GS3

Recently, as per a report from the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, genes that can increase the grain size of sorghum have been discovered. Important points: As many as 125 regions in the sorghum genome have now been identified where variation in the DNA sequence was associated with grain size and response to environmental conditions. New variants have also …

According to a report, the lockdowns slowed renewable energy installations in the country and the pace of such installations is lagging India’s 2022 target. The report was released by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). IEEFA is a US non-profit corporation. India stands at 4th position in the world in terms of installed Renewable Energy capacity, 5th in solar and …

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved capital infusion in the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) and its listing through an initial public offering. The government will inject Rs 4,400 crore in the ECGC over a period of five years beginning 2021-22. The Cabinet also approved continuation of the National Export Insurance Account (NEIA) scheme and infusion …

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) tested a new version of the Akash Missile – ‘Akash Prime’ – from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. Earlier, DRDO launched the Akash-NG (New Generation) and the Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM). Defence Research & Development Organisation It is the Research & Development wing of the Ministry …

Recently, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed Karnataka to immediately release the balance quantum of water to Tamil Nadu. However, CWMA dropped discussion on the Mekedatu reservoir project following “strong protest” from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Important points: It involves 3 states and one Union Territory (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Puducherry). The genesis …

Recently, NASA has launched an earth monitoring satellite called Landsat 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite is a joint mission of NASA and the US Geological Survey (USGS). This satellite is referred to as NASA’s’ new eye in the sky’ that will help study climate change. Important points: Landsat-9 is the continuation of a …

Recently, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed the country’s first-ever non-GM (genetically modified) herbicide-tolerant rice varieties (Pusa Basmati 1979 and Pusa Basmati 1985). These varieties can be directly seeded and significantly save water and labour compared to conventional transplanting. Important points: The new varieties contain a mutated AcetoLactate Synthase (ALS) gene making it possible for farmers …

Recently, China has cited a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution to question India’s missile programme amid reports of an upcoming test for the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile. UNSC Resolution 1172 was issued after India’s 1998 nuclear tests. Important points: Agni-V is the most advanced surface-to-surface indigenously built ballistic missile. It is a three-stage, solid fuelled, 17-metre tall …

Judima, a home-made rice wine of Assam’s Dimasa tribe has become the first traditional brew in all of northeast to bag a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This is the second product from the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao to get GI tag. Earlier, Manipur’s most famous Hathei chilli and Tamenglong orange were awarded the GI Tag. Geographical …

Recently, the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA Scheme) has successfully completed four years of its implementation. 82 crore households have been electrified since its launch till 31st March, 2021. Important points: It was launched in 2017 to ensure electrification of all households in the country in rural as well as urban areas. …

Recently, a Supreme Court-appointed committee has questioned relaxations given for the upgrade of a 4.7-km road (Laldhang-Chillarkhal road) in the buffer zone of Rajaji Tiger Reserve and sought replies from the Centre and Uttarakhand government. The relaxation for measurement of roads was approved by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). NBWL is the …

The State Governments of Punjab, National Capital Region (NCR) States and Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) have developed detailed monitorable action plans based on the framework by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to tackle the problem of air pollution. The newly constituted commission (CAQM) has sweeping powers in controlling air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Also, recently, …

Recently, an international team of researchers made the first direct detection of dark energy. The experiment named XENON1T, is the world’s most sensitive dark matter experiment and was operated deep underground at the INFN Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy. Dark energy is the mysterious form of energy that makes up about 68% of the universe, and has …

Recently, the Goa government’s Feni Policy 2021 has paved the way to take the GI (Geographical Indication) Certified Goan Cashew Feni forward at par with other international Liquors such as Mexico’s tequila, Japanese Sake and Russia’s Vodka. The Goa government in 2016 classified Feni as the Heritage Spirit of Goa. Important points: It is the …

Recently, a report titled Environmental performance of blue foods has stated that the Aquatic or blue foods can be made more environmentally sustainable than they are now. The report is published as part of the Blue Food Assessment (BFA). The BFA is a collaboration between Sweden-based Stockholm Resilience Centre, United States-based Stanford University and the …

Recently, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has published a new report on Climate Indicators and Sustainable Development: Demonstrating the Interconnections. WMO studied seven climate indicators — carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, temperature, ocean acidification and heat, sea ice extent, glacier melt and sea-level rise. Its release coincides with the United Nations General Assembly annual session and the opening in September 2021 …

Recently, the Union government has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court claiming that a caste census of the Backward Classes is administratively difficult and cumbersome. The government’s assertion came in response to a writ petition filed by the State of Maharashtra to gather Backward Classes’ caste data in the State while conducting Census …

Recently, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) placed an order with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Chennai for supply of 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjun Mk-1A for the Indian Army. Important points: The state–of-the-art MBT Mk-1A is a new variant of Arjun Tank designed to enhance fire power, mobility and survivability. The Arjun Main Battle Tank …

Recently, in a major reform, the Supreme Court has given the go-ahead to implement a system for electronic transmission of its orders. It will ensure effective implementation of Article 21 (right to life). Earlier, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based portal ‘SUPACE’ in the judicial system aimed …

The US is discussing launching a formal review into whether Tether and other stablecoins threaten financial stability. The first stablecoin, created in 2014, was Tether. Important points: A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency that is typically pegged to an existing government-backed currency. A cryptocurrency is a form of digital asset based on a network that is distributed across …