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 …

Recently, the Prime Minister has inaugurated Phase 1 of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi. 23 buildings – tourist facilitation centre, Vedic Kendra, Mumukshu Bhavan, Bhogshala, city museum, viewing gallery, food court among others — have been inaugurated as part of the project. Important points: It is …

Recently, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched a new mission named Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). Important points: IXPE observatory is a joint effort of NASA and the Italian Space Agency. It will study “the most extreme and mysterious objects in the universe – supernova remnants, supermassive black holes, …

Recently, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has organised the 34th Edition of Hunar Haat in Gujarat where Artisans from 30 states and union territories have participated. Important points: First launched in 2016, it is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products made by artisans from the minority communities. Hunar Haat …

Recently, radioactive pollution in water and associated health impacts have been reported in many parts of the globe. Important points: Radioactivity is the phenomenon of spontaneous emission of particles or waves from the unstable nuclei of some elements. There are three types of radioactive emissions: Alpha, Beta and Gamma. Alpha …

According to the recent data by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and State Forest and Police Authorities, in the past three years (2018-2020), about 2054 cases were registered for killing or illegal trafficking of wild animals in India. In order to control this, the WCCB has conducted a number …