Goa Affairs
Goas drug haul in 2022 was 65% more than in 2021
Goa witnessed a 65% increase in the seizure of drugs in 2022 compared to the previous year. Police last year seized over 207kg of narcotic substances worth over Rs 5.1 crore, and arrested 180 persons.
Over half of those arrested are from outside the state (97), followed by Goans (54) and foreigners (29). Among the drugs seized were ganja, charas, LSD, MDMA, ecstasy tablets and powder, cocaine, hashish oil, heroin and cannabis.
In 2021, Goa police seized over 134kg of various kinds of drugs worth over Rs 2.7 crore, and arrested 138 persons.
National and International Affairs
Over half of these blocks are in 6 statesUttar Pradesh (68 blocks), Bihar (61), Madhya Pradesh (42), Jharkhand (34), Odisha (29) and West Bengal (29).
However, states can add more blocks to the programme later.
Henley Passport Index 2023, Japan retained its top position
According to the latestHenley Passport Index,Japanhas retained its position as the most favourible passport in the world, allowing visa-free entry to 193 global destinations. which the country tops for the fifth consecutive year.Singapore and South Koreacame in a joint second on the ranking, followed by Germany and Spain, and then a slew of other European nations.