Indo-UK Naval Exercise, ‘Konkan 2021’ was recently held between INS Tabar and HMS Westminster in the English Channel. The English Channel is located between the Isle of Great Britain’s southern coast and France’s northern coast and separated from the North Sea on the north by the Strait of Dover. Important points: The Bilateral Konkan exercise is a naval exercise conducted between India …

Recently, as per the age-old tradition related to the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, the holy mace (Chhari Mubarak) of Lord Shiva was brought to the ancient Shankaracharya Temple. Important points: It is also known as the Jyesteshwara temple or Pas-Pahar by Buddhists. Persians and Jews call it Bagh-i-sulaiman or the Garden of King Solomon. Persian inscriptions are also found inside …

Recently, India has decided to vaccinate Afghanistan returnees against Polio for free as a preventive measure against the Wild Polio Virus. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries in the world where polio is still Endemic. Important points: Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly viral infectious disease that affects the nervous system. There are three individual and …

According to a recent study, more than 3,56,000 people died in 2019 as a result of extreme heat and that number is likely to grow in the future. Recent heat waves across the world have been alarming in terms of global warming and have been attributed to climate change. Important points: Heat wave is a condition of air temperature …

Recently, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified certain geological sites across the Northeast for promotion of geo-tourism. 12 locations in the Northeast have been included in the 32 approved geo-tourism or geo-heritage sites in the country. Important points: Geo-heritage refers to the geological features which are inherently or culturally significant offering insight to earth’s evolution or history to earth …

A new research paper has provided some new insight on the linguistic culture of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) Earlier, a study found that the diet of the people of IVC had a dominance of meat, including extensive eating of beef. In July 2021, UNESCO announced the Harappan city of Dholavira in Gujarat as India’s 40th world heritage …

Recently, the Ministry of Finance has launched ‘Ubharte Sitaare’ Alternative Investment Fund to facilitate debt and equity funding to export-oriented MSMEs (Micro Small and medium Enterprises). The fund is expected to identify Indian enterprises with potential advantages, but which are currently underperforming or unable to tap their latent potential to grow. Alternative Investment Fund Anything alternative to traditional forms of …

The Karez System of Afghanistan is in threat whereas a similar system named Surangam in South India is thriving. Surangams resemble the karez System both in structure and spread. Important points: The surangam or suranga is usually found in northern Kerala and southern Karnataka. Surangam is basically a tunnel dug through a laterite hillock from …

Recently, the Narayankoti temple (Uttarakhand) has been included under the Centre’s Adopt a Heritage project Important points: Launched on 27th September, 2017 (World Tourism Day), it is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), State/UTs Governments. To develop tourism amenities at heritage/ natural/ tourist sites spread across India to make …

Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable (MNRE) has conducted a review of implementation of Prime Minister’s Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme and Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II and suggested measures for expansion of the schemes. Important points: The PM-KUSUM scheme was launched by the MNRE in 2019, to support installation of off-grid solar pumps …