Recently, the Fukutoku-Okanoba Submarine Volcano exploded in the Pacific Ocean, off Japan. Earlier, a surge of Earthquakes and the ground swelling was noticed at Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano. Important points: It is situated about 25 metres below the sea, five kilometres north of Japan’s South Iwo Jima Island. The plume reached a height of 16 kilometres …

Recently, the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research – Asia Pacific (WHITR-AP) has recognised CEPT (Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Gujarat) University’s programme in conservation and regeneration as a commended case of Global Innovation on World Heritage Education. The World Heritage Education Programme was initiated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) …

The field trial of PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) is scheduled to be held from September, 2021. Important points: It is a competency-based test designed to assess the ability of the 15-year-old candidates that measures their reading, mathematics, and science literacy every three years to apply their knowledge to real-life situations. It is an international …

Recently, the Finance Minister has asked all stakeholders to conclude Rs 50,000 crore Loan Guarantee Scheme for Covid-Affected Sectors (LGSCAS) in non-metros in time to deal with any future third wave. The LGSCAS scheme is aimed at boosting medical infrastructure in the country, specifically targeting underserved areas. Important points: The scheme was approved by the government in …

Recently, Odisha’s Kendrapara district has earned the distinction of being the only district in India where all three species of crocodiles, salt-water, gharial and mugger, are found. Important points: An egg-laying and hole-nesting species, also known to be dangerous. Mainly restricted to the Indian subcontinent where it may be found in a number of freshwater habitat types and also …

India is majorly dependent on groundwater for irrigation and is pumping out the lion’s share of the global volume of groundwater. Around 70% of food production in India is done with the help of irrigation wells. However, this over-dependence on groundwater is leading to a groundwater crisis. There is a need for a holistic action plan for …

Amid criticism from industries and some sections of government, the Department of Consumer Affairs is learnt to be revisiting some provisions pertaining to draft e-commerce rules, 2021. Earlier, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution notified and made effective the provisions of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. …