WHY SNOW IN ANTARCTICE IS TURNING BLOOD RED?
Why in news? Snow around Ukraine’s Vernadsky Research Base, located off the coast of Antarctica’s northernmost peninsula, has started to take on a red tinge, courtesy of an algae that thrives in freezing weather. Because of the red tinge, the snow is often dubbed “watermelon snow”. Concerns The red snow raises concerns about the rate […]
HOT SUMMER IN OFFING
Why in news? March-May period likely to be hotter than normal: India Meteorological Department Details The forecast indicates that the MAM (March-May) season averaged temperatures are likely to be at least half a degree hotter than normal over northwest, west and central India and some parts of south India Above normal heat wave conditions are […]
CORE SECTOR GROWTH
Why in news? Eight core industries recorded a 2.2 per cent growth in January helped by expansion in the production of coal, refinery products and electricity Details: It contains index, production and growth of Eight Core Industries. Eight Core Industries are Electricity , steel, refinery products, crude oil, coal, cement, natural gas and fertilizers. The […]
GOVERNMENT TO MOVE CUT CROP COVER PREMIUM
Why in news? Recently the Centre has decided to reduce its subsidy share in the case of high premium crops in PMFBY Details: The scheme, which has so far been mandatory for farmers with crop loans, is becoming optional from April and is expected to see a 30% drop in enrolment Centre had capped its […]
NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY – ARRESTS ONE IN PULWAMA
Why in news? NIA has arrested a person in relation to Pulwama case Details The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is a state agency established by the Indian Government to combat terror in India. It acts as the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency. The agency is empowered to deal with terror related crimes across states […]
CABINET GIVES CLEARANCE FOR TECHNICAL TEXTILES MISSION
Focus: GS-III Indian Economy and Economic Development, Industry and Infrastructure Why in news? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the setting up of a National Technical Textiles Mission at an total outlay of ₹1,480 Crore. The aim is to position the country as a global leader in technical textiles and increase the […]
CENTRE SET TO REVAMP IT ACT
Focus: GS-II Governance, GS-III Industry and Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Prelims Why in news? The government will soon kick-start the process of revamping the nearly 20-year old Information Technology Act, 2000, with an aim to bring it in tune with the technological advancements with a focus on stronger framework to deal with cybercrimes. An expert […]
SRI LANKA NOTIFIES UN ABOUT RIGHTS RESOLUTION WITHDRAWAL
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? Sri Lanka on 27th February formally notified the UN Human Right Council that it was withdrawing from the UN resolution on post-war accountability and reconciliation – statement at the High-Level Segment at the ongoing UNHRC session. History of Sri Lanka’s UNHRC Resolution In 2015, six years after Sri […]
VIRUS CASES EMERGING FASTER GLOBALLY: WHO
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology, Prelims Why in news? There are now more new cases of COVID-19 reported each day outside China than inside the hardest-hit country, the World Health Organization said on 26th February 2020. Governments worldwide are scrambling to prevent the spread of the new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) after a surge of infections in […]
NIA CONDUCTS FRESH SEARCHES IN PULWAMA
Focus: GS-III Internal Security, Prelims Why in news? Several teams of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on 26th February 2020 conducted multiple searches in the Kashmir Valley targeting the Jaish-e-Mohammed ( JeM) and its supporters. Searches were conducted at- at least five locations in a fresh clampdown against the militant outfit. JeM Commander Zahid Ahmed […]