What is the News? The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are anosmia and ageusia. However, several people are also experiencing parosmia. It is characterized by a change in perception of odours. Anosmia: It is the partial or complete loss of the sense of smell. This loss may be temporary or permanent. Ageusia: It is a… Continue reading What is “Parosmia”?
Category: Miscellaneous
What is the “Ken-Betwa Link Project”?
What is the News? Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh signed a memorandum of agreement to implement the Ken Betwa Link Project(KBLP). About Ken-Betwa Link Project: Ken-Betwa Link Project is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for the interlinking of rivers. Under this project, water from the Ken River will be… Continue reading What is the “Ken-Betwa Link Project”?
‘Jaapi’|’xorai’ |’gamosa’ in Assam
What is the News? Decorative jaapi (field hats), hand-woven gamosa, and bell-metal xorais are making frequent appearances in Assam as the election is coming closer. About Jaapi: Jaapi is a conical hat. It is made of bamboo and covered with dried tokou leaves (Tokou is a palm tree found in the rainforests of Upper Assam).… Continue reading ‘Jaapi’|’xorai’ |’gamosa’ in Assam
The emerging “Helium” crisis in India
What is the News? India imports the majority of helium for its domestic needs. However, the U.S appears to cut off exports of helium from 2021. Hence, the Indian industry may have to find an alternative. About Helium: Helium is a chemical element with the symbol He and atomic number 2. It is a colourless,… Continue reading The emerging “Helium” crisis in India
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2021
Introduced: The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on 15.03.2021 as a Government Bill (Ministry of Mines). Present Status: The Bill was passed in both the Houses and received President’s assent on 28.03.2021. The Act seeks to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. This act regulates the mining sector in India. Salient… Continue reading Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2021
Deadly drug-resistant superbug “Candida Auris or C.Auris” found in Andamans
What is the News? Candida Auris (deadly hospital pathogen) identified for the first time in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. About Candida Auris: Candida Auris or C.auris is a multidrug-resistant fungus. It presents a serious global threat to human health. Origin of Candida Auris: Candida Auris was first identified in 2009 in a patient in… Continue reading Deadly drug-resistant superbug “Candida Auris or C.Auris” found in Andamans
“Pew Research study” Reports increasing Poverty in India
What is the News? A recent Pew research study report reveals increasing poverty in India. As per the report, the pandemic has pushed approximately 3.2 crore Indians out of the middle class. Who has released the report? Released by: The US-based Pew Research Center. It uses World Bank projections of economic growth to estimate the… Continue reading “Pew Research study” Reports increasing Poverty in India
Ecuador’s “Sangay Volcano” erupted
What is the news? Ecuador’s Sangay volcano erupted and blew clouds of ash as high as 8,500 meters (8.5 km) into the sky. About Sangay Volcano: Sangay is an active stratovolcano in central Ecuador. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Stratovolcanoes or composite volcanoes are conical volcanoes. They are composed… Continue reading Ecuador’s “Sangay Volcano” erupted
EU joins “CDRI or Coalition for disaster resilient infrastructure initiative”
What is the news? The 27-member European Union joins the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) initiative. About Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure(CDRI) Initiative: Firstly, Prime Minister of India launched it in 2019 at the UN Climate Change Summit. Secondly, it is a multi-stakeholder global partnership of national governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, private… Continue reading EU joins “CDRI or Coalition for disaster resilient infrastructure initiative”
SC sought Centre’s response in “ration cards cancellation” case
What is the news? The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to respond to a plea. The plea is related to the cancellation of over three-crore ration cards for not linking them to Aadhaar. What is the case? A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by the mother of an 11-year-old. The child… Continue reading SC sought Centre’s response in “ration cards cancellation” case
Implementation of “National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project(NCRMP)”
What is the News? The government of India has informed the Lok Sabha about the implementation of the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project(NCRMP). About National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project(NCRMP): Firstly, it was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs with the support of the World Bank. It addresses the cyclone risks in the country. Secondly,… Continue reading Implementation of “National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project(NCRMP)”
Health Minister Appointed as Chairman of “Stop TB Partnership Board”
What is the News? Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare appointed as the Chairman of the Stop TB Partnership Board. The Minister will serve a 3-year term commencing July 2021. About Stop TB Partnership: Stop TB Partnership was established in the Year 2000. Aim: The aim is to eliminate tuberculosis as a public health problem.… Continue reading Health Minister Appointed as Chairman of “Stop TB Partnership Board”
Older IIMs lag behind in enforcing “Quota rules”
What is the News? According to an RTI, older Indian Institutes of Management(IIMs) are lagging behind the newer IIMs in enforcing the quota rule. Data on IIMs enforcing Quota Rule: In older IIMs, less than 10% of the faculty are from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and the Other Backward Classes communities. However, In some newer… Continue reading Older IIMs lag behind in enforcing “Quota rules”
SC orders Info. on Rule Curve for “Mullaperiyar Dam”
What is the News? The Supreme Court orders the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary to give information on the ‘rule curve’ for the Mullaperiyar dam. It also directed the Supervisory Committee to issue directions or take steps to address the three core safety issues. What is Rule Curve? The ‘rule curve’ in a dam decides the… Continue reading SC orders Info. on Rule Curve for “Mullaperiyar Dam”
“Vacancies in Central institutions” for higher education
What is the News? The Union Education Minister informed the Lok Sabha about the vacancies in the faculty positions of Central institutions for higher education. He mentioned, there is a higher vacancy in the seats reserved for OBCs, Scheduled Castes, and Tribes. What are the Vacancies in Central institutions of higher education? More than half… Continue reading “Vacancies in Central institutions” for higher education
National Institutes of Food Technology Bill, 2019
Introduced: Rajya Sabha (13th Feb 2019) Passed: Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. About National Institutes of Food Technology Bill, 2019 Ministry: Food Processing Industries What does the bill provide? The bill declares two institutes of food technology, entrepreneurship, and management as institutions of national importance. These are: National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management,… Continue reading National Institutes of Food Technology Bill, 2019
Government launches “Mera Ration Mobile App”
What is the News? The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution launched the ‘Mera Ration’ mobile app. About Mera Ration Mobile app: Mera Ration Mobile app will facilitate the ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ system. It aims to help those ration cardholders who move to new areas for livelihoods. Developed by: Government of India… Continue reading Government launches “Mera Ration Mobile App”
Update on “National Population Register(NPR)”
What is the news? The Central Government may allow the residents to fill the National Population Register(NPR) form on their own, through the online mode. About National Population Register(NPR) 2021 Process: During NPR 2021, the Centre may allow residents to fill NPR forms on their own through the online mode. This will be conducted a… Continue reading Update on “National Population Register(NPR)”
Centre reconstitutes “Committee on Saraswati river”
What is the news? The Central Government reconstitutes an advisory committee for studying the mythical Saraswati river for the next two years. The earlier panel’s term ended in 2019. About the Advisory Committee on Saraswati River: The Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) had first set up the Advisory Committee for the Study of the River Saraswati… Continue reading Centre reconstitutes “Committee on Saraswati river”
Commemorative “Dandi March” to mark 75 years of Independence
What is the News? The Prime Minister flagged off a commemorative 2021 Dandi March. It was to launch the celebrations of the 75th year of Independence – ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. About 2021 Dandi March: 81 walkers will participate in The 2021 Dandi March. They will travel through the 386 km Dandi March route in… Continue reading Commemorative “Dandi March” to mark 75 years of Independence
WHO Announced “Global Breast Cancer Initiative”
What is the News? The World Health Organization (WHO) announced an initiative called the “Global Breast Cancer Initiative”. About Global Breast Cancer Initiative: Aim: The initiative aims to reduce global breast mortality by 2.5% by 2040. The initiative will particularly focus on reducing deaths in low-income countries. There the progress to tackle the disease is… Continue reading WHO Announced “Global Breast Cancer Initiative”
Cabinet approves “Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi | PMSSN”
What is the News? The Union Cabinet approves the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN). About Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi(PMSSN): This program will ensure access to universal & affordable health care through a fund that does not lapse at the end of the financial year. Features: It has been set up as a single… Continue reading Cabinet approves “Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi | PMSSN”
Report of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development
What is the News? The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development has submitted its report to the Lok Sabha. What did the Parliamentary Panel say in its report? Parliamentary report On Pensions to Senior Citizens, Widows and Disabled: Increase in Pension Amount: The Central Government must increase the small amount of pensions provided for poor… Continue reading Report of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development
“Cyber Volunteer programme” for Citizens
What is News? The Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) informs the Lok Sabha that a “Cyber Volunteer programme” has been rolled out. The Ministry also informed that the services of Cyber volunteers will be utilized by the State police as per requirement. About Cyber Crime Volunteers Program: Launched by: Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) Aim… Continue reading “Cyber Volunteer programme” for Citizens
What are “Sattras”?
What is the news? In Assam, the campaigns of political parties often include going to different Sattras to seek blessings or to glorify the teachings of Sankardeva. What are Sattras? Sattras are monastic institutions in Assam. They were created as part of the 16th century Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement. Movements started by the Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta… Continue reading What are “Sattras”?
Tap Water Shortage in Schools despite “100-day special campaign”
What is the News? The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources provided information that only half of the government schools and anganwadis have a tap water supply. It is despite a 100-day special campaign by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Centre’s 100-day Special Campaign: Launched by: On 2nd October 2020, the Ministry of Jal Shakti… Continue reading Tap Water Shortage in Schools despite “100-day special campaign”
All-Woman crew of SCI Vessel makes history
What is the News? Union Minister has flagged off an all-women crew onboard Shipping Corporation of India(SCI) vessel named “MT Swarna Krishna”. This initiative was taken to celebrate International Women’s Day. What is the significance of this initiative? This is the first time in the world maritime history that a ship is being sailed by… Continue reading All-Woman crew of SCI Vessel makes history
UNEP releases “Food Waste Index Report 2021”
What is the news? The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) releases the Food Waste Index Report 2021. About Food Waste Index Report, 2021: Aim: The Report aims at supporting the goals of SDG 12.3. It does so by presenting the most comprehensive food waste data collection and analysis. SDG Target 12.3: It aims to halve… Continue reading UNEP releases “Food Waste Index Report 2021”
China Approves Dam Building on “Brahmaputra River”
What is the news? Chinese Government approves dam-building on Brahmaputra river under its draft of the New Five year plan (2021-2025). What does the five-year plan provide? The New Five-year plan approves the dams to be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra river. The river is also known as Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet.… Continue reading China Approves Dam Building on “Brahmaputra River”
Possible evidence of China’s “Cyber Warfare” against India
What is the News? A recent report has claimed that Chinese hackers had targeted Indians and Indian based companies. These cyber-attacks have raised concerns over whether China is engaged in cyber warfare with India. What is Cyber Warfare? Cyber Warfare refers to the use of digital attacks (like computer viruses and hacking) by one country… Continue reading Possible evidence of China’s “Cyber Warfare” against India
LinkedIn released the “Opportunity Index 2021”
What is the News? LinkedIn has released the Opportunity Index,2021. The index focuses on the manner in which women perceive their employment opportunities. Further, the opportunity index also focuses on how the gender gap is slowing down the career progress for working women. About the Opportunity Index 2021: The LinkedIn Opportunity Index research was conducted… Continue reading LinkedIn released the “Opportunity Index 2021”
“Sansad TV”: A merger of the LSTV and the RSTV
What is the News? The government of India has announced the merger of the Lok Sabha TV and the Rajya Sabha TV. The channels from now on will be known as Sansad TV. About the Lok Sabha TV(LSTV): The Lok Sabha TV has been in operation since 2006. It was the first Parliamentary channel of… Continue reading “Sansad TV”: A merger of the LSTV and the RSTV
“St. George’s Orthodox Church” is set to become Monument of National Importance
What is the News? St. George’s Orthodox Church in Kerala is set to become a Centrally-protected monument of national importance. The Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) will recognise the church for protecting it. Impact of this recognition: This will stop the demolition of the St. George’s Orthodox Church. The demolition started after the road widening project… Continue reading “St. George’s Orthodox Church” is set to become Monument of National Importance
Nagaland to revive barbed cages for criminals
What is the News? Some villages in Nagaland are trying to revive a traditional form of punishment. It involves punishing the criminals by putting them into barbed cages. About the Nagaland traditional form of punishment: Villages in Nagaland practice a traditional form of punishment that punishes social offenders or violators of Naga customary laws. They… Continue reading Nagaland to revive barbed cages for criminals
Prime Minister calls for e-marketing of “Channapatna toys”
What is the News? The Prime Minister has called upon to explore the possibility of e-marketing of Channapatna toys across the country and the world, during the India Toy Fair 2021, The PM advised the artisans to make use of advanced information technology(IT) technology to popularize toys across the world. About Channapatna Toys: Channapatna toys… Continue reading Prime Minister calls for e-marketing of “Channapatna toys”
Inscription of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya death discovered
What is the news? The first-ever written inscription of the date of death of Vijayanagar king Krishnadevaraya discovered at Honnenahalli in Karnataka. About the inscription: The inscription is written in Kannada. According to the inscription, Krishnadevaraya was one of the greatest emperors of India who ruled from the South. He died on 17th October 1529… Continue reading Inscription of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya death discovered
World bank Released “Education Finance Watch(EFW) Report” 2021
What is the News? The World Bank and UNESCO released the Education Finance Watch Report (EFW), 2021. About the Education Finance Watch Report: The report is a collaborative effort between the World Bank and UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report. It summarizes the available information on patterns and trends in education financing around the world.… Continue reading World bank Released “Education Finance Watch(EFW) Report” 2021
Govt announces new social media rules to curb its misuse
What is the news? The Government of India has released the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. It aims to regulate social media, digital news media and over-the-top (OTT) content providers. Key Provisions of the Rules: Social media companies and redressal: The government wants social media companies to have… Continue reading Govt announces new social media rules to curb its misuse
“Swachh Iconic Places”-12 sites to be transformed into ‘Swachh Tourist Destinations’
What is the News? The Ministry of Jal Shakti has announced 12 iconic sites. Sites will be covered under Phase IV of the Swachh Iconic Places(SIP) Initiative. Swachh Iconic Places(SIP) Initiative: It is an initiative of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti under Swachh Bharat Mission(Grameen). Aim: It aims… Continue reading “Swachh Iconic Places”-12 sites to be transformed into ‘Swachh Tourist Destinations’
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launches “City Innovation Exchange(CiX)”
What is the News? The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launches the City Innovation exchange(CiX) platform. About City Innovation exchange(CiX) Platform: The platform aims to connect cities to innovators. It will help to design innovative solutions for pressing urban challenges. The platform is built on the philosophy of ‘everyone is an innovator’. The Smart… Continue reading Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launches “City Innovation Exchange(CiX)”
What is “Pagri Sambhal Movement”?
What is the News? Farmers Union protesting against the three farm laws are celebrating February 23 as ‘Pagri Sambhal Diwas’ to remember the Pagri Sambhal Movement. About Pagri Sambhal Movement: The Pagri Sambhal movement was a successful farm agitation against British government. It forced the British government to repeal three laws related to agriculture back… Continue reading What is “Pagri Sambhal Movement”?
Integration of “Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease” with NPCDCS
What is the news? The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has launched operational guidelines for integration of NAFLD(Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) under NPCDCS (National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke). About NPCDCS (National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke): Launched in: It… Continue reading Integration of “Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease” with NPCDCS
NITI Aayog’s “draft national policy on migrant workers”?
What is the News? NITI Aayog has prepared a Draft National policy on Migrant workers. Issues with the Existing Law on Migrants: Inter-State Migrant Workers Act, 1979 It was designed to protect labourers from exploitation by contractors. It safeguards their right to non-discriminatory wages, travel and displacement allowances, and suitable working conditions. However, this law… Continue reading NITI Aayog’s “draft national policy on migrant workers”?
“Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0”
What is the News? Recently Union Health Minister launched Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0 in India. After the launch, States and UTs have started the implementation of the IMI 3.0. Development of Immunisation Programme in India: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare introduced the Immunization Programme in India in 1978. It was released in the… Continue reading “Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0”
“Maharaja Suheldev” Memorial and “Chittaura Lake” development work
What is the News? The Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone of a Maharaja Suheldev memorial and the development work of Chittaura lake in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district. About Maharaja Suheldev: Maharaja Suheldev was the erstwhile ruler of Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district who ruled in the 11th century. He is known to… Continue reading “Maharaja Suheldev” Memorial and “Chittaura Lake” development work
“Cyber security” training to Railway staffs.
What is the News? To provide Cyber security training to staffs Ministry of Railways has joined hands with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). The training will educate its officials on Internet ethics, cyber hygiene and best practices in the use of IT equipment, including mobile phones. This is a part of C-DAC’s… Continue reading “Cyber security” training to Railway staffs.
A study on the cost of ensuring “WASH” in healthcare facilities
What is the News? A study was conducted to estimate the cost of ensuring WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) in healthcare facilities for one year across India. The study was published in BMJ Global Health journal. What is WASH? The term “WASH in health care facilities” refers to the provision of water, sanitation, health care waste… Continue reading A study on the cost of ensuring “WASH” in healthcare facilities
100% tap water connections to schools under “100-day Special Campaign”
What is the news? Telangana has achieved 100% tap water connections to all schools and Angan Wadi Centres (AWCs) under 100 day Special Campaign. The other states like Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Haryana and Tamil Nadu, also achieved this target. Centre’s 100-day Special Campaign: On 2nd October 2020, Ministry of Jal Shakti had launched… Continue reading 100% tap water connections to schools under “100-day Special Campaign”
Govt announces “Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge”
What is the news? The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs shortlisted 25 cities for the ‘Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge’. This challenge is covered under the Smart Cities Mission. About Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge It is a three-year initiative hosted by the Smart Cities Mission, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in collaboration with the Bernard van… Continue reading Govt announces “Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge”
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launches Pilot “Pey Jal Survekshan”
What is the News? The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched a Pilot Pey Jal Survekshan. About Pey Jal Survekshan It is a drinking water survey launched in 10 cities under Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban). Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Purpose: It will ascertain the equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater… Continue reading Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launches Pilot “Pey Jal Survekshan”
