Saranda Mining Ban

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change constituted a committee to reassess the ban imposed on mining in the Saranda region of Jharkhand. Saranda Forests The Saranda Forest is the largest Sal forest in Asia. It extends across ..

Mica

A state legislative assembly member of Jharkhand recently called for declaration of mica flakes collected from forests as a ‘forest produce’. About Mica Mica is a group of sheet silicate minerals. The term ‘mica’ is derived from Latin words ‘mica’ ..

Peatlands in Himalayan Region

The recently released UN report on the peatland systems, called for urgent steps to conserve such regions. It highlighted the importance of mapping and monitoring. Peatlands Distribution in India Peatlands in India have been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh, northern parts ..

Peatland Degradation

The United Nations recently released a report on the peatland systems and the danger of carbon emission due to their degradation. Peatlands Peatland systems are formed when partially degraded plant material accumulate in water-logged conditions over thousands of years. Peatlands ..

Pesticide Consumption in India

A recent report by a non-profit organisation, Pesticide Action Network, showed an increase in the use of pesticides in India. Trends in Usage The report showed that the pesticide consumption in India has increased by 13.07% between 2014-15 and 2018-19. ..

Travel Restrictions

India recently suspended all visas, except certain categories, till April 15. Restrictions on international flights are to come into effect on March 22nd. Inbound Passengers’ Restriction Passengers from the following countries won’t be brought into India by airlines: Austria, Belgium, ..

COVID-19 Transmission Modes

A recent study analysed the ability of SARS CoV 2 to survive on various surfaces like cardboard, plastic, steel, etc. On Cardboard Surfaces The study comes amidst fears that the virus may be spread through food containers that get delivered ..

USA Coronavirus Aid Bill

The US Senate, the upper house of US Parliament, had passed an aid package, worth over a 100 billion USD. Free Testing The aid bill provides for free availability of testing facilities for those who need it. It requires private ..

Fossil links human hands to fins for the first time in Human Evolution

The Paleontologists of Canada have linked human hands to the fins of fish. The researchers examined a fossil of “Elpistostege”. About the findings The Elpistostege represents the pivotal stage of transition of fish into land vertebrates. The transition was supported ..

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020

March 20: International Day of Happiness

Every year March 20 is celebrated as International Day of Happiness. The day is observed by the United Nations. This year the day was celebrated under the theme Theme: Happiness for All, Together Highlights The United Nations on the International ..

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020