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By admin: May 16, 2024

Mahatma Gandhi University Leads Indian Institutions in THE Young University Rankings 2024

Tags: INDEX

Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) in Kottayam, Kerala, secured the top position among Indian universities, ranking 81st globally in THE Young University Rankings 2024.

An Overview of the News

• Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, retained its global top spot for the second consecutive year.

• Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), ranked 96th globally, joins 

• The 2024 ranking encompasses 673 universities, a notable increase from 605 in 2023.

• Over five years, the number of Asian universities listed has doubled from 165 in 2020 to 327 in 2024.

• India's representation in the 2024 ranking has grown to 55 institutions, up from 45 in 2023 and 26 in 2020.

About THE

• The inaugural edition of Times Higher Education (THE) was published in October 1971.

• THE is headquartered in London, United Kingdom (UK).

NSG and US Special Forces Unite for 7th 'Tarkash' Counter-Terrorism Exercise

Tags: Defence

The 7th edition of the India-U.S. joint counter-terrorism exercise 'Tarkash' occurred from April 22 to May 15, 2024, in Kolkata, West Bengal.

An Overview of the News

• This three-week exercise focused on urban counter-terrorism scenarios.

• The aim was to enhance bilateral cooperation between India and the U.S. in combating terrorism.

• Key activities included joint mock counter-terror drills to improve interoperability and coordination.

• Participants shared best practices, tactics, techniques, and procedures for urban counter-terror operations.

• Training encompassed close-quarter battles, building intervention drills, hostage rescue operations, surveillance, long-range sniping, and planning complex multi-target operations.

About NSG:

• The National Security Guard (NSG), often referred to as Black Cats, serves as India's counter-terrorism unit within the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Nalin Prabhat is the Director General of the NSG.

• The headquarters of the NSG is situated in New Delhi, Delhi.

• It was established in 1986.

IAF Joins Forces with Uttarakhand Government for Bambi Bucket Operations

Tags: National State News

The Indian Air Force (IAF) collaborated with the Uttarakhand government to conduct Bambi Bucket operations.

An Overview of the News

• Utilizing the Mi-17 V5 helicopter, the IAF engaged in combating forest fires in Nainital, Uttarakhand.

• A total of 23 sorties were conducted, amounting to 11 and a half hours of operation.

• Approximately 44,600 liters of water were utilized by the IAF in their efforts to extinguish the blazing fires in the mountains.

Bambi Bucket: A Revolutionary Tool

• Inception: Introduced in 1983.

• Inventor: Canadian Don Arney.

• Functionality: Facilitates helicopters in transporting large water volumes beneath the aircraft.

• Impact: Enables swift extinguishing of wildfires from the air.

Uttarakhand's 'Pirul Lao-Paise Pao' Campaign

• Launch: Inaugurated on May 8, 2024, by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

• Campaign Oversight: Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board appointed to supervise.

• Objective: Combating forest fires and forest devastation.

• Operational Procedure:

  • Locals and youth collect dry pirul (pine tree leaves) from the forest.

  • Transport to designated collection centers.

  • Reward: Rs 50 per kilogram (kg) directly deposited into their bank accounts.

• Purpose: Mitigating fire risk posed by pirul in Pine forests and utilizing them for productive purposes like electricity generation.

About Uttarakhand

• Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami

• Governor: Gurmit Singh

• Capital: Dehradun

• Wildlife Sanctuaries:

  • Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

• Festivals:

  • Kangdali Festival

  • Uttarayani Mela or Uttarayani Fair

International Day of Plant Health - 12 May 2024

Tags: Important Days

The International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) is observed globally on May 12 every year.

An Overview of the News

• International Plant Health Day aims to raise awareness of the important role of protecting plant health in addressing hunger, poverty, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and economic growth.

• The theme for the 2024 IDPH is "Plant Health, Safe Trade, and Digital Technology."

• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads the annual IDPH observance in partnership with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

Background of International Day of Plant Health

• In March 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution (A/RES/76/256) designating May 12th annually as the International Day of Plant Health.

• This declaration underscores the critical role of plant health in fostering sustainable agricultural development to meet the needs of the burgeoning global population by 2050.

• The inaugural celebration of the International Day of Plant Health took place on May 12th, 2022, marking the beginning of a concerted effort to raise awareness about the significance of maintaining plant health for global food security.

Key Facts About the FAO

• Its Director General is Dr. Qu Dongyu.

• Its headquarters is located in Rome, Italy.

• Established in 1945, FAO has been at the forefront of global efforts to combat hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture practices worldwide.

Padma Shri Awardee Dr. Birubala Rabha Passes Away at the Age of 75

Tags: Person in news

Dr. Birubala Rabha, recipient of the Padma Shri award, passed away at the age of 75 in the State Cancer Institute (SCI) at Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in Assam. 

An Overview of the News

• Birubala Rabha was born in 1954 in Thakurvilla village of Goalpara, Assam.

• Founded 'Mission Birubala' in 2012 to combat superstitions and raise awareness against witch-hunting.

• Through her efforts, 55 lives were saved in Majuli, Kokrajhar, Goalpara, and Tinsukia districts.

• Played a key role in the enactment of the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention, and Protection) Act, 2015.

• This law imposed penalties of up to Rs 5 lakh and 7 years of imprisonment for accusing someone of being a witch.

Awards and Honours

• Padma Shri: Awarded in 2021 for her efforts in protecting lives in rural India

• Nobel Peace Prize Nomination: Nominated in 2005 by The Swiss Peace, Switzerland under the project '1000 Women'

• Honorary Doctorate: Awarded by Gauhati University in 2015