Papua New Guinea

  Source: PIB India and Papua New Guinea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on sharing INDIA STACK, successful digital solutions implemented at the population scale, following the Global DPI Summit organized by MeitY in Pune. The MoU aims to enhance digital transformation in areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure, Digital Identity, Digital Payment, Data …

Niger

  Source: TH In Niger, the military coup has led to the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup plotters have named General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new leader, citing security concerns related to jihadist violence.   Niger or the Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is a unitary state bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin and Burkina Faso to the southwest, Mali to the west, and Algeria to …

Lao PDR (Laos)

Mapping  Source:  Newonair  During the 3rd round of Foreign Office Consultations, five MoUs were signed between India and Laos for Quick Impact Projects in education, health, water facility, and IT. Both countries have deep religious and people-to-people connections, fostering excellent political relations. Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) are small-scale initiatives or programs that are designed to …

Ancient pathogens released from melting ice could wreak havoc on the world

  Source: DTE  Context: The article discusses the potential risks associated with the release of ancient pathogens from melting ice in response to global warming. For example, recently a 30,000-year-old virus was revived from Siberian permafrost, and an anthrax outbreak was linked to the thawing of spores in western Siberia. The warming climate, particularly in …

Ministry of Earth Sciences

  Source: PIB The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) celebrated its 17th foundation day with the launch of several citizen-centric initiatives. Aim: These initiatives aim to enhance weather services, disseminate information, and promote ocean-related services and biodiversity.   Major Initiatives launched: Four new meteorological centres were inaugurated in Imphal (Manipur), Kohima (Nagaland), Aizawl (Mizoram), and …

SemiconIndia 2023

  Source: PIB  Context: Prime Minister inaugurates SemiconIndia 2023 in Gujarat, emphasizing India’s potential to become a global semiconductor hub and its commitment to innovation and technology.    What is Semicon India? It is an annual conference organized by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) with the primary objective of promoting the growth and development of …

Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) framework

  Source: TH Context: A successful joint expedition of ocean scientists from India, Bangladesh, and Mauritius, organized under the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) framework. The expedition onboard ORV Sagar Nidhi was the first of its kind under the CSC framework,   Objective: To enhance ocean observation and data collection to predict and manage changes in …

Self-Reliant India Fund

  Source: PIB  Context: As part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat package, the Indian government announced a Rs. 50,000 crore Equity Infusion for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the Fund of Funds. The initiative aims to provide equity funding to viable and promising MSMEs to help them grow and become larger units. The Self-Reliant …

Gulf Stream

  Source: BBC  Context: A scientific study has raised concerns that the Gulf Stream system, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), could collapse as early as 2025. The AMOC drives the Atlantic’s currents and plays a crucial role in determining Europe’s weather. If it were to collapse, it could lead to lower temperatures …

Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: DST  Context: A new study conducted by scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology reveals changes in the Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh, India. The research also estimated the surface ice velocity of the glacier, showing a reduction of about 28% in the lower ablation zone between 1999-2000 and 2020-2021. …

Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition

GS Paper 3  Syllabus: Environment and Conservation   Source: PIB  Context: The Union Minister of Environment Forest and Climate Change launched the Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC).   Where? It was launched on the sidelines of the 4th G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate Ministers meeting in …

The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2023

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation   Source: LM  Context: The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed by the Lok Sabha.   Cooperatives in India and issues faced by them:  Meaning: Co-operatives are voluntary, democratic, and autonomous …