The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare virtually attended the World Food Safety Day (7th June) celebrations organized by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Important points: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly facilitate the observance of World Food Safety Day, in collaboration with Member States and …

Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM (G)] Phase-II is making steady progress amidst Covid-19 with 1249 villages declared ODF(Open Defecation Free) Plus. SBM (G) Phase-II was approved in February 2020 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. ODF Plus entails that ODF behaviours are sustained, and every village has access to solid and liquid waste management. Important points: It emphasizes the …

Recently, the Union Minister of Panchayati Raj released a Model Panchayat Citizens Charter. Important points: It is prepared by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) in collaboration with National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR). NIRDPR is an autonomous organisation under the Union Ministry of Rural Development. It has been developed for the delivery of the services …

Recently, the Defence Minister released an E-booklet titled ‘20 Reforms in 2020’ highlighting the major reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2020. Important points: The appointment of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and creation of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) were among the major decisions taken by the Government. General Bipin Rawat was appointed …

Recently, Turkey’s Sea of Marmara, which connects the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea, has witnessed the largest outbreak of ‘sea snot’. A ‘sea snot’ outbreak was first recorded in the country in 2007. Important points: It is marine mucilage that is formed when algae are overloaded with nutrients as a result of water pollution combined with the effects of climate change …

Recently, the Finance Ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations reached a landmark accord setting a Global Minimum Corporate Tax Rate (GMCTR). The agreement could form the basis of a worldwide deal. It will now be discussed in detail at a meeting of G20 financial ministers and central bank governors in July 2021. G7 also agreed …

Indian Scientists have developed a nanorods-based oxygen sensor which works at room temperature with assistance of UV irradiation and can detect oxygen gas concentrations in places such as underground mines, at higher altitudes, inside aeroplanes and research labs. Monitoring O2 concentration in very low ppm-level is of paramount importance, and a fast …

Recently, the 37th anniversary of Operation Blue Star was observed by the country. Important points: It is a code name given to an Indian Military Operation to remove the separatists who were hidden inside the Golden Temple at Amritsar on 5th June 1984. The operation was ordered by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, primarily to take control of …

Recently, on the occasion of World Environment Day (5th June), the Tourism Minister appreciated the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Programme (IITFC). Important points: IITFC Programme is a digital initiative of the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), for the citizens of India to become a part of the booming Tourism Industry. It is an online programme where one can …

On the occasion of the anniversary of Maratha king’s coronation day (6th June), the Goa government has released a short film on Chhatrapati Shivaji. Important points: He was born on 19th February, 1630 at Shivneri Fort in District Pune in the present-day state of Maharashtra. He was born to Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who held the jagirs …