Recently, NASA has launched an earth monitoring satellite called Landsat 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite is a joint mission of NASA and the US Geological Survey (USGS). This satellite is referred to as NASA’s’ new eye in the sky’ that will help study climate change. Important points: Landsat-9 is the continuation of a …

Recently, the US Congressional report on terrorism stated that Pakistan is home to at least 12 groups designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). The report named Terrorist and Other Militant Groups in Pakistan, released by the bipartisan research wing of US Congress in the Quad summit 2021. Earlier, in February 2021, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)had decided …

Recently, as many as 157 artefacts and antiquities were handed over to the Prime Minister by the United States including a bronze Nataraj figure. The list has a diverse set of items bas-relief panel of Revanta in sandstone made in the 10th century, 56 terracotta pieces, several bronze figurines and copper objects, among others which mainly belong to 11th and 14th centuries. It also includes an 18th-century …

Recently, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed the country’s first-ever non-GM (genetically modified) herbicide-tolerant rice varieties (Pusa Basmati 1979 and Pusa Basmati 1985). These varieties can be directly seeded and significantly save water and labour compared to conventional transplanting. Important points: The new varieties contain a mutated AcetoLactate Synthase (ALS) gene making it possible for farmers …

Recently, China has cited a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution to question India’s missile programme amid reports of an upcoming test for the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile. UNSC Resolution 1172 was issued after India’s 1998 nuclear tests. Important points: Agni-V is the most advanced surface-to-surface indigenously built ballistic missile. It is a three-stage, solid fuelled, 17-metre tall …

Recently, the Prime Minister of India (PM) addressed the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) The UNGA’s theme for this year is “Building Resilience through hope to recover from Covid-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations”. The PM spoke about a range …

Recently, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission was launched by the Prime Minister through a video conference. The nationwide rollout of the project coincides with the National Health Authority (NHA) celebrating the third anniversary of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (AB PM-JAY) Ayushman Bharat is a flagship scheme of India which was launched as recommended by …

Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has notified the updated list of registered political parties, seeking deregistration of parties which do not contest elections, also it raised concerns over misuse of income tax exemption law. Important points: There are over two thousands registered unrecognised parties, and the EC has sought the power to deregister (Cancel …

Judima, a home-made rice wine of Assam’s Dimasa tribe has become the first traditional brew in all of northeast to bag a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This is the second product from the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao to get GI tag. Earlier, Manipur’s most famous Hathei chilli and Tamenglong orange were awarded the GI Tag. Geographical …

Recently, the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA Scheme) has successfully completed four years of its implementation. 82 crore households have been electrified since its launch till 31st March, 2021. Important points: It was launched in 2017 to ensure electrification of all households in the country in rural as well as urban areas. …