Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed a strain of the Aedes aegypti mosquito into which Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacteria, is introduced. The mosquito variant has been named the Puducherry strain. It was developed by ICMR in collaboration with World Mosquito Program of Monash University, Australia. Wolbachia bacteria is introduced into male and… Continue reading In battle against spread of chikungunya and dengue, ICMR finds unlikely ally — bacteria
Author: ForumIAS
Sewer deaths: Centre calls for quick response units
The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has asked all States and Union Territories to set up emergency response sanitation units (ERSU). The ERSUs are to set up in capital cities of each State/UT and in all major cities having a municipal corporation and/or water and sewerage board with population of more than one lakh.… Continue reading Sewer deaths: Centre calls for quick response units
Google India’s ‘Internet Saathi’ programme to empower rural women
The Internet Sathi Programme will be expanded in the villages of Punjab and Odisha. The Internet Sathi programme is an initiative by Google India and Tata Trusts. It was launched in 2015. The programme aims to facilitate digital literacy among women in rural India. Under the programme, women (Internet Sathis) are educated on how to… Continue reading Google India’s ‘Internet Saathi’ programme to empower rural women
Over 820 million people suffering from hunger:UN Report
According to a UN report titled “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World”,more than 820 million people had suffered from hunger worldwide in 2018. The report was prepared by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other United Nations agencies including the World Health Organization(WHO). The report said that globally hunger… Continue reading Over 820 million people suffering from hunger:UN Report
Centre, Assam move SC for sample re-verification of NRC
The Centre and the Assam government has moved to the Supreme Court urging an extension of the July 31st 2019 deadline for submission of the final National Register of Citizens (NRC). The Centre has also sought a 20 % sample re-verification of names included in the final draft of the NRC in the districts bordering… Continue reading Centre, Assam move SC for sample re-verification of NRC
Hawaii to begin construction of mega-telescope on July 15
Hawaii is set to begin the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). The project was first launched in 2015 but the construction was halted as protesters claimed damage to the mountain.However,Hawaii’s top court has ruled that observatory’s construction permit is valid paving the way for work to restart on Mauna Kea. Thirty Meter Telescope(TMT)… Continue reading Hawaii to begin construction of mega-telescope on July 15
Happiness UTSAV being celebrated by Delhi Govt from 16 to 30 July
The Delhi government has decided to organise a 15-day “Happiness Utsav” across all government schools to celebrate completion of a year of introduction of its happiness curriculum. The Delhi government launched the Happiness Curriculum in state-run schools in 2018. The aim of the curriculum is to instil self-awareness, stimulate good mental health, character, and resilience… Continue reading Happiness UTSAV being celebrated by Delhi Govt from 16 to 30 July
20 million children worldwide missed out on life-saving vaccines last year
According to data by the WHO and UNICEF,One in 10 children which is almost 20 million globally has missed out on life saving vaccines in 2018. The report also showed that an additional 1.5 million deaths could be avoided if global immunisation coverage improved. The main factors which are hindering the spread of vaccination worldwide… Continue reading 20 million children worldwide missed out on life-saving vaccines last year
Kan Sikul, Kan Huan – My School, my farm
Kan Sikul, Kan Huan (My School, My Farm) is an initiative of District Administration of Lawngtlai, Mizoram. The aim of the initiative is to make every school, Anganwadi, Child care institution and hostel in Lawngtlai, self-sufficient in local variety of fruits and vegetables by March 2020. By doing so, the initiative seeks to reduce malnutrition… Continue reading Kan Sikul, Kan Huan – My School, my farm
Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Bill passed in Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha has passed the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The bill amends the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008. The Act established the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA). The AERA regulates tariffs and other charges for aeronautical services provided at civilian airports with annual traffic… Continue reading Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Bill passed in Rajya Sabha
