Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh to visit Maldives between May 01-03.

Topic: GS2 – International relations

• The defence minister is visiting the Maldives and strengthening the bilateral relations between India and the Maldives.
• It is essential for neighbouring countries to work together to address common challenges and promote regional security and growth.
• India’s commitment to capacity building of friendly countries in the region is a positive step towards promoting peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
• The gift of a Fast Patrol Vessel ship and a Landing Craft to the Maldives National Defence Forces will further enhance the maritime security cooperation between the two countries.
  

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Delhi witnessed the highest number of ‘Good’ to ‘Moderate’ air quality days in the first 4 months of January-April 2023.

Topic: GS3 – environmental pollution.

• This number exceeds the corresponding period in the last 7 years since 2016.
• The number of ‘Poor to Severe’ air quality days in Delhi has decreased to 68 in 2023 from 108 in 2016.
• The daily average PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Delhi were the lowest in 2023.
• The Daily Average AQI (Air Quality Index) in 2023 was also the lowest.
• The improvement in air quality is due to persistent field-level efforts and targeted policy initiatives.
• These initiatives are expected to result in gradual but marked improvement in air quality in the short, medium, and long term.