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Recently, a new capacity building initiative on ‘Making water sensitive cities in Ganga basin’ was launched by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in association with Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Important points: The aim of the program is capacity building and action research for promoting sustainable urban water management for improved river health in …

Recently, the Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) informed Rajya Sabha about the forest area in the country. The data provided was as per the India State of Forest Report, 2019 that is the 16th biennial assessment of India’s forests by Forest Survey of India, Dehradun an organisation under the MoEFCC. Information about the Wasteland in the country was …

Recently, Indian Naval Ship Talwar participated in a multinational training exercise Cutlass Express 2021, being conducted along the East Coast of Africa. Important points: The exercise is an annual maritime exercise conducted to promote national and regional maritime security in East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. The 2021 edition of the exercise involves participation of 12 …

Recently, under the Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) programme, the government has given approval for establishing two additional facilities. In 2020, India filled its strategic petroleum reserves in view of the slump in crude prices. Important points: The new facilities will be commercial-cum-strategic facilities with a total storage capacity of 6.5 MMT (Million Metric Ton) underground storages at: Chandikhol, Odisha (4 MMT) …

Recently, the Union Minister of State for Finance has stated in Lok Sabha that the government’s black money law has helped detect several instances where Indians have been found stashing undisclosed income overseas. Important points: There is no official definition of black money in economic theory, with several different terms such as parallel economy, black money, black incomes, …

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has challenged the suspension of its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) certificate for 180 days. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) suspended CHRI’s certificate in violation of various provisions of the FCRA Act. Important points: Foreign funding of persons in India is regulated under FCRA act and is implemented by the Ministry of Home …

Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) invited public inputs to the Emigration Bill 2021. The Bill presents a long overdue opportunity to reform the recruitment process for nationals seeking employment abroad. Important points: The Bill intends to replace the Emigration Act of 1983. The Bill envisages comprehensive emigration management, institutes regulatory mechanisms governing overseas …

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 …