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NASA will send baby squids and tardigrades (also called water bears) to the International Space Station for conducting various scientific studies. Important points: These animals are part of two separate scientific studies. Behavior of Tardigrades (water bears) in a spaceflight environment. Tardigrades can adapt to extreme conditions on Earth, including high pressure, temperature and radiation. Impact of microgravity conditions on the …

Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) on his visit to the US met American lawmakers, National Security Advisor, Defense Secretary, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and representatives from the private sector. Earlier, the Prime Minister of India and US President had a conversation on issues related to supply chains for vaccines for Covid-19. India also participated in the Leaders’ Summit on …

The Central Government may initiate disciplinary action against the West Bengal Chief Secretary after he failed to report to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in New Delhi as ordered earlier. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the “placement of services” of Chief Secretary, as per provisions Rule 6(1) of the Indian Administrative Service …

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 …

The Ministry of Education has approved the proposal to provide monetary assistance to students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of the cooking cost component of the Mid-Day-Meal (MDM) Scheme, to all eligible children. Important points: With schools closed for months due to Covid-19, this move will give a fillip to the Midday Meal programme. This …

Recently, the 43rd Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting was held. This was the first meeting of the GST Council in the financial year 2021-22. The council’s last meeting was held in October 2020. GST Council It is a constitutional body (Article 279A) for making recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related …

Recently, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare virtually participated in a meeting with Ministers of Health of the NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) Countries. Important points: Despite its own needs, during the Covid-19 pandemic, India ensured supply of medicines to 123 partner countries including 59 NAM nations. Universal health coverage is defined as ensuring that all people …

Recently, the Karnataka government has decided to challenge before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) its decision to appoint a joint committee. The joint committee is supposed to look into allegations of unauthorised construction activity taking place in Mekedatu where Karnataka had proposed to construct a dam across the Cauvery. Mekedatu, meaning goat’s leap, is a deep gorge situated at the …

Recently, the Ministry of Ayush launched its Ayush Clinical Case Repository (ACCR) portal and the third version of Ayush Sanjivani App in a virtual event. Important points It is conceptualized and developed by the Ministry of Ayush as a platform to support both Ayush practitioners and the public. It welcomes Ayush practitioners from all over the world to enrol and share information about …

Member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are calling on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to set up a permanent commission to report on human rights violations in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. The move comes in the wake of the latest surge in violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Important …

Recently, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) announced that Assets Under Management (AUM) under the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY), crossed the milestone of Rs. 6 trillion. AUM is the total market value of the investments that a person or entity handles on behalf of investors. Important points: National Pension System: The Central …