Recently, the Society of Earth Scientists (SES), a group of independent researchers bridging the gap between earth science and society gathered to scout a fossil park at Jhamarkotra and the metallurgical remains at Zawar, around 20 km southeast of Udaipur, Rajasthan.   About Jhamarkotra – A fossil park at Jhamarkotra located in the state of… Continue reading Jhamarkotra and Zawar

Recently, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo – the first such meeting in 12 years. During this summit, both the countries agreed to resume regular visits between their leaders and take steps to resolve a trade dispute.   What are the issues between Japan and South Korea?… Continue reading Japan-South Korea Summit

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently approved the capital acquisition of indigenously-developed military hardware worth Rs 70,584 crore.   About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) – The DAC is the highest decision-making body of the defence Ministry on procurement. Objective — To ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the armed forces. Formation — It was formed… Continue reading Defence Acquisition Council

The Swiss central bank stepped in with a $54 billion lifeline for Credit Suisse after a continuing slide in the lender’s shares triggered growing concerns about a developing bank deposit crisis.   Details – The shares of Credit Suisse plunged to a fresh all-time low after a top investor in the embattled lender said it… Continue reading Credit Suisse

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) recently reopened the strategic Zojila Pass that acts as a gateway between the union territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.   About Zojila Pass – Zojila Pass, also known as ‘The Mountain Pass of Blizzards’, is a strategic pass that connects Kashmir Valley to Ladakh. It is located on… Continue reading Zojila Pass

The government plans a seaweed park in Tamil Nadu, ignoring the threat that Kappaphycus alvarezii which is widely grown invasive seaweed, poses to corals in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park running along the state’s coastline.   About Kappaphycus alvarezii – It is seaweed (alga) which is native to the Indo-Pacific region. The International… Continue reading Kappaphycus alvarezii

Recently, honouring an acclaimed agricultural scientist KN Ganeshaiah’s contribution to the world of ecology, researchers have named a new species of gecko, endemic to Male Mahadeshwar hill Wild Life Sanctuary.   Details – Researchers named the new species as ‘Cnemaspis ganeshaiahi’ Or Ganeshaiah’s dwarf gecko. Previously, a grass species (Centotheca ganeshaiahiana) at the Saddle Peak… Continue reading Male Mahadeshwar Hill Wild Life Sanctuary

The Oscar-winning ‘Elephant Whisperers’ was filmed at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp, located inside the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.   About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve – Location — It is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, spread over 321 sq. km. at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It lies on… Continue reading Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Recently, researchers from the Institute of Advanced Studies in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, revealed that peptides derived from snake venom nerve growth factors can impede the progression of Parkinson’s disease.   Details – Researchers have developed two novel custom peptides (commercially produced peptides for use in biomedical laboratories) —TNP and HNP inspired by snake… Continue reading Peptides

Recently, the Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry informed the parliament that under Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES), financial assistance for a total of 40 export infrastructure projects has been approved during 2019-2023.   About Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) – This scheme replaced a centrally sponsored scheme… Continue reading Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme