Environment
World’s first ‘Plant based’ Smart Air-Purifier ‘Ubreathe Life’
The world’s first Plant-based smart air-purifiers called ‘Ubreathe Life’ has been developed by the scientists of Indian Institutes of Technology, Ropar and Kanpur, and the Faculty of Management Studies of Delhi University.
The product developed by Urban Air Laboratory, a start-up company of IIT Ropar amplifies the air purification process in indoor spaces.
The product is being claimed as the world’s first state-of-the-art ‘Smart Bio-Filter’ which can make breathing fresh.
Quick Fact: IIT Ropar is a designated iHub-AWaDH by the Department of Science and Technology.
International Affairs
India conducts first meeting with Taliban
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), its Ambassador of Qatar Deepak Mittal, met the head of the Taliban’s political office, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai recently.
The meeting was held at the request of the Taliban as their leaders have been keen to receive acceptability.
During the meeting discussions focussed on safety, security and that Afghanistan’s soil should not be used for any anti-Indian activities and terrorism.
Quick Fact: Mohammad Omar founded the Taliban group in 1994.
Economy
World’s highest motorable road inaugurated in Ladakh
A road connecting Leh to the Pangong lake was inaugurated by the Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal.
The stretch passing through the Kela Pass at 18,600 feet is the world’s highest motorable way and was constructed by the 58 Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army.
The road will play a significant role in boosting the socio-economic status of residents, primarily for the people of the Lalok region of Ladakh, and facilitate tourism.
Quick Fact: The Pangong Lake is divided into five sub-lakes: Pangong Tso, Rum Tso (twin lakes), Tso Nyak and Nyak Tso.
Summits and Conferences
India hosts 8th Meeting of Agricultural Experts of BIMSTEC Countries
The 8th Meeting of Agricultural Experts of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries was hosted by India recently.
The meeting was attended by Agricultural Ministries from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, and Thailand.
During this meet, Chairman highlighted the UN Food System Summit 2021 and transformational aspects that are happening across agriculture and food systems globally.
Quick Fact: The BIMSTEC was founded in 1998.
International Affairs
Sri Lanka declares Food Emergency
Sri Lanka has declared a state of food emergency over food shortages after the private banks in the country ran out of foreign exchange to finance imports.
Following the crisis, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa ordered emergency regulations to counter the hoarding of sugar, rice, and other such essential foods.
The economy of Sri Lanka reduced by 3.6 percent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has become the country with the fourth-largest daily deaths worldwide by population.
Quick Fact: Colombo is the Capital of Sri Lanka.
State Affairs
FM Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurates ‘My Pad, My Right’ project in Tripura
In Tripura, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has inaugurated a project called ‘My Pad, My Right’ at Killa village in Gomati district.
The project has been initiated by NABARD and NABFOUNDATION.
The project aims to bring livelihood and menstrual hygiene closer to rural women by the way of grants, wage support, and capital equipment.
Quick Fact: The Chief Minister of Tripura is Biplab Kumar Deb.
Economy
SBI opened a floating ATM on Dal Lake in J&K’s Srinagar
The State Bank of India has opened a floating ATM on a Houseboat at Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar for the convenience of locals and tourists.
The floating ATM was inaugurated by SBI Chairman Dinesh Khare.
SBI launched a floating ATM for the first time back in 2004 where the ATM was set up at Jhankar Yacht in Kerala.
Quick Fact: SBI is headquartered in Mumbai.
Miscellaneous
Ladakh based Dorje Angchuk to be inducted as the Honorary Member of the IAU
Dorje Angchuk, an Engineer in charge at the Indian Astronomical Observatory at the IIA at Hanle has been admitted as the Honorary Member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
Angchuk is the first and only Indian to bag the position in the prestigious body.
Angchuk has been selected for his passionate promotion of astronomy in the Ladakh region through his excellent astrophotography,
Quick Fact: The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) is headquartered in Bengaluru.
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