What is the News? According to Researchers from Planetary Sciences Division of Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad the Blueberries in India and “Martian Blueberries” share similar characteristics. What are Martian Blueberries? Martian blueberries are small spherical haematites. The Mars rover “Opportunity” discovered them in 2004 on the planet Mars. What are these Martian blueberries made up… Continue reading “Martian blueberries” find a parallel in India
Author: Abdul
Centre reconstitutes “Committee on Saraswati river”
What is the news? The Central Government reconstitutes an advisory committee for studying the mythical Saraswati river for the next two years. The earlier panel’s term ended in 2019. About the Advisory Committee on Saraswati River: The Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) had first set up the Advisory Committee for the Study of the River Saraswati… Continue reading Centre reconstitutes “Committee on Saraswati river”
India rated as an “electoral autocracy” by V-Dem Institute
What is the News? Sweden-based Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute released a report titled “Autocratisation Goes Viral”. The report has downgraded India from being an “electoral democracy” to an “electoral autocracy”. Note: This report comes after US watchdog Freedom House has downgraded India’s status to “partly free” in its ‘Freedom in the World’ report. Contents1… Continue reading India rated as an “electoral autocracy” by V-Dem Institute
Plea Challenges “Places of Worship Act,1991” in SC
What is the news? The Supreme Court asked the Centre to respond to a plea challenging the Places of Worship Act, 1991. About Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991: The Act was passed in 1991. It seeks to maintain the “religious character” of places of worship as it was in 1947. The Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri… Continue reading Plea Challenges “Places of Worship Act,1991” in SC
Power Minister Launches “Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) Certifications Scheme”
What is the news? Minister for Power launches the “Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) Certifications Programme” for the Brick manufacturing Sector. About Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) Certification Programme: Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) is a certification scheme. It aims to recognise burnt clay brick manufacturers for adopting energy-efficient manufacturing. Furthermore, it encourages customers to source bricks from such E3 certified… Continue reading Power Minister Launches “Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) Certifications Scheme”
Commemorative “Dandi March” to mark 75 years of Independence
What is the News? The Prime Minister flagged off a commemorative 2021 Dandi March. It was to launch the celebrations of the 75th year of Independence – ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. About 2021 Dandi March: 81 walkers will participate in The 2021 Dandi March. They will travel through the 386 km Dandi March route in… Continue reading Commemorative “Dandi March” to mark 75 years of Independence
MHA directive on “Influx of Illegal Immigrants From Myanmar”
What is the News? Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) has written to states, sharing international boundaries with Myanmar. Chief Secretaries of these states (Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh) are asked to take appropriate action to check illegal influx from Myanmar into India. Why was this directive issued? Myanmar’s military has seized full control of the… Continue reading MHA directive on “Influx of Illegal Immigrants From Myanmar”
Panel Recommendations to improve “Air Quality in Kerala”
What is the news? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) appointed a joint committee to study air pollution in Kerala. It made several recommendations to improve air quality in Kerala. What are the key recommendations of the panel? Installation of vapor recovery systems at fuelling stations Retrofitting of diesel vehicles with particulate filters to improve air… Continue reading Panel Recommendations to improve “Air Quality in Kerala”
“AsterX” – France’s First Military Exercise in Space
What is the news? French Space Command(CDE) launched its first military space exercise called AsterX. About Exercise AsterX: The exercise has been named AsterX in reference to the first French satellite, which was put into orbit in 1965. Purpose: During the exercise, the French Military aims to monitor a potentially dangerous space object. It will… Continue reading “AsterX” – France’s First Military Exercise in Space
SC Ruling on Appointment of “State Election Commissioners”
What is the news? The Supreme Court held that independent persons should be appointed State Election Commissioners, not the Bureaucrats holding government office. What was the case? The Supreme Court gave this judgment in a case related to Goa. There the law secretary was given the charge of State Election Commissioner. What are the key… Continue reading SC Ruling on Appointment of “State Election Commissioners”
