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Recently, India protested against the US decision to conduct a patrol in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the western Indian Ocean, rejecting the US’ claim that India’s domestic maritime law was in violation of international law. Important Points The US Seventh Fleet announced that one of its warships, …

The Prime Ministers of India and the Netherlands held a virtual summit. The two leaders had a detailed review of the entire spectrum of bilateral engagements and exchanged views on further expanding and diversifying the relationship in trade and economy, water management, agriculture sector, smart cities, science & technology, healthcare …

The ‘double mutant’ virus that is having a bearing on the spread of the pandemic in India, has been formally classified as B.1.617. Mutation is an alteration in the genetic material (the genome) of a cell of a living organism or of a virus that is more or less permanent and that can be …

There was reduced noise pollution on the surface of earth during the Covid-19 pandemic owing to lockdowns and stop of economic activities (like international trade). In the underwater world, too, anthrophony (human-made sounds) reduced substantially for long months. Important  Points The three broad components of oceanic acoustics are: Geophony: Sounds created by non-biological natural events like earthquakes, waves and …

Recently, a consultation meeting of Education Ministers of E9 countries was held. The meeting was held on the theme ‘E9 initiative: Scaling up digital learning to accelerate progress towards SDG4’. Important  Points Scaling up Digital Learning to Accelerate Progress towards SDG4 (Concept): The United Nations (UN) is spearheading a global initiative on digital learning and skills …

The United States, in a significant reversal to the earlier policy, has announced the restoration of at least USD 235 million in financial assistance to the Palestinians. The US administration had already announced USD 15 million in coronavirus relief to the Palestinians. Important  Points The UNRWA funds would include educational assistance for at …

Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) was launched in 2015. It is India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours and assist in building their maritime security capabilities. Further, India seeks to safeguard its national interests and …

Recently, a virtual meet was held between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Seychelles. Important  Points Inaugurated the new magistrates’ court building in Mahé constructed with a USD 3.5-million, a 1 MW solar power plant built at a cost of USD3.4 million, and 10 community development projects in Seychelles. All the projects were built by …

Recently, India protested against the US decision to conduct a patrol in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the western Indian Ocean, rejecting the US’ claim that India’s domestic maritime law was in violation of international law. Important  Points The US Seventh Fleet announced that one of its warships, USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), …

Important points: The Government of India has notified Copyright (Amendment) Rules, 2021. In India, the copyright regime is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957 and the Copyright Rules, 2013. The Copyright Rules, 2013 were last amended in the year 2016. Objective of the amendments is to bring the existing rules …

At a time when India is developing the Assumption Island in Seychelles as a naval base to expand its strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean, the government has decided to appoint former Army chief Dalbir Singh Suhag as India’s next High Commissioner to Seychelles. Diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles …

The Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance, 2021 Recently, the President promulgated Tribunal Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance 2021 through which the Appellate authorities under nine laws have been replaced with High Courts. The Ordinance has amended the Finance Act 2017 to include provisions related to the composition of search-cum-selection committees, and …

This article is based on “Bridge the geopolitical distance with Russia” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 16/02/2021. It talks about the importance that Russia and India hold for each other in the present geopolitical scenario. The year 2020 saw several geopolitical events that impacted both India and …

Recently, the President of India visited Japan. The visit was the first presidential visit to Japan after a gap of 29 years. The last presidential visit was in 1990 when the then President, RamaswamyVenkatraman, attended the enthronement ceremonies of Emperor Emeritus Akihoto who stepped down in 2018. Key Highlights The President attended the enthronement ceremony …

The Union Cabinet recently apprised a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) signed between India and Japan. The MoU was signed between National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) that operates under Department of Space, GoI and the Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere called the RISH that operates under Kyoto University of Japan. What …

The INS Sarvekshak is on a deployment to Mauritius for undertaking Hydrogrpahic surveys along with Mauritius. It will also provide training to the Mauritian personnel on advanced hydrographic equipment and practices during the deployment. Hydrographic Survey INS Sarvekshak has visited Port Louis and commenced the hydrographic survey of “Deep Sea …

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was constituted under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008. It is a central agency to investigate and prosecute offences affecting the sovereignty, security and integrity of India, security of State, friendly relations with foreign States. against atomic and nuclear facilities. smuggling in High-Quality Counterfeit Indian Currency. …

Recently, the Supreme Court told the government that interim appointments to the post of CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) Director cannot go on. A petition was filed in the Court, objecting to the appointment of interim CBI Director following the retirement of the regular CBI director. The government had failed …

Recently, the President promulgated Tribunal Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance 2021 through which the Appellate authorities under nine laws have been replaced with High Courts. The Ordinance has amended the Finance Act 2017 to include provisions related to the composition of search-cum-selection committees, and term of office of …

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has launched the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), that is the next generation highly refined version of the presently used Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). IIHP is an advanced disease surveillance system. It will track 33 diseases (as compared to the earlier 18 …