At the recent G20 Climate Meet, India urged the group of 20 nations (G20) having per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions above the global average to bring it down to the world average, thereby vacating ‘some’ carbon space for developing nations. This will support the developmental aspirations of the developing nations. Presently, Italy holds the G20 Presidency and the Climate Meet …

The 22nd anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was observed on the 26th of July 2021. The day is dedicated to the martyred soldiers of the Kargil war. Important points: After the Indo-Pak war of 1971, there had been many military conflicts. Both the countries conducted nuclear tests in 1998 which further escalated tensions and …

Recently, the US started surveillance on people travelling from Nigeria, who may have had contact with the individuals infected with Monkeypox. Important points: It is a viral zoonotic disease (transmission from animals to humans) and is identified as a pox-like disease among monkeys hence it is named Monkeypox. It is endemic to Nigeria. It is caused by …

Recently, the Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) informed Rajya Sabha about the forest area in the country. The data provided was as per the India State of Forest Report, 2019 that is the 16th biennial assessment of India’s forests by Forest Survey of India, Dehradun an organisation under the MoEFCC. Information about the Wasteland in the country was …

Recently, Indian Naval Ship Talwar participated in a multinational training exercise Cutlass Express 2021, being conducted along the East Coast of Africa. Important points: The exercise is an annual maritime exercise conducted to promote national and regional maritime security in East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. The 2021 edition of the exercise involves participation of 12 …

Recently, under the Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) programme, the government has given approval for establishing two additional facilities. In 2020, India filled its strategic petroleum reserves in view of the slump in crude prices. Important points: The new facilities will be commercial-cum-strategic facilities with a total storage capacity of 6.5 MMT (Million Metric Ton) underground storages at: Chandikhol, Odisha (4 MMT) …

Recently, the Union Minister of State for Finance has stated in Lok Sabha that the government’s black money law has helped detect several instances where Indians have been found stashing undisclosed income overseas. Important points: There is no official definition of black money in economic theory, with several different terms such as parallel economy, black money, black incomes, …

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has challenged the suspension of its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) certificate for 180 days. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) suspended CHRI’s certificate in violation of various provisions of the FCRA Act. Important points: Foreign funding of persons in India is regulated under FCRA act and is implemented by the Ministry of Home …

Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) invited public inputs to the Emigration Bill 2021. The Bill presents a long overdue opportunity to reform the recruitment process for nationals seeking employment abroad. Important points: The Bill intends to replace the Emigration Act of 1983. The Bill envisages comprehensive emigration management, institutes regulatory mechanisms governing overseas …