Maharashtra has topped the list of states with maximum number of beneficiaries under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY), followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Important points: It was launched in November 2020 to boost employment in the formal sector and incentivize creation of new employment opportunities during the Covid-19 …

Recently, National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd has awarded the country’s first green hydrogen microgrid project at its Simhadri (near Visakhapatnam) plant in Andhra Pradesh. Important points: This unique project configuration is designed in-house by NTPC. It would be a precursor to large-scale hydrogen energy storage projects. It is in line …

Recently, India and Russia opposed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) draft resolution on climate change. The resolution was co-sponsored by Ireland and Niger and it was first proposed by Germany in the UNSC in 2020. It was supported by 113 UN member countries (of a total of 193), which …

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Government of India and Poland. Important points: The MLATs in criminal matters are the bilateral treaties entered between the countries for providing international cooperation and assistance. These agreements allow for the exchange of …

Recently, Durga Puja in Kolkata has been inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. It is the first festival in Asia to achieve recognition as UNESCO ICH of Humanity. Earlier, UNESCO announced the Harappan city of Dholavira in Gujarat as India’s 40th world …

Recently, the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) successfully test fired the Pinaka Extended Range (Pinaka-ER) Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Earlier, the DRDO also launched the Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo System (SMART). Important points: The Pinaka, a Multi-Barrel Rocket-Launcher (MBRL) system named after Shiva’s bow, can fire a salvo …

The National Energy Conservation Day is observed on December 14th, every year by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) The day focuses on making people aware of global warming and climate change and promotes efforts towards saving energy resources. It also highlights the achievements of the country in the fields …

Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated a scheme SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise. It includes a sub-scheme – ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging. Currently, a pilot project of it is ongoing in …

Recently, India reiterated its support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). India also supported freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded commerce, based on the principles of international law, reflected notably in the UNCLOS 1982. India is a state party to the UNCLOS. Important …

The External Affairs Minister of India (EAM), at the recent Global Technology summit, has asserted that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought India’s capabilities and need for more domestic production rather than unchecked globalization. He further held that, to foster tech growth, nations must seek more start-ups, supply chains and jobs …

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 …