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Agreement on Reciprocal Logistics Support (ARLS)

Agreement on Reciprocal Logistics Support (ARLS) India and Russia are finalising a defence agreement that will simplify interoperability and enable military platforms to receive support and supplies across bases in both nations- Agreement on Reciprocal Logistics Support (ARLS). It is an arrangement that will allow access to India and Russia, to each other’s military facilities for supplies and fuel, expanding the logistics support and operational turnaround of the Indian

Odisha’s first case of harlequin ichthyosis

Odisha’s first case of harlequin ichthyosis WHY? Mutations in the ABCA 12 gene are stated to cause harlequin ichthyosis. The ABCA12 protein plays a major role in transporting fats in cells which make up the outermost layer of skin. Severe mutations in the gene lead to the absence or partial production of the ABCA12 protein. This results in lack of lipid transport and as a result, the skin development is affected by varying degrees according to the severity of the mutation, a doc

SUPACE Portal

SUPACE Portal The Supreme Court unveiled its Artificial Intelligence (AI) portal, the Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court’s Efficiency (SPACE). A pet project of Chief Justice of India S A Bobde, SUPACE is a tool that collects relevant facts and laws and makes them available to a judge. The portal is not designed to take decisions, but only to process facts and to make them available to judges looking for input for a decision. It is designed to make research easier for j

Thotlakonda Buddhist destination

Thotlakonda Buddhist destination Historians and biologists campaign to protect the ancient Buddhist site of Thotlakonda - Home to around 90 species of birds. The site is found at a hill of Mangamaripeta Village, Bheemunipatnam Taluka of Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. Significance of the site - In 1976, during a helicopter survey by the Indian Navy to set up a naval facility, ruins of the Buddhist site were spotted. Subsequently, the entire hill was declared as an area com

Lockdown Generation

Lockdown Generation The International Labour Organization (ILO) termed the current young population as the ‘lockdown generation’ citing the massive impacts of the pandemic on them. The lockdown generation emerged, as young people constitute major victims of social and economic consequences of the pandemic, and there is a risk that they will be scarred throughout their working lives. According to ILO and various other estimates, during the pandemic, Some 90% of y

Exercise Khanjar- exercise between India and Kyrgyzstan

Exercise Khanjar- exercise between India and Kyrgyzstan India and Kyrgyzstan Special Forces have started a military exercise named Exercise Khanjar in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. About Exercise Khanjar Exercise Khanjar is a Joint Special Forces Military Exercise between India and Kyrgyzstan. The exercise was started in the year 2011. This is the Eighth Edition of the Exercise. The exercise aims to boost the strategic partnership between India and Kyrgyzstan. It also focuses on high-alti

Dekho Apna Desh Webinar on Khajuraho Temples

Dekho Apna Desh Webinar on Khajuraho Temples The Ministry of Tourism recently organized a webinar on “Khajuraho Temples of Architectural Splendour” under Dekho Apna Desh. About Dekho Apna Desh webinar Ministry of Tourism launched the Dekho Apna Desh webinar series in April 2020. Its objective is to create awareness about and promote various tourism destinations in India. It is also an effort to showcase India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

World Press Freedom Index 2021

World Press Freedom Index 2021  The World Press Freedom Index 2021 was recently released. About World Press Freedom Index: The index is Published by Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) or Reporters Without Borders since 2002. The Index ranks 180 countries and regions according to the level of freedom available to journalists. However, the index neither ranks public policies and nor is it an indicator of the quality of journalism in each country or region. The index r

Global Youth Mobilization Initiative Launched by UN

Global Youth Mobilization Initiative Launched by UN Recently, United Nations agencies, youth organisations, and WHO have come together to launch the Global Youth Mobilization initiative for local Solutions. About Global Youth Mobilization Initiative: World Health Organization and United Nations Foundation are supporting Global Youth Mobilization Initiative. It is also led by the world’s six largest youth organisations, including The World Alliance of Young Men’s

Supplemental Oxygen Delivery System developed by DRDO

Supplemental Oxygen Delivery System developed by DRDO Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched the SpO2 (Blood Oxygen Saturation) supplemental Oxygen Delivery System which will be useful for soldiers in extreme high-altitude areas. About DRDO’s Supplemental Oxygen Delivery System: The system delivers supplemental oxygen based on the SpO2 (Blood Oxygen Saturation) levels. Thus, it prevents the person from going into a state of Hypoxia. Hypoxia is

National Climate Vulnerability Assessment Report

National Climate Vulnerability Assessment Report The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has recently released the National climate vulnerability assessment report. About National Climate Vulnerability Assessment Report: The National Climate Vulnerability Assessment Report identifies the most vulnerable states and districts in India, as per the current climate risk and key drivers of vulnerability. The report uses several key drivers of Vulnerability for the assessment-

EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy approved by EU Council

EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy approved by EU Council The Council of the European Union has approved the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. About EU Indo-Pacific Strategy: The Indo-Pacific region spans from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific Island States with the world’s two most populous countries & economies — India and China. The strategy aims to contribute to the stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable developm

NASA's Ingenuity Rover takes flight in Mars' Atmosphere

NASA's Ingenuity Rover takes flight in Mars' Atmosphere NASA’s Mars Helicopter Ingenuity has successfully flown on Mars. It is the first powered flight on another planet.  About NASA’s Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Ingenuity is the first helicopter to fly on Mars. NASA’s rover called Perseverance carried it to the Red Planet. The helicopter’s main task is to carry out a technology demonstration to test the first powered flight on Mars. It also aims

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme Union Minister of Commerce & Industry recently launched the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). About Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS): The scheme was announced during the Prarambh: the ‘Startup India International Summit’. Which marks the 5-year anniversary of the Startup India initiative. Objective: Startup India Seed Fund Scheme(SISFS) aims to provide financial assistance to startups. Assistance is provided for

Sudarshan Sen Committee for Asset Reconstruction Companies by RBI

Sudarshan Sen Committee for Asset Reconstruction Companies by RBI Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has set up the Sudarshan Sen committee to review the working of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) Comprehensively. About Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC): Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) is a specialized financial institution that buys the Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) from banks and financial institutions. It helps banks in cleaning up their balance sheets. Thus, it helps banks

Inclusive Internet Index 2021

Inclusive Internet Index 2021 Inclusive Internet Index 2021 has recently been released by Facebook. About Inclusive Internet Index, 2021 Facebook commissioned the Inclusive Internet Index, 2021, and The Economist Intelligence Unit develops the index. It seeks to measure the extent of accessibility and affordability of the Internet. Also, the internet should be able to enable positive social and economic outcomes at the individual and group levels. The index assesses the perf

India’s First “Disc Footed Bat found in Meghalaya

India’s First “Disc Footed Bat found in Meghalaya Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered India’s first disc footed bat near the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary in Meghalaya. About Disc Footed Bat: This bat (Eudiscopus denticulus) is a bat species that is very different. It has a flat skull, prominent disk-like pads in the thumb, and bright orange colouration. This bat rests inside bamboo internodes. Their sticky disks and flatte

“Gender Samvaad” Event by Ministry of Rural Development

“Gender Samvaad” Event by Ministry of Rural Development The Ministry of Rural Development recently organized the Gender Samvaad Event. About Gender Samvaad Event: Gender Samvaad is a cooperation between Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission(DAY-NRLM) and Initiative for What Works to Advance Women and Girls in the Economy (IWWAGE). It aims to generate greater awareness about gender-related interventions under DAY-NRLM across the country. It focuse

National Startup Advisory Council

National Startup Advisory Council The Minister of Commerce & Industry chaired the first meeting of the National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC) recently. About the National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC): National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC) was constituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade(DPIIT). Its purpose is to advise the Government on measures required to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country.

WHO's Global Diabetes Compact Initiative

WHO's Global Diabetes Compact Initiative The World Health Organization (WHO) recently launched a Global Diabetes Compact Initiative. About Global Diabetes Compact Initiative: Global Diabetes Compact aims to reduce the risk of diabetes. It will ensure that all people diagnosed with diabetes have access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable, quality treatment and care. This initiative launched at the Global Diabetes Summit. WHO and the government of Canada Co-hosted the summ

Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace

Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace India and the U.S. are being urged to join the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace which now has 75 countries on board. It deals with the new cybersecurity threats faced in the world. About Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace: The Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace was announced in 2018 by the French President. It was announced during the Internet Governance Forum held at UNESCO and the Paris Peac

Global Food Policy Report 2021 by IFPRI

Global Food Policy Report 2021 by IFPRI The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) recently released the Global Food Policy Report, in 2021. About Global Food Policy Report, 2021: The report provides lessons drawn from the current crisis. Especially the lessons that can help transform food systems to reduce the impact of the ongoing pandemic, better prepare for future shocks, and address long-standing weaknesses and inequalities. Theme: “Tran

UN Food Systems Summit 2021

UN Food Systems Summit 2021 The Ministry of Agricultural and Farmers Welfare recently conducted a National Dialogue on UN Food Systems Summit, 2021. About UN Food Systems Summit,2021: The first-ever UN Food Systems Summit is expected to be held in September 2021. The summit will aim to strategize the actions for positive change in Agri-food systems in the world. It will help to realize the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Summit will focus on levers and

India-UK agree for Nirav Modi's Extradition to India

India-UK agree for Nirav Modi's Extradition to India The U.K.’s Home Department has recently approved the extradition of Nirav Modi to India in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud. About Extradition: Extradition is the formal process of surrendering an individual from one state to another state. The aim of the process is prosecution or punishment for crimes committed by an individual in the requesting country’s jurisdiction. The extradition of a fug

Great Indian Bustard poaching

Great Indian Bustard poaching Great Indian Bustard and Conservation Efforts It is one of the heaviest Flight birds. They have weak eyesight. Habitat is grassland (not covered under Forest Conservation Act, 1980). It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent found in Central India, west India and eastern Pakistan. Bustard species found in India: Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican; Houbara Bustard in Pakistan. It is considered the flagship/ indicator grassland

Buddhist Remains found in Jharkhand

Buddhist Remains found in Jharkhand Earlier this year, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered Buddhist Remains from Hazaribagh on the eastern side of Jharkhand’s Sitagarha hills. What did the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) discover? ASI discovered the remains of a Buddhist monastery along with some Shaivite remains which include: Four Statues of Taras, the “saviouresses” of the Thunderbolt Vehicle, displaying the Varada mudra(gesture of hand sh

Eatsmart Cities Challenge and Transport 4 All Challenge by Govt

Eatsmart Cities Challenge and Transport 4 All Challenge by Govt The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has recently launched the EatSmart Cities Challenge and Transport 4 All Challenge. About EatSmart Cities Challenge: EatSmart Cities Challenge is organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The challenge is organised in association with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It aims to motivate Smart

India on US’s Currency Watch list

India on US’s Currency Watch list The US treasury places India along with 10 other countries on its currency watch list. What is Currency Manipulator: Current Manipulators are countries engaging in “unfair currency practices” by deliberately devaluing their currency against the dollar. The practice would mean that the country in question is artificially lowering the value of its currency. By that, it aims to gain an unfair advantage over others. This is because

State of World Population Report 2021 by UN Population Fund

State of World Population Report 2021 by UN Population Fund The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently released its report “State of World Population Report 2021” titled ‘My Body is My Own. About State of World Population Report 2021: The State of World Population is an annual report published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Bodily autonomy is the first time the focus of the report. It is defined as the power and agency to make choices abou

Regulations Review Authority 2.0 by RBI

Regulations Review Authority 2.0 by RBI Recently the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the setting up of a new Regulations Review Authority (RRA 2.0). About Regulations Review Authority(RRA): RBI earlier set up the first RRA for a period of one year from April 1, 1999. This is for reviewing the regulations, circulars, reporting systems, based on the feedback from the public, banks and financial institutions. About Regulations Review Authority (RRA 2.0): RRA 2.0 will st

New Delhi Dialogue 2021 on The Hydrogen Economy

New Delhi Dialogue 2021 on The Hydrogen Economy The Union Minister inaugurated The Hydrogen Economy – New Delhi Dialogue 2021. About Hydrogen Economy – New Delhi Dialogue 2021: New Delhi Dialogue 2021 is organized by The Energy Forum(TEF), an independent think tank in India in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry(FIPI). FIPI is under the patronage of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The dialogue aims to discuss emerging hydrogen ec

Electronic nose to detect “Hydrogen Sulphide” from Sewers

Electronic nose to detect “Hydrogen Sulphide” from Sewers Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bangalore have developed Electronic Nose to detect Hydrogen Sulphide from swamps and sewers. CeNS is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology About Hydrogen Sulphide: Hydrogen Sulphide is the chemical compound with the formula H2S. It is a colourless chalcogen hydride gas. It is with the characteristic foul

Digital Repository on Health, Nutrition- Poshan Gyan- Released

Digital Repository on Health, Nutrition- Poshan Gyan- Released NITI Aayog has launched a platform named “Poshan Gyan”. About Poshan Gyan: Niti Aayog launched Poshan Gyan in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Centre for Social and Behaviour Change, Ashoka University. It is a National Digital Repository on health and nutrition. Key Features: It is a comprehensive online resource for anybody working in the nutrition sector in India. It

Online Grievance Management Portal for Scheduled Castes by NCSC

Online Grievance Management Portal for Scheduled Castes by NCSC National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) recently launched an Online Grievance Management Portal for Scheduled Castes .in the country About Online Grievance Management Portal: The Portal will allow submission of complaints about atrocities against the Scheduled Castes. The portal also allows users to track the progress of their complaints. It was developed in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya Institute for S

e-SANTA Marketplace

E-SANTA Marketplace The Union Commerce and Industry Minister recently virtually inaugurated e-SANTA. About e-SANTA: e-SANTA stands for Electronic Solution for Augmenting NaCSA farmer’s trade in Aquaculture. e-SANTA is an electronic marketplace providing a platform to connect aqua farmers and buyers. The platform will also act as an alternative marketing tool between farmers & buyers by eliminating middlemen. Benefits of e-SANTA Platform: Enhances the life of

Trade Facilitation Mobile App by DGFT

Trade Facilitation Mobile App by DGFT Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has launched the Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s (DGFT) Trade Facilitation Mobile Application. About Trade Facilitation Mobile Application:  Tata Consultancy Services(TCS) developed the Trade Facilitation Mobile Application. It is as per the directions of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It aims to promote ease of doing business by providing quick access to informati

2021- Raisina Dialogue

2021- Raisina Dialogue The Prime Minister delivered a video address at the Inaugural Session of the Raisina Dialogue. About Raisina Dialogue: Raisina Dialogue is an annual multilateral conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation have been jointly organizing it since 2016. The conference discusses cooperation on the most challenging international policy matters. It involves a variety of global policymakers in

Indus and Ganges River Dolphins Detected to be 2 different species

Indus and Ganges River Dolphins were Detected to be 2 different species  According to an analysis of the Indus and Ganges River dolphins, it was found they are not one but two separate different species. What is the current classification? Currently, Indus and Ganges River dolphins are classified as two subspecies of South Asian river dolphins(Platanista gangetica). What has the analysis revealed? The researchers examined the DNA samples of the Indus and Gangetic Rive

Fukushima Radioactive Water to be Released in Seas

Fukushima Radioactive Water to be Released in Seas Japan is planning to release about 1 million metric tons of radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. About Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant: Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant is located in the town of Okuma, Japan. The reactor is located on the country’s east coast. It is about 220 km north-east of the capital Tokyo. The 2011 Earthquake, destroyed the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant’s electricity and coo

WHO guidelines to control Transmission of Zoonotic Diseases

WHO guidelines to control Transmission of Zoonotic Diseases The World Health Organization(WHO), World Organization for Animal Health and United Nations Environment Programme jointly released guidelines to control “Zoonotic Diseases” for governments. Guidelines ask to reduce the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans in food production and marketing chains. What are Zoonotic Diseases? Zoonosis is an infectious disease that jumps from a non-human anima

Indian Rhino Vision 2020

Indian Rhino Vision 2020 Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020) ended with the release of two rhinos. An adult male and a female rhino were transported to Assam’s Manas National Park from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Indian Rhino Vision Plan 2020: Indian Rhino Vision Plan 2020 was launched in 2005. The vision of IRV was: Increase the Rhino Population in Assam from about 2000 to 3000 by 2020. Ensure that one-horned rhinos are spread over seven protected areas in the Indi

Mandatory Gold Hallmarkings

Mandatory Gold Hallmarking The government said that it is fully prepared to implement the mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts from June 1, 2021. What is Gold hallmarking? Gold hallmarking is a purity certification of precious metal. At present, It is voluntary in nature. Gold Hallmarking in India: In 2019, the Government announced that hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts will be made mandatory across the country. The government had given jewelle

Danube Sturgeon- Illegal Selling

Danube Sturgeon- Illegal Selling According to a report released by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the illegal sale of Danube Sturgeon, one of the most endangered species in the world, is rampant in the lower Danube (River) region, especially in Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine. The Danube is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga. It rises in the Black Forest mountains of western Germany and flows for some 2,850 km to its mouth

Regional New Year Days

Regional New Year's Days Context Puthandu Pirappu, Rongali Bihu, Naba Barsha and Vaisakhadi, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa will be celebrated in different parts of the country on 14th  and 15th  April 2021. In the month of Chaitra (March-April) of the Hindu calendar, most of the regional New Year Days are celebrated. Ugadi is the Telugu New Year that usually comes in March. In Punjab the year starts with the first of Vaisakh, coinciding with the ripening of the rabi

Sushil Chandra -24th CEC

Sushil Chandra -24th CEC Context  Sushil Chandra assumed charge as the 24th Chief Election Commissioner of India, succeeding  Sunil Arora. About: Shri Sushil Chandra has been serving in the Commission as Election Commissioner since 15 February 2019. He is also Member of the Delimitation Commission since 18th February 2020 looking after the Delimitation of Jammu Kashmir UT. Having held several posts in the Income-Tax Department for nearly 39 years, Sh Sushil C

C-DAC

34th Foundation Day of C-DAC Context This 13th of April is the 34th Foundation Day of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), the premier R&D organization of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Three novel innovative technologies – Cyber Security Operation Centre (CSoC) as a service ,offering end to end security solutions including managed security services. C-DAC’s indigenous High-Performance Computing software

Aahaar Kranti Mission

Aahaar Kranti Mission The Union Minister for Science and Technology will launch a mission called `Aahaar Kranti’. About Aahaar Kranti Mission: Vijnana Bharati (Vibha) and the Global Indian Scientists’ and Technocrats’ Forum (GIST) will launch Aahaar Kranti Mission. The mission will aim to spread the message of the need for a nutritionally balanced diet. It will highlight the importance of being accessible to all local fruits and vegetables. Key Features of

Women and Men in India Report, 2020

Women and Men in India Report, 2020 The National Statistical Office released the Women and Men in India report, in 2020. About Women and Men in India Report, 2020: NSO produces this report annually. This is the 22nd issue in its series. The report consolidates the crucial socio-economic indicators that portray gender situations in the country. Key Findings from the Report: Population and Related Statistics: India’s projected population in 2021 is 136.13 Crore wi

Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier is Melting

Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier is Melting Researchers at a Sweden University released a new finding related to the melting of the Thwaites Glacier. About Thwaites Glacier: Thwaites Glacier is a 120 km wide, fast-moving glacier located in Antarctica. Because of its size (1.9 lakh square km), it contains enough water to raise the world sea level by more than half a meter. It’s melting already contributes 4% to global sea-level rise each year. It is estimated that it wou

e-SANTA

e-SANTA The term e-SANTA was coined for the web portal, meaning Electronic Solution for Augmenting NaCSA farmers' Trade in Aquaculture. e-SANTA is an electronic marketplace providing a platform to connect aqua farmers and the buyers. It will enable the farmers to get a better price and the exporters to directly purchase quality products from the farmers enhancing traceability, a key factor in international trade. National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture (NaCSA) is an extensi

Raisina Dialogue 2021

Raisina Dialogue 2021 What is Raisina Dialogue? It is a multilateral conference held annually in New Delhi, India. Since its inception in 2016, the conference has emerged as India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, an independent think tank, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs of India. The conference is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving

Bar Headed Geese

Bar Headed Geese with a Mongolian Band Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia follow unique conservation methods like banding. The band consists of details like: Colour of the band- This green colour band   Conservation centre name- Wildlife Conservation and Science Center in Mongolia Where is found- Salt lake near Tsakhir soum in province Arkhangai of Central Mongolia. Capture location- N48.126314, E99.143451. Details of Bird- This bird was identified

Lab on Wheels Programme by Delhi Technological University

Lab on Wheels Programme by DelhiTechnological University Delhi Education Minister inaugurated Delhi Technological University (DTU) Lab on Wheels programme. About Lab on Wheels Programme: The Programme aims to impart education in the fields of Mathematics and Science. Especially the students from marginalised and poor economic backgrounds. The programme aims to stimulate their interest in these subjects while pursuing higher education. The programme becomes mutually benef

SC's Verdict: People are Free to Choose Religion

SC's  Verdict: People are Free to Choose Religion The Supreme Court refused to entertain a PIL seeking directions to the Centre to ban black magic, superstition, and deceitful religious conversion. What was the case filed? A petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking to control black magic, superstition & mass religious conversion of SC/STs. The petition also mentions the religious conversions through intimidation, threats & gifts. The plea argued that such fo

AICTE's “Lilavati Awards” 2020

AICTE's “Lilavati Awards” 2020 Union Minister of Education has presented the AICTE Lilavati Awards 2020 on women empowerment to the winners. About Lilavati Awards: Lilavati Award is an initiative of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). It aims to recognise efforts by AICTE-approved institutions to treat women with equality and fairness. The award has got its name after the 12th-century book called “Lilavati”. The Mathematician Bhaska

Recent Dolphin Census Report Released

Recent Dolphin Census Report Released The Odisha State Forest and Environment Department released the final data on the dolphin census that covered almost the entire coast of Odisha. Key Findings: The number of dolphins increased by 311 in Odisha taking the total number up to 544 Dolphins. In the 2020 census, there were a total of 233 dolphins in the Odisha state. Census recorded three species of Dolphins: Irrawaddy, bottle-nose, and humpback dolphins. Irrawaddy Dolphins: The pop

Shaphari Scheme – To Include Shrimp Farms in Aquaculture

Shaphari Scheme – To Include Shrimp Farms in Aquaculture Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) recently launched a certification scheme for aquaculture called the “Shaphari Scheme”. About Shaphari Scheme: Safari is a Sanskrit word that means the superior quality of fishery products suitable for human consumption. Purpose: It is an Antibiotics free Certification Scheme. It certifies hatcheries and farms for the production of antibiotic-free sh

India - Denmark MoU on Atal Innovation Mission

India - Denmark MoU on Atal Innovation Mission As part of the Indo-Danish bilateral Green strategic partnership, India is all set to take a giant leap towards building a world-class innovation ecosystem as Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of India’s premier policy think tank NITI Aayog and Embassy of Denmark to India today officially announced their collaboration. Under this ambitious partnership, Innovation Center Denmark in India will collaborate with AIM to support various cu

Judicial Appointments

Judicial Appointments Context: CJI Sharad A. Bobde had recommended Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana, the seniormost judge of the Supreme Court, for appointment as the 48th Chief Justice of India. About NV Ramana: Student leader working for farmers and industrial workers to journalist for a leading Telugu newspaper to a first-generation lawyer. He was Additional Advocate General for Andhra Pradesh before being called to the State High Court Bench in 2001. Justice Ramana was

British Era Light houses of Odisha

British Era Lighthouses of Odisha The Ministry wants to develop them as hubs of tourism under the Sagarmala project. The British-era False Point lighthouse, a 129-ft massive minaret-like structure of red-white bands with a huge embossed star, is visible from quite a distance from the Bay of Bengal. Its location close to massive mangrove vegetation infested with crocodiles makes it an adventurous tourist place on the eastern coast. Barely 40 km away, the Paradip lighthouse is another

People are Free to Choose Religion: Supreme Court

People are Free to Choose Religion: Supreme Court The Supreme Court refused to entertain a PIL seeking directions to the Centre to ban black magic, superstition, and deceitful religious conversion. About the case in the SC A petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking to control black magic, superstition & mass religious conversion of SC/STs. The petition also mentions the religious conversions through intimidation, threats & gifts. The plea argued that such forceful re

Tech developed for Improved Lithium-ion Battery Performance

Tech developed for Improved Lithium-ion Battery Performance Researchers from IIT Guwahati have developed a technique to improve the performance of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which power most of the portable devices used today. New Technology The 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was jointly awarded to Stanley Whittingham, John Goodenough and Akira Yoshino for work that led to the development of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are used in mos

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 IBC (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 promulgated on 4th April, 2021 provides for pre-packaged insolvency resolution process (PPIRP) for corporate debtors classified as micro, small and medium enterprises. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) notified the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Pre-packaged Insolvency Resolution Process) Regulations, 2021 (

NITI Aayog’s Draft National Policy on Migrant Workers

NITI Aayog’s Draft National Policy on Migrant Workers NITI Aayog, along with a working subgroup of officials and members of civil society, has prepared a draft National Migrant Labour policy. It puts forward several radical ideas including the adoption of a rights-based approach and creating an additional layer of institutions to create a more enabling policy environment for migrants. Highlights of the Draft policy It proposes a new National Migration Policy and

Tika Utsav to begin on Jyotirao Phule’s Birth Anniversary

Tika Utsav to begin on Jyotirao Phule’s Birth Anniversary The 'Tika Utsav (vaccination festival)', started on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule (11th April) will continue till the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar on 14th April 2021. The aim of the four day festival is to vaccinate as many people as possible for the priority groups and zero wastage of Covid-19 vaccine. Jyotirao Phule was an Indian

Achieving Paris Agreement- the key to save endemic species: Study

Achieving Paris Agreement- the key to save endemic species: Study According to a study published in the journal Biological Conservation, 90% of the endemic species will face extinction unless the goals of the Paris Agreement are met. For example, Kolar Leaf Nose Bat is endemic to India and endemic to only one cave in Hanumanahalli village in Kolar district, Karnataka Endemic species are those plants and animals that exist only in one geographical region. Species can be endemic

Government launches “Madhukranti portal” and “Honey Corners” of NAFED

Government launches “Madhukranti portal” and “Honey Corners” of NAFED Union Agriculture Minister has launched the “MadhuKranti portal” and “Honey Corners” of NAFED. MadhuKranti portal: It is an initiative of the National Bee Board under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission. It is developed for online registration to achieve a traceability source of Honey and other beehive products on a digital platform. The portal wil

Dolphin boom in Odisha’s Chilika lake

Dolphin boom in Odisha’s Chilika lake Syllabus subtopic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Prelims and Mains focus: about the census and its findings; about Irrawaddy dolphins and why they are important; about Chilika lake Dolphin boom in Odisha’s Chilika lake The population of dolphins in Chilika, India’s largest brackish water lake, and along the Odisha coast has doubled this year compared with last year.

Chilika Lake was a part of the Bay of Bengal- Study shows

Chilika Lake was a part of the Bay of Bengal: Study According to a study by the National Institute of Oceanography(NIO), Chilika lake was once a part of the Bay of Bengal.  Evidences- Archeological Studies: The marine archaeological studies clearly show that the Chilika once was a safe harbour for cargo ships going to Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. Palur Port: Greek geographer Claudius Ptolemy(150 CE) described Palur as an important port of Kalinga and

Global Minimum Corporate Income Tax

Global Minimum Corporate Income Tax The US Treasury Secretary has urged the world’s 20 advanced nations to move in the direction of adopting a global minimum corporate income tax. What is the Global Minimum Corporate Tax Rate? It is a type of corporate tax. Under this, If a company moves some of its operations to another country having low-tax jurisdiction, then the company have to pay the difference between that minimum rate and whatever the firm paid on its overseas earnin

Meeting of Education Ministers of E9 Countries

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