Recently, a report titled Suicide worldwide in 2019 was published by the World Health Organization (WHO). Suicide is defined as death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior. Important points: Reducing the global suicide mortality rate by a third is both, an …

The recently held North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit for the first time has explicitly described China as a security risk. The other two threats identified by the NATO ‘declaration’ are Russia and terrorism. Important points: NATO was established by the North Atlantic Treaty (also called the Washington Treaty) of …

Scientists have shown that the cold desert of Ladakh Himalaya once experienced large floods that rose much above the present-day river level. It implies that in the scenario of global warming, when the higher Himalaya regions are expected to respond dramatically, flood frequency in Ladakh may increase, which may call …

Seventh International Day of Yoga (21st June 2021) is being celebrated by the Ministry of Culture at 75 cultural heritage locations across the country. Important points: The idea of International Day of Yoga (IDY) was proposed by India during the opening of the 69th session of the United Nations General …

Recently, the Assam forest department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and adopted a Vision Document to raise at least 1,000 black softshell turtles by 2030. Important points: They look almost the same as the Indian peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia hurum), which is classified …

To commemorate the World Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Day on 19th June, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MOTA) flagged off mobile vans under the Unmukt project for strengthening screening and timely management of SCD in tribal districts of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution …

The Ministry of Tourism has formulated three draft strategies with roadmaps for promoting Medical and Wellness Tourism, for development of Rural Tourism and for promotion of MICE Industry in India. India has been ranked 34th out of 140 countries on the World Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2019, released by …

The Wuhan Institute of Virology was said to have conducted gain-of-function research on coronaviruses which may possibly have caused the lab-leak origin of the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19 pandemic). Important points: In virology, gain-of-function research involves deliberately altering an organism in the lab, altering a gene, or introducing a mutation in a …

The Ministry of Science and Technology has issued a Special Call for the NorthEast Region as a part of its Mission Programme “Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN)”. Important points: It is a scientist-farmer partnership scheme launched in 2017. It is a pan-India program, following a hub-and-spoke model and stimulates …

Biofortification is the process by which the nutritional quality of food crops is improved through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology. Importance of Biofortification: Biofortified staple crops, when consumed regularly, will generate measurable improvements in human health and nutrition. Biofortified crops are also often more resilient to pests, …

Recently, researchers from various institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya found depleting trends in grain density of zinc and iron in rice and wheat cultivated in India. The researchers collected seeds of rice (16 varieties) and wheat (18 varieties) from the gene …

Imaging of objects in foggy weather conditions may now be clearer. Researchers have found a method that can improve the images captured on such days. The technique involves modulating the light source and demodulating them at the observer’s end. Scientists have long attempted to use the physics of scattering and …

The maiden Indian Navy – European Union Naval Force (IN-EUNAVFOR) Exercise is being conducted in Gulf Of Aden. Important points: Along with Indian Navy, other naval forces are from Italy, Spain and France. The naval exercise included advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, tactical manoeuvres, Search & Rescue, and other …

Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched 14 cross-disability early intervention centres across the country to provide support to infants and young children at risk of or with disabilities. Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in …

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has recently sought public comments on its draft Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which proposes to bring back its “revisionary powers” over the Central Board of Film Certification. The new Bill will also “make the process of sanctioning of films for exhibition more effective, in …

The United Nations General Assembly appointed Antonio Guterres as the ninth UN Secretary General (UNSG) for a second term beginning 1st January, 2022 and ending on 31st 2026. India had expressed its support for the re-election of Guterres as UN Chief. Important points: Guterres took oath of office on 1st …

The illegal cultivation of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) Bt cotton has seen a huge jump as the sale of illegal seed packets has more than doubled from 30 lakh in 2020 to 75 lakh in 2021. Important points: Bt cotton is the only transgenic crop that has been approved by the …

Recently, a high-level committee has been formed for the consultations on the creation of integrated triservice theatre commands. The committee will examine all issues and find a way forward before a formal note on their creation is sent to the Cabinet Committee on Security. Important points: The move was necessitated …

Recently, the West Bengal Chief Minister has filed an election petition in the Calcutta High Court challenging the Assembly election result of Nandigram constituency. Important points: The Election Commission’s role ends with the declaration of results, after that, an election petition is the only legal remedy available to a voter …

Recently, a study has projected that sea levels will rise around Lakshadweep Islands due to the impact of global warming. It will affect airport and residential areas that are quite close to the present coastline. India’s smallest Union Territory, Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area …