GS

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, the President of India conferred the National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards for 2019-20. Important points: Under NSS Awards 2019-20, 42 awardees in different categories such as University or (+2) Councils, NSS Units and their programme officers and NSS volunteers were conferred with these awards. The NSS Awards were instituted by the Ministry …

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 …

Recently, the Prime Minister visited the exhibition models of the Aligarh node of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. It was announced by the Prime Minister while inaugurating the UP Investors Summit in Lucknow in 2018. The government has established another Defence Industrial Corridor in Tamil Nadu. Important points: It is an aspirational project that intends to reduce foreign dependency of …

Recently, the union government has introduced Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2021 which has reduced the fee for patent filing and prosecution for educational institutions by 80%. It is aimed at promoting innovation and development of new technologies. Important points: A patent is a form of preservation of intellectual property. It is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which …

Recently, the armies of India and Nepal have started the 15th edition of joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran’ at Pithoragarh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Important points: The biannual exercise, which takes place alternately in both countries. The main objective of this exercise is to: Establish military relations in inaccessible mountainous areas by the soldiers of both countries, …

Recently, a high-yielding curcuminoid-rich variety of turmeric named CIM-Pitamber and the NBRI’s (National Botanical Research Institute) Keshari variety have been introduced in Nabarangpur (One of the Aspirational Districts) of Odisha. Important points: It is a high-yielding curcuminoid-rich variety of turmeric developed by Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) High yielding varieties (HYV) of seeds are those seeds which produce huge …

Recently, Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark has awarded the Blue Flag Certification to Kovalam (Tamil Nadu) and Eden (Puducherry), taking the total number of such beaches in the country to 10. A waving “Blue Flag” is an indication of 100% compliance to the 33 stringent criteria and sound health of the beach. …

Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released new Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs). Under these guidelines, WHO has further lowered the recommended levels of pollutants that can be considered safe for human health. This is the first-ever update of WHO since 2005. The goal of the guideline is for all countries to achieve recommended air quality …

Recently, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) formally launched negotiations on the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Looking to build on the progress made by both countries under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in 2017, both countries expressed a desire to reach a mutually beneficial economic deal. Important points: It is a …

Recently, steep stairways and wooden ramps among other changes have been brought at the World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar that will make the place accessible for disabled and the elderly. Humayun’s Tomb (1993) and Red Fort Complex (2007) are other world heritage monuments in Delhi. Important points: It is a five-storeyed red sandstone tower (72.5 m high) built by …

Recently, the Cumbre Vieja volcano in La Palma, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, erupted. Important points: The Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted for the first time in 50 years. The last time hot molten lava erupted and spread was in 1971. La Palma is the most north-westerly island of the Canary Islands, Spain. It’s geography …

World Rhino Day is observed on 22th September to spread awareness for all five species of rhino and work being done to save them. Important points: It was first announced by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – South Africa in 2010. The species of rhinoceros are on the verge of extinction due to persistent poaching and habitat loss over …

Recently, the researchers at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (IISc) have found a way to make a substitute for single-use plastic (SUP) that can, in principle, help mitigate the problem of accumulating plastic waste in the environment. Important points: Possible In the research, Non-edible Castor oil was used in this process of making the polymer which involves …

Recently, the 45th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting was held. Important points: The Council decided to extend the GST relief on several drugs related to Covid-19 treatment till December 2021. Online food delivery aggregator firms such as Swiggy and Zomato will now be liable to pay GST and not the restaurant partners. Currently, online …