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Recently, Bribery Risk Matrix 2021 was released by TRACE, an anti-bribery standard setting organisation. Important points: It measures business bribery risk in 194 countries, territories, and autonomous and semi-autonomous regions. It was originally published in 2014 to meet a need in the business community for more reliable and nuanced information …

Recently, the 16th edition of the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER 2021) survey was released. The survey analysed the impact of Covid-19 on learning. It shows an increase in dependence on private tuitions and an absence of ready access to smartphones. Specific attention is needed to help make up …

Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched a week-long awareness campaign on SafaiMitra Suraksha Challenge (SSC) as part of the ‘World Toilet Day’ (19th November) celebrations, to run up to the ‘Swachh Amrit Diwas’. The Swachh Amrit Diwas is an award ceremony to recognize the role …

Recently, President Joe Biden of the United States and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for the first virtual bilateral meeting. The meeting ended with the clear divergences in the positions taken by the two sides. US-China confrontation is on multiple fronts including ideological and cultural hegemonic rivalry, trade wars which …

Recently, the Union Government has conducted the National Achievement Survey (NAS) across India, assessing about 38 lakh students from 1.23 lakh schools in 733 districts in 36 States and Union Territories. The survey was last conducted in 2017 and was scheduled to take place in 2020. However, due to the …

Recently, the Prime Minister has launched the integrated ombudsman scheme. In 2019 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had launched the Complaint Management System (CMS) in order to improve the customer experience in the grievance redressal process of banking services. The PM has also launched the RBI’s Retail Direct Scheme. …

The Centre Government is contemplating creation of the National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA). NIRA is supposed to be an independent autonomous body for planning, investigation, financing and the implementation of the river interlinking projects in the country. Important points: NIRA will function as an umbrella body for all river …

Recently, the 32nd edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy was conducted. Important points: India and Thailand have been carrying out CORPAT along their International Maritime Boundary Line twice a year since 2005. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Karmuk, an indigenously built …

The sixth edition of the Indo-French Shakti 2021 (bilateral joint training exercise), will be conducted in November in Frejus, France. From the Indian side, a platoon strength of a Gorkha Rifles Infantry Battalion will participate in the exercise. Important points: It will focus on Counter Terrorism operations in backdrop of …

Forces from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Israel and the United States Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) began a multilateral maritime security operations exercise in the Red Sea. This is the first publicly acknowledged naval exercise between the United States, Israel and the two Gulf countries. Important points: The UAE …

Congress’ chief whip in the Rajya Sabha sought to move a privilege motion against the Union Culture Minister over the appointment of chairperson of the National Monuments Authority (NMA). The educational and professional background of the current chairperson of NMA does not meet the requirements of law passed by Parliament …

Recently, China handed over the first Type 054A/P frigate (warship) to Pakistan. It is named the PNS Tughril. The PNS Tughril is the first hull of four Type 054 frigates being constructed for the Pakistan Navy. Important points: The ship is a technologically advanced and highly capable platform with enormous …

Recently, the Ministry of Mines has notified the Mineral Conservation and Development (Amendment) Rules, 2021 to amend the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017. The MCDR has been framed under section 18 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957[MMDR Act]. They provide rules regarding conservation of …

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has spoken of the need to balance national security concerns with environmental issues in the context of the Army’s request to expand the CharDham Project (CDP) roads leading to the Indo-China border. The request came in the context of construction being carried out by China …

The Union Cabinet has approved the restoration of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for the remaining part of Financial Year 2021-22 till 2025-26. It will be co-terminus with the period of the 15th Finance Commission The scheme was suspended for two financial years (2020-21 and 2021-22). …

Recently, the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan was held. The meeting was composed of National Security Advisors’ (NSA) of regional countries and chaired by the Indian NSA. The meeting called for “urgent humanitarian assistance” to the Afghan people and urged close cooperation and consultation among the regional countries over …

Recently, India has launched a direct flight between Srinagar and Sharjah (UAE) operated by budget airline GoFirst (formerly known as GoAir). The flight was to operate through Pakistani airspace. However, the flight was denied permission to enter Pakistan and the flight had to take a longer route to reach the …

In the coming days, India will be hosting the ‘Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan’. The meeting will be held at the level of National Security Advisors (NSAs) and will be chaired by India’s NSA Ajit Doval. Important points: India’s top security establishment, the National Security Council Secretariat, has taken …

Recently, the inaugural Global Drug Policy Index was released by the Harm Reduction Consortium. It is a data-driven global analysis of drug policies and their implementation which comes at a time when the Indian government is reviewing the provisions of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic substances act 1985. The Harm …

Arunachal Pradesh is planning to make a documentary on Kaho, a village on the China border to mark the 75th year of Independence. Important points: Kaho is the first village from the China border in Anjaw district. Anjaw is one of the 11 districts of Arunachal Pradesh that share their …