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A report ‘A Future for All – A Need for Human-Wildlife Coexistence’ was recently released by World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and UNEP. It examined increasing human-wildlife conflict (HWC). HWC-related killing affects more than 75% of the world’s wild cat species, as well as many other terrestrial and marine carnivore species such as polar bears and Mediterranean monk seals, and large …

Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched the Online Course Mobile App “Matsya Setu” for fish farmers. The app was developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). Important points: It aims to disseminate the latest freshwater aquaculture technologies to the aqua farmers of …

Recently, an Indian named Ganesan Sandhirakasan has won the top prize in a government-initiated competition for migrant workers in Singapore for his performance of Silambam. Important points: Silambam is an ancient weapon-based martial art that emerged in Tamilakam, which is now Tamil Nadu region of India. It is one of the oldest martial arts in the world. The …

Recently, the first shipment of Geographical Indication (GI) certified Bhalia variety of wheat was exported to Kenya and Sri Lanka from Gujarat. Important points: The Bhalia variety of wheat received GI certification in July, 2011. This Wheat has high protein content and is sweet in taste. This crop is grown mostly across the Bhal region of Gujarat which includes Ahmedabad, …

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has inaugurated the online filing of Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) applications. The web application is designed to ensure continuous real-time and digital monitoring of physically filed AEO applications for timely intervention and expedience. Important points: AEO is a programme (2007) under the aegis of the World …

Recently, a rare Melanistic Leopard (commonly known as Black Panther) has been recorded in Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) of Maharashtra. Important points: Leopards (Panthera Pardus) are either light colored (pale yellow to deep gold or tawny) with black rosettes or with black fur. The melanistic leopards, which are either all-black or very dark in coloration, are known as black panthers. …

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued orders appointing an advisory committee for its Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) project that is aimed at curbing “digital monopolies”. This is in the direction of making e-commerce processes open source, thus creating a platform that can be utilised by all online retailers. Earlier, the Ministry …

According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Annual Report on Implementing the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, the plastic waste generated in 2018-19 was 3.3 million tonnes per year (roughly 9,200 tonnes per day). Important points: Plastic is a synthetic organic polymer made from petroleum with properties ideally suited for a wide variety of applications, …

Recently, the UAE’s Hope spacecraft  has captured images of glowing atmospheric lights in the Mars night sky, known as discrete auroras. The Hope Probe, the Arab world’s first mission to Mars, took off from Earth in July 2020, and has been orbiting the Red Planet (Mars) since February 2021. It is expected to …

Recently, the government has decided not to impose Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD) on imports of certain copper products, from China, Thailand, Korea and three other countries. Important points: In April, Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) recommended imposing the duty on “copper and copper alloy flat-rolled products” from China, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, …

India and the majority of the members of OECD-G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) have joined a new two-pillar plan to reform international taxation rules. The two-pillar plan – inclusive framework tax deal on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)- seeks to reform international tax rules and ensure that multinational enterprises pay their fair …

Recently, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched a project named Bamboo Oasis on Lands in Drought (BOLD) from the village NichlaMandwa in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) It is a statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956. It is charged with the planning, promotion, organisation and implementation …

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has approved stricter norms related to appointment of independent directors and decided to introduce a framework for accredited investors along with other measures. Sebi is a statutory body established in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992. The basic functions of the Sebi is …

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed an anti-methanogenic feed supplement ‘Harit Dhara’ (HD), which can cut down cattle methane emissions by 17-20% and can also result in higher milk production. Important points: HD decreases the population of protozoa microbes in the rumen, responsible for hydrogen production and making it available to the archaea (structure similar …

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) for sale of fly ash, in its endeavour to achieve 100% utilization of fly ash, from the designated plants of the Middle East and other regions. Fly Ash is a byproduct from burning of coal in the thermal power generation. Important points: It is called fly ash …

Kerala houseboats in Vembanad Lake are about to begin soon amid a robust vaccination drive. This is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest Lake in India. Important points: Vembanad Lake is also known as Vembanad Kayal, Vembanad Kol, Punnamada Lake (in Kuttanad) and Kochi Lake (in Kochi). Spanning several districts of …

Recently, 150 vultures were seen in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), Bihar, which has prompted a vulture conservation plan in the protected region of VTR. Important points: It is one of the 22 species of large carrion-eating birds that live predominantly in the tropics and subtropics. They act an important function as nature’s garbage collectors and help …

According to the recent data from the Reserve Bank of India, India’s Foreign Exchange (Forex) Reserves surged by $ 5 billion to $ 609 billion in the week ended 25th June, 2021. Increase in the Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) is the major component of overall reserves. Important points: FCA rose by $ 4.7 billion to $ 566 billion. …

Recently, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) decided to felicitate around 54,000 taxpayers to mark the competition of 4 years of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Important points: The introduction of e-way bills coupled with the crackdown on fake invoicing has helped in bringing in a substantial portion of GST revenues, which were either …

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the 23rd issue of its Financial Stability Report (FSR). The FSR which is published biannually reflects the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC – headed by the Governor of RBI) on risks to financial stability and the resilience of the financial system. The Report also discusses issues …