Great Nicobar Island: The proposed Rs 80,000 crore mega infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island (GNI) has raised serious concerns among environmental activists. The project, spearheaded by NITI Aayog, includes a transshipment terminal in Galathea Bay, an greenfield airport, a greenfield township, and a tourism project with a gas-powered plant. The project will destroy 130 […]
Tag: 15th Mar 2025
Seagrass Conservation
Seagrass Conservation: A study in Nature reports that seagrasses are declining at a rate of 1–2% annually, with nearly 5% of species endangered due to human activities, highlighting the need to protect 30% of seagrass by 2030 to preserve biodiversity. Seagrasses are submerged, flowering marine aquatic plants that grow in shallow coastal waters such as […]
Decline in MPLADS Funds
Decline in MPLADS Funds: The latest data by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) indicates a decline in the total funds released by the central government for the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) compared to the 16th Lok Sabha (2014-2019). Key Highlights of the MoSPI […]
Solar Maximum Spurs Solar Missions
Solar Maximum Spurs Solar Missions: NASA’s PUNCH mission, aimed at studying the Sun’s corona, is the third major solar mission since 2023, reflecting a rise in solar missions linked to the solar cycle, which is nearing its solar maximum. The solar cycle is an 11-year period during which the Sun’s magnetic field flips, causing the […]
Cassava
Cassava: Indigenous farming has preserved cassava’s genetic diversity and earned the title of the ‘bread of the tropics’ for feeding nearly a billion people. Cassava (Yuca or Manioc) is a starchy root vegetable and the source of tapioca (a starch used in bakery products, paper, and adhesive industries). It is native to South America and […]
India Successfully Tests Astra BVRAAM from LCA Tejas AF MK1 Prototype
India Successfully Tests Astra BVRAAM from LCA Tejas AF MK1 Prototype: India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) successfully conducted the test launch of the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas AF MK1 prototype off the Chandipur coast in Odisha. The test demonstrated the missile’s accuracy and advanced […]
South-East Asia Surveillance Network
South-East Asia Surveillance Network: India has proposed the creation of a South-East Asia surveillance network to enhance multi-source collaborative surveillance for better pandemic and health emergency responses. The proposal will be discussed with the 11 member countries of WHO South-East Asia Region (SEARO) later this year. Vision of the South-East Asia Surveillance Network: Regional Health […]
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana : Report
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana : Report The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has crossed a milestone of 10 lakh solar-powered homes, with ₹4,770 crore in subsidies disbursed. As of March 10, 2025, 10 lakh households have installed rooftop solar systems, reducing reliance on conventional electricity. Over 47 lakh households have applied, showcasing […]
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources Report
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources Report: A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources reported that only 58% of the revised ₹21,640.88 crore allocation for water projects was utilized by December 2024. Findings: 40% of allocated funds remain unspent, delaying critical water projects. 2025-26 allocation rose to ₹25,276.83 crore (+18.54%) to boost groundwater management, river […]
North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR)
North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR): Union Minister laid the foundation stone for NECTAR’s permanent campus in Shillong, aiming to boost technology-driven growth in Northeast India. NECTAR is an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Focuses on technological applications for the development of Northeast India. […]
