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 …