International Organizations, Defence, Books & Authors, World History

Notes:
Under Project 75, six Scorpene submarines are being built with assistance and technology transfer from DCNS of France under deal signed in October 2005. The Project 75I-class submarine is a follow-on of the Project 75 Kalvari-class submarine for the Indian navy.

Notes:
BIMSTEC-Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
The BIMSTEC is sub-regional grouping comprising of seven countries of South Asia- India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and South East Asia- – Myanmar, Thailand. It was established on 6 June 1997 through Bangkok Declaration. It is headquartered at Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Notes:
ADB is multilateral lending agency based in Manila, Philippines. It is dedicated to reduce poverty in Asia and the Pacific region through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration.
ADB has 67 members – 48 from the Asia-Pacific region including India and is collectively owned by these 67 members. The non Asia pacific region members are only developed countries.

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:
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:
U Thant was from Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. He served as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971, becoming the first Asian to hold the position. His tenure was marked by important events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. U Thant was known for his efforts in peacekeeping and promoting decolonization.

Notes:
Centre William Rappard is known as the first building in Geneva designed to house an international organization and was originally occupied by International labour Organization. ILO`s office was shifted to Grand Saconnex. Later it was occupied by GATT which was replaces by World Trade Organization in 1995.

Notes:
World Press Freedom Day is observed every year on May 3. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, and is intended to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom and to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression. World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity for journalists, media professionals, and members of the public to come together and reflect on the importance of a free and independent press, and to support efforts to promote and defend press freedom around the world.

Notes:
World Standards Day or International Standards Day is celebrated on 14 October to honor the efforts of the thousands of experts who develop voluntary standards within standards development organizations. On 14 October 1946, delegates from 25 countries first gathered in London and decided to create an international organization focused on facilitating standardization. Towards this, ISO was founded on 23 February 1947.

Notes:
Abul Fazl was the author of Akbarnama, the official history of Akbar’s reign in 3 volumes. This book gives the history of Akbar’s forefathers from Timur to Humayun and Akbar’s reign till 1602 AD. Abul Fazl was one of the nine jewels in the royal court of Akbar.