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Recently, Indian Naval Ship Talwar participated in a multinational training exercise Cutlass Express 2021, being conducted along the East Coast of Africa. Important points: The exercise is an annual maritime exercise conducted to promote national and regional maritime security in East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. The 2021 edition of the exercise involves participation of 12 …

Recently, under the Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) programme, the government has given approval for establishing two additional facilities. In 2020, India filled its strategic petroleum reserves in view of the slump in crude prices. Important points: The new facilities will be commercial-cum-strategic facilities with a total storage capacity of 6.5 MMT (Million Metric Ton) underground storages at: Chandikhol, Odisha (4 MMT) …

Recently, the Union Minister of State for Finance has stated in Lok Sabha that the government’s black money law has helped detect several instances where Indians have been found stashing undisclosed income overseas. Important points: There is no official definition of black money in economic theory, with several different terms such as parallel economy, black money, black incomes, …

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has challenged the suspension of its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) certificate for 180 days. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) suspended CHRI’s certificate in violation of various provisions of the FCRA Act. Important points: Foreign funding of persons in India is regulated under FCRA act and is implemented by the Ministry of Home …

Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) invited public inputs to the Emigration Bill 2021. The Bill presents a long overdue opportunity to reform the recruitment process for nationals seeking employment abroad. Important points: The Bill intends to replace the Emigration Act of 1983. The Bill envisages comprehensive emigration management, institutes regulatory mechanisms governing overseas …

Recently, Rudreswara Temple, (also known as the Ramappa Temple) at Mulugu district, Telangana has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Ramappa Temple was proposed by the government as its only nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage site tag for the year 2019. Important points: The Rudreswara temple was constructed in 1213 AD during the …

Recently, India in partnership with International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) celebrated Asadha Poornima Dhamma Chakra Day 2021 on 24th July 2021. The day is also observed as Guru Poornima by both Buddhists and Hindus as a day to mark reverence to their Gurus.  Important points: It commemorates Buddha’s first sermon to his first five ascetic disciples. He gave his …

The Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM) project has been accorded an extension for five years, until 2026 and enters its second phase with added features. Important points: I-STEM is a National Web portal for sharing R&D (Research and Development) facilities. The portal facilitates researchers to access slots for the use of equipment, as well as …

Recently, scientists for the first time have spotted a Moon-Forming Region around a planet beyond our solar system (Exoplanet).   Exoplanets An exoplanet or extrasolar planet is a planet outside the Solar System. The first confirmation of detection of exoplanets occurred in 1992. More than 4,400 exoplanets have been discovered till now. Exoplanets are very hard to see directly with telescopes. They are hidden …

Recently, on the 30th anniversary of the economic liberalisation reforms, former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, raised concerns over the macro-economic stability of the country. According to him, the current economic crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic is more challenging than during the 1991 economic crisis and the nation would need to recalibrate …

Recently, the National Statistical Office (NSO) released the third annual report on Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), conducted between July 2019 and June 2020. Labour indicators recorded an all-round improvement in 2019-20 compared with the previous two years i:e 2017-18 and 2018-19. National Statistical Office It is the central statistical agency of the Government mandated under the Statistical Services Act 1980 under the Ministry …

Recently, a reality show contestant has approached the Delhi High Court with a plea seeking the removal of his videos, photographs and articles etc. from the internet citing his “Right to be Forgotten (RTBF)” In the plea, the petitioner also maintains that the “Right to be Forgotten” goes in sync with the “Right to …

Amid the Pegasus Controversy, it was reported that the Union Government’s expenditure on the National Security Council secretariat (NSCS) increased ten fold in 2017-18 to Rs 333 crores from Rs 33 cr. in 2016-17. NSC of India is a three-tiered organization that oversees political, economic, energy and security issues of strategic concern. The National Security Advisor …

Recently, the Supreme Court has dismissed appeals challenging the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order which had imposed a complete ban on the sale and use of all firecrackers during the Covid-19 pandemic in NCR and other cities in India. The order was given in the context of a poor Air Quality Index (AQI), …

Acting on the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs, NIMHANS, an Institute of National Importance, issued a set of guidelines on the management of mental health issues of the prisoners and prison staff. Important points: In this model, selected inmates, trained to identify prisoners at risk of suicide, would refer them to treatment …

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted various measures to address the challenges posed by Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the country. Important points: Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance acquired by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) that are used to treat infections. As a …

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme (Central Sector Scheme) for manufacturing Speciality Steel (SS) with a budgetary outlay of Rs 6,322 crore over a period of five years from 2023-24. Speciality Steel It is value-added steel, which is made by processing normal finished steel. It is done by converting normal finished steel into high value-added …

Special Economic Zones (SEZ) have touched new heights in terms of performance in Exports, Investment and Employment in the last three years. Important points: An SEZ is a territory within a country that is typically duty-free (Fiscal Concession) and has different business and commercial laws chiefly to encourage investment and create employment. SEZs are created also …

Recently, the Supreme Court of India held that in any election, be it to Parliament or State legislature, the maintenance of secrecy of voting is “a must”. It reiterated its 2013 judgement in the People’s Union for Civil Liberties case. Important points: Part of Fundamental Right: The secrecy is a part of the fundamental right of freedom of expression. …

Recently, the US State Department released a report titled ‘2021 Investment Climate Statements: India’. The report lauded the structural economic reforms carried by the Government of India, in the wake of economic slowdown and Covid-19 pandemic. However, the report asserts that India remains a challenging place to do business. Earlier, the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) emphasized that …