Recently, India in partnership with International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) celebrated Asadha Poornima Dhamma Chakra Day 2021 on 24th July 2021. The day is also observed as Guru Poornima by both Buddhists and Hindus as a day to mark reverence to their Gurus.  Important points: It commemorates Buddha’s first sermon to his first five ascetic disciples. He gave his …

The Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM) project has been accorded an extension for five years, until 2026 and enters its second phase with added features. Important points: I-STEM is a National Web portal for sharing R&D (Research and Development) facilities. The portal facilitates researchers to access slots for the use of equipment, as well as …

Recently, scientists for the first time have spotted a Moon-Forming Region around a planet beyond our solar system (Exoplanet).   Exoplanets An exoplanet or extrasolar planet is a planet outside the Solar System. The first confirmation of detection of exoplanets occurred in 1992. More than 4,400 exoplanets have been discovered till now. Exoplanets are very hard to see directly with telescopes. They are hidden …

Recently, on the 30th anniversary of the economic liberalisation reforms, former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, raised concerns over the macro-economic stability of the country. According to him, the current economic crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic is more challenging than during the 1991 economic crisis and the nation would need to recalibrate …

Recently, the National Statistical Office (NSO) released the third annual report on Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), conducted between July 2019 and June 2020. Labour indicators recorded an all-round improvement in 2019-20 compared with the previous two years i:e 2017-18 and 2018-19. National Statistical Office It is the central statistical agency of the Government mandated under the Statistical Services Act 1980 under the Ministry …

Recently, a reality show contestant has approached the Delhi High Court with a plea seeking the removal of his videos, photographs and articles etc. from the internet citing his “Right to be Forgotten (RTBF)” In the plea, the petitioner also maintains that the “Right to be Forgotten” goes in sync with the “Right to …

Amid the Pegasus Controversy, it was reported that the Union Government’s expenditure on the National Security Council secretariat (NSCS) increased ten fold in 2017-18 to Rs 333 crores from Rs 33 cr. in 2016-17. NSC of India is a three-tiered organization that oversees political, economic, energy and security issues of strategic concern. The National Security Advisor …

Recently, the Supreme Court has dismissed appeals challenging the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order which had imposed a complete ban on the sale and use of all firecrackers during the Covid-19 pandemic in NCR and other cities in India. The order was given in the context of a poor Air Quality Index (AQI), …

Acting on the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs, NIMHANS, an Institute of National Importance, issued a set of guidelines on the management of mental health issues of the prisoners and prison staff. Important points: In this model, selected inmates, trained to identify prisoners at risk of suicide, would refer them to treatment …

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlighted various measures to address the challenges posed by Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the country. Important points: Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance acquired by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) that are used to treat infections. As a …