1. Union Cabinet Clears โน4,371.10 Crore 'VISTAR' Scheme to Modernize National Statistical System
The Union Cabinet approved the centrally sponsored 'VISTAR' (Vitalizing Statistical Infrastructure for Timely Analysis and Reporting) Scheme under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) with a dedicated budget of โน4,371.10 crore. The scheme introduces automated big-data pipelines, high-frequency satellite telemetry for crop estimation, modernized Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket weighting, and real-time labor market surveys across all states and Union Territories.
๐ฏ Key Exam Prelims Pointers:
- National Statistical Office (NSO): Formed by merging the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under MoSPI.
- Father of Indian Statistics: Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis; National Statistics Day is celebrated on June 29 in his honor.
- National Statistical Commission (NSC): Set up in 2005 based on the recommendations of the C. Rangarajan Commission.
2. 11th Edition of India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise 'Garuda Shakti' Kicks Off
Elite special forces personnel from the Indian Army's Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Indonesian Army (KOPASSUS) commenced the 11th edition of the bilateral joint exercise 'Garuda Shakti' in Cijantung, Indonesia. The two-week military drill focuses on counter-terrorism operations in built-up areas, jungle survival, combat free-fall insertions, and sniper tactical marksmanship.
๐ฏ Key Exam Prelims Pointers:
- Other India-Indonesia Exercises: Samudra Shakti (Bilateral Naval Exercise) and IND-INDO CORPAT (Coordinated Patrol).
3. Veteran Singer Usha Mangeshkar Conferred First Bhupen Hazarika National Award
Legendary playback singer Usha Mangeshkar was honored with the inaugural Bhupen Hazarika National Award for her lifetime contribution to Indian music, playback singing, and cultural integration. Instituted in memory of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the award carries a cash citation of โน5 lakh, a bronze plaque, and traditional Assamese honors.
๐ฏ Key Exam Prelims Pointers:
- Dr. Bhupen Hazarika: Renowned musician and poet from Assam, conferred with Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2019; known as the 'Bard of Brahmaputra'.
4. International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War Observed on November 6
The United Nations observed the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict on November 6. Designated by UN General Assembly Resolution 56/4 in 2001, the day emphasizes protecting freshwater aquifers, pristine forests, and agricultural soil from weaponized contamination, oil-slick pollution, and scorched-earth military tactics.
๐ฏ Key Exam Prelims Pointers:
- Geneva Conventions (Protocol I): Article 35(3) expressly prohibits warfare methods intended to cause widespread, long-term, and severe damage to the natural environment.
๐ Daily Current Affairs MCQ Challenge
Q. The joint Special Forces exercise 'Garuda Shakti' is conducted bilaterally between India and which country?
A) France
B) Indonesia
C) Thailand
D) Singapore
Click to View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B) Indonesia
Explanation: Exercise 'Garuda Shakti' is an annual bilateral joint special forces military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Indonesian Special Forces (KOPASSUS).
Comments & Reviews
Tap stars to rate this page: