Recently, the Karnataka government has decided to challenge before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) its decision to appoint a joint committee. The joint committee is supposed to look into allegations of unauthorised construction activity taking place in Mekedatu where Karnataka had proposed to construct a dam across the Cauvery. Mekedatu, meaning goat’s leap, is a deep gorge situated at the …

Recently, the Ministry of Ayush launched its Ayush Clinical Case Repository (ACCR) portal and the third version of Ayush Sanjivani App in a virtual event. Important points It is conceptualized and developed by the Ministry of Ayush as a platform to support both Ayush practitioners and the public. It welcomes Ayush practitioners from all over the world to enrol and share information about …

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its Annual Report for 2020-21. Important points Gain from foreign exchange transactions rose from Rs 29,993 crore to Rs 50,629 crore in 2020-21. Foreign Exchange is the trading of one currency for another. RBI has been able to transfer a higher amount to the government as surplus this …

Recently, world leaders convened at the Climate Breakthroughs Summit to demonstrate progress in critical sectors of the global economy, including steel, shipping, green hydrogen and nature. Important point This is a collaboration between the World Economic Forum, Mission Possible Partnership, the United Nations Climate Champions, and the United Kingdom (COP 26 Presidency). It aims to demonstrate the need for systemic change …

Recently, Bangladesh cleared a USD 200 million currency swap facility for Sri Lanka, to help boost its economy. Important points The word swap means exchange. A currency swap between the two countries is an agreement or contract to exchange currencies with predetermined terms and conditions. In the present context, a currency swap is effectively a loan that Bangladesh will give to Sri Lanka …

Recently, the people of Bangalore witnessed a bright rainbow ring around the sun for a few moments – a rare optical and atmospheric phenomenon called “22 degree circular Halo”. Important points: The phenomenon popularly known as the 22 degree circular halo of the sun or occasionally the Moon (also called a moon ring or winter …

Member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are calling on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to set up a permanent commission to report on human rights violations in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. The move comes in the wake of the latest surge in violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Important …

Recently, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) announced that Assets Under Management (AUM) under the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY), crossed the milestone of Rs. 6 trillion. AUM is the total market value of the investments that a person or entity handles on behalf of investors. Important points: National Pension System: The Central …

Recently, the Ministry of Power has decided to set up a National Mission on use of Biomass in coal based thermal power plants. Important points: The proposed National Mission on biomass will also contribute to the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). It would further support the energy transition in the country and our targets …

The Uttarakhand High Court has reprimanded the State government for stopping some Van Gujjar families on the way to Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and said their right to life is being violated by the authorities. Important points: The Van Gujjars pursue seasonal migration from the Terai-Bhabar and Siwalik region of Uttarakhand to the higher bugyals in the Western …