International Organizations, Defence, Books & Authors, World History

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The book “Army and Nation : The Military and Indian Democracy since Independence” has been authored by Steven Wilkinson, a professor of political science and International relations at Yale University. It is about Indian Army’s relationship with the civilian government after Independence. It is in news because Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has advised his officers to read the book “Army and Nation” to understand how India succeeded in keeping the military out of politics.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently released a book ‘Matoshree’, authored by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in New Delhi on April 11, 2017. The book ‘Matoshree’ covers the life and times of legendary Devi Ahilyabai Holker who ruled the Holkar Empire spread over the Malwa region from 1767 to 1795. Ahilyabai Holkar was a very able ruler and organizer, highly respected during her lifetime and considered as a saint by people after her death. She is remembered and worshipped by people for her exemplary governance, sense of justice and fairness.

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August 10 is International Biodiesel Day. This day spreads awareness about the benefits of biodiesel as an alternative fuel. Biodiesel is made from renewable sources like vegetable oils and animal fats. It is biodegradable and cleaner for the environment compared to fossil fuels. Celebrating International Biodiesel Day promotes the production and use of this eco-friendly fuel option.

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“A Brief History of Time” is a book written by physicist Stephen Hawking. It was first published in 1988, and it covers a wide range of topics in cosmology and theoretical physics. The book became a bestseller and has been translated into over 40 languages.

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Central Tibetan Administration or Tibetan Government-in-Exile, is a non-profit political organization based in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh.

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The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (Déclaration des droits de l’homme et du citoyen de 1789) was set by France’s National Constituent Assembly in 1789. It is a human civil rights document from the French Revolution. The document explains a list of rights, such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and separation of powers.

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Austria was annexed into Nazi Germany in 1938, an event known as the Anschluss. The annexation lasted until 1945, when the Allied Powers removed Austria from the Third German Reich. The provisional Austrian government, led by Karl Renner, declared the country’s independence after the fall of the Third Reich.

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COMESA- Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

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The Varuna naval exercise is a biennial military exercise between India and France, focusing on enhancing interoperability and maritime security. The first Varuna exercise took place in 2001, and it has since evolved to include various naval operations, showcasing advanced naval capabilities. France is a key strategic partner for India, particularly in defense and maritime cooperation.

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Indian Peace Keeping Force took control of Jaffna from the LTTE in late 1987 to enforce the disarmament of the LTTE as a part of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord. This operation was named operation Pawan.