Context: Indian government is looking at resuming operations of state-run ONGC Videsh Ltd’s (OVL) hydrocarbon exploration block in Iraq, which has been under force majeure since 2003. Image Source: BBC More on News: ‘Block 20’, earlier known as Block 8, is a large on-land exploration Read More …
Month: July 2023
Geological Survey of Siachen Glacier
Context June-August 2023 marks the sapphire jubilee (65th anniversary) of the exploration of the Siachen glacier held for the first time in 1958. During the geological surevy, a number was assigned to Siachen glacier by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), i.e. ‘5Q 131 05 Read More …
Kaas Plateau
Context: Recently, a new study of the sediments from a seasonal lake in the Kaas Plateau has indicated a major shift in the Indian Summer Monsoons towards dry and stressed conditions with low rainfall during the Early-Mid–Holocene, around 8664 years BP. Study indicated a relatively reduced Read More …
Rafael for Indian Navy
Context: Recently, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved proposals to procure 26 Rafale Marine aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. About Rafale Marine Aircraft It will come with associated ancillary Read More …
Kanwar Yatra
Context: The Kanwar yatra begins on the first day of Shravan and finishes on Chaturdashi Tithi, the 14th day during the waning phase of the lunar cycle. About Kanwar Yatra: Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage of devotees of Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of Destruction. Read More …
James Webb Telescope (JWST)
Context: Recently, NASA celebrated the anniversary of the James Webb telescope by sharing a new image of sunlike stars being born. The picture is of the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, the nearest stellar nursery to Earth. Image credit: The Hindu About James Webb Telescope: The James Read More …
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana
Context: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment introduced Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) to empowering senior citizens in India About Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana: Amalgamation of earlier scheme: National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrc) was revamped, renamed as Atal VayoAbhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) in Read More …
NATO
Context: In a recently concluded NATO summit held at Vilnius, Lithuania, members strengthened their commitment to defence and investment. They also agreed to bring Ukraine closer to NATO, and deepen partnerships around the world. About NATO: NATO is a transatlantic security alliance composed of thirty-one member countries. Established in: It was established Read More …
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
Context: Recently, Sri Lanka said that it will back the resolution proposed by Pakistan at the UNHRC condemning the Sweden government’s action to allow the burning of the Quran. About UNHRC: The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system, responsible Read More …
Online Gaming
Context: Recently, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council decided to levy a uniform 28 per cent tax on full face value for online gaming, casinos and horse-racing. About Online Gaming: Online gaming refers to games that can only be played with an internet connection. This Read More …