International Organizations, Defence, Books & Authors, World History

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ECOWAS is a 15 member community of western African countries that makes efforts towards not only economic integration but also peace keeping during times of political unrest.

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Japan was the first country in Asia to industrialize on a large scale. Industrialization began in Japan after the fall of the Tokugawa government in 1868. Japan industrialized faster than many European countries.
Japan’s industrialization was prompted by the need to improve the nation’s defenses against foreign threats. Local clans developed industrialization by copying Western examples and using traditional craft skills. Japan’s production included steel, machinery, metal goods, and chemicals, which were produced in quantities large enough for export.
Other Asian countries that have industrialized include: South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong.

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The book “Narendra Modi: The Making of a Legend” has been authored by Bindeshwar Pathak, the Sulabh International founder and a Padma Bhushan recipient. The book is recently launched by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat in New Delhi. The coffee table book is all about PM Modi and the inspiring journey of his life. It has images and text depicting Modi’s journey, his struggles and several initiatives taken by him since he took oath as country’s prime minister in 2014.

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In India, April 24th is celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Diwas every year. This day marks the passing of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993

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The General Secretariat of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) is located in Madrid, Spain. The address is Oquendo 12, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
The General Secretariat is responsible for the administrative management of IOSCO. IOSCO was established in 1983 and has over 180 members from more than 100 states. The organization’s activities include research, risk identification, and standard-setting.

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The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is not based in Basel, Switzerland. it is headquartered in Paris, France. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Financial Stability Forum (FSF) are both located in Basel. The OECD, established in 1961, focuses on economic development and policy coordination among member countries.

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Nuclear Suppliers Group was formed by  seven countries viz. Canada, West Germany, France, Japan, the USSR, the United Kingdom, and the United States in response to the ‘Smiling Buddha’ (Pokharan-I) of India in 1974. It was clear from this adventure of India that certain non-weapons specific nuclear technology could be readily turned to weapons development, since it was alleged that India used the Canada sourced material to make bomb. The objective of the NSG was to reduce nuclear proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that may be applicable to nuclear weapon development and by improving safeguards and protection on existing materials.

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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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The United Nation Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre is an executive agency of UN Environment Programme, which is based in Cambridge (UK). It was previously managed by IUCN, UN Environment Programme and WWF.

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National Road Safety Week is celebrated annually from January 11 to 17. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways organizes the week to raise awareness about road safety and traffic rules. The week is intended to prevent deaths and injuries worldwide.
The first National Road Safety Week was observed in 1989. The 31st National Road Safety Week was observed from January 11 to 17, 2020.