WORLD TURTLE DAY
Why in news? The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), along with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) celebrated World Turtle Day on 23rd may 2020. In order to conserve turtles and other wildlife, NMCG has taken up several initiatives including establishing conservation centers and creating public awareness about the subject. World Turtle Day World Turtle […]
UMANG APPLICATION
Why in news? 7 services hosted on web site of IMD have been onboarded to UMANG Application. Details about the Umang App UMANG is a Government of India all-in-one single, unified, secure, multi-channel, multi-platform, multi-lingual, multi-service mobile app, powered by a robust back-end platform providing access to high impact services of various organization (Central and […]
WHAT IS THE SONIC BOOM THAT RATTLED BENGALURU?
Introduction There was a ‘loud sound’ heard in Bengaluru on 20th May 2020 afternoon, which puzzled lakhs of city dwellers- It was revealed to have emanated from an IAF test flight involving a supersonic profile. The sound effect caused due to such high-speed flights is known as ‘sonic boom’. Considering the atmospheric conditions and reduced noise […]
AMPHAN BRINGS A MESSAGE
Introduction The Cyclone Amphan is deemed the most severe storm in the Bay of Bengal since 1999, and it battered the Indian States of West Bengal and Odisha on 20th May 2020. Steps Once the Cyclone passes The states now need to carry out a detailed assessment of what Amphan has done. The next phase of […]
15% CUT IN FUNDS FOR TIGER RESERVES ACROSS COUNTRY
Why in news? In what might come as a double whammy for tiger reserves across the country this year, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has decided to slash funds by 15% for each state. Worrying Situation The prime tiger tourism season from March to June 15 has fallen flat due to the lockdown. Conservation […]
93 MILLION URBAN INFORMAL WORKERS AFFECTED: GOM REPORT
Why in news? As many as 93 million urban informal workers, across five sectors — manufacturing, construction, trade, tourism and hospitality — have been affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown – according to an informal Group of Ministers headed by labour minister. Details of Suggestions submitted Creation of: A database of the […]
FINANCE COMMISSION: HIGH LEVELS OF UNCERTAINTY
Why in news? India’s nominal GDP growth rate in 2020-21 could range between -6% and 1%, according to members of the 15th Finance Commission’s (XV-FC) committee on the fiscal consolidation roadmap. Details of Uncertainty There are high levels of uncertainty, both with regard to the course of the pandemic and the fiscal pressures on the […]
IIT GUWAHATI: NEW WAY PREVENT ALZHEIMER MEMORY LOSS
Why in news? Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has worked on out-of-the-box ideas that can help prevent or reduce short-term memory losses associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Details The Research explored new ways to prevent accumulation of neurotoxic molecules in the brain that are associated with short-term memory loss. The scientists found that […]
GENES TO ELIMINATE RICE CROP RESIDUE BURNING
Why in news? The Scientists at Pune based Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have mapped two alternative dwarfing genes Rht14 and Rht18 in wheat. These genes are associated with better seedling vigour and longer coleoptiles (sheath protecting the young shoot tip). Details Scientists ARI have mapped the dwarfing genes on chromosome 6A in durum wheat. The […]
TEXTILES COMMITTEE: INDIGENOUS PPE TESTING EQUIPMENT
Why in news? The Textiles Committee will now test and certify PPE body coveralls required for healthcare workers and other COVID-19 warriors. Details The inclusion of Textiles Committee as the ninth approved laboratory to test and certify body coveralls has been announced by the Ministry of Textiles on 20th May. The Ministry of Textiles has been […]