International Organizations, Defence, Books & Authors, World History

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Since 1997, UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize is given to a person, organization or institution that makes outstanding contribution to the defence and/or promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world. This USD 45,000 Award is given on World Press Freedom Day on 3 May

Notes:
The MIG series of super fighters, including the MIG-21 and MIG-29, were developed by the Soviet Union, which is now Russia. These aircraft were introduced to India in the 1960s and have been a important part of the Indian Air Force’s fleet. The MIG-21, in particular, became one of the most widely used fighter jets in the world, with over 11,000 units produced.

Notes:
Exercise Ekuverin is a joint military exercise held between armies of India and Maldives since 2008.

Notes:
The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) is based in Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1961, it aims to promote productivity in the Asia-Pacific region through various programs and initiatives. Tokyo was chosen as the headquarters due to Japan’s post-war economic success, which served as a model for productivity improvement in the region.

Notes:
Operation Meghdoot was an Indian armed forces operation launched on 13 April 1984 to capture the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir. The operation was entrusted to one of the Kumaon Battalions, supported by Ladakh Scouts. Initial assault was led by Maj (later Col ) RS Sandhu, VrC. This military operation was unique because it was the first assault launched in world’s highest battlefield.

Notes:
It`s worth note that Abaninath Mukherji or Abani Mukherji, who was one of the cofounders of Communist Party of India was a victim of the Great Purge, orchestrated by Joseph Stalin in 1936-1938. It was a series of campaigns of political repression and persecution in the Soviet Union. Abani Mukherji died in Soviet Union in 1937 when he was executed and his death was acknowledged only after 1955

Notes:
Headquarters of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific is headquartered at Bangkok,Thailand. It is formed on 28 March, 1947.

Notes:
Ratnavali, Priyadarsika and Nagananda are famous plays written by the powerful Indian Emperor Harsha

Notes:
The United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction is awarded to an individual or institutions that have taken active efforts in reducing disaster risk in their communities and advocates for disaster risk reduction.