Oilfield (Regulatory and Development) Amendment Bill | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

Also in News

Posted 13 Mar 2025

8 min read

Oilfield (Regulatory and Development) Amendment Bill

The Oilfield (Regulatory and Development) Amendment Bill passed in Lok Sabha.

Key Features

  • The Bill amends the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, of 1948.
  • Aim: To reform the legal framework to meet the current needs and market conditions and to make the sector more attractive to investors.
  • Definition of mineral oils expanded: Bill expands the definition to include any naturally occurring hydrocarbon, coal bed methane, and shale gas/oil.  
  • It also introduces a single permit system namely, petroleum leases. 
  • Tags :
  • Oilfield (Regulatory and Development) Amendment Bill

World Air Quality Report, 2024

7th annual World Air Quality Report 2024 released by IQAir.

  • The Report evaluates the global state of air quality for the year 2024.

Key findings of the report

  • Seven countries met the WHO annual average PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m3: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Estonia, Grenada, Iceland, and New Zealand.
  • The five most polluted countries in 2024 were:- Chad>Bangladesh>Pakistan>Democratic Republic of Congo>India.
    • Delhi remains the most polluted capital city.
  • Byrnihat(Assam), India was the most polluted metropolitan area of 2024.
  • Oceania is the world’s cleanest region.
  • Tags :
  • World Air Quality Report

ASTRA Missile

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has successfully conducted test-launch of ASTRA missile. 

Key Features 

  • It is ‘Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile’ (BVRAAM) designed and developed by DRDO. 
  • Range: 80 -110 km
  • Maximum Speed: Mach 4.5
  • It is equipped with advanced guidance and navigation capabilities.
  • Tags :
  • ASTRA Missile
  • Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile

PM-YUVA 3.0

The Ministry of Education has launched PM-YUVA 3.0 (Young, Upcoming and Versatile Authors).

About PM-YUVA 3.0

  • It is an Author Mentorship programme to train young and budding authors (below 30 years of age) and aligns with National Education Policy 2020.
  • Objective: To promote reading, writing and book culture & project Indian writings globally.
  • Implementing Agency: National Book Trust
  • A total of 50 authors will be selected through a contest on themes of:-
    • Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building; 
    • Indian Knowledge System; 
    • Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)
  • Selected Books will be published by NBT and translated into other Indian languages, fostering cultural and literary exchange while promoting 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.
  • Tags :
  • PM-YUVA 3.0
  • NBT

APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID

The APAAR ID system has drawn scrutiny on data privacy. 

About APAAR ID

  • It is a specialized identification system designed for all students in India. 
    • It is a unique 12-digit code will help students to digitally store, manage, and access all their academic credits, including Score card, marksheets, gradesheet, degrees etc. 
  • It is a part of the 'One Nation, One Student ID' program launched by the government, aligning with the new National Education Policy of 2020.
  • Benefits: Facilitate student mobility, Enhance academic flexibility, Empower students to choose their learning paths of their choice etc.
  • Tags :
  • APAAR ID
  • One Nation, One Student ID' program

Geet Gawai

The Indian Prime Minister was welcomed with a traditional Bihari cultural performance Geet Gawai during his state visit to Mauritius.

About Geet Gawai

  • It is a pre-wedding ceremony that combines rituals, prayer, songs, music and dance.
  • It is also inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2016.
  • Performed mainly by Bhojpuri-speaking communities having Indian descent in Mauritius.
    • Participants: Female family members and neighbors 
  • Main-Musical Instrument: Dholak (a two-headed drum).
  • It extends to public performances and presently men also participate.
  • Tags :
  • Geet Gawai

Mycelium Bricks

Mycelium bricks promise the construction industry to reduce its carbon footprint and become more sustainable.

About Mycelium Bricks

  • These bricks are biodegradable, fire-resistant, and insulating, made from mycelia, the branching filaments of fungi.
    • Mycelium is the thin root-like fibres from fungi.
  • Mycelium bricks offer a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.
  • Challenges: Mycelium-based materials are not as strong as conventional materials like concrete or brick or steel, high cost, susceptible to moisture etc. 
  • Tags :
  • Mycelium
  • Mycelium Bricks

Plastic Ice VII

Scientists have confirmed  a fourth form of water called Plastic Ice VII using advanced neutron-scattering experiments.

About Plastic Ice VII

  • It is an unusual phase of ice that forms at high temperature and high pressure and changes our understanding of water in space.
  • Formation: >3 gigapascals(Pressure) and >450 Kelvin (Temperature).
  • This phase allows water molecules to rotate freely within a rigid crystalline structure.
  • Importance of the discovery
    • Planetary Science: Behavior of Plastic Ice VII can help simulate interiors of ocean worlds and exoplanets.
    • Exoplanet Habitability: Its ability to transport nutrients in deep oceans may influence the potential for alien life.
  • This discovery changes our understanding of water in space.
  • Tags :
  • Plastic Ice
Watch News Today
Subscribe for Premium Features