Short News:

1. Agricultural Research Collaboration:

• MoU signed between Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC).
• Aims to foster cooperation in agricultural research and education.

2. Cultural Exchange Program Renewed:

• Focuses on strengthening cooperation in archaeological conservation, youth affairs, sports, and mass media.

3. Advancing Financial Ties:

• MoU inked between NPCI International Payments Limited and Bangladesh Bank.
• Aims to enhance commercial ties with initiatives like issuing RuPay Prepaid Cards in Bangladesh, enabling RuPay Card acceptance at ATMs and for commercial transactions.
• Facilitates cross-border remittance and introduces acceptance of UPI through QR codes in Bangladesh at merchant locations.

Conducted by ICRISAT and ICAR-AICRP:

• The study was conducted by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet (ICAR-AICRP).

Revising Cultivation Zones:

• India traditionally categorized pearl millet cultivation zones based on rainfall and soil types. 
  • Arid Rajasthan (receiving < 400 mm rainfall), 
  • semi-arid regions including north-central India( > 400 mm rainfall), and certain heavy-soiled regions.
• Climate Change Effects: Climate change has led to increased rainfall covering seven districts in Gujarat. Consequently, farmers in this region are altering their cultivation patterns, shifting from pearl millet to cash crops like cotton and castor beans. 

About: 

• Father of the White Revolution: Dr. Verghese Kurien is referred to as the “Father of the White Revolution” in India due to his pivotal role in transforming the dairy industry.
• Amul Cooperative Movement: He also played a key role in the establishment and success of Amul Brand.
• Operation Flood: He spearheaded “Operation Flood,” one of the world’s largest dairy development programs, which aimed to make India self-sufficient in milk production.
• Recognition and Awards: Dr. Kurien received numerous awards and honors during his lifetime, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan(1996), and Padma Vibhushan(1999).