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Biofortification is the process by which the nutritional quality of food crops is improved through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology. Importance of Biofortification: Biofortified staple crops, when consumed regularly, will generate measurable improvements in human health and nutrition. Biofortified crops are also often more resilient to pests, …

Recently, researchers from various institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya found depleting trends in grain density of zinc and iron in rice and wheat cultivated in India. The researchers collected seeds of rice (16 varieties) and wheat (18 varieties) from the gene …

The maiden Indian Navy – European Union Naval Force (IN-EUNAVFOR) Exercise is being conducted in Gulf Of Aden. Important points: Along with Indian Navy, other naval forces are from Italy, Spain and France. The naval exercise included advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, tactical manoeuvres, Search & Rescue, and other …

Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched 14 cross-disability early intervention centres across the country to provide support to infants and young children at risk of or with disabilities. Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in …

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has recently sought public comments on its draft Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which proposes to bring back its “revisionary powers” over the Central Board of Film Certification. The new Bill will also “make the process of sanctioning of films for exhibition more effective, in …

The United Nations General Assembly appointed Antonio Guterres as the ninth UN Secretary General (UNSG) for a second term beginning 1st January, 2022 and ending on 31st 2026. India had expressed its support for the re-election of Guterres as UN Chief. Important points: Guterres took oath of office on 1st …

The illegal cultivation of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) Bt cotton has seen a huge jump as the sale of illegal seed packets has more than doubled from 30 lakh in 2020 to 75 lakh in 2021. Important points: Bt cotton is the only transgenic crop that has been approved by the …

Recently, a high-level committee has been formed for the consultations on the creation of integrated triservice theatre commands. The committee will examine all issues and find a way forward before a formal note on their creation is sent to the Cabinet Committee on Security. Important points: The move was necessitated …

Recently, the West Bengal Chief Minister has filed an election petition in the Calcutta High Court challenging the Assembly election result of Nandigram constituency. Important points: The Election Commission’s role ends with the declaration of results, after that, an election petition is the only legal remedy available to a voter …

Recently, a study has projected that sea levels will rise around Lakshadweep Islands due to the impact of global warming. It will affect airport and residential areas that are quite close to the present coastline. India’s smallest Union Territory, Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area …

Recently, an agreement was signed for Development of 35 MLD (Mega Liters per day) Sewage Treatment Plant in Maheshtala (City situated on the east bank of River Ganga), West Bengal under Namami Gange Programme. The project was signed under Hybrid Annuity PPP mode. Important points: Namami Gange Programme is an …

Recently, a Chinese spaceship “Shenzhou-12” carrying a three-person crew docked with China’s new space station module Tianhe-1. his has come after the launch of the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft, which carried vital supplies for the space station. Important points: The Shenzhou-12 craft connected with the Tianhe space station module about six …

The Ministry of Home Affairs has operationalised the national Helpline 155260 and Reporting Platform for preventing financial loss due to cyber fraud. The helpline was soft-launched on 1st April. The National Helpline and Reporting Platform provides a mechanism for persons cheated in cyber frauds to report such cases to prevent …

The central government issued a notification amending the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994 thereby providing a statutory mechanism for redressal of grievances/complaints of citizens. These grievances/complaints are related to content broadcast by television channels in accordance with the provisions of the Cable Television Network Act, 1995. Important points: About the …

Recently, the Ministry of Labour and Employment and UNICEF have signed a Statement of Intent to improve employment outcomes for the youth in India. According to Census 2011, every fifth person in India is a youth (15-24 years). UNICEF is a special program of the United Nations (UN) devoted to …

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the Inland Vessels Bill, 2021, which will replace the Inland Vessels Act, 1917 after passing in Parliament. The Bill will regulate safety, security and registration of inland vessels. Important points: A key feature of the Bill is a unified law for the entire country, instead …

Recently, the West Bengal Chief Minister described the Governor of the state as the central government’s own person. The Chief Minister, including several MPs, have written to the President of India demanding the withdrawal of the Governor. Important points: Article 153 says that there shall be a Governor for each …

According to the World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY), India maintained 43rd rank on the annual World Competitiveness Index. The World Competitiveness Index is a comprehensive annual report and worldwide reference point on the competitiveness of countries. Important points: Published by: WCY was first published in 1989 and is compiled by the …

Recently, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution made it mandatory for the hallmarking of gold jewellery, which will be implemented in a phased manner. Important points: The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) which operates the gold and silver hallmarking scheme in India, defines hallmarking as the “accurate …

Recently, the defence minister addressed the 8th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus. The ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and its eight Dialogue Partners. Important points: India called for an open and inclusive order in Indo-Pacific based upon respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. Supports freedom of …