Oil Shock and Its Impact

On 8th March, 2022, the US announced a complete ban on Russian oil, liquefied natural gas and coal imports in a bid to deprive Russia of the economic resources, in view of its ongoing war activities in Ukraine. The ban blocked any new purchases of Russian crude oil and certain petroleum

Supreme Court Panel Report on Repealed Farm Laws

On 19th March, 2021, a Supreme Court-appointed panel to study the three farm laws, which was scrapped by Parliament in November 2021, submitted its report to the apex court. The bilateral interactions of the Committee with the stakeholders demonstrated that only 13.3 percent of the stakeholders were not in favour of

Carbon-Neutral Agriculture

Kerala is set to become the first State in the country to introduce carbon-neutral farming methods in selected locations. About Carbon-Neutral Agriculture Carbon neutral agriculture refers to the net zero balance of emissions and sinks of all the greenhouse gases on farms in terms of their CO2 equivalents, resulting in climate neutral

MSME Innovative Scheme

On 10th March, 2022, the government launched the MSME Innovative Scheme (Incubation, Design and IPR) along with the MSME IDEA HACKATHON 2022. MSME Innovative is a new concept for MSMEs with a combination of innovation in incubation, design intervention and by protecting IPR in a single mode approach. Aim To enhance MSME competitiveness

Amendment to the Mines and Minerals Act, 1957

On 10th March, 2022, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for amendment of Second Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 for specifying the rate of royalty in respect of Glauconite, Potash, Emerald, Platinum Group of Metals (PGM), Andalusite, Sillimanite and Molybdenum. Need India is totally dependent on

National Land Monetisation Corporation

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the creation of the National Land Monetisation Corporation (NLMC), the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as announced in the Union Budget 2021-22. Aim To carry out monetisation of government and surplus land holdings of public sector undertakings (PSU). Need According to the Economic Survey 2021-2022, as of now, Central Public

Brahmaputra (NW2) gets connected with Ganga (NW1)

Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways received the maiden voyage of food-grains from Patna to Pandu port (Assam) via Bangladesh. The vessel started its sail from Patna on National Waterway-1 (river Ganga) and passed through Bhagalpur, Manihari, Sahibganj, Farakka, Tribeni, Kolkata, Haldia, Hemnagar; Indo Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route

Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Centre

On 10th March, 2022, the Union Minister for Power launched the Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Centre (SGKC) and Innovation Park virtually as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Programme. About Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Centre The new Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Centre located within the POWERGRID centre in Manesar is the first

Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance

On 30th March, 2022, the Union Cabinet approved a new programme- “Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance” (RAMP), which would commence in FY 2022-23. RAMP was formulated and proposed by the Government of India, for strengthening MSMEs in line with the recommendations made by U K Sinha Committee, K V Kamath Committee

Scheme for Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry

On 11th March, 2022, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, released the guidelines for the scheme “Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI)". Aim To strengthen the existing infrastructure facilities in the Pharma Sector. Salient Features Under the Scheme, financial assistance to pharma clusters will be provided for creation of Common Facilities. This will

Coastal Economic Zone

Recently, fourteen Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) were envisaged including three in the state of Tamil Nadu, under the National Perspective Plan of the Sagarmala Programme. It was proposed to create an institutional framework and develop one CEZ project on a pilot basis for enabling Port Led Industrialization and incentivize employment generation.

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority

In a major development, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has announced a hike in prices of around 800 essential drugs from 1 April, 2022. The rise in drug prices works out at around 10.76% based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data. The drugs which are included in the National

NITI Aayog Releases Second Edition of Export Preparedness Index 2021

On 25th March, 2022, NITI Aayog, in partnership with the Institute of Competitiveness, released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2021. About the Report The Export Preparedness Index is a data-driven endeavour to identify the fundamental areas critical for subnational export promotion. Primary Goals: To instil competition among all Indian states (‘Coastal’, ‘Landlocked’, ‘Himalayan’, and

Predatory Pricing

It is a strategy that entails a temporary price below the cost of production in order to injure competition and thereby reap higher profits in the long run. It is adopted to enhance market power.

Tax Loss Harvesting

It is the practice of selling a security that has experienced a loss.By realizing, or "harvesting" a loss, investors are able to offset taxes on both gains and income. The shares have to move out of the demat account through a delivery sell transaction and can be subsequently purchased the

Venture Capital

Startup companies with a potential to grow need a certain amount of investment.Wealthy investors like to invest their capital in such businesses with a long-term growth perspective. This capital is known as venture capital and the investors are called venture

Kalanamak Paddy

It is grown widely in Tarai belt of Uttar Pradesh.The kalanamak grains were found from excavation of Kapilvastu. It has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in

Padkai Farming

It is a tribal practice of creating small beds by cutting into, scooping out and flattening of the hillsides for paddy plantation.Across the Western Ghats, tribal farmers are known to have cultivated rice in this way. Since 2010, Padkai has been introduced in the list of works to be undertaken

Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)

MIS is a price support mechanism implemented on the request of State Governments for the procurement of perishable and horticultural commodities in the event of a fall in market prices. It is implemented when there is at least a 10% increase in production or a 10% decrease in the ruling

Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH)

Recently, governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has inaugurated the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It has been set up as a Section 8 company under Companies Act, 2013, with an initial capital contribution of ₹100 crore. It aims to foster and develop financial innovation in

‘Meri Policy Mere Haath’ Campaign

‘Meri Policy Mere Haath’ campaign was launched in Hassan, Karnataka.Launched as a part of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. It is aimed at motivating all farmers in the country to insure their crops. Under this program, every farmer who has taken insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Kaji Nemu

It is the most common and popular citrus fruit found in Assam.Fruits of ‘Kaji nemu’ are seedless. The uniqueness of the fruit lies in its bearing habit. Even if it gets ripened it doesn’t fall from the tree up to a very long

The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill 2022

On 28th March, 2022, the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 was introduced in the Parliament. The Bill supposed to replace the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920. Need Limited Ambit of Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 The 1920 Act provides recording only finger impressions and foot-print impressions of convicts. This is argued by the Centre to

Chartered Accountants Bill 2021

On 30th March, 2022, Lok Sabha passed the Chartered Accountants, the Cost and Works Accountants and the Company Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2021. The Bill amends the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959, and the Company Secretaries Act, 1980. Salient Features Ambit: It provides mechanism for dealing with

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

Recently, the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment pointed that the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has been dysfunctional for the last four years and has not delivered a single report to Parliament. The pending reports include: A study by the Commission of the impact of the Indira Sagar Polavaram Project

New Census Rule Notified

On 11th March, 2022, Centre announced Census (Amendment) Rules, 2022 by amending Census Rules, 1990. Major Highlights of Census (Amendment) Rules, 2022 Amendments will allow online self-enumeration in the upcoming Census and National Population Register. Amendment has been inserted in clause C of Rule-2 to include “electronic form” and “self-enumeration” in questions to

WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine

On 25th March, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India signed an agreement to establish the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This global knowledge centre for traditional medicine aims to harness the potential of traditional medicine from across the world through modern science

Principle of Reasonable Accommodation

On 20th March, 2022, the Karnataka High Court ruled that students in educational institutions should only wear prescribed uniforms. The decision effectively upheld the denial of entry to students wearing the hijab. The court rejected an argument in support of permitting Muslim girls wearing head-scarves that was based on the principle of

Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records

On 30th March, 2022, Chief Justice of India (CJI) launched the digital platform Fast and Secured Transmission of Electronic Records (FASTER). About FASTER Digital Platform It is a digital platform which will transmit the top court’s interim orders, judgments, stay orders, bail orders and the like through a secure channel to lower

Assam-Meghalaya Border Pact

On 29th March, 2022, Assam and Meghalaya signed historic agreement to resolve the 50-year-old pending border issue. Key Points of Border Pact Of the 12 disputed sectors, six “less complicated” areas — Tarabari, Gizang, Hahim, Boklapara, Khanapara-Pilingkata and Ratacherra — were chosen for resolving in the first pahse. According to the pact, Assam

Centre Removes AFSPA from Parts of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur

On 31st March, 2022, the Union government decided to reduce the areas under AFSPA in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur with effect from 1st April, 2022. Reason The move came three months after the Union government constituted a high-level committee to examine the possibility of lifting the AFSPA in Nagaland

Draft National Medical Devices Policy 2022

On 10th March, 2022, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers released an Approach Paper for the Draft National Policy for the Medical Devices, 2022. The draft national policy further aims to foster orderly growth of the sector for the coming years. This policy, while addressing the core objectives of accessibility, affordability,

Sujalam 2.0 Campaign

On the occasion of the World Water Day (22 March, 2022), the Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the Sujalam 2.0 campaign for greywater management. Aim To sustain the achievement made under the Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM-G) Phase I. Ensure holistic cleanliness in villages by having arrangements for solid and liquid waste

Donate a Pension Scheme

Recently, the Union Labour and Employment Ministry launched the “Donate a Pension” scheme. Key Features It is an initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) pension scheme. Under this scheme, citizens can donate the premium contribution of their immediate support staff including domestic workers, drivers and helpers. So it allows

National Capacity Building Framework for Garbage Free Cities

Recently, the National Capacity Building Framework for Garbage Free Cities (GFCs) has been launched. It has been launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U2.0) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. This will help in preparing the blueprint for capacity building, skill development and knowledge management initiatives of the

Democracy Report 2022

Recently, the latest edition of Democracy Report was released recently by the V-Dem Institute at Sweden’s University of Gothenburg. The study was titled ‘Democracy Report 2022: Autocratisation Changing Nature?’ The report classifies countries into four regime types based on their score in the Liberal Democratic Index (LDI): Liberal Democracy, Electoral Democracy, Electoral

Dies-non

Recently, the Kerala government issues a 'dies-non' order hours after the HC directive to take steps to prevent its employees from abstaining from duty as part of nationwide strike. In service terms, “dies-non” means a day, which cannot be treated as duty for any purpose. It does not constitute break

National Bee Board (NBB)

It is a registered society under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.NBB is one of the National Level Agencies (NLAs) under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Presently, the main thrust of NBB is setting up of Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres (IBDCs)/Centres of Excellence (CoEs) on beekeeping, at least

I-STEM National Portal

It is an initiative of Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India under the aegis of Prime Minister Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). It aims to strengthen the R&D ecosystem by connecting researchers with resources, in part by promoting technologies and scientific equipment development

National Conference on Economics of Competition Law

On 4th March, 2022, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) organized the 7th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law. Its objectives include:Stimulate research and debate on contemporary issues in the field of economics of competition law.Develop a better understanding of competition issues relevant to the Indian context.Draw inferences for

National Pension System (NPS)

Introduced in 2004, it is a pension cum investment scheme launched by Government of India to provide old age security to Citizens of India. It brings an attractive long term saving avenue to effectively plan your retirement through safe and regulated market-based return.The Scheme is regulated by Pension Fund Regulatory

International Election Visitors Programme (IEVP)

India has been hosting the International Election Visitors Programme (IEVP) since 2012.Under the program, international delegates are invited to visit polling stations and see the electoral processes in practice for themselves in person. Voter connects through SVEEP and facilitation for various categories of voters for electoral

14th India-Japan Annual Summit

The Prime Minister of Japan made an official visit to India from 19 to 20 March, 2022, for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit with the Prime Minister of India. The Summit took place at a significant time as the two countries are celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations

2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit

On 21st March, 2022, the Prime Minister of India and the Prime Minister of Australia held the 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit. During the Summit, they reviewed the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries and exchanged views on regional and global developments. The Summit aims to deepen and expand the horizon of India-Australia

5th India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade & Investment

On 11th March, 2022, India and Canada held the fifth Ministerial Dialogue on Trade & Investment (MDTI) in New Delhi. The robust trade and economic relationship between India and Canada was highlighted and both countries resolved to further strengthen the bilateral ties and economic partnership. A Joint Statement was issued at

Programme of Cooperation

Recently, India and Oman signed a Programme of Cooperation (POC) in the fields of science and technology for the period 2022-2025. The POC was signed in pursuance of the Agreement for Cooperation in Science and Technology concluded on 5th October, 1996, between the Government of Oman and the Government of India. Key

5th BIMSTEC Summit

Recently, the 5th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was held. The summit was hosted in virtual mode by Sri Lanka, the current chair of BIMSTEC. Key Highlights Theme: The 5th BIMSTEC Summit’s theme is “Towards a Resilient Region, Prosperous Economies, Healthy People”. The theme

BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement

In a meeting held recently, India, Bangladesh and Nepal finalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for implementing the long-pending Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA). Bhutan participated in the meeting as an observer and has decided to stay out of the BBIN MVA. Key Highlights Aim: To provide seamless people-to-people contact and enhance

Colombo Security Conclave Meeting

On 9th and 10th March, 2022, the fifth meeting of National Security Advisers of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was held in the Maldives. The Member States agreed on a roadmap for cooperation and collaboration that will “facilitate robust mechanisms for coordinated responses, capacity building and strengthening information flow. About Colombo

Minamata Convention

Recently, the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-4.2) was held in Bali, Indonesia.The meeting aimed to enhance international cooperation and coordination for combatting illegal trade in mercury, a major pollutant globally. Key Highlights Bali Declaration: The Government of Indonesia and the United Nations

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

ITU is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication. It was established on 17th May, 1865, as the International Telegraph Union, making it the oldest UN agency. Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The ITU is governed by the Plenipotentiary Conference and the Administrative Council.ITU’s global membership

Bucharest Nine (B9)

The “Bucharest Nine”, often abbreviated as the B9, is a group of nine NATO countries in Eastern Europe that became part of the US-led military alliance after the end of the Cold War. It includes Romania, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the three Baltic republics of Estonia,

National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE)

National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE) Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister inaugurated the NCPLE in the Maldives’ Addu city. The training academy would help strengthen law enforcement abilities and counter drug trafficking, a major concern in the country. Some of the objectives of this training academy are preventing

Hague Convention of 1954

The UNESCO recently said that it had bolstered protective measures under the Hague Convention-1954 to preserve Ukraine’s endangered cultural heritage in light of Russia’s invasion. The Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict was adopted in 1954 under the auspices of UNESCO. Referred

Artemis I Mission

On 17th March, 2022, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) rolled out its Artemis I moon mission to the launchpad for testing at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, United States. With this mission, NASA aims to contribute to scientific discovery and economic benefits and inspire a new generation of explorers. The

Chandrayaan-2 Observes Global Distribution of Argon-40 in Lunar Exosphere

Recently, the Chandra's Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2 (CHACE-2) onboard Chandrayaan-2 mission made the first-of-its-kind observations of the global distribution of Argon-40 in the tenuous lunar exosphere. Key Highlights Distribution: CHACE-2 payload has shown that the distribution of Argon-40 (Ar-40) gas in the lunar exosphere exists beyond the areas that were known. Ar-40 originates

NASA Confirms 5000 Exoplanets

Recently, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovered 65 new planets. With this, the count of confirmed exoplanets crossed 5000, representing a 30-year journey of discovery led by NASA space telescopes. About Exoplanets An exoplanet (sometimes referred to as an extrasolar planet) is any planet beyond our solar system. Generally, it follows

The Science behind Solar Spicules

Recently, a team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), unravelled the science behind the jets of plasma in the Sun’s chromosphere. Chromosphere is the atmospheric layer just above the Sun's visible surface. Key Findings Analogy: The researchers explained the origin

New Method of Hydrogen Production by Urea Electrolysis

Recently, Indian scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), designed an electrocatalyst system for energy-efficient hydrogen production with the help of electrolysis of urea. Key Highlights The energy requirement for production of hydrogen through water electrolysis can

MES Constructs Houses Using 3D Printing Technology

Recently, Indian Army’s Military Engineering Services (MES) constructed two houses using 3D Rapid Construction Technology in South-Western Air Command in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Need The Indian Army wants to utilise 3D printing to make houses, bunkers and parking facilities for military personnel and vehicles in border areas, where traditional construction is challenging due

Solid Adsorbents for CO2 Capture and Utilisation

Recently, Indian scientists have discovered a novel strategy to synthesize novel solid adsorbents for CO2 capture and utilization. Context Carbon capture and utilization are growing fields of research focusing on reducing CO2 emissions. Despite several industrial advancements having been already demonstrated, none of the technologies can provide an economically viable and complete

NSM Deploys Supercomputer Param Ganga

Recently, the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) deployed “PARAM Ganga”, a supercomputer at IIT Roorkee, with a supercomputing capacity of 1.66 Petaflops. About Param Ganga The system is designed and commissioned by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under Phase 2 of the build approach of the NSM. Substantial components utilised to build

Dare2eraD TB Launched

On 24th March, 2022 (World TB Day), the Union Government launched the Data-Driven Research to Eradicate TB - “Dare2eraD TB” - initiative. It is a joint program between the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and is led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). Dare2eraD

PACER Scheme

It stands for Polar Science and Cryosphere Research. The scheme is implemented through National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Objective of the scheme is to improve our understanding of polar science and the cryosphere system.The scheme comprises the Antarctic

GSAT-7B Satellite

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of a GSAT-7B satellite recently. GSAT-7B is a state-of-the-art, multi-band, military-grade satellite that will primarily fulfill the communication needs of the army. As of now, the army is using 30 percent of the communication capabilities

Gallium Nitride (GaN)

It is a very hard, mechanically stable wide band gap semiconductor. It has a Wurtzite crystal structure. With higher breakdown strength, faster switching speed, higher thermal conductivity and lower on-resistance, power devices based on GaN significantly outperform silicon-based devices. Gallium nitride crystals can be grown on a variety

ExoMars 2022

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) ExoMars 2022 mission will not be launched in September as planned after the agency suspended all cooperation with Russia’s space program Roscosmos. Led jointly by Roscosmos and the ESA, the mission has the objective of studying past life on Mars. The ExoMars consists of two

Australia’s Defence Space Command Agency

Recently, Australia announced a new Defence Space Command Agency aimed at countering the growing influence of Russia and China in space. It was set up in January 2022 to help Australia achieve strategic space ambitions and lead the efforts to assure Australia’s access to space.It will engage in developing

Indigenous Air Traffic Management Systems

Recently, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) entered into an agreement for joint indigenous development of systems for air traffic management and surface movement of aircraft at airports in the country. BEL and AAI will jointly develop Civil Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) with Advanced-Surface

River Rejuvenation through Forestry Interventions

On 14th March, 2022, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) released the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) on rejuvenation of thirteen major rivers through forestry interventions. The 13 rivers for which DPRs were released are Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Luni, Narmada, Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, and

Amazon Rainforest Nearing Tipping Point

According to a recent study, more than 75% of the Amazon rainforest has been heading towards a tipping point since the early 2000s. The researchers used 30 years of satellite data to understand the resilience of the rainforest and how it has changed over the years. Key Findings Decreasing Resilience: Continuously decreasing rainforest

Mass Coral Bleaching of Great Barrier Reef

On 25th March, 2022, the management authority of the world’s largest coral reef system, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, confirmed that the reef is experiencing a mass coral bleaching event. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which spreads across a length of over 2,300 km, is home to about 3,000 coral reefs,

Upcoming Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution

Recently, at its fifth session held in Nairobi, Kenya, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a resolution to formulate an international legally-binding instrument by 2024 to end plastic pollution. The decision was agreed upon by representatives from 175 nations. The resolution identifies the threat that plastic pollution poses to human

Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj

On 17th March, 2022, the Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR) was released. Need India has been vulnerable, in varying degrees, to many natural as well as human-made disasters on account of its unique geo-climatic and socio-economic conditions. Different parts of the country are highly vulnerable to cyclones, floods,

India’s Arctic Policy

On 17th March, 2022, India unveiled its Arctic Policy, titled 'India and the Arctic: Building a Partnership for Sustainable Development’. The policy aims to enhance India’s cooperation with the resource-rich and rapidly transforming region. Key Highlights Pillars The policy document lays down the following six pillars: Strengthening India’s scientific research and cooperation; Climate

2021 World Air Quality Report

IQAir recently released the 2021 World Air Quality Report. The report presented an overview of the state of global air quality in 2021. IQAir is a Swiss group that measures air quality levels based on the concentration of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5. The report is based on PM 2.5 air quality data

World Water Development Report 2022

On the eve of World Water Day (22nd March), UNESCO on behalf of UN-Water released the United Nations World Water Development Report 2022 titled “Groundwater: Making the invisible visible”. The report describes the challenges and opportunities associated with the development, management and governance of groundwater across the world. Key Findings Importance of Groundwater Groundwater

Minamata Convention on Mercury

It was designed to protect human health and environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. The treaty also addresses the direct mining of mercury, its export and import, its safe storage and its disposal as waste. It was adopted in 2013 at a diplomatic conference held

Boma Technique

The Boma capturing technique, which is popular in Africa, involves luring of animals into an enclosure by chasing them through a funnel-like fencing. The funnel tapers into an animal selection-cum-loading chute, supported with grass mats and green net to make it opaque for animals, which are herded into a

Pensilungpa Glacier

The Pensilungpa Glacier is located in Zanskar, Ladakh. It is retreating due to an increase in the temperature and decrease in precipitation during winters. The Zanskar Range, geologically a part of the Tethys Himalaya, is a mountain range in the union territory of Ladakh that separates Zanskar from Ladakh.Zojila Pass

Earth Hour

It is the World Wildlife Fund for Nature’s (WWF) annual initiative that began in 2007. It is held every year on the last Saturday of March. During Earth Hour, civilians are encouraged to switch off their lights for one hour from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm as per their

Project Nilgiri Tahr

Recently, Tamil Nadu announced Project Nilgiri Tahr, the first-of-its-kind project that aims to protect the state animal and raise awareness about it. The Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is a sure-footed ungulate that inhabits the open montane grassland habitats at elevations from 1200 to 2600 m of the South Western Ghats.

Syllipsimopodi bideni

It is a 328-million-year-old fossil (vampyropod) recently named after the US President, Joe Biden. The 4.7-inch fossil possesses a gladius and ten robust arms, bearing biserial rows of suckers. The name was chosen because this is the oldest known cephalopod to develop suckers, allowing the arms, which are modifications of

Glycosmis albicarpa

Recently, a team of scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has discovered a new gin berry species named Glycosmis albicarpa from the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The species belongs to the Orange family, Rutaceae. Endemic to the southern Western Ghats, this new species has a distinct

Gilbert F. Houngbo

The former Prime Minister of Togo Gilbert F. Houngbo has been elected to be the next Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO).Houngbo is currently President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).He will be the 11th Director-General of the ILO, and the first African to hold the post.The

Dr Ian Fry

Australian academic Dr. Ian Fry has been appointed as the first independent expert for human rights and climate change by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).He has negotiated on behalf of least developed countries including at the 2015 Paris Climate Conference where he helped ensure that human rights were

Jayati Ghosh

Indian development economist Jayati Ghosh has been appointed by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to a new high-level 12-member Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism.The Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism to be co-chaired by former Liberian president and Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven. The

T Raja Kumar

Singapore's T Raja Kumar has been selected as the next president of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global money laundering and terrorism financing watchdog.His appointment begins on Jul 1, 2022 for a fixed two-year term. He will succeed Dr. Marcus Pleyer of Germany.Raja’s appointment marks the first time

Dr. S Raju

Dr. S Raju has taken over as the Director General of Geological Survey of India (GSI). He succeeded R. S. Garkhal. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) was founded in 1851. It is headquartered at

Ajay Bhushan Pandey

Former Finance Secretary and CEO, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Ajay Bhushan Pandey has been appointed as the chairman of National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) for a period of three years.NFRA is the country’s sole independent audit regulator.

Debasish Panda

Debasish Panda has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), which is the insurance regulator.IRDAI is a statutory body with 10-members with a Chairman - five whole-time members and four part-time members.

Eugene Newman Parker

American Astrophysicist Eugene Newman Parker, who contributed to solar physics, has passed away on 15 March 2022.In the 1950s he proposed the existence of the solar wind and that the magnetic field in the outer Solar System would be in the shape of a Parker spiral, predictions that were later

Kirori Singh Bainsla

Former Army officer and Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla, who led an agitation for several years for getting reservation for the community, passed away on 31 March, 2022.He was part of the war against China in 1962 as well as the India-Pakistan wars in 1965 and 1971.

Ramesh Chandra Lahoti

Former Chief Justice of India (35th) Ramesh Chandra Lahoti has passed away on 23 March 2022.He upheld a Haryana law that did not allow those with more than two children to contest local body elections. He rejected arguments based on right to privacy and religion.He also quashed the Illegal Migrants

Kumudben Joshi

Former Andhra Pradesh Governor Kumudben Joshi has passed away on 14 March 2022.She was the second female Governor of the state after Sharda Mukherjee.

BB Gurung

Former chief minister of Sikkim – BB Gurung has passed away on 28 March 2022.He was the third chief minister of Sikkim.He served in that post for two weeks, from May 11 to May 24, 1984 — the shortest in the history of

IONS Maritime Exercise 2022

The maiden edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Maritime Exercise 2022 (IMEX-22) was conducted at Goa and in Arabian Sea from 26 – 30 March 22.The aim of the exercise was to enhance interoperability in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations among member navies. The exercise witnessed participation

VARUNA – 2022

The 20th edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between Indian and French Navies – ‘VARUNA’ was conducted in the Arabian Sea from 30 Mar – 03 Apr

EX DUSTLIK

The 3rd edition of Indo-Uzbekistan Joint Field Training Exercise “EX DUSTLIK” concluded at Yangiarik, Uzbekistan on 29 March 2022.The joint exercise provided an opportunity for both the contingents to train in Counter Terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment.

SLINEX

The ninth edition of Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise SLINEX was held in Visakhapatnam.The previous edition of SLINEX was conducted off Trincomalee in October

Democratic Republic of Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo became the 7th member of the East Africa Community (EAC).Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda are the other members.The DRC is the largest and most populous country to join the EAC, bringing a market of 90 million people and immediately upgrading the region’s GDP

Moradabad

With "114 decibels", Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad- known as the country's "brass hub" - has been ranked as the world’s "second-most noisiest city", as per the latest Annual Frontier Report 2022 published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).Dhaka tops the list with 119 decibels, while Islamabad is third (105 decibels).

Stockholm Water Prize 2022

Winner -Wilfried H. Brutsaert (Belgium)Awarded by- SIWI in cooperation with the Royal Swedish Academy of SciencesFor- To quantify environmental evaporation, helping to make accurate predictions of the impact that climate change has on local rainfall patterns and water

Abel Prize 2022

Winner-Dennis P. Sullivan (USA)Awarded by- Norwegian Academy of Science and LettersFor-Topology in its broadest sense, and in particular algebraic, geometric and dynamical

GD Birla Award for Scientific Research 2022

Winner- Professor Narayan Pradhan (India)Awarded by- K. K. Birla FoundationFor-Contribution in the field of material

Pritzker Architecture Prize 2022

Winner- Diebedo Francis Kéré (Burkina Faso)Awarded by- Pritzker Family & Hyatt Foundation For- For his use of minimal resources and a very careful selection of affordable and sustainable

94th Academy Awards

Best Picture: CODA Best Actress: Jessica Chastain – The Eyes of Tammy Faye Best Actor: Will Smith – King Richard Best Director: Jane Campion – The Power of the Dog India’s 'Writing with Fire' lost to 'Summer of Soul' At the 2022 Oscars, Delhi-based filmmaker duo Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh-directed 'Writing with Fire'

British Academy Film Awards 2022

Best Film: "The Power of the Dog" Outstanding British Film: "Belfast" Director: Jane Campion, "The Power of the Dog" Leading Actor: Will Smith, "King Richard" Leading Actress: Joanna Scanlan, "After Love" Grammy Award to Falguni Shah & Ricky Kej Indian-American singer Falguni Shah won Grammy Award 2022 for ‘A Colorful World’ in the Best Children's

Malabar Rebellion

Recently, the Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR) has deferred its decision on a recommendation to remove the 1921 Malabar Rebellion martyrs including Variamkunnaathu Kunhahamad Haji and Ali Musliyar from the list of India’s freedom fighters. According to the ICHR, the rebellion that took place at Malabar was a one-sided attack

Pal-Dadhav Massacre

On 7th March, 2022, the Gujarat government marked 100 years of the Pal-Dadhvav killings, calling it a massacre “bigger than the Jallianwala Bagh”. About Pal-Dadhav Massacre It place on March 7, 1922, in the Pal-Chitariya and Dadhvaav villages of Sabarkantha district, then part of Idar state. The day was Amalki Ekadashi, which falls

Battle of Pollilur

Recently, a painting that showcases the erstwhile sultan of Mysore Haider Ali and his son, Tipu, riding into Battle against the British troops of the East India Company has fetched about Rs 6.28 crore. The nearly 32-foot long monumental painting represents the victory of the Mysore army led by Haidar Ali,

Ol Chiki Script

Recently, a professor in the Santali language at the Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University in Purulia, West Bengal, translated the Constitution of India for the first time in Santali in the Ol Chiki script. About Ol Chiki Script This script is also known as Ol Cemet’, Ol script, Ol ciki Script and also Ol.

Santhali Sohrai Mural

Santhali communities of Odisha and Jharkhand are changing their ways of painting traditional Sohrai murals to modernity. About Sohrai Murals Sohrai Mural is an indigenous art form is practised by the women of Santhal Community. The women clean their houses and decorate their walls with murals of Sohrai arts. This art form has continued

Narasingapettai Nagaswaram

Narasingapettai Nagaswaram, the classical wind musical instrument of Tamil Nadu has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag under the category of musical instruments of class 15. The musical instrument is traditionally made by artisans based in a village near Kumbakonam who make them through specialized processing skills, a technique

Dol Jatra

Dol Jatra, the festival of colour, is predominantly celebrated in the states of West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam with much pomp and gusto. Traditions of Dol Jatra Dol Jatra or Dol Purnima is celebrated on a full moon day, and the festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It often coincides with the

Pandrethan Temple

Recently, Chinar Corps of the Indian Army was accorded recognition by the National Monuments Authority (NMA) for preserving and rejuvenating Pandrethan temple. About Pandrethan Temple Pandrethan is an ancient stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that lies within a square shaped tank to the north of Jhelum River. It is located about

Phool Dei: Uttarakhand's Festival of Flowers

The festival of Phool Dei is celebrated in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand every year in the flowering season (March-April) for about a month to teach children to cherish & nurture nature. The term 'Dei' refers to a ceremonial pudding which is the key food in this festival

UNESCO’s City of Literature Tag

Recently, Kozhikode was proposed by the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) to be branded as a ‘City of Literature’ with the help of UNESCO. About City of Literature Programme UNESCO’s City of Literature programme is part of a wider Creative Cities Network which was launched in 2004 and is currently

Shyamji Krishna Varma

On 30th March, 2022, the Prime Minister paid tributes to Shyamji Krishna Varma on his Punya Tithi. About Shyamji Krishna Varma Shyamji Krishna Varma was 4th October, 1857 in Mandvi, a province in Kutch, Gujarat. He went to Mumbai for further education at Wilson High School where he learnt Sanskrit. He came

Bamiyan Buddhas

Bamiyan is situated in the high mountains of the Hindu Kush in the central highlands of Afghanistan. The Bamiyan Buddha statues, cut from sandstone cliffs, are said to have dated back to the 5th century AD, and were once the tallest standing Buddhas in the world. In their Roman draperies

Namma Ooru Thiruvizha

Recently, Namma Oor Thiruvizha, a folk-art festival, to showcase traditional art forms of Tamil Nadu is set to begin in Chennai.Namma Oor Thiruvizha, or the Festival of Our Land, being organised to symbolise the pride of Tamil culture. It is a derivative of Chennai

Three-headed sculpture of Lord Vishnu

In a rare archaeological find, a three-headed sculpture of Lord Vishnu, which dates back to 9th century, was found in Jhelum River during extraction of sand in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The finely carved sculpture demonstrates clearly the sculptural style in use at Avantipora during the 9th

Determination of Minority Status

On 28th March, 2022, the Central government told the Supreme Court that certain States, where Hindus or other communities are less in number, can declare them as minorities within their own territories, to enable them to set up and administer their own institutions. About the Case The Centre was responding to a

Decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio

As per the Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) released by the Registrar General of India, MMR of India has declined by 10 points. The ratio has declined from 113 in 2016-18 to 103 in 2017-19 (8.8 % decline). The country has been witnessing a progressive reduction in MMR from 130

Ujjwala Effect

According to a study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has helped improve air quality and reduce health risks from air pollution. Major Highlights Greater penetration and usage of LPG as a cooking fuel is estimated to have prevented at least 1.5 lakh pollution-related premature deaths in

POSH Act

Recently, the Kerala High Court directed organisations associated with the film industry to take a step against sexual harassment and get aligned and form a committee as per mandated by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act or POSH Act, 2013. About POSH Act It came into force on December 9, 2013, and

Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav Abhiyan

The union government launched the ‘Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav’ scheme as part of International Women’s Day (8th March, 2022). Need The need has arisen because the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG), which initially took care of out-of-school girls, was getting less traction. In 2018-19 there were 11.88 lakh girls who were beneficiaries under

“Her&Now” Project

On 25th March, 2022, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog announced its collaboration with the Indo-German Development Cooperation Project ‘Economic Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs and Start-ups by Women (Her&Now)’. Key Points The partnership between AIM and Her&Now will impart the ‘WINcubate Training Programme’ to the AIM Incubators and Innovation Centres and equip

Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme

The Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), to promote entrepreneurship at a local level amongst the rural youth under SVEP. About SVEP It is implemented by Deendayal Antyodaya

Extension of National AIDS & STD Control Programme

On 21st March, 2022, the Union Cabinet approved continuation of National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP, Phase-V) from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2026. The national AIDS response was initiated by the Government of India in 1992 with the launch of the first phase of the National AIDS and

India TB Report 2021

On 24th March, 2022, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the India Tuberculosis (TB) report 2021. Major Findings TB Burden in India India reported a sharp 19 percent rise in tuberculosis cases in 2021 over the previous year. The total number of incident TB patients (new and relapse) notified during 2021 were

WHO Releases Abortion Care Guidelines

On 9th March, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) presented new guidelines on abortion care, which would prevent more than 25 million unsafe abortions annually. The objective of this guideline is to present the complete set of all WHO recommendations and best practice statements relating to abortion. While legal, regulatory, policy

Project Udaan

Project Udaan connects rural girls with scholarship schemes and provides them with continuing access to schooling.Aim: To address the low enrolment of girl students in prestigious engineering institutions and the teaching gap between school education & engineering entrance examination. The effort is to enrich the teaching & learning of Science

Project UNNATI

It is a skilling project to upgrade the skill base of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) beneficiaries. The project is meant for providing training for one adult member (of age 18-45 years old) of a household who has completed 100 days of work under Mahatma Gandhi

Gender Samwaad

Recently, the Third Edition of ‘Gender Samwaad’ was organized by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development. It is a national virtual initiative under the DAY-NRLM.Aim: To generate greater awareness of the mission’s interventions across the country with a gender lens. Theme: ‘Promotion Of Food

National Achievement Survey (NAS)

NAS is a nationally representative large-scale survey of students’ learning undertaken by the Ministry of Education.It is implemented on a sample size aiming to assess students of 3rd, 5th, 8th and 10thIt gives a system level reflection on effectiveness of school education. The NCERT has developed the Assessment Framework for

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

It is a campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses. PMBJP stores have been set up to provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded

EatSmart Cities Challenge

It aims to create a competitive spirit in the cities. Through this it will recognise the efforts that scale up various initiatives under Eat Right India.The challenge has been opened in all smart cities of India.Also, it has been opened in cities with a population of more than five lakh.

English Access Micro Scholarship Programme India

It is a communicative English language training program funded by the US. Government.It aims to empower students from non-English speaking countries by teaching them professional skills, social skills, and leadership. It also intends to develop social awareness among students living in the country to identify the problems and learn about

AQVERIUM: India’s First-Ever Digital Water Data Bank

The country’s first Digital Water Bank ‘AQVERIUM’ was launched in Bengaluru. It is formed by AquaKraft Group Ventures, next-generation sustainability, and impact enterprise focused on providing clean drinking water & sanitation. Digital Water Data Bank can be understood as a curated list of ‘Water Data’ from all institutions and sources

Women@Work Programme

The government of Karnataka has launched the 'Women@Work' programme to provide five lakh jobs within 2026 to women with necessary employable skills. The program launched on Women's Day aims to focus on the efforts of corporate programs on attracting women workforce and has been developed by Karnataka Digital Economy Mission

Dishaank App

The Survey Settlement and Land Records (SSLR) unit of Karnataka’s revenue department is ensuring easy availability of original land records through an app called Dishaank. The app is developed under the Geographical Information System (GIS) program of the Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications Center (KSRSAC).Dishaank leverages Karnataka’s decision to

Mukhyamantri Chaa Srami Kalyan Prakalpa Scheme

In an attempt to ensure social security of over 7,000 tea garden workers of Tripura, the state government has announced a special scheme named "Mukhyamantri Chaa Srami Kalyan Prakalpa". Key Components Provide land or home to farmers for constructing house, To allot land of defunct tea garden on lease basis through Cooperative, To provide

First Drone School

The Union Civil Aviation Minister and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister jointly inaugurated the first drone school in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. This drone school is one of the five Drone Schools planned to be opened in different cities of Madhya Pradesh. The other four cities are Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Satna.

India’s First Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Centre

Recently, the Centre launched the Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Center (Virtual SGKC) and Innovation Park in Manesar (Haryana). It has been established by POWERGRID with support from the Union ministry of power and technical assistance from US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) for demonstration and advancement of frontier smart grid

Sushma Swaraj Award

Haryana Chief Minister, while presenting the state budget, has announced a ‘Sushma Swaraj Award’ for women for their significant achievements or contribution in different walks of life in the international and national spheres. The Sushma Swaraj Award will carry award money of Rs 5 lakh along with a

Haryana Matrushakti Udyamita Yojana

Haryana Government has announced Haryana Matrushakti Udyamita Yojana. The major objective of the Matrushakti scheme is to encourage women to become entrepreneurs in any enterprise, trade, or business. The scheme was announced for the women candidates. All the women of Haryana state who want to become entrepreneurs or

35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela

On March 19, 2022 Haryana Chief Minister officially inaugurated the world famous Surajkund Crafts Mela after a long gap of two years. In 2022, the ‘Theme State’ in Jammu & Kashmir and Uzbekistan is the partner nation.Surajkund derives its name from the ancient amphitheatre ‘Sun Pool’ constructed here in the

Camel Protection and Development Policy

Rajasthan government has announced a Camel Protection and Development Policy in its budget 2022-23. The Rajasthan government had declared camel as the state animal in the year 2014. World Camel Day is observed every year on 22 June to recognize the importance of camels to the livelihood of a large

Telangana Topped the Country in Terms of Per Capita Net State 2022

Telangana surpasses Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to become top performing states in the country. As per the latest data, from the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation, the Telangana State has ranked the Highest in the country among states with a population over 1 crore in terms of growth

Mission Indradhanush: Odisha Topped in Full Immunization with 90.5% Coverage

Odisha has become the only state in the country to achieve 90.5% of immunization apart from the successful vaccination against Covid-19 infection under Mission Indradhanush 4.0.Twenty districts of Odisha were found above 90% in full immunization and the remaining 10 districts were less than 90%.Districts such as Ganjam, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jharsuguda, Koraput, Keonjhar,

Nagaland Assembly First in India to Implement National E-Vidhan Application

Nagaland created history by becoming the first State Assembly in the entire country to implement the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) programme to become completely paperless. NeVA is a work-flow system deployed on NIC Cloud, MeghRaj which helps the Chair of the House to conduct the proceedings of the House smoothly

Tamil Nadu Petroproducts

In a significant development, Chennai-based petrochemicals manufacturer Tamil Nadu Petroproducts Ltd (TPL) becomes the first company in the world to have its product linear alkylbenzene (LAB) conferred with IS12795:2020 certification by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. Linear AlkylBenzene (LAB) Linear alkylbenzenes are a

Meghalaya’s MeghEA Project Shortlisted for UN Awards 2022

The Meghalaya Enterprise Architecture (MeghEA) project to improve governance and service delivery at the grassroots level in the state has been nominated for the UN Awards in the World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2022. It has been nominated under the category of 'The role of governments and all

Bihar Diwas

It is observed on March 22 every year. The day marks the formation of the state of Bihar. It was on this day that the British carved out the state from Bengal in 1912.This year, the state is celebrating the 110th Bihar Diwas.The theme of Bihar Diwas 2022 is ‘Jal,

PV Sindhu

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu won Swiss Open 2022 women's singles title with a win over Thailand's Busanan