News: Russian President has declared a state of emergency after 20,000 tonnes of diesel oil spilled into Ambarnaya river turning its surface crimson red. Facts: Ambarnaya River: It is a shallow river in Siberia, Russia which flows into Lake Pyasino, the source of Pyasina River. The river is also part of a network that flows… Continue reading Ambarnaya River Oil spill in Russia
Category: Miscellaneous
Union Minister launches Nagar van scheme
News: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Union minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change has launched Nagar van (City Forest) scheme. Facts: Aim: To increase forest cover in urban areas by developing 200 Urban Forests across the country in next five years. Implementation : It will be implemented with people’s participation and collaboration… Continue reading Union Minister launches Nagar van scheme
Periodic Labour Force Survey(PLFS) – Annual Report
News: National Statistical Office(NSO) has released the Periodic Labour Force Survey(PLFS) for July 2018 to June 2019. Facts: Unemployment Rate(UR): It is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force. It has reduced to 5.8% during 2018-19 from 6.1% during the same period of 2017-18.Under this, urban unemployment rate… Continue reading Periodic Labour Force Survey(PLFS) – Annual Report
Govt issues draft rules for drones
News: Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) has issued draft rules for drones termed The Unmanned Aircraft System(UAS) Rules,2020. Facts: Drones or Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs): It is an unmanned aircraft piloted from a remote pilot station.DGCA has identified multiple categories of drones: Nano (up to 250 g), Micro ( over 250 g), small (2-25 kg), medium… Continue reading Govt issues draft rules for drones
Cabinet amends Essential Commodities Act, approves ordinance to ease barrier-free trade
News: Cabinet has approved three separate ordinances to push agriculture marketing and commodities trade reforms in the country. Facts: Amendments to Essential Commodities Act(1955): Aim: To deregulate the commodities such as cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions and potatoes. Any limits under ECA over these commodities will be imposed only in exceptional circumstances such as… Continue reading Cabinet amends Essential Commodities Act, approves ordinance to ease barrier-free trade
HRD Ministry, Urban Affairs Ministry launches TULIP Programme
News: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA) and the All India Council for Technical Education under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) have jointly launched The Urban Learning Internship Programme(TULIP). Facts: TULIP: It is a dedicated programme offering internships to fresh graduates in all urban local bodies(ULBs) and smart cities across the country in… Continue reading HRD Ministry, Urban Affairs Ministry launches TULIP Programme
World Environment Day
News: World Environment Day is being observed on June 5, 2020. Facts: World Environment Day: It was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Aim: To spread awareness, encourage people to take steps to protect the environment. Host Country: It will be… Continue reading World Environment Day
India, Australia upgrade strategic talks to Minister level, as with US, Japan
News: Indian and Australia have held their first ever virtual leaders summit. Facts: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership(CSP): Elevated the 2009 bilateral Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership(CSP). 2+2 Dialogue: Upgraded the existing 2+2 dialogue between their Foreign and Defence Secretaries to the Ministerial level. This will bring Australia on par with the 2+2 ministerial level… Continue reading India, Australia upgrade strategic talks to Minister level, as with US, Japan
Prime minister addresses the Virtual Global Vaccine Summit 2020
News: At the Virtual Global Vaccine Summit, India has pledged 15 Million US Dollars to Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations(GAVI). Facts: The Global Vaccine Summit of GAVI is being hosted by the UK government. Aim: To mobilise funding in order to protect the next generation with vaccines, reduce disease inequality and create a healthier,… Continue reading Prime minister addresses the Virtual Global Vaccine Summit 2020
Cabinet sets up Secretaries’ group to attract investment
News: Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of an empowered group of secretaries(EGoS) and project development cells(PDCs) in Ministries and departments for attracting investments to India. Facts: Empowered Group of Secretaries(EGoS): Composition: Cabinet Secretary (Chairperson) Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (Member Convenor) CEO, NitiAayog (Member), Secretary, Department of Commerce (Member),… Continue reading Cabinet sets up Secretaries’ group to attract investment
