- Sikkim Statehood Day: Sikkim commemorates its statehood day annually on May 16 to acknowledge its integration with India and its emergence as the 22nd state in the country in 1975.The state of Sikkim was formed by the 36th Amendment of the Constitution of India in 1975.In the 17th century, the Namgyal dynasty formed the Kingdom of Sikkim. The kingdom was made a protectorate of the British Empire in 1890 but the dynasty continued to function under the Chogyal (Buddhist priest-kings).
After around two decades a people’s agitation against the monarchy in 1973 was led by former Sikkim Council member Kazi Lhendup Dorji.After riots broke out in front of the Chogyal’s palace in 1973, the Chogyal formally requested security from India and this led to the kingdom signing a contract with India.In 1974 a new constitution was adopted in the state, which restricted Chogyal to a titular post. In 1974, The Indian government changed Sikkim’s status to “associated state” and gave it one seat each in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.In 1975, The Sikkim Prime Minister requested that Sikkim become a state of India in a petition to the Indian Parliament thus Sikkim became a state in India, and the monarchy was abolished on May 16.
- “Meri LiFE” app: The Government recently launched the “Meri LiFE” (My Life) mobile application to empower young people and encourage their participation in tackling climate change.The app is inspired by the concept of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which was envisioned by the Prime Minister at COP 26. Aim: To promote mindful utilisation instead of wasteful consumption.The application will foster a nationwide movement for LiFE, demonstrating the power of citizens in saving the environment.Meri LiFE is a marketplace where young people can explore their interests, find Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability focused opportunities that match their interests, and sign up to act on issues that matter the most to them.
Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment):It was launched by the Prime Minister in 2022 at Kevadia, Gujarat.The mission focuses on bringing about behaviour changes in individuals through simple and easy-to-do actions.The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal Ministry for national-level coordination and implementation of Mission LiFE.The global movement will showcase sustainable goals and climate actions taken by countries and individuals around the world.To monitor the progress of LiFE, the Ministry has developed two dedicated portals. The Mission LiFE Portal (missionlife-moefcc.nic.in): Allows open access to download over 100 creatives, videos, and knowledge materials created by the Ministry for LiFE. The Meri LiFE Portal (merilife.org): Enables ministries and institutions to upload event reports and track the progress of the mass mobilization drive.
- National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA): It is located in Delhi.The building in which the gallery is situated was the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and hence is known as Jaipur House. It is located at the edge of the Rajpath and faces India Gate.It was established on March 29, 1954, by the Indian Government.Aim: To acquire and preserve modern art from 1850 onwards and to present it to a global audience which will create an understanding and sensitivity towards a time that helped shape contemporary art in India.
