There was reduced noise pollution on the surface of earth during the Covid-19 pandemic owing to lockdowns and stop of economic activities (like international trade). In the underwater world, too, anthrophony (human-made sounds) reduced substantially for long months. Important  Points The three broad components of oceanic acoustics are: Geophony: Sounds created by non-biological natural events like earthquakes, waves and …

Recently, a consultation meeting of Education Ministers of E9 countries was held. The meeting was held on the theme ‘E9 initiative: Scaling up digital learning to accelerate progress towards SDG4’. Important  Points Scaling up Digital Learning to Accelerate Progress towards SDG4 (Concept): The United Nations (UN) is spearheading a global initiative on digital learning and skills …

The United States, in a significant reversal to the earlier policy, has announced the restoration of at least USD 235 million in financial assistance to the Palestinians. The US administration had already announced USD 15 million in coronavirus relief to the Palestinians. Important  Points The UNRWA funds would include educational assistance for at …

Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) was launched in 2015. It is India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours and assist in building their maritime security capabilities. Further, India seeks to safeguard its national interests and …

Recently, a virtual meet was held between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Seychelles. Important  Points Inaugurated the new magistrates’ court building in Mahé constructed with a USD 3.5-million, a 1 MW solar power plant built at a cost of USD3.4 million, and 10 community development projects in Seychelles. All the projects were built by …

Recently, India protested against the US decision to conduct a patrol in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the western Indian Ocean, rejecting the US’ claim that India’s domestic maritime law was in violation of international law. Important  Points The US Seventh Fleet announced that one of its warships, USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), …

The mission is aimed to spread the message of the need for a nutritionally balanced diet and to understand the importance of accessible to all local fruits and vegetables. Vijnana Bharati (Vibha) and Global Indian Scientists’ and Technocrats’ Forum (GIST) have come together to launch the mission with the motto of …

The Ministry of Civil Aviation recently granted permission to the Central Mine Planning Design Institute to survey the coal field areas of Coal India Limited. According to the permission granted, the drones shall be deployed to monitor the mapping and surveying activity, inspection of coalfield. This is a conditional exemption …

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari recently announced that the project of Khadi and Village Industries (KVIC) called RE-HAB has become a huge success. Thus, it is to be implemented in other states as well. This includes Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and …

Important points: The Government of India has notified Copyright (Amendment) Rules, 2021. In India, the copyright regime is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957 and the Copyright Rules, 2013. The Copyright Rules, 2013 were last amended in the year 2016. Objective of the amendments is to bring the existing rules …