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Recently, Mura-Drava-Danube (MDD) was declared as the world’s first ‘five-country biosphere reserve’ by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Important points: The biosphere reserve covers 700 kilometres of the Mura, Drava and Danube rivers and stretches across Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia. The total area of the reserve is a million hectares – in the so-called ‘Amazon of Europe’, which …

Recently, the Union Minister of State for Power attended the 15th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting. The theme of the meeting was “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper”.         Important points: The meeting was aimed at coordinating efforts of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries in pursuing the goal of energy security and energy transition …

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a Rs. 26,058 crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for auto, auto-components and Drone industries to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities. The scheme for the sector is part of the overall production-linked incentives announced for 13 sectors in the Union Budget 2021-22 with an outlay of Rs 1.97 lakh crore. It is …

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the Rs 30,600 crore guarantee to back Security Receipts issued by National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL) for acquiring stressed loan assets. The NARCL is a part of a new Bad bank structure that was announced in the Budget 2021. Important points: For resolution of huge NPAs (Non-Performing Assets) …

Recently, scientists have unraveled the mystery behind Odisha’s ‘Black Tigers’ in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) The STR is the only tiger habitat in the world with melanistic tigers, which have broad black stripes running across their bodies and thicker than those seen on normal tigers. Important points: Black Tigers are a rare colour variant of the tiger and are not …

Recently, NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and RMI India’s have launched the Shoonya Campaign. It is an initiative to promote zero-pollution delivery vehicles by working with consumers and industry. RMI is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1982. Important points: The campaign aims to accelerate adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs)in the urban deliveries segment and create consumer awareness about the benefits of zero-pollution delivery. …

Every year, 16th September is observed as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer (World Ozone Day). Important points: After the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the ozone layer signed by almost every country in 1987, the United Nation General Assembly, in 1994, proclaimed this day as the International Day for the Prevention of the …

India’s industrial output grew by 11.5% in July compared to a 10.5% contraction a year ago, as per quick estimates from the National Statistical Office (NSO). Important points: Mining, manufacturing and electricity recorded growth of 19.5%, 10.5% and 11.1%, respectively, albeit driven by favourable base effect. The country’s output of the eight core sectors – …

Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare signed 5 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with private companies for taking forward Digital Agriculture. These pilot projects are part of the Digital Agriculture Mission and will draw on the National Farmers Database which already includes 5.5 crore farmers identified using existing national schemes. Important points: Digital Agriculture is “ICT (Information …

Recently, NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in collaboration with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) has launched ‘ATL Space Challenge 2021’. Earlier, the Union cabinet in June 2020 decided to open up the space sector for private sector participation, and cleared the creation of a new entity, Indian National Space Promotion and …

Recently, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has revised the Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) scheme for specified agriculture products. It will be effected on or after 1st April, 2021, up to 31st March, 2022. Important points: It was launched in 2019, for providing financial assistance for the transport and marketing of agricultural products to boost exports of such …

Recently, the Lunar Science Workshop 2021, was conducted by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to commemorate the completion of two years of operation of Chandrayaan-2 orbiter in lunar orbit. According to the ISRO, the observations of the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter payloads have yielded discovery-class findings . The Chandrayaan-3 mission is likely to be launched late next year. Important points: It …

According to a recent report prepared by two independent think tanks, EMBER and Climate Risk Horizons, India does not require additional new coal capacity to meet expected power demand growth by Financial Year (FY) 2030. Important points: India’s peak power demand would reach 301 GW by 2030, if it grows at an annual …

The government has decided to release pending claims worth Rs. 56,027 crore in FY 2021-22 for merchandise as well as service exports under various export promotion schemes. Merchandise exports for April-August, 2021 was nearly $164 billion, which is an increase of 67% over 2020-21 and 23% over 2019-20. Important points: It is expected …

Recently, the Ministry of Defence has released the Delegation of Financial Powers to Defence Services (DFPDS), 2021 rules. The primary focus of the enhanced delegation of financial powers is to overcome procedural delays, bring about greater decentralisation and operational efficiency. The DFPDS 2021 rules is another big step in defence reforms to strengthen security infrastructure. Important …

Recently, a report named Renewable Energy and Land Use in India by Mid-Century suggested that careful planning today can maximise the benefits and minimise the costs of India’s history-making energy transition It was released by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) which examines issues related to energy markets, trends and policies. It’s mission is to …

Recently, the Union cabinet has approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the textile sector. PLI scheme for Textiles is part of the overall announcement of PLI Schemes for 13 sectors made earlier during the Union Budget 2021-22, with an outlay of Rs. 1.97 lakh crore. PLI for Textiles along with RoSCTL RoDTEP and other measures of Government in the …

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared procurement of 56 C-295 MW medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force under the Make-in-India initiative in the aerospace sector The C-295MW aircraft will be purchased from Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain. Important points: The C-295 MW is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology. …

Recently, the Union Government has entered into a Ceasefire Agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K) Niki Group for a period of one year. This initiative is a significant boost to the Naga peace process and in line with Prime Minister of India’s vision of ‘insurgency free, prosperous North East’. Important points: After …

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given new directions in relation to storage of bank\card data by entities or other merchants. It has directed that no entity or merchant, other than card issuers and card networks, should store card details. It will reduce the frauds that occur by sharing …