Inland Vessels Bill 2021

On 16th June, 2021, the Union Cabinet gave nod to the Inland Vessels Bill, 2021. The bill, which will replace the Inland Vessels Act, 1917, aims at streamlining vessels running on inland waterways in the country. Objectives To bring uniformity in the application of the law relating to inland waterways and navigation within

Beed Model of Crop Insurance

Recently, Maharashtra government has urged the Central government for state-wide implementation of the ‘Beed Model’ of the crop insurance scheme - Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yogna (PMFBY). Reasons For Maharashtra, where farmers predominantly depend of monsoon rains to water their crops, the PMFBY turned out to be non-profitable for insurance companies given

Green Gold Collection for Bamboo Products

On 3rd June, 2021, the government launched Green Gold Collection, a dedicated window for bamboo products. This window is the result of collaborative work between the National Bamboo Mission and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). It aims to provide bamboo artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs in rural areas with market access to Government

Government proposes Amendments to Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020

On 21st June, 2021, the government issued a set of new draft Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 that proposes to bar e-commerce companies from allowing any display or promotion of misleading advertisement on their platforms. These Rules were first notified in July 2020 in exercise of powers conferred by Section 101(1)

New Stimulus Package amid 2nd Covid-19 Wave

On 28th June, 2021, the government announced a host of measures to provide relief to diverse sectors affected by the 2nd wave of COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 17 measures were announced. These included two measures announced earlier, i.e. additional Subsidy for DAP & P&K fertilizers, and extension of Pradhan Mantri

Toycathon 2021

On 24th June, 2021, Prime Minister interacted with the participants of Toycathon-2021 via video conferencing. During the meeting, PM highlighted the importance of the toys and game industry in Indian Economy. PM pitched for improving the country's standing in what he called ‘Toyconomy’ or the economic aspects of the toys

Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme

On 30th June, 2021, the Union Cabinet approved a Reforms-based and Results-linked, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. This is the second reform scheme for power distribution companies (discoms) announced by the government, a year after the ambitious UDAY (Ujjawala Discom Assurance Yojana) scheme concluded in March 2020. Nodal agencies for the scheme’s implementation

NITI Aayog Releases “Fast Tracking Freight in India” Report

On 9tyh June, 2021, NITI Aayog along with Rocky Mountain Institute released a report titled- Fast Tracking Freight in India: A Roadmap for Clean and Cost-Effective Goods Transport. Objectives To establish a coherent vision for a cost-effective, clean, and optimised freight transport system in India To quantify the economic, environmental, and public

World Investment Report 2021

On 21st June, 2021, UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released its World Investment report 2021. The World Investment Report supports policymakers by monitoring global and regional investment trends and national and international policy developments. This year’s report reviews investment in the Sustainable Development Goals and shows the influence of

India Joins OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework Tax Deal

On 2nd July, 2021, India joined the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the G20 inclusive framework tax deal that is working towards addressing the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economies globally. A total of 130 countries have agreed to an overhaul of global tax norms

National Statistics Day 2021

National Statistics Day is celebrated on June 29 on the birth anniversary of late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. Theme: The theme of National Statistics Day 2021 is “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-2: End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition and Promote Sustainable Agriculture”. Significance The Government has been celebrating the Statistics Day, to

Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)

The growth of India’s domestic factory orders and production slowed to a 10-month low in May, 2021, as most states restricted businesses to contain the spread of Covid-19. The IHS Markit India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) slipped to 50.8 in May from 55.5 in April, 2021. That was just above

Current Account Deficit

Recently, India's current account deficit (CAD) widened in the January-March quarter on the back of a higher trade deficit and lower net invisible receipts, the Reserve Bank of India said in a release. About Current Account Deficit It is the shortfall between the money received by selling products to other countries and

Seed Minikit Programme

The Seed Minikit Programme has been launched by Union Agriculture Minster by distributing Seed Minikits (higher yielding varieties of seeds) of Pulses and oilseeds to farmers. Nodal Agencies: The seed mini-kits are being provided by the following central agencies –National Seeds Corporation (NCS), NAFED, Gujarat State Seeds Corporation. The programme is wholly

News Snippets

Miyazaki Mangoes The mangoes are grown in Japan's Miyazaki city.This mango looks like a giant red dinosaur egg. One mango of this variety weighs as much as 350 grams.These have 15% more sugar content than normal mangoes.These mangoes are grown during the peak harvest between April

PIB Corner

Retail and Wholesale Trades come under MSMEs On 2nd July 2021, the Minister of MSME and Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has announced revised guidelines for MSMEs with inclusion of Retail and Wholesale trades as MSMEs. Benefits under this Scheme This will strengthen MSMEs and make them engines for economic

PIB Corner

NIPUN Bharat: Initiative towards Foundational Literacy and Numeracy On 5th July 2021, the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education launched National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat). Vision of this Mission Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: The vision of NIPUN Bharat Mission aims at creating an

PIB Corner

‘Freight Smart Cities’ The Commerce Ministry’s Logistocs division has recently unveiled the concept of ‘Freight Smart Cities’ to improve the efficiency of urban freight and create an opportunity for reduction in the logistics costs. Why Freight Smart Cities? With growing urbanisation, requirements of rapid economic growth including e-commerce and associated first and

PIB Corner

Amendments in e-Commerce Rules to bring in Transparency The Union Government has proposed several amendments in the e-commerce rules to bring transparency and curb the prevalent unfair trade practices in the online marketing platforms. The government has recently come up with a draft of the proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection

Model Tenancy Act 2021

On 2nd June, 2021, the Union Cabinet approved the Model Tenancy Act for circulation to all States / Union Territories for adaptation by way of enacting fresh legislation or amending existing rental laws suitably. Objectives To regulate renting of residential and commercial premises by establishing conditions for tenancy, eviction, and management of

Delimitation Exercise kicks off in Jammu & Kashmir

On 19th June, 2021, the Delimitation Commission for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir kicked off the exercise by writing to all 20 District Commissioners (DC), seeking basic demographic, topographic information as well as the local administration’s impressions of political aspirations of the district. Further, the Union government on 24th

Censorship of Cinema: Draft Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2021

On 18th June, 2021, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting sought public feedback on draft Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which proposes to bring back its “revisionary powers” over the Central Board of Film Certification. It seeks to amend the Cinematograph Act of 1952. Background An Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Justice Mukul

Defining Limits of Sedition

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) noted that it is time to define the limits of sedition. The observation was made while dealing with the writ petitions filed by two news channels seeking the quashing of FIR and contempt petitions. About the Case The Andhra Pradesh government had accused News channels TV5 and ABN

Draft Model Rules for Live-Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings

On 7th June, 2021, the Supreme Court’s e-Committee released the Draft Model Rules for live-streaming and recording of court proceedings. These model rules are released under the National Policy and Action Plan for implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Indian judiciary. These Rules are framed by the High Court

6th Anniversary of Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT and PMAY-U

On 25th June, 2021, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) organized an online event to commemorate 6 years of the launch of three transformative Urban Missions vis. Smart Cities Mission (SCM), AMRUT and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), which were launched on 25th June, 2015. The three schemes were part

Model Panchayat Citizens Charter

On 4th June, 2021, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) in collaboration with National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) released a Model Panchayat Citizens Charter. Objective To empower the citizens in relation to public services and to improve the quality of services without any prejudice, and in accordance with

SAGE Initiative

On 4th June, 2021, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine) initiative and SAGE portal for elderly persons. Background The SAGE project is shaped on the recommendations of the empowered expert committee report on startups for elderly. The report highlights that the business opportunities in

Disability Early Intervention Centres

On 17th June, 2021, the Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry launched 14 cross disability early intervention centres (DEIC) across the country to provide support to infants and young children at risk of or with disabilities. About DEIC The objective of these centers is to make the differently-abled people virtually self-reliant in

Assam to Implement Two-Child Policy

On 18th June, 2021, Assam government announced the gradual implementation of the two-child policy for availing government benefits in Assam. In September 2017, the Assam assembly had passed the 'Population and Women Empowerment Policy of Assam' in the state. Assam currently has a two-child norm along with requirements of minimum educational qualifications

Niti Aayog Report on Not-for-Profit Hospital Model

On 30th June, 2021, NITI Aayog released a comprehensive study on the not-for-profit hospital model in the country, in a step towards closing the information gap on such institutions and facilitating robust policymaking in this area. The aim of this study is to understand the operating model of some of the

All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20

On 10th June, 2021, the government released the report of All India Survey on Higher Education 2019-20. This Report provides key performance indicators on the current status of Higher education in the country. The report was initiated in the year 2011.It is the 10th in the series of AISHE annually released

UN CEO’s Water Mandate

On 5th June, 2021, National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), India’s largest power utility Under Ministry of Power has become a signatory to the prestigious UN Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate. NTPC will imbibe the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) for water conservation and management while carrying out its core

Attorney General of India

The central government has extended the term of K.K. Venugopal as Attorney General (AG) for one more year. This is the second time the Centre has extended his tenure. Venugopal received his first extension of term in 2020. K.K. Venugopal was appointed the 15th AG of India in 2017. About Attorney General of

Task Force for Mission Karmayogi

Former Infosys CEO S D Shibu Lal has been appointed chairperson of a three-member task force formed to help the government in bringing major bureaucratic reforms through its ambitious “Mission Karmayogi“. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), namely ‘Karmayogi Bharat’, would be set up as a not-for-profit company. It will be set up

News Snippets

Peter Pan Syndrome A special court in Mumbai has granted bail to a 23-year-old accused of sexually assaulting a minor. The accused had told the court he suffered from “Peter Pan Syndrome”.The term ‘Peter Pan Syndrome’ first appeared in 1983, in a book authored by Dr

G7 Summit 2021

Between 11 to 13 June, 2021 the leaders of seven nations — the U.S., Germany, the U.K., France, Canada, Japan and Italy — met in Cornwall in south-west England, marking the 47th edition of the “Group of Seven” summit. About the Summit The theme of the summit was ‘Build Back Better World

UN’s Myanmar Resolution

On June 18, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on the “situation in Myanmar” with a vote of 119-1. Background The military of Myanmar has taken charge and declared a year-long state of emergency. It seized control on 1 February following a general election which Ms Suu Kyi's NLD party won

At UNHRC, Grave Concerns raised over Xinjiang

On June 22, 2021, expressing grave concerns over the "Uyghur genocide" in China's Xinjiang province, Canada delivered a joint statement on behalf of 42 countries at the UN Humans Rights Council. Resolution Highlights The Resolution urges China to allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers. The statement was backed

India - Sri Lanka

On 16th June, 2021, India extended a line of credit (LOC) of $100 million to Sri Lank through the Exim Bank for financing projects in the solar energy sector in Sri Lanka. About the Project Over the last five years, Sri Lanka has sought to tap more renewable sources of power, particularly

India-China Relations: A Year after Galwan

It's been a year since the Galwan clash, when 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese troops lost their lives in the worst border clash between the two neighbours in 40 years. Key Highlights The incident along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has had far-reaching repercussions. It eroded the

New Atlantic Charter

On 16 June, 2021, US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Johnson signed a new version of the ‘Atlantic Charter’ during the former’s first overseas visit since assuming the Presidency earlier this year. Background The Atlantic Charter was a joint declaration issued during World War II (1939-45) by the United States

Antarctic Treaty

On 23rd June, 2021, the 1959 Antarctic Treaty celebrated its 60th anniversary. Negotiated during the middle of the Cold War by 12 countries with Antarctic interests, it remains the only example of a single treaty that governs a whole continent. Background The Antarctic Treaty System is the whole complex of arrangements made

UNHRC Resolution on Israel Human Right Violation on Palestine

A resolution titled “Ensuring respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law in Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem and in Israel” passed at the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) calling for a commission of inquiry into human rights violations during the Israel-Hamas conflict, which was presented by

OPCW Report on use of Chemical Weapons by Syria

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the head of the international chemical weapons watchdog told the U.N. Security Council that its experts have investigated 77 allegations against Syria, and concluded that in 17 cases chemical weapons were likely or definitely used. Key Highlights Syria joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in

42nd Session of FAO Conference

The 42nd session of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Conference was held recently. For the first time ever, the FAO conference was held in a virtual mode. Recently, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare addressed the 42nd session of Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Conference. Key Points from

2021 NATO Summit

The 31st formal meeting of the heads of state and heads of government of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was held in Brussels, Belgium, on 14 June 2021. Major outcomes of the 2021 Summit 1.NATO Countries’ Communique on China and Russia The NATO members issued a communiqué highlighting the “threat” presented by

India completes Term as Chair of ILO’s Governing Body

On 24th June, 2021, India completed its tenure as Chair of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation after holding the position for the period October 2020-June 2021. Key Points India had assumed the chairmanship of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation after a gap of 35 years. During India’s

BRICS opposes Exceptionalism: China

On 7th June, 2021, while addressing BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, China said that BRICS countries pursue openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and reject "bloc politics and ideological confrontation". China’s Foreign Ministry stated that the idea behind the statement was to forge a common understanding among the BRICS countries when there

EU urged to consider its GSP+ Status given to Sri Lanka

On 16th June, 2021 a resolution was adopted by the European Parliament, urging the EU Commission to consider temporary withdrawal of the GSP+ status given to Sri Lanka. Background Sri Lanka regained the GSP+, or the EU’s ‘Generalised Scheme of Preferences’ in 2017. Colombo is committed to implement 27 international conventions on human

SCO Meet 2021

On 23rd June, 2021, National Security Advisor Mr. Ajit Doval attended a meeting of the top security officials from the member nations of the Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe. Background Tajikistan is the chair of the grouping. It took the chairmanship at a meeting of the SCO Heads of

Global Expansion of Nuclear Arsenal: SIPRI Report

According to a recent report published in the SIPRI Yearbook 2021, the numbers of nuclear warheads which are ready and deployed have increased globally. The SIPRI Yearbook is released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) which researches international armament and conflict. The SIPRI “Yearbook 2021” assesses the current state of

Maldives wins 76th UNGA Presidential Election

Foreign Minister of Maldives, Mr. Abdulla Shahid elected as the President of the United Nations General Assembly for 2021-22, winning 143 votes or nearly three fourths of the 191 countries that voted in the annual election, while his rival, former Afghanistan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul won 48. In the SAARC region,

Bitcoin: Legalised by El Salvador

On 8th June, 2021, El Salvador, a small coastal country in Central America, became the first in the world to make Bitcoin (a digital currency) a legal tender. Key Points The development in El Salvador changes little in terms of Indian monetary calculations around cryptocurrencies. The dynamic underpinning the whole move is

Joe Biden-Vladimir Putin Geneva Summit

President Joe Biden of the U.S. and President Vladimir Putin of Russiamet in the Villa La Grange, in Geneva, Switzerland on June 16, 2021. Joe Biden called it as ‘great power’ summit. Outcome of the Meeting They have decided to return their Ambassadors to the Embassies. Announced “a strategic stability dialogue” to discuss

G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting

The Declaration issued at the conclusion of the G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting in Italy echoes the ILO Global Call to Action for a Human-Centred Recovery, adopted by delegates at the June session of the 2021 International Labour Conference. G20 set target beyond the Brisbane Target Shaping a human-centred recovery that

Iran refuses to give Nuclear Site Images to IAEA

On 28th June, 2021, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament said Tehran will never hand over images from inside of some Iranian nuclear sites to the U.N. nuclear watchdog - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a monitoring agreement with the agency had expired. Background In 2015, Iran agreed a long-term deal on

First-Ever Israeli Embassy opens in UAE

On 30th June, 2021, Israel’s new foreign minister inaugurated its first embassy in the United Arab Emirates. Background The UAE and Bahrain normalised relations with Israel last year (2020) under so-called “Abraham Accords” crafted by the U.S. administration. Key Features of Abraham Accords Under the agreement, UAE and Bahrain will establish embassies and exchange

News Snippets

I-Familia The Interpol has launched a new global database named “I-Familia” to identify missing persons through family DNA and help the police solve cold cases in member countries.I-Familia has three components: a dedicated global database to host the DNA profiles provided by relatives, held separately from

CAR T-cell Therapy: Heralding a New Era in Cancer Treatment

In a significant development, on 4th June, 2021, India’s first CAR-T cell therapy was done at the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in Mumbai, starting a new chapter in cancer care in the country. This was made possible through a fruitful collaboration between the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) and Indian Institute

Chandrayaan-2 Solar X-ray Monitor Unravels Mysteries of the Solar Corona

On 22nd June, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said that the Solar X-ray Monitor (XSM) on board India’s Chandrayaan-2 Mission has provided outstanding science results on the solar corona and heliophysics. Mysteries of the Solar Corona Several potentially life-changing phenomena related to the Sun still remain a mystery. Some of these

New Research Points to Possibility of Life on Jupiter

According to latest research by a team of scientists, life in Jupiter’s clouds could be possible. The study has been conducted by School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), Northern Ireland. Key Findings The clouds surrounding the planet Jupiter have water conditions that could allow Earth-like life to exist. These clouds

PASIPHAE Sky Survey Project

Recently, the Wide Area Linear Optical Polarimeter (WALOP) was in news. It is an instrument that will be used in Polar-Areas Stellar-Imaging in Polarisation High-Accuracy Experiment (PASIPHAE), an upcoming sky survey project. The instrument is in an advanced stage of development at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA),

Understanding Heavy Metal Abundance in CEMP Stars

In a recent study, a team of Indian scientists has made a significant discovery with respect to the mystery of abundance of heavy metals in oldest metal-poor stars. Key Highlights Metal-poor stars that show enhancement of carbon are technically called Carbon Enhanced Metal Poor (CEMP) stars. These stars were formed from the ejected

ESA’s EnVision Mission

On 10th June, 2021, the European Space Agency (ESA) selected EnVision as its next orbiter that will visit Venus in the early 2030s. This closely follows NASA’s announcement of two missions to Venus, DAVINCI+ and VERITAS. About the Mission EnVision is an ESA led mission with contributions from NASA. To be launched on

Shenzhou-12 Manned Mission: Astronauts Dock with Space Station

On 17th June, the first group of three Chinese astronauts entered the country’s under-construction space station, Tiangong. Key Highlights The Shenzhou-12 spaceship, carrying the three astronauts, was launched from the Jiuquan Launch Centre in the Gobi desert and the astronauts entered core module Tianhe around six and a half hours later. The spaceship

UNESCO Science Report 2021

On 11th June, 2021, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) published the ‘UNESCO Science Report 2021: The Race against Time for Smarter Development’. Published every five years, the report provides an update of trends in science governance, aggregating data on spending, personnel, scientific publications and patents. The latest

Defence Innovation with iDEX-DIO

The Defence Ministry recently approved budgetary support of Rs. 498.8 crore to Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) - Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) for the next five years. Key Highlights The conceptualization of the iDEX framework and establishment of the DIO by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) aims at creating an ecosystem

IISS Report Assesses India’s Cyber Power

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) recently released a report, titled ‘Cyber Capabilities and National Power: A Net Assessment’. The report provides a major new qualitative assessment of cyber power of 15 countries as well as a new qualitative framework for understanding how to rank global state cyber capacity. The

Novel Technique for Early Detection of Cyclones

A team of Indian scientists has devised a promising technique for early detection of development or strengthening of tropical cyclones in the atmospheric column prior to satellite detection over ocean surface in North Indian Ocean region. Detecting Cyclones Early: The New Technique To date, remote sensing techniques have detected cyclones the earliest.

Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG)

Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, have fabricated a simple, cost-effective, bio-compatible, transparent nanogenerator that can generate electricity from vibrations all around. The team designed a transparent triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) using thermoplastic

SERB and Intel India Launch ‘Fund for Industrial Research Engagement’ (FIRE)

The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, launched the first-of-its-kind research initiative called ‘Fund for Industrial Research Engagement (FIRE)’ in collaboration with Intel India on June 29, 2021. It is a novel initiative to bring together industry

Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)

1st July, 2021 marks the beginning of construction of the world’s largest radio telescope, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO). Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the SKAO will be an array of 197 dishes located in South Africa and 1,31,072 antennas in western Australia and operate in the 50 MegaHertz-15.3

News Snippets

NATRAX National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) is the High Speed Track (HST) - the longest such track in Asia - located in Indore. It is a state-of-the-art automotive testing and certification centre. The High Speed Track is 11.3 km long. It is the world’s fifth high speed test track. The project has been completed

PIB Corner

World’s First Genetically Modified Rubber Planted in Guwahati The world’s first genetically modified (GM) rubber plant was planted on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam, on 22nd June 2021. It was developed at the Kerala-based Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII). The GM rubber plant, the first of its kind developed exclusively for the

Deep Ocean Mission

On 16th June, 2021, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the proposal of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) on Deep Ocean Mission. The mission aims to explore deep ocean for resources and develop deep sea technologies for sustainable use of ocean resources. The Mission Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will be

WMO verifies Record High Temperature for Antarctica

On 1st July, 2021, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed that on 6th February, 2020, the Esperanza station (Argentina’s research station in Trinity Peninsula) experienced a temperature of 18.3 degrees Celsius. This is a new record high temperature for Antarctica. Compared to the Arctic, the Antarctic is poorly covered in terms

UN High-level Dialogue on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought

On 14th June, 2021, the United Nations convened a High-level Dialogue on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought. It aimed to assess the progress made in fighting land degradation and map the way forward on global efforts to revive and restore healthy land. Key Priorities The deliberations highlighted the following points: Land is the

Odisha plans to create Natural Barriers to Cyclonic Storms

Recently, the Odisha government proposed to take up mangrove and casuarina plantation along its coast with the aim to create natural barriers to cyclonic storms. The initiative draws inspiration from the exceptional protection that the state’s mangroves have offered during major cyclonic events. Key Highlights The state has around 480 km long

SDSN’s Sustainable Development Report 2021

On 14th June, 2021, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) released its Sustainable Development Report, 2021. The report, apart from measuring the progress made by the countries towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), outlines the short-term impacts of COVID-19 on the SDGs and describes how the SDGs can frame the

UN Proposes Global Roadmap for Universal Access to Sustainable Energy

On 18th June, 2021, the United Nations launched a proposed global roadmap to achieve clean, affordable energy for all by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. The proposed roadmap will inform the High-level Dialogue on Energy, to be held in September 2021. The Proposed Roadmap The proposed roadmap will be considered

UNESCO Launches First Ocean Decade Actions

On the eve of World Oceans Day on 8th June, 2021, UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) announced the first Actions officially endorsed as part of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, 2021-2030. Context of the Ocean Decade The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Ocean Decade (UN Decade

Sustainable Water Management: Insights on Water Source Sustainability

The Indian Water Resources Society (IWRS) and IIT Roorkee jointly organized an International e-Conference on Water Source Sustainability from 18th to 20th June, 2021. The Conference The conference focussed on different aspects of water management like supply and demand, technological upgradation of traditional methods of water conservation, technological developments for ensuring the

Conservation Pact on Black Softshell Turtle in Assam

Recently, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Kamrup district administration, two green NGOs, the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden and a major temple in Assam the for long-term conservation of the rare freshwater black softshell turtle (Nilssonia nigricans). A vision document 2030 was launched after Turtle Survival Alliance

Dihing Patkai National Park Inaugurated

On 3rd July, 2021, the newly notified Dihing Patkai National Park was formally inaugurated. In June 2021, Assam government notified Dihing Patkai as the state’s 7th National Park. The notification came within a few days after the government upgraded the Raimona reserve forest to a National Park (the 6th National

News Snippets

Sea Snot It is a slimy layer of grey or green sludge, which is formed when algae are overloaded with nutrients. It causes considerable damage to the marine ecosystem. Warm weather caused by global warming, water pollution, uncontrolled dumping of household and industrial waste into the seas results in overloading of nutrients. Recently, Turkey’s

PIB Corner

‘BOLD’ Initiative to fight Land Degradation & Desertification A project named “Bamboo Oasis on Lands in Drought” (BOLD), first of its kind exercise in India was launched on 4th July 2021 from the tribal village Nichla Mandwa in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The project has been launched as part of Khadi and Village Industries

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

The Goa government on 6th June, 2021, released a short film on Chhatrapati Shivaji on the occasion of the anniversary of Maratha king’s coronation day. About Shivaji Shivaji was born on 19th February, 1630 at the Shivneri Fort, near the city of Junnar in what is now Pune district. Shivaji's father Shahaji Bhonsle

Ram Prasad Bismil

Recently, the Ministry of Culture organised a special ceremony at Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh to mark the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Ram Prasad Bismil. About Ram Prasad Bismil He was born on June 11, 1897, in a nondescript village in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district. He was among the most notable Indian revolutionaries who

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

Recently, the Nation paid homage to Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on his Jayanti on 27th June. About Bankim Chandra Chattopadhayay He was born on June 27, 1838 in the village Kantalpara of the 24 Paraganas District of Bengal. The word 'Bankim Chandra' in Bengali means 'the moon on the second day of

Reclining Buddha

India’s largest statue of the Reclining Buddha will be installed at the Buddha International Welfare Mission temple in Bodh Gaya. About Reclining Buddha A reclining Buddha statue or image represents ‘The Buddha’ during his last illness, about to enter Parinirvana, the stage of great salvation after death that can only be attained

National Maritime Heritage Complex

On 16thJune, 2021, the Ministry of Culture (MoC) and Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for ‘Cooperation in Development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat’. About National Maritime Heritage Complex It is to be developed in the vicinity of the ASI site

Raja Parba Festival

On 14th June, 2021, the Prime Minister extended his best wishes to the people of Odisha on the auspicious occasion of Raja Parba. About Raja Parba Festival It is a three-day-long festival celebrated in Odisha dedicated to Mother Earth (Bhuma Devi) and womanhood at large. It is celebrated for three days during the

Copperplate Inscriptions found at Srisailam Temple

The Bhramarambha Mallikarjuna Devasthanam, engaged in reviving ancient Ganta Matham near Srisailam temple complex, chanced upon six sets of copperplate inscriptions.There were 18 copper leaves found.Out of the six sets, four have inscriptions in Sanskrit and Nandi-Nāgarī script and the other two plates are in Telugu script. About Srisailam Temple Also known

Tulu Language

Recently, there has been campaign in Karnataka and Kerala requesting the government to accord official language status to Tulu language and include it in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. In 2020, ‘Jai Tulunad’ conducted an online campaign demanding to include Tulu in the new National Education Policy (NEP). About Tulu Language Tulu

New Caves discovered at Nashik’s Pandav Leni Complex

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has found three more caves in the Trirashmi Buddhist cave complex, also known as Pandav Leni, near Nashik, Maharashtra. It seems to have been monks’ dwelling that had been made before the Trirashmi caves. About Pandav Leni Caves It is a group of 25 caves that were

‘Snaana Yatra’ of Lord Jagannath

The famous Snana Yatra of Lord Jagannath is a ceremonial grand shower festival celebrated on the Purnima (full moon day) of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. Jagannath Temple, Puri Located in Puri(Odisha), it was built in 12th Century AD by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is called

News Snippets

Puya (Meitei Texts) The Meitei community — which inhabits the valley of Manipur — has a rich, albeit little-known manuscript tradition called ‘puya’, written on handmade paper as well as on leaf, bamboo, and wood. They encompass a wide spectrum of themes including genealogy, literature, history,