PIB Corner

Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2020 Report Recently World Bank released its biennial Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2020 report which states that Poverty reduction has suffered its worst setback in decades, after nearly a quarter century of steady global declines in extreme poverty due to the recent pandemic. Global extreme poverty is

VAIBHAV Summit Precision Agriculture

On 5th October, 2020, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute organized a session on “Sensors and Sensing for Precision Agriculture” as a part of the Vaishwik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit 2020.It was aimed to discuss recent advances in the field agriculture. Key Points The initiative sought to bring together the thought process, practices, R&D

Kasturi Cotton - First Ever Brand & Logo for Indian Cotton

On the occasion of 2nd World Cotton day(7th October, 2020)the Union Ministry of Textiles and Women & Child Development launched the first ever Brand and Logo for Indian Cotton. India’s premium Cotton would be known as ‘Kasturi Cotton’ in the world cotton trade from now onwards. The brand will represent Whiteness,

Cabinet Approves Natural Gas Marketing Reforms

On 7th October, 2020, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved ‘Natural Gas Marketing Reforms’, taking another significant step to move towards gas based economy. Objective To prescribe standard procedure to discover market price of gas to be sold in the market by gas producers, through a transparent and competitive process. Permit Affiliates

Base Year of CPI- Industrial Workers Revised to 2016

On 22nd October, 2020, the Labour and Employment Ministry revised the base year of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) from 2001 to 2016, giving more weight to spending on housing, education and health in inflation index calculation. Earlier, the series were also revised from 1944 to 1949;

DPIIT Releases Next Edition of Consolidated FDI Policy

On 28th October, 2020, the Commerce and Industry Ministry released the next edition of its consolidated foreign direct investment policy document, incorporating all the changes made over the past year. The last FDI circular was released in 2017. The whole exercise is aimed at providing an investor-friendly climate to foreign players and,

Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement ProjectPhase II & Phase III

On 29th October, 2020, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II & Phase III. The Project will be implemented over a period of 10 years in two Phases, each of six years duration with two years overlapping from April, 2021 to March,

National Program and Project Management Policy Framework

On 28th October, 2020, NITI Aayog and Quality Council of India launched the National Program and Project Management Policy Framework (NPMPF). This framework aims to formulate radical reforms in the way large and mega infrastructure projects are managed in India, with an action plan to: oAdopt a program and project management

India’s First Seaplane Project Launched

On 31st October, 2020, India's first seaplane service was launched by Prime Ministerfrom Kevadia in Narmada district, the home to the world's tallest statue- Statue of Unity to the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. The seaplane will be operated by SpiceJet. It is a 19-seater seaplane, which will be able to accommodate

UDAN Day

The fourth anniversary of the UDAN scheme was commemorated as UDAN Day on 21 October, 2020 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. About UDAN Scheme It was launched as a regional connectivity scheme (RCS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016. The scheme envisages providing connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of

Future of Jobs Report 2020

On 20th October, 2020, World Economic Forum (WEF) released the third edition of Future of Jobs Report, 2020. About the Report The Future of Jobs report maps the jobs and skills of the future, tracking the pace of change. It aims to shed light on the pandemic-related disruptions in 2020, contextualized within a

Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog

Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog begins nationwide campaign to celebrate “Kamdhenu Deepawali Abhiyan” – Promoting extensive use of cow-dung/ Panchgavya products this Diwali Festival. It aims at reaching 11 crore families to ignite 33 crore Diyas made of cow-dung during this year’s Deepawali festival. About Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog Constituted in 2019, the Aayog is a

Asia's Longest Ropeway Project on Mount Girnar Inaugurated

On 24th October, 2020, Prime Minister inaugurated the Girnar Ropeway in Junagadh district, Gujarat. It is the fourth ropeway in Gujarat along with Banaskantha, Pavagadh and Satpura. About the Ropeway Girnar ropeway is Asia's longest ropeway. First proposed in 1983, the construction for the ropeway project started only in September 2018 due

Kisan Suryodaya Yojana

On 25th October, 2020, the Prime Minister launched the ‘Kisan Suryodaya Yojana’ aimed at providing day-time electricity to farmers in Gujarat for irrigation and farming purposes. About Kisan Suryodaya Yojana Rs. 3,500 crore will be spent over the next three years for providing solar power to farmers for irrigation during daytime (5

Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana

Electric pottery wheels were distributed to several potter families in Maharashtra under the Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana (KSY) of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). About KumharSashaktikaran Yojana (KSY) Launched in 2018, KSY is an initiative of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) for empowerment of potters’ community in the remotest of

National Authority for Recycling of Ships

On 15th October, 2020, the central government notified the Directorate General (DG) of Shipping as National Authority for Recycling of Ships under section 3 of the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019. About National Authority for Recycling of Ships(NARS) NARS will be set up in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The location of the office will benefit

PIB Corner

India’s First Multi-modal Logistic Park India’s first Multi-modal Logistic Park will come up at Jogighopa in Assam. The park will provide direct air, road, rail and waterways connectivity to the people. It will be developed under the ambitious BharatmalaPariyojana of the Government of India. The Ministry of Road Transports and Highways envisages

10% Hike in Ballot Spending Cap Accepted by Government

The Ministry of Law & Justice on October 19 has notified an amendment in Rule 90 of Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 enhancing the existing expenditure limit by 10 per cent. This increase of 10 per cent will be applicable with immediate effect in ongoing elections. Over a month ago, the

Assam-Mizoram Border Dispute

The Assam-Mizoram boundary dispute that has been festering for more than 50 years now got renewed attention as clashes erupted recently in the inter-state border areas. Violence broke out on 17th October between residents of Lailapur village in Assam’s Cachar district and residents of localities near Vairengte in Mizoram’s Kolasib district

Data Governance Quality Index

Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has been ranked 2nd amongst the 16 Economic Ministries/Departments and 3rd out of the 65 Ministries / Departments with a score 4.11 on a scale of 5 on Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI). DGQI It is a survey conducted by Development Monitoring

SVAMITVA Scheme Launched

Prime Minister recently launched the physical distribution of property cards under the ‘SVAMITVA’ (ownership) scheme. The launch will enable around one lakh property holders to download their property cards through an SMS link sent on their mobile phones. This would be followed by the physical distribution of property cards by respective state

Cabinet Approves STARS Project to Strengthen School Education System

The Union Cabinet recently approved the STARS project under the New Education Policy to support states in strengthening the school education system with a total project cost of Rs 5718 crore with World Bank support amounting to approximately Rs. 3700 crore. STARS Project Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project is

Supreme Court Verdict on Right to Public Protest

The Supreme Court on 7th October 2020 verdict in Amit Sahni v Commissioner of Police & Others., held that public spaces cannot be occupied indefinitely for protesting or expressing dissent. The landmark judgment was passed on a batch of petitions seeking directions for removing protesters from a public road in

Denying Overtime Wages Affront to Worker’s Right to Life: SC

The Supreme Court recently struck downGujarat government’s decision to exempt industries from paying overtime wages and increasing the working hours of employees by citing the public emergency and economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. The court also invoked its powers under Article 142 to do complete

Right to Residence at Shared Household for Victims of Domestic Violence: SC

The Supreme Court has allowed women fighting domestic violence cases the right to reside in the ‘shared household’ even if her husband had no legal right to the house and the same was owned by the father-in-law or mother-in-law. A three-judge bench passed the landmark ruling in Satish ChanderAjuha v. Sneha

Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment recently e-launched the “Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) under Venture Capital Fund for SCs”with a view to promoting innovation and enterprise among SC students studying in higher educational institutions. ASIIM The ASIIM initiative will be implemented by the Venture Capital Fund for SCs

Decade of Healthy Ageing Initiative Launched on International Day for Older Persons

On the occasion of International Day for Older Persons Indian government launched the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030) initiative. The 73rd World Health Assembly of WHO had endorsed the proposal for a Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030) in February 2020. Every year 1st October is celebrated as the International Day of

NHRC Advisory on Women’s Rights during Pandemic

On 7th October, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)presented its advisory on women’s rights during pandemic to the government. The NHRC had formed a committee of experts to look into the impact of the pandemic on human rights, which had led to advisories on various issues, including women’s rights. The Centre and

Global Hunger Report 2020

India ranked 94 among 107 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2020 and is in the ‘serious’ hunger category with a score of 27.2. India’s rank was 102 out of 117 countries last year. The Global Hunger Index is a peer-reviewed annual report, jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, designed

Global Tuberculosis Report 2020

India reported sharp decline in tuberculosis registration after COVID-19 lockdownaccording to the Global Tuberculosis Report, 2020 released October 14, 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO). Highlights of the Report India registered a decline in the notification of tuberculosis (TB) cases by about 85 per cent in April 2020, due to a

Dairy ProductionSigns in Indus Valley Civilisation

Dairy production in India began as far back as in the 3rd millennium BCE and may have been a factor behind sustaining the Indus Valley Civilisation, according to findings from a team of Canadian and Indian researchers. Highlights of the Study The study dates dairy production to 2500 BCE and is the

Government Explores Tourism Opportunities in Rajasthan's Bundi

The Ministry of Tourism's 'Dekho Apna Desh' webinar series titled "Bundi: Architectural Heritage of a Forgotten Rajput Capital" focused on Bundi in Rajasthan. 'Dekho Apna Desh' webinar series is an effort to showcase India's rich diversity under 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. The series is presented in technical partnership with the National

Golconda Fort

A massive portion of the Majnu Burj inside the Golconda Fort collapsed recently due to incessant rains in Hyderabad. The Majnu Burj is inside the Naya Qila area of the Golconda Fort, which is under the control of Hyderabad Golf Club (HGC) under a MoU signed in 2009. However, the Golconda

Union Cabinet Approves Adoption of Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act

The Union Cabinet recently approved the adoption of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 which was amended and notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on October 17. The amendment paves the way for the creation of District Development Councils (DDCs), whose members will be directly elected by

TRIFED Initiatives for Tribal Welfare

Recently government flagged off several TRIFED initiatives that are aimed to support the tribal people. Tribes India E-Marketplace Tribes India E-Marketplace is India’s largest handicraft and organic products marketplace. It is an ambitious initiative through which TRIFED aims to onboard 5 lakh tribal producers for sourcing of various handicraft, handloom, natural food products

NPPA Caps Medical Oxygen Price

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped the prices of medical oxygen and oxygen cylinders following complaints of black marketing and hoarding because of increased demand for them for Covid-19 patients. The move is aimed at ensuring the availability of medical oxygen at reasonable prices. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority NPPA was

Child Care Leavesfor Male Single Parents in Government Services

Government recently announced that male government employees who were single parents are now entitled to child care leave in a path-breaking and progressive reform to bring ease of living for government servants. Key Provisions “Single male parent” included employees who were unmarried or widower or divorcee and might therefore be expected to

Tamil Nadu Governor Gives Assent to Bill on 7.5% Medical Reservation

Tamil Nadu Governor recently granted assent to the ‘Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Indian Medicine and Homeopathy on preferential basis to the students of Government Schools Bill, 2020’. Highlights of the Act The new law will provide a 7.5% horizontal quota for students who have studied from Classes

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Third Order, 2020

On October 26, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced several amendments to land laws for the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir (J&K) by notifying the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Third Order, 2020. Section 96 of the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 empowers the MHA

PIB Corner

India assumes Chairmanship of the Governing Body of ILO After 35 years, India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of International Labour Organization, marking a new chapter in the 100 years of productive relationship between India and ILO. Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary (Labour and Employment) has been elected as the

UN Treaty of Banning Nuclear Weapons to Enter into Forcein 2021

The United Nations announced recently that 50 countries have ratified an international Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) to ban nuclear weapons. The historic text would enter into force in January 2021. The 50th ratification by Honduras came on the 75th anniversary of the ratification of the UN Charter

20th Amendment of Sri Lankan Constitution

The 20th Amendment (Article 20A) to the Constitution of Sri Lanka was passed by the 225-member Sri Lankan Parliament with 156 voting in favor, 65 against and four abstained on 22 October 2020. 20th Amendment It envisages expansive powers and greater immunity for the Executive President. The Amendment rolls back Sri Lanka’s 19th

India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue

On October 7, 2020, India and Japan held the 13th India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. Both the countries signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on cybersecurity including 5G network, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Critical Information Infrastructure etc. Significance of the MoC It will enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest,

Indian – Bangladesh Naval Exercise Bongosagar

The second edition of Indian Navy – Bangladesh Navy Bilateral Exercise Bongosagar was conducted in Northern Bay of Bengal on October 03, 2020. Exercise Bongosagar Exercise Bongosagar, whose first edition was held in 2019, is aimed at developing inter-operability and joint operational skills through the conduct of a wide spectrum of maritime

India-Mexico Bilateral High-Level Group on Trade, Investment and Cooperation

The fifth meeting of the India-Mexico Bilateral High-Level Group on Trade, Investment and Cooperation (BHLG) was held on 9 October 2020 through video conference. Highlights of the Bilateral Meet Two business to business Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs)were signed, to foster the cooperation in the respective domains- a)AnMoU between the Electronics & Computer

India – UAE Defence Co-Operation through Joint Production

A webinar between India and UAE was held on the theme of “Indian Defence Industry Global Outreach for Collaborative Partnership: Webinar and Expo India – UAE Defence Cooperation” to boost defence exports. The seminar was organized on, October 27, 2020 under the aegis of Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence,

Australian Navy to join Malabar Exercise

On October 19, 2020, the Government of India announced that the Australian Navy will join the Malabar exercise that is to be conducted in November 2020. This means that all the four Quad countries are to participate in the exercise. The exercise will be a first for the “Quad,” the Pacific

India and Taiwan Think Tanks Join Hands for Indo-Pacific Cooperation

On October 7, 2020 at the Yushan Forum, the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF), a leading think tank from Taiwan,signed a memorandum with India’s National Maritime Foundation (NMF) in order to foster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region as part of Taiwan’s South bound policy. The memorandum’s aim is to conduct joint research

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

India hosted the nineteenth meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Ministers of Foreign Economy and Foreign Tradein October, 2020. The virtual meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry of India.It was attended by the Secretary-General of SCO and Ministers from Kyrgyz Republic, China, Kazakhstan,

India attends 6th BRICS Parliamentary Forum

The 6th BRICS Parliamentary Forum was organised virtually under the chairmanship of Vyacheslav Volodin, the Chairman of Russian Parliament recently. The Indian Parliamentary Delegation was led by Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla. Speakers and members of five BRICS Parliaments namely Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa participated in the

India and Sri Lanka Complete Bilateral Naval Exercise

India and Sri Lanka concluded the latest iteration of their three-day naval exercise on October 21, 2020. The eighth edition of the bilateral SLINEX was held this year off the coast of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka fielded Sayura (Offshore Patrol Vessel) and Gajabahu (Training Ship), while India brought two indigenously

India and the USA Sign BECA Agreement

India and the USA have signed BECA, the last of four foundational agreements for strategic ties. BECA stands for Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial Cooperation. The previous three agreement are: General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) signed in 2002. An extension - the Industrial Security Annex (ISA) was signed

PIB Corner

Mars Opposition On 13th October, Mars and the Sun lined up with Earth in the middle called Mars Opposition. At opposition – Earth is in the middle of a line between an outer planet and the Sun, we see the sun at one end of our sky and the opposition planet

Water on Sunlit Surface of Moon

In a recent study, NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) has confirmed, for the first time, water on the sunlit surface of the Moon. SOFIA has detected water molecules (H2O) in Clavius Crater, one of the largest craters visible from Earth, located in the Moon’s southern hemisphere. SOFIA is a

OSIRIS-REx and Asteroid Bennu

On 20th October 2020, NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex(Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) spacecraft briefly touched asteroid Bennu, from where it is meant to collect samples of dust and pebbles and deliver them back to Earth in 2023. The spacecraft’s robotic arm called the Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM), made an

Earth Observation Satellite: EOS-01

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it will launch its earth observation satellite (EOS-01) and nine international customer spacecraft from the spaceport of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on November 7. It will be the first launch by the ISRO since the coronavirus induced lockdown came into effect in

SMART Test

Recently, India has successfully conducted the flight test of a Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This SMART system comprises a mechanism by which the torpedo is launched from a supersonic missile system with modifications that would take the torpedo

Hybrid Smart Fence along LOC

Indian Army has tested new hybrid smart fence along Line of Control (LoC) to significantly improve its electronic surveillance and to check infiltration, and work on converting the existing border fence into a smart fence integrated with several sensors. Army till recently was working on concept of ‘Smart Fence” having sensors

National Supercomputing Mission

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has launched the second phase of the ambitious National Supercomputing Mission. National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) It was launched in 2015 and is jointly funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It aims at establishing

Pusa Bio-decomposer

Recently the scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, have developed Pusa bio-decomposer which can turn crop residue into manure in 15 to 20 days and therefore, can prevent stubble burning that every year causes a major environmental and health problem in North India. Bio-decomposers use microorganisms for quick composting

Nag-ATGM

The DRDO has conducted the final user trial of the 3rd generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), Nag, at the Pokhran firing range. During the trial Nag Missile was launched from NAG Missile Carrier- NAMICA and with the success of final user trial, Nag will enter into production phase. The Nag

Holographic Imaging Test

Scientists of New York University have developed a method using holographic imaging to detect both viruses and antibodies. The proposed test could be done in under 30 minutes, and is highly accurate. It can be performed by minimally trained personnel. The method uses laser beams to record holograms of their test

Bio Fortification

On the occasion of 75th Anniversary of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 16th October 2020, the government has released 17 recently developed biofortified varieties of 8 crops under NARI programme. It will usher in three-fold increase in nutritional value. The rice variety CR Dhan 315 has high zinc content. The

10 Hafte 10 Baje 10 Min

Delhi government has launched the second edition of its “10 Hafte-10 Baje-10 Minute” (10 weeks, 10 o’ clock, 10 minutes) campaign against dengue and other vector-borne diseases such as malaria and chikungunya. People have been urged to inspect their homes for any possible sources of stagnant clean water that can

Encrypted Online Message

India has joined a UK-led campaign against end-to-end encryption of messages by social media giants such as Facebook, which they say hinder law enforcement by blocking all access to them. The UK and India are also backed by the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan in a joint international

Noble Prize in Physics

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded one half of the 2020 Nobel Prize in physics to Roger Penrose and the other half jointly to Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez for furthering the understanding of black holes, the most “enigmatic” objects in the universe. Roger Penrose has won it for

Noble Prize in Chemistry

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020 was awarded jointly to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudnafor the development of a method for genome editing. They developed one of gene technology’s sharpest tools: the CRISPR/Cas9(Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) genetic scissors. CRISPR/Cas9 Technology CRISPR-Cas9 is a unique technology that enables geneticists and

Noble Prize in Medicine

This year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to American scientists Harvey Alter and Charles Rice, and Michael Houghton of the UK. They have been recognised for their contributions to the discovery of a new virus that was the cause of a vast majority of chronic hepatitis

PIB Corner

MOSAiC A German Research Vessel ‘Polarstern’ has recently completed a remarkable expedition to the Arctic Ocean under the project Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC). It was launched to recreate the historic voyage of Norwegian polar researcher Fridtjof Nansen, who undertook the first ice drift through the Arctic

Climate Change Driving Butterflies, Moths Higher Up the Himalayas

Rising average temperatures in the Himalayan region have driven several dozen species of butterfly and moth to habitats higher up the mountains, as per a new study commissioned by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and carried out by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The findings of the

Himalayan Brown Bear Faces Threat From Climate Change

A recent study on the Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) titled ‘Adaptive spatial planning of protected area network for conserving the Himalayan brown bear’, has predicted a significant reduction in suitable habitat and biological corridors of the species in the climate change scenario. This has prompted scientists to suggest an

Union Cabinet Ratifies Ban on Seven Hazardous Chemicals

The Union Cabinet recently ratified the ban on seven chemicals that are hazardous to health and environment listed under the Stockholm Convention. Considering its commitment towards providing safe environment and addressing human health risks, the Environment Ministry had notified the Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, on March 5, 2018 under

National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birdsalong Central Asian Flyway

On 10th October 2020, world migratory bird day, government launched the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Birds along the central Asian flyway. There are 9 flyways in the world. The central Asian flyway is one among them. The fly away is important to India because it provides critical stop

India Re-elected to Head International Solar Alliance

India and France were re-elected as the president and co- president respectively of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a two-year term at its third assembly held virtuallyfrom 14 to 16 October 2020. Highlights of Third Assembly Four new vice-presidents were also chosen to represent the four regions of the ISA. The representatives

Two New Wetlands of India in the Ramsar List

Asan Conservation Reserve has become the first wetland from Uttarakhand to be included in the prestigious Ramsar sites list. Besides Asan, Kabartal Wetland from Bihar was the second new site to get included in this list. With the naming of these two new Wetlands of International Importance, India’s total of number

Heeng to be Cultivated for the First Time in India

The CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, has started cultivating heeng for the first time in the state as well as in the country.The first sapling has been planted in Himachal Pradesh’s Kwaring village in Lahaul valley Asafoetida, or Heeng a common ingredient in Indian Kitchens is not

Madhuca diplostemon

Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) at Palode in Kerala have rediscovered an endangered tree species of Western Ghats, long believed extinct, after 184 years from a sacred grove in Kollam district. The lone mature tree identified as Madhucadiplostemon, was located at the KoonayilAyiravilli Siva

Amur Falcon: ‘Birds of God’

Amur falcons, locally known as ‘Akhoipuina’ have recently arrived in Manipur’s Tamenglong district from their summer breeding grounds in southeast Russia and northeast China. They are also known as Ra Ruai or Birds of God in Manipur. Amur Falcon Amur falcons are pigeon-sized migratory birds originating in Siberia where they breed in

Fossils of Giant Birds ‘Pelagornithids’ Identified in Antarctica

Scientists have identified the fossil of a giant bird called Pelagornithids that lived about 50 million years ago, with wingspans of up to 21 feet that would dwarf today’s largest bird, the wandering albatross. The wandering albatross has a wingspan of 11 and-a-half-foot. The fossils recovered from Antarctica in the 1980s

South Asian Flash Flood Guidance System launched by IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD)recently launched the South Asian Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS), which is aimed at helping disaster management teams and governments make timely evacuation plans ahead of the actual event of flooding. South Asian FFGS A dedicated FFGS centre will be established in New Delhi, where weather modelling and

Environment Clearance to Kaleshwaram Project Violates Law: NGT

The environmental clearance, granted to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) on December 22, 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, was cancelled by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on October 12. The NGT has held that environmental clearance (EC) to KLIPwas granted ex post facto, after completion

Microbes to Fight Oil Spillage in Oceans

The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has developed an eco-friendly crude oil bioremediation mechanism technology using consortia of marine microbes wheat bran (WB) immobilized on agro-residue bacterial cells. Bioremediation can be defined as any process that uses microorganisms or their enzymes to remove and or neutralize contaminants within the environment

State of Global Air Report 2020

Recently the State of Global Air 2020 (SOGA 2020) report was released by US-based Health Effects Institute and Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project. Key Findings India recorded the highest annual average PM 2.5 concentration exposure in the world last year. India was followed by Nepal, Niger, Qatar and Nigeria in high PM

Impact-based Cyclone Warning System

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has launched a dynamic, impact-based cyclone warning system aimed at minimising economic losses and damage to property from cyclones that hit the country’s coasts every year. Impact Based Cyclone Warning System The system will use meteorological data in combination with geospatial and population data to assess the

8 Indian Beaches Get Blue Flag Certification

Eight beaches in India have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification. The Blue Flag certification is a globally recognised eco-label accorded by "Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark" based on 33 stringent criteria under four major heads -- environmental education and information, bathing water quality, environment management and conservation, and

New Family of Bony Fish Discovered in Western Ghats

Scientists from India, Germany, United Kingdom and Switzerland have discovered a new family of bony fish from the Western Ghats, and named it Aenigmachannidae Gollum, after the dark and conflicted character of JRR Tolkien’s epic saga ‘Lord of the Rings’. The Gollum snakehead was first identified as a new species and

Earthshot Prize

Britain’s Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, recently launched a new 50-million pound Earthshot Prize, aimed at funding the most innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Every year from 2021 until 2030, Prince William, alongside the Earthshot Prize Council which covers six continents, will award the

Commission for Air Quality Management in the NCR & Adjoining Areas Ordinance 2020

On October 28, the President of India signed ‘The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020’. The Ordinance came within days of the hearing in ‘Aditya Dubey vs Union of India’ in the court of the Chief Justice of India, seeking directions to