In News  The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister gave its approval for the continuation of the umbrella scheme O-SMART for implementation during the period from 2021-26 at an overall cost of Rs. 2177 crore. Rationale behind the move The present decade has been declared as the Decade of Ocean Science […]

In News India plans to release crude oil from its emergency stockpile to cool international oil prices. Rationale Behind This Step The decision has come after the US has urged some of the world’s largest oil-consuming nations, including China, India and Japan to release crude oil from their respective reserves in order to bring down […]

In News  Recently, India and the Asian Development Bank have signed a 300 million dollar loan agreement to strengthen and improve access to comprehensive primary health care in urban areas of 13 states.  Strengthening Comprehensive Primary Health Care and pandemic preparedness in Urban Areas Program  About: The programme supports the Government of India’s key health […]

In News NFHS-5, the most comprehensive survey on socio-economic and health indicators in the country, shows some surprising demographic transitions. The previous four rounds of the NFHS were conducted in 1992-93, 1998-99, 2005-06 and 2015-16. Major Outcomes of the Survey Births in institutional facilities: Such as a hospital, improved by nearly eight percentage points. Stunting […]

In News Recently, India and USA agreed on a transitional approach on Equalisation Levy 2020. About India and United States joined 134 other members of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework (including Austria, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) in reaching agreement on the Statement on a Two-Pillar Solution to Address the Tax Challenges Arising from […]

In news The 15th edition of the biennial trilateral coast guard exercise ‘Dosti’ involving India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka is underway in the Maldives.             About Completion of 30 years: It was first launched in 1991.  2021 marks 30 years since these exercises were first launched. Trilateral exercise: These exercises were bilateral, involving the Indian […]

In News  Recently, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Lachit Borphukan. About  Born: 24th November 1622. This day is celebrated by the people of Assam and the nation as Lachit Diwas. He was an Army General of Ahom (Assam) Kingdom and is revered as the greatest military hero of Assam. He […]

In News The 37th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) is being conducted in the Indian Ocean region.  India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)  About: It will witness the participation of Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both Nations. India and Indonesia have been carrying out Coordinated Patrols along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since […]

In News The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister approved the continuation of umbrella scheme ‘Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)’ for the next five years at an estimated cost of Rs 2,135 crore. ACROSS Scheme About: The scheme pertains to the ministry’s atmospheric science programmes and addresses different […]

In News  Recently, the Prime Minister of India chaired the 39th PRAGATI meeting. The Prime Minister also reviewed Poshan Abhiyaan.  Key Points of the meeting Nine agenda items were taken for review including eight projects and one scheme. Among the eight projects are: Three projects were from the Ministry of Railways. Two projects each were […]