- Art and Culture
Odisha’s Chaitra Jatra Festival cancelled due to COVID19
The Chaitra Jatra festival is celebrated on tuesdays of Chaitra month. The festival is celebrated at Tara Tarini hill shrine. The shrine is located in the Tara Tarini hill on the banks of Rushikulya river.
Quick Facts: The Rushikulya river originates from Daringabadi hills located in Eastern Ghats.
2. Environment
WHO: Groundwater in India contaminated with Uranium
World Health Organization has said that the groundwater in localized areas of India have been contaminated with Uranium. The prevalence of Uranium is above 30 micro-grams per litre. The Bureau of Indian Standards has set the maximum permissible limit of Uranium in drinking water as 0.03 mg per litre. Intake of large amount of Uranium can cause kidney problems.
Quick Facts: Uranium is rare but is naturally spread in the Indian environment in soil and rocks.
3. Science and Tech
Methanotrophic Bacteria culture performed first time in India
The Agharkar Research Institute of Pune has isolated 45 strains of methanotrophic bacteria. These bacteria are capable of reducing methane emissions in rice fields. Use of these bacteria in agriculture would reduce emission of methane, a greenhouse gas which traps 84 times as much heat as trapped by carbon-dioxide.
Quick Facts: Methanotrophic bacteria oxidize methane through anaerobic metabolism.
4. Economy
UNCTAD: India among 15 countries economically affected due to Corona Virus
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development recently released a report on the effect of COVID-19 on global economy. In the report, India was ranked 10th. The most affected regions will be European Union, followed by US, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. In India, the chemical sector will be affected the most, followed by textiles, automotive sector, electrical machinery, leather products and metal products.
Quick Facts: UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
5. National Affairs
Jammu Kashmir statehood to be restored soon
The declaration has been made by the Union Home Minister. Statehood will relax curfews and restore internet. An industrial policy has also been announced for rapid industrial development of the region.
