GS

Recently, the Assam Cabinet announced that Gaon Buras, village-level functionaries of the district administration, will be called ‘Gaon Pradhans’. The government has reasoned that a number of young men (and women) become Gaon Buras, and thus, the word ‘Bura’ (meaning old in Assamese) is no longer appropriate. Important  points: Gaon Buras are the village …

Recently, the city of Liverpool, England has been removed from UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) list of world heritage sites. Earlier six Indian places were added to the tentative list of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Important  points: The port city was included in the prestigious list for its architectural beauty and in …

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is working on a phased implementation strategy for its own digital currency and is in the process of launching it in wholesale and retail segments in the near future. A high-level inter-ministerial committee set up by the Finance Ministry had recommended Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) with changes in the legal …

Recently, the US has approved the Germany-Russia Nord Stream 2 Pipeline (NS2P) project – which significantly increases Europe’s energy dependence on Russia. The US had previously imposed sanctions to prevent the completion of this gas pipeline between Russia and Germany. Important  points: This is a 1,200-km pipeline that runs from Ust-Luga in Russia to Greifswald …

Recently, the scientists for the first time have decoded the reference-grade whole genome sequence of a highly salt-tolerant and salt-secreting mangrove species, Avicennia marina. This study was led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT)-Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar. Important  points: It is one of the most prominent mangroves species found in all mangrove formations in …

Recently, the Union Minister of Law and Justice informed the Rajya Sabha regarding the appointment of judges in various high courts. The minister pointed out that filling up vacancies in the higher judiciary is a continuous, integrated and collaborative process between the Executive and the Judiciary. It requires consultation and approval from Constitutional authorities at the State as well as Central level. Important  points: Article 217 of the …

Recently, the government introduced the Essential Defence Services Bill, 2021 in Lok Sabha. It seeks to replace the ordinance issued in June 2021 and prohibits any agitation and strike by anyone engaged in the essential defence services. Important  points: It includes any service in any establishment or undertaking dealing with production of goods or equipment required for defence related …

Recently, a global collaborative investigative effort has revealed that, at least 300 individuals in India, were potentially identified for targeted surveillance using sophisticated spyware called Pegasus. However, the government has claimed that all interception in India takes place lawfully. Communication surveillance in India takes place primarily under two laws – the Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Information Technology …

Recently, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the New Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG) and the Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM). In June 2021 a new generation nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-P (Prime) was successfully test-fired by the DRDO. In February 2021 India also successfully test-fired indigenously-developed anti-tank guided missile systems ‘Helina’ and ‘Dhruvastra’. Defence Research & Development …

Recently, the first human death was recorded due to Bird Flu in India this Year. This was caused by H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus. Earlier, China reported the first human infection of H10N3 bird flu. Important points: A disease caused by avian influenza (AI) Type A viruses found naturally in wild birds worldwide. AI viruses are broadly classified as low pathogenic AI …

Recently, “Aiming for Sustainable Habitat: New Initiatives in Building Energy Efficiency 2021” was launched by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). These initiatives seek to enhance energy efficiency in the building sector and were launched as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’. Bureau of Energy Efficiency The BEE is a statutory body established through the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 under …

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2018 identified 351 polluted river stretches in India. CPCB study reveals that discharge of untreated wastewater is one of the main causes of river pollution. The assessment of water quality for identification of polluted river stretches found that 31 states and Union territories (UT) had rivers and streams that did not …

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved a six-month extension to the commission appointed to examine sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), up to 31st January 2022. This is the eleventh extension for the commission, which was initially due to submit its report in March 2018. Important points: It will enable the Commission to submit a comprehensive report on …

Recently, the Association of Geospatial Industries released a report titled “Potential of Geospatial Technologies for the Water Sector in India”. The report mentions opportunities in the Water sector that can benefit from the use of Geospatial technologies. As the severity of the water crisis in India increases every year, central and state government agencies …

Recently, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has amended the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016. The amendments are aimed at enhancing the discipline, transparency, and accountability in corporate insolvency proceedings. In March 2021 a sub-committee of the Insolvency Law Committee (ILC) recommended a pre-pack framework within …

Recently, the Ministry of Finance has extended the Standup India Scheme up to the year 2025. Important points: It was launched in April 2016 to promote entrepreneurship at the grass-root level focusing on economic empowerment and job creation. To leverage the institutional credit structure to reach out to the underserved sector of people such as SCs, …

Recently, the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released the first list of photovoltaic module manufacturers in India. MNRE has made it mandatory for solar cell and module manufacturers to register under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) – an initial step towards reducing India’s dependence on solar imports and self-reliance. …

People around the world have been doubly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and extreme weather events which experts say have been fuelled by climate change Important points: The unprecedented heat wave that drove temperatures across Canada and parts of the United States to a record high, causing hundreds of deaths between June 25 to 30. The recent floods in Germany that killed …

Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated a scheme “SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”. It includes a subscheme – ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in Begging’.  Important points: It is a new Scheme after the merger of existing Schemes for Beggars …

Recently, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare informed the Rajya Sabha that National Health Mission (NHM) supported health system reforms have resulted in development of resilient health systems. Important points: NHM was launched by the government of India in 2013 subsuming the National Rural Health Mission (Launched in 2005) and the National …