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Recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published the World Energy Investment Report, 2021. Important points: Global energy investment is expected to rebound in 2021 and increase 10% year-on-year to around USD 1.9 trillion. Most of this investment will flow towards power and end-use sectors, shifting out of traditional fossil fuel production. The scenario is perfectly aligned with …

According to a recent report, as much as 40% of the world’s agricultural crops are lost to pests each year. The United Nations declared 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health, which has been extended until 1st July, 2021. Important points: Half of all emerging plant diseases are spread by global travel and trade, which have tripled in …

Recently, Palestine blamed India for suppressing its human rights of all people as India abstained from the latest resolution on the Palestinian issue. India abstained from voting on a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that came up in the backdrop of the latest round of conflict between Israel and Gaza strip, the …

Recently, the Central Government has amended its pension rules putting new restrictions on officials of intelligence and security organisations after retirement. The government has amended Rule-8(3)(a) of the CCS (Central Civil Services) Pension Rules-1972. The Centre has notified Central Civil Services (Pension) Amendment Rules, 2020. Important points: The said rules were first drafted in 1972 and …

Recently, China relaxed its two child policy and announced it will now allow three children per married couple. It also announced that it would increase the retirement age by a few months every year. For the past four decades, the retirement age in China has been 60 for men and 55 for women. Important points: China …

The Union Cabinet has approved the Model Tenancy Act to be sent to the States and Union Territories to enact legislation or amend laws on rental properties. The draft Act had been published by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2019. Important points: Mandatory for there to be a written agreement between the property owner and the …

On the Statehood Day of Goa (30th May), the Prime Minister greeted the people of the state. Important points: Goa is located on the southwestern coast of India within the region known as the Konkan, and geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. Konkani which is one of the 22 languages from the Eight Schedule. It …

NASA will send baby squids and tardigrades (also called water bears) to the International Space Station for conducting various scientific studies. Important points: These animals are part of two separate scientific studies. Behavior of Tardigrades (water bears) in a spaceflight environment. Tardigrades can adapt to extreme conditions on Earth, including high pressure, temperature and radiation. Impact of microgravity conditions on the …

Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) on his visit to the US met American lawmakers, National Security Advisor, Defense Secretary, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and representatives from the private sector. Earlier, the Prime Minister of India and US President had a conversation on issues related to supply chains for vaccines for Covid-19. India also participated in the Leaders’ Summit on …

The Central Government may initiate disciplinary action against the West Bengal Chief Secretary after he failed to report to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in New Delhi as ordered earlier. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the “placement of services” of Chief Secretary, as per provisions Rule 6(1) of the Indian Administrative Service …