Competitive Times: General knowledge

SLINEX-26: India Sri Lanka Maritime Exercise, Facts You Need To Know

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8F-e6-rQSmGte5Cpnw9RZkSQdvGAHcvle2OSA55j_aHISJ89enfpTbmZy5qIwgIxISHUtBxdoesUm-XMJIz5MRvcHB-MJvplDMEeGQs-xHiy9f72MY8FFXtiBLr2sJFCQJNjNapOJi6kOKskPjnaGyB-sKfJFlxlcQ9RPUxDWyhxY2NtWetbRWgWZqU/s497/slinex.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="497" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8F-e6-rQSmGte5Cpnw9RZkSQdvGAHcvle2OSA55j_aHISJ89enfpTbmZy5qIwgIxISHUtBxdoesUm-XMJIz5MRvcHB-MJvplDMEeGQs-xHiy9f72MY8FFXtiBLr2sJFCQJNjNapOJi6kOKskPjnaGyB-sKfJFlxlcQ9RPUxDWyhxY2NtWetbRWgWZqU/w400-h240/slinex.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">SLINEX-26, the 13th edition of the Sri Lanka-India bilateral maritime exercise, is all set to be conducted at Visakhapatnam in India. The exercise will be conducted from 17 to 21 Sep, 2026. The exercise commenced with the Harbour Phase, which will be followed by the Sea Phase. The exercise is the the resultant of India’s commitment to a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment and further consolidates the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka.</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>What is SLINEX? </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">SLINEX is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka designed to improve interoperability, maritime cooperation and mutual understanding for both the countries. Its harbour and sea phases support professional exchange and security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX has evolved into an important forum for fostering maritime cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the two Navies. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">To participate in the SLINEX-26, INS Kavaratti, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Jyoti, the Fleet Tanker, will participate from the Indian Navy, while SLNS Sindurala represents the Sri Lanka Navy.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Harbour Phase, conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, commenced with an opening ceremony and reception onboard INS Kavaratti for the visiting crew of SLNS Sindurala. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The phase includes professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sharing of best practices, Yoga, sports and cultural activities. The subsequent Sea Phase will focus on enhancing operational synergy and interoperability through coordinated activities at sea.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Aligned with India’s vision of MAHASAGAR, SLINEX-26 reinforces India’s commitment to a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment and further consolidates the enduring maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>SLINEX-25</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> It is noted that the 12th edition of Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-25) was conducted in two phases – the Harbour phase in Colombo from 14 to 16 Aug 25, followed by Sea phase from 17 to 18 Aug 25,</span></p><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">SLINEX-24</span></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The SLINEX-24 (Sri Lanka–India Exercise) was conducted from 17 to 20 December 2024 at Visakhapatnam, under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.</span></p>

Current-Affairs General knowledge SLINEX-26: India Sri Lanka Maritime Exercise, Facts You Need To Know

SLINEX-26, the 13th edition of the Sri Lanka-India bilateral maritime exercise, is all set to be conducted at Visakhapatnam in India. The ex...

12th India-Russia Working Group Meeting 2026: Facts you need to know

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0ElEbCBP2o7rc8k1nt2ve9vCRq-CCvx5Mp66Pm7D7Y6tkv8qG7PBBCVGmuPF6eWAGhMo7C1hN-6TIhsQTG8f2lSqC3_nGYyX3FR3KV_3VR8cuuCBZANFCrJCRn42Owjgu9PGK6fPNC5rJZ2el4eKKyh6ED47tl8Yceg_O7dsOYtjVaXZSMCMBLGti2M/s500/1000020549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0ElEbCBP2o7rc8k1nt2ve9vCRq-CCvx5Mp66Pm7D7Y6tkv8qG7PBBCVGmuPF6eWAGhMo7C1hN-6TIhsQTG8f2lSqC3_nGYyX3FR3KV_3VR8cuuCBZANFCrJCRn42Owjgu9PGK6fPNC5rJZ2el4eKKyh6ED47tl8Yceg_O7dsOYtjVaXZSMCMBLGti2M/w400-h240/1000020549.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The 12th Session of the India-Russia Working Group concluded at at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.The crucial meeting focused on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation under the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, co-chaired from the Indian side, while H.E. Mr. Alexey Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia, co-chaired from the Russian side.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Know The Key Area Discussed</span></b></div><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Key areas in the 12th Session included cooperation in the field of modern industrialisation, science and technology, aerospace, railway infrastructure, mineral fertilizers and chemicals, rare earths and critical minerals, exploration and  capacity building in REs,  power engineering, industrial infrastructure, mining equipments, aluminium sector and joint venture for urea production, etc.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">New areas of cooperation in railway transport such as infrastructure facilities, Vande Bharat train project, and signalling equipment were welcomed. Moreover, cooperation in Unmanned Aerial systems (UAVs), 3-D printing, production of Russian regional aircraft SJ-100, and aero-engine were also discussed. Further, cooperation in carbon-fibre technologies and propulsion systems, DAP/NPK fertilizer supplies, automation, critical minerals, lithium mining and titanium technologies, along with enhanced collaboration in aluminium, mining equipments and exploration of rare earth elements were discussed during the session.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Protocol of the 12<sup>th</sup> Session of the Working Group was signed by both the co-chairs reaffirming the strategic India-Russia partnership with the aim to deepen industrial and economic cooperation. The session was attended by around 60 delegates from both sides.</span></p></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>

Current-Affairs General knowledge 12th India-Russia Working Group Meeting 2026: Facts you need to know

The 12th Session of the India-Russia Working Group concluded at at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.The crucial meeting focused on Modernization an...

PM Modi Visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Facts in Brief

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxJHeQEKu7FMwq-MXsyYdfXnnepFn3R5IQdSO9VMtTikoyBC_jLOAFwx3j2UXMK3N2JUvNWKYnKAkjpGz8K4rwlRcszoap3mLzvLXsyGnOJgps6tqbGKVdKGeiEk6bEikB9fWyyA0oxIc7sYbuGTkTPCuwBA-ORcMYCmwvVC17GYnQJeJ6zJYO1uh454/s500/1000020548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxJHeQEKu7FMwq-MXsyYdfXnnepFn3R5IQdSO9VMtTikoyBC_jLOAFwx3j2UXMK3N2JUvNWKYnKAkjpGz8K4rwlRcszoap3mLzvLXsyGnOJgps6tqbGKVdKGeiEk6bEikB9fWyyA0oxIc7sYbuGTkTPCuwBA-ORcMYCmwvVC17GYnQJeJ6zJYO1uh454/s320/1000020548.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to embark a visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic.  On the first leg of his two-day visit, he will reach Uzbekistan and meet with the </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This will be Mr Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">India is among top 10 trade partners of Uzbekistan </span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A Joint Working Group on Defence was established in 2019.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">India and Uzbekistan regularly participate in joint military exercises “DUSTLIK”.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The seventh edition of this exercise was conducted in Uzbekistan in April 2026.</span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Prime Minister will travel to Bishkek to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit at the invitation of the President of Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Summit marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">India has been a full member since 2017.</span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

career Current-Affairs General knowledge PM Modi Visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Facts in Brief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to embark a visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic. On the first leg of his two-day visit, he will...

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme: Know Eligibility, Last Date and more

<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkGNWKV8cMGqX3tSuCbEEcbx1LKKmNRGaFKziMuZBWD_nGqqkylWJpTeUwG-3BCZCceGw7TEiwnZWwZJ024ipWvrf0914kNaFXeKeEqMkHVyv9-WQvl-zjeABs4iXXpNOsVsmWL0CuztRGP2FUyueEsQnpY_B2npguxAoFAxBAqL-3yzOhYHqII_whIFg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
    <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkGNWKV8cMGqX3tSuCbEEcbx1LKKmNRGaFKziMuZBWD_nGqqkylWJpTeUwG-3BCZCceGw7TEiwnZWwZJ024ipWvrf0914kNaFXeKeEqMkHVyv9-WQvl-zjeABs4iXXpNOsVsmWL0CuztRGP2FUyueEsQnpY_B2npguxAoFAxBAqL-3yzOhYHqII_whIFg" width="400" />
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</div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">If you have not applied yet for National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS), for 2026–27 then remember that the last date is August 31, 2026. As per notification the last date for eligible students to submit fresh and renewal applications under the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS), for 2026–27 academic year, is August 31, 2026. The applications are to be submitted on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The verification of applications under NMMSS is carried out in two stages:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Level-1 (L1) Verification: By the Institute Nodal Officer (INO) – last date: 15 September 2026.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Level-2 (L2) Verification: By the District Nodal Officer (DNO) – last date: 30 September 2026.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Who Can Apply For NMMSS?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Further, from 2026–27 academic year, students may apply for one merit-based scholarship scheme and one or more welfare-based scholarship schemes simultaneously, subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria prescribed under the respective schemes.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The central sector Scheme was launched with the objective of awarding scholarships to meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections to reduce dropout at the secondary stage by encouraging them to continue their education after Class VIII.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Under the Scheme, one lakh fresh scholarships are awarded every year to eligible students studying in Class IX, with renewal of the scholarship in Classes X to XII, subject to the prescribed conditions, for studies in state government, government-aided, and local body schools.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">All eligible students are advised by the Department of School Education & Literacy, Union Ministry of Education, to submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute difficulties. Similarly, Institute and District Nodal Officers are advised to complete the verification process within the stipulated timelines to facilitate timely processing and disbursement of scholarships.</span></p>

Current-Affairs General knowledge National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme: Know Eligibility, Last Date and more

If you have not applied yet for National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS), for 2026–27 then remember that the last dat...

Hidden & Interesting Facts About Vietnam

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbx1tzBNbThFSgvPL2jWLnoAsaBsYhlFZYyKe67-TLThmxgXXW2pHrX-PS4qTSGPaWRYXRG2yOjdk0yvY1fMW_bsvVAQ6KBZ3Nt9VQ4ZpatiO48XVxr6Eya7NzCVBbCZeS_7QNVx53jXrL_OhWsipMnSAclvcWhHzuR2UhZZ6l4Sc0qHHcZTo9uTv_zo/s1182/1000014973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="909" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbx1tzBNbThFSgvPL2jWLnoAsaBsYhlFZYyKe67-TLThmxgXXW2pHrX-PS4qTSGPaWRYXRG2yOjdk0yvY1fMW_bsvVAQ6KBZ3Nt9VQ4ZpatiO48XVxr6Eya7NzCVBbCZeS_7QNVx53jXrL_OhWsipMnSAclvcWhHzuR2UhZZ6l4Sc0qHHcZTo9uTv_zo/w308-h400/1000014973.jpg" width="308" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br />Vietnam is a country where nature, culture, history, and modern life blend beautifully. From hidden caves to bustling streets and rich cuisine, it offers countless stories waiting to be explored.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Vietnam is home to Sơn Đoòng Cave, the largest cave on Earth. It has such a vast country that it has its own jungle, river, and weather system inside. Located in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, this cave attracts explorers from across the globe.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It’s considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Vietnam’s education system is a powerful example of how discipline, cultural values, and smart policies can drive academic success. Despite economic challenges, the country continues to excel globally and invest in future generations.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Vietnam has a literacy rate of over 94%, which is impressive for a developing country. The government has consistently focused on universal primary education, ensuring that even rural areas have access to schooling.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world. One must-try is egg coffee (Cà phê trứng)—a creamy, sweet blend made with egg yolk, sugar, and coffee.</span></p>

General knowledge Tourist Spots Hidden & Interesting Facts About Vietnam

Vietnam is a country where nature, culture, history, and modern life blend beautifully. From hidden caves to bustling streets and rich cuisi...