GS3

A tiny snake “Xylophis deepaki” has been named in honour of Indian herpetologist Deepak Veerappan for his contribution in erecting a new subfamily Xylophiinae to accommodate wood snakes. The common name suggested for the species is ‘Deepak’s wood snake’. Important point: It is a tiny snake of just 20 cm length with iridescent scales. It was first found on a coconut plantation in Kanyakumari. …

The eight core sectors grew by 6.8% in March 2021 (the highest in 32 months), after a 3.8% dip in February, but the spike was largely due to the base effects from March 2020. During 2020-21 (April-March), output of the eight sectors contracted by 7% as against a positive growth of 0.4% in 2019-20. Important point: These comprise 40.27% of the …

Evolutionary biologists from different countries have shown that the regions of host genomes that increase the risk of getting severely ill and protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus were inherited from Neanderthals. Neanderthals are an extinct species of hominids that were the closest relatives to modern human beings. Important point: A region on host chromosome 3 acts as a …

Researchers from the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, have resolved the mystery of the antimatter counterpart of the electrons called Positron and Positron Excess Phenomenon. RRI is an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology. Antimatter is the opposite of normal matter. More specifically, the sub-atomic particles of antimatter have properties opposite those of …

Recently, according to the SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) system, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated from ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’. Important points: Delhi’s air typically worsens in October-November and improves by March-April. Current weather conditions are not unfavourable, unlike in winter. During winter, cool and calm weather traps …

Recently, India’s Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas has added capability of firing Israeli-origin Python-5 air-to-air missile (AAM) after concluding successful tests. The same set of tests were also aimed to validate the enhanced capability of the already integrated Israeli-origin Derby beyond visual range AAM on Tejas. The tests were conducted …

 Recently, Indian Scientists have developed a high-yielding and pest-resistant variety of soybean, called MACS 1407.  Scientists from MACS- Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi have developed it. Important points: Using the conventional cross breeding technique, scientists developed MACS 1407 which gives 39 …

Experts are calling on the government to ease CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) regulations to allow corporate expenditure on vaccinations for employees and treatment of employees suffering from Covid to be covered under spending for CSR. Under current CSR norms, companies are not permitted to count expenditure incurred exclusively for the …

Recently, China launched an unmanned module of its permanent space station that it plans to complete by the end of 2022. The module, named “Tianhe”, or “Harmony of the Heavens”, was launched on the Long March 5B, China’s largest carrier rocket. India has also set its eye on building its …

According to the United Nations’ Global Forest Goals Report 2021, Covid-19 pandemic has aggravated the challenges faced by countries in managing their forests. The Report has been prepared by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nation. It provides an initial overview of progress of Goals and …

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund has crossed the eight thousand crore mark. The investment will give a boost to several agricultural projects which will unlock value for farmers across the country. Important points: It is a central sector scheme To provide medium – long term debt financing facility for investment in viable …

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its report on Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) said that the growth of the ARC industry has not been consistent over time and not always been synchronous with the trends in Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) of banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). However, the RBI …

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global problem to which the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic may further contribute. With resources deployed away from antimicrobial stewardship, evidence of substantial preemptive antibiotic use in Covid-19 patients and indirectly, with deteriorating economic conditions fuelling poverty potentially impacting on levels of resistance, AMR threat remains …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an Advanced Chaff Technology to safeguard the naval ships against enemy missile attack. It is another step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Important points: Chaff is an electronic countermeasure technology used by militaries worldwide to protect naval ships or other sensitive targets from …

The Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat has operationalised the third Joint Logistics Node (JLN) in Mumbai. Other operationalised JLNs are in Guwahati and Port Blair. Important points: These JLNs will provide integrated logistics cover to the Armed Forces for their small arms ammunition, rations, fuel, general stores, civil …

Recently, Saudi Arabia launched Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative to combat the threat of climate change. Important points: One of the main pillars of the Saudi G20 presidency was to safeguard the planet. In 2020, G20 introduced initiatives like establishing a Global Coral Reef Research and …

The Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) launched its Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) – PowerGrid Infrastructure Investment Trust (PGInvIT). Important points: This is the first time a state-owned entity (PGCIL) is monetizing its infrastructure assets through the InvIT route. This will be only the third InvIT to be listed in …

Recently, a top agriculture economist has suggested that the best chance of Crop Diversification is through animal agriculture/animal husbandry. Important points: Crop diversification refers to the addition of new crops or cropping systems to agricultural production on a particular farm taking into account the different returns from value- added crops …

In a recent study, it has been found that groundwater depletion in India could reduce winter cropped acreage significantly in years ahead. The researchers studied India’s three main irrigation types on winter cropped areas: dug wells, tube wells and canals. The researchers also analysed the groundwater data from the Central …

Recently, the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) has announced #FOSS4GOV Innovation Challenge to accelerate adoption of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in Government. Important points: It doesn’t mean software is free of cost. The term “free” indicates that the software does not have constraints on copyrights. It means …