HIMACHAL PRADESH
In a first, Himachal to hold census of Asiatic black bear, leopard
Considering the increase in attacks on human beings, the wildlife wing of the Forest Department will hold a census of Asiatic black bear and common leopard with the help of the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, and formulate a strategy to combat the issue.
The wildlife wing of the Forest Department will soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, for undertaking the population estimation so that there is an idea about the population of black bears and leopards. A major part of this will be as study on human-wildlife conflict, which will primarily focus on these two species.
Though a census to ascertain the population of common leopards had been undertaken in 2004, it was not done scientifically and its figures were highly doubtful. The Forest Department has undertaken the census of monkey and langur thrice and of the highly endangered snow leopard once. However, it will, for the first time, collect data on Asiatic black bears which are found in the higher reaches of Chamba, Shimla, Kullu and Sirmaur.
INTERNATIONAL
OECD – G20 Inclusive Framework Tax Deal
The G20/OECD Inclusive Framework Tax Agreement has been signed by India.
Highlights:
Most members of the G20/OECD Inclusive Framework for Basic Erosion and Profit Shifting, including India, passed a high-level statement containing an outline of a consensus solution to the taxation challenges posed by the digitalization of the economy.
The proposed solution is consists of two components:
Pillar One, which consists of re-allocating an additional share of profit to market jurisdictions; and
Pillar Two, which consists of a minimum tax and is subject to tax rules.
Some significant issues, such as profit allocation and the scope of subject to tax rules, remain unresolved and must be addressed.
Furthermore, the proposal’s technical details will be worked out in the coming months, with a consensus agreement expected by October 2021.
Methane in the Moons of Saturn
By flying through the plumes of Saturn’s moons (Titan and Enceladus), NASA’s Cassini spacecraft discovered an abnormally high concentration of methane, as well as carbon dioxide and dihydrogen
Highlights:
It discovered methane in Titan’s atmosphere and a liquid ocean with erupting plumes of gas and water on Enceladus.
An international research team used new statistical methods to determine whether methanogenesis, or microbe-produced methane, could explain the molecular hydrogen and methane.
Tallest Sandcastle in the World – Denmark
A sandcastle made in Denmark has entered into new Guinness World Record for being the tallest sandcastle in the world.
Highlights:
The triangular-shaped sandcastle has been constructed in the town of Blokhus in Denmark. It stands at the height of 21.16 metres (69.4 feet). This new structure is 3.5m taller than the preceding report held with the aid of a sandcastle measuring 17.66 m in Germany in 2019. Dutch creator, Wilfred Stijger, was once assisted through 30 of the world’s first-class sand sculptors. The shape is built in the form of a triangle to avoid collapsing like many others have. A wood structure used to be built around it to enable the artist to carve the top-notch figures in the sand.
NATIONAL
Ashadhi Bij – Kutchi New Year
On the occasion of Ashadhi Bij, the Kutchi New Year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the people.
About Ashadhi Bij:
♦ Ashadhi Bij is an auspicious day for agricultural communities in northern India, espicially Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and other places.
♦ The festival takes place on the second day of the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu calendar’s Ashadha month.
♦ The festival, known as the Kutchi New Year, is associated with the start of the rains in Gujarat’s Kutch region.
♦ During this festival, farmers, astrologers, and others forecast the monsoon to determine which crop will be the most productive in the coming season.
Five Portals on the AYUSH Sector Launched
The Union Minister of Ayush launched five important portals and issued four publications.
Highlights:
♦ Ayurveda Dataset on Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI): The CTRI is a primary Clinical Trials Registry under the WHO’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. The creation of an Ayurveda Dataset in CTRI makes it easier to use Ayurvedic terminologies to record clinical studies based on Ayurvedic interventions. This will increase the global visibility of Ayurveda-based clinical trials.
♦ CCRAS-RMIS: Research Management Information System is a one-stop solution for Ayurveda-based research and development. The portal provides free reference material, research tools, and clinical and scientific advice. It was created in collaboration with the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
♦ E-Medha (electronic Medical Heritage Accession) Portal: NIC’s e-granthalaya platform provides online public access to a catalogue of over 12000 Indian medical heritage books.
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