Recently, European Space Agency (ESA) has announced a new mission- EnVision mission to Venus Important point: It is an European Space Agency (ESA) led mission with contributions from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is likely to be launched sometime in the 2030s. Once launched on an Ariane …

Recently, the Government of India has released funds for various activities of Farm Mechanization under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme. Important point: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare launched SMAM in 2014-15. Under it, subsidy is provided for purchase of various types of agricultural equipment and machinery …

The Ministry of Education has developed an online module for compiling out-of-school (due to Covid-19 pandemic) children’s data identified by each State/UT. The collected data will be mapped with special training centres on the PRABANDH portal of Samagra Shiksha. Important point: Through the module, the government will facilitate age-appropriate admissions …

The Union Health Minister addressed the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on prevention of HIV/AIDS. The Resolution 75/260 of UNGA deals with the Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the political declarations on HIV/AIDS. Important point: India’s unique HIV prevention model is centered …

ASPAGNIITM may revolutionise cancer treatment Cancer kills8.51 lakh people in India every year (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2020,Globocan).  As per World Health Organization (WHO), one in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime, and one in 15 will die of cancer. Therefore,  it is all the more …

Recently, the Assam government notified Dehing Patkai as the 7th National Park of the state. It was created shortly after Raimona reserve forest in western Assam’s Kokrajhar district was upgraded to a national park (6th) on the occasion of World Environment Day (5th June). National Park An area, whether within …

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the allotment of 5 MHz spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band to the Indian Railways for improving its communication and signalling systems. Railways has also approved a indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). Important points: The project, targeted to be completed in five …

According to UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) mountain ranges could lose up to two-third of its ice by 2100. About 2 billion people may face food, water shortages by 2100. Important points: It is often referred to as the ‘Third Pole’, on earth, is spread …

Two women officers have been selected to undergo helicopter pilot training for the first time in the Army Aviation Corps. They will join front-line flying duties on completion of their training in July 2022. Till now, women officers were assigned only ground duties in the Army Aviation Corps. Army Aviation …

NITI Aayog, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and RMI India’s new report, Fast Tracking Freight in India: A Roadmap for Clean and Cost-Effective Goods Transport, present key opportunities for India to reduce its logistics costs. RMI is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1982. NITI Aayog It is a public policy …

Recently, the World Bank has released its June 2021 Global Economic Prospects where it has forecast India’s GDP growth to be 8.3% for the year 2021-22. Important points: India’s economy is expected to grow at 8.3% for Fiscal Year 2021-22, 7.5% for 2022-23 and 6.5% for 2023-24. The world economy …

Recently, China hosted a meeting of foreign ministers from the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. The meeting marks the 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue. With this meeting China looks to deepen its economic ties with the region as well as push back the renewed effort at regional …

Researchers from corners of India are tracing the impact of climate change on the country, finding new ways to track the global problem, improving the projection of climate, its impact as well as vulnerability to prepare for the future. Dehradun-based researchers have found that small-sized glaciers in Sikkim are melting …

Saral Jeevan Bima, launched by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) in 2020, has become a popular term life insurance product among masses. IRDAI is an autonomous body that was established in 1999 to regulate and develop the insurance industry. Term life insurance guarantees payment of a stated …

The recently declared Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu will provide protection to Megamalai, the Vaigai’s primary catchment, in turn helping water levels to rise in the river. Important points: It originates in the Western Ghat (Varushanad Hills). It travels through the Pandya Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. Its main tributaries are Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaganadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal and Upparu. The Vaigai is …

The US airline United has announced plans to buy 15 new supersonic airliners and “return supersonic speeds to aviation” in the year 2029. The Airline has agreed to purchase the Overture aircraft from Boom Supersonic (a Denver-based start-up), with the planes able to fly at Mach 1.7 faster than the …

The BRICS Foreign Ministers, in a recent meet, put out a joint statement on multilateralism. BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Important points: It is the process of organizing relations between groups of three or …

QS World University Rankings 2022 shows that India’s tally in the top 200 universities hasn’t changed for the fifth straight year. QS World University Rankings Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is a leading global career and education network for ambitious professionals looking to further their personal and professional development. QS develops and …

Recently, the Supreme Court has released the Draft Model Rules for Live-Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings. The Rules are part of the National Policy and Action Plan for implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the judiciary. The Rules would cover live-streaming and recording of proceedings in High …

Recently, the Interpol has launched a new global database named “I-Familia” to identify missing persons through family DNA and help the police solve cold cases in member countries. Important points: The first of its kind, I-Familia is a global database for identifying missing persons based on international DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) kinship matching. The database seeks to identify missing persons or …