India’s New Cabinet Secretary: The Indian government has appointed TV Somanathan as the new Cabinet Secretary, succeeding Rajiv Gauba. Earlier as Finance Secretary, Somanathan was noted for his careful management of finances and contributed to Production Linked Incentive Schemes and initiatives like PM Garib Kalyan and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Cabinet Secretary is the highest-ranking civil […]
Day: August 13, 2024
Neelakurinji Declared As a Threatened Species
Neelakurinji Declared As a Threatened Species: Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flowering shrub that blooms once every 12 years, is now classified as Vulnerable (Criteria A2c) on the IUCN Red List. The species was not previously evaluated under IUCN standards due to its unique blooming cycle and ecological challenges. Strobilanthes kunthiana is an endemic shrub of […]
Vikram Sarabhai’s 105th Birth Anniversary
Vikram Sarabhai’s 105th Birth Anniversary: India celebrated Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s 105th birth anniversary on 12th August, who pioneered India’s space program and founded key institutions across various fields. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, born in Ahmedabad in 1919, is the father of India’s space program and mentor to A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He established the Physical Research Laboratory […]
Dysbiosis
Dysbiosis: The overuse and misuse of antibiotics pose significant dangers, particularly to the microbiome, the complex community of microorganisms in the human body. While antibiotics are vital for treating infections, they also indiscriminately kill beneficial bacteria, leading to a disruption known as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can have severe and long-lasting effects on health, contributing to conditions […]
Nagaland’s DRTPS Initiative
Nagaland’s DRTPS Initiative: Nagaland became the first state in India to adopt a Disaster Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS) by signing an MoU with SBI General Insurance. The insurance aims to protect critical infrastructure and reduce economic losses from extreme weather events over a three-year period (2024-2027). Parametric insurance provides a predefined payout when […]
Xerogel : Study
Xerogel : Study Researchers have developed a porous composite xerogel dressing incorporating Silica Nanoparticles and calcium that can help blood clot rapidly and provide relief for uncontrolled hemorrhage. Xerogel is a solid form of a gel obtained by drying it with unhindered shrinkage. The drying process of xerogels involves solvent evaporation under standard conditions using […]
National Institutional Ranking Framework 2024
National Institutional Ranking Framework 2024: Union Minister for Education released the India Rankings 2024, which implements the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) drafted for this purpose by the Ministry of Education in 2015. Key highlights of NIRF 2024: Indian Institute of Technology Madras retains its 1st position in the Overall Category for the sixth consecutive […]
Model Solar Village
Model Solar Village: The Scheme Guidelines for implementation of ‘Model Solar Village’ under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana have been notified by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Model Solar Village aims to create one Model Solar Village per district across India. Goal is to promote solar energy adoption and enable village communities to […]
Gotipua Dance
Gotipua Dance: Gotipua child artists, who experience the world as their stage and applause as a constant companion, face an uncertain future when they hit puberty. Gotipua Dance is the majestic folk dance of Orissa which is the precursor to the classical Odissi dance form. In the Orissa language, “Goti” means “single” and “Pua” means […]
Diamond Imprest Licence
Diamond Imprest Licence: The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry announced the introduction of the Diamond Imprest Licence at the 40th edition of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2024 organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Diamond Imprest Licence allows eligible exporters to import cut and polished diamonds, including semi-processed, half-cut, […]
