Monthly Archives: August 2021

JAPANESE SNIPE

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 …

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VOLCANO AND EARTHQUAKES

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 …

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MONETISATION OF THE DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAYS

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 …

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WEST NILE VIRUS

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 …

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“ON-TAP” SMALL FINANCE BANK LICENSING GUIDELINES OF 2019.

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 …

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FREEDOM TO MOVE FREELY

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 …

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ADDITIONAL 6.5 LAKH HECTARES FOR PALM OIL BY 2025-26

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 …

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SYSTEMATIC VOTERS’ EDUCATION AND ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION CONSULTATION WORKSHOP

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 …

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INDIAN COAST GUARD SHIP -VIGRAHA

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 …

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HIMALAYAN HYDROPOWER PROJECTS

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 …

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