- Chhattisgarh has introduced an innovative initiative to integrate forest ecological services into the Green GDP. This approach links forests' environmental contributions with the state's economic growth, promoting sustainable development while preserving the environment for future generations. (Click Here)
- The Ministry of Education (MoE) released the UDISE+ report for 2023-24, highlighting a decline in student enrolment. Total enrolment dropped to 24.8 crore, over one crore less than previous years, breaking the stable trend of 26 crore in the past four years. (Click Here)
- The Kharif rice procurement across Indian states has seen mixed results. Punjab and Haryana reported lower figures, but overall production is projected at a record 119.93 million tonnes, a 6% increase from last year. Agriculture Ministry initiatives, like crop diversification, have influenced these outcomes. (Click Here)
- Scientists have discovered a new ant species, Tapinoma onaele, in Kodagu, Karnataka, highlighting the biodiversity of leaf litter. Named after the Kannada word for "dried leaves," this finding emphasizes the importance of leaf litter in forest ecosystems.(Click Here)
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a ₹12,500 crore investment plan, with ₹1,200 crore from the CRIF fund, to enhance Delhi's transport network. The plan aims to tackle traffic congestion and pollution, improving air quality in the city ahead of the upcoming Delhi elections. (Click Here)
- The Government of India has formed an 18-member committee, led by Ramesh Chand of NITI Aayog, to update the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) base year to 2022-23. This aims to reflect economic changes since 2011-12 and enhance the accuracy of factory-gate inflation measures. (Click Here)
- India has reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 7.93% in 2020 compared to 2019. Forest and tree cover absorbed about 522 million tonnes of CO2, cutting 22% of total emissions. This aligns with India’s sustainable development goals. (Click Here)
- Recent studies suggest that nano-formulated melatonin could be a promising treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurological disorder caused by the degeneration of dopamine-secreting neurons. PD's main cause is the aggregation of synuclein protein in the brain. Current treatments focus on symptom relief, not a cure, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches to target the disease's root causes. (Click Here)
- Assam has reported an increase in its elephant population, with a total of 5,828 elephants, up by 109 since 2017. The data, shared by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, comes from a survey conducted from February 20 to 27, 2024, involving 5,743 personnel across 1,536 blocks in 43 forest divisions. The report highlights the role of elephant reserves in sustaining the population and reducing human-elephant conflicts. (Click Here)
The Telangana Cabinet sub-committee has approved the extension of the Rythu Bharosa farmers' investment subsidy scheme. This scheme will provide ₹7,500 per acre for each crop season to around 70 lakh farmers with cultivated lands. The implementation will begin around the Sankranti festival, with the government working to raise the necessary funds. This decision fulfills a promise made by the Congress party. (Click Here)
The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced the start of key surveys in January 2025. These surveys will collect vital data on sectors like health, telecommunications, education, and labour force dynamics. The National Statistics Office (NSO) will manage these surveys, which will offer detailed estimates at the district level. (Click Here)
Manastu Space, a space tech start-up founded by IIT Bombay alumni, achieved a significant milestone by successfully test-firing its Green Propulsion System, VYOM 2U, onboard the PSLV-C60 on December 31, 2024, at 8:50 p.m. in Lucknow. This system offers a non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical propulsion methods. The innovation aims to reduce the environmental impact of space missions and enhance safety for human health. (Click Here)
Researchers at IIT Guwahati and the Bose Institute, Kolkata, have developed an injectable hydrogel for localized cancer treatment, particularly breast cancer. This innovative hydrogel acts as a stable reservoir, releasing anti-cancer drugs in a controlled manner while safeguarding healthy cells from damage. The breakthrough, published in Materials Horizons, marks a significant advancement in cancer therapy (Click Here)
Soil contamination poses a significant challenge to agriculture by threatening crop health and yield. Toxic compounds in the soil hinder seed germination and plant growth. Traditional methods like chemical treatments often fail to offer lasting solutions. Researchers from IIT Bombay have made progress by isolating specific bacteria that can break down harmful pollutants, improving soil health and addressing this critical issue effectively. (Click Here)
The Environment Ministry has updated rules for selecting experts in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to improve transparency and avoid conflicts of interest. This follows a Supreme Court order for a national policy on GM crops. The GEAC oversees GM seeds in India to ensure environmental safety. (Click Here)
The Home Ministry has changed prison rules to end caste discrimination among inmates. This follows a Supreme Court order from October 3, 2024, ensuring equal treatment and no segregation based on caste in prisons. (Click Here)
The United Nations faced setbacks in its environmental initiatives in 2024, as four key summits in Colombia, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea failed to achieve significant results. Despite efforts to align global goals and secure financial resources, the lack of consensus raises concerns about addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. (Click Here)
The Islamic State (IS) group has been linked to a resurgence in violence, with a truck attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day 2025 resulting in 15 deaths and around 30 injuries. The assailant, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen, displayed an Islamic State flag during the attack. This incident has raised concerns about the group's ability to inspire domestic terrorism. (Click Here)
The Indian government has decided to change the base year for calculating GDP from 2011-12 to 2022-23. This update will help provide a more accurate picture of the economy and improve policy-making. (Click Here)
Scrub typhus, a bacterial infection, is spreading in Tamil Nadu, with cases reported in districts like Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Vellore. The Public Health Department has issued an alert, urging quick actions to control the outbreak. (Click Here)
Canada's new immigration policies are impacting international students, especially from India. With over 766,000 Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs) set to expire by next year, there are concerns about obtaining Permanent Residency (PR). In response, Canada has introduced the Rural Community Immigration Class (RCIC), offering new opportunities for students willing to settle in rural areas. (Click Here)
Uttarakhand has launched the winter Char Dham circuit on December 8, 2024, aiming to boost tourism during the off-season. The Char Dham includes Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, which are usually inaccessible due to heavy snowfall from November to May. The winter circuit allows pilgrims to visit the deities' winter abodes and promotes tourism in the region. (Click Here)