National Mission on Natural Farming

On 28th March, 2023, the Government launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a separate and independent scheme to promote chemical-free and climate-smart agriculture. About NMNF The NMNF has been formulated by upscaling the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) to promote natural farming across the country. Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP)

India’s First Cloned Gir Calf ‘Ganga’

On 16th March, 2023, scientists of the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) achieved new milestone by producing country's first indigenous Gir calf clone. The project was started in 2021 by the NDRI in collaboration with Uttarakhand Livestock Development Board (ULDB), Dehradun, for the cloning of indigenous cows such as Gir, Sahiwal,

Captive Employment Initiative under DDU-GKY

On 29th March, 2023, the Ministry of Rural Development initiated ‘Captive Employment’ initiative under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY). About Captive Employment Captive Employment is a first of its kind initiative aimed at addressing the vision of a dynamic and demand-based skilling ecosystem catering to the requirements of industry partners assuring

IREDA gets ‘Infrastructure Finance Company’ Status

On 13th March, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted an ‘Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC)’ status to Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). It was earlier classified as ‘Investment and Credit Company (ICC)’. About Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC) IFC is a non-deposit accepting loan company which complies with the following: A minimum of

MCA proposes Changes to IBC, 2016

Recently, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) released a discussion paper that proposes several changes to the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. Proposed Changes The discussion paper acknowledges concerns among creditors regarding inequitable distribution. It says there is a need to devise an objective formula so that the distribution is fair and

MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme

On 10th March, 2023, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) launched the MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme. Objectives The objectives of the Scheme are to enhance the manufacturing competitiveness of MSMEs through the application of various Lean Manufacturing (LM) techniques by; Reducing waste; Increasing productivity; Introducing innovative practices for improving overall competitiveness; Inculcating good management

Centre Approves Setting of 7 PM-MITRA Parks

On 17th March, 2023, the Union Government gave final approval to the sites for setting up of 7 PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks for the Textile industry in 7 different states. Key Points Seven States The Parks will come up in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,

Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) Number

On 6th March, 2023, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs said that the sale of gold jewellery mandates a Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) from April 1, 2023. About HUID Before 1 July 2021 hallmarked Jewellery consisted of the following four marks: With the introduction of six digits alphanumeric HUID code from 1 July

PNRGB amends norms to allow Unified Tariff on Natural Gas Pipelines

On 29th March, 2023, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has amended the PNGRB (Determination of Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff) Regulations to incorporate provisions for Unified Tariff for natural gas pipelines with a mission of “One Nation, One Grid and One tariff”. Based on the new regulations, PNGRB has

Sagar Manthan Dashboard

On 23rd March, 2023, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) launched a Real-time Performance Monitoring Dashboard called ‘Sagar Manthan’. About Sagar Manthan The digital platform is designed to have all integrated data related to the ministry and other subsidiaries. Five Key Features Data Visualization: The dashboard allows the user to

Falling Long-Term Growth Prospects: Trends, Expectations, and Policies

On 27th March, 2023, the World Bank released a report titled – ‘Falling Long-Term Growth Prospects: Trends, Expectations, and Policies’. The Report offers the first comprehensive assessment of long-term potential output growth rates in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Major Highlights The global economy’s “speed limit”—the

Enforcement Directorate releases Data on Money Laundering

On 15th March, 2023, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) released new data related to the money laundering. Key Findings Since 2005, when the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) came into force, the ED has registered 5,906 cases (till January 31, 2023). However, prosecution complaints (equivalent to a charge sheet) have been filed in

Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2022

Share of Livestock at Constant Prices in Agriculture Sector and Total GVA In 2020-21, the share of Livestock at constant prices in Agriculture Sector and total GVA was 30.13% and 4.9% respectively. Milk Production Total milk production in India was 221.06 million tonnes in 2021-2022, keeping It the largest milk producing country in

Har Payment Digital

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the Mission ‘Har Payment Digital’ on the occasion of Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) from 6th to 12th of March 2023. It is part of RBI’s endeavour to make every person in India a user of digital payments. The DPAW campaign theme is

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)

Recently, the government has passed amendments to the Finance Bill 2023. One of the major highlights was removing the long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax benefit from debt mutual funds. LTCG is 10% for gains in stocks and equity mutual funds. It is 20% for gains in real estate, debt funds

Credit Default Swaps (CDS)

CDS are a type of insurance against default risk by a particular company. The company is called the reference entity and the default is called credit event. It is a contract between two parties, called protection buyer and protection seller. There are different varieties of CDS, like binary CDS, basket

Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute

On 22nd March, 2023, the Governor of RBI laid the foundation stone for the establishment of a “Greenfield Data Centre’ and ‘Enterprise Computing & Cybersecurity Training Institute’ in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It will cover an area of 18.55 acres and will be able to address the emerging needs of the RBI

Rubber Board

Recently, Rubber Board has launched a mobile app–CRISP to inform growers about rubber cultivation and provides solutions online. Rubber Board is a statutory body constituted by the Government of India, under the Rubber Act 1947, for the overall development of the rubber industry in the country. Having its head

DigiClaim Platform

It has been launched under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) which will help farmers receive the disbursed amount electronically like in the case of PM-Kisan. With the DigiClaim platform, now farmers’ claims will be processed directly to their respective bank accounts in a transparent and accountable manner.

Canalisation of Import and Export

Recently, Centre has extended tenure of Indian Potash Limited (IPL) as a canalising agency for import of urea. Rashtriya Chemicals Fertilizers (RCF) and National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) are other canalising agencies for urea import. Canalisation of import and export refers to importing and exporting of commodities through specified government agencies.

Green Shoe Option

Recently, Ministry of Finance decided to exercise green shoe option as offer-for-sale of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has received a good response. Also called an overallotment option, Green Shoe option is an option that is available to underwriters to sell additional shares during an Initial Public Offering (IPO). An IPO is

Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)

Government has extended export benefits under RoDTEP scheme to 18 items related to the textiles sector. RoDTEP is a flagship export promotion scheme of Ministry of Commerce. It aims to reimburse the taxes and duties incurred by exporters such as local taxes, coal cess, mandi tax etc., which are not

Kangra Tea

Recently, Kangra Tea from Himachal Pradesh was granted the European Commission Geographical Indication (GI) tag. It is a type of tea produced in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a high-quality tea that is known for its unique flavour, aroma, and colour. It is made from the leaves,

Disqualification of Members of Parliament

On 23rd March, 2023, a politician was sentenced to two years jail by Gujarat's Surat Court which led to his disqualification as a Member of Parliament (MP). Provisions for Disqualification of MP Articles 102(1) and 191(1) It deals with disqualification of a MP and a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) respectively. The

Pre-arrest Bail

On 14th March, 2023, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a petition filed by the Karnataka Lokayukta, challenging a Karnataka High Court order granting pre-arrest bail to a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA). About Bail Bail is described as the release of a person from legal custody, by undertaking that he shall

Guillotine in Parliament

On 23rd March, 2023, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha applied the guillotine — a procedure that puts to vote — on the entire set of Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments in Budget 2023-24 without any discussion. About Guillotine A guillotine is an apparatus designed for efficiently carrying out

NCLAT upholds CCI’s Penalty on Google

On 29th March, 2023, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) upheld the penalty of Rs.1, 337 crore imposed on Google by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for its anti-competitive conduct in the Android ecosystem. The court quashed the directions relating to the non-monetary directives that would have forced the

Rule 357 of Rules and Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha

On 21st March, 2023, a Congress leader cited Rule 357 of the Rules and Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha while requesting permission to speak from the Speaker. About Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha The Constituent Assembly (Legislative) Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business

Constitutional Validity of Section 354(5) of CrPC, 1973

On 21st March, 2023, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to defend the execution law under Section 354(5) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973. About the Section 354(5) of CrPC, 1973 It provides that when a person is sentenced to death, the sentence shall be executed by hanging by neck

Lok Sabha Passes Competition (Amendment) Bill 2022

On 29th March, 2023, the Lok Sabha passed the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which seeks to amend the Competition Act, 2002. The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was originally introduced in Lok Sabha on August 5, 2022. Subsequently referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance headed by Jayant Sinha for examination and

Pennaiyar River Dispute

On 14th March, 2023, the time limit fixed by the Supreme Court for the constitution of an inter-State river water disputes tribunal for Pennaiyar River got expired. In December, 2022, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to constitute within three months the Pennaiyar River Water Tribunal to resolve the dispute over

Sealed Cover Jurisprudence

On 20th March, 2023, the Supreme Court said it would not accept a “confidential” submission from the Centre on the disbursal of arrears to retired defence personnel under the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) turned down a sealed cover note presented

Principle of Audi Alteram Partem

On 27th March, 2023, the Supreme Court (SC) held that the banks must hear borrowers before classifying an account as ‘fraud’. The court was hearing the civil appeals arising out of a challenge to the Reserve Bank of India (Frauds Classification and Reporting by Commercial Banks and Select FIs) Directions 2016.

National Security Act

On 21st March, 2023, the Punjab Government invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against a fugitive pro-Khalistani leader. About NSA It was promulgated on September 23, 1980. Under the Act, a state or central government is empowered to detain a person if there is reason to believe that he/she may be engaging in

Centre Reduces “Disturbed Areas” under AFSPA

On 25th March, 2023, the Central Governmentdecided to decrease the jurisdiction of “disturbed areas” declared under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur effective from April 1st, 2023. About AFSPA Enacted in 1958, it confers certain special powers on members of the Armed Forces

NITI Aayog launches ATL Sarthi

On 14th March, 2023, NITI Aayog along with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) launched ‘ATL Sarthi’, a comprehensive self-monitoring framework to strengthen the ever-growing ecosystem of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL). It aims to enhance the performance of ATLs and achieve the desired objectives. About ATL Sarthi As the name suggests, Sarthi is

Hue and Cry Notice

Recently, Amritsar Rural police issued a “hue and cry notice” against a fugitive pro-Khalistan preacher. The ‘hue and cry’ rule simply meant that if a suspect or a criminal was running down the street in front of some bystanders, then each of them had to yell to help the police

Indian Dairy Association (IDA)

Recently, the 49th Dairy Industry Conference organized was organized by the Indian Dairy Association (IDA) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Established in 1948, IDA is the apex body of the dairy industry in India. The IDA's Head Quarter is in Delhi and the zonal branches are in Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi.It

Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN)

Recently, Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) achieved a major breakthrough in busting pan-Delhi level drug syndicate involved in supply of various types of narcotics, psychotropic and synthetic drugs for high profile parties. CBN is affiliated with India's Department of Revenue (IRS) and regulated by the country's Central Board of Indirect

‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) App

It is an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications. It aims to prevent damage to underlying assets like optical fiber cables that occur because of uncoordinated digging and excavation, leading to losses of about Rs 3,000 crore every year. The app will connect excavators and asset owners

Demand for Grants

Article 113 of the Constitution requires that any proposal or estimate seeking withdrawal of money from the Consolidated Fund of India should be presented to the Lok Sabha in the form of a demand for grants. The demand for grants include both charged and voted expenditure. Charged expenditures are

Operation Trishul

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has extradited 33 fugitives involved in various criminal activities under its ‘Operation Trishul’ in the past one year. Under ‘Operation Trishul ’, the CBI uses a three-pronged strategy to nab fugitives. First strategy, the investigative agency tracks down a fugitive with the help of

Special Courts for Member of Parliament (MP) and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)

The Supreme Court of India in its Order dated the 1st November, 2017 had directed the Union Government to prepare a scheme for setting up of Courts exclusively to deal with criminal cases involving political persons on the lines of Fast Track Courts (FTCs) which were set up by the

India-US Commercial Dialogue

On 10th March, 2023, India and the United States of America held the 5th Ministerial level meeting of the bilateral Commercial Dialogue in New Delhi. The dialogue aimed to enhance economic and commercial ties between the two countries and deepen their strategic partnership. A joint statement was issued at the end of

India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership

Recently, India and Australia have taken significant steps towards developing critical minerals supply chains between the two countries under the India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership. The investment under the partnership will build new supply chains underpinned by critical minerals processed in Australia that will help India’s plans to lower emissions from

India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline

On 18th March, 2023, the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. Key Points It is a cross-border pipeline that has the capacity to supply one million metric tonnes of diesel per year from Assam's Numaligarh refinery to northern parts of Bangladesh. The 131.57 km. pipeline runs from Siliguri

Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

On 19th March, 2023, a group of pro-Khalistan protestors took down the Indian flag at the High Commission in London. Lodging a strong protest soon after the incident, the Government of India invoked the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and reminded the United Kingdom of its basic obligations under the

AUKUS: Australia to Get Nuclear Submarines

On 13th March, 2023, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States agreed under the AUKUS partnership to bolster cooperation in areas such as defense, technology, and cyber security. Key Points The partnership aims to strengthen Australia's naval capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region in response to China's ambitions. The United States will sell

Doha Political Declaration

From 5th to 9th March, 2023, the fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) was held at Qatar under the theme “From Potential to Prosperity”. The conference concluded with adoption of the ‘Doha Political Declaration’ by the world leaders. The declaration focuses on implementing the Doha Programme of Action

UNCTAD’s Technology and Innovation Report 2023

Recently, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released the Technology and Innovation Report 2023. It highlights the opportunities that green innovation – goods and services with smaller carbon footprints – offer developing countries to spur economic growth and enhance technological capacities. Key Findings A Significant Increase: The market for environmentally-friendly

Global Terrorism Index 2023

Recently, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) released the tenth edition of its Global Terrorism Index 2023 report which provides a comprehensive analysis of terrorist incidents worldwide from 2007 to 2022. India-specific Findings India’sRankon the Index: India is ranked 13th on the Global Terrorism Index which means that it is the

Uganda's Bill on LGBTQs

Recently, Uganda’s Parliament passed a Bill making it illegal to identify as an LGBTQ person, going several steps ahead of neighbouring countries in the African continent which outlaw same-sex relationships and marriages. The new law, if passed, will be the first to outlaw merely identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender

International Criminal Court

Recently, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for war crimes for President Vladimir Putin and a second Russian official. The International Criminal Court is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal seated in The Hague, Netherlands. It was created two decades ago as a standing body to investigate war

McMahon Line

United States Senators have introduced a bipartisan resolution in the upper chamber of Congress reiterating that the US recognises the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and India in Arunachal Pradesh. The resolution reaffirms India’s well-known and established position that Arunachal Pradesh, which China calls ‘South Tibet’, is

Australia-India Education Qualification Recognition Mechanism

Recently, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced an ‘Australia-India education qualification recognition mechanism’. The new mechanism will mean that degrees obtained in Australia will now be recognised in India, and degrees obtained in India will be recognised in Australia. This agreement is expected to make it easier for Indians to

LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 Mission

On 26th March, 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched 36 OneWeb satellites on its second commercial launch of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) rocket. This marked the second launch that ISRO performed for OneWeb, a UK-based company. The launch completed the OneWeb Constellation wherein OneWeb will use 588 active

Evidence of Active Volcano on Venus

Recently, a new study found direct geological evidence of recent volcanic activity on Venus (also known as Earth’s twin) for the first time. Key Findings Volcanic Vent: Researchers analysed archival radar images taken by NASA's Magellan spacecraft between 1990 and 1992 and observed a volcanic vent changing its shape and getting bigger

Controlled Re-entry Experiment of Megha-Tropiques-1

On 7th March, 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a successful controlled re-entry of its decommissioned satellite, Megha-Tropiques-1 (MT1). A series of 20 manoeuvres over eight months lowered the orbit of the satellite such that it re-entered the dense atmosphere and burned up. The entire sequence of events was

Potential of Organoid Intelligence to Create Biocomputers

On 6th March, 2023, scientists from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) unveiled a plan for a potentially revolutionary new area of research called ‘organoid intelligence’ which aims to create biocomputers. Research Objectives Scientists aim to compare brain organoids from healthy individuals with those from patients to understand the biological basis of cognitive disorders

Laccase

Recently, scientists from S N Bose National Center for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), Kolkata, have discovered that an enzyme called laccase has the potential to degrade a variety of hazardous organic dye molecules discharged into water bodies by the textile industry after dying of clothes. Key Points Laccase, generated by a group of

Starberry-Sense

Recently, researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, developed a low-cost star sensor called Starberry-Sense. Key Points Starberry-Sense is based on commercial/off-the-shelf components and is powered by a Raspberry Pi, a small, single-board Linux computer. The team coupled highly optimized algorithms with Raspberry Pi to create a potent star sensor that

ICMR's Ethical Guidelines for Use of AI in Healthcare

Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released the ‘Ethical Guidelines for Application of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Research and Healthcare’. The guidelines aim to create an ethics framework which can assist in the development, deployment, and adoption of AI-based solutions in the fields specified. They also aim to make AI-assisted

Bharat 6G Project

Recently, the Prime Minister unveiled India’s vision document for 6G communication services, with plans to roll out the technology by 2030. The document mentions that the Bharat 6G project has been set up for the aforesaid purpose. Key Points 6G Communication: It is expected to offer ultra-high-speed internet with speeds up to

Plastiglomerate

Recently, a plastic-rock hybrid was discovered in Andaman’s Aves island. Known as Plastiglomerate, the rock is composed of sand, rock fragments, shells and other materials held together by plastic, resulting in a plastic-rock hybrid. Laboratory analysis showed that it has two very commonly used plastic polymers– polyethene and polyvinyl chloride– which

Biotransformation Technology

Recently, Imperial College in London, UK, and a Britain-based startup, Polymateria, have co-developed biotransformation technology. It is a novel approach to ensure plastics that escape refuse streams are processed efficiently and broken down. Plastics made using this technology are given a pre-programmed time during which the manufactured material looks and

International Liquid Mirror Telescope

Recently, Asia’s largest 4-metre International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) was inaugurated at Devasthal in Uttarakhand. The telescope is located at an altitude of 2450 metre at the Devasthal Observatory campus of ARIES, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India in Nainital district, Uttarakhand.

Candida auris

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have warned about an emerging fungus Candida auris in the US, adding that it poses a serious global health threat. Candida auris (C. auris) is a yeast, a family of fungus which contains species pretty helpful to humans in activities such

Himalayan Glacial Retreat

Recently, a team of scientists from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), Dehradun, quantitatively evaluated the influence of the debris cover on the loss of ice mass in summer (summer ablation) and on terminus recession of glaciers. What is Glacial Retreat? Glacial retreat refers to the process of a glacier shrinking or

Loss of Mountain Forests

According to a recently published report, mountain forests, habitat to 85% of the world's birds, mammals and amphibians, are disappearing at an alarming rate. The report highlights the need for better forest management including stricter enforcement of laws and regulations, adding that protecting areas can help reduce the loss. Key Findings Magnitude of

DNA Profiling of Captive Elephants

Recently, while celebrating the successful completion of 30 years of 'Project Elephant', the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, informed that DNA profiling of 270 of the 2,675 captive elephants in the country has been completed. To commemorate the occasion, the Ministry has decided to organise Gaj

Landslide Atlas of India

On 11th March, 2023, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the Landslide Atlas of India, providing a detailed guide identifying landslide hotspots in the country. What are Landslides? Landslides are the movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope. This movement can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural

Green Tug Transition Programme

Recently, India's Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways launched the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) and inaugurated India's first National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) in Gurugram, Haryana. About the Programme The program will start with ‘Green Hybrid Tugs’, which will be powered by Green Hybrid

Adverse Effects of Antibiotics Administered on Livestock

A recent study conducted at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has revealed that the use of antibiotics on livestock is affecting soil carbon storage and climate. Key Findings Livestock grazing has been found to lead to lower carbon storage in soil compared to grazing by wild herbivores

IQAir’s World Air Quality Report 2022

On 14th March, 2023, Swiss air quality technology firm IQAir released the 5th Annual World Air Quality Report 2022. The report measures air quality levels based on the concentration of lung-damaging airborne particles known as Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5). The report is based on PM2.5 data from 7,323 cities and 131

Salt Marshes

According to a new research, more than 90 per cent of salt marshes may soon succumb to sea level rise by the turn of the century. Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides. They are marshy because the soil

Sarus Crane

Recently, a person from Uttar Pradesh was booked under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, for illegally keeping and nursing an injured sarus crane (Grus antigone). Sarus cranes are large non-migratory cranes found in parts of the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. They are a conspicuous species of open wetlands

International Day of Zero Waste

The first-ever International Day of Zero Waste was observed on 30th March, 2023, encouraging everyone to prevent and minimise waste and promoting a societal shift towards a circular economy. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) established the day in response to the worsening impacts

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

India has proposed to launch a mega global alliance under its leadership to protect big cats and assured support over five years with guaranteed funding of $100 million. Proposed alliance will work towards the protection and conservation of the seven major big cats — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma,

Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure

The UN’s World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has come up with a new Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure. It aims to provide better ways of measuring planet-warming pollution and help inform policy choices. It will integrate space-based and surface-based observation systems, and seek to clarify uncertainties about where greenhouse gas

Ratan Tata

India's top industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata has been appointed to the 'Order of Australia' for distinguished service to the Australia-India relationship, particularly to trade, investment, and

Shaktikanta Das

Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das has received the 'Governor of the Year' 2023 Award by the international publication - Central Banking. Former governor Raghuram Rajan was the first to be conferred the title back in 2015 from the

Kiran Nadar

Philanthropist and art collector Kiran Nadar was conferred "Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur" (Knight of the Legion of Honour) - the highest French civilian award for her contribution in the field of art, and her leading role in fostering Indo-French cultural

Xi Jinping

On 10th March, 2023 Chinese leader Xi Jinping was awarded a third five-year term as the nation’s president. The National People’s Congress (NPC), a largely ceremonial legislature, unanimously endorsed Mr. Xi, with all of its 2,952 present members casting votes in favour of his reappointment, and none abstaining or

Shaliza Dhami

Group Captain Dhami will be the first woman officer in the IAF to command a missile squadron in the Western sector facing Pakistan. She is currently posted in the operations branch of a frontline command

Surekha Yadav

Surekha Yadav, a native of Satara district in western Maharashtra, piloted the Vande Bharat Express train between Solapur station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai on March 13, 2023 becoming the first women loco pilot in Asia to run Vande Bharat

Christina Hammock Koch

She is one of the four astronauts (who will be the first woman to go around the Moon) of Artemis 2, a 10-day flight around the moon that's targeted to lift off in late 2024. Other crewmembers are NASA's Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and the Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani

He replaced Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdelaziz al-Thani as the new Prime Minister of

Vice-Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh

Vice-Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh assumed charge as the Vice-Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS) on April 2. He succeeded Vice Admiral Satishkumar Namdeo

Ajay Singh

Ajay Singh, the chief of SpiceJet, has become the new President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). He replaced Sumant

Salima Tete

National women’s hockey team midfielder Salima Tete has been appointed as the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Athletes Ambassador from India for a term of two years, starting March 25, 2023.

G Krishnakumar

He has taken over as the new chairman and managing director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited

Deepak Mohanty

He has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority

S.S. Dubey

He became the 28th Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry of Finance, Government of India. CGA is the Principal Advisor on Accounting matters to the Union Government responsible for - establishing and managing a technically sound Management Accounting System, preparation and submission of the accounts of the Union Government,

Sudha Shivkumar

Chennai-based Sudha Shivkumar took over as the 40th President of Ficci Ladies Organisation (FLO), the oldest women-led and women-centric business chamber of Southeast

Amit Kshatriya

Indian-origin software and robotics engineer Amit Kshatriya to head NASA's newly-established Moon to Mars Programme that will help the agency ensure a long-term lunar presence needed to prepare for humanity's next giant leap to the Red

Wing Commander Jag Mohan Nath (retd.)

Wing Commander Jag Mohan Nath (retd), the Indian Air Force veteran who flew numerous reconnaissance sorties over Tibet and Pakistan in his Canberra aircraft in the 1962 and 1965 wars, has passed away. He was twice the recipient of Maha Vir Chakra gallantry honour- the second highest military decoration in

Sara Thomas

She was a noted Malayalam writer and two-time recipient of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award. Her noted work ‘Narmadipudava’ won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award in 1979. She was also awarded the academy’s award in 2010 for overall contribution to Malayalam

Ved Pratap Vaidik

Senior journalist and founder-editor of Hindi news agency ‘Bhasha’, Ved Pratap Vaidik has passed away. Vaidik was the last chairperson of Bharatiya Bhasha Sammelan, an organisation to protect the rights of Indian

Abhay Chhajlani

Senior journalist and Padma Shri awardee (2009) Abhay Chhajlani passed away on 23 March 2023. Chhajlani was the chairman of the editorial board of Hindi daily Nai

Salim Aziz Durani

He was the only Indian Test cricketer to have been born in Afghanistan, who passed away on 2 April 2023. He was the first cricketer to win an Arjuna Award. He was awarded the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award by the BCCI in

Georgia

Georgia’s Assembly has passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, making it the first US state to take such a legislative measure.

Finland

Finland became the 31st member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato).Fellow neighbour, Sweden, which applied to join Nato at the same time last May, is still being blocked by Turkey. Any Nato expansion needs the support of all its

United Kingdom

The U.K., on March 31, 2023, announced to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) - a vast free trade area of 11 countries ( Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam) spanning the Indo-Pacific. The agreement will now need to be

Denmark

Denmark has inaugurated a project to store carbon dioxide 1,800 metres beneath the North Sea, becoming the first country in the world to bury CO2 imported from

Hubballi

Indian Railways' South Western Railway (SWR) zone's Hubballi got its name registered in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest railway platform (1,507 metres) in the World at Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji station. Earlier, Gorakhpur's railway platform, measuring 1,366.33 metres with ramp, held the record of the longest

Mauganj

It has become the 53rd district of Madhya

Bandipur National Park

Bandipur completed 50 years as a ‘Project Tiger’ Reserve on April 1, 2023.On April 1, 1973, the flagship Tiger conservation programme, Project Tiger was launched. Bandipur was among the first 9 reserves to be brought under Project

Tajikistan and Azerbaijan

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Azerbaijan and Tajikistan as

Bhutan

Bhutan, that is consistently ranked one of the happiest in the world, will on December 13th of this year, become the seventh nation to graduate from the United Nations’ (UN) list of Least Developed Countries

Zawar

It is a geoheritage site lies some 40 km south of Udaipur, Rajasthan. It is the world’s oldest known zinc-smelting

Jhamarkotra

It is located in Rajasthan and houses a stromatolite fossil park.It hosts stromatolites dating back 1.8 billion years, exhibiting a variety of textures and sizes.A stromatolite is a layered sedimentary rock created by microorganisms. As such, stromatolite fossils preserve records of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae – the earliest

Katarniaghat Sanctuary

Located along the Indo-Nepal border in Bahraich, the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) could soon be the second research centre of the National Aquatic Animal in the country. A proposal in this regard has already been sent to the Centre by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The proposal seeks Centre’s

TROPEX-23

The Indian Navy's biggest-ever biennial exercise, 'Tropex-23', has concluded after covering over 21 million square nautical miles across the Indian Ocean. It was set in the Indian Ocean including the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.The exercise, known as the 'Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise', aimed to ensure that

SLINEX 23

The 10th edition of India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-23 was held at Colombo from 03 - 08 April 2023.

IMX/CE-23

The US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) carried out International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2023 in Bahrain’s capital city Manama from 26 February to 16 March, 2023.IMX 2023 is one of the largest exercises in the Middle East. This marks the eighth edition of the IMX since its establishment in 2012.The

EX La Perouse 2023

The third edition of the multilateral exercise La Perouse was conducted in the Indian Ocean Region from 13 to 14 March 2023.This edition was participated by Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, Royal Navy and the United States Navy. The biennial exercise La Perouse

Sea Dragon 2023

It is a joint anti-submarine warfare drills by the United States, Canada, India, Japan, and South Korea held from March 15, 2023 to 30th March 2023 with an aim to strengthen the alliance between the countries to tackle threats from China and North

AFINDEX-2023

The 2nd edition of joint military exercise “The Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX-2023)” was held at Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune from 16 to 29 Mar 2023. A total of 25 nations of the African continent with 124 participants and Indian troops from the Sikh, Maratha and Mahar Regiments participated

Bold Kurukshetra

The 13th edition of the bilateral exercise 'Bold Kurukshetra' between the Indian Army and the Singapore Army was held at Jodhpur Military Station from March 06-13,

Konkan 2023

The annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy (UK), was held from 20 to 22 March 20 23 off the Konkan coast in the Arabian

Central Bureau of Investigation

On 1st April 2023, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) celebrated its diamond jubilee. It was established by a resolution of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs dated April 1, 1963.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating agency of India.It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of

India Justice Report 2022

India Justice Report 2022 was released by Tata Trusts.This study relies on overall statistics from four pillars of justice delivery: Police, Judiciary, Prisons, and Legal aid.Performance of StatesLarge States: Karnataka has moved to first place among the 18 major and mid-sized states with populations of over one crore in terms

CA|TS Status to Six Tiger Reserves

Six tiger reserves across the country have been accorded international Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS)-approved status. Of the 53 tiger reserves in the country, 23 have now achieved the CA|TS. The six new tiger reserves in the CA|TS club include Tadoba-Andhari, Melghat, Navegaon-Nagzira in Maharashtra, Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh, Kali in

'Project Tiger'

The Indian government observed the 50th year of 'Project Tiger' on 9 April with a three-day event in Mysuru, Karnataka. Project Tiger is an initiative to save tigers was first initiated in the year April 1, 1973 in Jim Corbett National Park,

Saraswati Samman 2022

Tamil writer Sivasankari has been selected for the Saraswati Samman 2022 for her 2019 memoir ‘Surya Vamsam’.Ram Darash Mishra was the winner of 2021 award for his poetry in Hindi "Main to Yahan Hun". The Saraswati Samman is one of the three literary awards instituted by the KK Birla Foundation

Vyas Samman 2022

Noted Hindi writer Dr. Gyan Chaturvedi’s 2018 satirical novel, Pagalkhana, has been selected for the 32nd Vyas Samman, 2022. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2015. In 2021, Hindi writer Dr. Asghar Wajahat was conferred with 31st Vyas Samman for his play

Pritzker Architecture Prize 2023

The British architect Sir David Alan Chipperfield has been announced as the winner of the 2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize, the highest international honour in the discipline, and is often referred to as the Nobel Prize of architecture. Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi from India won this award in

Wildlife Conservation Award

On World Forests Day (21 March) Ms. Aaliya Mir, Education Officer and Programme Head, Jammu & Kashmir – Wildlife SOS, was felicitated with an award by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment of the Jammu & Kashmir government in recognition of her commendable efforts spanning diverse aspects of wildlife

SAARC Literature Award-2023

Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature presented SAARC Literature Award-2023 in its 63rd Literature Festival to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for outstanding literary excellence for his trilogy. SAARC Literary Award is an annual award conferred by the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL) since

Abel Prize 2023

Luis Ángel Caffarelli, Argentina born American mathematician has won the 2023 Abel Prize “for his seminal contributions to regularity theory for non-linear partial differential equations including free-boundary problems and the Monge-Ampère equation”.The Abel prize “recognises pioneering scientific achievements in mathematics”. It is named after Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel.It is

Sangita Kalanidhi Award

Renowned Carnatic vocalist and musician Bombay Jayashri has been chosen for the coveted Sangita Kalanidhi award of the prestigious Music Academy,

Women’s World Boxing Championships

The 2023 IBA Women's World Boxing Championships were the 13th edition of the championships, held in New Delhi, India from 15 to 26 March 2023. India topped the medal tally for the first time after 2006 with 4 Gold medals followed by China and Russia. Indian Medalists Nitu Ghanghas Nikhat Zareen Lovlina Borgohain Saweety

Santosh Trophy

The Santosh Trophy 2022-23 concluded on March 4 with Karnataka beating Meghalaya in the final at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.It was Karnataka’s 5th Santosh Trophy title. Services won the third place beating Punjab.With 32 titles, West Bengal is the most successful team in Santosh Trophy history.

Swiss Open 2023

Indian pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won Swiss Open Super 300 Badminton doubles title in Basel, Switzerland.They beat China's Ren Xiang Yu and Tan Qiang.

4th Asian Kho Kho Championships

The Indian men’s and women’s teams clinched the titles at the 4th Asian Kho Kho Championships held at Tamulpur in north-central Assam’s Baksa district.In the finals, the Indian men defeated Nepal while the Indian women outwitted their Nepal opponents. In both men’s and women’s categories, the third place was shared

Irani Cup

Rest of India beat Madhya Pradesh to win the Irani Cup 2022-2023. The Irani Cup, named after the late Z. R. Irani, was introduced in 1959-60 and is a traditional five-day match played between the Ranji Trophy winners and a Rest of India

Asian Billiards Championship 2023

Pankaj Advani, India’s cue sports ace, won the 2023 Asian Billiards Championship 2023 held in Doha, Qatar.In the final he beat compatriot Brijesh Damani.Advani has now won the Asian Billiards title for the ninth time in addition to being a two-time Asian Games gold medalist, having won in Doha in

Sportsperson in News

Mirabai Chanu: Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award. She is the first athlete to win the award twice in a row after bagging it in 2021 as well.Rani Rampal: Indian team’s star hockey player Rani Rampal has become the first woman in the sport to

World Seagrass Day (1st March)

First-ever World Seagrass Day was observed on 1st March 2023.Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that are found in shallow waters from the tropics to the Arctic Circle, covering over 300,000 square kilometres of the ocean floor.Seagrass meadows – often referred to as a type of “blue forest” - supply food

Zero Discrimination Day (1st March)

Theme - “Save lives:

World Wildlife Day (3rd March)

Theme - "Partnerships for wildlife

International Women's Day (8 March)

Theme - “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender

International Day of Action For Rivers (14th March)

Theme - “Rights of

World Consumer Rights Day (15th March)

Theme – “Empowering Consumers through Clean Energy

Global Recycling Day (18th March)

Theme – “Creative

International Day of Forests (21 March)

Theme - "Forests and

World Water Day (22 March)

World Water Day 2023 is about ‘accelerating change’ to solve the water and sanitation

World Meteorological Day (23 March)

Theme - "The Future of Weather, Climate, and Water Across Generations”

Bumchu Festival of Sikkim

Bumchu festival is celebrated at Tashiding Monastery, West Sikkim on the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar calendar corresponding to the month of February/March. About the Festival Bumchu, the Tashiding holy water vase ritual, is a unique and important occasion that draws travellers from all over the world. Bumchu means

Sharada Peeth Corridor

On 22nd March, 2023 the Union Home Minister said that the government will move forward to open Sharda Peeth on the lines of the Kartarpur corridor. About Sharda Peeth Sharda Peeth is located in Neelum Valley in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) across Teetwal village (in the Neelum Valley) in Kupwara district of

Attukal Pongala

On 7th March, 2023, Attukal Pongala festival was held in Attukal Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. About the Festival It is a 10-day religious festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Pongala, which means 'to boil over’, is the ritual in which women prepare sweet payasam (a pudding made from rice, jaggery,

Matua Maha Mela

On 17th March, 2023, the Prime Minister urged people to visit Matua Maha Mela in large numbers and paid tribute to Shri Shri Harichand Thakur Ji for showing the path of kindness and service. About Matua Maha Mela The mela was organised during 19-25 March, 2023 to celebrate the 212th birth anniversary

Bobbili Veena

The famous Bobbili Veena was presented as part of a cultural exchange to the delegates of the G-20 conference held in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) on March 29th, 2023. About Bobbili Veena Also known as 'Saraswati Veena', it is a string instrument made by craftsmen living in Bobbili, Gollapalli (20 kms. from Bobbili)

Laws related to Antiquity in India

Recently, according to an RTI, only 486 antiquities have been reported as missing (since Independence) from the 3,696 monuments protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). What is an Antiquity? The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act (1972), defines “antiquity” as – ­any coin, sculpture, painting, epigraph or other work of

Vedic Heritage Portal

On 23rd March, 2023, the Union Home Minister inaugurated the Vedic Heritage portal in New Delhi. The Minister also inaugurated 'Kala Vaibhav'- a virtual museum based on 64 arts, to showcase India’s architecture, painting, drama, music, etc. About Vedic Heritage Portal Designed by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA,

Centenary of the Vaikom Satyagraha

On 1st April, 2023, Kerala Chief Minister and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister jointly inaugurated the centenary celebration of the Vaikom Satyagraha, at Vaikom, Kottayam. About Vaikom Satyagraha The Vaikom Satyagraha (30th March 1924 ) was a satyagraha (movement) in Travancore, India (now part of Kerala) against untouchability in Hindu society. The movement

Tibetan Buddhism

Recently, the spiritual leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lama has named a US-born Mongolian boy as the tenth Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa, the head of the Janang tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the Buddhist spiritual head of Mongolia. Tibetan Buddhism It is a form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet

Sarbat Khalsa

The word sarbat means ‘all’. It is a deliberative assembly of all factions of Sikhs Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru has established the Khalsa in 1699 AD. He had established a practice where the whole Khalsa would congregate at the Sri Akal Takht of Amritsar during Baisakhi

Khandagiri Udayagiri Caves

Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sealed the road between Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves to protect them from vibration stress from vehicular movement and pollution. The twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri were anciently known as Kumara and Kumari parvatas respectively. It was built by the Kalinga Empire

Sisupalgarh

Sisupalgarh or Sisupalagada is situated in Khurda District in Odisha, and houses ruined fortifications. It used to be the capital of ancient Kalinga. It is identified with Kalinganagara of Kharavela and Tosali of Ashoka. It is one of the largest and best preserved early historic fortifications in India, with

Yangli Festival

Tiwa Community’s Yangli Festival recently concluded in Morigaon, Assam. This festival is celebrated once every five years by the members of the community. The Yangli festival, also known as the Lakshmi Puja of the Tiwa people. During the Yangli festival, the people pray for a good harvest and ask the

Nagaraja Thira dance

Recently, the ‘Nagaraja Thira’ was celebrated at the Sree Muchilottu temple at Kuthiravattom in Kozhikode, Kerala. Thirra or Theyyam thira is a ritual dance performed in “Kaavu” (grove) & temples of the Malabar region in Kerala. This art form is performed by the artists of malaya (the artist who recognised

Affinity Test & Caste Claims

On 24th March, 2023, the Supreme Court (SC) held in a judgment that an affinity test cannot be the litmus test to decide a caste claim. The judgment came pursuant to a reference pertaining to the question of whether the affinity test is integral for determining the SC or ST status

Guidelines for Blood Donor Selection & Blood Donor Referral 2017

On 11th March, 2023, the Union Health Ministry has in the Supreme Court supported its 2017 guidelines, which excludes transgender persons, men having sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers from donating blood. About the Issue TheMinistry told the Supreme Court that the exclusion of transgenders, gay people, and female sex

Karnataka re-classifies the Definition of ‘Backward Classes’ for Reservation

On 30th March, 2023, the Karnataka Government made some significant changes in the norms for reservation in government jobs and education for backward classes and Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Karnataka. Changes Made It decided to scrap the 4% backward classes quota for Muslims — they have been recognised as a backward class

Silver Jubilee of Kudumbashree

On 17th March, 2023, the President inaugurated the silver jubilee celebration of ‘Kudumbashree’ - one of the largest women’s self-help networks in the world, in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala). She also launched ‘Unnathi’ – an umbrella programme to create opportunities for employment and self-employment, among the youth belonging to SC and ST communities.

Health Ministry adds Six Rare Diseases under NPRD, 2021

Recently, the Union Health Ministry included six rare diseases into various groups of disorders under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021. Description of Six Rare diseases Included Laron’s Syndrome is now included under Group One. It isa rare disease in which the body is unable to utilise the growth hormones

New India Literacy Programme

On 29th March, 2023, the Union Government launched a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely, “New India Literacy Programme” (NILP) for implementation during five years from the FYs 2022-23 to 2026-27. About NILP The scheme aims to cover a target of 5.00 crore non-literates in the age group of 15 years and above.

World Bank’s Funding to PM-ABHIM

Recently, the World Bank and India signed two complementary loans of $500 million each to support the country's healthcare infrastructure. Key Highlights The funding is aimed to help India with preparedness for future pandemics as well as to strengthen its health infrastructure. Through the combined financing of $1 billion, the bank will support

Women and Men in India 2022

On 15th March, 2023, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 24th issue of publication titled “Women and Men in India 2022” in New Delhi. About the Report It is prepared with the objective- ­to provide variety of available gender statistics at one place ­to serve as a single platform

Breaking the Cycle of Unsustainable Food Systems, Hunger and Debt

On 6th March, 2023, International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) released a report titled –‘Breaking the Cycle of Unsustainable Food Systems, Hunger and Debt’. Key Highlights At least 21 countries including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Haiti, Lebanon, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Zimbabwe had faced debt distress and rising hunger

Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)

Recently, Pharmacy Council of India organised “Pharma Anveshan 2023” to promote research & innovation, enhancing industry & academia. PCI is the statutory body under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The Council was first constituted on 4 March, 1948. The Pharmacy Council of India is constituted

World Happiness Report

It is an annual report by the UN’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network. It is published since 2012. It ranks 150 countries (146 in 2023) on factors such as personal sense of well-being, levels of GDP, life expectancy, etc. The list assigns a score on a scale of 0-10, based on

herSTART Platform

It is an initiative of the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council (GUSEC) aimed at supporting women-led startups. It will connect women entrepreneurs with various government and private enterprises. It includes a digital platform to provide resources and training modules free of cost to aspiring women entrepreneurs. It will provide

Differences in Sex Development (DSD)

Recently, World Athletics Council has tightened restrictions on athletes with Differences in Sex Development (DSD) by cutting the maximum amount of plasma testosterone for athletes to 2.5 nanomoles / litre from 5 DSD is a group of rare conditions involving genes, hormones, and reproductive organs, including genitals. It means a

Anganwadi Centres

Recently, the Women and Child Development Ministry informed the Parliament on the contribution of the MGNREGA scheme to the building of Anganwadi centres. The anganwadi centres, operated under the Integrated Child Development Services scheme are the first contact point in the village for nutrition, health and early learning. Anganwadis are

Go Green, Go Organic

Recently, Union Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronics & Information released a unique cover of the Department of Posts, 'Go Green, Go Organic' for Sikkim. The special cover is a testament to the state's achievements in organic farming and progress and a reminder of the importance of sustainable development for

India’s First State to Start Insurance Scheme for Sericulturists

Recently, Uttarakhand launched the country's first "Resham Keet Bima" programme to safeguard its sericulturists. 200 sericulturists from five blocks in four districts—Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital—received insurance in the first phase of the pilot project, which started in Uttarakhand. This insurance protected them from the effects of climate

Sports University

It will be set up in the Kumaun region’s Haldwani town. The international stadium of Haldwani will be upgraded into a sports university. A sports university is an institution of higher education that specializes in sports-related academic programs and research, as well as athletic training and competition. The

Mukhyamantri Ekal Mahila Swarozgar Yojana

It was announced at the end of Women Empowerment and Safety Week. The objective of this scheme is to strengthen the economic status of women and improve their standard of living by providing them social security. For this, a corpus fund of Rs. 50 lakh has been created, which

10 % Horizontal Reservation for Statehood Activists

The government of Uttarakhand has approved a 10% horizontal reservation for statehood campaigners in state government positions. The decision on the reservation to Statehood activists assumes significance since the governor had returned the bill granting 10 per cent reservation to the statehood activists in the past. The statehood activists

Gold Deposits Discovered in Three Districts

Recently, gold deposits have been found in three districts of Odisha, including Deogarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj. The State Directorate of Mines and geology and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted a preliminary survey and found the presence of gold deposits in the Adas area of Deogarh, Gopur, Gazipur, Kusakala,

Aravalli Green Wall Project

The Aravalli Green Wall Project is a significant undertaking aimed at afforesting the 5 km buffer zone around the Aravalli Hill Range in Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi. The project is part of the Union Environment Ministry’s efforts to create green corridors throughout the country to combat land degradation and

Beggar-free City Initiative Started in Nagpur

In Nagpur, Maharashtra, a new project known as “beggar-free city” has been launched. Notification 144 CrPC has been issued in this regard. The social welfare division of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the Nagpur City Police are partners in this effort.

Creation of 19 New Districts and Three New Divisions

On 17 March 2023, Chief Minister announced the creation of 19 new districts and 3 new divisions in the state during his course of the discussion on the Finance and Appropriation Bill in the Legislative Assembly. Rajasthan will now have 19 new districts and 3 new divisions, taking the number

Rajasthan Advocates Protection Bill, 2023

The objective of the Bill is to prohibit increasing “violence” and “false implications” against advocates in the state, resulting in the “deterioration of law and order” and “delay in the justice system” by enacting an effective law that makes such offenses cognizable in the territory of Rajasthan. This bill extends

Mauganj: 53rd District of Madhya Pradesh

Recently, Mauganj was declared as 53rd district of Madhya Pradesh. Mauganj is a tehsil of the Rewa district. Mauganj, Hanumana, Nai Garhi, and Deotalab are the four

Sambal Yojana

Government released 605 crore as assistance in the bank accounts of 27,000 beneficiaries of the “Sambal Yojana” in a programme of financial distribution under the Sambal plan with a single click through a digital media. Started in the year 2018, it provides help for ease of living and livelihood to

Jharniyojan Portal

The portal will act as a platform for the employers to share businesses and manpower-related information and for the candidates looking for jobs. All private establishments have to register themselves. Employers can share information about their business and manpower on the portal. The employers who make use of the

Tamil Nadu Kasanoi Erappila Thittam (TB Death-free Project)

It was launched in April 2022 in 2,500 public healthcare facilities that diagnosed TB in 30 districts. It is based on the guidelines ‘Differentiated TB Care’ that assesses whether people with TB need ambulatory care in a health facility to manage illness during diagnosis. Assessment is done on the basis

Assam’s Flood Management Project

World Bank to provide $108 million loan to assist Assam’s disaster preparedness and flood forecasting efforts. The main aim of the Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project is to build eco-friendly infrastructure in the Beki and Buridehing river basins to lessen the impact of floods and river erosion on the

Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot (SCIAP) Project

The project is being carried out by UNIDO and UN-Habitat in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India.The project aims of integrating sustainability strategies into urban planning and management at the city level and creating an enabling environment for investments in green infrastructure that

Blue Bonds

Blue bonds are a relatively new type of debt instrument that are issued to support financial commitments to blue economies and wholesome oceans. Blue economy refers to the sustainable exploitation of ocean resources for job creation, income improvement, and economic expansion.The idea of blue bonds has been put forth by

Green Permits

Green permits are required for infrastructure projects in order to obtain environmental clearance, or an environment impact assessment. An environment impact assessment (EIA) is a study that estimates how a proposed activity or project would affect the environment.The EIA notification was initially created in India in 1994 under the Environment

Nature Based Solution (NBS)

Nature-based solutions are initiatives to save, sustainably manage, and revive natural and modified ecosystems that efficiently and adaptably address societal issues and benefit both people and the environment. Nature-based solutions, which promote biodiversity and human well-being, solve societal problems by safeguarding, sustainably managing, and restoring both natural and modified ecosystems. State of

Cloud Forest and the Cloud Forest 25 (CF25) Initiative

Cloud Forests are mountain tropical forests generally found at the river headstreams and mostly covered with clouds.These forests serve as the storage of clean water for communities, industries and hydropower plants. Majority of Cloud Forest i.e., 90% are found in 25 developing countries in tropical regions which bears the disproportionate

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

Using the temperature variations (thermal gradients) between ocean surface waters and deep ocean waters is a method known as OTEC.In tropical areas, the energy from the sun can heat surface water to a significantly higher temperature than deep water.The ocean water can be desalinated and power can be generated using

Coal-bed Methane (CBM)

The unconventional natural gas known as CBM, which is created when plant material is converted into coal through the coalification process, can be found in coal deposits or coal seams.CBM is produced when coal and methane are converted in such a way that the coal becomes saturated with water and

Biomass Co-firing

Biomass Co-firing means a process of burning biomass in coal-fired power plants along with coal.There are three basic types of co-firing: direct co-firing, indirect co-firing, and parallel co-firing. Due to the bigger size and superior performance of conventional coal power plants, biomass co-firing offers reduced capital costs, greater efficiency, increased

Beejamrit

Beejamrit is an ancient, sustainable agriculture technique.It is used for seeds, seedlings or any planting material. It is effective in protecting young roots from fungus. Beejamrit is a fermented microbial solution, with loads of plant-beneficial microbes, and is applied as seed treatment. It is expected that the beneficial microbes would

Jivamrit

Jivamrit acts as a bio-stimulant by promoting the activity of microorganisms in the soil and also the activity of phyllo spheric microorganisms when spayed on foliage.It acts like a primer for microbial activity, and also increases the population of native

Direct-Seeded Rice

Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) is the practise of growing rice using seeds placed directly in the ground as opposed to seedlings transplanted from a nursery.It is sometimes referred to as the broadcasting seed technique and is a water-saving approach for planting paddy.Advantages: It saves labour; sowing can be done in stipulated

Right to Repair

The Right to Repair campaign demands that manufacturers provide users with genuine parts so that, if they so want, they may have their equipment fixed by independent shops as well.Several nations, including the US, the UK, and the EU, recognise it. Issues with Right to Repair: Large Tech companies including

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

“Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework” (GBF) was adopted in the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. It includes four goals and 23 targets to be achieved by 2030. About the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Opened for signature in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de

Multilateral System of Access and Benefit Sharing (ML-ABS)

The ML-ABS system allows nations to share crucial plant genetic material with one another globally.The benefit-sharing component comprises monetary and non-monetary assistance for worldwide Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) conservation efforts.PGRFA are all plant products that can be used to develop further plants, including seeds, fruits, cuttings,

Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme

The Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) programme was established by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10).It is an international collaboration that measures the levels, trends, and causes of elephant mortality, providing an

Eco-Sensitive Zone

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are ecologically significant and vulnerable areas around protected areas that are designated under the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986, to be protected from industrial pollution and unregulated development.They are notified by the Central Government in exercise of the powers granted by section 3 of the EPA, 1986.The

Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHSs)

BHSs are recognised and notified in accordance with the provisions of Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and are well-defined regions that are distinct, ecologically fragile ecosystems that are dispersed over terrestrial, coastal, inland, and marine waters with rich biodiversity.The State Government may develop regulations for the administration

‘Tree City of the World’ (TCW) Tag

The TCW programme was established by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the American non-profit organisation Arbor Day Foundation.It offers guidance, support, and international recognition for a community's commitment to its urban forest and a framework for healthy, sustainable urban forestry programmes in towns and cities. Mumbai and

Miyawaki Method

The Miyawaki approach involves planting microforests on tiny pieces of land to reforest urban areas.After identification and a soil quality examination, the native trees of the area are separated into four levels (shrub, sub-tree, tree, and canopy). Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki created it in the 1980s.It guarantees that plant growth

Abidjan Convention

On 23 March 1981 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, the Convention for the Co-operation in the Preservation and Development of the Maritime and Coastal Environment of the West and Central African Area (often known as the "Abidjan Convention") was signed.The Abidjan Agreement mentions ships, dumping, land-based operations, exploration and exploitation of

Aceclofenac

Aceclofenac is a veterinary painkiller.Utility: It metabolises into diclofenac in water buffaloes and cows which eventually threatens vulture populations in the country. Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug which was banned in 2006 as it was the main cause of dramatic decline (99 per cent) of vulture population across Asia. Recently,

Sponge Bleaching

The sponge Cymbastella lamellata contains large populations of diatoms that dwell inside the sponge tissue and trade food for protection, giving the sponge its brown colour. The sponge bleaches, expelling the diatoms and exposing the sponge skeleton, which causes tissue loss or degradation that is accelerated by increased heat

Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)

Its goal is to promote the science-policy interface for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, long-term human well-being, and sustainable development.It was founded as an independent intergovernmental agency in 2012.The IPBES now has 139 members, including India. IPBES is not a part of the UN or a UN organisation, although the

Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)

Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) is a group of technologies used to remove sulphur dioxide (SO2) from the exhaust flue gases of fossil-fuel power plants as well as from the emissions of other processes that release sulphur oxide, including waste incineration, petroleum refineries, cement and lime kilns. Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) may remove 90%

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

In current generation diesel-powered vehicles and equipment, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), an advanced active emissions control technology system, decreases tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) to almost zero levels. Each manufacturer has their own variants in the type and ordering of the various SCR system components, which are packaged together

Green Crackers

Green crackers are air pollution-free crackers that reduce emissions significantly, absorb dust, and don't contain harmful substances like barium nitrate. They are 30% less polluting than ordinary crackers.It is made by authorised manufacturers who have received Council for Scientific and Industrial Research approval (CSIR).The Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Petroleum

Grey Water

Grey water is wastewater from baths, showers, hand basins, washing machines, dishwashers and kitchen sinks, excludes streams from toilets.Significance of grey water recycling includes preventing potential harm to the environment and reducing the demand for freshwater. It is reliable water resource unlike rainwater harvesting and is a good fertilizer source

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

PFAS, sometimes known as "forever chemicals," are substances that have carbon chains that are partially or entirely fluorinated and have varying lengths. They are difficult for the environment to break down because of the strong carbon-fluorine linkages they contain.PFAS like perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) listed under

Raman Spectroscopy

It is a non-destructive chemical analysis technique which provides detailed information about chemical structure, phase and molecular interactions.Using Raman spectroscopy, microplastics and toxic chemicals containing the cyclohexyl functional group were detected which were found responsible for the ailments in the fish. Chemicals containing the cyclohexyl group are commonly used in

Photo Pollution

Photo/Light Pollution is a presence of excessive, misdirected, or obtrusive artificial (usually outdoor) light.Components of light pollution are Glare i.e., excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort; Skyglow i.e., brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas; Light trespass i.e., light falling where it is not intended or needed; and Clutter

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

EPR is a responsibility of any producer of electrical or electronic equipment for meeting recycling targets to ensure environmentally sound management of e-waste.India had first introduced EPR in 2011 under the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011, and E-Waste Management and Handling Rules,

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

POPs are chemical substances that persist in environment for a long period. POPs bio-accumulate in living organisms and adversely affect human health and environment.It has the property of long-range environmental

Prior Informed Consent (PIC)

PIC is a procedure for formally acquiring and distributing importing parties' decisions regarding their readiness to accept future shipments of hazardous chemicals listed in Annex III of the Convention and for ensuring exporting parties' adherence to those decisions.It is covered by the Rotterdam Convention, a binding agreement that was adopted

‘Triple Dip’ La Niña

‘Triple Dip’ La Niña classified when La Niña continues for 30 or more than 30 months.La Niña (known as little girl) is a weather pattern that occurs in Pacific Ocean. It is observed when sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in Eastern Equatorial Pacific (EEP) get comparatively colder than normal. This results

Karakoram Anomaly

The term "Karakoram anomaly" refers to the stability or abnormal growth of glaciers in the central Karakoram, in contrast to the retreat of glaciers in nearby Himalayan Mountain ranges and other mountain ranges around the world.The anomaly exists as a result of several factors, including: revival of western disturbances (WDs)

Asani

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Asani formed over the southeast parts of the Bay of Bengal. In 2022, Asani was the first cyclonic storm to hit the North Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka gave it the name, which in Sinhalese means "wrath." Thailand has given the cyclone that develops after Asani

Fujiwhara Effect

Fujiwhara effect is any interaction between tropical storms with distinctive features like Storms are formed around same time in same ocean region. Their centres or eyes are at a distance of less than 1,400 km. Intensity that could vary between a depression (wind speed under 63 km

Dvorak Technique

American meteorologist Vernon Dvorak invented the method.Based on cloud patterns using satellite imagery, it is a statistical method for estimating the strength of tropical cyclones (TCs).It makes use of improved visible and/or infrared satellite imagery to calculate the quantitative intensity of a tropical cyclone. It measures the strength of TCs

Bomb Cyclone

It is a meteorological phenomenon that happens when a low-pressure system experiences a sudden and abrupt drop in atmospheric pressure, along with strong winds, and it can result in severe weather, such as heavy snowfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms.It is also referred to as an explosive cyclogenesis. Bomb cyclones can

Azores High

Azores High is a subtropical high-pressure system that extends over the eastern subtropical North Atlantic and Western Europe during winter.It is formed by dry air aloft descending the subtropics and coincides with the downward branch of the Hadley Circulation. It is associated with anti-cyclonic winds in the subtropical North

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty

BBNJ is a convention under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that focuses on the preservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in places outside of national jurisdiction.The UNCLOS (to which India is a party) establishes standards for all uses of the oceans'

CITES

An international pact between states is called CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).Its goal is to make sure that the survival of the species is not threatened by international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants.Although CITES is legally binding on

Wild Life (Protection) Act (WLPA), 1972

It provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants with a view to ensuring the ecological and environmental security of the country.It empowers the State to declare protected areas, under 4 categories- National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Community Reserves and Conservation Reserves. It created 6 schedules for specially protected

Invasive Species

Organisms that cause ecological or economic harm in a new environment where they are not native are known as invasive species. Lantana, which the British brought from South America as ornamental plants, and Parthenium, which sprang from wheat imported from the United States in the 1950s, respectively, threaten more than 40%

Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH)

CTH are also known as core areas of tiger reserves.They are demarcated areas of National Parks/Sanctuaries, to be kept as inviolate for the purposes of tiger conservation, without affecting the rights of forest dwellers. It is notified under Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 and notified by state

Project REPLAN

REPLAN stands for REducing PLAstic in Nature and it aims to make carry bags by mixing processed and treated plastic waste with cotton fibre rags in the ratio 20:80.The Khadi and Village Industries Commission initiated the project (KVIC).The paper produced exhibits good strength and durability.Paper bags, delicate tissues, and other

Microbeads

Plastic microbeads are a subset of microplastics, which are often quite minute and occasionally even hard to discern.In addition, plastic pellets—the primary type of raw material used in the production of plastic—which are often shaped like cylinders or discs and measure about 2-3 millimetres in size—are frequently confused with microbeads.

Stockholm+50

“Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity” (Stockholm+50) took place five decades after the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment.The event provided leaders with an opportunity to draw on 50 years of multilateral environmental action to achieve the bold and urgent

Eco-Fascism

Eco-fascism is an ideology “which blames the demise of the environment on overpopulation, immigration, and over-industrialization.”Eco-fascists are tied up in racist theories and believe that the degradation of the natural environment leads to the degradation of their culture and their people. They are often radicalized online. For instance, many believe

Blue Deal

At the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2022, a "Blue Deal" was pushed to allow the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic development.It incorporates international trade, investment, and innovation to build a robust and sustainable ocean economy.The sustainable growth of the ocean economy, comprising fisheries and aquaculture, coastal tourism,

Living Lands Charter

In accordance with the plan established for the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the Commonwealth members have consented to voluntarily donate "living land" in their individual nations to future generations.The "Living Lands Charter," a non-binding agreement, calls for member nations to protect the world's land resources, halt land degradation,

India Business & Biodiversity Initiative

The India Business & Biodiversity Initiative (IBBI) offers businesses and their stakeholders a national forum for discussion, learning, and sharing that will eventually result in the mainstreaming of sustainable management of biological diversity into businesses.The project's goal was to educate, coach, and guide Indian corporate organisations on how to conserve

Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022

Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022 was promulgated solely to implement the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The Rules do not inhibit the commencement of processes envisaged in other laws like Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Land Acquisition Act, 1896, Forest Rights Act, 2006, etc. Major Provisions The Forest

Compensatory Afforestation Fund

Compensatory afforestation (CA) is the term used to describe afforestation and regeneration projects carried out to make up for forest land that was transferred to non-forest uses.For the same objective, the act creates National and State Funds.The money received in the National and State fund shall be an interest bearing

Community Forest Rights

CFR are recognised under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (FRA), 2006, which recognises and vests the forest rights and occupation in forest land in Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been living in such forests for generations but whose

Arth Ganga

The Prime Minister advocated for it at the National Ganga Council meeting in Kanpur in 2019.It focuses on developing chances for economic livelihood to support the activities under Namami Gange Project, the government's main initiative to clean up the Ganga and its tributaries.It aims to contribute roughly 3% of the

Blue Flag Beaches/Certification

The Blue Flag Beach Certification (BFBC) is awarded by the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education or FEE to promote sustainability in the tourism sector, through environmental education, environmental protection and other sustainable development practices.It is awarded to beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators. The award is based on

Oran Land

Oran land is disputed land parcel in Jaisalmer (Rajasthan).It was in news as the community residing in Jaisalmer are demanding the Oran land to be declared as community-conserved sacred spaces against its current status of wastelands. Orans are sacred spaces, which are rich in biodiversity and usually include a water

Boreal Forest

Boreal forests are still full of life that's adapted to withstand frigid temperatures year-round, such as caribou reindeer, or animals that can migrate long distances every winter.Full of deciduous trees and conifers, Boreal forests cover vast expanses in Canada, Alaska, and Russia. Boreal forests are an important carbon sink. Like

Super-Emitters

They are facilities, equipment, and other infrastructure, typically in the fossil-fuel, waste, or agriculture sectors that emit methane at high

Artic Amplification

Artic amplification is the phenomenon that any change in the net radiation balance tends to produce a larger change in temperature near the artic than in the planetary average.As sea ice declines, it becomes younger and thinner, and therefore more vulnerable to further melting. When the ice melts entirely, darker

Zombie Ice (Doomed Ice)

Zombie ice is the ice that is still attached to thicker areas of ice, but is no longer getting fed by those larger glaciers because parent glaciers are getting less replenishing snow. It is observed due to rising temperatures and climate anomalies as a result of climate

LiFE

LiFE i.e., Lifestyle For Environment is a India-led global mass movement.It strives to encourage both individual and group efforts to safeguard and maintain the environment.At the UNFCCC COP-26 in Glasgow, the Indian PM offered the idea.In the years 2022 to 2027, it aims to mobilise at least 1 billion Indians

Principles for Locally Led Adaptation (LLA)

To support locally driven adaptation, the Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) created a set of guiding principles.The Principles for LLA, which were introduced at the 2021 Climate Adaptation Conference, are meant to serve as a roadmap for the community working on adaptation as it shifts practises, funding, and programmes in

Emission Gap

It is the gap between the pledges taken by different countries to reduce GHGs emissions and the estimated reductions required to maintain the average global temperatures rise to below 20C, preferably 1.50C by the end of this century. UNEP releases ‘Emissions Gap Report’, major findings as per 2022 report includes

Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)

CCUS includes methods for removing CO2 from flue gas and the atmosphere, then recycling it for use and figuring out secure long-term storage alternatives. Flue gases are created when any fuel, including coal, oil, natural gas, and wood, is burned in an industrial boiler, a power plant's steam-generating boiler, or another

Climate Tipping Points

These points where any small change could push the earth system into abrupt or irreversible change.Some major climate tipping points include Greenland ice sheet; Permafrost; Ocean circulation and temperature (AMOC); Monsoons; Amazon Rainforests; West Antarctic Ice Sheets; Atlantic Circulation; Wilkes Basin; and Coral

Greenwashing

It is a practice of misleading general public into believing that companies, sovereigns or civic administrators are doing more for the environment than they actually are. It may involve making a product or policy seem more environmentally friendly or less damaging than it is in reality. It is a term coined

Keeling Curve

It is named after Dr. Charles David Keeling.The Keeling Curve is a graph that shows the ongoing change in the concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere. Since its inception (1956), Dr. Keeling discovered global atmospheric CO2 levels were rising nearly every year. By analysing the CO2 in his samples,

Climate Equity

Climate change does not affect all people equally. Some communities experience disproportionate impacts because of existing vulnerabilities, historical patterns of inequity, socioeconomic disparities, and systemic environmental injustices.Climate equity is the goal of recognizing and addressing the unequal burdens made worse by climate change, while ensuring that all people share the

Ocean Carbon Sequestration

Ocean carbon sequestration (OCS) is a method to distribute CO2 more evenly throughout ocean depth and minimize surface ocean impacts.There are two major methods of OCS – direct injection and ocean fertilization (promoting photosynthetic fixation of CO2 by ocean organisms). The ocean is the largest sink of atmospheric CO2 (about

Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture is a holistic farming system that focuses on soil health, food quality, biodiversity improvement, water quality and air quality.It improves soil health through practices that increase soil organic matter, biota and biodiversity. It comprises a range of techniques, supported by innovative technologies, which can combat the challenges cause

Pyrene Remediation

Pyrene Remediation is used in the removal of contaminants, pollutants, and toxins from soil, water, and other environments.Pyrene and its derivatives are important polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that act as fluorophores and are widely used as a fluorescent probe on account of their strong emission of fluorescence in live cells, very

Polar Vortex

The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles.It always exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter. The term "vortex" refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the

Pileus Cloud

A pileus cloud forms when a cloud grows upward at a fast rate and forms in a stable layer above the cumulus cloud creating a hat or umbrella.Pileus clouds often foreshadow a very strong or even severe storm as the updraft in the cloud is very strong in this situation.

Green Steel

The production of steel without the use of fossil fuels is known as "green steel," and it can be accomplished by switching to low-carbon energy sources like electricity, hydrogen, or coal gasification from the conventional, carbon-intensive method of coal-fired facilities.Over time, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, decreases costs, and raises

Soil Carbon Sequestration

Soil carbon sequestration, also known as “carbon farming” includes various ways of managing land, especially farmland, so that soils absorb and hold more carbon. Increasing soil carbon is accomplished in various ways, including: Reducing soil disturbance by switching to low-till or no-till practices or planting perennial crops; Changing planting schedules

Polluter-Pays Principle (PPP)

PPP simply means that those producing pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health and the environment. It was adopted in Stockholm Conference of 1972, UN's first major conference on international environmental

Carbon Border Tax and Carbon Leakage

Carbon Border Tax is a tax on carbon emissions imposed on imported goods from countries with less strict climate policies.It creates a level playing field between imports and domestic production.Carbon leakage is the phenomena of undermining of global climate efforts due to relocation of production.

Emissions Trading System (ETS)

It is a market-based system of buying and selling permits and credits for carbon emission.Kyoto Protocol created 3 market mechanisms i.e., Emissions Trading, Clean Development Mechanism, Joint implementation. Paris Agreement under Article 6, created a new market mechanism and a framework for nonmarket approaches

GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP)

SGP is a corporate program of the Global Environment Facility, launched in 1992 during Rio Earth Summit.It provides financial and technical support to local civil society to develop and implement innovative local actions that address global environmental issues. It works closely with and complements other GEF projects and programs, supporting

Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC)

Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR–RC) is a principle within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that acknowledges the different capabilities and differing responsibilities of individual countries in addressing climate change.The principle of CBDR–RC is enshrined in the 1992 UNFCCC treaty, which was ratified by

‘Cap and Trade’

‘Cap and Trade’ is a common term for a government regulatory program designed to limit, or cap, the total level of emissions of certain chemicals, particularly carbon dioxide, as a result of industrial activity.The cap on greenhouse gas emissions that drive global warming is a firm limit on pollution. The

Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF)

It was established in 2001 to finance projects relating to adaptation, technology transfer and capacity building, energy, transport, industry, agriculture, forestry, and waste management and economic diversification.It is open to all vulnerable developing countries. The GEF’s new climate change adaptation strategy for the 2022-2026 periods will focus SCCF support in

Least Developed Countries Fund

It was established in 2001 to support a work programme to assist Least Developed Country Parties (LDCs).It is only existing fund with mandate to finance the preparation and implementation of National Adaptation Programs of Action (NAPAs). NAPAs use existing information to identify a country’s priorities for adaptation actions. It also

Skyglow

The Skyglow is a blanket of light that blankets the night sky in and around cities, blocking all but the brightest stars.The Skyglow is the brightening of the night sky over inhabited regions brought on by streetlights, security floodlights, and outdoor decorative lights. This light rushes into the eyes of

Global Climate Resilience Fund

A $50 million Global Climate Resilience Fund for women was unveiled by the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), SEWA, and other organisations.The money will support education and new resources for livelihoods while empowering women and communities to combat climate change.It strives to offer solutions to the issues faced by women who

Carbon Trade

Carbon trade is the buying and selling of credits that permit a company or other entity to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide.The value of the carbon is based on the ability of the country to store it or to prevent it from being released into the atmosphere. The

Blue Bob

A chilly area called Blue Bob can be found south of Iceland and Greenland.The sea surface temperature was roughly 1.4 degrees Celsius below normal during the winter of 2014–2015, when the cold patch was most noticeable. Iceland's glaciers rapidly receded from 1995 to 2010, losing an average of 11 billion

Nature Positive Fund

The Nature-Positive Fund advocates financialization of developmental activities, via a monetary valuation of ecosystems, biodiversity offsetting and diverting the conversation away from the need to curb biodiversity destruction and towards ‘sustainable’ finance regulation.However, recently, 119 experts from the scholarly community and common society have approached the United Nations (UN), World

Sovereign Green Bonds

Sovereign Green Bonds (SGBs) are financial instruments issued by governments that are intended to fund specific environmental or climate-related projects.SEBI introduced disclosure standards for green bonds in 2017, requiring issuers to disclose the environmental goals of the issuance of such instruments.Yes Bank Ltd. issued the first green bond in India

Carbon Budget

Carbon budgets measure how much CO2 is produced by industry, homes and all other parts of the economy to calculate by how much emissions must be cut in the future.The aim carbon budget to reach net-zero emissions – striking an equal balance between the carbon released into the atmosphere and

Green Fins Hub

A global internet network for snorkelling and diving businesses globally is called Green Fins Hub. It was introduced by the UK-based non-profit Reef-World Foundation and the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). Green Fins is a proven conservation management strategy that has been proven to reduce the negative environmental effects of

Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund

Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF) is a dedicated international multi-donor trust fund launched by Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure on 09 November 2022 at the India Pavilion at COP27, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.IRAF aims to support global action on disaster resilience of infrastructure systems, especially in developing countries and Small

Insurance Adaptation Acceleration Campaign

It was started as a part of the UN-backed Race to Resilience programme, which aims to spur a significant increase in global ambition for climate resilience.The goal is to scale the industry's ability to advance meaningful climate risk reduction and jointly pursue the innovative public-private partnerships that reflect a shared

Global Methane Pledge

Led by United States and European Union, Global Methane Pledge was launched at CoP26 in 2021 to catalyse action to reduce methane emissions.It aims to collectively reduce methane emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030. Its membership has more than 100 country participants, together responsible for 45%

Global Energy Monitor (GEM)

GEM is a non-profit organization which aims to develop and share information in support of the worldwide movement for clean energy.As per GEM, just 30 fossil fuel companies account for nearly half of the planet-warming methane emitted by the world’s energy

International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO)

It is a UNEP initiative that the European Commission helped launch in 2021. It aims to stimulate methane emission reduction, starting with the fossil fuel industry.It serves as the main partner in the Global Methane Pledge's implementation.Reducing methane emissions is the fastest approach to address climate change in the short

Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) Mission

Launched in July 2022, Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) was developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to help researchers model climate effects from measurements of the world’s mineral-dust sources.EMIT uses an advanced imaging spectrometer instrument that measures a spectrum of sunlight reflected from minerals on

Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON)

Established in 2012, GOA-ON is a collaborative international network.It aims to detect and understand the drivers of ocean acidification in estuarine-coastal-open ocean environments, the resulting impacts on marine ecosystems, and to make the information available to optimize modelling studies. The network is fundamental to providing early warning of the impacts

Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan

Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan was agreed at the COP27 summit. It included a historic commitment by richer nations to give money to developing nations to help them recover from the damage and economic losses wreaked from ongoing climate change impacts.For the first time countries agreed to establish a "loss and

Koronivia Joint Work for Agriculture (KJWA)

KJWA is the only programme to focus on agriculture and food security under UNFCCC.The KJWA is a decision under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which seeks to recognize the unique potential of agriculture in tackling climate change. It emphasizes reducing emissions of greenhouse gases due to

First Movers Coalition

It aims to scale up vital emerging technologies required for the Net-Zero Transition as well as commercialise zero-carbon technology.It was introduced by the USA and the WEF at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland.India has joined the First Movers Coalition Steering Board, a global initiative leveraging corporate purchasing power to decarbonize seven

Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP)

JETP are a set of climate finance agreements in which donor countries work together.To accelerate the early retirement of high-emission infrastructure in partner countries. It provides support for investment in renewable energy and related infrastructure. First JTEP was announced in 2021 by South Africa and an International Partners Group

Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS)

India submitted its Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), during the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27). Some major commitments under LT-LEDS include: The rapid expansion of green hydrogen production, increasing electrolyser manufacturing capacity in the country, and three-fold increase in nuclear capacity by

‘In Our LiFEtime’ Campaign

The campaign was started to inspire young people between the ages of 18 and 23 to spread the word about sustainable living.As part of the campaign, youngsters will be urged to share their climate actions that, to the best of their abilities, support environmentally friendly lifestyles that are scalable and

Hydrogen Valley Platform

It is a global initiative to optimise the hydrogen demand and supply by onsite generation and utilization, utilize the renewable resources effectively, and water excess areas with geographical identity.It was developed by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

It is plan from the European Union (EU), proposed in 2021.It proposes to tax carbon-intensive products, such as iron and steel, cement, fertilizer, aluminium, electricity, and hydrogen, from 2026. It aims to eliminate the difference in carbon price paid by companies subjected to the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) or

Global Clean Energy Action Forum (GCEAF)

In September 2023 in Pittsburgh, the U.S.A. will host the first-ever Global Clean Energy Action Forum, a joint convening of the 13th Clean Energy Ministerial and the 7th Mission Innovation ministerial.Governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia, innovators, civil society, and early career researchers and policymakers will join together in

Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

SBTi drives climate action in private sector by enabling organizations to set science-based emissions reduction targets.It also the lead partner of Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign. It is campaign which is a call from a global coalition of UN agencies, business and industry leaders mobilizing companies to set net-zero science-based

Green Events Tool (GET)

It is platform first introduced at UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021.It aims to encourage actions to reduce negative impacts of events, including their carbon footprint, at planning and implementation

“Land, Life and Legacy” Declaration

The theme of the 15th COP of the UNCCD was ‘Land Life Legacy: From scarcity to prosperity’.It represented a global call to action to ensure land, the lifeline of the planet, continues to benefit present and future generations. It aims to bring together leaders from governments, the private sector, civil

Initiative on Nutrition and Climate Change (ICAN)

It was launched by Egypt at COP27 in partnership with WHO, FAO, other UN agencies and partners.It aims to support Member States in delivering climate change adaptation and mitigation policy action which simultaneously improves nutrition and triggers transformative action to deliver healthy diets from sustainable food

Lisbon Declaration

On July 1, 2022, all 198 United Nations members ratified the Lisbon Declaration on ocean protection.They acknowledged the need for capacity development assistance for developing nations, particularly the least developed nations and tiny island developing states.They also decided to work to prevent, control, and reduce marine pollution. Nutrient contamination, solid

Seoul Forest Declaration

The 15th World Forestry Conference approved the Seoul Forest Declaration.The Seoul Forest Declaration made clear that in order to reach the targets set by the international community by 2030, investments in landscape and forest restoration must be tripled worldwide. The proclamation also made clear that there cannot exist a healthy

International Big Cat Alliance

In order to safeguard the seven main big cats—the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah—India has suggested the formation of a new international partnership named the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). 97 nations and organisations that are interested in conserving these creatures were welcomed to join the IBCA. India

Plasticosis

Scientists from Australia and the UK have identified a brand-new fibrotic condition in birds termed "Plasticosis," which is brought on by plastic ingestion, which causes chronic inflammation and the development of scar tissue in the digestive system of birds. According to the study, the birds had ingested about 12.5% of their

Arribada

Olive Ridley turtles, also known as arribadas, are a species that is well-known throughout the world for its coordinated nesting behaviour. This year's Olive Ridley turtle breeding season began in February, a month sooner than it did the year before.About Olive Ridley Turtle: They are the second-smallest and most prevalent

Yaya Tso

Ladakh's Yaya Tso Lake is referred to as the Bird's Paradise. The lake is 4,820 kilometres above sea level. The lake is a well-known location for black-necked crane breeding.The Biodiversity Management Committee, the Panchayat of Chumathang Village, and The Himalaya Project has designated it as a "Biodiversity Heritage Site." Making

MISHTI Scheme

The scheme's primary goal is to establish mangrove plants along the shoreline. In other words, mangrove trees will be planted around the nation's coasts. Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Andaman and Nicobar, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu all have mangrove forests. Scheme implementation: MISHTI is to be implemented

World Restoration Flagships

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration's winning ecosystem restoration programmes are referred to as "Global Restoration Flagships." These initiatives are eligible for receiving UN-backed promotion, advice, or funding. They were selected under the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. They are recognised for promoting the best practises of large-scale and long-term

ANGAN

The Indo-Swiss Building Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) hosted the international conference ANGAN 2022 (Augmenting Nature by Green Affordable New-habitat).‘Making the Zero-Carbon Transition in Buildings’ is the concept around which it is structured.The Augmenting Nature by Green Affordable New-habitat is in its second edition.Important topics like "Thermal Comfort and Climate Resilience

BEEP

Indo-Swiss Building Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) is a collaborative project between the Indian Government and the Swiss Government.The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which comes under the Indian Government’s Ministry of Power, is providing the technical support for this project. It had helped formulate Eco-Niwas Samhita (energy conservation building code

SHOONYA Campaign

The Shoonya Campaign seeks to minimise air pollution produced by ride hailing and delivery services by encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).130 business organisations have joined the campaign, including Electric, delivery, and ride-hailing firms.To mark the first anniversary of the Shoonya Campaign, the NITI Aayog recently (in September 2022)

Derecho Storm System

The American states of Minnesota, Nebraska, and Illinois were recently slammed by a "Derecho Storm System." A warm-weather occurrence is derecho. It usually starts in May and lasts into the summer. Typically, struck in June or July. In contrast to other storm systems like tornadoes or hurricanes, derechos are an uncommon

Rain Bomb

A rain bomb, or microburst as it is often known, is a brief downdraft, or small column of sinking air, that develops within a thunderstorm and has a diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 miles. Microbursts have the potential to kill and cause considerable surface damage. The two main

Important Environmental Conventions

Important Environmental Conventions Environmental Convention/ Year of Establishment or Ratification Key Points Ramsar Convention (1971) International treaty for “the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands”. It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran. The Convention was signed on the 2nd of February, 1971. The 2nd of February each year is World Wetlands Day. The number

Retrograde Orbit

A retrograde orbit is when a spacecraft orbits a celestial body in the polar opposite of the direction that the celestial body rotates. For instance, the Orion spacecraft (a part of ARTEMIS I) may use the gravitational push it experiences as it approaches the moon to enter a so-called "far

Gravitational Lensing

Gravitational Lensing is a phenomenon in which light emitted by source is bent due to presence of another massive body between target galaxy and observer, effectively resulting in magnification of signal. For example, James Webb Space Telescope uses gravitational lensing to display the distant

Nebula

It is a giant cloud of dust and gas in the space. Some nebulae come from gas and dust thrown out of explosion of a dying star, such as supernova. Other nebulae are regions where new stars are beginning to

Space Sustainability

Space sustainability refers to ensuring that all humanity can continue to use outer space for peaceful purposes and socioeconomic benefit now and in the long term. Threats to Space Sustainability Operations and safety are directly threatened by orbital congestion and space debris. Kessler syndrome is a series of events that can happen

Kessler Syndrome

The Kessler Syndrome is a hypothetical situation in which parts of Earth's orbit are overrun with garbage and objects, making it impossible to use satellites there. According to this scenario, collisions between objects in orbit continue to produce debris, which leads to additional collisions in the future. Scientist Donald

Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

SSA refers to understanding the environment in space, evaluating potential dangers to space activities, and putting required mitigation measures in place to protect space assets. Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) of artificial objects, Space Weather (SWE) monitoring and forecast, and Near-Earth Objects (NEO) monitoring are the three core topics covered

Schwarzschild Radius

The Schwarzschild radius is the radius of the event horizon surrounding a non-rotating black hole. Any object with a physical radius smaller than its Schwarzschild radius will be a black hole.

Ergosphere

The ergosphere is the area immediately outside the event horizon of a spinning black hole (also known as a Kerr black hole), where an observer is compelled to rotate along with the black hole and is unable to remain stationary with respect to the rest of the universe. The static

Relativistic Jet

Relativistic jets are beams of plasma launched in the vicinity of accreting SMBHs (Super-Massive Black Holes). Regarding the genesis of jet power, there are two opposing hypotheses. The first hypothesis states that jets are propelled either solely by electromagnetic processes or as a result of magnetohydrodynamic processes at the inner

Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs)

TDE refers to an event when a black hole violently rips apart stars that gets too close. When a star comes close to a black hole, gravitational forces will stretch or “spaghettify” star. Then, elongated material spirals around black hole, gets heated up, and creates a flash that can be

Dark Matter and Dark Energy

A mysterious, invisible material known as dark matter (25%) and a gravitational force known as dark energy (70%) appear to make up 95% of the cosmos. Dark matter does not interact with electromagnetic force like normal matter does. This makes it incredibly difficult to detect because it does not emit,

Chandler Wobble

It is change in the spin of Earth as it rotates on its axis, much as a toy top wobble as it spins. It was discovered by Seth Carlo Chandler in 1890’s. The time period to complete one wobble is around 433 days. Wobble amounts to about 20

Hybrid Propulsion System

Liquid oxygen (LOX) served as the oxidizer and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) served as the fuel for the motor. A hybrid motor employs solid fuel and a liquid oxidizer, as opposed to solid-solid or liquid-liquid combinations. Throttling is made easier by the use of liquids, and the ability to adjust the

Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (IAD)

IAD is used to aerodynamically slow down an object falling through the atmosphere. IAD offers great potential for a wide range of space applications, including recovering rocket boosters, putting payloads on Mars or Venus, and building habitats for manned space missions. The Kevlar fabric used to make IAD is covered

Blood Moon

Blood Moon, commonly known as total lunar eclipse, occurs when moon passes through darkest part of Earth's shadow, known as the umbra. It is called blood moon because of reddish hue. Other Types of Lunar Eclipse are partial lunar eclipse (when only a part of moon enters earth’s shadow)

Geomagnetic Storm

Geomagnetic Storm (GMS) is a disturbance in the earth’s magnetosphere, which is the area around the planet controlled by its magnetic field. When Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) collide with the Earth, it causes GMS. CME is a large expulsion of plasma and magnetic field from the sun’s corona, or

Coronal Holes

As they contain little solar material, coronal holes on the sun's surface, where rapid solar wind blasts out into space, are cooler than their surroundings and seem considerably darker. The holes, which are a common occurrence during the sun's roughly 11-year solar cycle, have the potential to send a complicated

Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs)

FRBs are bright bursts of radio waves whose durations lie in the millisecond-scale, because of which it is difficult to detect them and determine their position in the sky. Radio waves can be produced by astronomical objects with changing magnetic fields. Origins of FRBs are unknown, and their appearance is

Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs)

GRBs are flashes of high-energy radiation arising from energetic cosmic explosions. GRBs are the most powerful explosions universe has seen since the Big Bang. They are brief, but intense, flashes of gamma radiation. They produce as much energy as Sun will emit during its entire 10-billion-year

Betelgeuse

Betelgeuse is a red giant is a fading star in the last stages of stellar evolution. It is the blazing red supergiant on Orion's shoulder. Betelgeuse star became fainter than ever in late 2019. As of right now, scientists think that Betelgeuse most certainly had a massive surface mass

Space Tourism

Space tourism is human space travel for recreational purposes. There are several different types of space tourism, including orbital, suborbital and lunar space tourism. Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX—three significant private companies—made huge investments in space

Black Holes

A black hole is a place in space where gravity pulls so much that even light can not get out. The gravity is so strong because matter has been squeezed into a tiny space. This can happen when a star is dying. Because no light can get out, people can't

Binary Super Massive Black Hole (SMBH)

"Supermassive" black holes are the biggest ones. These black holes have combined masses more than one million suns. Researchers have discovered evidence that each giant galaxy has a supermassive black hole at its centre. Sagittarius A is the name of the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky

Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission

NASA's DART mission was a spacecraft built to test a "kinetic impactor" approach for diverting asteroids for planetary defence (in simplest terms means smashing a thing into another thing). DART was the first space mission to ever show how an impactor may deflect an asteroid. The spacecraft was launched in

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Mission

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to carry a 2.7-meter (106-inch) reflecting telescope (with an effective diameter of 2.5 meters or 100 inches). Flying into the stratosphere at 38,000-45,000 feet puts SOFIA above 99 percent of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere, allowing astronomers to study the

SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN)

SpIN is a one-of-its-kind public-private collaboration for start-ups and SMEs in the space industry. This partnership is a significant step forward in providing further stimulus to India’s recent space reform policies and will work towards identifying and unleashing the market potential of the most promising space tech innovators and entrepreneurs in

White Dwarfs

A white dwarf is what stars like the Sun become after they have exhausted their nuclear fuel. Near the end of its nuclear burning stage, this type of star expels most of its outer material, creating a planetary nebula. Only the hot core of the star remains. This core

Bernardinelli-Bernstein Comet

The comet was discovered by astronomers Pedro Bernardinelli and Gary Bernstein in archival images from the Dark Energy Survey at an astronomical observatory in Chile. It was discovered in November 2010 and has been intensively studied since. The comet has been travelling towards the sun for over a million years

Dark SKY Reserve

A Dark Sky Reserve is a designation given to a place that has policies in place to ensure that a tract of land or region has minimal artificial light interference. The International Dark Sky Association is a U.S.-based non-profit that designates places as International Dark Sky Places, Parks, Sanctuaries and

Sampurnanand Optical Telescope (SOT)

The Sampurnanand Telescope, located at ARIES, Manora Peak, Nainital, is one of the the main observing facility in optical domain. It was installed in 1972 by Carl Zeiss, Germany. It is used for different scientific programs such asStudy of star-clustersYoung star-forming regionsAGN and brown dwarfsOptical counterpart of Gamma-ray-bursts (GRBs)Supernovae and

SARAS 3 Telescope

SARAS 3 (Shaped Antenna measurement of the background Radio Spectrum 3) telescope is an indigenously developed radio telescope of India. It was deployed over Dandiganahalli Lake and Sharavati backwaters, located in Northern Karnataka, in early 2020. SARAS plans to design, build, and deploy a precise radio telescope in India to

Liquid-Mirror Telescope (LMT)

A unique International Liquid-Mirror Telescope (ILMT) has recently been installed at the Devasthal Observatory campus of the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in Nainital, Uttarakhand. The telescope uses a 4-meter-wide rotating mirror made of a

Space Bricks

Space bricks are bricks in the outer space of earth or on any celestial body. The process uses urea, lunar soil, bacteria and guar beans in the making of these bricks. The process of creating these bricks involves using urea which can be readily found in human urine and mixing

Mars Orbiter Mission

Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) was India's first interplanetary mission to planet Mars was launched on board PSLV-C25 on November 05, 2013. ISRO has become the fourth space agency to successfully send a spacecraft to Mars orbit. Though the designed mission life is 6 months, MOM completed 7 years in its

NASA’s Perseverance Rover

Perseverance is a NASA Mars rover that landed on Feb. 18, 2021. The rover is searching for past life on Mars and collecting soil and rock samples for future return to Earth. Getting Perseverance's samples back to Earth will require at least two missions that are currently being planned by

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a 3 stage Launch Vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage. SSLV is 2m in diameter and 34m in length with lift off weight of 120 tonnes. SSLV is capable of launching 500kg satellite in

James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope is an infrared observatory orbiting the Sun about 1 million miles from Earth to find the first galaxies that formed in the early universe and to see stars forming planetary systems. It was launched by NASA and has an approximately 6.5-meter primary mirror. It aims to study

Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology

It is a missile propulsion system that combines a decreased smoke, nozzle-less missile booster with a thrust-modulated, ducted rocket. A joint R&D effort between India and Russia resulted in the development of the SFDR, which was tested in 2018. It had reached Mach 3 speed. The device uses a Ramjet

Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear (SSBNs)

SSBNs serves as an undetectable launch platform for intercontinental missiles. It is designed specifically for stealth and precise delivery of nuclear warheads. INS Arihant is India’s

Nuclear-Power attack Submarines (SSNs)

Nuclear-powered attack submarine armed with non-nuclear weapons. It is designed to engage in mine warfare, seek out and destroy enemy ships, and support battle group operations. Countries currently have nuclear powered submarines – UK, US, China, Russia, India and

Diesel-electric Attack Submarines (SSKs)

SSKs have diesel engines. Battery capacity constrain amount of time a diesel sub can stay underwater, leading to frequent resurfacing. India’s SSKs include Shishumar Class (from Germany); Kilo Class or Sindhughosh Class (from Russia); Kalvari Class

Dirty Bomb

Dirty Bomb is a bomb that contains radioactive material, such as uranium, which is scattered through the air when its conventional explosive detonates. It doesn't need to contain highly refined radioactive material, as is used in a nuclear bomb. Instead, it uses radioactive materials from hospitals, nuclear power stations or research

Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization & Evaluation (SPACE)

SPACE is one-of-a-kind facility in the world with specially designed submersible platform, which can be lowered up to depths of 100 meters. SPACE will be mainly utilized for evaluating Sonar systems, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and

Butterfly Mines

Butterfly mines look like toys and are therefore dangerous for children. PFM-1 and PFM-1S are two kinds of anti-personnel landmines that are commonly referred to as ‘Butterfly mines’ or ‘Green Parrots.’ These mines can be deployed by being dropped from helicopters or through ballistic dispersion. Anti- personal mines are banned by

Agni-5 Missile

The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program produced the cleverly constructed Agni-5 advanced surface-to-surface ballistic missile (IGMDP). It is a fire-and-forget missile, which cannot be stopped without an interceptor missile. The missile has the capability of hitting targets beyond the range of 5000 km and is crucial for India's self-defense systems. The Agni missile

S-400

S-400 is a missile system developed by Russia in 1990s. The anti-aircraft version of the S-400 missile system, designed to destroy aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles, can also be used against ground targets. The S-400 is able to intercept cruise missiles at a range of only about 40 km due to

Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)

ATGMs are primarily designed to hit and destroy heavily armoured military vehicles. The missiles can be transported by a single soldier, to larger tripod-mounted weapons, which require a squad or team to transport and fire, to vehicle and aircraft mounted missile systems. This type of guided missiles relies on an

Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)

Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) is an indigenously developed low weight, fire and forgets missile. The missile is incorporated with state-of-the-art Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIS) along with advanced avionics. It is a passive weapon guidance system that uses the infrared light emission from a target to track and follow

Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM)

It is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile that the DRDO independently designed and created for the Indian Navy with the intention of neutralising a variety of aerial threats at close ranges, including targets that skim the surface of the ocean. Sea skimming is a method many anti-ship missiles and some

Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM)

Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) is a rapid reaction Surface to Air Missile capable of Search on Move, Track on Move and Fire on Short halts. Because QRSAM is a canister-based system, it is kept in and used from spaces that have been specifically created for that purpose.

HELINA

HELINA (Helicopter based NAG) is a third generation fire and forget class anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system mounted on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The system has all weather day and night capability and can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as explosive reactive armour. The HELINA missile can

Astra Mk-I beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missiles

Astra is India’s first beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is intended to engage and destroy aerial targets with high manoeuvrability and supersonic speeds. The missile’s advanced air combat capabilities allow it to engage multiple high-performance targets. The Astra

Pralay Missile

Pralay' is India's first conventional quasi-ballistic missile and is an answer to any conventional missile attack from northern or western borders. A quasi-ballistic missile has a low trajectory, and while it is largely ballistic, it can manoeuvre in flight. The missile has been developed in a way that it is

INS Vikrant

The INS Vikrant is an aircraft carrier powered by four general electric engines and two gas turbine engines. It was commissioned in 2022. It can carry 26 MIG-29K or 26 Rafale fighter jets. In addition, the carrier can take 2 Dhruv helicopters or 4 MH-60R

Project 15 B

The Project is a follow-on of the Kolkata class (Project 15A) destroyers and the lead ship of the Project – INS Visakhapatnam was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 21 November 2021. It is designed by the Warship Design Bureau, the Indian Navy’s in-house organization; and built by M/s Mazagon

Project 17A

Project 17 Alpha frigates (P-17A) were launched by the Indian Navy in 2019 to construct a series of stealth guided-missile frigates. These are currently being constructed by two companies - Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). These guided-missile frigates have been constructed with a specific

Project 75(I)

At an estimated cost of Rs. 43,000 crores, this project calls for the domestic building of submarines fitted with the most advanced Air Independent Propulsion system. The Indian Navy's 30-year plan for building indigenous submarines includes Project 75 (I), which was authorised in 2007. Project 75 (I) will be

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vagsheer

The sixth Scorpene class submarine, INS Vagsheer was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for the Indian Navy. These submarines are being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with Naval Group, France. The state-of- the-art technology utilised for construction of the Scorpene class submarines has ensured superior

Dornier (Do-228) Aircraft

The 19 seater HAL - DO - 228 aircraft is a highly versatile multi-purpose light transport aircraft. It has been developed specifically to meet the manifold requirements of utility and commuter transport, third level services and air-taxi operations, coast guard duties and maritime

Indigenous Stealth Drone

The stealth drone, also referred to as an Unmanned Combat Airborne Vehicle (UCAV), has been designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru. The aircraft is powered by a small turbofan engine. The airframe, undercarriage and entire flight control and avionics systems used for the aircraft were developed indigenously.

Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) System

Locally designed and successfully tested at different ranges is the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System Extended Range (ER), Area Denial Munitions (ADM). The Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system has a 44-second salvo firing time for 12 missiles. Compared to its earlier version, this improved version of Pinaka had been adopted

High-Energy Laser System (HELS)

HELS is recognised as a unique speed-of-light energy beam weapon using high-power lasers that can be precisely aimed to target hostile objects. It is a step ahead in ‘Make In India’. DEWs are capable of destroying or damaging the target temporarily or permanently by focusing high-energy beams or lasers. The

Digital Twin

A virtual model created to faithfully represent a physical item is called a digital twin. The object being examined, such as a wind turbine, is equipped with a variety of sensors that are connected to key functional areas. These sensors generate information about a variety of performance characteristics of the physical

Network Slicing

Network slicing is a network configuration that allows multiple networks (virtualized and independent) to be created on top of a common physical infrastructure. This configuration has become an essential component of the overall 5G architectural landscape. Each ‘slice’ or portion of the network can be allocated based on the specific

Fiberisation

It is a process of connecting radio towers with each other via optical fiber cables. It connects core of network to edge facilitating large amounts of data used in 5G services. Provides additional bandwidth and stronger backhaul support. In India, currently only 33% of towers are fiberized, compared to 80%-90% in USA, Japan

Splinternet

Splinternet refers to ‘Internet that is increasingly fragmented due to nations filtering content or blocking it entirely for political purposes.’ For Example, China’s ‘Great Firewall’ keeps American tech giants out while pushing online services developed indigenously. Russia, in 2019, passed the sovereign internet law — or the online Iron Curtain —

GigaMesh

GigaMesh is an innovative wireless network solution that can give fibre-like bandwidth internet services to suburban and rural areas. It aims to address congestion issues in 4G infrastructure and provide high-tech and affordable internet connectivity. It is developed by Astrome, a deep-tech startup. Astrome is supported by Technology Innovation Hub at

Dark Net

It is also known as Dark Web It is that part of the Internet which cannot be accessed through traditional search engines like Google nor is it accessible by normal browsers like Chrome or Safari. It generally uses non-standard communication protocols which make it inaccessible to internet service providers (ISPs) or

Generative AI

It explains how to use algorithms to produce new media, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is accomplished by using neural networks to train machine learning models on sizable amounts of data, and by using those models to create new, synthetic data that closely resembles existing data.

4D Printing

4D printing is an upgrade to 3D printing in which special materials are used to print objects whose shapes alter after they are produced. It requires stimuli or triggers, such as moisture, temperature, light, electrical current, tension, pH, etc. to begin transformation. Hydrogels, thermoresponsive, photo- and magnetoresponsive, piezoelectric materials, pH-responsive,

Superimposition

It is the ability of the quantum particle to be in multiple states at the same time until it is measured. The term superimpose is typically used in graphics or photography to describe how images can be put on top of one another for dramatic

Entanglement

A situation in which two or more quantum particles are linked in such a way that it is impossible for them to be described independently but measurements from one particle can be used to instantly draw conclusions about the others. In other words, it is a counterintuitive phenomenon that explains

Bitcoin Mining

It is the process of creating new bitcoins by solving puzzles. It consists of computing systems equipped with specialized chips competing to solve mathematical puzzles. Common centres for mining include China, USA, Russia and Kazakhstan i.e., countries with cheap electricity and cold climate.

Merge and Proof-of-Stake

Merge is software that aims to reduce the amount of energy used in the process of validating transactions on the Ethereum network. Blockchain was first used in the creation and development of cryptocurrencies. It is a distributed or decentralised ledger system. Merge employs the procedure of changing the blockchain's proof-of-stake

Non-Fungible Tokens

A Non-Fungible Token (NFT) is a digital asset that can be a drawing, animation, song, picture, or video with a blockchain-created certificate of authenticity. Tokenizing these commodities lowers the risk of fraud while enabling more efficient buying, selling, and trading. Fungibility describes an asset's capacity to be traded in for a comparable

Extended Reality (XR)

Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term for any technology that alters reality by adding digital elements to the physical or real-world environment to any extent and includes, but is not limited to, augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR). Any new technology that blends the physical

Embedded SIM (e-SIM)

e-SIM is a form factor that is physically integrated into device, mostly by soldering to device printed circuit board (PCB). It cannot be easily removed in the field. It requires remote provisioning which is ability to remotely select SIM profile deployed on a SIM without physically changing SIM card.

Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is a cyber-attack that is hard to detect, wherein a computing device is hacked by the attacker, and its resources are used to illicitly coin mining of cryptocurrency. Coin mining is a legitimate, competitive process used to release new crypto coins into circulation or to verify new transactions.

Hermit

Hermit is a new spyware with capability to affect both Android and iOS devices. Hermit is a commercial spyware known to be used by governments with victims in Kazakhstan, Italy and northern Syria. Spyware is a malicious software or malware installed on a computing device to steal sensitive information through

Bluebugging

It is a type of hacking that enables attackers to gain access to a device through a Bluetooth link that can be discovered. Once a Bluetooth link has been made, hackers can bypass authentication by using brute force attacks. A hacker who has a device that has been "blue-bugged" can

National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP)

The platform seeks to democratise access to public government data by making data available on a user-friendly platform that is accessible, interoperable, and interactive. It holds fundamental datasets from different governmental organisations, coherently presents them, and offers analytics and visualisation tools. NDAP adopts a use-case-based methodology to make sure that

Data Empowerment Protection Architecture

DEPA is a joint public-private effort for an improved data governance approach. DEPA creates a digital framework that allows users to share their data on their own terms through a third-party entity, who are known as Consent Mangers (In India, Account Aggregators). DEPA went live in the financial sector in

Data Center

A Data Center is a physical facility that organizations use to house their critical applications and data. A data center's design is based on a network of computing and storage resources that enable the delivery of shared applications and data. The key components of a data center design include

5G Open Radio Access Network (RAN)

The Open Radio Access Network, or Open RAN, is a crucial component of a mobile network system that connects individual devices to other sections of a network through cellular radio connections. It has antennae that communicate with our cellphones and other suitable devices by sending and receiving signals. The signal

ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology that allows you to have human-like conversations and much more with the chatbot. The language model can answer questions and assist you with tasks like composing emails, essays, and code. ChatGPT was created by OpenAI, an AI and

LaMDA Technology

Short for Language Model for Dialogue Application, LaMDA AI is a conversational Large Language Model (LLM) built by Google as an underlying technology to power dialogue-based applications that can generate natural-sounding human language. Google's 2023 release of Bard, an AI chatbot similar to ChatGPT, is one of the most popular

3D Printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a technique for creating solid, three-dimensional items from digital files. Additive procedures are used to produce objects that are 3D printed. In an additive process, an object is made by adding layers of material one after another until the product is made.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a secure communication method for exchanging encryption keys only known between shared parties. It uses properties found in quantum physics to exchange cryptographic keys in such a way that is provable and guarantees security. QKD enables two parties to produce and share a key that

Facial Recognition System (FRS)

This technique is employed to recognise a person from an image. The system is first given a facial image or an image sequence as input. With cameras and sensors, the image can also be captured instantly. Following that, the FRS will handle a feature extraction and compare it to the

Radio frequency Identification (RFID)

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) refers to a wireless system comprised of two components: tags and readers. The reader is a device that has one or more antennas that emit radio waves and receive signals back from the RFID tag. Tags, which use radio waves to communicate their identity and

IndiaStack

IndiaStack is a set of APIs that allows governments, businesses, startups and developers to utilise a unique digital Infrastructure to solve India’s hard problems towards presence-less, paperless, and cashless service delivery. The Open API team at iSPIRT has been a pro-bono partner in the development, evolution, and evangelisation of these APIs

2Africa Pearls

The 2Africa Pearls is one of the largest subsea cable systems in the world. Its purpose is to provide faster internet connectivity to over 3 billion people by connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia. When this 37,000-km-long subsea cable was launched in 2020, it connected 23 countries. In 2021, the tech

Global Lighthouse Network (GLN)

The Global Lighthouse Network is a World Economic Forum initiative in collaboration with McKinsey & Company. It examines the future of operations and considers how Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies are shaping production. GLN is setting the trends of the future with their use of digital and analytics tools across

ITU’s Regional Standardization Forum (RSF)

RSF is a platform which encourages a positive dialogue about ideas It discusses the role of ITU standards and standardisation issues in various technology industries. It utilizes Technology to Promote Financial & Digital Inclusion in Emerging Markets to advance the digital health and data value chain. About International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ITU was established

Frequency Modulation (FM)

Frequency modulation (FM) is a type of angle modulation in which the frequency of a sinusoidal carrier wave deviates from a centre frequency by an amount proportional to the instantaneous value of the message signal. In FM, the center frequency is the carrier frequency. Modulation refers to converting the

PARAM PORUL

PARAM PORUL is a state-of-the-art Supercomputer was inaugurated at NIT Tiruchirappalli on the 25th of May 2022 in a joint initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This newly inaugurated supercomputing facility has been established under Phase 2 of

True Random Number Generator (TRNG)

The TRNG device work has been published in the ACS Nano magazine. The TRNG device performed better than expected on the benchmark tests for cryptographic applications created by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). With TRNG devices, IISc will offer enhanced security for critical digital information such

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

AMR is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses, and some parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from working against it. WHO has declared AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. Antibiotic resistance has been found in all regions

Self-amplifying Messenger RNA (mRNA) Vaccine

Unlike conventional vaccines that inject a weakened form of a virus or bacteria into the body, RNA vaccines use part of virus’ own genes to stimulate an immune response. A conventional mRNA vaccine, such as those from Pfizer and Moderna, uses mRNA that encodes the spike protein of the coronavirus.

Food Fortification

Intentionally upping the number of necessary micronutrients in a food to boost its nutritional value and help the public's health with the least amount of harm to the body. The Food Safety Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulation, 2018, governs food fortification. A product that has been fortified in accordance with

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

ORS are a mixture of electrolytes (salts) and carbohydrates (in the form of sugar) dissolved in water. They are used to replace salts and water that the body loses during dehydration caused by gastroenteritis, diarrhoea or vomiting. The electrolytes are potassium and sodium. These components maximize fluid absorption in

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)

EBV viruses are widely present in the human population. They are usually harmless, but the virus gets reactivated inside the body in some unusual conditions like immunological stress or immunocompetent. As per a recent study, Cancer-causing EBV can infect the neuronal cells leading to diseases of the central nervous

Zombie Virus

The emergence of the zombie virus was caused by the permafrost thawing as a result of rising global temperatures. Researchers analysed samples of antiquated viruses taken from permafrost in the Russian Siberian area. Pandoravirus yedoma, the oldest virus, has been around for 48,500 years. A lake's bottom was found to

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

The Capripoxvirus, which causes the vector-borne pox disease known as LSD, is a growing concern to livestock globally. It has genetic ancestry with the sheeppox and goatpox virus families. Cattle and water buffalo are primarily exposed to LSD through vectors like blood-feeding insects. Since 2012, the disease has expanded quickly

Canine Distemper

The paramyxovirus virus, which is the cause of canine distemper, spreads through bodily fluids like infected urine, blood, and saliva. The virus attacks the nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems of puppies and dogs and can be passed on to lions, tigers, leopards, and other wild cats as well as

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) is characterized as acute-onset of fever and a change in mental status and/or new-onset of seizures in a person of any age at any time of the year. Viruses are the primary causative agents in AES cases, although other sources such as bacteria, fungus, parasites, spirochetes, chemicals,

PEN Plus Strategy

Africa has adopted the PEN Plus strategy to tackle severe non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and sickle cell disease. Package of Essential NCD Interventions (PEN) was adopted by the WHO in 2010 to support the decentralization of services to the primary care

DNA and RNA Vaccines

DNA Vaccines This kind of vaccine induces an immunological response by transfecting a particular DNA sequence into the infected organism. Vaccines typically contain DNA sequences that encode a particular antigen. The DNA vaccines are delivered by a plasmid vector into the organism's cell. The vector is injected into the cell's nucleus, where it

One Health

'One Health' is an integrated, unifying approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals and the environment. It is particularly important to prevent, predict, detect, and respond to global health threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines and communities at varying levels of

First-Ever Fungal Priority Pathogens List (FPPL)

The WHO fungal priority pathogens list (FPPL) is the first global effort to systematically prioritize fungal pathogens, considering the unmet research and development (R&D) needs and the perceived public health importance. The WHO FPPL aims to focus and drive further research and policy interventions to strengthen the global response to

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2)

ACE2 is known to be expressed in various human organs, and its organ- and cell-specific expression suggests that it may play a role in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function, as well as fertility. In addition, the encoded protein is a functional receptor for the spike glycoprotein of the

iNCOVACC

iNCOVACC is an intranasal vaccine. An intranasal vaccine stimulates a broad immune response – neutralizing IgG, mucosal IgA, and T cell responses. Immune responses at the site of infection (in the nasal mucosa) – essential for blocking both infection and transmission of COVID-19. The nasal route has excellent potential for vaccination due to

Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most important

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that’s passed between people through skin-to-skin contact. There are over 100 varieties of HPV, more than 40 of which are passed through sexual contact and can affect your genitals, mouth, or throat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV

Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)

The rare but severe hemorrhagic fever known as Marburg virus disease (MVD) can infect both non-human primates and humans. The six species of the Ebola virus are the only other known members of the filovirus family, while the Marburg virus is the only genetically distinct zoonotic (or animal-borne) RNA virus.

African Swine Fever (ASF)

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. In its acute form the disease generally results in high mortality. ASF is a different disease to swine flu. The virus does not affect people and there is no impact on human health. The disease is

Tomato Flu (Tomato Fever)

The virus infection known as tomato fever (also known as tomato flu) has been found in children under the age of five in the Indian state of Kerala. On May 6, 2022, it was discovered for the first time in the Kollam district. The reason tomato fever got its name

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)

White spot disease (WSD) is a virus that infects decapod crustaceans and is extremely contagious. It can kill a lot of cultured shrimp. From its initial epidemic in 1992–1993, this disease has significantly hurt the economy. White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), a big, nonoccluded, enveloped, rod-shaped to elliptical DNA virus

Porcine Virus

Porcine circoviruses have been linked to a variety of illnesses in pigs, such as postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome and reproductive issues. Every bodily fluid has been found to contain a virus. Signs of circovirus infection can include weight loss, late-term miscarriages and stillbirths, and necrotizing vasculitis, depending on the

Shigella Bacteria

Shigella bacteria cause an infection called shigellosis. Shigella can spread easily from one person to another—and it only takes a small amount of Shigella to cause illness. Shigellosis is caused by four specific types of Shigella. These are typically spread by exposure to infected feces. This can occur

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle Cell Anaemia is one of a group of inherited disorders known as sickle cell disease. It affects the shape of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Red blood cells are usually round and flexible, so they move easily through blood vessels. In

Genome Editing

Genome editing technologies allow for the modification of DNA, changing the risk of disease and physical characteristics like eye colour. To do this, scientists employ a variety of technologies. These tools cut the DNA at a precise location like scissors. The DNA that was cut can then be removed, added

Site-Directed Nuclease (SDN)

SDN or sequence specific nuclease (SSN) refers to the practice of cleaving DNA strands to affect the subsequent genome editing. SDN technology takes advantage of targeted DNA break and host’s natural repair mechanisms to introduce specific small changes at the site of the DNA break. Main SDN technologies includes

Bioeconomy

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the bioeconomy is "the production, use and conservation of biological resources, including related knowledge, science, technology, and innovation to provide information, products, processes and services to all economic sectors with the aim of moving towards a sustainable economy". With its

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas 9

A genetic code or sequence known as CRISPR is present in bacteria and was developed as a result of the prior bacteriophages that had infected them. By inserting virus DNA into their own bacterial genome, bacteria use CRISPR sequences to remember each distinct virus that strikes them, providing defence against that

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) Cell Therapy

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) Cell Therapy is a technique for engineering T cells, which are part of the immune system, to combat cancer. White blood cells known as T cells combat invading invaders. T cells from patients' blood are extracted and altered by inserting a gene for a synthetic receptor (called

Genome Sequencing

Genome Sequencing means deciphering the order of DNA nucleotides or bases in a genome i.e., the order of Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanines (G), and Thymine (T) that make up an organism’s DNA. Initiatives taken for Genome Sequencing IndiGen programme which aims to undertake whole genome sequencing of 1000 Indian individuals

Genomic Surveillance

Genomic surveillance entails sequencing pathogens' genomic make-up and looking for alterations connected to the causes or traits of a disease. Genomic surveillance is based on the idea that since any organism with a genome—including people, animals, plants, bacteria, and viruses—must duplicate its genetic material in order to reproduce, alterations known

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is a technique in which the nucleus of a somatic (body) cell is transferred to the cytoplasm of an enucleated egg (an egg that has had its own nucleus removed). Once inside the egg, the somatic nucleus is reprogrammed by egg cytoplasmic factors to become

Genetic Modification (GM) Technology

GM is a technology that involves inserting DNA into the genome of an organism. To produce a GM plant, new DNA is transferred into plant cells. Usually, the cells are then grown in tissue culture where they develop into plants. The seeds produced by these plants will inherit the

T and B Cells

The T and B lymphocytes (T and B Cells) are involved in the acquired or antigen-specific immune response given that they are the only cells in the organism able to recognize and respond specifically to each antigenic epitope. The B Cells have the ability to transform into plasmocytes and are

Cloning

Cloning describes the processes used to create an exact genetic replica of another cell, tissue or organism. The copied material, which has the same genetic makeup as the original, is referred to as a clone. The most famous clone was a Scottish sheep named Dolly. There are three different types of cloning: Gene

Molecular Motor

A group of proteins known as molecular motors use cytoskeletal filaments to perform mechanical work by converting chemical energy. These proteins attach to a polarised cytoskeletal thread and travel slowly along it using the energy produced by periodic cycles of ATP hydrolysis. Every eucaryotic cell contains dozens of distinct motor

Tokamak

Tokamak is a magnetic fusion device designed to prove feasibility of fusion as a large scale and carbon free source of energy based on same principle that powers sun and stars. It uses powerful magnetic field to fuse hot plasma and can reach temperatures of over 150 million degrees Celsius.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), more than 70 SMR concepts are currently under development in 18 countries. IAEA has established the Platform on SMRs and their Applications, a one-stop shop for

Hyperloop System

The foundation of hyperloop technology is the concept of a vacuum train for more rapid and effective transportation. It consists of airtight compartments known as pods that are used to transport people or cargo through airless tubes and tunnels. Pods are propelled through the tube using electricity. Magnetic levitation (maglev) keeps each pod

Flex Fuel Technology

Flex fuel vehicles, like conventional cars, feature internal combustion engines, but instead of using standard gasoline, they may run on blended fuel, which is gasoline mixed with ethanol or methanol. Unlike electric hybrid vehicles, the basic petrol vehicle architecture does not require the addition of any large components. Updating older vehicles

Fuel Cell

Electrochemical devices to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Fuel cells do not need to be periodically recharged like batteries, but instead continue to produce electricity as long as it is supplied with a source of hydrogen and a source of oxygen (usually air). Source of hydrogen is generally referred to as

Click Chemistry

Instead of trying to make carbon atoms react with each other, click chemistry focuses on using smaller molecules that already have a complete carbon frame. One such reaction is copper-catalysed azidealkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC)that is now widely used medicinal

Bio-orthogonal Chemistry

Bio-orthogonal reactions are click reactions that work inside living organisms to map important but elusive biomolecules on the surface of cells called glycans. These reactions take place without disrupting the normal chemistry of the

Glycans

Glycans are also called as polysaccharides, these are carbohydrate-based polymers made by all living organism. Glycans are essential for structure, energy storage and system regulatory

Quantum Teleportation and Bell Inequalities

Quantum Teleportation is a way of transferring an unknown quantum state from one particle to another. It uses features of entanglement (multiple objects – such as a pair of electrons or photons – share a single quantum state) which can be used to transport information, carried by the object, to

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

The circular chromosome known as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can be found inside the cellular organelles known as mitochondria. Mitochondria, which are found in the cytoplasm, are where the cell produces energy and performs other metabolic tasks. Children receive mitochondria from their mother, and as a result, mitochondrial DNA. Our cells

Paleogenomics

Paleogenomics is a field of science based on the reconstruction and analysis of genomic information in extinct species. Improved methods for the extraction of ancient DNA (aDNA) from museum artifacts, ice cores, archeological or paleontological sites, and next-generation sequencing technologies have spurred this field. It is now possible to

Crescograph

A crescograph is a device for measuring growth in plants. It was invented in the early 20th century by Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose. It demonstrates the minute movements of plants subjected to external stimuli and measures their rate of growth. It can measure movement as small as 1/100000 of an

Lithium-Ion Battery

Lithium ions are a vital part of the electrochemistry of a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, a cutting-edge battery technology. Lithium atoms in the anode are ionised and separated from their electrons during a discharge cycle. When the lithium ions proceed from the anode to the cathode, passing through the electrolyte along

Hydrogen-Powered Engine

A hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine vehicle (HICEV) is a specific category of hydrogen-powered vehicle. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles are distinct (which use electrochemical use of hydrogen rather than combustion). Instead, the internal combustion engine driven by hydrogen is merely a modified version of the conventional internal

Roshini

The first saltwater lantern made in India, Roshni powers LED lighting by using seawater as an electrolyte between two specially made electrodes. It was created by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), and it is hoped that it will make life easier for the less fortunate, especially the fishing

Mission Innovation

The Mission Innovation (MI) initiative, a global partnership between 22 nations and the European Commission (on behalf of the European Union), aims to encourage investment in R&D and demonstration projects to make renewable energy more widely available, appealing, and cheap. The 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in November 2015

The "Mystery" Particle Finding

Recent research has revealed that the W boson, a basic particle, has a mass that is much higher than that predicted by the Standard Model. This recent discovery suggests that our cosmos might contain a new fundamental component. About the Standard Model It is a collection of data and mathematical formulae that describe

SPARK (Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken) Program

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has initiated the “Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK)” in order to promote interest and aptitude for research among Ayurveda undergraduates. The main objective of this program is to provide an opportunity to undergraduate Ayurveda students to familiarize themselves with

Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR)

Scientific social responsibility can be summed up as the moral duty of knowledge workers in the sciences and technologies to freely share their expertise and resources with the broadest possible range of societal stakeholders, in the spirit of reciprocity and service. The Department of Science and Technology has recently released

Graphene

Allotrope of carbon in the form of a plane of sp2-bonded atoms with a molecular bond length of 0.142 nanometers, graphene is a single layer (monolayer) of carbon atoms tightly bound in a hexagonal honeycomb lattice. Layers of graphene stacked on top of one another form graphite, with an interplanar

Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water. It is odourless, but has a sweet taste. Ethylene glycol is used to make antifreeze and de-icing solutions for cars, airplanes, and boats. It is also used in hydraulic brake fluids and inks used in stamp pads, ballpoint pens,

Single-Crystalline Scandium Nitride (ScN)

Single-Crystalline Scandium Nitride (ScN) is a novel material that can emit, detect, and modulate infrared light with high efficiency making it useful for solar and thermal energy harvesting and for optical communication devices. The generation of power, telecommunication, defence and security technology, sensors, and healthcare services all rely on electromagnetic

Cordy Gold Nanoparticles (Cor-AuNPs)

Cordy Gold Nanoparticles (Cor-AuNPs) are derived from the synthesis of the extracts of Cordyceps Mlitaris and Gold Salts. Cordyceps militaris is a high value parasitic fungus, lab-grown at the Department of Biotechnology’s Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) in Bodoland University. Wild Cordyceps mushroom are found in the eastern Himalayan belt. Gold salts are ionic

Nixtamalization

A classic method of preparing maize involves cooking and steeping dried kernels in an alkaline solution, typically water and food-grade lime (calcium hydroxide). The outer kernel cover (pericarp) of the maize is then drained, rinsed, and milled to create dough, which is the foundation of many food dishes, such as

Model MCQs

General Studies