GS2

Syria fired a surface-to-air missile to a secretive nuclear site in Israel’s southern Negev. The missile was fired to southern Israel, where the Dimona nuclear reactor is located. Dimona has for long been identified as the epicentre of the Israeli regime’s military nuclear program. In response strikes were launched by …

The Centre invoked the Disaster Management Act, making the District Magistrates and Senior Superintendents of Police personally liable to ensure unhindered inter-State movement of vehicles carrying medical oxygen and to not restrict the supply to a particular State where the oxygen plant is located. The Disaster Management Act of 2005 …

MeitY announces #FOSS4GOV Innovation Challenge to accelerate adoption of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in Government.  India is well positioned to become a vibrant hub for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) innovations, due to the large number of 4G data subscribers in India, 96% of whom access the …

Prime Minister addressed the Leaders’ Summit on Climate 2021. US President Joe Biden hosted a virtual meeting of world leaders titled ‘Leaders’ Summit on Climate’ on the occasion of Earth Day (22nd April). It is a two-day conference and is touted by some as a precursor to the United Nations …

On April 22, 2021, India and the United States launched the US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership during the Leaders’ Summit. The US President hosted the Leaders Summit on Climate. The world leaders from around forty countries attended the summit. About the Partnership The Partnership will proceed through …

Recently, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog launched AIM-PRIME (Program for Researchers on Innovations, Market-Readiness & Entrepreneurship). Atal Innovation Mission AIM is Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. To develop new programmes and policies for fostering innovation in different …

The Supreme Court flagged the possibility of misuse of money received by political parties through electoral bonds for ulterior objects like funding terror or violent protests. The court also asked the government whether there is any “control” over how these donations were used by political parties. Electoral Bond Electoral Bond …

While speaking at the annual Boao Forum, China’s President Xi Jinping said that global rules cannot be imposed “by one or a few countries”. Important points: Headquartered in China, the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is an international organization jointly initiated by 29 member states. BFA holds its annual conference …

Many reasons could be ascribed to the higher frequency of visits — a shift in global geopolitics in the post-Cold War era, India’s economic ascent, the rise of an assertive China, and India’s place on the global high table. Relations between India and the US have transformed from being Estranged …

Recently, the Supreme Court pushed for the appointment of retired judges to battle the pendency of cases in High Courts. Important points: Guidelines for Appointment of an Ad-hoc Judge: The court orally outlined prospective guidelines for the appointment and functioning of an ad-hoc judge. Pendency Beyond a Certain Limit: If …

India has ranked 142nd yet again out of 180 nations in the recently unveiled World Press Freedom Index. The index is published each year by the international journalism not-for-profit body, Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Important points: It has been published every year since 2002 by Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) or …

The retirement of Raul Castro as the first secretary of Cuba’s ruling Communist Party brings to an end the six-decade-long rule of the “historic generation”, who, under the leadership of Fidel Castro, captured power in 1959 through an armed revolution. Earlier in January 2021, the US State Department had designated …

Recently, the European Union (EU) approved conclusions on a European Union strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The renewed EU commitment to the Indo-Pacific will have a long-term focus and will be based on upholding democracy, human rights, the rule of law and respect for international law. Indo-Pacific is a …

What is ASEAN? The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional organization which was established to promote political and social stability amid rising tensions among the Asia-Pacific’s post-colonial states. The motto of ASEAN is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”. 8th August is observed as ASEAN Day. ASEAN Secretariat …

Recently, doctors in the United States have reported neurological symptoms in children with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Important points: MIS-C is a rare but severe hyperinflammatory condition in children and adolescents that typically occurs 2-6 weeks after a Covid-19 infection. It is a potentially deadly condition where different …

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to enable, in a phased manner, payment system operators to take direct membership in RTGS and NEFT. Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) and National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) are the Centralised Payment Systems (CPSs) of the RBI. Non-bank payment system …

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has restored electronic visa (e-visa) facility for foreigners from 156 countries, who intend to visit India for the purposes of business, conferences, and for medical reasons, including in the case of medical attendants. E-visa for tourists is yet to be restored. Important points: Launch: …

The Government has launched ‘Aahaar Kranti’, a mission dedicated to spread awareness about nutrition. Important points: The initiative ‘Aahaar Kranti’ will focus on addressing the problem of hunger and diseases in abundance across India and the world. The initiative will shine a light on the richness and value of India’s …

Recently, alumni meets were organized across the country under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) to commemorate 75 years of Independence. Important points: The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) announced it on Antyodaya Diwas in 2014. It is a demand-driven placement linked skill training initiative working under the National Rural …

The Government launched the “Online Grievance Management Portal of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)” on the occasion of 130th birth anniversary of Dr. B R Ambedkar. The portal would make it easier for the SC population to register their complaints. Important Points: It has been designed in collaboration with …