What was the Chernobyl Disaster? The Chernobyl accident in 1986 was the result of a flawed reactor design that was operated with inadequately trained personnel. The resulting steam explosion and fires released at least 5% of the radioactive reactor core into the environment, with the deposition of radioactive materials in many parts of Europe. The disaster was a unique event and the …
Cobra Warrior Exercise: The Cobra Warrior exercise is an apex event organised by the Royal Air Force of U.K. The exercise is for training the pilots and others in planning and executing complex airborne missions. Aim: providing operational exposure and sharing best practices amongst the participating Air Forces, thereby enhancing combat capability and forging bonds …
One Ocean Summit: The summit was organised by France in Brest, France in cooperation with the United Nations and the World Bank. The goal of the One Ocean Summit is to raise the collective level of ambition of the international community on marine issues. Commitments will be made towards combating illegal fishing, decarbonising shipping and reducing plastic pollution. Will also focus on …
A massive underwater volcanic eruption occurred in Tonga in the Southern Pacific Ocean. This has raised questions whether this volcanic eruption could cool the climate. How does volcanic eruption cool the climate? Volcanic Eruption releases several types of gases, steam and ash into the stratosphere. One of the gases it releases include sulphur dioxide (SO2) which is …
New: China has said that its astronauts aboard the Tiangong Space Station had to take evasive measures to avoid a potential collision with two of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. After this, China has also complained to the United Nations detailing the alleged space incidents. Why did China approach the UN? Both the U.S and China are parties to the Outer Space Treaty. …
The US administration has imposed new sanctions on several Chinese biotech and surveillance companies and government entities for actions in Xinjiang province. The US has imposed sanctions on China’s Academy of Military Medical Sciences and its 11 research institutes that focus on using biotechnology to support the Chinese military. The sanctions will bar US companies from exporting …
U.S. imposes sanctions against China over abuse of Uighurs – UPSC Prelims Read More »
What was the resolution about? The resolution was sponsored by Ireland and Niger. The resolution sought to create a formal space in the UN Security Council for discussions on climate change and its implications on international security. It has also called for the UN Secretary-General to submit a report on security aspects of climate change …
India-Russia opposed to UNSC climate change resolution – UPSC Prelims Read More »
Arctic Science Ministerial(ASM): Arctic Science Ministerial(ASM) is a global platform for discussing research and cooperation in the Arctic region. The first two Arctic Science Ministerial(ASM) meetings were held in the USA in 2016 and Germany in 2018 respectively. 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM3): The 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial(ASM3) is jointly organised by Iceland and Japan. It is the …
Brief History of Israel-Palestine Issue: Year Event 1917 British expressed official support for a Jewish “national home” in Palestine under the Balfour Declaration. 1947 The UN gave a partition plan for independent Jewish and Arab states in Palestine. This was accepted by Jews but not by Arabs. 1948 The Jewish declaration of Israel’s independence induced …
Brief History of Israel-Palestine Issue – UPSC Prelims Read More »
The WHA is the main decision making governing body of the World Health Organization (WHO) comprising 194 member states. It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board. The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.