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The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has analyzed air quality trends with special focus on cities outside Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The latest analysis by the has found that when pollution spikes during winter,entire northern India experiences smog episodes. Important point: This analysis aims to understand …

Recently, the government has notified, under the Essential Commodities Act 1955, to declare ‘soya meal’ as an essential commodity up to 30th June, 2022. This step is expected to stop any unfair practises (like hoarding, black marketing etc) in the market having the potential to hike the prices of soya …

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted maiden flight test of a new indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile ‘Pralay’. The missile was tested from the Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. Important points: About: Pralay’ is India’s first conventional quasi-ballistic missile and is …

Recently, the Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the book ‘Spices Statistics at a Glance 2021. The book highlights the growth achieved in the production of spices and increase in area during the last seven years from 2014-15 to 2020-21 in the country. Important points: Spices are aromatic …

Recently, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog has launched Vernacular Innovation Program (VIP), to enable innovators and entrepreneurs to have access to the innovation ecosystem in 22 scheduled languages Important points: VIP is an initiative to lower the language barrier in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship such that it …

Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has released Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for drone application in Agriculture. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) commonly known as drones have great potential to revolutionize Indian agriculture and ensure the country’s food security. The drones were used for the first …

A recent study has provided evidence of the effect of environmental conditions on the longevity of relationships — among a population of albatrosses According to the researchers, climate change and warming waters are pushing black-browed albatross break-up rates higher. Important points: They are a member of the albatross family Diomedeidae, …

Recently, a flight demonstration of the Controlled Aerial Delivery System of 500 kg capacity (CADS-500) was conducted by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE). The flight demonstration is part of a series of activities organised towards celebrating ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, commemorating 75 years of Independence. Important points: The …

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has banned the derivative trade of seven agricultural commodities on the future’s platform of National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) for a year. The regulator has banned derivative contracts trade in chana, wheat, paddy (non-basmati), soyabean and its derivatives, mustard seed …

Recently, an Indian Desert Cat has been spotted for the first time in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR). The Indian Desert Cat is also known as the Asiatic Wildcat or the Asian Steppe Wildcat. Important points: It is usually a creature of the Thar desert in Rajasthan, and inhabits …