Mycorrhizal fungi: first plants appeared on dry land

Key notes: Mycorrhizal fungi have existed since the first plants appeared on dry land more than 450 million years ago. They form a close symbiotic relationship with plant roots. They are called mycorrhizae from the Greek "mukés", meaning fungus, and "rhiza," meaning roots. Mycorrhizae form a network of filaments that associate with plant roots and...

Jumbo-relocation experiment

Conservation of biodiversity/animal; Man-Animal Conflict Bacground: Anthropogenic activities: Human habitations and barriers such as electric fences and trenches have blocked some of elephant corridors in Assam. Assam wildlife officials are keen on Jumbo-relocation experiment. But the job is easier said than done, as other elephant habitats and corridors in Assam are also under stress. The situation of...

Udyam Sangam-2018

  Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) launched Udyam Sangam-2018 on June 27, 2018 to celebrate the 2nd United Nations Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day. It is an important effort in developing effective eco-systems for MSME sector.

Sagarmala Programme” received “Gold Award”

    In news: The Ministry of Shipping’s flagship programme for port-led-prosperity ‘Sagarmala’ received the ‘Gold Award’ in infrastructure sector in the recently concluded 52nd Skoch Summit 2018. The Sagarmala Programme also received the ‘Order of Merit’ at the Summit.   About Sagarmala: What is it? The Sagarmala project seeks to develop a string of...

Solar Charkha Mission

In news: President Ram Nath Kovind recently launched the Solar Charkha Mission covering artisans in 50 identified clusters.   About Solar Charkha Mission: The Solar Charkha Mission will generate employment in rural areas and contribute to the green economy. The mission will entail a subsidy of Rs 550 crore in the initial two years for 50...

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

In news: India has announced it will increase for the next four years the money it pays to the Global Environment Facility (GEF), a mechanism to provide grants for environment projects. India will increase its commitments from $12 million to $15 million to the GEF’s new four-year investment cycle, known as GEF-7.   About GEF: The...

Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme

In news: Cabinet approves Mechanism for procurement of ethanol by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to carry out the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme- Revision of ethanol price for supply to Public Sector OMCs.   Significance: Remunerative price to ethanol suppliers will help in reduction of cane farmer’s arrears, in the process contributing to minimizing...

Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) Programme

    In news: The Union Cabinet has approved establishment of additional 6.5 Million Metric Tonne (MMT) Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) facilities at two locations, i.e. Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur in Karnataka, including construction of dedicated SPMs (Single Point Mooring) for the two SPRs. The SPR facilities at Chandikhol and Padur will be underground rockcaverns...

Higher Education Commission of India

In news: A Higher Education Commission of India (Repeal of University Grants Commission Act) Bill 2018 which seeks to repeal UGC Act and provides for setting up of Higher Education Commission of India has been prepared by the Ministry of HRD.   Roles and functions of Higher Education Commission of India: The focus of the Commission...