Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully launched the Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo System (SMART) from Wheeler Island in Odisha. Important points: It is a missile assisted release of the lightweight Anti-Submarine Torpedo System for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations far beyond torpedo range. It is a canister based …

Recently, a Royal Bengal tiger was sighted at the Buxa reserve – a first such sighting in 23 years. Historically, tigers were distributed throughout the reserve including the southernmost ranges and fringe areas. However, the reserve has a low tiger density at present. Important points: Buxa Tiger Reserve is situated …

Recently, the Centre has approached the Supreme Court seeking modification of its order directing that all transmission cables in the habitat of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) be laid underground. Important points: Earlier this year (2021), in a bid to check the dwindling numbers of the endangered Great Indian Bustard …

According to a recent study published in the journal ‘Science of the Total Environment’, scientists have found that climate change parameters accounted for 9-18% of the total infectious disease cases. Climate change driven by anthropogenic activities may challenge the gains in public health over the past many years, particularly in …

Recently, several banks have entered into co-lending ‘master agreements’ with registered Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and more are in the pipeline. In 2020, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed the co-lending model based on a prior agreement. However, there are some criticisms associated with the co-lending. Important points: In …