RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan: Panel formed to explore viability of tiger reserve in Kumbhalgarh

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has formed a committee to explore the possibilities of rehabilitating tigers in Kumbhalgarh forests.

During Monsoon session in Lok Sabha, MP Diya Kumari proposed the development of Kumbhalgarh as a potential tiger reserve in Rajasthan.

In a detailed report, the committee will take into consideration the present scenario of the region which includes congenial environment for tigers, landscape and connectivity, boundaries and human dwelling around the sanctuary.

INTERNATIONAL

Lunar Formation Around a Planet

For the first time, scientists have discovered a lunar formation around a planet outside the solar system-a Jupiter-like world surrounded by a disk of gas and dust large enough to produce three moons, the size of which is equivalent to one orbiting the earth.

The ALMA observatory in Chile’s Atacama desert was used to detect a disc of swirling material accumulating around one of two newborn planets seen orbiting PDS 70, a young star located 370 light years from Earth.

A light year is the distance that light travels in a year, which is approximately 9.5 trillion kilometres.

NATIONAL

Phase Two of I-STEM Portal

I-STEM, a national portal for shared research and development facilities, was launched in January 2020 with the support of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).

The I-STEM project has been extended for five years, until 2026, and has entered its second phase with new features.

During Phase II, the portal will host indigenous technology products that will be listed in a digital catalogue.

In its new phase, the I-STEM portal will be designed as a dynamic digital platform to boost research and innovation, particularly in second and third-tier cities, as well as in the emerging start-up ecosystem.

Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan – CSS

The reorganized Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme will be implemented in all states/UT in 2018-19.

It was introduced in 2018. It is a Centrally-funded  programme. The primary goal is to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The RGSA assists over 2.55 lakh Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in developing governance capabilities through inclusive local governance with a focus on maximising available resources.

Priority will be given to national issues that have the greatest impact on excluded groups, such as poverty, primary health care, nutrition, immunisation, and so on.

This scheme extends to all UTs and states in the country, and will also include rural local government agencies in non-part IX areas where Panchayats do not exist

There is no provision in the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan scheme for the formation of new Panchayats. Panchayats are formed or reorganised by the respective states/union territories based on their needs.

INS AIRAVAT – Supplies for Indonesia

INS Airavat arrives in Jakarta with relief supplies for Indonesia.

Highlights:

♦ The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Airavat arrived at the port of Jakarta, Indonesia with necessary COVID-19 relief supplies

♦ The INS Airavat is a Landing Ship Tank (Large) type of ship that primarily performs amphibious operations and can transport multiple tanks, amphibious vehicles, and other military cargo.

♦ The ship is also used for HADR relief operations and has participated in various relief efforts throughout the Indian Ocean region.

Ashadha Purnima-Dhamma Chakra Day

On Ashadha Purnima-Dhamma Chakra Day, the Prime Minister delivered a speech to the nation.

Highlights:

On this full moon day of Ashadha month in the Hindu calendar, the Dhamma Chakra day is celebrated across the world to commemorate