1) NDRF Raising Day observed on 19 January
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) observes its Raising Day on 19 January every year.
- It was raised in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- NDRF plays a crucial role in disaster response, search & rescue, and capacity building across India.
Exam angle: Disaster management institutions, statutory bodies, important days.
2) PESA Act implemented in Jharkhand after 25 years
- Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act (PESA), 1996 has been implemented in Jharkhand after nearly 25 years.
- The Act empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas to:
- Manage natural resources
- Approve development plans
- Protect tribal customs and traditions
- Strengthens tribal self-governance and decentralised democracy.
Exam angle: Tribal governance, constitutional provisions, decentralisation.
3) Odisha launched “Ame Padhiba, Ama Bharase” scheme for Early Childhood Education
- The Odisha government launched the “Ame Padhiba, Ama Bharase” scheme.
- Objective:
- Strengthen early childhood education
- Improve foundational literacy and numeracy
- Ensure community participation in learning
- Supports the goals of NEP 2020 at the foundational stage.
Exam angle: State government schemes, education reforms, NEP 2020.
4) Bagurumba dance performed by 10,000 Bodo dancers in Assam
- Bagurumba is a traditional folk dance of the Bodo tribe in Assam.
- Around 10,000 Bodo dancers performed Bagurumba together, showcasing tribal cultural heritage.
- The dance is associated with nature worship and is performed during festivals like Bwisagu.
Exam angle: Indian folk dances, tribal culture, Assam.
5) EU and Mercosur signed agreement for the world’s largest free trade zone
- The European Union and Mercosur signed a landmark trade agreement.
- Mercosur members: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay.
- The pact creates the world’s largest free trade zone, covering:
- Massive market access
- Reduced tariffs
- Enhanced global trade integration
