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Union Minister launched NanoSniffer, a microsensor based explosive trace detector. What is NanoSniffer? NanoSniffer is the world’s first microsensor based Explosive Trace Detector (ETD) developed by NanoSniff Technologies, an IIT Bombay incubated startup. NanoSniffer has been marketed by Vehant Technologies, a spin-off from a former IIT Delhi incubated startup Kritikal …

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) issued regulations to operationalise pre-packs. Insolvency regulator IBBI issued regulations to help operationalise the pre-packaged insolvency resolution process (PPIRP) for corporate debtors classified as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The IBBI notified the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Pre-packaged Insolvency Resolution …

The Prime Ministers of India and the Netherlands held a virtual summit. The two leaders had a detailed review of the entire spectrum of bilateral engagements and exchanged views on further expanding and diversifying the relationship in trade and economy, water management, agriculture sector, smart cities, science & technology, healthcare …

The ‘double mutant’ virus that is having a bearing on the spread of the pandemic in India, has been formally classified as B.1.617. Mutation is an alteration in the genetic material (the genome) of a cell of a living organism or of a virus that is more or less permanent and that can be …

There was reduced noise pollution on the surface of earth during the Covid-19 pandemic owing to lockdowns and stop of economic activities (like international trade). In the underwater world, too, anthrophony (human-made sounds) reduced substantially for long months. Important  Points The three broad components of oceanic acoustics are: Geophony: Sounds created by non-biological natural events like earthquakes, waves and …

Recently, a consultation meeting of Education Ministers of E9 countries was held. The meeting was held on the theme ‘E9 initiative: Scaling up digital learning to accelerate progress towards SDG4’. Important  Points Scaling up Digital Learning to Accelerate Progress towards SDG4 (Concept): The United Nations (UN) is spearheading a global initiative on digital learning and skills …

The United States, in a significant reversal to the earlier policy, has announced the restoration of at least USD 235 million in financial assistance to the Palestinians. The US administration had already announced USD 15 million in coronavirus relief to the Palestinians. Important  Points The UNRWA funds would include educational assistance for at …

Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) was launched in 2015. It is India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours and assist in building their maritime security capabilities. Further, India seeks to safeguard its national interests and …

Recently, a virtual meet was held between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Seychelles. Important  Points Inaugurated the new magistrates’ court building in Mahé constructed with a USD 3.5-million, a 1 MW solar power plant built at a cost of USD3.4 million, and 10 community development projects in Seychelles. All the projects were built by …

Recently, India protested against the US decision to conduct a patrol in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the western Indian Ocean, rejecting the US’ claim that India’s domestic maritime law was in violation of international law. Important  Points The US Seventh Fleet announced that one of its warships, USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), …