Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Completes Five Years

On 13th January, 2021, the flagship crop insurance scheme- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), completed five years of its launch. Need India is an agrarian country and any losses to the livelihood of farmers due to weather vagaries during the crop cycle, makes it almost impossible for farmers to protect

Bank Investment Company

The Finance Ministry is examining avenues for affordable capital infusion in public sector banks (PSBs), including setting up of a Bank Investment Company (BIC). The step has been taken as RBI raised concerns over the issuance of zero-coupon bonds for recapitalisation of PSBs. Setting up a Bank Investment Company (BIC) as a

Ministry of Corporate Affairs Brings Amended CSR Rules into Effect

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has amended the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 through notification dated January 22, 2021. These rules may be called the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules, 2021. New Provisions Every entity that intends to undertake any CSR activity will have to register itself

Iron-Ore Policy 2021

On 16th January, 2021, the Ministry of Railways issued Iron-ore policy 2021 that will govern the allocation of rakes (train) and transportation of iron-ore across the country. It aims to provide complete logistics support to iron and steel industry to meet the competitive challenges domestically and globally. Need The production of steel

New Industrial Development Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir (J&K IDS, 2021)

On 7th January, 2021, the Centre unveiled the newly formulated New Industrial Development Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir (J&K IDS, 2021) as Central Sector Scheme for the development of Industries in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir. The scheme is approved with a total outlay of Rs. 28,400 crore up to

K-shaped Economic Recovery

The prospects of a K-shaped recovery from COVID are increasing both in India and across the world. K-shaped Recovery The “K-shaped” economic recovery is characterised by a stark split in the recovery pace of the economy— some sectors are bouncing back ahead of the rest at a much faster pace, while others

IFSCA Become Associate Member of IOSCO

The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has become an Associate Member of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is an ordinary member of IOSCO. IFSCA IFSCA was established in April 2020 under the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019. It is headquartered

RBI Constitutes Working Group on Digital Lending

On January 13th, 2021, the RBI constituted a working group to study digital lending, including lending through online platforms and mobile apps. The working group will study all aspects of digital lending activities in the regulated financial sector as well as by unregulated players so that an appropriate regulatory approach can

CBIC Introduces Liberalised Authorised Economic Operator Package for MSMEs

On 7th January, 2021, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) introduced liberalised Authorised Economic Operator package for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for swift customs clearances. Key Points In order to attract MSMEs to become Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) and avail the various benefits, the CBIC has relaxed

RBI Fully Operationalizes ‘College of Supervisors’

The RBI is now fully operationalising a College of Supervisors (CoS) to further strengthen supervision over regulated entities. CoS was functioning in a limited way in virtual mode since May 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives To augment and reinforce supervisory skills among its regulatory and supervisory staff both at entry level and

Ratle Hydro Power Project

On 20th January, 2021, the Union Cabinet approved the 850 MW Ratle Hydro Electric (HE) Project located on river Chenab, in Kishtwar district of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Project shall be commissioned within a span of 60 months. Government of UT of Jammu and Kashmir, to make the

Single Window Clearance System for Coal Mines

On 11th January, 2021, the Union government announced a new online single window clearance portal for the coal sector to speed up the operationalisation of coal mines. The portal is aimed at allowing successful bidders for coal blocks to be able to obtain all required clearances, including environmental and forest

TRIFOOD Parks to be Set up in Madhya Pradesh

On 3rd January, 2021, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) signed a memorandum of understanding with Akhil Bhartiya vanvasi Kalyan Ashram to setup TRIFOOD parks in Madhya Pradesh. According to the MoU, TRIFED and Akhil Bhartiya vanvasi Kalyan Ashram will together implement Van Dhan Yojana. This is to be

Freight Business Development Portal

On 5th January, 2021, the Ministry of Railways has launched an exclusive portal to promote and develop the railways’ freight business - Freight Business Development Portal. The portal has been designed to replace physical processes with online ones to minimize the need of human to human interaction. Benefits It will ensure that all

Third phase of PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana Launched

On 15th January, 2021, the government launched the third phase of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 3.0) in 600 districts across all states of India. On the basis of the learning gained from PMKVY 1.0 and PMKVY 2.0, the Ministry has improved the newer version of the scheme to

Asset Monetization Programmes

The first consultative meeting on asset monetization was held on 20th January, 2021, organized by Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) in partnership with World Bank. Asset monetization is a stated objective of the Government and DIPAM is mandated to facilitate monetization of non-core public assets. Asset Monetization involves creation

SEBI Moots Entry Norms to Set Up Stock Exchanges

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has floated a discussion paper on review of ownership and governance norms to facilitate new entrants to set up stock exchanges and depositories, otherwise called as market infrastructure institutions (MIIs). Key Proposals A resident promoter setting up an MII may hold up to 100%

DPIIT Launches Regulatory Compliance Portal

On 20th January, 2021, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) launched a regulatory compliance portal that will act as a bridge between citizens, industries and the government to minimize burdensome compliances. Objective To reduce the compliance burden, simplify further the citizen-government interface whether online or offline, and remove

India Innovation Index 2020

On 20th January, 2021, NITI Aayog along with the Institute for Competitiveness released the second edition of India Innovation Index. The first edition of the India Innovation Index, released in October 2019, was a first-of-its-kind metric for assessing the innovation capabilities of Indian states and union territories. India Innovation Index The 2020 edition

PIB Corner

RBI introduces Legal Entity Identifier The Reserve Bank of India on December 5, 2021 introduced the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) for large value transactions over Rs 50 Crore in Centralised Payment Systems, which will be effective from April 1, 2021. The 20-digit LEI number is used to uniquely identify parties to financial

Government Drafts a Bill to Strengthen Cigarette & Tobacco Control Law

The government has drafted the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Amendment Bill, 2020. Salient Features of the Bill Change in Age of Smoking: Amendment in Section 6 has increased the legal age of smoking to 21 from current 18

Govt Approves Construction of over 1.68 Lakh Houses under PMAY-Urban

The government has approved the construction of over 1.68 lakh houses in urban areas under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Urban (PMAY-U), taking the total number of houses sanctioned so far to 1.1 crore. Under PMAY-U, 41 lakh houses have been completed so far while construction is in various stages in

India Tightens Oversight on Funds Received by NGOs

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has laid down a charter for banks to tighten oversight on funds received by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). As per the existing rules, all banks have to report to the Central government within 48 hours, the receipt or utilisation of any foreign contribution by any NGO,

Digital Voter ID Cards

The Election Commission of India (ECI) celebrated the 11th National Voters' Day on 25th January with the theme 'Making Our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed'. On this occasion, it launched the e-EPIC (Electronic Electoral Photo Identity Card). This is the first time that the government will issue voter identity cards in

Supreme Court Dismisses Aadhaar Review Petitions

The Supreme Court, in a majority view, dismissed a series of petitions seeking a review of its 2018 judgment upholding the Lok Sabha Speaker’s certification of Aadhaar law as a Money Bill and its subsequent passage in Parliament. However, one judge dissented with the majority, saying the Aadhaar review petitions should

Supreme Court Puts Three Farm Laws on Hold

On 12th January, the Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India put on hold the implementation of the three farming laws and announced the setting up of a committee of experts to suggest if any changes were needed in the enactments which are being opposed by the farming

NHRC Recommends Special Act Against Manual Scavenging

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has made a series of recommendations to the Centre to eradicate manual scavenging. Key Recommendations Broaden the definition of manual scavenging to cover other types of hazardous cleaning and enact a new law for it. Take strict action against local authorities who employ people as manual scavengers. The

UN Report: Asia and the Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition

On January 20, UN agencies released a report on progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (in particular SDG 2 – Zero Hunger) and the World Health Assembly targets 2030 on nutrition in the Asia and Pacific region. The report is jointly written by the World Food Program, the Food and Agriculture

Corruption Perception Index 2020

India’s rank has slipped six places to 86th among 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2020. Corruption Perception Index CPI is released by Berlin based NGO, Transparency International. The index, which ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and business people, uses

Republic Day Tableaux

Uttar Pradesh was adjudged the best tableau among the 32 tableaux, 17 from States and Union Territories (UTs), nine from various ministries, departments and paramilitary forces and six from Defence Ministry, that participated in the Republic Day parade. Tableaux of Tripura which showcased eco-friendly traditions for achieving self-reliance in socio-economic parameters

Harvest Festivals of India

Many harvest festivals across India mark the start of the festivities in the new year. Important Harvest Festivals Celebrated in January Lohri: It is celebrated on 13th January in Northern India especially Punjab. It is the onset of the harvest festival wherein farmers celebrate folk songs and mark end of sowing season

World’s Oldest Known Cave Painting Found in Indonesia

Archaeologists have discovered the world's oldest known cave painting in Indonesia. Key Features A life-sized painting of a wild pig that was made at least 45,500 years ago was discovered in the limestone cave of Leang Tedongnge in the Sulawesi island of Indonesia. Measuring 136 by 54 centimetres, the painting was made

Prabuddha Bharat

Prime Minister addressed the 125th anniversary celebrations of ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ journal on 31st January. The event was being organised by the Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati in Uttarakhand. About Prabuddha Bharat It is a monthly journal of the Ramakrishna Order which was started by Swami Vivekananda. It has been in publication since 1896 and carries

Somnath Temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the new chairman of the Somnath temple trust. Shree Somnath Trust manages the famous Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district, Gujarat. Somnath Temple Somnath Temple is first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlings of India. The existing temple, considered the seventh one, is built in the Kailas

Entire Nagaland Declared ‘Disturbed Area’ under AFSPA

On 30th December, 2020, Ministry of Home Affairs declared entire Nagaland disturbed area for six more months under Section 3 of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act,1958. The decision to continue the declaration of Nagaland as a disturbed area has been taken as killings, loot and extortion have been going

Parakram Diwas to Commemorate Birth Anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose

Government celebrated the 125th birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose, popularly known as Netaji, as first Parakram Diwas on 23rd January 2021, in Kolkata. Henceforth, the Government will celebrate his birthday every year as 'Parakram Diwas' to inspire people of the country, especially the youth, to act with fortitude in the

Maharashtra-Karnataka border Dispute

Recently Maharashtra Chief Minister released a book published by the state government, titled ‘Maharashtra-Karnataka Seemavad: Sangharsh Aani Sankalp’ (Maharashtra-Karnataka Boundary Dispute: Struggle and Pledge). The book is a collection of articles, news, and other material on the demand that Marathi-speaking areas in Karnataka should be integrated into Maharashtra. Background of the Dispute The

Education Ministry Guidelines to Identify and Educate Migrant Children

The Union Ministry of Education has issued guidelines for educating migrant children across the country, whose studies were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the new guidelines, the government will identify these school-going underprivileged students and will either enrol them for online classes or help them to attend physical

Institutions of Eminence Allowed to Set Up Campus Abroad

Indian universities and colleges with the Institutions of Eminence (IOEs) tag, which include several IITs, will now be able to set up campuses in foreign countries with the University Grants Commission (UGC) issuing fresh guidelines on the same. Institutions of Eminence Scheme The Education Ministry had launched the IoE scheme in 2018

Patharu Ghat Uprising

Nearly 140 unarmed peasants were killed by the British on 28 January, 1894 in Assam for protesting against the high taxation in land revenue levied by the colonial administration, when the military opened fire. The incident had taken place at Patharughat, a small village in Assam’s Darrang district, where a

Special Marriage Act

Recently, Allahabad High Court ruled that people marrying under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, can choose not to publicise their union with a notice 30 days in advance. Under Section 5 of the Act, which enables inter-faith marriages, the couple has to give notice to the Marriage Officer; and under Sections

News Snippets

Gucchi or Morel A Geographical Indication (GI) tag has been sought for one of the world's most expensive mushrooms growing in Jammu and Kashmir. The mushroom, locally known as Gucchi, or Morel, is a spongy, edible fungus valued at over Rs 20,000 per Kg. It

Light House Projects Inaugurated for Affordable Housing

Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Light House projects (LHPs) under Global Housing Technology Challenge (GHTC)- at six sites across six States recently for providing resilient, affordable and comfortable houses to the poor and the middle class. He also announced the winners under Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators - India (ASHA-India)

PIB Corner

Toycathon 2021 To reduce import of toys (currently India imports 80 per cent of the toys) and making the country self-reliant in this sector, Toycathon 2021 has been launched. It is an inter-Ministerial initiative of six Ministries wherein nine themes will be promoted under three tracks for junior level participants, senior level

Russia Withdraws from Open Skies Treaty

On 15th January, 2021, Russia announced its intention of pulling out of the Open Skies treaty (OST), saying that the pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, had been seriously compromised by the withdrawal of the United States. This move was made after the USA pulled out of the

USA Re-designates Cuba as State Sponsor of Terrorism

On 11th January, 2020, the US State Department re-designated Cuba as a "state sponsor of terrorism". Cuba has been blacklisted again for repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism as well as harboring US fugitives and Colombian rebel leaders. It was removed from the list in 2015 by then-President Barack Obama

Solidarity and Stability Deal

On 5th January, 2021, at the 41st annual summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at Al-Ula (Saudi Arabia), Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a “solidarity and stability” agreement with Qatar. Background Ties between Qatar and the three GCC members went downhill after uprisings in Arab

India and GCC

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a collective entity has tremendous significance for India. The GCC’s substantial oil and gas reserves are of utmost importance for India’s energy needs. The GCC countries are collectively host to a large Indian expatriate community. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia

The Difficult Four Countries

On 11th January, 2020, Britain’s, Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), a British Think Tank, published a report proposing a blueprint for Britain’s future foreign policy after Brexit. Titled “Global Britain, Global Broker”, the report sketches a bold path ahead for the UK. Highlights of the Report Along with Russia, Turkey

Argentina’s Abortion Law Enters Force

On 24th January, 2021, Argentina’s abortion law that allows abortion up to 14th week of pregnancy came into force, after being passed by the National Congress in December 2020. With this, Argentina becomes only the third South American country to permit elective abortions, alongside Uruguay, which decriminalised the practice in 2012,

Second Scottish Independence Referendum

Recently, UK Prime Minister suggested Scotland should not hold another independence referendum until at least the 2050s, shrugging off claims that Brexit has strengthened the case for a new vote. Background Scottish National Party leader has called for second referendum and argues that Britain’s departure from the European Union, which a

Prarambh: Startup India International Summit with BIMSTEC

On 15th January, 2021, Prarambh: Startup India International Summit was organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The two-day Summit was organised as a follow up of the announcement made by the Prime Minister at the fourth Bay of Bengal Initiative for

India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries

Recently, the Fourth Meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries was held through virtual mode. The First Meeting of the JWG was held on 31 December 2016 in New Delhi. The Second Joint Working Group was held in Colombo on 7 April 2017 while the Third Meeting

India-Japan Ink Pact on Movement of Skilled Labours

On 18th January, 2021, India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to boost the mobility of skilled Indian workers in 14 fields, including nursing, industrial machinery, shipbuilding, aviation, agriculture and the food services industry. The present MoC would set an institutional mechanism for partnership and cooperation between India and

India Begins its Tenure as Non-permanent Member of UNSC

On January 1st, 2021, India began its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Key Points India was the sole candidate from the Asia-Pacific region vying for a non-permanent membership. Its candidature was unanimously endorsed by the 55-member Asia-Pacific Group in June, 2020. Along with India, Norway,

Global Investment Trend Monitor Report

On 24th January, 2021, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released Global Investment Trend Monitor Report. Key Findings Global foreign direct investment (FDI) collapsed in 2020, falling by 42% to an estimated $859 billion, from $1.5 trillion in 2019. FDI finished 2020 more than 30% below the trough after

Europe’s First Digital Nomad Village

The first digital nomad village in Europe is about to open on the tiny volcanic island of Madeira, one of two autonomous regions of Portugal from 1st February, 2021. Need People across the globe have embraced the digital nomad lifestyle in recent years, drawn in by its freedom and flexibility. That trend

China Amends Defence Law to Boost War Preparedness

China has amended its National Defense Law effective January 1 in order to expand the power of its Central Military Commission (CMC). The broader goal is to speed up the modernisation plans for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Key Points The amendments are aimed at increasing the control exercised by the CMC

News Snippets

1619 Project The 1619 Project is a special initiative of The New York Times Magazine, launched in 2019 to mark the completion of 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in colonial Virginia’s Jamestown in August 1619. The project was initiated by Nikole Hannah-Jones,

Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Enters Into Force

On 22nd January, 2021, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) came into force today, 90 days after the deposit of the 50th (Honduras) instrument of ratification. Currently, there are 86 signatories and 52 states parties. On January 22, the Kingdom of Cambodia ratified the treaty. About Treaty on the

PIB Corner

5th Joint Meeting of the India-Japan Act East Forum India and Japan held the fifth joint meeting of the India-Japan Act East Forum (AEF) on 28 January 2021 in New Delhi. The AEF reviewed progress of ongoing projects in the North Eastern Region of India in various areas including connectivity, hydropower, sustainable

Theia 456 is a Stretched Out Stream of Sibling Stars: Study

A new study titled 'Theia 456: A New Stellar Association in the Galactic Disk' has revealed that milky Way galaxy houses about 8,292 stellar streams. A stellar stream is a rare linear pattern-rather than a cluster-of stars. All stellar streams found in our Milky Way galaxy are named Theia after the

Astronomers Detect 10- Billion Year Old Multiplanet System

NASA's TESS mission (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) has discovered a system with three transiting exoplanets — including an ultra-short-period super Earth — around TOI-561, one of the oldest stars in our Milky Way Galaxy. TOI-561 is a bright star located 280.5 light-years away in the constellation of Sextans. The star is approximately

AstroSat Helps Spot UV Stars in Milky Way’s Cosmic Dinosaur

Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have spotted rare hot Ultraviolet (UV)-bright stars in Milky Way’s massive intriguing globular cluster called NGC 2808 that is said to have at least five generations of stars. Globular clusters are collections of thousands to millions of stars, moving as one unit.These stars

Missing Supermassive Black Hole at Centre of Distant Galaxy Baffles Scientists

A supermassive black hole, which is estimated to weigh up to 100 billion times the mass of the Sun, is seemingly missing, leaving astronomers puzzled. Every large galaxy in the universe has a supermassive black hole at its centre, whose mass is millions or billions of times that of the Sun.

NASA Approves Heliophysics Missions to Explore Sun, Earth’s Aurora

NASA has approved two heliophysics missions, EUVST and EZIE to explore the Sun and the system that drives space weather near Earth. Heliophysics Missions Solar-C EUVST Mission: The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) leads the Extreme Ultraviolet High-Throughput Spectroscopic Telescope (EUVST) Epsilon Mission (Solar-C EUVST Mission), along with other international partners. Targeted

Emergency Use Approval for Two Vaccines

India's drug regulator, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, has given emergency use authorisation (EUA) to Oxford- AstraZeneca’s Covishield and Bharat Biotech’s indigenously developed Covaxin. The subject expert committee (SEC) under CDSCO has recommended Covishield, for emergency use and Covaxin for restricted use. Approved Vaccines Covishield is local name for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine

Explorations Put Arunachal on Vanadium Map of India

Arunachal Pradesh could be India’s prime producer of vanadium, a high-value metal used in strengthening steel and titanium. Exploration being carried out by Geological Survey of India (GSI) has placed the eastern Himalayan State on the vanadium map of the country and geologists are confident of identifying a deposit soon. Highlights Scientists

2D-electron Gas

Scientists at Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, Punjab have produced an ultra-high mobility Two dimensional (2D)-electron gas (2DEG). INST, Mohali, is an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Highlights Scientists have produced electron gas with ultra-high mobility, which can speed up transfer of

Draft 5th National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy

Recently government released the draft of the 5th National Science Technology and Innovation Policy for public feedback. It aims to foster, develop, and nurture a robust system for evidence and stakeholder-driven STI planning, information, evaluation, and policy research in India. The objective of the policy is to identify and address strengths

Quantum Computing Applications Lab

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced the establishment of a Quantum Computing Applications Lab in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The move will give select researchers and scientists access to Amazon’s Braket cloud-based quantum computing service. Significance The area of quantum computing is at a very nascent stage

India Successfully Test-Fired New-generation Akash Missile

On 25th January, India successfully test-fired the new-generation Akash missile from Chandipur integrated test range off the Odisha coast. Akash-NG Missile The Akash-NG (new-generation) missile is a surface to air missile with brand-new rocket motor. Instead of the old ramjet that powered the legacy Akash missile, the new version has a two-pulse,

Smart Anti Airfield Weapon

On January 21, DRDO successfully conducted captive and release trial of indigenously developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) from Hawk-i of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Balasore off the Odisha coast. SAAW SAAW is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad. This is 125 Kg class smart weapon,

Google Threatens to Shut Services in Australia

Google has threatened to close its search engine in Australia —in response to the draft legislation in Australia that is intended to force Google to pay news publishers for reuse of their content. Highlights The draft legislation for Australia’s digital news Code which is currently before the parliament includes a controversial requirement

Global Ebola Vaccine Stockpile

Four international health and humanitarian organisations have come together to establish a global Ebola vaccine stockpile to ensure a quick repose to an outbreak. Highlights The injectable single-dose Ebola vaccine is manufactured by Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD) Corp. The effort to create an emergency reserve of about 500,000 doses was led

Whatsapp Privacy Policy

Ministry of Electronics and Information technology (MeitY) has asked Whatsapp to withdraw the new measures which will be included in the updated privacy policy, likely to be implemented from May 16. Government’s Stand MeitY has sought the responses from Facebook owned instant messaging service Whatsapp regarding the data sharing practices that it

FSSAI Cuts Down Limit for Trans-fat Levels in Foods

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has capped the amount of trans fatty acids (TFA) in oils and fats to 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022 from the current permissible limit of 5% through an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on

National Baseline Geoscience Data Generation Programmes (2020-2024)

To expedite exploration activities in the country, Geological Survey of India (GSI), has embarked upon an ambitious scheme to complete some major National level surveys by 2024: These include: National Geochemical Mapping (NGCM): It is an all India programme to cover the entire surface area of the country by geochemical sampling.

News Snippets

Project Loon Google’s parent company Alphabet is winding down project Loon that used high flying balloons to provide internet access in hard-to-reach regions of the world, where traditional ground-based infrastructure was too expensive or too difficult to install. Project Loon started in 2011 and

Bird Flu Outbreak in India

Several states in India are scrambling to contain bird flu, including Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Punjab. Samples from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala have tested positive for the A (H5N8) strain of the virus, while samples from Himachal Pradesh

Green Hydrogen: Fuel of the Hour

In the budget 2021, finance ministerproposed to launch a 'Hydrogen Energy Mission' in 2021-22 for generating hydrogen from green power sources. Green Hydrogen Fuel Hydrogen generated from water using renewable clean electricity (solar, wind or water) is called green hydrogen. This implies greenhouse gases like Carbon-dioxide are not a by-product at any

PIB Corner

South Korea’s ‘Artificial Sun’ Breaks World Record South Korea’s magnetic fusion device, the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) has set a new world record for fusion. It achieved a temperature of over 100 million degrees Celsius for 20 seconds. The Sun burns at 15 million degrees Celsius. By comparison, the KSTAR

Antarctic Ozone Hole Closes

The largest and deepest ever ozone hole over Antarctic has closed down recently. Antarctic Ozone Hole The annually occurring ozone hole over the Antarctic had rapidly grown from mid-August and peaked at around 24 million square kilometres, one of the largest so far, in early October 2020. The expansion of the hole

Global Warming May Intensify Flooding in South India

According to a new study titled ’ Zonally Contrasting Shifts Of The Tropical Rain Belt In Response To Climate Change,’ published on 18 January, researchers have found that monsoon rainfall over the course of the century will get even more severe for southern India due to global heating. Key Findings The intertropical

40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica Launched

On 5th January 2021, the 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) departed for the South Pole from Mormugao Port, Goa. The expedition, apart from its scientific mission, shall carry out the humanitarian responsibility of relieving the winter crew, while resupplying the bases with food, fuel, provisions and spares for operations

NCAVES India Forum 2021

Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of the Ecosystem Services (NCAVES) India Forum 2021 was organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently. Objectives of the NCAVES Forum 2021 To highlight the achievements in natural capital accounting and valuation of ecosystem services and prospects of natural capital accounting in India. To

Ministry of Power Notifies Norms and Standards for E-Certificate Trading Under PAT Scheme

The Ministry of Power in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has notified the price of per metric tonne of oil equivalent, for compliance under Energy Consumption Norms and Standards of Designated Consumer notified under PAT scheme. PAT Scheme Pat scheme is a flagship programme of BEE under the National

NGT Issues Order for Compliance of E-Waste Management Rules

The principal Bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently issued directions for the implementation of E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 after observing that there were huge gaps in the compliance by the State Pollution Control Boards and local authorities, breaching their obligation of ensuring pollution free environment. Background of the Case The NGT

UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2020

According to the 2020 Adaptation Gap Report, released on 14th January by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), as temperatures rise and climate change impacts intensify, nations must urgently step up action to adapt to the new climate reality or face serious costs, damages and losses. Adaptation means reducing the fallout among

Deaths Due to Lightning Strikes Declined by 37%

According to a report published by the Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council (CROPC) — a non-profit organisation that works closely with India Meteorological Department, number of deaths due to lightning strikes have reduced in India. Key Findings According to the report, number of deaths due to lightning strikes reduced by nearly

Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Protected Areas

On 11th January, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, released the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of 146 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across 29 states and Union territories in the country. It also announced that this year onwards, 10 best national parks, five coastal and marine parks and top five

Govt. Approves Advisory for Management of Human-Wildlife Conflict

On 5th January, the Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife(SC-NBWL) approved the advisory for management of Human-Wildlife Conflict(HWC) in the country. HWC occurs when animals pose a direct and recurring threat to the livelihood or safety of people, leading to the killing of that species. Standing Committee also approved inclusion of

Bird Survey of Sundarbans

According to a recent publication “Birds of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve”, of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Indian Sundarbans, which is part of the largest mangrove forest in the world, is home to 428 species of birds. The Indian Sundarbans, a world heritage site and a Ramsar Site, covers 4,200

Global Forest Loss Hotspots Bigger than Germany:WWF

As per a recent report of WWF, more than 43 million hectares of forest—an area bigger than Germany—have been lost in a little over a decade in just a handful of deforestation hotspots. Swathes of forest continue to be flattened each year—mainly due to industrial-scale agriculture—as biodiversity-rich areas are cleared to

Scientists Find Way to Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency In Paddy

A group of Indian scientists from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, have found a way to improve crops by reducing wastage of nitrogen fertilisers applied to them. Key Findings Scientists were able to identify phenotypes, or visibly identifiable features that determine the efficiency with which cultivated rice varieties (cultivars) use nitrogen.

GHGs Impact Wildfire Outbreaks Regionally

In a first-of-its-kind study, scientists have assessed the influence of human activities on extreme fire weather risk, and found that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollution have distinct regional impacts on wildfire outbreaks. The research analysed the climate under various combinations of human influences since 1920, isolating individual effects and

Rooftop Solar Scheme: Only Discoms are Authorised

The ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) recently clarified that the rooftop solar scheme is being implemented in the states only by power distribution companies (DISCOMS) that have empanelled vendors through the bidding process and decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant. It added that domestic consumers

Marine Heat Waves Expected to Become More Intense and Frequent

A new study by the University of Colorado at Boulder in the U.S has pointed out that the mixed layer of the ocean which blankets the top 20 to 200 metres is becoming thinner each year. It warns that the continued loss of this buffer may lead to more frequent

News Snippets

Dzukou Valley The Dzukou Valley or the Valley of flowers in Manipur reported a major wildfire few days ago. The 80-90-sq km green valley, spread across northern Manipur and southern Nagaland, has been prone to forest fires for decades. It is home to rare and

India bets Big on Seaweeds

After successful pilot projects, India has decided to go in for largescale cultivation of 60 varieties of seaweeds or macroalgae, which have multiple commercial applications in medicine, fertilizer, animal feed and food, being a rich source of amino acid and several micronutrients. Also, in the budget 2021, government proposed a multipurpose

PIB Corner

Karnataka’s First Wolf Sanctuary Karnataka will soon get its first Indian Grey Wolf sanctuary in Koppal district of Kalyana-Karnataka region. Besides wolves, the area will also provide conservation of striped hyena, Indian fox, golden jackal and other fauna, the agenda copy added. About Indian Grey Wolf It is a subspecies of grey wolf