Recently, The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested Abhyas High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, off the Bay of Bengal coast in Odisha. DRDO is the Research & Development wing of the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defence …

Recently, the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) announced a new liberal regulatory regime for facilitating formation of various international and Indian insurance businesses in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). The regulations for setting up International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Insurance Offices (IIOs) and IFSC Insurance Intermediaries Offices (IIIOs) were notified by the IFSCA earlier, in …

Recently, the Prime Minister launched the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. Important points: It is one of the largest pan-India schemes for strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the country. It is in addition to the National Health Mission It will provide support to 17,788 rural Health and Wellness Centres in 10 ‘high focus’ states and establish 11,024 urban Health …

Recently, Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest oil producers, announced that it will reach “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2060. The announcement came at the start of the kingdom’s first-ever Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Forum. SGI aims to raise the vegetation cover, reduce carbon emissions, combat pollution and land degradation, and preserve marine life. Important points: …

Recently, India and the UK started Konkan Shakti 2021, the first-ever tri-services joint exercise. It started off the west coast of India. Earlier, the Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) of the Indian Army was awarded a Gold medal in the Cambrian Patrol Exercise, which was held in Wales (the UK). Important points: To derive mutual benefits from each other’s …

Recently, the exports of tea from India registered a decline of around 14.4% in the first seven months (January-July) of 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020. Important points: Total exports during January to July of 2021 was 100.78 million kilograms as against 117.56 million kilograms in the same period …

Recently, an international team saw a white dwarf losing its brightness in 30 minutes, which usually takes a period of several days to months. This peculiarity in brightness of white dwarfs can be referred to as switch on and off phenomena. Using the Hubble Space telescope and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)astronomers have identified several …

Recently, the fourth general assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was held. A total of 108 countries participated in the assembly, including 74 member countries, 34 observer and prospective countries, 23 partner organisations and 33 special invitee organisations. Important points: The ISA is an intergovernmental treaty-based organisation with a global mandate to catalyse …

Recently, 43 countries have signed a declaration, calling on China to ensure full respect for the rule of law for the Muslim Uighur community in Xinjiang. Earlier, in March 2021 several hundred Uighur Muslim women in Turkey staged an International Women’s Day marchagainst the extradition agreement of Turkey with China. Important points: The …

The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), constituted by the Supreme Court, has asked the Assam government to take action on illegal construction in the identified wildlife corridors of the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Earlier, Kaziranga National Park became the first in the country to use satellite phones and DehingPatkai and Raimona were designated as National Parks and the Eco-sensitive zone of the DeeporBeel Wildlife …

Recently, the World Meteorological Congress 2021 has endorsed a Water Declaration, including the Water and Climate Coalition. It has also approved a new vision and strategy for hydrology and an associated plan of action. Important points: Only 40% of countries globally have operational early flood and drought warning systems. Some 60% of WMO member countries lack hydrological monitoring capabilities. Globally, more than three billion people have no …

The anniversary of the formation of the Azad Hind Government is celebrated on 21st October  every year. The day marks the announcement of India’s first independent provisional government named Azad Hind Government. Important points: On 21st October 1943, Subhash Chandra Bose announced the formation of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind (Free India) in Singapore, with himself as the Head of …

Recently, as part of AzadikaAmritMahotsav, a total of 152 Centre for Financial Literacy & Service Delivery (SAKSHAM Centres) across 77 districts of 13 states were launched. The centres were launched under DeendayalAntyodayaYojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) of the Ministry of Rural Development. Important points: Centre for Financial Literacy & Service Delivery (CFL&SD) would act as …

According to a new report, Global agricultural productivity is not growing as fast as the demand for food, amid the impact of climate change. The report was released in conjunction with the World Food Prize Foundation’s annual conference. Important points: Findings: Total Factor Productivity (TFP) is growing at an annual rate of 1.36% (2020-2019). This is below the Global …

Recently, the Group of Seven (G7)wealthy nations agreed on a joint set of principles to govern cross-border data use and digital trade. The deal is a first step in reducing trade barriers, and could lead to a common rulebook of digital trade Earlier, India attended the 47th G7 Summit as a guest country. Important points: Digital and telecommunications …

Recently, the Odisha Government has decided to relocate around 420 families from four zero-connectivity villages in Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary. The relocation is aimed at reducing man-animal conflict and providing better living conditions to the displaced families. Important points: It is situated in the Bargarh district of Odisha near Hirakud dam (Mahanadi River) and covers an area of …

The proposal for Indian regulators to consider a new gene editing technique has been pending with the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee for almost two years. Genome editing (also called gene editing) is a group of technologies that give scientists the ability to change an organism’s Deoxy-Ribonucleic Acid (DNA). These technologies allow genetic material to be added, removed, or altered at …

Recently, a report titled the Global Threat Assessment Report 2021, released by WeProtect Global Alliance has revealed that Covid-19 had contributed to a significant spike in child sexual exploitation and abuse online. The report outlines the scale and scope of child sexual exploitation and abuse online, as well as an overview of the global response to the issue. …

Recently, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) retained Pakistan in the ‘greylist’ or ‘increased monitoring list’. The FATF also announced the ‘greylisting’ of Jordan, Mali and Turkey. Botswana and Mauritius had been taken out of the grey list. Important points: Pakistan is retained for failing to effectively implement the global FATF standards and …

Recently, the Foreign Ministers of India, the US, Israel and the UAE concluded a virtual meeting. The meeting is a strong manifestation of the changes in West Asian geopolitics and formation of another Quad like grouping in the Middle East. India’s involvement in this new grouping reflects a shift in its foregin policy. Important points: The new …