Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the ‘Swachh Mandir’ (Clean Temple) campaign ahead of the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya on January 22. He called for a nationwide initiative to make Ayodhya the cleanest city in India. The campaign encourages citizens to clean pilgrimage sites from January 14 to 22, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the initiative. All elected representatives, including MPs, MLAs, and panchayat representatives, are involved in ensuring the success of this cleanliness drive.

Notes:
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, leading the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, launched the book “Modi: Energising A Green Future.” Published by Pentagon Press in collaboration with the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, the book explores PM Narendra Modi’s vision for a sustainable future. Edited by notable figures like RK Pachnanda and Bibek Debroy, it offers a comprehensive analysis of India’s environmental policies, showcasing the nation’s leadership in the global environmental movement under PM Modi’s guidance.

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The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India is promoting values and ethics in higher education through Mulya Pravah 2.0 guidelines. Aimed at instilling human values and professional ethics, it builds value-based institutions, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and accountability. The guidelines stress deep respect for fundamental duties and constitutional values, urging institutions to prioritize transparency, fairness, and the highest ethical standards. Teachers are expected to be role models, and stakeholder unions are encouraged to support development activities. Mulya Pravah 2.0 is a modified version of the 2019 guideline with a focus on promoting constitutional values.

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Aruna Nayar, an Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) Officer of the 1987 Batch, has assumed the role of Railway Board Secretary. With an extensive background, including serving as Additional Member, Staff, and Principal Executive Director/Staff at the Railway Board, she officially took charge on January 6. Notably, the Appointments Committee of Cabinet appointed her as Secretary in IRMS Level-16, making her the first IRPS officer to be empanelled in IRMS at this level.

Notes:
Rear Admiral Upal Kundu has recently taken over as the Chief of Staff at the Southern Naval Command (SNC). An alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, he joined the Indian Navy in 1991 and specializes in anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Throughout his career, he has commanded various naval vessels, including the guided missile frigate INS Trikand, missile corvette INS Kuthar, and the erstwhile INS Akshay. Additionally, he has led ashore units such as INS Tanaji and INS Kadamba. Graduating from the Defence Services Staff College (Wellington), Rear Admiral Kundu served as the Commodore at the Bureau of Sailors. Following his promotion to flag rank, he took on the role of Chief Staff Officer (Training) at the SNC headquarters before assuming the position of Chief of Staff, as per a Navy release.