What is the news? Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021 has been awarded to German scientist Benjamin List and Scotland-born scientist David WC MacMillan “for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis.” What is asymmetric organocatalysis? Catalysts are substances that control and accelerate chemical reactions, without becoming part of the final product. For example, catalysts in cars transform toxic substances in exhaust fumes into harmless molecules. … Continue reading Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021
Sensing heat: On 2021 Nobel for Physiology or Medicine
What is the news? This year Nobel prize for Physiology or Medicine has been awarded for the discovery of mechanism through which our body perceives temperature and pressure. Read more – Explained: Nobel Prize in Medicine 2021 Significance of the discovery Our ability to sense touch and temperature, particularly harmful temperature (too high or too low) determines, how to interact with… Continue reading Sensing heat: On 2021 Nobel for Physiology or Medicine
Climate change: 14% coral reefs lost since 2010, says study
What is the news? As per a report, world lost its 14% coral reefs in last 10 years. The reason being ocean-acidification, warmer sea temperatures and local stressors such as overfishing, pollution, unsustainable tourism and poor coastal management. The report by Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) was drawn from a global dataset gathered by… Continue reading Climate change: 14% coral reefs lost since 2010, says study
Dust Control & Management Cells set up in National Capital Region in pursuant to directions by Commission of Air Quality
What is the news? Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had issued directions to the State Governments of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), Rajasthan, Haryana and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to set up Dust Control & Management Cells in their respective states. So far, 17 such Cells have been set… Continue reading Dust Control & Management Cells set up in National Capital Region in pursuant to directions by Commission of Air Quality
India’s school system faces acute shortage of teachers, says UNESCO report
What is the news? United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recently released its 2021 State of the Education Report (SOER) for India: “No Teachers, No Class”. About the State of the Education Report (SOER) for India It is an annual flagship report of UNESCO New Delhi. So far, two editions have been… Continue reading India’s school system faces acute shortage of teachers, says UNESCO report
41 Industrial Parks identified as “Leaders” in the Industrial Park Ratings System Report
What is the news? The 2nd edition of the Industrial Park Rating System (IPRS) Report was launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). All the States of India and 51 SEZs, including 29 Private, have participated in the IPRS 2.0 Report. What are the key findings of the IPRS 2.0… Continue reading 41 Industrial Parks identified as “Leaders” in the Industrial Park Ratings System Report
Srei’s fall and the sorrysaga of shadow lenders
What is the news? After the 2018 collapse of IL&FS and 2019 collapse of DHFL, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has added the Kolkata-based Srei Group to the country’s list of failed non-bank lenders. The regulator superseded the boards of two non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd and Srei Equipment Finance Ltd.… Continue reading Srei’s fall and the sorrysaga of shadow lenders
Govt proposes changes to Forest Conservation Act
What is the news? The Centre has proposed an amendment to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, to liberalize forest laws. The ministry sent all states a copy of the proposed amendments on October 2, seeking their objections and suggestions within 15 days. Sources said a draft proposal will be drawn and placed before Parliament once… Continue reading Govt proposes changes to Forest Conservation Act
Some dope on law: Decriminalise cannabis, rework NDPS Act, for investigative focus on hard drugs supply
What is the news? The arrest and custodial interrogation of celebrity attendees of a cruise party has reopened the debate over criminalisation of cannabis. What is the status of cannabis regulation in India? India criminalised cannabis under American pressure in 1985 through the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. As per GoI surveys, even after three decades of criminalization of cannabis, ganja… Continue reading Some dope on law: Decriminalise cannabis, rework NDPS Act, for investigative focus on hard drugs supply
Bilateral exercises: JIMEX and EXERCISE MITRA SHAKTI
What is the news? India take part in 5th edition of India – Japan Maritime Bilateral Exercise, JIMEX and 8th edition of India-Sri Lanka bilateral joint exercise Mitra Shakti this week. About Mitra Shakti 8th edition of India-Sri Lanka bilateral joint military exercise Mitra Shakti has commenced in Ampara in Sri Lanka. The two-week-long exercise… Continue reading Bilateral exercises: JIMEX and EXERCISE MITRA SHAKTI
