Rural Community Immigration Class (RCIC) Scheme: Canada announced that the Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs) of nearly 7.66 lakh international students are set to expire by the end of next year and the Rural Community Immigration Class (RCIC) scheme provides a pathway for foreign nationals and students. It is a new programme launched by Immigration, Refugees […]
Month: January 2025
Ramesh Chand Panel
Ramesh Chand Panel: The government recently announced the formation of an 18-member panel headed by NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand to revise the base year of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and suggest a road map for switching over to the Producer Price Index (PPI). It has been established to revise the base year of […]
RBI’s 2024-25 Report on State Finances
RBI’s 2024-25 Report on State Finances: The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) recent report, “State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2024-25,” highlights significant improvements in the fiscal health of state governments post-pandemic, while also identifying areas requiring further attention. Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD): States have successfully contained their consolidated GFD within 3% of GDP […]
Polar Sundial at VSSC
Polar Sundial at VSSC: A polar sundial designed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has been showcased in the ‘Rocket Garden’ at the Space Museum in Thumba, Kerala.This sundial serves as an educational tool, demonstrating complex astronomical concepts in a visually engaging manner.The sundial features analemmatic correction, allowing it to accurately display Indian Standard […]
Brazilian Velvet Ant
Brazilian Velvet Ant: A study in the Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology revealed that the Brazilian velvet ant (Traumatomutilla bifurca) has “ultrablack” body parts.These parts absorb over 99.5% of visible light, making them nearly invisible. The discovery highlights unique biological nanostructures with potential applications in technology.Velvet ants are not “ants,” they are a species of wasp […]
Project VISTAAR
Project VISTAAR: IIT Madras has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare to launch Project VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources).A digital platform designed to enhance agricultural extension services, making critical information and start-up innovations accessible to farmers. Ministry involved: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in collaboration with IIT Madras.
In Flight Internet
In Flight Internet: Air India, part of the Tata Group, has become the first Indian airline to offer in-flight Internet on domestic flights.In-flight Wi-Fi provides passengers with Internet connectivity during flights, enabling access to online services like browsing, streaming, and messaging. Two primary systems are Air-to-Ground (ATG) and Satellite-Based Connectivity. ATG: Uses antennae under the […]
Open Data Kit Platform
Open Data Kit Platform: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has introduced a revolutionary toolkit using the Open Data Kit (ODK) platform to ensure transparency in public spending and evaluate the effectiveness of government schemes.A digital platform based on Open Data Kit (ODK) technology for designing, collecting, and managing audit-related data. Launched by: […]
Injectable Hydrogel
Injectable Hydrogel: Researchers from IIT-Guwahati and Bose Institute, Kolkata, have developed an advanced injectable hydrogel for localized cancer treatment.A water-based polymer network designed to release anti-cancer drugs precisely at the tumour site, sparing healthy cells. Developed by: Researchers from IIT-Guwahati and Bose Institute, Kolkata.
Mubarak Manzil Palace
Mubarak Manzil Palace: The 17th-century Mubarak Manzil, or Aurangzeb’s Haveli, a Mughal heritage site in Agra, was largely demolished, allegedly by a builder with official collusion, despite state archaeological protection.Located in: Agra, near the Yamuna River. Built by: Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb after his victory at the Battle of Samugarh.
