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Recent data from the three new state assemblies, which are West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, show less numbers of women and youth Member of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). The data of the 2019 lok sabha elections also show that the participation of women is low. According to a list compiled by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 2019, India …

According to the report Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021, the second wave of Covid-19 can put India’s economic recovery at “risk”. ADO is a series of annual economic reports on the Developing Member Countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Important point: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will rebound strongly by 11% in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 due to continued …

Recently, India’s Health Ministry said that a new double mutant variant of the coronavirus had been detected in addition to many other strains or Variants of Concern (VOCs) found in 18 states in the country. Important points: Variants of a virus have one or more mutations that differentiate it from the other variants that are in circulation. While most …

Every year 1st May is observed as May Day and is also known as International Labour Day worldwide. The day is observed as an occasion to commemorate the contributions of labourers and the working class. The International Labour Organization, a United Nations agency, works towards setting international labour standards. Important points: Labour Day has its …

The Vande Bharat Mission (VBM), which started repatriating Indians stranded abroad due to Covid-19 and the resultant lockdowns since May 2020, has become one of the largest evacuations of civilians by a country. Important points: It is the biggest civilian evacuation exercise to bring back Indian citizens stranded abroad amidst the coronavirus-induced travel restrictions. It …

Recently, a ceasefire on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan appeared to be holding after a day of intense fighting between the two countries that has killed about 40 people and wounded about 175. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan belong to the central asia region. Other countries of the region are Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Important points: Both nations …

Recently, the Supreme Court has asked the government to clarify in its affidavit the basis and rationale for pricing of Covid-19 Vaccines. The court noted that “different manufacturers are quoting different prices”. There are powers under the Drugs Control Act and Patents Act, and this is the time to invoke …

Recently, the United Nations and other agencies have launched the Immunisation Agenda 2030 (IA2030) during the World Immunisation Week. It will contribute to achieving the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals specifically SDG 3 i.e. Good Health and Well being. Covid-19 pandemic has affected routine immunization globally. Important points: It sets an …

The European Parliament has ratified the post-Brexit trade deal between the European Union and the United Kingdom (UK). The EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) is a free trade agreement signed in December 2020, between the EU, the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and the United Kingdom (UK). The deal …

The Government of National Capital Territory (GNCT) of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021, which gives primacy to the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) over the elected government in the city, has come into force. Important points: Provisions of the GNCT of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2021: It amended the Sections 21, 24, 33 and …

The Trade Ministers of India, Japan and Australia have formally launched the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI). The SCRI aims to create a virtuous cycle of enhancing supply chain resilience with a view to eventually attaining strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth in the Indo-Pacific region. The trio (India, Japan …

The ICMR (Indian Council of medical Research) has decided a single Ct value cut-off for determining whether a patient is positive for Covid-19 Ct is a value that emerges during RT-PCR test. All patients with a Ct value less than 35 may be considered as positive while those with a …

The Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) crisis during the second wave of Covid surge has been precipitated by a shortage of tankers and the daunting logistics of transportation from distant locations. Important points: It is high purity oxygen suitable for use in the human body. So, it is used for medical …

The Prime Minister in a telephonic conversation with his Japanese counterpart discussed various issues including high technology, skill development and fighting the Covid-19 pandemic together. Important points: Highlighted the importance of close India-Japan cooperation to overcome challenges posed by the pandemic, such as by working together to create resilient, diversified …

Recently, the British Government said that the UK Carrier Strike Group’s “globe-spanning maiden deployment will feature visits to India, Japan, Republic of Korea and Singapore”. Earlier, the European Union had announced that it will reinforce its strategic focus, presence and actions in the Indo-Pacific with the aim of contributing to …

Recently, India has been ranked 49th in the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI). Finland has topped the list. Important points: The CGGI is released by the Chandler Institute of Governance which is a private nonprofit organization headquartered in Singapore. The Index classifies 104 countries in terms of government capabilities and …

Recently, the Prime Minister of India and US President had a telephone conversation with assurances exchanged on smoothening out issues related to supply chains for vaccines for Covid-19. The telephone call came in the background of not just flagging supply chain issues with the US with regard to vaccines but …

Recently, Project DANTAK which is one of the oldest Projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) commemorated its Diamond Jubilee in Bhutan. Over 1,200 DANTAK personnel laid down their lives while constructing important infrastructure in Bhutan. Important points: Project DANTAK was established on 24th April1961. It was a result of …

According to the latest data published by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the military spending across the world rose to USD 1,981 billion in 2020, during Covid-19 pandemic. The 2.6% increase in world military spending came in a year when the global GDP shrank by 4.4% largely due to …

The 19th edition of the Indian and French Navy bilateral exercise ‘VARUNA-2021’ is being conducted in the Arabian Sea. Earlier this year, the Indian Navy took part for the first time in the France-led naval exercise “La Pérouse” with the navies of the US, Australia and Japan. Important points: The …