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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 …

Recently, the Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to fill up the vacant posts of chairperson and five other members of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) by 31st July 2021. Important points: In 1978, setting up of the Minorities Commission (MC) was envisaged in the Ministry of Home …

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973 has been imposed in Gurugram, owing to the rising number of Covid-19 cases. Section 144 has often been used to clamp down on telecommunication services and order Internet shutdowns. Important points: This law empowers the magistrate of any state …

The ongoing second wave of Covid-19 infections has shaken the country and is more devastating than the first wave. The rise in case numbers has been exponential in the second wave. Important points: When cases started declining, people just broke out of the protocol of wearing a face mask, washing …

Recently, Odisha reported its first-ever case of a baby born with Harlequin Ichthyosis, a rare genetic skin condition. India’s first recorded case of a baby born with harlequin ichthyosis was in 2016, at a private hospital in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Important points: Harlequin Ichthyosis is a rare genetic skin disorder to …

The ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) has transferred the technology for Classical Swine Fever (CSF) & Sheep Pox Vaccines to an animal healthcare company Hester Biosciences. The technology was transferred through state-owned Agrinnovate India (AgIn), which aims to work on the strengths of theIndian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). AgIn …

The report, titled ‘Zeroing in on malaria elimination’, was released by the World Health Organization (WHO) ahead of World Malaria Day 2021. World Malaria Day is observed on 25th April every year. The 2021 theme is “Reaching the Zero Malaria target”. The WHO has also identified 25 countries with the …

India commemorates the 12th National Panchayati Raj day on 24th April 2021. The Prime Minister has launched the distribution of e-property cards under the SWAMITVA scheme on the Day. Important points: The first National Panchayati Raj Day was celebrated in 2010. Since then, the National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated …

Leaders’ Summit on Climate was hosted by US President Joe Biden. 40 world leaders, including the Prime Minister of India, Presidents of China and Russia have been invited to the virtual Leaders’ Summit on Climate to underscore the urgency of stronger climate action. The US is seeking to bring America …