1.Geography
China reaches Deepest point on the earth
China’s unmanned submersible dived down to 10,907 metres to Mariana Trench, the world’s deepest point
The country is developing deep sea technology for mining resources from the sea
During this operation also China was testing its deep sea capabilities
Quick Fact: Mariana trench is located in Western Pacific Ocean
2.Environment
Fire in Assam’s Baghjan Oil Well
The well had blown out in May and had been leaking gas since half a month
Environmentally it has:
- Affected flora and fauna by depositing gas condensate in the Maguri Beel Wetland
- Killed some of the rare Gangetic Dolphins in Dibru-Saikhowa National park
- Contaminated nearby paddy fields, tea gardens, wetlands and ponds
Quick Fact: Gangetic Dolphins are classified as Endangered under IUCN red list
3.International Affairs
New Zealand declares itself “Coronavirus free”
The announcement was made after the last coronavirus infected person being monitored was released
New Zealand has now lifted all the coronavirus measures
Quick Fact: Jacinda Ardern is the Prime Minister of New Zealand
4.National Affairs
“Bande Utkala Janani” declared state anthem of Odisha
The decision has been made by the state cabinet of Odisha.
It means Glory to mother Utkala
It has been written by Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra in 1912.
5.Science and Technology
World’s first ‘Internet-controlled’ robot built by Indian engineer
The robot has been built by Pune engineer Pratik Tirodkar
Named ‘Coro-bot’, the robot dispenses food, water, beverages, medicines and can advice Corona patients
It can be operated remotely using the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, negating the use of physical contact with patients.
6.Environment
Tech Mahindra signs UN Global Compact Initiative for emission control
This move makes Tech Mahindra one of 155 global companies working for holding global temperature rise to within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, in order to reach net-zero emissions before 2050.
It will use new technologies like internet of things, artificial intelligence and blockchain to achieve a zero-carbon resilient economy.
Quick Fact: United Nations Global Compact is a non-binding United Nations pact to encourage sustainable and socially-responsible businesses worldwide
7.National Affairs
FSSAI food safety index 2019-20: Gujarat tops
The index ranks states on five parameters of food safety:
- human resources and institutional data,
- compliance,
- food testing facility,
- training and capacity building
- consumer empowerment
Top 3 states are Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra
Top 2 UTs are Chandigarh and Delhi
Top 3 among smaller states are: Goa, Manipur and Meghalaya
Quick Fact: FSSAI has been launched under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
8.Environment
Environmental Performance Index 2020: India at 168th rank
The index ranks 180 countries based on 32 performance indicators
Denmark has topped the index, followed by Luxembourg and Switzerland
Bhutan has topped among the South Asian countries with a rank of 107
Quick Fact: EPI is prepared by Yale and Columbia University and WEF
