Recently, the Indian and Algerian navies participated in a maiden naval exercise off the Algerian coast in a bid to increase maritime cooperation. The naval exercise with Algeria is crucial for India as it is strategically located in the Maghreb region (region of North Africa bordering the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest country of …

The Indian Army contingent will participate in a two-week multinational military exercise named ‘ZAPAD 2021’ at Nizhny in Russia. Important points: It is one of the theatre level exercises of the Russian Armed Forces and will focus primarily on operations against terrorists. Over a dozen countries from Eurasian and South Asian Region will participate in the exercise. Nine are …

Recently, the India-led United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a Resolution 2593 on Taliban The resolution, sponsored by France, UK and the US, was adopted with 13 members, including India, voting in favour, none against it. Important points: Reiterates the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan, including those individuals and entities designated pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) Called for the Taliban to …

Recently, a International Labour Organization report titled ‘World Social Protection Report 2020–22’ has revealed that, globally 4.1 billion people are living without any social safety net of any kind. The report highlighted that the pandemic response was uneven and insufficient. Thereby, Covid-19 has further underscored the critical importance of achieving universal social protection. Important points: It …

Recently, the National Statistical Office data has revealed that the Indian economy grew at a record pace of 20.1% in April-June 2021, as compared to the corresponding period last year. Last year, Gross domestic product (GDP) contracted 24.4% in the same period, when the national lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic had nearly halted all economic activities. …

Recently, the Fukutoku-Okanoba Submarine Volcano exploded in the Pacific Ocean, off Japan. Earlier, a surge of Earthquakes and the ground swelling was noticed at Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano. Important points: It is situated about 25 metres below the sea, five kilometres north of Japan’s South Iwo Jima Island. The plume reached a height of 16 kilometres …

Recently, the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research – Asia Pacific (WHITR-AP) has recognised CEPT (Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Gujarat) University’s programme in conservation and regeneration as a commended case of Global Innovation on World Heritage Education. The World Heritage Education Programme was initiated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) …

The field trial of PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) is scheduled to be held from September, 2021. Important points: It is a competency-based test designed to assess the ability of the 15-year-old candidates that measures their reading, mathematics, and science literacy every three years to apply their knowledge to real-life situations. It is an international …

Recently, the Finance Minister has asked all stakeholders to conclude Rs 50,000 crore Loan Guarantee Scheme for Covid-Affected Sectors (LGSCAS) in non-metros in time to deal with any future third wave. The LGSCAS scheme is aimed at boosting medical infrastructure in the country, specifically targeting underserved areas. Important points: The scheme was approved by the government in …

Recently, Odisha’s Kendrapara district has earned the distinction of being the only district in India where all three species of crocodiles, salt-water, gharial and mugger, are found. Important points: An egg-laying and hole-nesting species, also known to be dangerous. Mainly restricted to the Indian subcontinent where it may be found in a number of freshwater habitat types and also …

India is majorly dependent on groundwater for irrigation and is pumping out the lion’s share of the global volume of groundwater. Around 70% of food production in India is done with the help of irrigation wells. However, this over-dependence on groundwater is leading to a groundwater crisis. There is a need for a holistic action plan for …

Amid criticism from industries and some sections of government, the Department of Consumer Affairs is learnt to be revisiting some provisions pertaining to draft e-commerce rules, 2021. Earlier, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution notified and made effective the provisions of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. …

Urban development continues to threaten Latham’s Snipe habitats as several snipe sites in eastern Australia are at risk from housing developments and large infrastructure projects. Latham’s Snipe was formerly known as the Japanese Snipe. Important points: Latham’s Snipe is the largest snipe in Australia, with cryptic, mainly brown, plumage. Their exceptional eyesight helps them constantly scan …

Recently, a surge of earthquakes and the ground swelling at the southern part of the crater was noticed at Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano A volcano is an opening on the surface that allows material warmer than its surroundings to escape from its interior. Important points: Kilauea, also called Mount Kilauea (“Much Spreading” in Hawaiian), is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the southeastern …

Recently, concerns were raised against the Centre’s proposed monetisation of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR). Important points: DHR was built in the British era between 1879 and 1881. It is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in West Bengal. It is the most outstanding example of a hill passenger railway. Opened in 1881, its …

Recently, Russia warned of a possible increase in West Nile Virus (WNV) Infections this autumn as mild temperatures and heavy precipitation create favourable conditions for the mosquitos that carry it. Important points: It is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae. WNV is commonly …

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has received applications from two more entities under the “on-tap” small finance bank licensing guidelines of 2019. An “on-tap” facility would mean the RBI will accept applications and grant licences for banks throughout the year. Important points: These are the financial institutions which provide financial services to the unserved and unbanked region of the country. Registered as a public …

Recently, while setting aside an externment order against a journalist, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that a person’s fundamental right to reside and to move about freely anywhere in India cannot be refused on “flimsy grounds”. Externment orders prevent the movement of a person in certain areas. According to the SC, the drastic action …

Recently, the Prime Minister announced a National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), with an investment of over Rs 11,000 crore over a five-year period. However, some environmentalists have raised concerns over the disastrous impact of palm oil plantations. Important points: NMEO-OP is a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme. It is proposed to have an additional 6.5 lakh …

Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) organized a two-day SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) Consultation Workshop. Important points: Started in 2009, as the flagship program of the ECI for voter education. Primary goal is to build an inclusive & participative democracy by encouraging all eligible citizens to vote and make an informed decision & ethical …