Recently, a micro snail species named Georissamawsmaiensis has been discovered in Mawsmai Cave in Meghalaya. Important points: The new species is unique from Georissasarrita (a member of the same genus discovered in 1851) in its shell morphology, starting from shell size variation to the presence of four very prominent spiral striations (a minute groove, scratch) on body …

Recently, the Union government has renamed Mount Harriet of Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands to Mount Manipur. Important points: Mount Harriet, the third-highest island peak in A&N Islands, where Manipur’s Maharaja Kulchandra Singh and 22 other freedom fighters were imprisoned during the Anglo-Manipuri war (1891). It has been renamed in a tribute to those freedom fighters of Manipur. …

Recently, the US Defence Secretary has urged more defence cooperation among friendly Black Sea countries amid Russia “militarisation” of the region. This came ahead of a NATO Ministers summit. Important points: The Black Sea is located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is surrounded by the Pontic, Caucasus, and Crimean Mountains in the south, east and north respectively. The …

Recently, the 2021 Production Gap Report was released by the leading research institutes and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) The Production Gap Report, first launched in 2019, tracks the discrepancy between governments’ planned fossil fuel production and global production levels consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C or 2°C. Important points: The production gap to achieve …

Ahead of UDAN Day (21st October), the Ministry of Civil Aviation flagged off 6 routes, expanding the aerial connectivity of North-East India, under the UDAN Scheme The Government of India has acknowledged the contribution of the scheme and has identified 21st October as UDAN Day, the day on which the scheme document was first released. Important …

As the global recovery gains strength, the price of crude oil is nearing its highest level since 2018. Brent crude oil prices rose to USD 85.89 a barrel, the highest price since October 2018. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices climbed to USD 83.40 a barrel, highest since October 2014. On the other …