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The world-famous Kesaria Buddha stupa in east Champaran district of Bihar is waterlogged following floods in some parts of the district. The ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) has declared it a protected monument of national importance. Important points: The stupa is said to be the tallest and the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. It is …

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has provided tap water supply to more than 97 lakh households in five JE-AES (Japanese Encephalitis-Acute Encephalitis Syndrome) affected states. The five states with priority districts are Assam, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. JJM envisages supply of 55 litres of water per person per day to every rural household through …

Recently, the Chhattisgarh government has proposed to reduce the area of Lemru Elephant Reserve from 1,995 sq km to 450 sq km. The Centre gave its approval in 2007 for the creation of the 450 sq km Lemru Elephant Reserve and in 2019, the state government decided to increase the area to …

A policy document from National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has proposed that cities situated on river banks should incorporate river conservation plans when they prepare their Master Plans. The recommendations are currently for towns that are on the main stem of the river Ganga which are in five States — Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal. …

Maharashtra has been without a Speaker since February, 2021 while Lok Sabha and several State Assemblies are without a Deputy Speaker. The Constitution provides that the office of the Speaker should never be empty. Important points: The Constitution of India requires the Speaker to be a member of the House. Although there are no specific qualifications prescribed for being elected …

Recently, the Nagaland Government appealed to all Naga political groups and extremist groups to cooperate in establishing unity, reconciliation and peace in the region. The peace process between the central government and two sets of the Naga extremist groups has been delaying for more than 23 years. Nagas Nagas are a hill people …

Recently, Uttar Pradesh (UP) unveiled its New Population Policy 2021-30, on the occasion of World Population Day (11th July). Important points: In 1989, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recommended that 11th July be observed by the international community as World Population Day, a day to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues. UNDP was inspired by the …

Recently, Pfizer and BioNTech have announced that they would seek regulatory authorization for a third booster dose of their Covid-19 vaccine (BNT162b2) This development comes amid the global spread of highly transmissible Delta strain of Covid-19. Important points: A booster is a means of strengthening one’s immune system against a particular pathogen. It may be exactly the same original vaccine, in …

Recently, the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), funded by the Department of Biotechnology, has created the world’s first database of genomic variations in oral cancer (dbGENVOC). Important points: dbGENVOC, a comprehensive, flexible database framework, developed with an aim to allow potential users to access, query, browse and download clinically relevant somatic and germline variation data …

Recently, the National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY) at Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district has tied up with the National Insurance Company Ltd. for insuring the high-altitude yak. NRCY is a premier research institute exclusively engaged in research and development of yak in India. It was established in 1989 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Important points: …

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved some modifications in the Central Sector Scheme of Financing Facility under ‘Agriculture Infrastructure Fund’. Important points: It was launched in 2020 as a part of the Rs. 20 lakh crore stimulus package announced in response to the Covid-19 crisis. To provide medium-long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest …

Recently, the Maharashtra government has started a drug administration drive for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and become the first State in the country to resume giving rounds of the drug after the second wave of Covid-19. Important points: LF, commonly known as elephantiasis and is considered as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) It is the second most …

A joint communication was signed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change which is aimed at giving more power to the tribal communities in managing the forest resources. Forest Resources Forests are not only home to trees and animals. They are also a vital source of resources. They give clean …

A report ‘A Future for All – A Need for Human-Wildlife Coexistence’ was recently released by World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and UNEP. It examined increasing human-wildlife conflict (HWC). HWC-related killing affects more than 75% of the world’s wild cat species, as well as many other terrestrial and marine carnivore species such as polar bears and Mediterranean monk seals, and large …

India and Nepal have signed a Letter of Exchange (LoE) to the India-Nepal Rail Services Agreement (RSA) 2004. It will allow all authorized cargo train operators to utilize the Indian railway network to carry Nepal’s container and other freight – both bilateral between Indian and Nepal or third country from Indian ports to Nepal. The …

Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched the Online Course Mobile App “Matsya Setu” for fish farmers. The app was developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). Important points: It aims to disseminate the latest freshwater aquaculture technologies to the aqua farmers of …

Recently, an Indian named Ganesan Sandhirakasan has won the top prize in a government-initiated competition for migrant workers in Singapore for his performance of Silambam. Important points: Silambam is an ancient weapon-based martial art that emerged in Tamilakam, which is now Tamil Nadu region of India. It is one of the oldest martial arts in the world. The …

Recently, the first shipment of Geographical Indication (GI) certified Bhalia variety of wheat was exported to Kenya and Sri Lanka from Gujarat. Important points: The Bhalia variety of wheat received GI certification in July, 2011. This Wheat has high protein content and is sweet in taste. This crop is grown mostly across the Bhal region of Gujarat which includes Ahmedabad, …

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has inaugurated the online filing of Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) applications. The web application is designed to ensure continuous real-time and digital monitoring of physically filed AEO applications for timely intervention and expedience. Important points: AEO is a programme (2007) under the aegis of the World …

The Supreme Court has directed the Union of India and all States to file status reports on the latest developments regarding vacancies and pendency in the Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs). Important points: The CIC was established by the Central Government in 2005, under the provisions of the Right to Information Act (2005). It is not a constitutional …