International Organizations, Defence, Books & Authors, World History

Notes:
Pinaka is an indigenous multi-barrel rocket launch (MBRL) system developed by DRDO for Indian Army. It is one of the most reliable and effective weapon systems of the Indian Army. Complete Pinaka MBRL has six launcher vehicles, each having 12 rockets with six loader-replenishment vehicles and two command post vehicles with a fire control computer and DIGICORA MET radar. It was used in 1999 Kargil war in which it proved its worth.

Notes:
“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.

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:
Bastille Day, which is the French National Day, is celebrated on July 14th each year. It commemorates the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison in Paris on July 14, 1789, which marked a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. The event is considered a symbol of the French people’s uprising against the monarchy and the beginning of the end of absolute monarchy in France.

Notes:
The Battle of Trafalgar was a naval battle fought on October 21, 1805 during the Napoleonic Wars. It was fought between a British fleet under the command of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson and a combined French and Spanish fleet off the coast of Spain, near the Cape of Trafalgar. The British fleet emerged victorious, despite being outnumbered by the combined French and Spanish forces. The battle was a significant victory for the British, as it effectively ended the threat of a French invasion of Britain and cemented British naval dominance for the remainder of the Napoleonic Wars. The battle was also notable for the death of Nelson, who was killed during the fighting.

Notes:
The name of the upper house of the European union is Council of the European Union. It is composed of twenty-eight national ministers (one per state).

Notes:
International Anti-Corruption Day is observed on December 9th each year. This global observance is promoted by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption and to encourage countries, governments, organizations, and individuals to take measures to combat and prevent corruption. It provides an opportunity for governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to come together to discuss and promote anti-corruption initiatives and strategies. The goal is to create a world in which corruption is less prevalent, transparent governance is promoted, and the rule of law is upheld.

Notes:
The Apple Cart: A Political Extravaganza was written by George Bernard Shaw. It is a play that was first performed in 1929. The play is a satirical look at politics and government, and explores the tension between the forces of tradition and progress in society. It is one of Shaw’s most popular and enduring works.

Notes:
The first-ever Income Tax Day celebrations in India were held on July 24, 2010. This date was chosen to honor the establishment of the Income Tax Department in India, which was formed on July 24, 1860. The celebrations aim to promote tax compliance and recognize the contributions of taxpayers to the nation’s development.

Notes:
The 40+9 Recommendations are related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The FATF is an intergovernmental body that sets international standards to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. The 40+9 Recommendations are the international standards for combating these illegal activities.
The FATF first issued its Forty Recommendations in 1990. In 2004, the FATF published the Ninth Special Recommendations (SR). These recommendations further strengthened the international standards. In February 2012, the FATF revised the 40 and IX Recommendations. The revised recommendations integrated the SR on terrorist financing with measures against money laundering. The revised recommendations covered issues such as the financing of weapons of mass destruction.
The FATF Recommendations are not binding in the way a law or contract would be.