1. EAM Jaishankar Highlights ASEAN’s Importance in India’s Act East Policy
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, at the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers Meeting, emphasized ASEAN’s pivotal role in India’s Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision. He reiterated that political, economic, and security cooperation with ASEAN is a top priority for India. Jaishankar’s statements underline the significance of the 10-member ASEAN, which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
2. NEET-UG Paper Leak Scandal Unveiled by CBI
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) uncovered a scandal involving the unauthorized access to NEET UG 2024 question papers. The CBI revealed that the question papers, stored in trunks, were accessed at the Oasis School in Hazaribagh. The Hazaribagh NTA City Coordinator and the Centre Superintendent unlawfully allowed Pankaj Kumar, the mastermind behind the operation, to access and distribute the papers to paying students. This breach highlights the need for stringent security measures in national exams.
3. Renaming of Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Halls
President Droupadi Murmu renamed two prominent halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan. The ‘Durbar Hall’ is now ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Hall’ is ‘Ashok Mandap’. The President’s Secretariat stated that this renaming aims to reflect Indian cultural values and eliminate anglicised elements while maintaining the essence of the original names. Opposition leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the move, suggesting it reflected a monarchical mindset.
4. Union Budget 2024 Focus on Migrant Rehabilitation
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25, emphasizing rehabilitation efforts for displaced communities. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) received Rs 2,19,643.31 crore, with Rs 539.72 crore allocated for migrant and repatriate relief and rehabilitation. This budget supports initiatives for Tibetan refugees, displaced persons from Pakistan, and Sri Lankan refugees, along with aid for northeastern states. The government also introduced new laws: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
5. Vande Bharat Sleeper and Metro Trains Enter Testing Stage
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains and Vande Metro have entered the testing phase. Additionally, 50 more Amrit Bharat trains, non-air-conditioned LHB push-pull trains, have been sanctioned. These trains are designed to enhance passenger comfort with improved seats, luggage racks, mobile charging points, LED lights, CCTV, and better public information systems, reflecting a significant upgrade in railway services.
Stay updated with these key developments to be well-prepared for government exams and stay informed about significant national events.
