World Lion Day – 10th August

World Lion Day is discovered globally on August 10 each and every year. World Lion Day is marked to raise recognition about the king of beasts and the efforts undertaken for their conservation. Lions frequently feature on national flags and royal symbols and emblems to represent command, energy, or authority across cultures due to their courage, intelligence, strength, and magnificence. World Lion Day used to be launched in 2013.

The big cat is listed as an endangered species in the Red List. The majestic animal is the second-largest member of the Felidae (cat family), after the tiger.

World BioFuel Day – 10th August

World Biofuel Day is found on August 10 each year. The day is celebrated to increase consciousness about the significance of non-fossil fuels as a choice to conventional fossil fuels and spotlight the various efforts made by Government in the biofuel sector.

Highlights:

The development of biofuels is in sync with schemes such as Swach Bharat Abhiyan and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. World Biofuel Day was first by using the Ministry of Petroleum and Gas in August 2015. Biofuels are environmentally friendly fuels whose use would go a lengthy way in lowering carbon emissions. They are created via renewable assets and therefore make a strong case for Sustainable Development. As such, biofuels will help meet the energy requirements of the 21st-century world except for negative the surroundings in the process.

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.

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.

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 worlds 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.

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 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.

OECD – G20 Inclusive Framework Tax Deal

The /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.

Airports Authority of India Launches Sustainable Green Airports Mission

In a major move towards sustainability and carbon neutrality, the Authority of India (AAI) has taken a significant step by launching its groundbreaking publication, the “Sustainable Green Airports Mission.” This initiative aims to transform airports across India into environmentally friendly and energy-efficient hubs, setting new standards for the aviation Industry globally.

A recent initiative was taken up by the publication of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on sustainability in the form of a booklet titled “Sustainable Green Airports Mission”, It was launched on World Environment Day by Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation.

Agni Prime

In a significant achievement for Indias defense capabilities, the DEFENCE Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden pre-induction night launch of the new-generation ballistic missile Agni Prime. The test, held at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, showcased the missiles exceptional accuracy and reliability, meeting all objectives set for the trial.

The recent launch of Agni Prime marked the first pre-induction night launch following three successful developmental trials of the advanced ballistic missile. The flawless execution of these developmental trials demonstrated the systems superior accuracy and reliability, setting the stage for the latest test.

To capture vital flight data covering the entire trajectory of Agni Prime, an array of range instrumentation systems was deployed at strategic locations. These included radar, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems, strategically positioned on the island and two down-range ships. The comprehensive data collection facilitated a meticulous assessment of the missiles performance, further bolstering its credentials.

Cyclone Biparjoyis a low-pressure area that is currently forming over theSoutheast Arabian Sea.It is expected to intensify into a depression in the next 48 hours and may reach cyclonic storm intensity in the subsequent 72 hours. The track of the cyclone is not yet clear, but it is likely to move towards the West Coast of India. Cyclone Biparjoy is the first cyclone to form in the Arabian Sea this season. The monsoon season in India typically begins in June and lasts until September.

The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the West Coast of India. The heaviest rains are expected to fall in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The strong winds could cause power outages and damage to property. People in the affected areas are advised to take precautions and stay safe.

The name Biparjoy was given to the cyclone byBangladesh.The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) names tropical in alphabetical order according to the names submitted by member countries. Bangladesh submitted the name Biparjoy, which means Disaster in Bengali.