The rampant coal mining in Nagaland, coupled with waste discharge from tea estates and encroachment are contaminating waters of River Bhogdoi in Assam. In 2019, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change declared Bhogdoi as one of the most polluted rivers in Assam and 351st among the polluted rivers in the country. Important points: It originates from Mokokchung in Nagaland where it is also …

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Eco-sensitive zone of the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam). Earlier, Kaziranga National Park became the first in the country to use satellite phones and Dehing Patkai and Raimona were designated as National Parks. Important points: It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in …

India’s tallest air purifier will be inaugurated in Chandigarh on the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. Earlier, in August 2021 country’s first ‘smog tower’ was inaugurated in Connaught Place, New Delhi. Important points: It is a 24 meter long outdoor air purification tower and is capable of purifying the air of a radius of around 1 …

The 12th edition of DefExpo will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in March 2022. Important points: DefExpo is a flagship biennial event of the Ministry of Defence, showcasing the land, naval, air as well as homeland security systems. The aim of the DefExpo 2022 is to build upon the vision to achieve Atmanirbharta’ in defence and reach the …

The Manda buffalo has been recognised as the 19th unique breed of buffaloes found in India by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR). Four breeds of cattle – Binjharpuri, Motu, Ghumusari and Khariar – and two breeds of buffalo – Chilika and Kalahandi – and one breed of sheep, Kendrapada, have already received NBAGR recognition. Important points: They are found …

Recently, the 8th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) for the INSPIRE Awards – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge), has commenced. Important points: It is aligned with the ‘Start-up India’ initiative and is being executed by DST (Department of Science and Technology) with National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF), an autonomous body of DST. Under the …

Recently, the Common Services Centres (CSC) has received approvals to manage and operate Passport Seva Kendra kiosks in rural areas. Important points: It is an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY). The CSC is a strategic cornerstone of the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), approved by the Government in May 2006, as part of …

The development of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies in a decade has changed the definition of money and generated a parallel universe of Alternative Financial Services (AFS). The development has allowed crypto businesses to move into traditional banking territory. AFS is a term often used to describe the array of financial services offered by providers that operate outside of …

Recently, the Prime Minister paid tribute to V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, the legendary freedom fighter on his 150th birth anniversary. He was popularly known as Kappalottiya Tamilan (The Tamil Helmsman) and Sekkizuththa Semmal (scholarly gentry who suffered at the oil press). Important points: Vallinayagam Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai (VOC) was born 5th September 1872 to an eminent lawyer Olaganathan Pillai and …

The world’s largest and most inclusive environmental decision-making forum ‘IUCN World Conservation Congress 2020’ (postponed from June 2020 to September 2021) is being held in Marseille, France. It took critical policy decisions to address conservation priorities including the ongoing biodiversity crisis. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conducts the World Conservation Congress …