UPSC PT Pointers

Exercise Cyclone is a joint military exercise between India and Egypt. The exercise aims to strengthen the bond between the two armies and develop bilateral military cooperation. The exercise focuses on desert operations and includes 3 phases.

Countries of Particular Concern

U.S. designates China, Pakistan and North Korea and some other countries as 'Countries of Particular Concern' recently. Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) are countries where the government engages in or tolerates “particularly severe” violations of religious freedom. The U.S. Department of State designates CPCs under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

Bangladesh

PM congratulates Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh for victory for 4th consecutive term recently. Sheikh Hasina's Awami League won almost 75% (222 out of 300) Parliamentary seats of the seats in general election that was boycotted by the main opposition BNP and drew a low turnout.

Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024

India signs Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) recently. The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. It is one of the ‘five pillars’ of Islam.

EXERCISE ‘DESERT CYCLONE’

1st edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone held recently in Rajasthan. It is a Joint Military Exercise between India & UAE. Aim – To focus on enhancing interoperability and sharing best practices in Urban Operations.

Death Sentence to Indian Navy Officers

The Qatar Court of Appeals recently set aside the death sentences of 8 former Indian Navy personnel in the Dahra Global case.

Iron Ore Exports to China

China has emerged the highest buyer of iron ore from India for April-November period (8 months), a 400% year-on-year rise. Data shows that nearly 95% of India’s iron ore shipments have gone to China while small stocks went to Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea.

Polar Wolf Colony

The Polar Wolf is considered one of the toughest prisons in Russia. The Polar Wolf is a high security corrective labor colony for men in the village of Kharp, Russia. It's also known as FKU IK-3, which is part of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia.

Gelephu Smartcity Project

The Gelephu project is a mega project in Bhutan to have 1,000-sq. km. green city along Assam border ‘connecting South Asia to Southeast Asia’. There are also discussions about a 58-km rail link between Gelephu and Kokrajhar in Assam were also held.

Ceasefire in Gaza

India and 152 other members vote overwhelmingly at U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) to demand a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza recently. The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favor, 10 against (includes US and Israel) and 23 abstentions. The resolution is non-binding but it serves as an indicator of global opinion. UNGA is one of the 6 principal organs of the United Nations and the main policy making body of UN that votes on the decision that orga