What is the News ?

Recently, a dictionary called Toto Shabda Sangraha has been created with the aim of preserving a language from becoming extinct.

Facts About:

• It belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family and is the native language of the Toto tribal community. Toto is typically written using the Bengali script.
• Remarkably, a script for Toto was developed by a prominent community member named Dhaniram Toto as recently as 2015.
• Toto is spoken by a relatively small population of around 1,600 individuals residing in parts of West Bengal that border Bhutan.

Key Highlights of the Toto Shabda Sangraha:

• This dictionary has been meticulously compiled by Bhakta Toto, who serves as both a bank employee and a poet. It has been jointly published by a trust and Bhasha Samsad.
• The dictionary serves as a significant step towards preserving the Toto language, which has primarily been an oral tradition, by documenting its vocabulary in written form.
• To facilitate wider understanding, Toto words will be translated into Bengali and English and presented using the Bengali script, as the Toto script is still in its early stages of development, and community members are more familiar with the Bengali script.

What is the News ?

The Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology is preparing to initiate the restoration of the ancient Naganathaswamy Temple, which has stood for a millennium in Manambadi, located within the Thanjavur district.

Facts About:

• This temple was commissioned by Rajendra Chola I, reigning from 1012 to 1044 CE.
• In historical inscriptions, it is also known as the Kailasamudaiyar Temple.
• Key Features:
• Renowned for its intricate stone carvings and significant inscriptions.
• Comprises a single-tiered vimana (sanctum) and a mukha mandapa (front hall).
• The walls of both structures are divided into three sections.
• Within the central bays of the vimana, niches are dedicated to Dakshinamurthi in the south, Lingodhbava in the west, and Brahma in the north.
• The mukha mandapa features three niches each on the south and north sides.
• Notable sculptures in the southern niches include Bikshatana, Adavallan, and Ganapathi, while the northern niches feature Gangadarara, Durga, and Ammaiappar.
• All these niches exhibit finely crafted and distinctive makara thoranas (decorative arches) with central relief sculptures.
• Inscriptions: The temple boasts important inscriptions dating back to the reigns of Rajendra Chola I and Kulothunga I (1070-1120 CE).
• A total of nine informative inscriptions have been documented within the temple premises.
• The earliest of these inscriptions dates to the fourth year of Rajendra Chola I's rule and pertains to a tax-free land grant by the nagaratthar of Ilaichikkudi for establishing a flower garden in honor of the king for the temple's benefit.

What is the News ?

Recently, the Union Minister for Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship unveiled a program called 'CRIIIO 4 GOOD'.

Facts About:

• This is a novel online module designed to impart essential life skills.
• Comprising a series of eight cricket-themed animated films, its primary objectives are to promote gender equality, empower girls with valuable life skills, and foster their active engagement in sports.
• Leveraging the immense popularity and enthusiasm for cricket among young audiences, the ICC (International Cricket Council) and UNICEF collaborated to introduce these modules, aiming to inspire children and youth to embrace crucial life skills and appreciate the significance of gender parity.
• The program is available in three languages: English, Hindi, and Gujarati.
• The eight modules revolve around key themes such as leadership, problem-solving, self-assurance, decision-making, negotiation, empathy, teamwork, and goal-setting, all depicted through cutting-edge animations using cricket-related examples.
• This initiative was launched in partnership with the International Cricket Council, UNICEF, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

What is the News ?

The Prime Minister will launch a special week-long program called 'Sankalp Saptaah' at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Facts About:

• This initiative is closely tied to the successful execution of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
• In order to implement the ABP effectively and devise a robust strategy for block development, 'chintan shivirs' or brainstorming sessions were conducted at the village and block levels across the nation. The Sankalp Saptah marks the culmination of these brainstorming sessions.
• Sankalp Saptah will be observed in all 500 aspirational blocks.
• Each day during Sankalp Saptah will be dedicated to a specific development theme that all aspirational blocks will focus on.
• The themes for the initial six days include 'Comprehensive Health', 'Nourished Families', 'Cleanliness', 'Agriculture', 'Education', and 'Prosperity Day'.
• The final day of the week will be a celebration of the collective efforts undertaken throughout the week, known as 'Sankalp Saptah – Inclusive Conclave.'
• The inaugural event will see the participation of approximately 3,000 representatives from panchayats and block-level officials from across the country at Bharat Mandapam.

What is the News ?

Recently, NASA declared the conclusion of the CALIPSO mission, which conducted assessments of climate, weather, and air quality.

Facts About:

• CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol LIDAR and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations), is a dedicated mission aimed at understanding the influence of clouds and aerosols on Earth's climate.
• A collaborative endeavor between NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales), the French space agency, CALIPSO took to the skies in 2006 as a satellite-based observatory.
• Scientists have harnessed CALIPSO's data to construct three-dimensional atmospheric models, enhancing our capacity to forecast future climate changes.
• CALIPSO has been an integral part of the "A-Train" constellation of spacecraft, which includes Aqua, Aura, and PARASOL, all dedicated to the study of Earth's weather and environment.

Key Instrumentation:

• The mission is equipped with CALIOP, a lidar system that operates at two wavelengths and is sensitive to polarization.

                  Additionally, it carries two passive sensors functioning in the visible and thermal infrared spectral ranges.

• CALIOP emits laser pulses and measures the light scattered back by clouds and aerosols, enabling the creation of vertical profiles detailing properties such as height, thickness, and optical depth.
• Notably, CALIOP is the first lidar to provide continuous atmospheric measurements from Earth's orbit.
• This invaluable data aids scientists in generating comprehensive three-dimensional profiles of cloud and aerosol distributions.
• Throughout its 17 years of operation, the mission amassed over 10 billion LIDAR measurements and contributed to the creation of numerous scientific reports.

What is the News ?

India maintains its position at the 40th rank among 132 economies in the Global Innovation Index for the year 2023..

Facts About:

• Published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
• Serves as a valuable tool for governments worldwide to evaluate the impact of innovation on social and economic development in their nations.
• The India Launch of GII 2023 is being virtually hosted on September 29, 2023, by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and WIPO.

Key Insights:                        

• The Global Innovation Index relies on a diverse dataset, incorporating 80 indicators from international public and private sources, offering a comprehensive view of innovation beyond conventional measures.
• Top 5 countries in the ranking include Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom (4th), and Singapore (5th).
• India is recognized among the 21 economies that have consistently outperformed in innovation relative to their level of development for the 13th consecutive year.
• The report highlights India, Iran, the Philippines, Turkey, Vietnam, and Indonesia as economies within the GII top 65 that have made significant ranking improvements over the last decade.
• Within the Central and Southern Asia region, India secures top positions in categories such as Human capital and research (48th), Business sophistication (57th), and Knowledge and technology outputs (22nd).
• Prominent indicators for India encompass ICT services exports (5th), Venture capital received (6th), Graduates in science and engineering (11th), and Global corporate R&D investors (13th).

What is the News ?

Recently, the Chief Minister of Tripura inaugurated an e-cabinet system in Agartala, aimed at advancing digital infrastructure and enhancing the digitization of government services and information.

Facts About:

• The e-Cabinet system is a robust software portal designed for State Governments to facilitate electronic and online Cabinet meetings.
• It has been developed by the National Information Centre (NIC), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
• Tripura is now the fourth state, and the second in the Northeast region, to implement the e-cabinet system, following in the footsteps of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Features:

• Enhances the utilization of technology in meetings and reduces paper consumption.
• Streamlines workflow activities for meetings, covering pre-meeting, during the meeting, and post-meeting phases.
• Offers a user-friendly interface designed for smart tablets, ensuring a smooth user experience.
• Incorporates a secure push and pull mechanism to safeguard sensitive Cabinet matters.
• Establishes an institutional memory and knowledge repository, facilitating quick searches and retrieval of information.
• For virtual meetings, eCabinet seamlessly integrates with the Bharat VC solution of NIC.

Benefits and Impact of eCabinet:

• Substantial savings in paper, fuel, and manpower resources.
• Real-time data updates.
• Enhanced information accessibility, promoting coordinated actions.
• Improved decision-making processes and swift retrieval of meeting decisions and action taken.
• Enables virtual participation of Ministers in Cabinet proceedings.

What is the News ?

The recent claims made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, connecting the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian territory to the Indian government, have drawn attention to the intelligence-sharing coalition known as the 'Five Eyes' (FVEY).

Facts About:

• This multilateral intelligence-sharing network involves more than 20 agencies from five predominantly English-speaking nations:

                   Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

• It encompasses both surveillance-based activities and signals intelligence (SIGINT).
• The intelligence documents shared among member countries are labeled as 'Secret—AUS/CAN/NZ/UK/US Eyes Only,' which gives rise to the group's name, 'Five Eyes.'

Background of the Alliance:

• The origins of this alliance between the U.S. and the U.K. date back to the Second World War when they collaborated to counter the Cold War Soviet threat.
• These two nations, renowned for their code-breaking achievements during World War II, established cooperation in sharing intelligence related to various forms of signals, including radio, satellite, and internet communications.
• Following the war, in 1946, the alliance formalized through an agreement focused on signals intelligence.

This agreement, originally named the British-U.S. Communication Intelligence Agreement (BRUSA) and now known as the UKUSA Agreement, was signed between the U.S. State-Army-Navy Communication Intelligence Board (STANCIB) and the British London Signal Intelligence Board (SIGINT).

• Initially, its scope was limited to 'communication intelligence matters only,' involving the unrestricted exchange of intelligence products across six areas: traffic collection, acquisition of communication documents and equipment, traffic analysis, cryptanalysis, decryption and translation, and the acquisition of information regarding communication organizations, practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Over time, the alliance expanded to include 'second party' countries, with Canada joining in 1948, and Australia and New Zealand becoming part of the alliance in 1956.

What is the News ?

Recently, the government of Gujarat has instituted a prohibition on the planting of Conocarpus trees in both forested and non-forested areas, citing concerns regarding their detrimental effects on the environment and human well-being.

Facts About:

• The Conocarpus tree is a flowering plant belonging to the Combretaceae family.
• It is categorized as an invasive mangrove species.
• These trees bloom during the winter season, releasing pollen into their surroundings.
• In India, public authorities have commonly used Conocarpus for landscaping purposes, including road medians, roadsides, and public gardens.
• In the Arabian Peninsula, it has been employed to combat desert storms and pollution.
• This tree is renowned for its year-round dark green leaves and its ability to thrive in harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures.
• It exhibits adaptability, even in areas with high salinity.
• The Conocarpus tree absorbs a significant amount of water from the soil, posing a threat to groundwater levels.
• Its extensive root system can damage communication cables, drainage lines, and drinking water pipelines.
• This species is native to various regions in North and South America, as well as parts of Africa.

What is the News ?

The Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has made a plea to the diamond industry, urging them to halt the importation of rough diamonds.

Facts About:

• GJEPC serves as the apex organization representing India's Gem and Jewellery industry, operating under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
• Primary Role: The Council's primary mission is to introduce Indian gem and jewellery products to global markets and facilitate their exports.

It achieves this by furnishing its members with crucial information on foreign trade inquiries, trade regulations, tariff rates, and updates on jewellery fairs and exhibitions.

• Location: Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, GJEPC maintains a presence through regional offices nationwide, boasting a membership exceeding 7,500.

Additional Functions:

• Collaborating in international jewellery showcases.
• Encouraging countries to explore opportunities for cooperation in the supply of rough diamonds, colored gemstones, and finished jewellery.
• Identifying potential partners and buyers in international markets through buyer-seller meetings.
• Administering the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme as India's Nodal Agency.
• Advocating for export-related matters with the Government, Ministries, Regulatory Authorities, and Agencies.
• Conducting image-building campaigns via international advertisements, publications, and audio-visuals.
• Establishing training institutes across six cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Surat, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Udupi) to impart manufacturing skills and promote technical and design excellence.
• Initiating the establishment of Jewellery Parks throughout the country.

What is the News ?

Balsams, belonging to the genus Impatiens, are currently putting on a vibrant display of blooms in Munnar, offering a captivating visual treat to tourists.

Facts About:

• Locally referred to as Kasithumba and Onappovu.
• Commonly known as 'touch-me-not' due to its seed dispersal mechanism.
• Various names used for these plants include balsams, touch-me-nots, and jewel weeds.

Distribution:

• Natively found in tropical, sub-tropical, and northern temperate regions worldwide.
• Predominantly present in India, China, Africa, and scattered regions of Europe and North America.
• India boasts 220 balsam species, with 135 of them thriving in the southern Western Ghats.
• The Western Ghats, including Anamudi, its highest peak, host diverse wild balsam varieties.
• Typically, balsams complete their life cycle between June and December.
• These fleshy, herbaceous plants are often found in pockets within forested areas.
• They thrive in humid habitats and complete their life cycle during the rainy season.
• Balsams are recognized as significant indicators of climate change.

What is the News ?

In addition to the eight previously identified pangolin species, researchers have recently found a ninth variety, which is currently given the temporary name "Manis mysteria.

Facts About:

Scientists have recently made a significant discovery in the world of wildlife by identifying a previously unknown ninth species of pangolin.

• This newly found pangolin variety has been tentatively named "Manis mysteria."

Origins from Confiscated Scales: The origins of this remarkable discovery trace back to the examination of pangolin scales that were seized in China's Yunnan province during the years 2015 and 2019.

• These scales provided vital clues leading to the identification of the new species.

Ancient Divergence: Research indicates that "Manis mysteria" took a distinct evolutionary path around five million years ago, separating from its Philippine and Malayan pangolin relatives.

• This long separation in the evolutionary timeline highlights its unique characteristics.

Distinctive Features of Pangolins: Pangolins are known for their distinctive characteristics, including protective keratin scales that cover their bodies and a diet primarily consisting of ants and termites.

• They hold the distinction of being the only mammals with such specialized scales.

Defensive Behavior: One of the most intriguing aspects of pangolins is their ability to curl up into a tight, defensive ball when they feel threatened.

• This remarkable behavior helps protect them from potential predators.
• Grave Threats to Pangolins: Unfortunately, all species of pangolins face severe threats to their survival.
  • Each species is currently listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a concerning designation that highlights their vulnerable status.
  • For instance, the Indian pangolin is specifically categorized as "Endangered," underlining the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard these unique creatures.

What is the News ?

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has just released its first-ever social bonds, amounting to a total of Rs 1,040.50 crore.

Facts About:

• Social bonds, or social impact bonds (SIBs), are a type of bond used to raise funds for projects with positive social outcomes.
• These projects tackle various societal issues like healthcare, education, affordable housing, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability.

Notable Example in India:

• In 2020, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) in Pune, Maharashtra, partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to create India's first Social Impact Bond (SIB).

Key Features of NABARD's Social Bonds:

• NABARD's social bonds are the first externally certified AAA-rated Indian Rupee-denominated SIBs. They have received 'AAA' ratings from CRISIL and ICRA.
• The initial bond size was ?1,000 crore, with the option to accept oversubscriptions up to ?2,000 crore, totaling up to ?3,000 crore.
• Each bond has a face value of ?1 lakh.
• Maturity period: 5 years
• Coupon Rate: 7.63 percent

Sustainability Bond Framework:     

• NABARD has introduced a Sustainability Bond Framework to finance and refinance green and social projects.
• Eligible social projects include basic infrastructure, essential services, affordable housing, job creation, food security, socioeconomic advancement, and empowerment.
• Projects focused on energy efficiency, such as green buildings, energy storage, and smart grids, are also eligible for funding through these bonds.

What is the News ?

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has made changes to the regulations for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). They now require these NGOs to furnish information about assets, both movable and immovable, that have been established using foreign funds in their annual returns.

Facts About:

• FCRA is a law governing foreign contributions, especially monetary donations, to NGOs and entities in India.
• Originally passed in 1976 and significantly amended in 2010.
• Aims to prevent foreign organizations from influencing India's politics, society, economy, or religion for harmful purposes.
• Administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Defines 'foreign contribution' as donations, currency, or securities from foreign sources.
• Allows individuals, associations, companies, and others to receive foreign contributions with FCRA registration.
• Funds must be used for the intended purpose, with a maximum of 20% for administrative expenses.
• Requires NGOs to open a designated bank account with the State Bank of India, Delhi.
• Registration is mandatory for NGOs and can be renewed if they meet requirements.
• Cancellation is possible for false statements or illegal activities.
• Suspension and fund-freezing authority were also granted to the Ministry.
• Challenges to government orders can be filed in the High Court.

What is the News ?

The RoDTEP scheme, which initially lasted until September 30, 2023, will now continue until June 30, 2024, with the same rates for products that are already being exported.

Facts About:

• The RoDTEP Scheme, officially known as the Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products, plays a crucial role in helping Indian exporters.
• It became operational on January 1, 2021, replacing the earlier export incentive program called Merchandise Exports from India (MEIS).
• This change was necessary because the World Trade Organization (WTO) found that the MEIS scheme violated WTO rules by providing export subsidies for a wide range of goods.
• How it Works: Under the RoDTEP Scheme, exporters receive a rebate based on a percentage of the value of their exports (known as FOB or Freight On Board value).

This rebate is given in the form of a transferable duty credit/electronic scrip (e-scrip), and the details of these credits are maintained digitally by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

The RoDTEP Committee, which operates within the Department of Revenue, is responsible for reviewing and recommending the maximum rates for different export sectors under this scheme.

• Main Objective: The primary goal of the RoDTEP Scheme is to offer comprehensive support to exporters by refunding the duties and taxes incurred during the production and distribution of exported products.

Importantly, it covers taxes, duties, and levies imposed at the central, state, and local levels, which are not reimbursed through other existing mechanisms.

• Financial Support: In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Indian Government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs. 15,070 crores to support the RoDTEP Scheme.
• Engaging with Stakeholders: The RoDTEP Committee has recently started its work by collaborating with Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Chambers of Commerce.

What is the News ?

The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) Chandigarh Bench Bar Association has taken the step of going on an unlimited strike. This strike is a response to the decision made by the AFT chairperson to move a judicial member from Chandigarh to Kolkata.

Facts About:

• The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) is like a special court in India for military matters, and it started in 2009 under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007.
• What it does: It deals with arguments and complaints about things like appointments, jobs, and the rules for people who are part of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• It handles appeals when someone disagrees with the decisions made by military courts.
• If the military court's decision seems right, the Tribunal can say so.

              But if it's not right, the Tribunal can change it.

• If someone doesn't agree with what the Tribunal says, they can only go to the Supreme Court to argue their case.
• The AFT has its main office in New Delhi, and there are eight other offices in different cities.
• Each office has two important people:

             A Judicial Member who is a retired High Court Judge and

             An Administrative Member who is a retired Armed Forces officer with a high rank.

• Sometimes, a Judge Advocate General (JAG) who has been in the job for at least a year can also be an Administrative Member.
• How it works:

            The Tribunal follows certain rules for how they do things, and they use English for all their work.

            They usually do things the way High Courts in India do them.

What is the News ?

The Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting has just revealed some exciting news. The renowned actress, Ms. Waheeda Rehman, is set to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2021.

Facts About:

• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's top honor in the world of cinema.
• Every year, it's given out at the National Film Awards ceremony, organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals, part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• This award is for people who have made a really big and important contribution to Indian cinema.
• When someone gets this award, they receive a special Golden Lotus medal, a shawl, and 10 lakh rupees in cash.
• The award was created by the Government of India to remember Dadasaheb Phalke, who's often called "the father of Indian cinema."
• It all began in 1969, and the first person to receive it was the famous actress Devika Rani, known as "the first lady of Indian cinema.

What is the News ?

The Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary is like a lush oasis in a large, dry area that covers seven districts in the northeastern part of Kalyana Karnataka, Karnataka.

Facts About:

• It's located near the Chandrampalli Dam in Karnataka's Kalaburagi district.
• This sanctuary was officially established in 2011.
• It's special because it's the first dry land Wildlife Sanctuary in South India.
• This area in the Hyderabad Karnataka Region is known for having a lot of different plant species.
• You can find a mix of forests, including dry and moist deciduous areas, with Acacia and Teak trees on the edges.
• Some important plants include medicinal herbs, Red Sanders, and Sandalwood.
• As for animals, it's home to Black Bucks, Common Foxes, Four-horned Antelopes, Hyenas, Indian Wolves, and more.

                  There are also 35 different types of birds here.

• A special mention goes to the Lambani Tandas, a protected tribal community that lives in harmony with nature in this area.

What is the News ?

The 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) is happening in Bengaluru, and it's a joint effort by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), the Coffee Board of India, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, along with the Government of Karnataka.

Facts About:

• This is the first time India is hosting this conference.
• In the past, the conference has been held in London (2001), Brazil (2005), Guatemala (2010), and Ethiopia (2016).
• The event is a collaboration between the Coffee Board, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the International Coffee Organization.
• The conference's mascot is Coffee Swami.
• The main theme of the conference is "Sustainability through Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture.

About the International Coffee Organization:

• The organization was created in 1963 with support from the United Nations after the first International Coffee Agreement was approved in 1962.
• The ICO is a special international group that brings together countries that export and import coffee.
• Right now, it represents a big part of the world's coffee - 93% of coffee production and 63% of coffee consumption.
• Their mission is to make the coffee business better all around the world in a way that's good for everyone involved.
• There are 49 countries in this group, with 42 of them exporting coffee and 7 of them importing it. India is one of these member countries.

What is the News ?

The Indian Government, led by the Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and the Minister of Health & Family Welfare, has just introduced a new program called PRIP. This program aims to support and encourage research and innovation in the Pharma and MedTech sectors.

Facts About:

• The PRIP scheme has a clear goal: to shift the Indian pharmaceutical sector from being focused on costs to being driven by innovation.

            This means we want to encourage more research and new ideas in the country.

• Aim: We want to create stronger connections between industries and educational institutions to do research in important areas.

            This will help us build a culture of high-quality research and support our scientists.

• By doing this, we hope India will be more competitive on the global stage, and it will also create better job opportunities.
• How Long It Will Last: This program will run for five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
• The Scheme Has Two Parts:

Part A: We will invest Rs 700 Crores to set up 7 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) at the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs). These will focus on specific areas of research.

Part B: We will support research in six important areas like new medicines, complex generics, medical devices, stem cell therapy, rare disease drugs, and fighting against drug resistance. This will also include helping industries, small businesses, startups, and academic research.

• Total Budget: The program has a total budget of Rs. 4250 Crores.
• This scheme is all about making pharmaceutical research in India stronger and more innovative.
• It will support researchers and industries working on important health-related projects.

What is the News ?

Brent crude oil has recently surged to its highest point in 10 months, exceeding $93 per barrel.

Facts About:

• Brent Crude is the primary benchmark used to determine oil prices globally.
• The name "Brent" originates from the Brent oil field, which was discovered in the 1970s and became a major source of oil production.
• Roughly two-thirds of all internationally traded crude oil is priced relative to Brent, making it the most widely recognized benchmark.
• It's a type of light, sweet crude oil extracted from oil fields in the North Sea.
• Brent crude's special characteristics, such as its low density and low sulfur content, make it easier to refine into products like gasoline.
• Since it's transported by sea, it's convenient to move Brent crude oil to distant locations.
• The price of Brent Crude is influenced by several factors, including shifts in supply and demand, geopolitical events, production interruptions, and economic conditions.

What is the News ?

Recently, scientists at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISER Bhopal) pinpointed a particular circular RNA (circRNA) named 'ciTRAN.' This circRNA plays a vital role in the replication of the HIV-1 virus, which causes AIDS, inside the human body.

Facts About:

• Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a molecule found in living cells that carries genetic instructions and aids in protein production.
• Most RNAs have a linear, open-end structure, but circular RNA, known as 'circRNA,' forms a closed loop.
• CircRNA plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and is essential for various biological processes.
• Its involvement in the replication of HIV-1 was not well understood for a long time.
• Identifying circular RNA can be challenging because it is typically present in lower amounts, making it harder to detect in its natural form.
• During viral infections, the abundance of viral genetic material can make it difficult to isolate less common components like circular RNA.

What is the News ?

Biologists are working slowly and steadily to assist North America's biggest and most uncommon tortoise species.

Facts About:

• Bolson tortoises are the biggest and rarest land reptiles in North America.

                  They are also the rarest among the six Gopherus species that are found on this continent.

• Among Bolson tortoises, adult females are generally larger than males.
• These tortoises are land-dwellers and spend over 95% of their time in burrows they dig using their shovel-like front feet.
• They are most active from around April to October when they do everything like searching for food, nesting, and mating.
• While we don't know their exact lifespan, Bolson tortoises can live for more than a century.
• Currently, Bolson tortoises are found in a small area in north-central Mexico, specifically in the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Durango.

                 However, they exist in separate groups within this region.

• In terms of conservation, Bolson tortoises are Critically Endangered according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

What is the News ?

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department carried out thorough operations in Mukurthi National Park and the nearby forest areas to prevent any unlawful entry of individuals and deter poaching activities.

Facts About:

• Mukurthi National Park is situated in the western part of the Nilgiris Plateau, in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu.
• This park was established primarily to safeguard its key species, the Nilgiri tahr.
• The park is crossed by the Pykara and Kundah rivers, and it's home to several streams that originate within the park and flow into the Bhavani Puzha River.
• It holds the prestigious status of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• In terms of its vegetation, the park features high-altitude montane grasslands and shrublands with shola forests, in an area with ample rainfall.
• You can find various plants in the park, including fragrant shrubs like Gaultheria fragrantissima, Helichrysum, and Berberis. Other notable plants include Rhododendrons, Cinnamon, Mahonia, Satyrium, and Raspberries.
• As for wildlife, Mukurthi National Park is a sanctuary for endangered species such as the Nilgiri tahr, Indian elephants, Nilgiri Langur, Bengal tiger, and bonnet macaque, among others.

What is the News ?

Similar to how the oceans on Earth have tides at their shores, galaxies in the universe also go through tides, but on a much grander scale.

Facts About:

• Galactic tides are like gravitational pulls that objects within a galaxy, like our Milky Way, experience due to the galaxy's gravitational field.
• These tidal forces happen because of the gravitational interactions between celestial objects, such as stars and gas clouds, within the galaxy.
• Galactic tides have several effects on a galaxy's evolution.

They can change the shape of a galaxy by creating tidal tails and bridges, encouraging the birth of new stars, and disrupting smaller star systems.

• They also alter the paths that stars follow in their orbits, causing long-term changes in a galaxy's structure.
• Galactic tides even play a role in how nearby galaxies interact or don't interact with each other.

For example, when studying Andromeda, the closest galaxy to the Milky Way, researchers have noticed tidal streams near its edges.

• These streams may be signs of dwarf galaxies that were swallowed by Andromeda over time.
• Galactic tides also impact the supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies, leading to events that change how these cosmic giants interact with nearby stars.

What is the News ?

India and the United Nations have introduced a collaborative capacity-building effort known as the 'India-UN Capacity Building Initiative.' Its goal is to promote progress and prosperity in the Global South.

Facts About:

What is the Global South?

• The Global South encompasses countries in regions such as Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia (excluding Israel, Japan, and South Korea), and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand).
• These regions are generally characterized by lower levels of economic and industrial development.

About the India-UN Capacity Building Initiative:

• This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of countries in the Global South.
• Its objective is to facilitate the sharing of India's development experiences, best practices, and expertise through capacity-building programs and training.
• The initiative extends the achievements of India's G20 Presidency, which emphasized the inclusion of perspectives from the Global South in the G20 agenda.
• It builds upon India's existing bilateral cooperation in development and capacity-building with partner countries.
• As part of this endeavor, the UN India team will collaborate with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to leverage India's Technical and Economic Cooperation platform. This partnership will enable the dissemination of India's development experiences and best practices worldwide.
• Furthermore, it will translate the development objectives outlined during India's G20 Presidency into action.
• This includes the implementation of the G20 Action Plan for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing technology and digital infrastructure.

What is the News ?

The 19th iteration of 'EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS' is scheduled to take place from September 25th to October 8th, 2023, at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA

Facts About:

• Exercise Yudh Abhyas is an annual collaborative military exercise carried out jointly by the Indian Army and the United States Army.
• In this edition, the Indian Army contingent, consisting of 350 personnel, will participate. The lead battalion from the Indian side is associated with the MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment.
• The primary focus of the exercise is to practice a series of tactical drills aimed at improving the ability to work together effectively during United Nations peacekeeping operations.
• The exercise's theme centers on the 'Employment of an Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/ Extreme Climatic Conditions,' as outlined in Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate.
• The Field Training Exercise will encompass various elements, including the validation of Integrated Battle Groups in confronting hostile forces at the Brigade level, the establishment of an Integrated Surveillance Grid at the Brigade/ Battalion level, and the utilization of Heliborne/ Airborne units and Force Multipliers, among others.
• Additionally, the exercise will facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices in a wide range of combat skills, encompassing combat engineering, obstruction clearance, and tactics for dealing with mines and Improvised Explosive Devices.

Other Exercises involving India and the USA:

• Army: Vajra Prahar
• Navy: MALABAR (Multilateral)
• Air Force: Cope India, Red Flag (Multilateral)

What is the News ?

The Chief Minister of Manipur recently stated that his government has requested the Union Home Ministry to discontinue the free movement arrangement along the India-Myanmar border and finalize the border fencing.

Facts About:

• The Free Movement Regime (FMR) allows all hill tribes, whether they hold citizenship in India or Myanmar, to travel within a 16 km radius on either side of the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB).
• To cross the border, they need to present a border pass with a one-year validity issued by the relevant authority.

                Each visit can last for up to two weeks.

• The FMR was put into effect in 2018 as part of the Central government's Act East policy.
• Both governments, India and Myanmar, implement the FMR for the benefit of the people residing along the IMB.
• This arrangement facilitates greater cultural integration among residents of trans-border villages.

                They engage in activities like weddings, joint celebrations of festivals, and cross-border trade.

• The FMR underscores the physical, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and fraternal connections among communities living across the border.
• Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB):

                The IMB stretches over 1,643 km, traversing four states: Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

                It extends from the northern tripoint with China to the southern tripoint with Bangladesh.

                The responsibility of guarding the IMB falls on the Assam Rifles.

What is the News ?

The I2U2 group has just unveiled a new collaborative space project with the goal of developing a one-of-a-kind space tool designed for use by policymakers, organizations, and business innovators.

Facts About:

• The I2U2 Group comprises India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
• Formation:

This alliance was originally established in October 2021 with the primary objective of addressing infrastructure, transportation, and maritime security issues in the region.

Originally, it was named the "International Forum for Economic Cooperation" and was also referred to as the "West Asian Quad."

• First Virtual Summit: In July 2022, the group conducted its inaugural virtual summit.
• This unique coalition of nations identifies viable projects and initiatives aimed at addressing significant challenges.
• It places special emphasis on collaborative investments and new endeavors in areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health, food security, and technology.
• The group's objectives encompass mobilizing private sector resources and expertise to achieve various goals, including the modernization of infrastructure, the promotion of low-carbon development pathways, and enhancements in public health.

What is the News ?

JP Morgan Chase & Co will add Indian government bonds to its emerging markets bond index starting in June 2024.

Facts About:

• This index serves as a benchmark for measuring how well international government and corporate bonds from emerging market countries perform.

             These countries must meet specific liquidity and structural requirements.

• Emerging market bonds are debt instruments issued by developing nations.

             They usually offer higher yields compared to bonds from developed countries.

• A total of 23 Indian Government Bonds (IGBs) with a combined notional value of $330 billion are eligible for inclusion.

             They are all categorized as "fully accessible" for non-residents.

• Advantages of this inclusion:

             This development is expected to lead to higher demand for the Indian rupee, potentially protecting it from depreciation.

              Lower borrowing costs could support important infrastructure projects.

              Increased liquidity may result in more efficient trading conditions.

• India's local bonds will become part of JP Morgan's Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) index.
• They are expected to make up a maximum of 10 percent of the GBI-EM Global Diversified Index (GBI-EM GD).

What is the News ?

A recent study has shown that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is becoming more prevalent among contemporary women in India.

Facts About:

• PCOS is a prevalent hormonal issue that primarily affects women in their childbearing years.
• Symptoms: PCOS is associated with irregular ovulation, elevated androgen (male hormone) levels, and the presence of numerous small ovarian cysts.

                   It can result in missed or irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, acne, fertility challenges, and weight gain.

• Causes: PCOS often has a genetic component, with a family history of diabetes or obesity being common.

                   Environmental factors that promote an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and high stress levels can also contribute.

• Treatment: Managing PCOS involves lifestyle adjustments, medications, and fertility treatments to address its symptoms and complications.
• PCOS is a concern for one out of every five women in India, and 60% of those seeking infertility treatments are doing so because of issues related to PCOS.

What is the News ?

Researchers have recently extracted Ribonucleic acid (RNA) from the desiccated skin and muscle of a Tasmanian tiger that had been stored at a museum in Stockholm since 1891.

Facts About:

• The Tasmanian tiger had a wolf-like appearance, distinguished by tiger-like stripes along its back.
• Regrettably, the last known Tasmanian tiger passed away in a Tasmanian zoo in 1936.
• This large carnivorous marsupial is now considered extinct.
• Among the family Thylacinidae, it stood as the sole survivor into modern times.
• Its habitat once spanned across continental Australia, reaching as far north as New Guinea and as far south as Tasmania.
• As an apex predator, it hunted kangaroos and various other prey.

What is RNA?

• RNA, short for Ribonucleic acid, is a complex compound with a high molecular weight, and it plays a crucial role in cellular protein synthesis.
• In some viruses, RNA takes on the role of carrying genetic codes, replacing DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
• RNA is composed of ribose nucleotides, which are nitrogenous bases attached to a ribose sugar via phosphodiester bonds.
• The nitrogenous bases found in RNA include adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil.
• Unlike DNA, RNA is a single-stranded molecule responsible for carrying genetic information.
• RNA's primary function is to synthesize the diverse array of proteins required by an organism for survival, while also regulating cell metabolism.

What is the News ?

The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India has recently earned a 10-year recognition status from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).

Facts About:

WFME is a worldwide organization dedicated to the training and education of medical doctors.

Their mission is to work towards better healthcare for all people.

WFME's primary goal is to elevate the quality of medical education on a global scale by promoting the highest scientific and ethical standards.

They achieve this goal through several means, including:

• Establishing standards in medical education
• Advocating for the accreditation of medical schools
• Developing databases related to medical education
• Initiating projects focused on the future of medicine and medical education
• Publishing informative materials and forming partnerships

WFME was established in 1972 and has its headquarters in Ferney-Voltaire, France.

Notably, WFME is the organization that officially represents medical teachers and medical teaching institutions on a global scale, serving as their voice before the World Health Organization (WHO).

WFME's accreditation program plays a crucial role in ensuring that medical institutions meet and uphold the highest international standards in education and training.

What is the News ?

The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) recently launched the mobile application and web portal for the General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES).

Facts About:

• This innovative portal and mobile application aim to revolutionize agricultural practices across the nation.
• The Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has developed this technology-driven solution to expand the reach, scope, and effectiveness of government initiatives in the development process.
• Automating the GCES process ensures timely reporting of crop statistics and data accuracy.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Information: The portal and app serve as a complete repository of yield estimates, encompassing village-specific GCES plans, plot details where crop cutting experiments occur, and post-harvest crop and driage weights.
• Geo-referencing: The mobile app offers a crucial feature that allows field workers to define the boundaries of experimental plots and upload photos of both the plots and the crops within them.
• This feature enhances data transparency and accuracy.

What is the News ?

The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh recently revealed a 108-feet tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya, an ancient Vedic scholar and teacher from the 8th century, in Omkareshwar.

Facts About:

• Adi Shankaracharya, also known as Shankara, was an ancient Indian philosopher and theologian who lived around the 8th century CE.
• Birthplace: He was born in Kalady, a village in what is now Kerala.

His Philosophical Contributions:

• His most famous achievement was his role in developing and spreading Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes non-duality.
• He brought together the ideas of 'Advaita Vedanta' and explained the core concepts of the Upanishads.
• Shankaracharya's significant work involved uniting six sub-sects known as 'Shanmata,' which translates to 'six religions.' This concept recognized six supreme deities, all part of one divine power.
• He also established the 'Dashanami Sampradaya,' which promotes a monastic way of life.
• While he strongly believed in ancient Hinduism, he criticized the 'Mimamsa school of Hinduism,' which focused primarily on rituals.
• Founding of Four Mathas: He founded four important monastic centers in India, each associated with one of the cardinal directions:

                Sringeri in the south

                Dwarka in the west

                Puri in the east, and

                Badrinath in the north.

What is the News ?

The President of India recently opened the Annual General Meeting and Biennial Conference of the Asia Pacific Forum on Human Rights in New Delhi.

Facts About:

• Established in 1996, the Asia Pacific Forum is a unified platform that brings together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from across the Asia Pacific.
• It focuses on addressing significant human rights challenges in the region.
• The forum consists of 17 full members and eight associate members, with India being a full member since its inception.
• To become a full member, an NHRI must fully adhere to the international standards outlined in the Paris Principles. NHRI's that partially comply are granted associate membership.
• Decisions regarding new member admissions are made by the Forum Council.
• A primary objective of the APF is to encourage the establishment of independent NHRIs in the Asia Pacific and support its members in their effective work.

What is the News ?

The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED), under the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is set to launch the second phase of the 'Promotion of Tribal Products for the North East Region' (PTP-NER 2.0) scheme, running from September 21 to November 10, 2023.

Facts About:

This scheme, launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to enhance the livelihoods of tribal artisans by improving the procurement, logistics, and marketing of their products.

It covers the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim.

The scheme has two phases:

• Phase 1 included 8 states and 38 districts, with 64 Tribal Artisans Empanelment Melas (TAeM) organized by TRIFED and NEHHDC.
• Phase 2 will cover 29 districts, continuing the effort to support tribal artisans and showcase their cultural heritage.

Implementing partners include the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), India Post, and various North Eastern State Government Departments and Agencies.

India Post will provide logistical support to achieve the scheme's objectives.

What is the News ?

Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay and Kavaratti, along with the submarine INS Sindhukesari, have reached Singapore to take part in the 30th Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).

Facts About:

• SIMBEX 23 is an annual naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
• It's been held every year since 1994 and is the longest continuous naval exercise India has with any country.
• The exercise has two phases: a harbor phase in Singapore from September 21 to 24, 2023, and a sea phase.
• In addition to Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay, Kavaratti, and INS Sindhukesari, the Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I is also participating.
• During the harbor phase, there will be professional interactions, cross-deck visits, knowledge exchanges, and sports events to improve cooperation and understanding between the two navies.
• The sea phase will involve advanced exercises like air defense, gunnery, tactical maneuvers, anti-submarine drills, and other maritime operations.
• Both navies aim to enhance their skills for joint maritime operations.

What is the News ?

The Central Government has announced that companies and entities may have approximately one year to comply with the regulations outlined in the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. Smaller organizations or startups might be granted even more time for compliance.

Facts About:

The DPDP Act is a legal framework in India designed to protect individuals' personal data and ensure it's only shared with their consent. It governs the processing of digital personal data to safeguard privacy in the digital age.

Applicability:

• It applies to digital personal data processed within India, regardless of its origin (online or offline).
• It also applies to data processing outside India if it involves offering goods or services to Indian data subjects.

Evolution:

• It originates from the recommendations of the Justice BN Srikrishna-led Expert Committee, leading to the introduction of the Personal Data Protection Act in 2019.
• After consultations and revisions, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, was enacted by both houses of Parliament.

Key Stakeholders:

• Data Principal (DP): The data owner who must give consent for data generation and processing.
• Data Fiduciary: The entity collecting, storing, and sharing data, acting as a "Consent Manager."
• Data Processor: The entity processing data on behalf of a data fiduciary.
• Data Protection Officer (DPO): An individual appointed by a data fiduciary to oversee data protection compliance.

Individuals have rights such as the right to information, correction, erasure, grievance redressal, and the right to nominate someone to exercise these rights in case of incapacity or death.

What is the News ?

The Indian Government recently introduced a new set of National Awards for achievements in science, technology, and innovation called the "Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar."

Facts About:

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is an award that recognizes outstanding contributions in the fields of science, technology, and innovation in India.

It's one of the highest honors in these fields.

Who can receive the awards?

• Scientists, technologists, and innovators, whether in government or private sectors, who have made significant breakthroughs in their respective fields.
• People of Indian origin living abroad who have made exceptional contributions benefiting Indian communities.

The awards are given in four categories:

• Vigyan Ratna (VR): Lifetime achievements in science and technology.
• Vigyan Shri (VS): Distinguished contributions in science and technology.
• Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): Young scientists under 45 years old who've made exceptional contributions.
• Vigyan Team (VT): Teams of three or more scientists, researchers, or innovators who've excelled in their field.

The awards cover 13 domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Environment, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science, and more.

What is the News ?

Recently, the Prime Minister of India actively conveyed greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai Juhar.

Facts About:

• Nuakhai Juhar is a significant social festival celebrated in Western Odisha and parts of Simdega in Jharkhand.
• The term 'Nuakhai' combines 'nua,' meaning 'new,' and 'khai,' signifying 'food.'
• This agricultural festival marks the welcoming of the fresh rice harvest of the season.
• It falls on the fifth day of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada or Bhadra (August-September), following the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
• Rituals:
• Nuakhai is associated with nine colors, leading to nine sets of pre-celebration rituals.
• People offer the newly harvested crop, known as Nabanha, to their respective deities.
• Following the Nabanha offering, individuals savor various delicacies made from the freshly harvested produce.
• A central ritual of the Nuakhai Juhar is a significant highlight of the festival.

What is the News ?

Vanadium, a critical raw material for many industrial applications, has been found in sediment samples collected from Gulf of Khambhat, which opens into the Arabian Sea off Alang in Gujarat.

Facts About:

• Vanadium is a chemical element with the symbol "V" and atomic number 23.
• Vanadium is a naturally occurring element found in minerals and ores.

                  It was first discovered in the early 19th century.

• It is a transition metal known for its various applications in science and industry.

Applications:

• Strengthens Steel: One of its primary uses is as an alloying agent in steel production.

            Vanadium steel is renowned for its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.

            It is commonly used in manufacturing tools, knives, and structural components in construction.

• Aerospace Alloys: Vanadium alloys are utilized in aerospace applications, such as jet engines and rocket frames, due to their high-temperature resistance and lightweight properties.
• Batteries: Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are emerging as a promising energy storage technology.

            They offer scalability and long cycle life, making them suitable for grid-level energy storage.

• Catalysts: Vanadium compounds act as catalysts in chemical reactions, particularly in the production of sulfuric acid and maleic anhydride.
• Medical Applications: Vanadium has potential health benefits and is being studied for its role in managing diabetes and its antioxidant properties.
• Dye and Pigment Production: Vanadium compounds are used in the manufacture of dyes, pigments, and ceramics.
• Metallurgy: Vanadium is employed in the refining of certain metals like aluminum and titanium.
• Nuclear Applications: In nuclear reactors, vanadium serves as a structural material due to its neutron-absorbing properties.
• Research and Development: Vanadium's unique properties make it valuable for scientific research, including studies in material science and chemistry.

Vanadium's versatility and strength-enhancing properties find application in various industries, from steel manufacturing to energy storage and even potential health-related uses, making it a vital element in modern technology and innovation.

What is the News ?

Recently, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation actively launched an e-wallet payment option on the Bharatkosh portal.

Facts About:

• The Bharatkosh portal is an initiative led by the Controller General of Accounts under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• It serves as a unified platform for depositing various fees, fines, and other payments directly into the government's account.
• The portal integrates all Civil Ministries and Departments of the Government of India for streamlined financial transactions.
• Its primary objective is to offer round-the-clock, year-round electronic payment services, enabling users to deposit funds into the government's account through internet-based payment technologies from the convenience of their location via the web-based portal.
• In doing so, it aligns with the government's commitment to e-Governance, ensuring efficient, effective, and excellent government services accessible anytime and anywhere.

What is the News ?

Recently, researchers at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) named a new species of marine tardigrade after the late former President and scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Facts About:

• Batillipes Kalami, the newly discovered species found in Mandapam, southeast Tamil Nadu, belongs to the Batillipes genus.
• Notably, it's the second marine tardigrade discovered in Indian waters and the first from the east coast.
• This species is also the first of its kind taxonomically described from India and is the 37th species within the Batillipes genus.

Physical characteristics:

• It typically measures around 170 micrometres (0.17 mm) in length and approximately 50 micrometres (0.05 mm) in width.
• Its head has a trapezoid shape with sharp-tipped filament-like appendages (cirri) extending from it.
• Each of its four pairs of legs features sensory spines of varying lengths.
• Females are slightly larger than males.

What is the News ?

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports honored athletes supported by the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons (PDUNWFS) in New Delhi.

Facts About:

• The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons (PDUNWFS) was established in March 1982.
• Its primary goal is to support former exceptional athletes who are now facing financial hardship but had previously brought honor to India through their sporting achievements.
• In May 2016, the scheme underwent revisions, enabling it to provide one-time financial assistance to former exceptional athletes.
• This scheme covers athletes across the entire nation and is designed to enhance the well-being of sportspersons and their families by alleviating financial distress.
• The scheme can be applied to individual athletes or groups of active sportspersons.

What is the News ?

A Red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) was recently spotted by a group of birders who visited Kurichi Tank in Coimbatore.

Facts About:

• This is a relatively small shorebird renowned for its energetic spinning on the water surface to stir up small invertebrates.
• With a circumpolar distribution, it inhabits both boreal and tundra zones within the 60 to 70-degree latitude range.
• These phalaropes are commonly found along the coastlines of the Arctic Ocean, extending southward to the Aleutian Islands and northwestward to Britain.
• During the winter months, they predominantly reside in oceanic environments.
• In their non-breeding season, Red-Necked Phalaropes can be observed in areas ranging from central-west South America to the Arabian Sea, and from central Indonesia to western Melanesia.
• Conservation Status: IUCN Classification: Least Concern

What is the News ?

UNESCO recently included the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, consisting of three temples in Karnataka, on its World Heritage List.

Facts About:

The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas consist of a collection of temples crafted by the Hoysala dynasty in the 12th-13th centuries.

• This ensemble includes three significant components: Belur, Halebid, and Somnathapura.

These three temples are as follows:

• The Chennakeshava Temple: Located at the heart of Belur in the Hassan district, it serves as the main temple in the complex. It is surrounded by the remnants of a mud fort and a moat.
• The Hoysaleswara Temple: Situated on the banks of the Dwarasamudra tank in Halebidu, the Hassan district, this temple is part of a town with numerous protected and unprotected temples, archaeological ruins, and mounds.
• The Keshava Temple: Found in the center of Somanathapura village in the Mysore district.
• These temples are primarily dedicated to Hindu deities like Shiva and Vishnu, with some also honoring the Jain faith.
• The architecture of the Hoysala temples reflects a blend of Dravidian design with influences from the Bhumija style prevalent in Central India, the Nagara traditions of northern and western India, and the Karntata-Dravida styles favored by the Kalyani Chalukyas.

What is the News ?

Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has established a steering committee, which will serve as the highest authority responsible for developing its ambitious Bima Sugam platform.

Facts About:

• This platform will empower individuals to purchase life, health, motor, or property insurance policies online, providing a convenient digital solution.
• It aims to offer a one-stop destination for insurance companies, agents, brokers, banks, and aggregators, streamlining accessibility.
• Serving as a centralized database, it will assist consumers with all their insurance-related needs, ensuring efficiency.
• The platform will facilitate the swift introduction of new or experimental insurance products.
• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM) has been appointed as the legal counsel for this project, responsible for establishing a Section 8 not-for-profit company that will own the Bima Sugam platform.
• It will cater to both personal and commercial/business insurance needs, aiding users in identifying and comparing the best-suited products within specified timelines.
• The platform will encompass a comprehensive range of insurance offerings, including life insurance and its various forms such as term plans, savings (Par and Non-Par), annuities, pension plans, and more.
• Furthermore, it will showcase a fully digital onboarding process for all insurance products, eliminating manual interventions.

What is the News ?

The Indian Coast Guard has recently carried out 'Operation Sajag,' a Coastal Security Exercise along the Western Coast.

Facts About:

• Operation Sajag is a coastal security exercise conducted by the Indian Coast Guard along the western coastline.
• It involves the participation of all stakeholders responsible for Indian coastal security.
• A total of 118 ships, including vessels from Customs, Marine Police, Ports, and the Indian Navy, took part in this exercise.
• The primary goals of this drill are to reassess and strengthen the coastal security system and raise awareness among fishermen operating at sea.
• During the exercise, there was extensive checking and verification of documents and crew passes for all fishing boats, barges, and crafts at sea.
• Additionally, biometric card readers have been provided to security agencies to enhance security measures.
• Apart from monitoring dhows, the coastal security construct also includes initiatives related to island security and community interaction programs.

What is the News ?

The Finance Minister and Agriculture Minister are going to start the 'Kisan Rin Portal' on September 19.

Facts About:

• This portal assists farmers in obtaining reduced-rate loans through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
• Several government departments worked together to create it.
• It provides a clear picture of farmer information, loan distribution details, interest subsidy requests, and progress in scheme usage.
• It seamlessly connects with banks to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of agricultural credit.

Brief Overview About Kisan Credit Card (KCC):

• Introduced in 1998, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme provides farmers with a convenient way to access loans for buying agricultural supplies like seeds and fertilizers and for cash withdrawals.
• Developed by NABARD (the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), the scheme was later expanded in 2004 to cover investment needs in farming and related activities.
• In 2012, the scheme was simplified to facilitate Electronic Kisan Credit Cards.
• Applicable to Commercial Banks, RRBs, Small Finance Banks, and Cooperatives.

What is the News ?

The Pazhathottam region within Anamudi Shola National Park, close to Munnar in Idukki, has blossomed into a lush paradise bustling with vibrant life.

Facts About:

• Location: Situated in Kerala, India.
• Surrounded by Eravikulam National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mathikettan Shola Park.
• Vegetation: Encompasses southern subtropical hill forests, southern montane wet temperate forests, and moist deciduous forests.
• Unique Features: The dense shola woods here contain stunted trees and are adorned with lush lichen, mosses, and climbers.
• Flora: Houses approximately 174 species of herbs and shrubs, 62 tree species, and around 40 species of climbers, some of which are unique to the region.
• Fauna: Abode to diverse wildlife, including leopards, civet cats, wolves, Indian bison, wild boars, elephants, tigers, panthers, and sloth bears.

What is the News ?

In August, Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) saw an impressive inflow of Rs 1,028 crore, marking the highest influx in the past 16 months.

Facts About:

• These are investment funds linked to the value of gold.
• Gold ETFs are passive investments that track the price of gold and invest in physical gold bullion.
• They represent gold in a form that can be paper-based or dematerialized.
• Each unit of a Gold ETF is equivalent to 1 gram of highly pure physical gold.
• Gold ETFs are listed and traded on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd. (BSE).
• They offer complete transparency regarding their gold holdings, thanks to direct gold pricing.

What is the News ?

Through the comprehensive SHREYAS program, a total of 1,628.89 crore rupees have been disbursed from 2014-15 to 2022-23, benefiting 21,326 recipients.

Facts About:

• The Ministry of Human Resource and Development has introduced the Scheme for Higher Education Youth for Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS) to align educational programs with the needs of industries and service sectors.
• It also encourages students to gain practical experience while studying.

Objectives:

• Enhance Students' Employability: By providing on-the-job work exposure through the National Apprenticeship Promotional Scheme (NAPS) and the National Career Service (NCS), SHREYAS aims to improve students' employability.
• Bridge the Gap Between Education and Industry: The scheme establishes a strong connection between education and industry.
• Dynamic Skill Development: SHREYAS offers students the opportunity to acquire skills in a dynamic manner.
• arn While You Learn": It introduces an "earn while you learn" system into higher education.
• Facilitate Quality Manpower: The scheme assists industries in recruiting high-quality manpower.
• Connect Students with Employment Opportunities: It links students with the government's employment facilitation efforts.

What is the News ?

The Defense Ministry has recently approved the purchase of a regiment of Pralay tactical ballistic missiles for the Indian Army.

Facts About:

• Pralay is a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile.
• It can strike targets at distances ranging from 150 to 500 kilometers.
• The missile can carry between 350 and 700 kilograms of high-grade explosives.
• Pralay is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• It uses a solid propellant rocket motor and incorporates advanced technologies.
• The missile features a state-of-the-art navigation and integrated avionics system.
• Pralay can alter its trajectory during mid-flight.

What is the News ?

The Prime Minister recently opened the first part of the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC) called Yashobhoomi in New Delhi's Dwarka.

Facts About:

• YashoBhoomi,' also known as the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), is a modern and advanced convention center located in Dwarka, New Delhi.
• It's one of the largest places in the world for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

Key features:

• The project covers an area of over 8.9 lakh square meters and costs about Rs 5400 crores.
• The Convention Center is huge, with 15 convention rooms, including the Main Auditorium, the Grand Ballroom, and 13 meeting rooms. It can hold up to 11,000 delegates.
• It has the country's biggest LED media facade.
• The plenary hall in the Convention Center can seat about 6,000 guests.
• There are also large exhibition halls covering over 1.07 lakh square meters for exhibitions, trade fairs, and business events.
• The center is environmentally friendly, with a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system that recycles 100% of the wastewater and provisions for rainwater harvesting.

What is the News ?

Presently, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Prahari is on an international mission covering ASEAN countries.

Facts About:

• Samudra Prahari is an Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) specifically designed for pollution control purposes.

Key Highlights:

• It holds the distinction of being Southeast Asia's pioneering pollution control vessel.
• Equipped with cutting-edge Pollution Response and Control equipment for effectively managing oil spills within the Exclusive Economic Zone.
• Features tanks and inflatable barges for the storage of oil spills.
• Capable of seamless oil recovery operations with a substantial storage capacity of 500 KL.
• Designed to accommodate and operate a twin-engine Advanced Light Helicopter, along with the capability to handle and embark Chetak helicopters.
• Notable features encompass an integrated platform management system, power management system, high-powered external firefighting system, and an indigenous gun mount with firefighting capabilities.
• The vessel possesses unmanned machinery operation capabilities for enhanced efficiency.

What is the News ?

The wildlife officials have found the TrailGuard AI camera-alert system very useful in the Kanha-Pench corridor in Madhya Pradesh.

Facts About:

• These cameras are thin and can be discreetly placed in trees.
• They look like a pen, measuring 13.8 cm long and 1.4 cm wide. They are connected to another unit, about the size of a notepad.
• These cameras have special software that can be told to take pictures of specific animals or people.
• They are really small, about the size of a person's index finger when you consider the camera head and the infrared sensor.
• You can set them to capture specific things like humans or certain animals like lions, tigers, or cheetahs.
• If the camera is near a cellphone tower, it can send pictures in just 30 seconds. If it's far from a tower, it might take 3-10 minutes using a longer method.
• The 'AI' part of this system means that it doesn't send every picture it takes. Instead, it only sends pictures that are interesting to the forest officials.
• This camera was created by RESOLVE, a non-profit organization. The brain of this camera is Intel's Myriad chip.

What is the News ?

India is getting ready to bring in a new group of cheetahs from South Africa and release them into the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

Facts About:

• Location: Situated at the northern border of Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur and Nimach districts, adjacent to Rajasthan.
• Area: Covers 368.62 km2 (142.32 sq mi) and is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion.
• Establishment: Established in 1974 and officially designated as a sanctuary in 1984.
• River Chambal: Divides the sanctuary into two sections and adds to its unique landscape.
• Terrain: Features diverse topography, including hills, plateaus, and the catchment area of the Gandhi Sagar Dam on the Chambal River.
• Cultural Significance: Houses historical, archaeological, and religious sites like Chaurasigarh, Chaturbhujnath temple, Bhadkaji rock paintings, Narsinghjhar Hinglajgarh fort, and Taxakeshwar temple.
• Flora: Dominated by tree species like Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.
• Fauna: Home to herbivores such as Chinkara, Nilgai, and Spotted Deer, as well as carnivores like the Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal. The sanctuary also hosts a variety of aquatic life, including crocodiles, fish, otters, and turtles.

What is the News ?

Scrub Typhus claims 5 lives, while Leptospirosis spreads in Odisha; health authorities remain vigilant.

Facts About:

• Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi bacteria, is prevalent in Asia-Pacific regions, including India.
• It spreads via chigger mites in rural areas. Symptoms include high fever, headaches, muscle pain, and a distinctive rash, often leading to swollen lymph nodes.
• If untreated, it can cause severe complications affecting vital organs.
• Diagnosis relies on clinical symptoms and blood tests.
• Timely antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin are effective treatments.
• Preventive measures include protective clothing, insect repellent, and avoiding dense vegetation.
• Recent cases in Odisha, have prompted heightened health alerts and emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment, alongside public awareness efforts.

About Leptospirosis:

• Leptospirosis caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans, is a potentially fatal zoonotic disease and is common in warm, humid regions worldwide.
• Humans can contract it from infected animal urine, particularly rodents, cattle, pigs, and dogs.
• Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Leptospirosis may occur in two phases, with the second phase being more severe and potentially causing kidney or liver failure, or meningitis.
• Antibiotics are effective in treating the disease, particularly when administered early.
• It's prevalent in both urban and rural areas, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and public health awareness.

What is the News ?

Recently, a group of researchers in Kerala found two brand new antlion species. They're called Nemoleon ghoshi and Nemoleon madayiensis.

Facts About:

• These two new antlion species are part of the Myrmeleontidae family in the Neuroptera order.
• Antlions are well-known for their habit of building pits.
• Some antlion types, during their larval stages, create cone-shaped pits in loose, dry soil to catch their prey.
• However, the larvae of Nemoleon don't build pits. They live beneath the surface in loose soil, which provides them protection from sunlight, wind, and rain.
• You can easily recognize antlions by their long, distinct antennae.
• This is the first time that the Nemoleon genus has been spotted in the Oriental region.
• In Kerala, these are the 5th and 6th antlion species to be discovered, and they are the 125th and 126th species found in India.
• Antlions are found all around the world, mainly in dry, sandy areas.
• The research was made possible with financial support from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

What is the News ?

India has made a request to Australia for a replenishment of monoclonal antibody doses to fight against the Nipah virus.

Facts About:

Monoclonal antibodies, often abbreviated as moAbs or mAbs, are artificially created proteins in laboratories that mimic the function of natural antibodies found in our immune system.

• These antibodies play a crucial role in identifying foreign substances called antigens and attaching to them to neutralize or eliminate them.

The term "monoclonal" indicates that these laboratory-made antibodies are exact copies of a single antibody.

• They are produced by replicating a specific type of immune cell known as a B cell, resulting in large quantities of identical antibodies.

This process leads to the development of highly specialized antibodies that can precisely target specific antigens, which might include viruses, bacteria, cancer cells, or other disease-related molecules.

• Their remarkable specificity reduces the risk of unintended side effects.

Monoclonal antibodies find applications in various medical fields, including the treatment of cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

What is the News ?

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare (DA & FW) recently introduced the Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics, and its launch was attended by members of NITI Aayog.

Facts About:

• This innovative platform is specifically designed to improve the management of data within the agricultural sector.
• It represents a significant stride towards a more efficient and responsive framework for agricultural policies.
• As a vital part of the Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture, it's an initiative led by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare to streamline data management in agriculture.
• The primary goal is to offer real-time, standardized, and verified data about agricultural commodities, simplifying data-driven decision-making for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders.
• This initiative is in line with the principles of e-governance, introducing intelligence, transparency, and flexibility to India's agricultural sector.

What is the News ?

The 14th World Spice Congress (WSC) recently kicked off in Vashi, Navi Mumbai.

Facts About:

• The World Spice Congress (WSC) was originally conceived in 1990 as a platform for discussions and interactions between spice importers and exporters.

  Over its three decades of existence, it has evolved into a vital gathering for the global spice industry.

• Since its inception, the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has organized the WSC.

 The theme for WSC 2023 is "VISION 2030: S-P-I-C-E-S," which stands for sustainability, productivity, innovation, collaboration, excellence, and safety.

About the Spices Board of India:

• The Spices Board of India was established on February 26, 1987, through the Spices Board Act of 1986. It was formed by merging the former Cardamom Board (1968) and the Spices Export Promotion Council (1960).
• It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• The board has the responsibility of promoting the export of 52 scheduled spices and facilitating the development of both small and large cardamom.
• It serves as a crucial link connecting Indian exporters with foreign importers.

Main Functions:

• Conducting research, development, and regulation related to the domestic marketing of small and large cardamom.
• Enhancing post-harvest practices for all spices.
• Promoting the production, processing, and certification of organic spices.
• Supporting the development of spices in the North East region.
• Providing quality evaluation services.

What is the News ?

The government has announced that starting from October 1, all births and deaths in the country will be registered digitally on the Centre's portal.

Facts About:

• Digital birth certificates are set to become a single, versatile document thanks to the 2023 Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act.
• This document will serve various purposes such as admission to schools, applying for driver's licenses, government jobs, passports, Aadhaar, voter registration, and even marriage registration.
• The central database will also keep the National Population Register (NPR), ration cards, property records, and electoral rolls up to date.
• All states will be required to use the Centre's Civil Registration System (CRS) portal to register births and deaths and share this data with the Registrar General of India (RGI).

What is the News ?

Recently, the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs announced that India has achieved the status of being an OIML certificate-issuing authority.

Facts About:

• OIML, short for the International Organisation of Legal Metrology, was established in 1955 as an international body.
• Its primary role is to develop model regulations, standards, and related documents that are used by legal metrology authorities and industry worldwide.
• OIML plays a vital part in aligning national laws and regulations concerning the accuracy of measuring instruments such as clinical thermometers, alcohol breath analyzers, radar speed measuring devices, ship tanks at ports, and petrol dispensing units.
• India joined the OIML in 1956 and simultaneously signed the metric convention.
• Headquartered in Paris, France.

What is the News ?

Recently, the Chief Justice of India declared the inclusion of the Supreme Court in the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) during a public court session.

Facts About:

• The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) portal serves as a comprehensive national database for tracking cases in courts throughout India.
• It provides access to case-related information and statistics, including the number of cases filed, pending, and resolved, as well as case types and year-wise data for the Supreme Court of India.
• The NJDG portal is part of the e-Courts Project and covers 18,735 District & Subordinate Courts and High Courts.
• Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in collaboration with the Computer Cell, Registry's software development team, the NJDG portal features an interactive interface and analytics dashboard.
• It is regularly updated with current case data and serves as a valuable tool for monitoring and managing case backlogs, supporting policy decisions to expedite case resolution, and improving overall court performance.
• Additionally, it aids in tracking land dispute cases.

What is the News ?

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has teamed up with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India to jointly develop data-driven innovations for the benefit of smallholder farmers in agriculture and food systems.

Facts About:

• This partnership aims to improve the well-being of smallholder farmers by jointly using open-source data for product development, technology transfer, and policy formulation.
• It focuses on enhancing climate resilience in agriculture and involves sharing collaborative digital resources like DiCRA (Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture).
• DiCRA offers access to essential geospatial data related to climate-resilient agriculture and is curated by UNDP and partner organizations.
• This collaboration represents a significant opportunity to harness data and present it as a digital public infrastructure for India's rural farming community.
• Such open data innovations can promote best practices, optimize agricultural investments, and bolster the resilience of smallholder farmers, including women, against various challenges.

What is the News ?

Recently, Airbus delivered the first C-295MW transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force in Seville, Spain.

Facts About:

• C-295 MW Aircraft a versatile transport aircraft with a capacity of 5-10 tonnes.
• Replacing the 1960s Avro aircraft in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Suitable for various missions.
• Contract includes 16 fly-away aircraft from Seville and 40 to be jointly manufactured with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL).

Key Features:

• Up to 11-hour flight endurance.
• All-weather, day and night operations.
• Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) capability.
• Rear ramp door for troop and cargo drops.
• Air tanker conversion with a detachable refueling kit.
• Airborne Early Warning (AEW) variant with 360-degree radar coverage.
• Water bomber capability (7,000 liters).
• Close-air support and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).
• Suitable for medical evacuation, airdropping, and special missions.

What is the News ?

The Ministry of Skill Development has just introduced the Skill India Digital (SID) platform.

Facts About:

• Skill India Digital (SID) is India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for skill development, education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
• It consolidates various skilling initiatives, offering over 264 courses from 42,623 centers nationwide.
• Developed by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in partnership with industry players.
• Part of the World Bank-assisted Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) program.
• Supports multiple Indian languages and uses Aadhaar-based eKYC for secure access.
• Features user-friendly interface, adaptable to various devices.
• Utilizes AI and facial recognition for personalized course recommendations.
• Integrates government training programs from Central and State governments.
• Introduces Digitally Verified Credentials (DVCs) for secure skill showcasing.
• Offers Digital CVs with personalized QR Codes for easy access to qualifications and skills.

What is the News ?

The Union Cabinet recently gave the green light to the third phase of the eCourts Projects, allocating a budget of ?7,210 crore for it.

Facts About:

• The eCourts Project is a nationwide initiative aimed at modernizing the Indian judiciary by using technology.
• It all began with the 'National Policy and Action Plan for Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Indian Judiciary – 2005,' proposed by the eCommittee of the Supreme Court of India.
• This committee was formed by the Government of India in response to a suggestion from the Chief Justice of India.
• Its purpose is to develop a national strategy for computerizing the Indian judiciary and advise on technological and management-related improvements.
• This project covers all District Courts across India and is overseen and funded by the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India

The eCourts Project has several key goals:

• Providing efficient and citizen-centric services in a timely manner.
• Implementing decision support systems in courts.
• Automating processes to increase transparency and access to information.
• Boosting judicial productivity to make the justice system affordable, accessible, cost-effective, predictable, reliable, and transparent.
• Phase I of the eCourts Project was completed in 2015, computerizing 14,249 court sites. Phase II expanded this effort, computerizing 18,735 District and Subordinate courts.

What is the News ?

Rajnish Kumar, professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has won the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar prize for science and technology.

Facts About:

• Named after the founder Director of CSIR India, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar.
• Given annually for outstanding contributions in science and technology.
• Prize amount: Rs 5,00,000.
• Awarded in various disciplines including Biological, Chemical, Earth, Engineering, Mathematical, Medical, and Physical Sciences.
• Eligible for Indian citizens up to age 45, including OCI and PIO working in India.
• Recognizes work primarily conducted in India during the five years prior.
• Awardees selected based on recommendations from CSIR Advisory Committees.

What is the News ?

India and Saudi Arabia have recently decided to accelerate the progress of the $50 billion West Coast refinery project.

Facts About:

• The West Coast refinery project, also known as Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. (RRPCL), was initially conceived in 2014.

          It is intended to be India's largest greenfield refinery, boasting a massive capacity of 60 million tonnes per annum.

          This project is set to become the world's largest integrated refinery and petrochemical facility.

• Location-wise, the project is planned to be situated on India's western coast, specifically in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
• Upon completion, the refinery is anticipated to produce approximately 1.2 million barrels of oil daily, in addition to various petroleum products generated by the attached petrochemical facilities.
• Three prominent government-owned enterprises in the Indian oil and gas sector came together to establish a joint venture named RRPCL.
• RRPCL is a joint venture in which India's three national oil companies, namely Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), hold stakes of 50%, 25%, and 25%, respectively.
• In 2019, Saudi Aramco and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) also joined the project by acquiring a collective 50 percent stake.

           This investment is estimated to be valued at around Rs 3 lakh crore, covering the setup costs.

What is the News ?

Recently, Indian overnight index swap (OIS) rates have surged to their highest levels in a span of 10 months. This increase has been attributed to offshore payments and the triggering of stop-loss orders.

Facts About:

• An Overnight Index Swap (OIS) is a financial tool that involves exchanging returns from a fixed-rate asset for a predetermined daily overnight reference rate index for an agreed-upon duration.
• The primary goal of OIS is to mitigate interest rate risk, specifically the risk linked to changes in the overnight lending rate.
• An OIS rate is computed daily, and it is based on the average interest rate that institutions with loans tied to the overnight rate have paid for that particular day.

How does an OIS Operate:

• OIS instruments enable financial institutions to exchange the interest rates they are currently paying, all without the need to refinance or alter the terms of their existing loans.
• In a typical overnight index swap arrangement, one financial institution swaps an overnight (floating) interest rate, while the other swaps a fixed short-term interest rate.
• To initiate the swap, both institutions agree to maintain their loan obligations as usual.
• However, at the end of an agreed-upon timeframe, the institution that ends up paying less interest will compensate the other institution for the difference.

What is the News ?

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) recently marked World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day.

Facts About:

• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a rare and severe genetic disorder that primarily affects muscles.
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a condition passed down through families, which means it's in your genes.
• It mainly affects the muscles, the body's moving parts, making them weaker and less effective as time goes on.
• DMD often begins in childhood, more commonly in boys than girls.
• Signs typically appear when children are about 3 to 5 years old, with noticeable difficulties in walking and getting around.
• Children with DMD may also struggle with breathing and using their arms and legs.
• Unfortunately, DMD worsens as time passes, making everyday tasks more challenging.
• Although there is no cure, there are treatments and therapies available that can help manage the symptoms and enhance the quality of life for those with DMD.

About World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day:

• World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day falls on 7th September annually.
• The aim of this day is to increase awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy and to encourage initiatives that enhance the lives of individuals with dystrophinopathies through education, advocacy, and promoting social inclusion.

What is the News ?

The Indian shipping Minister recently mentioned that India and Russia want to start working on the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC).

Facts About:

• The EMC is like a new sea road that connects the Indian port of Chennai with the Russian port of Vladivostok.
• This new road is expected to make it much faster to move things between Indian and Russian ports in the Far East. It could be up to 40 percent faster, which means instead of taking 40 days, it might only take 24 days.
• Right now, when things are shipped from Mumbai, India, to St. Petersburg, Russia, it's a really long trip of 8,675 nautical miles.
• The EMC, on the other hand, is a shorter route, only about 5,600 nautical miles, which is way quicker than the current path through the Suez Canal.
• So, when the EMC is ready, it will be a faster way to send stuff from India to Far East Russia.
• It's great for India, because it's a quicker and better route to reach places in the Far East like China and Japan.

What is the News ?

In recent discoveries, two new spider species, named Palpimanus Godawan and Palpimanus Maldhok, were identified within the conservation areas of Rajasthan Desert National Park and Solapur.

Facts About:

• These two spider species, Godawan and Maldhok, have been named in tribute to the local name of the Great Indian Bustard.

Features of these Spiders:

• These spiders are quite reserved and tend to seek shelter under rocks or in crevices when they feel disturbed.
• They exhibit a maroon coloration, a distinctive characteristic shared with the other two recognized species within the Palpimanidae genus.
• Being ground-dwelling creatures, they possess relatively robust bodies, which restricts their ability to disperse in the typical spider fashion through ballooning or shooting webs to move from place to place.
• They tend to remain within a limited area.

What is the News ?

During recent archaeological excavations at the megalithic dolmen site near Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada, researchers discovered terracotta figurines in various states of preservation that are quite distinct.

Facts About:

The Megalithic culture in India is renowned for its various burial practices and the use of iron.

• One of these practices involves the construction of dolmens.

Characteristics:

• Dolmens consisted of large stone slabs, known as orthostats, placed in a clockwise arrangement, forming a square chamber.
• This square chamber was sealed by another massive stone slab acting as a capstone.
• Typically, an entrance, often circular or U-shaped, known as a port hole, was created on the Eastern slab.

In South India, it was known by various names such as Kalmane, Pandavara Mane, Moriyara Mane, and Moriyara Betta, highlighting its popularity among the local population.

Significance:

• The presence of cow bovines in these dolmens assists in establishing their historical timeline.

The discovery of terracotta artifacts within megalithic burials provides valuable insights into the Bhoota cult or Daiva Aradhane in coastal Karnataka.

Similarities with cow goddess figures are observed in the megalithic terracotta figurines of Malampuzha in Kerala and even in Egypt.

What is the News ?

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala chaired a National KCC Conference in Mumbai on 4th September 2023 to boost Kisan Credit Card (KCC) saturation among animal husbandry and dairy farmers.

Facts About:

Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Historical Background: Introduced in 1998 to simplify and streamline access to timely credit support for farmers. Expanded in 2004 to include allied and non-farm activities. Extended to fisheries and animal husbandry in the Budget-2018-19.

Objectives:

• Meet short-term credit needs for cultivation.
• Cover post-harvest expenses.
• Fulfill household consumption needs.
• Implementing Agencies: Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks, Cooperatives.

Salient Features:

• Offers an ATM-enabled RuPay Card.
• Requires one-time documentation.
• Allows for cost escalation in the limit.
• Permits multiple withdrawals within the limit.
• Covers post-harvest expenses, produce marketing loans, and household consumption.
• Repayment period aligned with crop harvesting and marketing.
• Maximum short-term loan tenure: 1 year, long-term loan: 5 years.
• Interest subvention scheme of 2% for short-term crop loans up to Rs. 3 lakh.
• Additional 2% interest subvention and 3% prompt repayment incentive.
• Simple interest for prompt payments; compound interest for delays.

Benefits:

• Interest rates as low as 2.00%.
• No security required for loans up to Rs. 1.60 lakh.
• Crop insurance coverage against various calamities.
• Insurance coverage for permanent disability, death, and other risks provided to farmers.

What is the News ?

President Droupadi Murmu recently launched the First Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights in New Delhi.

Facts About:

• Location: ICAR Convention Centre, National Agricultural Science Centre, New Delhi. from September 12 to 15, 2023.
• Historical Background: The concept of hosting the inaugural GFSR was proposed by the Government of India during the Ninth Session of the Governing Body (GB9) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (International Treaty) in September 2022.

                 This proposal received approval from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization).

• Organized by: The Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (International Treaty) under the umbrella of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) based in Rome.
• Hosted by: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Authority, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), and ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR).
• Objective: The primary aim is to address crucial issues concerning farmers' rights and their pivotal role in global food security and agriculture.
• Distinguished scientists and experts from 59 countries around the world will participate.
• They will engage in discussions on how to acknowledge and compensate the significant contributions made by local and indigenous communities, as well as farmers from all corners of the world, in preserving and advancing plant genetic resources (PGR).

What is the News ?

The Kerala health department sent out a warning in Kozhikode because they suspected that two individuals who passed away from unusual causes in the district might have contracted the Nipah virus (NiV).

Facts About:

Nipah virus infection is an illness that can be passed from animals to humans.

• The virus responsible for Nipah Virus encephalitis is an RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family and Henipavirus genus.
• It is closely related to the Hendra virus.

This virus first emerged in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999.

• Initially, it was detected in domestic pigs but has since been found in various domestic animals, including dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep.

Transmission:

The disease is transmitted through fruit bats, often referred to as 'flying foxes,' specifically those belonging to the Pteropus genus.

• These bats are natural hosts for both Nipah and Hendra viruses.
• The virus is present in bat urine and, potentially, in bat feces, saliva, and birthing fluids.

Symptoms:

• Typically, when humans become infected, they experience symptoms resembling encephalitis, which include fever, headaches, drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, coma, and sometimes even death.

Treatment: Currently, there is no specific treatment available for this virus.

What is the News ?

As part of the National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR), the Ministry of Education is encouraging states to establish Vidya Samiksha Kendras (VSKs).

Facts About:

• Vidya Samiksha Kendra, abbreviated as VSKs, serves as a comprehensive data repository housing information from all Ministry of Education (MoE) initiatives.
• These Kendras operate control rooms responsible for collecting data, monitoring key performance indicators, and employing AI and machine learning to analyze data sourced from government schemes.

This repository regularly updates data from various sources, including:

• The PM-POSHAN mid-day meal programs.
• Teacher training data sourced from the National Initiative for School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement portal.
• Textbook content originating from Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing.
• School attendance and dropout statistics accessible through the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+).
• Students' learning outcomes as determined by the National Achievement Survey.
• The Performance Grading Index, evaluating the state and union territory-level school education systems.

Funding for this initiative includes a central allocation ranging from 2 to 5 crore rupees to each state for the adoption and establishment of VSKs.

What is the News ?

The Phanigiri artefacts, which were found in 1942 and date back to 200 BCE-400 CE, are currently showcased at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Facts About:

• The Phanigiri Buddhist site is a significant discovery in Buddhist iconography in this era.
• Phanigiri, a small village located in Telangana, is where these artefacts were unearthed.

Key Discoveries:

• The thoranas found at Phanigiri hold great importance, especially because they are some of the earliest ones discovered south of Sanchi.
• One particular thorana has a panel that depicts both Mahayana and Hinayana schools of Buddhist thought.
• Evidence from Phanigiri indicates the transformation of Buddha's status, marking a transition from a historical and spiritual figure to canonization and ritualization.
• In the monograph of this discovery, you can find an image of Buddha wearing what appears to be a Roman toga, carved in limestone.

What is the News ?

Gene-drive technology has been employed in India, Brazil, and Panama under carefully controlled outdoor conditions to genetically modify mosquitoes.

Facts About:

• Gene-drive technology is a form of genetic engineering that involves the modification of genes.
• This groundbreaking technique was conceptualized by Professor Austin Burt from Imperial College London.
• Its potential lies in effectively addressing issues posed by pest species, such as malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
• Rather than adhering strictly to Mendelian genetics principles, this method ensures the selective inheritance of specific genes by mosquitoes.

Here's how it works:

• A protein precisely cleaves the mosquito's DNA at a specific location that doesn't encode a particular sequence in the genome.
• This action triggers a natural cellular mechanism to repair the DNA, compelling the incorporation of a designated sequence known as the 'drive sequence' into the repaired region.

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Recently, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has requested fintech organizations to establish a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO).

Facts About:

• A Self-Regulatory Organization is an independent entity, not affiliated with the government, responsible for formulating and enforcing industry-specific rules and standards that govern the behavior of its member entities.
• The primary objectives are safeguarding customers' interests and fostering a culture of ethics, fairness, and professionalism within the industry.

Key Functions of an SRO:

• Facilitating Communication: A recognized SRO serves as a vital bridge for communication between its members and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

                        This ensures a seamless flow of information and feedback.

• Setting Standards: SROs play a pivotal role in establishing and upholding minimum benchmarks and standards.

                        This helps in cultivating professional and ethical conduct among their member entities.

• Education and Awareness: SROs contribute to enhancing industry expertise by providing training to the staff of their members and other relevant stakeholders.

                        They also organize awareness programs to disseminate knowledge.

• Grievance Resolution: An important function of an SRO is to create a uniform framework for addressing grievances and managing disputes across its member organizations, promoting fairness and transparency.

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The Eastern Economic Forum, taking place in the Russian port city of Vladivostok, will be graced by the presence of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

Facts About:

The EEF, established in 2015, serves as a catalyst for attracting foreign investments into the Russian Far East (RFE). It effectively showcases the economic potential of the region, favorable business conditions, and enticing investment opportunities.

• The significance of the EEF is underlined by the remarkable increase in agreements signed during the forum, surging from 217 in 2017 to a staggering 380 agreements in 2021, valued at 3.6 trillion roubles.

These agreements span various sectors, including infrastructure, transportation, mineral exploration, construction, industry, and agriculture.

Key Players:

• In the RFE, China, South Korea, Japan, and India emerge as pivotal players, with China leading the pack as the largest investor.
• China recognizes the potential for advancing its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Polar Sea Route in the RFE, accounting for a substantial 90% of total investments in the region.

Objectives:

• Russia's strategic vision for the RFE involves linking the nation to the bustling Asian trade routes.
• Through rapid modernization efforts in cities such as Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Ulan-Ude, Chita, and more, Russia aims to attract increased investments to fortify its economic resilience amidst challenges like economic crises and sanctions, with support from China and other Asian powers.

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The RBI is considering launching a pilot program for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) specifically designed for interbank borrowing or the call money market.

Facts About:

• The Interbank Call Money Market is a short-term financial market where big institutions borrow and lend money to each other at interbank rates, which are the interest rates banks charge when they borrow from one another.
• The loans in this market are very short, typically lasting only a week or less.
• These loans are often used by banks to meet their reserve requirements.
• It's not just banks that use this market; other participants can include financial institutions, mutual funds, large corporations, and insurance companies.

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New Delhi recently hosted a full-day conference discussing "Transnational Grid Interconnections for One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG).

Facts About:

The OSOWOG initiative was introduced by the Prime Minister of India during the First Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in October 2018.

Its goal is to link energy supply across international borders.

Vision:

• The initiative plans to connect various regional power grids using a common grid to transmit renewable energy, especially solar power.

The project is a collaboration between the governments of India and the UK, along with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the World Bank Group.

It will bring together governments, financial organizations, legislators, power operators, and experts to speed up the development of the infrastructure needed for a world powered by clean energy.

Completion timeline:

• The ISA is expected to establish this grid in the next few years.
• Once operational, it will transmit solar power to different countries.

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The Prime Minister of India recently declared the establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance.

Facts About:

• The Global Biofuels Alliance is an initiative led by India that aims to bring together governments, international organizations, and industry to promote the use of biofuels.
• So far, 19 countries and 12 international organizations, including G20 members and non-members, have joined this alliance.

                     India, Brazil, and the US are its founding members.

• The alliance's main goal is to encourage the use of sustainable biofuels, especially in transportation.

Why it matters:

• The alliance will focus on strengthening markets, promoting global biofuels trade, sharing practical policy lessons, and providing technical support for national biofuels programs worldwide.
• It will support the development and use of sustainable biofuels through capacity-building, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing.
• The alliance will create a virtual marketplace to connect industries, countries, and technology providers involved in biofuels.
• Additionally, it will work on establishing internationally recognized standards and regulations to promote biofuels adoption and trade.

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At the G20 summit venue, Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister of India greeted the leaders with a backdrop featuring a replica of the Konark Wheel from Odisha's Sun Temple in Puri.

Facts About:

• The Konark Wheel was created in the 13th century when King Narasimhadeva-I ruled.
• This wheel, with 24 spokes, is also seen on India's national flag.
• It represents India's ancient knowledge, advanced civilization, and great architecture.
• The spinning motion of the Konark Wheel represents time, Kalachakra, and the idea of constant progress and change.
• It's a strong symbol of democracy, reflecting the endurance of democratic values and dedication to societal progress.

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The Prime Minister of India recently declared the start of a massive economic corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe.

Facts About:

• The project involves India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany, and the US.
• Its goal is to boost trade between these countries, especially in energy products.
• The IMEC has two parts:

              An Eastern Corridor linking India to the Gulf region and

              A Northern Corridor connecting the Gulf region to Europe.

• It includes railways, ship-rail transit, and road routes.
• This corridor will have a railway, an electricity cable, a hydrogen pipeline, and a high-speed data cable.
• In the future, it will play a big role in connecting India, West Asia, and Europe economically.
• This rail and shipping corridor is part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII).
• Why is it important?
• It will increase prosperity by enhancing energy and digital communications flow among these nations.
• The project will also address the infrastructure needs of developing countries in terms of growth.

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The Government of India's patent office recently awarded a patent to the Botanical Survey of India for a reusable straw made from bamboo (Schizostachyum andamanicum).

Facts About:

• This bamboo is pretty rare and can only be found in certain forests in the Andaman Islands.
• It likes to grow in wet tropical areas.
• This type of bamboo has tall, skinny stems that are hollow inside. It's perfect for making straws.
• It has little white flowers that grow together in groups. The seeds are small and black, and the baby plants have thin, light green leaves.

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The Indian and French Navies recently conducted Phase II of the Varuna naval exercise in the Arabian Sea.

Facts About:

• This is a naval exercise that India and France have been doing together since 1993.
• In this exercise, they use guided missile frigates, tankers, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and helicopters from both sides.
• The goal is to make their fighting skills better, work together smoothly, and show that they can keep the peace, security, and stability in the region.
• This exercise also helps the two navies work together and cooperate to keep the seas safe and free for everyone around the world.

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The Supreme Court of India has transferred its environmental oversight committee, the Central Empowered Committee, to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Facts About:

• The Supreme Court created this committee in 2002, and it was restructured in 2008.
• Its main job was to keep an eye on environmental issues and make sure everyone followed the rules.
• Now, there have been some changes. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change says the CEC shouldn't be a temporary group anymore; it should become a permanent team that deals with environmental stuff.

Here's how the new CEC will be set up:

• It will have a chairperson who has 25 years of experience in environment, forests, and wildlife or 25 years of big-time government work.
  • They can't be older than 66 years and should be at least an additional secretary in rank.
• The member secretary will be a full-time government officer, at least a Deputy Inspector General of forests or a director in the Government of India.
• They need to know a lot about the environment, forests, or wildlife and have 12 years of experience.
• There will be three expert members, one each for environment, forests, and wildlife. They should have 20 years of experience.
• The central government will pick these members for a three-year term.

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The Central Government recently asked the public to share their thoughts on the draft rules for stopping and controlling deceptive tactics on the Internet.

Facts About:

• Dark patterns are sneaky and tricky design tricks that websites, apps, and digital platforms use to fool or manipulate users into doing things they might not want to do or making choices that aren't good for them.
• The term "dark patterns" was coined back in 2010 by Harry Brignull, a specialist in making sure user experiences are good.
• These tricky tricks are often used to get users to sign up for things, buy stuff, or share their personal info, among other stuff.
• Dark patterns work by using the way our brains work and making us do things we might not mean to do. They can be just a little misleading or really pushy and aggressive.
• There are 12 types of dark patterns including, Friend spam, Forced continuity, Disguised ads, Confirm shaming, Bait and switch, Hidden costs, Roach motel, Privacy zuckering, Misdirection, Price comparison prevention, Trick questions, Sneak into basket

       For example, "confirm shaming" is when they use words, videos, sounds, or anything else to make you feel bad or embarrassed so you'll do what they want you to do.

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Scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology have made a historic discovery in India. They have identified the Clade 9 variant of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) here for the first time.

Facts About:

• Varicella-zoster is a type of herpes virus that gives you chickenpox, which is a common illness when you're a kid.
• This virus only infects humans and belongs to the α-herpesvirus family.
• It's found all over the world and spreads easily.
• When you first get infected with this virus, you get chickenpox, which is also called acute varicella.
• In some cases, this virus can even affect your central nervous system and lead to serious problems.

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