India has placed an advance order to block 300 million doses of a new Covid-19 vaccine, Corbevax. Important points: It is India’s indigenous Covid-19 vaccine which is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials. It is a “recombinant protein sub-unit” vaccine. It means it is made up of a specific part of SARS-CoV-2 – the spike protein on the virus’s surface. The spike protein allows …

Recently, the government of India has dedicated a window ‘The Green Gold Collection’ on the GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal for the marketing of Bamboo Goods. This window is the collective work of the National Bamboo Mission (NBM) and GeM. Important points: It showcases a range of exquisitely handcrafted bamboo and bamboo products, handicrafts, disposals and office utility products …

Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment virtually launched the SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine) initiative and SAGE portal for elderly persons. An amount of Rs. 100 crore has been assigned for the promotion of the silver economy. Silver economy is the system of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services aimed at using the purchasing potential of older and ageing …

The World Environment Day is observed on the 5th of June annually to encourage awareness and environmental protection. Important points: The United Nations Assembly established World Environment Day in 1972, which was the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the human environment. ‘Ecosystem Restoration’. It will kick off the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) – a global mission to …

The report titled “Glaciers of the Himalayas: Climate Change, Black Carbon and Regional Resilience” says that the glaciers are melting faster than the global average ice mass. However, the strong policy on black carbon can sharply cut glacier melt. The research report is released by the World Bank and covers the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush (HKHK) mountain ranges. Black carbon …

Recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published the World Energy Investment Report, 2021. Important points: Global energy investment is expected to rebound in 2021 and increase 10% year-on-year to around USD 1.9 trillion. Most of this investment will flow towards power and end-use sectors, shifting out of traditional fossil fuel production. The scenario is perfectly aligned with …

According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD): Status of monsoon as on 30th June 2021 and forecast upto 7th July Southwest monsoon 2021 so far covered most parts of the country except parts of Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. The northern Limit of southwest …

Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has moved Blue-finned Mahseer from Endangered to the Least Concern’ status on its Red List. Important points: The Mahseer belongs to the genus Tor, of which there are several subspecies to be found in India and in other range countries in South Asia. The Blue-finned Mahseer or Tor Khudree is one …

Recently, the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region has asked for suggestions for the Devika River project in Udhampur, J&K. This project is compared with the Namami Gange Project. Important points: This is a Rs. 190 crore Project. The work on the project was started in March 2019 under the National …

Recently, the Union Minister for Food Processing Industries virtually inaugurated the Indus Best Mega Food Park at Raipur, Chhattisgarh. It is built under the Mega Food Park Scheme. By this food park, about 5000 people will get employment and about 25000 farmers will be benefited. Important points: It was launched in 2008-09 to give a major boost …