Oilfields Amendment Bill 2024: The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 was passed by the Rajya Sabha, aiming to encourage domestic production of petroleum and mineral oils while attracting private investment.This bill seeks to amend the existing Oilfields Act of 1948 by clearly delineating the governance of oil production from mining activities.The Bill broadens […]
RBI Enhances Collateral-Free Loan for Farmers
RBI Enhances Collateral-Free Loan for Farmers: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the collateral-free loan limit for farmers from Rs 1.6 lakh to Rs 2 lakh to support small and marginal farmers amidst rising input costs.Over 86% of farmers, primarily small and marginal landholders, are expected to benefit.Includes loans for allied agricultural activities, […]
Global Decline in Diarrhoeal Disease Deaths
Global Decline in Diarrhoeal Disease Deaths: A recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases highlights a decline in global deaths caused by diarrheal diseases.There has been a nearly 60% drop in global deaths due to diarrhoeal diseases, with 1.2 million deaths reported in 2021, down from 2.9 million in 1990.Children under five and the […]
Marine Heat Wave Killed 4 Million Murre Seabirds
Marine Heat Wave Killed 4 Million Murre Seabirds: A marine heatwave (MHW) nicknamed “the Blob” killed 4 Million of Alaska’s Common Murre Seabirds between 2014 and 2016.This was the largest documented die-off of a single species of wild bird or mammal.They are black-and-white seabirds (often described as “flying penguins”) that somewhat resemble penguins in appearance, […]
State Fiscal Prudence
State Fiscal Prudence: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its report on state finances, highlighting the fiscal performance of Indian states.Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD): States contained GFD within 3% of GDP in 2022-23 and 2023-24; budgeted at 3.2% for 2024-25. Revenue Deficit: Limited to 0.2% of GDP in 2023-24. Capital Expenditure: Increased from 2.4% […]
S.A.F.E Accommodation Report
S.A.F.E Accommodation Report: NITI Aayog released its report on Site Adjacent Factory Employee (S.A.F.E.) Accommodation, emphasizing the importance of secure and affordable housing for industrial workers to boost India’s manufacturing sector.Report highlights the need for secure, affordable, and flexible housing near industrial sites to support India’s manufacturing growth.
Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum
Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum: The Indian Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with France Museums Développement, is set to establish the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum announced by the Prime Minister at the International Museum Expo in May 2023. A national museum to […]
India’s First Fully Solar-Powered Border Village
India’s First Fully Solar-Powered Border Village: Masali village in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district has become India’s first fully solar-powered border village under the PM Suryaghar Yojana.Masali Village Located in Banaskantha district, Gujarat, 40 km from the Pakistan border.Solar rooftops installed on 119 houses under the PM Suryaghar Yojana, generating over 225 kilowatts of electricity.
GLP-1 receptor agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists: The WHO has endorsed GLP-1 receptor agonists, a new class of drugs for managing obesity, marking a shift in global health strategies to combat the growing obesity epidemic.The WHO has endorsed GLP-1 receptor agonists, a new class of drugs for managing obesity, marking a shift in global health strategies to combat the […]
IRIS2 Space Programme
IRIS2 Space Programme: The EU has launched an ambitious IRIS2 space programme with a constellation of 290 satellites to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink.Nations involved: European Union member states through the European Space Agency (ESA). Launched in: Announced and initiated in 2024.Aim is to provide secure, resilient, and uninterrupted connectivity for governmental and commercial purposes,to strengthen […]