The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched the sounding rocket called RH-560 on March 12, 2021. The rocket was launched in order to study “attitudinal variations” in the neutral winds and plasma dynamics. Important points: The RH-560 rocket was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) Sriharikota Range (SHAR). …
Read More »A THIRD OF GLOBAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM FOOD PRODUCTION: STUDY
The study by a group of researchers in Italy published recently in the journal Nature Food draws on a new global database that provides estimates of food system greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2015. Important points: One third of global greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans are linked to …
Read More »BENGALURU AIRPORT LAUNCHES INDIA’S FIRST DEDICATED EXPRESS CARGO TERMINAL
The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru now has India’s first dedicated Express Cargo Terminal exclusively for export and import of international couriers. It has a dedicated space for customs offices with direct access to both Landside and Airside wing of the airport. The exclusive Terminal for express couriers at south …
Read More »FOUR PYRES OF THE GREEN CREMATORIA
According to the Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, exceedingly high concentration of air emissions with respect to particulate matter, and other harmful gases have been measured in regions around the crematoria. To address the high localized toxic emissions from crematoria, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering …
Read More »2001 FO32
On 21 March 2021, the largest asteroid predicted to pass by Earth will be at its closest. It won’t come closer than 2 million km to Earth, but it will present a valuable scientific opportunity for astronomers who can get a good look at a rocky relic that formed at …
Read More »IT MIN STEPS UP CYBER ATTACK VIGIL, ASKS COS TO RAISE DEFENCE
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has stepped up its vigil of cyberattacks on Indian companies in the vaccine, logistics, pharmaceutical and power sector, and has asked these to report “any and all major cybersecurity” incidents to the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) team every week. Cyberattacks: The frequency of such attacks …
Read More »ON QUAD AGENDA TODAY: ‘FREE, OPEN’ INDO-PACIFIC, MARITIME SECURITY
About: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison will meet, through virtual mode, for the first ever Quadrilateral grouping’s leaders’ summit. This will be Modi’s first meeting with Biden, after the new US administration assumed office in January this …
Read More »FRANCE’S FIRST SPACE MILITARY EXERCISE: ASTERX
Amid the growing competition among the world powers in the field of space, France has begun its first space military exercises to test its ability to defend its satellites. About the Exercise: The exercise drills are codenamed “AsterX” to commemorate the first French satellite Asterix from 1965. The exercises are part of France’s strategy to become …
Read More »LICENSING CONDITIONS FOR TELECOM COMPANIES AMENDED
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has amended licensing conditions for telecom companies. The new norms will be implemented from 15th June 2021. In March 2021, the Union Cabinet approved the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the telecom sector to reduce imports and move towards self-reliance. New Licensing Conditions: To include defence and national security as parameters when purchasing ‘trusted telecom products’ and sourcing equipment from ‘trusted …
Read More »REGULATION REDUX : ON SUPREME COURT QUERY ON AN ENVIRONMENT WATCHDOG
An environmental regulator can work only if governments see the value of nature. The Supreme Court’s notice to the Centre government on a public interest litigation (PIL) plea to set up a national environmental regulator under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. To Oversee And Give Directions Related Environmental Clearances For Projects and …
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