production dips 2%
Fiscal deficit stood at 58.9% of target in January; FY22 estimate revised upwards
Former banker Madhabi Puri Buch has been appointed as the new chairperson of the SEBI; She is SEBI’s first women chief
Russia placed in ‘restricted’ cover list amid conflict: ECGC; Move based on near-term outlook, says the corporation
India faces limited commodity price risk; Primary risk is from oil price rise: ICRA

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 27 & 28, 2022)

‘Disturbed’ India abstains from vote against Russia at UNSC; ‘Saddened’ Ukraine refers to plight of Indians in country under Russian attack
Researchers report new plant variety belonging to ginger family; New variety spotted in Mizoram
France seizes Russia-bound ship ‘violating’ EU sanctions; the vessel transporting cars was headed for St. Petersburg
U.S. slaps sanctions on Putin, Lavrov; Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says ‘further costs’ could be imposed on Russia
ECGC halts credit guarantee for shipments to Russia; FIEO chief terms move a ‘huge setback’ for exporters
India is engaged with all parties on Ukraine: Foreign Secretary; Shringla says nation has direct interest in the region, dialogue only way forward
India to face tough choices at UNGA; Pressure on from the U.S., European countries seeking to ‘isolate’ Russia
DRDO, Safran to develop engine for aircraft; India, France to ink deal to develop 125KN engine for indigenous fighter soon
West unleashes SWIFT bans, more harsh blows on Moscow; The disruption could create unrest against Putin at home
UN flags Colombo’s efforts on rights; New report comes ahead of the 49^th session of the UN Human Rights Council

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 25 & 26, 2022)

World shocked by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine; Eight killed, nine wounded, says Ukraine official; U.S. unveils more sanctions
U.S. group hacked Indian research institutes: China firm; Websites of Institute of Microbial Technology, Indian Academy of Sciences, Banaras Hindu University among those reportedly compromised
Crisis a chance for India to export more wheat; 18% of global exports are from Russia
Moody raises India’s 2022 GDP outlook to 9.5% from 7%; Sanctions on Russia may spur oil, gas prices
Pakistan National Bank fined $55 mn by U.S.; Analyst says no significant impact on FATF review
Radiation spike in Chernobyl: Ukraine; Russia has seized the nuclear plant

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 24, 2022)

Indian stand ‘balanced, independent’, says Russia; U.S. sanctions over Ukraine won’t stop S-400 delivery: Envoy
Ukraine mobilises troops amid and tensions; Over 2 lakh reservists summoned to their units; Kiev urges its citizens in Russia to leave immediately
China accuses U.S. of raising tensions on Ukraine issue; It slams U.S. for Russia sanctions, sending weapons to Kiev
U.S. and allies unveil more Russia sanctions; EU adds members of Parliament to blacklist; U.K. bans trading of new Russian bonds in security markets
Macron to kick off re-election bid on March 5; Two rounds of voting on April 10, 24
Russia-Ukraine conflict to lift oil, gas prices; Moody’s; India imports about 85% of its crude

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 23, 2022)

De-escalation of Russia-Ukraine tensions top priority, says India; All sides should exercise utmost restraint and engage in dialogue, it says at UN
J&K delimitation panel gets 2-month extension; Move will further delay elections
Russia faces sanctions after Putin move; U.S. terms Russia’s troops deployment in eastern Ukraine invasion; West to announce new sanctions
China walks tightrope on Ukraine crisis; Beijing has packed Moscow’s security concerns but also called for Kiev’s sovereignty to be respected
Crude oil poses key risk to financial stability: Finance Minister; Keeping an eye on global headwinds and extreme volatility in markets, but no plans to defer LIC IPO
Centre may auction more debt in FY22; Aim is to take advantage of low yields

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 22, 2022)

Ukraine keeps India in loop, alleges disinformation drive; Separatists making provocative allegations: Kiev
India and France discuss Afghanistan, Ukraine crisis; Jaishankar holds talks with his French counterpart
Union Budget will help in implementing NEP: Modi; PM Modi moots National Digital University
Russia to recognize Ukraine rebel regions; Kremlin says Putin will sign orders on independence of breakaway Lugansk and Donetsk territories
Pakistan brings in cybercrime law targeting criticism of military; Five years in prison and no bail for posting ‘fake news’
Australia calls for ‘full probe’ by China into laser incident; PLA vessel directed a laser at aircraft within Australia’s EEZ
Iran makes ‘significant progress’ in nuclear talks; Key negotiator says talks to continue

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 20 & 21, 2022)

Russia starts nuclear drills; Biden says war imminent; Forces moving closer to border: Austin
Russia, Belarus extend military drills; NATO says Russia has stationed 30,000 troops in Belarus and could use them to invade Ukraine
Iran MPs set conditions for N-deal; Seek guarantee nations won’t pull out of pact or trigger snapback mechanism
Putin, Macron agree to work for ceasefire; Foreign Ministers set to meet
Government flags off 100 kisan drones; New chapter in modern farming facilities, PM Modi says
First batch of MH-60R copters to arrive by July; They are likely to be based in Kochi

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 18 & 19, 2022)

Supreme Court lifts stay on Haryana quota for private jobs; Court requests HC to decide on plea again within 4 weeks
Jaishankar leaves for Germany, France; Focus remains on Russia; EU counterparts to push for a tougher line from New Delhi on Moscow’s actions
India’s first water taxi service inaugurated in Maharashtra; Project connects Navi Mumbai with the main city
France to withdraw troops from Mali after 10 years; This comes after breakdown in relations with ruling junta
China asks India to ensure fair treatment of Chinese firms; Chinese statement follows ban on 54 apps, searches at premises of telco Huawei
Russia welcomes India’s stand on eastern Ukraine situation; Issue can be resolved only through diplomatic dialogue, says India at UNSC
Hydrogen policy calls for more incentives: Experts; Production target of 5 mn tonne set

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 15, 16 & 17, 2022)

Inflation edges past 6% in January; Rural India bears the brunt of spike
ISRO puts 3 satellites into orbit aboard PSLV C-52; The first launch of the year under the new Chairman S. Somanath went off without a glitch
Sensex slides 3% on worries over Russia-Ukraine tensions
January wholesale price inflation slows a tad to 12.96%; Rate remains above 10% for the tenth successive month
Russia says some troops pulling back from areas near Ukraine; But military exercises to continue; Putin says ‘ready to work further’ with the West
Anti-lynching Bills passed by four states hanging fire; Lynching not defined as a crime under IPC, Centre has said
SVAMITVA scheme: India to make digital maps of all villages; Updated guidelines to make it easier for surveys to be undertaken using drones
India lacks solar waste handling policy; IRENA has estimated that global photovoltaic waste will touch 78 million tonnes by 2050

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 13 & 14, 2022)

UN World Food Programme to allot Indian wheat in Afghanistan; India signs agreement with the UN wing to manage the distribution of the humanitarian assistance
India reaches out to nationals in Ukraine; It gears up for possible evacuation
Last batch of Rafale jets to arrive next week; India-specific enhancements are being incorporated on all the aircrafts, say defence officials
U.S. to open Solomon Islands embassy to counter China; Beijing using loans, debts to hold sway over Pacific nation
Centre readies for LIC listing, to offload 5% stake in insurer; Union government files draft red herring prospectus with the regulator
Untie noose around Kiev, Germany tells Russia; Ukraine vows to keep its airspace functioning

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 11 & 12, 2022)

Country records 57,471 new COVID-19 cases; TPR at 3.8%; Total infections reach 4.24 crore; Active cases down to 9.4 lakh
Russia launches Belarus military drills; Ukraine denounces the exercises as ‘psychological pressure’, France terms them ‘a very violent gesture’
Indo-Pacific region will shape the century: Blinken; More than ever before, we need partnerships
RBI retains ‘status quo’ to spur growth; Central Bank’s MPC holds interest rates, keeps stance ‘accommodative’ to ensure durable recovery
Cryptos are a threat to financial stability: RBI Governor; Lack of underlying is risk to investors
Will continue to support India’s rise and regional leadership: U.S.; Collective action is key to Washington’s new Indo-Pacific strategy
IIP growth slowed to 0.4% in December; Data shows capital goods, consumer durables output shrank signalling poor investment, consumption
Global stocks slip as U.S. inflation hits 40-year high; U.S. price-rise is a story of overheating

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 10, 2022)

Scientists set new record in nuclear fusion energy; Team at JET near Oxford generated 59 megajoules of sustained energy
66,871 new COVID-19 cases recorded; Active cases down to 8.1 lakh
Over 40% of teaching posts in IITs vacant: Government; Data show poor representation for reserved groups
India bans drone import to help domestic sector; Exceptions given for R&D, defence
Quad Ministers set to meet in Australia; Jaishankar will join other Foreign Ministers to discuss cooperation on vaccines, tech and security
Iran’s missile puts Israel, U.S. bases within range; The missile has ‘high accuracy’
GST reset report to be in by April; Group of Ministers led by Bommai could review 18% rate on health insurance too

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 08 & 09, 2022)

One-third of Rs. 10,990 crores in PM CARES fund spent: Audit; Rs. 100 crore promised for vaccine development not allotted
India records 65,513 new cases, 1,169 deaths; Most cases from Kerala; Test positivity rate stands at 5.6%
Iran nuclear deal talks to resume in Vienna: EU; Significant progress made, says Tehran
Haryana Cabinet nod for anti-conversion Bill; Umpteen cases of religious conversions recorded
EU joins chips race with $49.1 billion bid to rival Asia; Bloc aims for 20% of global market by quadrupling efforts
Sri Lanka to launch its own ‘Aadhaar’; India agrees to provide a grant to implement the ‘digital identity framework’
Bharti Airtel Q3 net slips 2.8% as network, finance costs rise; Telecom operator logs Rs. 830 crore profit as revenue rises 12.6% to Rs.29,867 crore

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 06 & 07, 2022)

U.S. restores sanction waiver to Iran; The waiver on the civilian programme is a technical step needed to revive deal
India risks being edged out of patent waiver plan at WTO
Many seats redrawn in J&K delimitation draft; NC rejects interim, calls it unconstitutional
Active COVID-19 case load in country crosses 11 lakh; 84,474 new cases, 887 deaths recorded in last 24 hours
Russia 70% combat-ready for invasion: U.S.; National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says Russia could invade Ukraine within days or weeks
North Korea is continuing its nuclear programmes: UN; DPRK is seeking material, technology

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 04 & 05, 2022)

Indian diplomats to boycott Beijing games; Selection of PLA’s Galwan soldier as torchbearer sparks row
HC stays Haryana job quota for locals; Industry bodies welcome order; Government vows to ensure local employment
Active cases breach 15 lakh mark; 1,056 deaths recovered; Country records 1.47 lakh fresh COVID-19 cases
Chandrayaan-3 set for launch in August; It is a follow-up to Chandrayaan-2 launched in 2019
Russia deploys more troops in Belarus; NATO: 30,000 combat troops are in Ukraine’s northern neighbour for joint drill
U.S. sends military aid to UAE after Houthi attacks; Warship, fighter jets part of package
India’s EXIM Bank, Sri Lanka sign $500-mn loan agreement

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 02 & 03, 2022)

Union Budget 2022-23 highlights:
- 5G services to roll out in FY23; TRAI setting auction terms : Government
- FM retains tax slabs, allowed updated returns
- Budget extends more sops for IFSC; International Arbitration Centre to be set up in GIFT City
- Cooperative societies get tax, surcharges relief; Alternate Minimum Tax slashed to 15%
- Textile sector allocation to increase 8.1% for FY23; Bulk to fund CCI for cotton purchases
- Emergency credit line for MSMEs extended till March 2023; Budget provides additional credit to more than 130 lakh units
- ‘Green Bonds’ target carbon neutrality; To help India achieve net zero by 2070
- Digital rupee to arrive in new fiscal, to use blockchain technology; It will lead to a cheaper currency management system
- 16% hike in healthcare sector allocation; Zero allocation for emergency response fund
Amnesty International labels Israel an ‘apartheid state’ that treats Palestinians as ‘an inferior racial group’
Chinese, French firms ink Uganda oil deal; $10 billion project invites wrath of environmental groups

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (February 01, 2022)

Economic Survey pegs growth at 8-8.5% in 2022-23; Concerns remain over hardening inflation, liquidity woes
World Heritage tag: India nominates Hoysala temples; Dossier submitted to UNESCO
Ministry cancels broadcasting licence for MediaOne channel; Ministry of Home Affairs denies security clearance
India, Russia hold discussion on UN Security Council agenda; Moscow to assume Presidency of Council in February
India records 1.65 lakh new COVID cases; Active cases cross 18.2 lakh mark; Kerala reports most deaths at 729, followed by Karnataka 56
India ranks third globally in forest area again: Survey; Forest covered 24% of area in 2020
India calls for ‘quiet diplomacy’ on Ukraine; It backs ‘immediate de-escalation’
Adopt UNCITRAL for cross-border insolvency; Framework is widely accepted: Survey

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 31, 2022)

Pegasus issue to roil Budget session; Congress demands privilege motion against Information Technology Minister
EPFO to appoint auditor to track fund managers; Investments to be scrutinised daily
Another BrahMos deal in the pipeline; It could be linked with Philippines Army
India records a spike with 404 COVID-19 deaths; Along with 28,264 infections, Karnataka tops the list and 68 casualties, followed by Maharashtra at 50 and T.N. at 38
Britain to widen sanctions on Russia to deter Ukraine invasion; New law to target more firms linked to Kremlin
North Korea test-fires most powerful missile since 2017; Sunday’s test was Pyongang’s seventh launch this month
‘Bomb cyclone’ hits eastern U.S., triggers transport chaos, outages; Residents in towns and cities urged to avoid all unnecessary travel

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 30, 2022)

Active caseload hovers around 20 lakh; As many as 2.3 lakh fresh cases and 872 fatalities were recorded across the country
Opposition slams government as report says India bought NSO spyware
BSF, Pakistan Rangers resume dialogue; Indian side raised drone incursions
Parasitic plant found in Nicobar eco hotspot; Septemeranthus partially depends on its host but also has leaves capable of photosynthesis
India, Oman to hold 10^th military cooperation meeting; Defence Secretary General to visit New Delhi
Biden to send troops to Europe amid Ukraine diplomacy push; Russia has enough troops, facilities in place to threaten Kiev, says Pentagon

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 29, 2022)

Willing to talk to Pakistan on pilgrim flights: India; Officials to meet to upgrade 1974 protocol on religious travel
2.34 lakh fresh cases in India, 857 deaths recorded; Number of fatalities higher than last week’s average
Don’t want wars, but won’t let interests be ignored: Russia; Putin will decide response to U.S. proposals: Lavrov
States must decide on SC/ST quota in promotions, says Supreme Court; Bench refuses to set norm on poor representation
Philippines inks $375 mn BrahMos missile deal; This is the first export order for missile
Engage in debates in the House, not in ridiculing each other: SC; Elected members are expected to show statesmanship and not brinkmanship
Study raises concerns on NeoCov; Wuhan researches say single molecular change in virus can infect humans

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 28, 2022)

Central Asia meet forms Afghan group; PM says countries concerned about the developments in Afghanistan; leaders discuss connectivity
Early signs of a flat COVID-19 caseload, says government; Need to track changes: Health Ministry
Russia sees room for dialogue with U.S.; Kremlin says it would take more time to review the written response from U.S. to its security demands
North Korea fires 2 missiles as testing blitz continues; Record launches in a single month
EU launches WTO case against China for ‘targeting’ Lithuania; Beijing allegedly blocked imports, launched trade sanctions
India seen boosting budget spending on infrastructure; Fiscal constraints limit room for concessions to pandemic-hit households
Bonds, rupee weaken as Fed tone sparks outflow concerns; U.S. central bank says interest rate increase likely in March

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 27, 2022)

Fewer hospitalisations in third wave, data from States show; Though active COVID cases are at 22.2 lakh, 95% of hospital beds remain vacant
India slams Pakistan at UN Security Council; Islamabad supporting terrorists, it says
PM Modi to hold Central Asia summit today; Trade, connectivity on the agenda for the conference; Afghanistan situation also to be taken up
Decommissioned INS Khukri to be converted into museum; The Navy vessel handed over to Diu administration
Xi offers Central Asian nations $500 mn; He chaired a virtual summit with regional leaders, two days before India’s virtual summit with them
U.S. should give legal security guarantees on NATO : Russia; Envoy says Moscow expects a written response from U.S.
Oil rises towards $89 on Russia tension; Biden threatens sanctions on Putin over any invasive of Ukraine; West Asia adds to supply worries

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 26, 2022)

Centre to remind States again of IAS cadre rules; Plans to acquire powers to depute IAS/IPS and IFoS officers to the Central Government and Ministries without necessarily taking the States’ nod
‘Inaccuracies, procedural violations’ in Great Nicobar EIA report; Public hearing scheduled for tomorrow
India’s active case tally crosses 22.3 lakh mark; Country recorded 2.84 new cases
West is ‘united’ against Russia : Biden; Pentagon says 8,500 U.S. troops were put on standby for possible deployment to boost NATO
Pfizer-BioNTech starts trials for Omicron-specific vaccine; Goal is to examine immune response of inoculated persons
Russia launches new military exercises near Ukraine border
Norway wants to put ‘tangible demands’ on Taliban at talks; Sharing stage with the world is a success in itself, says group

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 25, 2022)

Pakistan sends India a plea by Hindu body for air pilgrimage; Officials in Delhi, Islamabad cautious, say government clearances may take time
India’s total case tally reaches 3.95 crore; Tamil Nadu reports most number of deaths at 46, Punjab follows with 39 and West Bengal 37
Amid Ukraine crisis, NATO sends planes, ships to eastern Europe; U.S., Britain and Australia order diplomats’ families to leave Kiev
China sends 52 aircraft towards Taiwan zone; Taipei scrambles jets, issues warnings
India can make $300-bn electronics by 2026; Challenges must be overcome : Report
COVID 3.0 drags activity lower by 20% in less than a month; Nomura business resumption index slides to 100.5, from 120.2 a month ago

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 24, 2022)

Omicron in community transmission: INSACOG; Most cases mild, but hospitalisations, ICU cases up; 3.05 lakh cases on Sunday
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change : Ranking of State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities will bring in efficiency in decision making without diluting any regulatory safeguards
Competition Commission of India imposes penalty on maritime transport companies for indulging in cartelisation
Moscow may install proxies in Kiev: U.K.; Britain claims to have evidence of Kremlin trying to install pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine
Taliban, Afghan civil society members begin Oslo talks; Women activists, journalists meet ruling dispensation
Peru declares environmental emergency following oil spill; Waves from Tonga eruption hit a tanker unloading at refinery

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 22 & 23, 2022)

Amar Jawan Jyoti now merged with War Memorial flame: Government; Congress and some veterans oppose removal of tribute to 1971 Bangladesh war
People can soon invest in infra projects: Gadkari; SEBI nod awaited, says Minister
3.33 lakh new cases reported; Active cases crossed the 20.18-lakh mark; total number of infections at 3.88 crore
Antrix-Devas may not be last such high-profile row; Many challenges faced by tech firms entering private sector
U.S., Russia seek to ease Ukraine tensions; Russia seeks exit of NATO from Bulgaria, Romania
Taliban delegation heads for Oslo talks; Afghan regime’s meeting with Western officials to focus on human rights and humanitarian aid

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 21, 2022)

Supreme Court upholds OBC quota in NEET; Open exam only ensures formal equality, does not end ingrained inequalities
Assam, Meghalaya CMs meet Amit Shah on boundary issues; Home Ministry to examine regional committee reports further talks
Extended range BrahMos tested; Launch conducted by BrahMos Aerospace in coordination with DRDO teams
Active cases breach 19.7 lakh; Country sees 3.43 lakh new cases, 682 deaths were recorded; positivity rate stands at 17.7%
U.S. warns Russia on invading Ukraine; Any incursion would be met with a ‘severe’ response from the U.S. and its allies, says White House
U.S. warship’s South China Sea passage sparks row; PLA says forces deployed to drive it away
India Ratings pegs FY23 GDP growth at 7.6%; Agency expects fiscal deficit at 5.8-6%

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 20, 2022)

States weigh options on IAS cadre rule changes; Six of them have written to Centre opposing any such move
No foreign dignitary as chief guest at Republic Day event; PM will meet five Central Asian leaders virtually
Special camps to register workers on e-Shram portal; 21 centres to aid migrant workers reactivated
New COVID-19 cases cross 3 lakh mark; 18.9 lakh active cases across India; 475 deaths on Wednesday, higher than the average levels last week
U.S. boosts military aid to Kiev, asks Russia to choose ‘peaceful path’
Economic recovery is yet to attain durability, says ICRA; Early data for January is weak following reimposition of curbs to check third wave

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 19, 2022)

Government : No one died of hunger in recent times; Comprehensive steps have been taken, it tells Supreme Court
Tableaux selection fair, says Rajnath; Well-established system in place, Defence Minister tells CMs of Bengal, Tamil Nadu over rejection of their State tableaux
Saudi Arabia hits back at Houthi rebels after UAE drone attack; 14 persons dead in strike on Sana’a; the coalition also intercepted eight drones
Rising sea levels prompt Indonesia to relocate capital from Jakarta to “Nusantara”
Cyberattacks surge as COVID spurs digital rush; Ransomware incidents rose 151%: WEF’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2022
India extends $500-mn credit to Sri Lanka for fuel imports; Move part of $1.5bn facility, follows recent $900 mn relief

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 17 & 18, 2022)

India records a 40% spike in COVID infections over a week; 2.55 lakh new cases in 24 hours; Maharashtra, Karnataka register most cases
MeitY invites applications under Chips to Startup Programme from academia, R&D organisations, startups and MSMEs
Ukraine says it has ‘evidence’ that Russia’s behind cyberattack; Microsoft says more organisations could be affected
Tsunami threat around Pacific basin from huge undersea volcanic eruption begins to recede
COVID-19 spike continues, 2.32 lakh cases on Monday; At 17.7%, test positivity rate the highest in the ongoing wave
Two Indians, a Pakistani killed in UAE tanker blasts; Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim responsibility for attack
North Korea fires more missiles; Country’s fourth weapons test this month as it ignores offer for talks by U.S.
Impact of tsunami being assessed in Tonga; Ash, contaminated water pose threat
Xi Jinping rejects ‘Cold War mentality’; Chinese President pledges to send an additional 1 billion doses of COVID vaccine to other countries
Germany vows ‘to do all’ to guarantee Ukraine’s security; NATO, Kiev sign agreement to bolster cybersecurity

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 16, 2022)

Election Commission ban on rallies in five poll-bound States till January 22
Daily COVID-19 cases remain high; Recorded 2,62,938 cases and 305 deaths; Kerala records the highest number of casualties
Philippines approves deal for BrahMos missile; The contract is worth $374.96 mn
China, Iran start implementing sweeping strategic agreement; Beijing says it will continue to oppose illegal sanctions against Tehran
U.S. coast on tsunami alert after Pacific volcano; Waves lash island nation of Tonga
Russian invasion of Ukraine likely; U.S. cites intelligence reports stating Moscow will conduct ‘a false-flag operation’

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 13 & 14, 2022)

Retail inflation accelerates to 5.59%; Industrial output growth slows to 1.4% in November : NSO
S. Somanath appointed new Chairman of ISRO; He played a major role in development of the GSLV Mk-III
Assam, Meghalaya to end border dispute by January 21; Amit Shah to seal deal on six of the 12 areas
Broadcast Audience Research Council ratings for news channels to resume soon; It was suspended after Mumbai police busted a TRP racket
India reports 2.41 lakh new cases, 372 deaths; 165% rise in infections compared with a week ago
Russia, NATO lay out stark differences on Ukraine crisis; The alliance defends its ‘open-door-policy’, invites Moscow for more talks
Omicron is ‘dangerous’ for unvaccinated : WHO; Risk of a deadline variant remains
India, China agree for more LAC talks; 14^th round of talks between military commanders did not yield breakthrough
India extends $900 mn aid to Sri Lanka; It includes a $400 mn currency swap and deferred payment of $500 mn

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 12, 2022)

BrahMos advanced variant test fired; The extended range naval version of the missile was launched from a destroyer
India’s passport rank improves to 83 from 90 in the Henley Passport Index
India records a whopping 1.85 lakh cases; Highest single-day rise in infections in the third and ongoing wave; active cases cross nine-lakh
Ties with NATO have reached a ‘moment of truth’ : Russia; Moscow has demanded security guarantees from alliance
Ukrainian President Zelensky calls for international summit to end Ukraine crisis
Corporate profitability likely fell in Q3 after 11 quarters : Crisil; But, revenue momentum was sustained by price increases

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 11, 2022)

Two lakh more got jobs in 9 sectors in July-September last year; The Quarterly Employment Survey was released by Union Labour Ministry
Ministry of Home Affairs seeks more time to frame CAA rules; Without the rules being framed, the Act cannot be implemented; the third extension expired on January 9
India, South Korea to hold bilateral talks; Focus mainly on large trade deficit, market access issues and non-tariff barriers faced by Indian exporters
Test positivity rate in India climbs to 12%; Nearly 1.61 lakh new cases and 428 deaths reported in country, active cases surge towards 8-lakh mark
Suu Kyi sentenced to 4 years in prison; Charges include illegal possession of walkie-talkies; ousted leader faces a total six-year prison term
No one should interfere in China-Sri Lanka ties; Chinese Foreign Minister proposes a forum on the development of Indian Ocean island countries
India IT firms to log 20-30% growth in 2022 : Analysts; Digital transformation to power deals

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 10, 2022)

NEET-PG counselling from January 12: Centre; Supreme Court order paves the way for process to begin
India adds 1.79 lakh COVID-19 cases; Infections surge in big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Chennai
Centre yet to notify rules of Citizenship Amendment Act; January 9 was the last day of the third extended deadline
Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel joins Beijing-based AIIB; Will be Vice-President at Beijing-based multilateral bank
Indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant heads out for next set of sea trials; Readings on performance to be taken
164 dead, nearly 6,000 held after Kazakhstan protests; Detainees include ‘substantial number of foreign nationals’
Russia to stand firm on Ukraine in talks with U.S.; Kremlin disappointed with signals coming from NATO, EU

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 08 & 09, 2022)

SC permits NEET counselling under present OBC, EWS quota; Final hearing on validity of Rs. 8 lakh annual family income limit in March, it says
NSO estimates FY22 GDP growth at 9.2%; COVID-19 could impact final numbers
Kazakh leader issues ‘shoot to kill’ order for those participating in unrest
U.K. calls in military to help hospitals facing staff crunch; they are also assisting with COVID-19 testing, vaccination
Japan, U.S. expand defence cooperation; Amid tensions with China, Tokyo agrees to continue hosting 50,000 U.S. troops
India to surpass Japan as Asia’s 2^nd largest economy by 2030; IHS Markit sees consumption spending doubling over a decade to $3 tn by 2030
Maldives inks key deals with China; Beijing agrees on visa exemption for Maldivians, signs aid pact on infrastructure

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 07, 2022)

Government says Rs. 8 lakh EWS cap derived after study; SC probes Centre on the reasoning behind income limit
TTD, Ramakrishna Mission lose FCRA nod; They are among the 6,000 NGOs whose registration was not renewed by Centre
Daily COVID-19 cases cross one-lakh mark; highest in more than 200 days
Russia-led troops deployed in Kazakhstan; Dozens killed in Central Asia Republic as protests over rising prices escalate
Use drones more effectively : Civil Aviation Ministry; Several Ministries receive suggestions for a range of uses, from surveillance to disaster management
North Korea tests hypersonic missile; Hypersonic missiles are harder to intercept by missile defence systems
Bankers’ asset quality at risk from COVID-19 third wave, says ICRA

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 06, 2022)

Government says Rs. 8 lakh EWS income cap ‘best way forward’; Allow NEET counselling, it urges Supreme Court
North Korea fires ballistic missile in first test in two months; U.S., Japan, South Korea raise alarm, China remains passive
PMI : December services activity hits 3-month low; COVID wave fear, price pressures drag
Russia-led military alliance to send peacekeeping forces to Kazakhstan
Australia, Japan to sign treaty to beef up defence & security cooperation at virtual summit today
Kazakhstan declares state of emergency after protests over fuel price rises turned violent

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 05, 2022)

Supreme Court to hear EWS quota case today; Centre cites urgency, says NEET-PG counselling in limbo
States told to share intel through the Multi Agency Centre, a common counter-terrorism grid under the Intelligence Bureau which was made operational in 2001 following the Kargil War
Centre tells States to set up field hospitals to tackle COVID; NTAGI chief says it may be the third wave
Chinese President Xi Jinping signs combat training order for PLA; The armed forces must redouble their efforts to better combine training with combat operations
China to ‘modernise’ nuclear arsenal; Beijing defends its atomic weapons policy, urges U.S., Russia to reduce stockpiles
Omicron spread may hit Q4 GDP outlook by 20-30 bps; Reserve Bank may delay raising reverse repo rate, says HDFC Bank economists
India spent record $55.7 bn on gold imports in 2021; Deferred weddings conducted last year spurred demand

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 04, 2022)

China constructing bridge on Pangong lake in Ladakh; It will bring down time to move troops and equipment
Centre seeks urgent listing of EWS reservation case today; Challenge to 10% quota has delayed postgraduate medical admissions
33,000 new cases in India; All States record rise; Maharashtra leads surge with 12,160 new infections, Delhi reports 4,099 cases
Sudan’s PM Hamdok resigns amid crackdown on protesters; He cites lack of political consensus, conflict with military as reasons for move
World powers vow to stop spread of nuclear weapons; China, Russia, U.S., U.K., France issue statement after NPT review scheduled today was postponed due to COVID-19
Jobless rate hit high of 7.9% in December; Third wave may undo economic gains
India, Israel in talks for free trade agreement; UAE pact close to finalisation : Goyal
India wants WTO meet on COVID package; Discussions on patent waiver sought
RBI approves small, offline e-payments; It aims to promote usage in rural areas

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 03, 2022)

Six lakh adolescents register for vaccination; India’s daily caseload rises to 27,553, while Omicron cases surge to 1,525
Rs. 8 lakh income ‘reasonable’ cap for EWS quota, Centre tells SC; The criterion is ‘more stringent’ than the one for OBC creamy layer, the government says
Census first phase, NPR data collection deferred till September; The exercise was scheduled to begin in April 2020
Draft national air sports policy pushes for safety standards; It will cover activities like aerobatics, ballooning, paragliding and micro lighting
Kaziranga elevated road plan awaits nod; The 35-km stretch will run over nine corridors used by animals of the park
Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba scheduled to attend Vibrant Gujarat Summit; Deuba visit ideal to resume India-Nepal talks : Envoy
Telangana tops Open Defecation Free plus list; 13,737 of 14,200 villages in State feature on the Central list

Source: The Hindu and other government website

Major Headlines (January 01 & 02, 2022)

Disorientation of crew in poor weather likely cause of crash; Tri-service probe complete; findings sent for legal review ahead of submission
GST Council defers tax rate increase on textiles; Gujarat, West Bengal, Delhi, T.N. had opposed the hike
Rajya Sabha annual productivity drops to 59%; The lowest reported was in 2018 with 36% productivity
Sri Lanka to ink pact with India to develop oil tanks; Lease agreements are expected to be signed soon : Minister
Biden, Putin warnings over Ukraine; U.S. President warns of sanctions, Russian leader says such a move will rupture ties between the nations
Core sector output rose 3.1% in November; Crude and cement buck trend
COVID-19 cases cross 20,000 yet again; It could put stress on health infrastructure, says official and directs States to ramp up facilities
Rockets fired from Gaza Strip land off central Israel’s coast; They fell in the Mediterranean Sea off Tel Aviv, says Army
Nuclear, gas energy likely to receive ‘green tag’ in European Union; France and Austria are at loggerheads
Use of IPO funds to become transparent with new rules; Cap on acquisition portion serves interests of investors

Source: The Hindu and other government website

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