International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day is observed on 21st February each year to create public awareness and political will to preserve and protect all language spoken worldwide. It is the initiative of Bangladesh and has been observed since 2000. The theme ..

Black-footed ferret

The Black-Foot Ferret is an endangered species of mustelid belonging to central Northern America. It is the only native ferret in North America. Initiative to revive these species began in 1981 through a captive breeding programme. However, only 7 of ..

Footwear Sizing System

India is set to have its own Footwear Sizing System in 2022. This will remove confusions while buying shoes of ‘EU’, ‘UK’ or ‘US’ sizes online. India currently follows English sizes, which were introduced by the British during the colonial ..

Himalayan pink salt

Himalayan pink salt is mined from the Salt Range (in Pakistan’s Punjab region), which extends along the south of Potohar Plateau and the north of Jhelum River. This pinkish tint of this salt occurs due to the presence of minerals. ..

Chang’e-4 lunar probe

China’s Chang’e-4 lunar probe made history on 3rd January 2019 when it made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon. It also provided close-up pictures of the previously unexplored regions of the moon. Its lander and ..

Alaknanda river

The Alaknanda, a Himalayan river flowing in Uttarakhand, is one of the two headstreams of River Ganga. It originates from Satopanth glacier and meets Nandakini in Nandaprayag, Pindar at Karnaprayag, Mandakini in Rudraprayag and Bhagirathi at Devprayag. Thereafter, it is ..

INS Pralaya

INS Pralaya, one the indigenously built Prabal Class Missile Vessels, is taking part in the NAVDEX 21 (Naval Defence Exhibition) and IDEX 21 (International Defence Exhibition). These exercises will be held from 20 to 25 February. The naval vessel was ..

Nurturing Neighbourhood Challenge

Nurturing Neighbourhood Challenge is a 3-year initiative under the Urban and Housing Ministry’s Smart Cities Mission. It seeks to ensure neighbourhood-level improvement for promoting health and well-being of young children and their care givers. 25 cities were selected by the ..

World Day of Social Justice

World Day of Social Justice is observed on February 20 each year. Social justice means equal distribution of opportunities, wealth, healthcare facilities and privileges within the society. The theme for this year is “A Call for Social Justice in the ..

Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development of Jammu and Kashmir

The new Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development of Jammu and Kashmir was approved by the government recently. Its overall budget is Rs.26,400 crore. It will be implemented from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2037. The objective of this ..