Output at India’s eight core sectors grew by 8.9% in June 2021 largely due to Base Effect but the pace remained below the production levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic as well as its second wave. Important points: These comprise 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The eight …

Recently, India and the UK have collaborated to conduct a study on ‘Ashwagandha (AG)’ for promoting recovery from Covid-19. After the trial’s success, ‘Ashwagandha’ will be a proven medicinal treatment to prevent infection and be recognised by the scientific community worldwide. This is the first time that the Ministry of Ayush has collaborated with a foreign institution to investigate its …

Recently, a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) study has found that ozone levels are exceeding the permitted levels even during winter in Delhi-NCR, making the smog more “toxic”. Despite the pandemic and lockdowns, more days and locations witnessed higher and longer duration of ozone spells. CSE is a public interest research and advocacy organisation …

Recently, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare presided over the 112th Annual Day celebrations of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Important points: The Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) was inaugurated. WGS is a comprehensive method for analyzing entire genomes. Genomic information has been instrumental in identifying inherited disorders, characterizing the …

The Indian government is going to launch an electronic voucher based digital payment system e-RUPI. There are already many countries using the voucher system for example the US, Colombia, Chile, Sweden, Hong Kong, etc. Important points: It is a cashless and contactless method for digital payment. It is a Quick Response (QR) code or SMS string-based e-voucher, which is …

Recently, India assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of August 2021. This will be the country’s first presidency during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. India began its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC in January 2021. This is India’s eighth …