Urban development continues to threaten Latham’s Snipe habitats as several snipe sites in eastern Australia are at risk from housing developments and large infrastructure projects. Latham’s Snipe was formerly known as the Japanese Snipe. Important points: Latham’s Snipe is the largest snipe in Australia, with cryptic, mainly brown, plumage. Their exceptional eyesight helps them constantly scan …

Recently, a surge of earthquakes and the ground swelling at the southern part of the crater was noticed at Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano A volcano is an opening on the surface that allows material warmer than its surroundings to escape from its interior. Important points: Kilauea, also called Mount Kilauea (“Much Spreading” in Hawaiian), is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the southeastern …

Recently, concerns were raised against the Centre’s proposed monetisation of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR). Important points: DHR was built in the British era between 1879 and 1881. It is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in West Bengal. It is the most outstanding example of a hill passenger railway. Opened in 1881, its …

Recently, Russia warned of a possible increase in West Nile Virus (WNV) Infections this autumn as mild temperatures and heavy precipitation create favourable conditions for the mosquitos that carry it. Important points: It is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae. WNV is commonly …

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has received applications from two more entities under the “on-tap” small finance bank licensing guidelines of 2019. An “on-tap” facility would mean the RBI will accept applications and grant licences for banks throughout the year. Important points: These are the financial institutions which provide financial services to the unserved and unbanked region of the country. Registered as a public …

Recently, while setting aside an externment order against a journalist, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that a person’s fundamental right to reside and to move about freely anywhere in India cannot be refused on “flimsy grounds”. Externment orders prevent the movement of a person in certain areas. According to the SC, the drastic action …

Recently, the Prime Minister announced a National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), with an investment of over Rs 11,000 crore over a five-year period. However, some environmentalists have raised concerns over the disastrous impact of palm oil plantations. Important points: NMEO-OP is a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme. It is proposed to have an additional 6.5 lakh …

Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) organized a two-day SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) Consultation Workshop. Important points: Started in 2009, as the flagship program of the ECI for voter education. Primary goal is to build an inclusive & participative democracy by encouraging all eligible citizens to vote and make an informed decision & ethical …

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV)Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Vigraha was commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). It is the last vessel in the series of seven OPVs built by Larsen & Toubro (Private Company) under an Ministry of Defence contract signed in 2015. In May 2021, OPV Sajag was commissioned into the ICG. Important points: It …

Recently, the central government has said that no new Hydropower projects would be allowed in the upper reaches of the Ganga and those sanctioned would have to abide by environment regulations that prescribe a minimum flow in the river at all times of the year to preserve its health. Important points: Seven …

Recently, China has notified new maritime rules, warranting vessels to report their information when passing through what China sees as its “Territorial Waters”, that will take effect from 1st September 2021. China claims under a so-called “Nine Dash Line” on its maps most of the South China Sea’s waters, which are disputed by several other …

Recently, the government has asked the banks to improve access of account holders in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) scheme to micro-credit and micro investment products, like flexi-recurring schemes. PMJDY – National Mission for Financial Inclusion has completed seven years of successful implementation. Important points: Ensuring access to various financial services to the excluded …

Recently, the United Nations (UN) has banned British stamps from being used on the Chagos archipelago. Important points: Now the UPU (Universal Postal Union) will stop registering, distributing and transmitting stamps bearing the words British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), the name given by Britain to the archipelago. UPU is a United Nations specialized agency and the postal sector’s primary forum …

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has brought into effect the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021. The regulations have widened the scope of employees who can be offered stock (equity) options. SEBI has merged the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 (SBEB Regulations) and the SEBI (Issue of …

According to a recent study, Sambhar Salt Lake in Rajasthan is constantly shrinking with the degradation of soil and water quality and a decline in the population of migratory birds. Important points: 80 km south-west of Jaipur in east-central Rajasthan, it is the country’s largest inland saline water body. Represents the depression of the Aravalli Range Production of brine/salt, houses one of the largest …

Recently, the Department of Science and Technology reported that Indian scientists have discovered the merger of three supermassive black holes from as many galaxies to form a triple Active Galactic Nucleus. Many Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) pairs have been detected in the past, but triple AGN are extremely rare, and only a handful has been detected before using X-ray observations. …

Recently, the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Environment and Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting was held. BRICS brings together the major emerging economies of the world, hosting 41% of the world population, contributing 24% of the world Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and over 16% share in world trade. India is the chair of the BRICS …

Recently, following the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, China has emerged as one of the first nations to develop diplomatic channels with the Taliban. This engagement emanates from China’s economic and security interest in Afghanistan. Important points: Afghanistan is probably home to what may be the world’s largest reserves of lithium. Lithium …

The 5th edition of India-Kazakhstan Joint Training Exercise, “KAZIND-21” will be conducted in Kazakhstan. Important points: The exercise is a joint training between both the Armies. The scope of Joint Exercise includes professional exchange, sharing experiences in Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism operations, etc. Joint Military Exercise- Prabal dostyk. First, its geo-strategic location; second, its economic potential, especially in terms of energy …

Recently, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the ‘Start-up Accelerators of MeitY for pRoduct Innovation, Development and growth (SAMRIDH)’ programme. Important points: To create a conducive platform to Indian Software Product start-ups to enhance their products and secure investments for scaling their business. Focuses on accelerating the 300 start-ups by providing customer connect, investor …