Explanation:

• A spur-winged lapwing bird was spotted for the first time in India by bird researchers near Ammavaripet Lake in Warangal, Telangana.

Spur-winged lapwing

• Its scientific name is Vanellus spinosus.
• It is a predatory bird, which remains active during the day and night depending on the hunting conditions.
• It is native to North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean regions.
• Its length is 28 to 31 centimeters.
• Their weight is 128 to 330 grams.
• Their wingspan is 82 to 87 centimeters long.

Explanation:

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) addressed an international webinar organised by the World Bank (WB), shedding light on India's Renewable Energy landscape and its ambitious targets to combat Climate Change while ensuring energy security.

Key Highlights of the IREDA’s Address at Webinar

• India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), or its self-defined climate pledges under the Paris Agreement, for 2030 would require Rs 30 lakh crore of investments.
• According to India's NDC goals, India pledges to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by 45% by 2030, from 2005 level and achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
• The investment is required in manufacturing and capacity build-up for solar power, electrolysers, wind and battery space, power transmission, Green Hydrogen, hydro power and waste-to-energy sectors.

Explanation:

The Jnanpith selection committee announced that the 58th Jnanpith Award will be given to two writers, Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and Urdu poet and lyricist Gulzar, for 2023.It is the second time the award is being given for Sanskrit and the fifth time for Urdu.

Jnanpith Award

• The Jnanpith Award is India's oldest and highest literary award. It's given annually to an author for their "outstanding contribution towards literature". The award was established in 1961 and first awarded in 1965.
• The Award considers both English and other Indian languages. However, eligibility is restricted to Indian citizens. It is not given posthumously.
• It is presented by Bharatiya Jnanpith to recognize outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
• Bharatiya Jnanpith, established in 1944 by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain and his wife Rama Jain, is a prestigious literary and research organization headquartered in New Delhi, India.

Explanation:

• Projects worth Rs 10 lakh crore were launched in Uttar Pradesh by PM Narendra Modi.
• On this occasion, the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal district laid by the PM, and the model of Shri Kalki Dham Temple was also unveiled.
• 14 thousand projects worth more than Rs 10 lakh crore across the state launched by the Prime Minister in Lucknow.
• These projects relate to sectors like manufacturing, renewable energy, IT, food processing, housing, real estate and education.
• Along with the groundbreaking ceremony, a grand exhibition was also organized.
• In this 3-day exhibition, more than 9 sectors will be showcased, which will include AI pavilion, textiles, logistics, warehousing, defense and aerospace, etc.
• Approximately 5000 participants will attend the event, including notable industrialists, ambassadors, and high commissioners.

Explanation:

• The Indian National Youth Science Academy (INYAS) recently held its ninth Annual General Meeting.
• Established in 2014, INYAS is the only recognized academy for young scientists in India, dedicated to promoting science education and networking among young scientists.
• National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) is one of the constituent laboratories of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
• It focuses on science communication, evidence-based policy research and studies, publishing a range of materials as well as conducting research on a variety of topics such as science policy, innovation systems and science diplomacy.