Recently, a report (Tightening the Net) published by Oxfam International has said that announcing Net Zero Carbon Targets may be a dangerous distraction from the priority of cutting carbon emissions. Many countries like New Zealand, UK, US, China and the European Union have set net-zero targets on greenhouse gas emissions to tackle climate …

The Supreme Court-Appointed Committee has permitted construction of a stretch of the proposed Delhi-Alwar RRTS (Rapid Rail transit system) corridor under the Aravalli Biodiversity Park and the extended ridge area. Important points: The committee observed that the project is in public interest and since the proposed rail corridor will run 20 metres below the ground, trees will not have …

Output at India’s eight core sectors grew by 8.9% in June 2021 largely due to Base Effect but the pace remained below the production levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic as well as its second wave. Important points: These comprise 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The eight …

Recently, India and the UK have collaborated to conduct a study on ‘Ashwagandha (AG)’ for promoting recovery from Covid-19. After the trial’s success, ‘Ashwagandha’ will be a proven medicinal treatment to prevent infection and be recognised by the scientific community worldwide. This is the first time that the Ministry of Ayush has collaborated with a foreign institution to investigate its …

Recently, a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) study has found that ozone levels are exceeding the permitted levels even during winter in Delhi-NCR, making the smog more “toxic”. Despite the pandemic and lockdowns, more days and locations witnessed higher and longer duration of ozone spells. CSE is a public interest research and advocacy organisation …

Recently, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare presided over the 112th Annual Day celebrations of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Important points: The Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) was inaugurated. WGS is a comprehensive method for analyzing entire genomes. Genomic information has been instrumental in identifying inherited disorders, characterizing the …

The Indian government is going to launch an electronic voucher based digital payment system e-RUPI. There are already many countries using the voucher system for example the US, Colombia, Chile, Sweden, Hong Kong, etc. Important points: It is a cashless and contactless method for digital payment. It is a Quick Response (QR) code or SMS string-based e-voucher, which is …

Recently, India assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of August 2021. This will be the country’s first presidency during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. India began its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC in January 2021. This is India’s eighth …

The 36th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (India-Indonesia CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy is being conducted. Important points: To reinforce maritime links, the two navies have been carrying out CORPAT along their International Maritime Boundary Line since 2002. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Saryu, an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel is participating in …

Amagarh Fort of Jaipur, Rajasthan is at the centre of a conflict between the tribal Meena community and local Hindu groups. Members of the Meena community say the Amagarh Fort was built by a Meena ruler predating Rajput rule in Jaipur, and has been their holy site for centuries. They accused Hindu groups of trying to …