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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 …

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the new generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile ‘Agni Prime’. This is the second test of the missile, the first test took place in June 2021. The Agni-P missile aims to further strengthen India’s credible deterrence capabilities. Important points: Agni-P is a …

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a discussion paper on regulating Algorithmic or Algo Trading, or trades generated out of automatic execution and logic. Algo Trading Almost everything in the digital world is based on algorithms. Algorithms leverage user data, behaviour and usage patterns, and …

Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has approved a comprehensive Program for the Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystems in the country. The government proposes to provide incentives worth Rs 76,000 crore for the development of semiconductors and display manufacturing ecosystems over the next six years. …

Recently, the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was tabled in the Parliament. The amendments seek to decriminalise certain provisions and bring more foreign investments in the chain of biological resources, including research, patent and commercial utilisation, without compromising the national interest. However, opposition parties have cited concerns over the bill …

Recently, the Centre has given in-principle (first step) approval for setting up of six nuclear power reactors at Jaitapur in Maharashtra. The Jaitpur Project is a key component of the strategic partnership between India and France. Nuclear Power Nuclear power is clean and environment friendly, apart from having a “huge …

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMKSY) till 2026, with an outlay of Rs 93,068 crore. The government also approved the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Har Khet ko Pani (HKKP), and watershed development components of the PMKSY …

Recently, the government has decided to have a relook at some key aspects of Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2021 – which aims to Privatise Two Public Sector Banks (PSBs) – during the Winter session of Parliament. In the last session, the government passed a bill that will allow the privatisation …

Recently, National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd has awarded the country’s first green hydrogen microgrid project at its Simhadri (near Visakhapatnam) plant in Andhra Pradesh. Important points: This unique project configuration is designed in-house by NTPC. It would be a precursor to large-scale hydrogen energy storage projects. It is in line …

Recently, India and Russia opposed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) draft resolution on climate change. The resolution was co-sponsored by Ireland and Niger and it was first proposed by Germany in the UNSC in 2020. It was supported by 113 UN member countries (of a total of 193), which …

Recently, the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) successfully test fired the Pinaka Extended Range (Pinaka-ER) Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Earlier, the DRDO also launched the Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo System (SMART). Important points: The Pinaka, a Multi-Barrel Rocket-Launcher (MBRL) system named after Shiva’s bow, can fire a salvo …

The National Energy Conservation Day is observed on December 14th, every year by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) The day focuses on making people aware of global warming and climate change and promotes efforts towards saving energy resources. It also highlights the achievements of the country in the fields …

Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated a scheme SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise. It includes a sub-scheme – ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging. Currently, a pilot project of it is ongoing in …

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully launched the Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo System (SMART) from Wheeler Island in Odisha. Important points: It is a missile assisted release of the lightweight Anti-Submarine Torpedo System for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations far beyond torpedo range. It is a canister based …

Recently, a Royal Bengal tiger was sighted at the Buxa reserve – a first such sighting in 23 years. Historically, tigers were distributed throughout the reserve including the southernmost ranges and fringe areas. However, the reserve has a low tiger density at present. Important points: Buxa Tiger Reserve is situated …

Recently, the Centre has approached the Supreme Court seeking modification of its order directing that all transmission cables in the habitat of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) be laid underground. Important points: Earlier this year (2021), in a bid to check the dwindling numbers of the endangered Great Indian Bustard …