International Organizations, Defence, Books & Authors, World History

Notes:
The Divine Comedy is an epic poem written by Dante Alighieri between c. 1308 and his death in 1321. It is widely considered the preeminent work of Italian literature, and is seen as one of the greatest works of world literature. The poem’s imaginative and allegorical vision of the afterlife is a culmination of the medieval world-view as it had developed in the Western Church. It helped establish the Tuscan dialect, in which it is written, as the standardized Italian language.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Treaty of Portsmouth ended the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. The treaty was signed on September 5, 1905 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. The treaty was signed by Japanese and Russian diplomats after negotiations from August 6 to August 30. The treaty ended the war that began in 1904. The war was caused by Russian and Japanese expansionism in the Far East. The war contributed to domestic unrest in both countries, which led to the Russian revolution of 1905. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was instrumental in the negotiations and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

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:
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:
World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3 each year. Established by the United Nations in 1993, this day highlights the importance of press freedom and the role of journalism in promoting democracy and human rights. The date commemorates the Windhoek Declaration, which advocates for a free, independent, and pluralistic press.

Notes:
The book ‘The Perils of Democracy’ is authored by P.C. Alexander. This book provides a comprehensive examination of the democracy and constitution of India. Alexander with his deep knowledge and experience in politics, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of democracy, its implications on the Indian constitution, and offers insights into how it can affect the citizens and the nation as a whole.

Notes:
The Uniting for Peace resolution was initiated by the United States and submitted by the “Joint Seven-Powers” in October 1950, as a means of circumventing further Soviet vetoes during the course of the Korean War .It was adopted by 52 votes to 5, with 2 abstentions. It has empowered the General Assembly to act in specific situations in matters of peace and security.

Notes:
On 5 November 2001, the UN General Assembly declared 6 November of each year to be celebrated as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. It aims to educate people about the damaging effects of war and armed conflict on the environment.

Notes:
Kerala cadre senior IAS officer Suman Billa will join the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) at its headquarters in Madrid, Spain. A 1996 batch IAS officer, he will assume charge as Director, Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Development at D1 level at UNWTO, a specialised agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.