Monthly Archives: September 2021

GULAB CYCLONE

Recently, Cyclone Gulab made landfall on India’s east coast and weakened into a depression. Another cyclone–Shaheen–may form over the Arabian Sea from the remnant of cyclone Gulab. Important points: Gulab was a tropical cyclone and was named by Pakistan. It affected the coasts of south Odisha north Andhra Pradesh. According to WMO (World Meteorological Organization) guidelines, countries in …

Read More »

DNA SEQUENCE OF SORGHUM

Recently, as per a report from the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, genes that can increase the grain size of sorghum have been discovered. Important points: As many as 125 regions in the sorghum genome have now been identified where variation in the DNA sequence was associated with grain size and response to environmental conditions. New variants have also …

Read More »

SLOWED RENEWABLE ENERGY INSTALLATIONS

According to a report, the lockdowns slowed renewable energy installations in the country and the pace of such installations is lagging India’s 2022 target. The report was released by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). IEEFA is a US non-profit corporation. India stands at 4th position in the world in terms of installed Renewable Energy capacity, 5th in solar and …

Read More »

INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING.

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved capital infusion in the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) and its listing through an initial public offering. The government will inject Rs 4,400 crore in the ECGC over a period of five years beginning 2021-22. The Cabinet also approved continuation of the National Export Insurance Account (NEIA) scheme and infusion …

Read More »

DEMAND OF SPECIAL CATEGORY STATUS TO BIHAR.

Recently, the Bihar Government has asserted that it has not dropped the demand of special category status to Bihar. Important points: About Special Category Status (SCS): Special category status is a classification given by the Centre to assist development of states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages. This classification was done on the recommendations …

Read More »

MID-DAY MEAL SCHEME

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister POSHAN scheme or PM-POSHAN for providing one hot cooked meal in Government and Government-aided schools. The scheme will replace the existing national programme for mid-day meal in schools or Mid-day Meal Scheme. It has been launched for an initial period of five years (2021-22 to …

Read More »

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS

Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Elder Line, the first Pan-India toll-free helpline number (14567) for Senior Citizens, ahead of International Day of Older Persons, which is observed on 1st October every Year. Earlier SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine) initiative was launched. Important points: It provides information, guidance, emotional support – particularly on pension, medical and legal …

Read More »

AKASH-NG

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) tested a new version of the Akash Missile – ‘Akash Prime’ – from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. Earlier, DRDO launched the Akash-NG (New Generation) and the Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM). Defence Research & Development Organisation It is the Research & Development wing of the Ministry …

Read More »

MENINGITIS

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the first-ever global strategy to defeat meningitis – ‘Global Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis by 2030’. Important points: The roadmap includes three visionary goals: Eliminate epidemics of bacterial meningitis. Reduce cases of vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis by 50% and deaths by 70%. Reduce disability and improve quality of life after meningitis …

Read More »

MEKEDATU RESERVOIR PROJECT

Recently, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed Karnataka to immediately release the balance quantum of water to Tamil Nadu. However, CWMA dropped discussion on the Mekedatu reservoir project following “strong protest” from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Important points: It involves 3 states and one Union Territory (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Puducherry). The genesis …

Read More »