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Recently, the Supreme Court has asked the government to clarify in its affidavit the basis and rationale for pricing of Covid-19 Vaccines. The court noted that “different manufacturers are quoting different prices”. There are powers under the Drugs Control Act and Patents Act, and this is the time to invoke …

Recently, the United Nations and other agencies have launched the Immunisation Agenda 2030 (IA2030) during the World Immunisation Week. It will contribute to achieving the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals specifically SDG 3 i.e. Good Health and Well being. Covid-19 pandemic has affected routine immunization globally. Important points: It sets an …

According to the United Nations’ Global Forest Goals Report 2021, Covid-19 pandemic has aggravated the challenges faced by countries in managing their forests. The Report has been prepared by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nation. It provides an initial overview of progress of Goals and …

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund has crossed the eight thousand crore mark. The investment will give a boost to several agricultural projects which will unlock value for farmers across the country. Important points: It is a central sector scheme To provide medium – long term debt financing facility for investment in viable …

The European Parliament has ratified the post-Brexit trade deal between the European Union and the United Kingdom (UK). The EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) is a free trade agreement signed in December 2020, between the EU, the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and the United Kingdom (UK). The deal …

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its report on Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) said that the growth of the ARC industry has not been consistent over time and not always been synchronous with the trends in Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) of banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). However, the RBI …

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global problem to which the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic may further contribute. With resources deployed away from antimicrobial stewardship, evidence of substantial preemptive antibiotic use in Covid-19 patients and indirectly, with deteriorating economic conditions fuelling poverty potentially impacting on levels of resistance, AMR threat remains …

Recently, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter Scale jolted Assam and other parts of Northeast. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) report, the tremors have been attributed to Kopili Fault zone closer to Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT). NCS is the nodal agency of the Government of …

The Government of National Capital Territory (GNCT) of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021, which gives primacy to the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) over the elected government in the city, has come into force. Important points: Provisions of the GNCT of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2021: It amended the Sections 21, 24, 33 and …

The Trade Ministers of India, Japan and Australia have formally launched the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI). The SCRI aims to create a virtuous cycle of enhancing supply chain resilience with a view to eventually attaining strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth in the Indo-Pacific region. The trio (India, Japan …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an Advanced Chaff Technology to safeguard the naval ships against enemy missile attack. It is another step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Important points: Chaff is an electronic countermeasure technology used by militaries worldwide to protect naval ships or other sensitive targets from …

The ICMR (Indian Council of medical Research) has decided a single Ct value cut-off for determining whether a patient is positive for Covid-19 Ct is a value that emerges during RT-PCR test. All patients with a Ct value less than 35 may be considered as positive while those with a …

The Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat has operationalised the third Joint Logistics Node (JLN) in Mumbai. Other operationalised JLNs are in Guwahati and Port Blair. Important points: These JLNs will provide integrated logistics cover to the Armed Forces for their small arms ammunition, rations, fuel, general stores, civil …

The Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) crisis during the second wave of Covid surge has been precipitated by a shortage of tankers and the daunting logistics of transportation from distant locations. Important points: It is high purity oxygen suitable for use in the human body. So, it is used for medical …

Recently, Saudi Arabia launched Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative to combat the threat of climate change. Important points: One of the main pillars of the Saudi G20 presidency was to safeguard the planet. In 2020, G20 introduced initiatives like establishing a Global Coral Reef Research and …

The Prime Minister in a telephonic conversation with his Japanese counterpart discussed various issues including high technology, skill development and fighting the Covid-19 pandemic together. Important points: Highlighted the importance of close India-Japan cooperation to overcome challenges posed by the pandemic, such as by working together to create resilient, diversified …

Recently, the British Government said that the UK Carrier Strike Group’s “globe-spanning maiden deployment will feature visits to India, Japan, Republic of Korea and Singapore”. Earlier, the European Union had announced that it will reinforce its strategic focus, presence and actions in the Indo-Pacific with the aim of contributing to …

The Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) launched its Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) – PowerGrid Infrastructure Investment Trust (PGInvIT). Important points: This is the first time a state-owned entity (PGCIL) is monetizing its infrastructure assets through the InvIT route. This will be only the third InvIT to be listed in …

Recently, a top agriculture economist has suggested that the best chance of Crop Diversification is through animal agriculture/animal husbandry. Important points: Crop diversification refers to the addition of new crops or cropping systems to agricultural production on a particular farm taking into account the different returns from value- added crops …

Recently, India has been ranked 49th in the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI). Finland has topped the list. Important points: The CGGI is released by the Chandler Institute of Governance which is a private nonprofit organization headquartered in Singapore. The Index classifies 104 countries in terms of government capabilities and …