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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 …