Recently, some astronomers have identified a new class of exoplanets – Hycean worlds. Important points: The word Hycean comes from the words hydrogen and ocean. Planet-wide oceans and hydrogen-rich atmospheres might cover these worlds. They are also uniquely alien, up to 2.6 times the diameter of Earth, with temperatures up to 200 degrees celsius and thick hydrogen atmospheres. This places them somewhere between …

Recently, Foregin Ministers of India and Croatia held a meeting. Both countries asserted that they share a lot of common positions on issues like the Indo-Pacific, the situation in Afghanistan, combating terrorism and shared economic interests. Important points: Tourism is a very important area and both shall strive to expand air connectivity. There are …

According to recent research, climate change can cause extreme and more frequent El Niño and La Niña events. The findings have been obtained using one of South Korea’s fastest supercomputers, Aleph. Important points: Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide can cause a weakening of future simulated El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) sea surface temperature variability. Future El Niño events will …

Recently, a tripartite agreement among five insurgent groups of Assam, the Centre and the state government was signed. This agreement is in synergy with the vision of Insurgency free prosperous North East, that envisages all-round development of northeast, peace and prosperity. Important points: Located in central Assam, Karbi Anglong is the state’s largest district and a …

Recently, IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) has committed to focus 30% of its climate finance to support nature-based solutions in rural small-scale agriculture by 2030. Ahead of the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) World Conservation Congress (WCC), it calls for more investment to protect biodiversity. The IUCN convenes WCC every four years. The Congress brings together its various members, who vote …

Recently, the WHO (World Health Organisation) released a report ‘Global status report on the public health response to dementia’. It takes stock of progress made to date towards the 2025 global targets for dementia laid out in the WHO’s ‘Global Dementia Action Plan’ published in 2017. Important points: It is a syndrome – usually of a chronic …

Recently, in the first-ever comprehensive analysis of blue stragglers, Indian researchers have proposed a hypothesis for evolution of blue straggler stars. Blue stragglers is a class of stars on open or globular clusters that stand out as they are bigger and bluer than the rest of the stars. Important points: These are unusually hot and …

Recently, Indian biologist Shailendra Singh has been awarded the Behler Turtle Conservation Award for bringing three critically endangered turtle conservation species back from the brink of extinction. There are 29 species of freshwater turtles and tortoises in the country. Important points: Established in 2006, it is a major annual international award honoring excellence in the field of tortoise and freshwater turtle …

Recently, the Prime Minister of India (PM) addressed the plenary session of the 6th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) via video-conferencing. The PM highlighted the importance of India-Russia relations and potential areas of cooperation in line with the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’. Important points: Applauded Russia’s vision for the development of the Russian Far …

Recently, some environmental activists pointed out that Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park is under severe threat due to planned diversion of freshwater from the Brahmani river basin. Important points: Excess water allocation for industries, which is likely to reduce fresh water discharge to the sea. The lack of normal flow of fresh water would increase saline ingression upstream, …

Recently, the new (Joe Biden) US administration has indicated that it is no longer interested in securing a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India. The US is India’s largest trading partner, and one with whom it has a significant trade surplus. This calling off of the US-India mini-trade deal provides an opportunity for India to holistically review its stance …

Recently the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2021 was announced. The award is presented in a formal ceremony in Manila, the capital of the Philippines on 31st August each year. Important points: The Ramon Magsaysay Award was established in 1957 and is considered Asia’s premier prize and highest honour. It is named after Ramon Magsaysay, the third president of the …

Amid criticism of the renovated Jallianwala Bagh memorial, some people raise questions over the statue of Shaheed Udham Singh installed at the Bagh. Important points: Born in Sunam in Punjab’s Sangrur district in 1899, also referred to as Shaheed-i-Azam Sardar Udham Singh which means ‘Great Martyr’. He is regarded as one of the foremost revolutionaries of the Indian …

Recently, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), has released a report, which stated that weather disasters killed 2 million in the last 50 years. WMO has published ‘Atlas of Mortality and Economic Losses from Weather, Climate and Water Extremes, from 1970 to 2019’. WMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Important points: The …

Recently, Ladakh has adopted Snow Leopard and Black-Necked Crane, as State animal and State bird, two years after it was carved out as a separate Union Territory (UT) from the erstwhile State of J&K (Jammu and Kashmir). Important points: Snow Leopard: Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) act as an indicator of the health of the mountain ecosystem in …

Recently, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) launched the State of the World’s Trees Report. The report warns that almost a third of the world’s tree species are at risk of extinction, while hundreds are on the brink of being wiped out. BGCI is a membership organisation, representing botanic gardens in more than 100 countries around the world. …

Recently, the Ministry of Finance has released an amount of Rs. 13,385.70 crore to 25 States for providing grants to the Rural Local Bodies. This Grant-in-aid is the 1st installment of Tied grants of the year 2021-22. The grants have been released as per the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission. Important points: The Union Budget provides funds to local bodies, state disaster …

Recently, State Bank of India (SBI) has raised Rs. 4,000 crore of the Basel compliant Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds at coupon rate of 7.72%. This is the first AT1 Bond issuance in the domestic market post the new SEBI regulations. This is also the lowest pricing ever offered on such debt issued by any Indian bank since the implementation of Basel …

Recently, the Chief Minister of Manipur virtually launched the e-ILP platform for effective regulation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state. The ILP system came into effect in Manipur on 1st January 2020. In Manipur, four types of permits are issued – temporary, regular, special and labour permits. Important points: Under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation …

Recently, the Ministry for Women and Child Development inaugurated Poshan 2.0 and urged all Aspirational Districts to establish a Poshan Vatika (nutrition garden) during the Nutrition Month (Poshan Mah) from 1st September. A month-long celebration of the POSHAN Abhiyan mission places special attention on Severe Acute Malnourished (SAM) children. Important points: It is an umbrella scheme covering the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) (Anganwadi Services, Poshan …