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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 …