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Recently, the Central Government issued a notification granting powers related to citizenship applications under existing rules to authorities of five states. The order has been issued under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the Citizenship Rules, 2009 and not under the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 since its rules have not yet been framed. Important points: In accordance with section 16 of …

The government has announced a special “PM-CARES for Children” scheme for all those orphaned due to Covid-19. Also, the Supreme Court has ordered the district authorities to upload the details of children in need of care and protection on NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) portal Bal Swaraj. Important points: Children who have lost both parents or their lone surviving …

Recently, India and Australia reviewed cooperation in the sectors of agriculture and defence. Important points: The India-Australia Grains Partnership aims to use Australia’s expertise in post harvest management to strengthen rural grain storage and supply chains so as to reduce losses and wastage. National Institute of Agricultural Marketing will be the nodal organisation from India. …

Vajra Kavach is a simple disinfection process that enables Corona Warriors to reuse their masks and PPEs. The technology has been developed under the NIDHI-PRAYAS program initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Important points: Vajra Kavach’s UV (Ultra Violet) disinfection system removes any possible traces of the disease-causing SARS-Cov-2 (Covid-19) virus from Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), N95 masks, coats, …

Recently, the government has announced an extension of pension coverage and insurance benefits for families of those who died due to Covid-19. The pension coverage will be extended under the Employees’ state Insurance Corporation of India (ESIC) scheme and insurance benefits under the Employees’ Deposit-Linked Insurance (EDLI) scheme for members registered under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Important points: …

Every year, on 31st May, the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners celebrate World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). Important points: The theme for the World No Tobacco Day 2021 is “Commit to Quit”. The WHO has honoured Indian Union health minister Harsh Vardhan with Director-General Special award for his efforts to control tobacco consumption in India. His leadership was instrumental in the 2019 national …

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has widened the scope of section 304B of Indian Penal Code (IPC) by indicating that there is no straitjacket formula to determine the cruelty against women. Important points: According to Section 304B, to make out a case of dowry death, a woman should have died of burns or other bodily injuries or …

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) while protecting two Telugu (language) news channels from coercive action by the Andhra Pradesh government noted that it is time to define the limits of sedition. Presently, the Committee for Reforms in Criminal Laws constituted by the Union Home Ministry to suggest reforms to the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), is attempting …

After black and white fungus, the recent case of yellow fungus has become a cause for concern. Important points: Yellow fungus, also called mucor septic, initially develops by the presence of moulds (a type of fungi) in the environment. It may be present with unnecessary fatigue, rashes, burning sensation on skin etc. Humidity levels below 30-40% can …

The ongoing 74th World Health Assembly declared 30th January as ‘World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day. The proposal to recognise the day was floated by the United Arab Emirates. It was adopted unanimously by the delegates. The first World NTD Day was celebrated informally in 2020. The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of World Health Organization (WHO). Important points: NTDs are a …