A beta version of the National Addressing Grid, or DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number), has been made available by the Department of Post for public comment.
DIGIPIN, created in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, intends to offer a permanent digital infrastructure for addressing that is unaffected by changes in road networks or state, city, or locality names. Based on geographic coordinates, the system divides the nation into 4 x 4 m units, each of which is given a distinct 10-digit alphanumeric code. This code is helpful for emergency operations, logistics, and address location as it functions as an offline addressing reference.

Aiming to provide basic facilities to five crore Scheduled Tribe families in 63,000 villages in districts with a tribal majority and aspirational areas, the Finance Minister announced the launch of the PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyaan. This scheme is designed after PM-JANMAN for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

Magnetofossils: New discovery in Ladakh may help identify habitable environments in space

Magnetofossils, fossil remains of magnetic particles produced by magnetotactic bacteria have been spotted in rock varnish layers in Ladakh. Read here to learn about the significance of the discovery. The study suggests that biotic processes in rock varnish formation indicate how life can exist in extreme environments, providing valuable insights for astrobiology and for planning…

https://www.clearias.com/magnetofossils/

Should India focus on natural farming?

Natural farming, also known as organic or eco-friendly farming, is an agricultural approach that emphasizes sustainable practices, minimal chemical use, and the promotion of biodiversity. Read here to learn if India should focus more on natural farming now. In the Budget proposals for 2024-25, the Union Finance Minister announced that in the next two years,…

https://www.clearias.com/should-india-focus-on-natural-farming/

A nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court said states have constitutional authority to levy taxes on mines and mineral-bearing lands. The royalty that mining companies pay to the Central government has been declared by the Supreme Court to be non-taxable. The ruling will increase revenue for states that are rich in minerals, primarily in eastern India. Clarity regarding the distribution of authority over mineral taxation between the states and the Center has also been brought about by the Supreme Court's ruling. The bench decided that state legislatures have the authority to impose taxes on mineral rights.

Vice President Kamala Harris will be considered the Democratic Party's nominee for the upcoming US presidential election on November 5th, following Biden's endorsement. The Republican Party has nominated former president Donald Trump. For a four-year term, the United States elects its president and vice president indirectly through the Electoral College.

The Assamese Mound-Burial System, known as "Moidams," has been formally added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, July 26, 2024, at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, the announcement was made. This places it as the 43rd Indian property featured here.

Report on Currency and Finance 2023-24

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases an annual report on currency and finance, providing insights into the performance of the Indian economy, the status of various financial sectors, and policy measures. The 2023-24 report addresses the aftermath of the pandemic, economic recovery, and prospects for future growth. Read here to know more. Digitalisation is…

https://www.clearias.com/report-on-currency-and-finance/

According to government data, 628 tigers have died in India over the last five years from natural causes as well as other causes, such as poaching. A total of 349 people lost their lives as a result of tiger attacks during this time, with 200 of those deaths occurring in Maharashtra alone. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) reports that 2020 saw 106 tiger deaths, 2021 saw 127, 2022 saw 121, and 2023 saw 178 tiger deaths.

Recently, Brazil has reported the first-ever deaths from Oropouche Fever, a mosquito-borne disease with symptoms similar to dengue. It is caused by the Oropouche virus, a member of the Orthobunyavirus genus. In 1955, it was discovered for the first time in Trinidad and Tobago.

Power of states to tax mining activities

The power of states in India to tax mining activities has been the subject of significant judicial and legislative scrutiny. Read here to learn more about the Supreme Court decision and its implications. The Supreme Court of India has recently addressed a crucial issue regarding the taxation of mineral rights, overturning its 1989 verdict and…

https://www.clearias.com/power-of-states-to-tax-mining-activities/

Preeti Sudan has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Her appointment is sanctioned under Article 316A of the Indian Constitution and comes in the wake of the resignation of the ex-chairperson of UPSC, Manoj Soni.