CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Maldives on Saturday re-joined the Commonwealth, more than three years after the Indian Ocean island nation quit the association amid mounting criticism of its human rights record then.

Detailed explanation-2: -Dileep Vishwakarma. Notes: Maldives officially re-joined the Commonwealth on February 1, 2020 and became the 54th member of the Commonwealth Union.

Detailed explanation-3: -Maldives has rejoined the Commonwealth, bringing the total number of nations in the global organisation to 54, it has been announced.

Detailed explanation-4: -Samoa, Maldives and Cameroon joined some years after gaining independence. Three countries left the Commonwealth but have since returned to membership. South Africa withdrew in 1961 when it became clear that its reapplication for membership on becoming a republic would be rejected.

Detailed explanation-5: -At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, on 25 June 2022, Gabon and Togo became the 55th and 56th members of the Commonwealth. And very soon, their flags will be flying proudly alongside those of other members at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth Headquarters in London.