Context The Government of India has appointed Lt General Anil Chauhan (Retired) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).  He will also function as a Secretary to the Department of Military Affairs.  Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Genesis: The CDS was created in 2019 for a dual role, as the most senior uniformed officer […]

In News Under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the MOEFCC has set a new target of a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentration in cities by 2026. About The target was updated due to an overall improvement in PM10 levels in 2021. 20 cities have met the national standards for annual average PM10 concentration […]

In News Recently, the Supreme Court directed to stop all commercial activities within a 500-metre radius of the Taj Mahal. More about the news The Supreme Court recently directed the Agra Development Authority to stop all commercial activities within a 500-metre radius of the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The apex court has […]

In News  Methane emissions will likely increase by 13 per cent by 2030 without the Global Methane Pledge. About Global Methane Pledge,  It was launched in 2021, aims to keep alive the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal.  Over a 100 countries have committed to reducing global methane emissions by at least 30 per cent by 2030 […]

In News  The National Green Tribunal (NGT) dismissed the case it took up suo motu on the grant of forest clearance for the 3000-MW Dibang hydel project without meeting the precondition of declaring a national park. The Tribunal did so after it was informed by Arunachal Pradesh that “the local people are not willing to […]

In News  The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) declared the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its front organisations as an “unlawful association” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). About UAPA  The UAPA is India’s main law against terrorism and terrorist activities. It allows the government to declare an organisation an “unlawful association” or […]

In News Recently, a study claimed that the Mediterranean medicinal plant considered a cure-all that mysteriously vanished 2,000 years ago may still be around. About Silphion About the plant It was found in the Mediterranean. It was a golden-flowered plant.  Anatolia (Turkey)  A researcher from Istanbul University found a plant species in 2021 at three […]

In News The Prime Minister is to inaugurate the Mahakaleshwar Corridor constructed in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain at a cost of Rs 350 crore, on October 11. Background The temple in its present form was built by the Maratha general Ranoji Shinde in 1734 CE.  Before Independence, the Devasthan Trust used to look after the temple.  […]

Context The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has made the registration of IMEI number of all mobile phones mandatory before their sale in India on its anti-counterfeit and lost handset blocking portal from January 1, 2023.  All mobile phones, whether made locally or imported, will need to be registered and get IMEI (International mobile equipment identity […]

In News  There has been an increase in the magnitude, the frequency and the intensity of floods in many parts of the world.  Nearly a third of Pakistan is experiencing devastation, with a spread of diseases and severe shortage of potable water after intense flooding.  Major Events  In June 2022 Assam experienced one of its […]