Maharashtra has been without a Speaker since February, 2021 while Lok Sabha and several State Assemblies are without a Deputy Speaker. The Constitution provides that the office of the Speaker should never be empty. Important points: The Constitution of India requires the Speaker to be a member of the House. Although there are no specific qualifications prescribed for being elected …

A Bangalore based startup has received the National Award 2021 from Technology Development Board (TDB) for developing a commercial solution for conversion of CO2 to chemicals and fuels. Breathe Applied Sciences, a startup incubated at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) developed efficient catalysts and methodologies for the conversion …

Recently, the Nagaland Government appealed to all Naga political groups and extremist groups to cooperate in establishing unity, reconciliation and peace in the region. The peace process between the central government and two sets of the Naga extremist groups has been delaying for more than 23 years. Nagas Nagas are a hill people …

Recently, Uttar Pradesh (UP) unveiled its New Population Policy 2021-30, on the occasion of World Population Day (11th July). Important points: In 1989, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recommended that 11th July be observed by the international community as World Population Day, a day to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues. UNDP was inspired by the …

Recently, Pfizer and BioNTech have announced that they would seek regulatory authorization for a third booster dose of their Covid-19 vaccine (BNT162b2) This development comes amid the global spread of highly transmissible Delta strain of Covid-19. Important points: A booster is a means of strengthening one’s immune system against a particular pathogen. It may be exactly the same original vaccine, in …

Recently, the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), funded by the Department of Biotechnology, has created the world’s first database of genomic variations in oral cancer (dbGENVOC). Important points: dbGENVOC, a comprehensive, flexible database framework, developed with an aim to allow potential users to access, query, browse and download clinically relevant somatic and germline variation data …

Recently, the National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY) at Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district has tied up with the National Insurance Company Ltd. for insuring the high-altitude yak. NRCY is a premier research institute exclusively engaged in research and development of yak in India. It was established in 1989 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Important points: …

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved some modifications in the Central Sector Scheme of Financing Facility under ‘Agriculture Infrastructure Fund’. Important points: It was launched in 2020 as a part of the Rs. 20 lakh crore stimulus package announced in response to the Covid-19 crisis. To provide medium-long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest …

Recently, the Maharashtra government has started a drug administration drive for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and become the first State in the country to resume giving rounds of the drug after the second wave of Covid-19. Important points: LF, commonly known as elephantiasis and is considered as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) It is the second most …

A joint communication was signed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change which is aimed at giving more power to the tribal communities in managing the forest resources. Forest Resources Forests are not only home to trees and animals. They are also a vital source of resources. They give clean …