Recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released the World Energy Outlook (WEO) Report 2021. Published every year, the WEO provides critical analysis and insights on trends in energy demand and supply. The 2021 report signaled pressure on governments to push for greater climate action at the Conference of Parties (COP26) summit (in Glasgow, UK). Earlier, IEA also released …

The Prime Minister dedicated the seven defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), created through the restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), to the nation. India’s goal under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) is to make the country, on its own, into a big military power. Important points: The Union government ordered the dissolution of the …

Recently, it has been reported that China tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic glide vehicle that circled the globe before speeding towards its target. Several countries, including the US, Russia and China, are developing hypersonic missiles which travel at a speed five times that of sound. Though slower than ballistic missiles, they are harder to intercept and can be …

Recently, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the former President APJ Abdul Kalam on his 90th birth anniversary. Kalam Program for Intellectual Property Literacy and Awareness Campaign (KAPILA) was launched in 2020 on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Important points: Born on 15th October 1931 at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. His birth anniversary is celebrated as the National …

Recently, the Government has notified new rules under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021. The 2021 Act was passed to amend the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971. Important points: The gestational limit for termination of a pregnancy has been increased from 20 to 24 weeks for certain categories of women. The seven specific categories are: Survivors of …

Recently, findings of a study titled “Returns on Investment in Adolescents’ Sexual and Reproductive Health in Rajasthan” were released. Adolescents are a heterogeneous group aged between 10 and 19 years, who are in different stages of development, live in varying circumstances and have distinct needs. Important points: It examines the economic and health …

India has slipped to 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 of 116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th Important points: Jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. It was first produced in 2006. It is published every October. The 2021 edition marks the 16th edition of the GHI. To comprehensively measure and …

Recently, the government has accorded the ‘Maharatna’ status to state-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC). An order to this effect was issued by the Department of Public Enterprises, under the Ministry of Finance. PFC has become the 11th public sector enterprise to get the ‘Maharatna’ status in the country and joins the ranks of other such companies like ONGC, Indian Oil …

The international environmental think tank ‘Germanwatch’ released the Global Climate Risk Index 2021. This is the 16th Edition of the Index. It is published annually. Germanwatch, based in Bonn and Berlin (Germany), is an independent development and environmental organisation which works for sustainable global development. Important points: The Index analyses the extent to which countries and regions have been affected by the impacts of weather-related loss events (storms, …

In India, countless workers engaged in mines, construction and factories are silently dying of exposure to dust. This is better referred to as silicosis Silicosis can be described as an occupational disease or hazard due to dust exposure. It is incurable and can cause permanent disability. However, it is totally preventable by available control …