Recently, the Maharashtra Government asked the Prime Minister for state-wide implementation of the ‘Beed model’ of the crop insurance scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY). Important point: Beed is a district of Maharashtra located in the drought-prone Marathwada region. 80-110 Formula: This model is also called 80-110 Formula. Under …

In a bid to encourage crop diversification, the Central Government has hiked the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Paddy, Pulses and Oilseeds (for all mandated Kharif Crops). Important point: The MSP is the rate at which the government purchases crops from farmers, and is based on a calculation of at …

Indian Scientists have developed an environmental-friendly process, which can provide excellent corrosion resistance to the high-strength aluminium (Al) alloys extensively used in aerospace, textile, and automotive applications. It involves an electrochemical method for the production of an oxide film on the metallic substrate. High-strength aluminium (Al) alloys are extensively used in aerospace, textile, and …

The Maharashtra Cabinet has passed an action plan to protect and preserve trees older than 50 years in urban areas by terming them heritage trees. Important points: Few important criteria for considering a tree as a “heritage tree” are: size, shape, rarity, aesthetical/historical values, association with historic person, place or …

Recently, Odisha announced a cash award of Rs. 1,000 to conserve gharials in Mahanadi River Basin. Important points: Gharials, sometimes called gavials, are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts. Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and more. India has three …

Recently, researchers from the Pune-based Tata Institute for Fundamental Research (TIFR) and the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), have assembled the largest collection of Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) catalogue. The data is from Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME). In 2020, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) spotted …

The central government has released an expert committee report on the Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025. The roadmap proposes a gradual rollout of ethanol-blended fuel to achieve E10 fuel supply by April 2022 and phased rollout of E20 from April 2023 to April 2025. Important points: The …

El Salvador, a small coastal country in Central America has become the first in the world to adopt Bitcoin, as legal tender. Legal tender is the legally recognized money within a given political jurisdiction. Important points: Introduced in 2009, it is a type of cryptocurrency that enables instant payments to …

Recently, the Maldives’ Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was elected the President of the 76th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (GA) for 2021-22. The win was welcomed by India as Indian diplomats had been helping the Maldives and India expects close cooperation with Maldives at the UN. However, …

The Rengma Naga Peoples’ Council (RNPC) or Rengma Nagas have demanded an Autonomous District Council (ADC) in Assam. The Central and the State governments recently upgraded the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) to territorial councils like the Bodoland Territorial Council. The ‘status …

The Rengma Naga Peoples’ Council (RNPC) or Rengma Nagas have demanded an Autonomous District Council (ADC) in Assam. The Central and the State governments recently upgraded the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) to territorial councils like the Bodoland Territorial Council. The ‘status …

Recently, the Union Education Minister announced the release of the report of All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20. This Report provides key performance indicators on the current status of Higher education in the country. It is the 10th in the series of AISHE annually released by the Department …

Recently, European Space Agency (ESA) has announced a new mission- EnVision mission to Venus Important point: It is an European Space Agency (ESA) led mission with contributions from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is likely to be launched sometime in the 2030s. Once launched on an Ariane …

Recently, the Government of India has released funds for various activities of Farm Mechanization under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme. Important point: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare launched SMAM in 2014-15. Under it, subsidy is provided for purchase of various types of agricultural equipment and machinery …

The Ministry of Education has developed an online module for compiling out-of-school (due to Covid-19 pandemic) children’s data identified by each State/UT. The collected data will be mapped with special training centres on the PRABANDH portal of Samagra Shiksha. Important point: Through the module, the government will facilitate age-appropriate admissions …

The Union Health Minister addressed the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on prevention of HIV/AIDS. The Resolution 75/260 of UNGA deals with the Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the political declarations on HIV/AIDS. Important point: India’s unique HIV prevention model is centered …

ASPAGNIITM may revolutionise cancer treatment Cancer kills8.51 lakh people in India every year (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2020,Globocan).  As per World Health Organization (WHO), one in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime, and one in 15 will die of cancer. Therefore,  it is all the more …

Recently, the Assam government notified Dehing Patkai as the 7th National Park of the state. It was created shortly after Raimona reserve forest in western Assam’s Kokrajhar district was upgraded to a national park (6th) on the occasion of World Environment Day (5th June). National Park An area, whether within …

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the allotment of 5 MHz spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band to the Indian Railways for improving its communication and signalling systems. Railways has also approved a indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). Important points: The project, targeted to be completed in five …

According to UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) mountain ranges could lose up to two-third of its ice by 2100. About 2 billion people may face food, water shortages by 2100. Important points: It is often referred to as the ‘Third Pole’, on earth, is spread …