TRAI proposes use of blockchain technology

    In news: Telecom regulator Trai has issued new draft norms to curb pesky calls and SMSes by using blockchain technology. When implemented, Trai will become first organisation to implement this kind of regulation.   Key facts: The new technology aims to ensure that telemarketing messages are sent only to those who have subscribed to them, and...

‘Gaj Yatra’: Campaign lead by MoEFCC and WTI

  In news: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has rolled out the ‘Gaj Yatra’ from Tura, the principal town of Garo Hills in Meghalaya. The event involves taking an elephant mascot across districts frequented by jumbo herds for generating awareness among the people. The role of Nokmas, traditional...

Green’ Cricket in India

  The main aim of the partnership is to spread greater awareness about key environmental challenges that are facing the country and highlight alternate and more sustainable solutions.   Key facts: Through the agreement, the BCCI will endeavor to reduce its environmental impact by greening its operations and engaging cricketers and fans in green initiatives....

Inner Line Permit

    In news: The Manipur government is all set to introduce the Inner Line Permit bill in the forthcoming monsoon session of the assembly.   Background: The Manipur Assembly had passed three bills in this connection in 2015 but the President did not give assent to one bill while the two others were rejected even...

NIC launches new data centre

  National Informatics Centre (NIC) has launched a new data centre in Bhubaneshwar. Bhubaneswar becomes the fourth National data centre of National Informatics Centre (NIC) after Delhi, Hyderabad and Pune. The new cloud-enabled National Data Centre aims to offer round-the-clock operations with secure hosting for various e-governance applications of Central and State Governments and has ability...

“Transformation of aspirational” districts programme

  In news: The Tata Trusts has joined hands with the government to help it in development initiatives in eight worst Naxal-affected districts in Chhattisgarh, which were covered under the “transformation of aspirational” districts programme. As per the pact, the Tata Trusts will help the government in conducting surveys and providing ground level and technical support...

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)

  In news: Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is engaged in restoration works of a trove of more than 600 pages of rare Tibetan manuscripts which contains Buddha’s teachings written in gold letters. The restoration work is being carried out at Mak Dhog Monastery in West Bengal.   Facts: The manuscripts contain...

NATO: The North Atlantic Treaty Org.

    Context: Colombia is all set to formally become the NATO’s first Latin American “global partner.” Colombia will join as a “global partner”, which means it will not necessarily have to take part in military action, and will be fully accredited in Brussels. The move would improve Colombia’s image on the world stage. Areas of...

Global Wind Summit: 2018

    The first edition of the Global Wind Summit will be held in Hamburg, Germany.   About the Global Wind Summit: The conference on wind is the largest and most important meeting of the wind industry worldwide. The event combines two conferences, WindEnergy Hamburg and WindEurope. The event will provide a platform for experts...

Current Affairs: May 2018 (20 – 28th may ) for UPSC 2018

Ancient Dance Drama “Ashtapadiyattam” It is “Gita Govindam” written by 12th century poet Jayadeva (considered the founding father and one amongst the pioneers of Bengali literature), in Guruvayur, Kerala Gita Govindam’s unusually wide appeal comes from the story of Sri Krishna and his love for Radha. Although the ‘Ashtapadiyattam’ in its original form is no...