Recently, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT)-National Brain Research Centre (DBT-NBRC) has developed Project SWADESH, for managing Neurological disorders. NBRC is the only institute in India dedicated to Neuroscience Research and Education. Important points: It is the first large-scale multimodal neuroimaging database designed specifically for the Indian population with big-data architecture …

Recently, SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecast and Research) has studied post Diwali Air Pollution in the four Indian Cities (Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Pune). Air pollution during the Diwali period in 2021 was higher compared to 2020 in the three metropolitan cities of Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, …

Recently, India’s Minister for Science & Technology chaired the 9th BRICS Science & Technology Ministers meeting. Earlier, the Prime Minister chaired the annual summit of the BRICS which was held virtually. 2021 is an important landmark year in BRICS Cooperation as the grouping completed 15 years. Important points: Global Innovation …

The World Health Organization has declared the recently-discovered B.1.1.529 strain of Covid-19, to be a variant of concern. The virus was first detected in Southern Africa and it is renamed Omicron. Important points: Omicron is placed in the most-troubling category of Covid-19 variants, along with the globally-dominant Delta plus its …

Recently, Russia has successfully placed into orbit a military satellite. The satellite is believed to be a Tundra Satellite, part of Russia’s early warning anti-missile system named Kupol or dome. Important points: Tundra satellite system is a constellation of Missile Early Warning Satellites established by Russia between 2015 and 2020. …

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has begun work to finalise its recommendation for providing Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) as a service to states and smaller cities. Important points: The Smart Cities project, which aims at developing 100 citizen-friendly and self-sustainable urban settlements, includes setting up …

The Ministry of Law & Justice has launched ‘Online Course on Indian Constitution’ on the eve of ‘Constitution Day’ as a part of celebrations of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ for 75 years of India’s Independence. The online course aims to enhance the awareness of the constitutional values to understand the …

Recently, India-Israel Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) conference was held. The need for introducing flexible work times and gender-neutral pays to enhance women participation in STEM was highlighted. Important points: The STEM acronym was introduced in 2001 by scientific administrators at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). …

Recently, the latest data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-21) has been released. Earlier in 2020, the first-phase data of the NFHS-5 2019-20 was released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which provided data on various issues related to women in india. Important points: The share …

Recently, a shallow and strong earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck the Myanmar-India border region early. Important points: An earthquake in simple words is the shaking of the earth. It is a natural event. It is caused due to release of energy, which generates waves that travel in all directions. The …

Recently, India and the United States have agreed for a transitional approach on equalisation levy or digital tax on e-commerce supplies beginning from 1st April, 2022. Earlier in January 2021 , the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) had said that the Digital services taxes adopted by India, …

Recently, the latest data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-21) has been released. The data shows a declining trend regarding Total Fertility Rate (TFR: the average number of children per woman). Important points: Total fertility rate (TFR) in simple terms refers to the total number of children born …

Recently, the Defence Minister of India addressed the 5th World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM) held in New Delhi. At the congress the Defence Minister asserted that, time and again India has proved itself to be “first responder” in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The emerging concept of India as …

The 37th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (India-Indonesia CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy is being conducted. Important points: It will witness participation of Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both Nations. It highlights the mutual trust, synergy and cooperation between the two friendly Navies. To reinforce maritime links, …

The 15th edition of the biennial trilateral coast guard exercise ‘Dosti’ involving India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka is underway in the Maldives, which will conclude today. The year 2021 marks 30 years since these exercises were first launched. Important points: The exercise was first initiated in 1991, between the …

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the continuation of Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS) Scheme along with its eight sub-schemes to the next finance (15th) cycle of five years (2021-2026). Important points: It pertains to the atmospheric science programs of the Ministry of Earth Sciences …

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the extension for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY-Phase V) for a period of another 4 months i.e. December 2021 till March 2022. Important points: PMGKAY is a part of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) to help the poor fight the …

Recently, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (Meity) inaugurated a 3-day workshop titled ‘Aadhaar 2.0- Ushering the Next Era of Digital Identity and Smart Governance’. The Workshop aims to analyze the reach of Digital Identity in major reforms and schemes launched by the Government. It also aims to look …

According to the recently released Global Nutrition Report (GNR, 2021), India has made no progress on anaemia and childhood wasting. Important points: At the current rate of progress, the global nutrition targets will not be achieved by 2025 globally and in most countries worldwide. There is substantial variation in data …

Recently, group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman was awarded Vir Chakra which is a wartime gallantry award, by the President of India. The gallantry awards are announced twice in a year — first on the occasion of the Republic Day and then on the occasion of the Independence Day. Important points: Post-Independence, …