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- The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has recently called for targeted sanctions against India's external intelligence agency, R&AW, in connection with its alleged role in assassination attempts on Sikh separatists.
- About the US Commission on International Religious Freedom:
- The US Commission on International Religious Freedom is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal body established under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. Key Functions: The US Commission on International Religious Freedom monitors global violations of religious freedom, reviews related facts and circumstances, and advises the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress on appropriate policy actions. The Commission comprises nine members, who are appointed either by the President or Congressional leaders from each political party. The work of US Commission on International Religious Freedom is supported by a team of professional, nonpartisan staff members. US Commission on International Religious Freedom publishes an annual report, which evaluates how the U.S. government implements the International Religious Freedom Act, identifies “Countries of Particular Concern” for severe religious freedom violations, documents the state of religious freedom worldwide, and suggests policy recommendations. The Commission adheres to international human rights standards to assess religious freedom violations globally. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights underscores that:
- "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; this right includes the freedom to change one’s religion or belief, and the freedom, either alone or in community with others, and in public or private, to manifest one’s religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.”
- The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has recently entered into an agreement with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics to utilize cutting-edge technologies in geographic information systems and remote sensing.
- About Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics :
- Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics is an autonomous scientific society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, operating under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
- Objective It focuses on technology development, research and development, national and international collaborations, capacity building, and the promotion of technology transfer and entrepreneurship in the field of geospatial technology. The Institute operates in three main areas: satellite communication, geo-informatics, and geo-spatial technology. It offers specialized services for the implementation of map-based Geographic Information Systems. It manages the entire process of implementing enterprise-level geographic information systems, including tasks such as GIS database design, map creation and updates, data migration, software development, systems integration, and technical consulting. In addition to providing geographic information systems solutions, Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics also delivers comprehensive packages that include hardware, software, and geographic information system development services. Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics provides extensive geographic information systems and photogrammetric solutions over large geographical regions, covering mapping, cartography, imaging, photogrammetry, and resource management for utilities and the environment. The Institute uses Remote Sensing technology and multispectral data for applications such as agricultural crop monitoring, watershed management, and forest fire mapping. Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics works closely with various Government of India Ministries and State Government departments, positioning itself as a key national agency leveraging satellite communication and space & geo-spatial technologies for planning and development in different government sectors.
- A newly discovered species of snakehead, named Channa nachi, has recently been identified in Meghalaya.
- About Channa nachi:
- Channa nachi is a newly recognized species of snakehead fish. It was found in a shallow, slow-moving stream that drains into the Simsang River system near Chokpot village, Meghalaya. This stream, with its sandy substrate, leaf litter, and pebbles, provides an ideal environment for lesser-known aquatic species. The stream also hosts other freshwater fish species like Schistura reticulofasciata, Dario kajal, Pseudolaguvia sp., and Barilius bendelisis. However, Channa nachi stands out due to its unique appearance and distinct features.
- Features:
- Medium-sized snakehead with a striking bicolor body.
- Slender physique featuring a unique coloration that transitions from creamish-yellow to greyish-blue.
- Pale-blue marbling along the ventral side.
- 10–12 pale brown saddles across the dorsal half of its body.
- Absence of spots or blotches.
- No transverse markings on the caudal fin.