News: The subject expert committee of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization(CDSCO) has recommended COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield for emergency use authorisation. Facts: COVISHIELD: The Oxford vaccine “AZD1222” is being called Covishield in India. Serum Institute of India(SII) has entered into a manufacturing partnership with Oxford University and Pharma major AstraZeneca to produce this vaccine in India. Technology: Covishield… Continue reading Expert panel grants emergency use authorisation for Oxford vaccine
Author: ForumIAS
RBI launches Digital payments index to track transactions
News: Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has launched a composite Digital Payments Index(DPI). Facts: Objective: To capture the extent of digitisation of payments across the country given the sharp pick-up in digital transactions seen in the recent past. Parameters: The index comprises five broad parameters with varying weights to measure the penetration of digital payments.The five key parameters include:… Continue reading RBI launches Digital payments index to track transactions
Health Ministry plans communication strategy
News: Union Health Ministry has released a communication strategy to support the Covid-19 vaccine rollout in India that seeks to disseminate accurate and transparent information by alleviating apprehensions and ensuring its acceptance. Facts: About the strategy: The key areas that will be addressed as part of interventions under the strategy are: Giving information on Covid-19 vaccines Addressing… Continue reading Health Ministry plans communication strategy
PM lays foundation stone of Light House projects (LHPs) across six states
News: The Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone of Light House Projects (LHPs) at six sites across six states in the country. Facts: LightHouse Projects(LHPs): These are model housing projects with houses built with shortlisted alternate technology suitable to the geo-climatic and hazard conditions of the region. The projects are being constructed under Global Housing Technology Challenge-India… Continue reading PM lays foundation stone of Light House projects (LHPs) across six states
DST releases Draft 5th National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy for public consultation
News: The draft of the 5th National Science, Technology and Innovation(STI) Policy has been finalized and is now available for public consultation. Facts: Vision of the Policy: The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy will be guided by the following broad vision; To achieve technological self-reliance and position for India among the top three scientific superpowers in the decade to come. To… Continue reading DST releases Draft 5th National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy for public consultation
Telia Rumal
GI tag for Jharkhand’s Sohrai Khovar painting, Telangana’s Telia Rumal News:Geographical Indication Registry of India has accorded Geographical Indication(GI) tag to Sohrai Khovar painting and Telia Rumal. Facts: Sohrai Khovar: It is a traditional and ritualistic mural painting practised by local tribal women in Hazaribagh,Jharkhand. It is mostly practised during local harvest and marriage seasons… Continue reading Telia Rumal
Kondapalli Bommalu
Kondapalli bommalu (Kondapalli toys) are colourful, hand-crafted, wooden toys made by artisans of Kondapalli town, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. The artisans who work on crafting these wooden toys are called the Arya Kshatriyas. They are said to have migrated to Kondapalli town from Rajasthan in the 16th century. The Kondapalli toys are crafted from a wood… Continue reading Kondapalli Bommalu
World Thalassemia Day 2020
News: World Thalassemia Day is observed on May 8th every year. Facts: It has been observed since 1994 by the Thalassemia International Federation. Aim:To commemorate Thalassemia patients and to encourage those who struggle to live with the disease. Theme: The dawning of a new era for Thalassemia: Time for a global effort to make novel therapies… Continue reading World Thalassemia Day 2020
Tiger Census Report
News: Union Environment Minister has released a detailed report of All India Tiger Census Report 2018 ahead of Global Tiger Day. Facts: The All India tiger estimation has been carried out once in every four years since 2006. Key Takeaways: Tigers: The total count of tigers has risen to 2,967 in 2018 from 2,226 in 2014 — an… Continue reading Tiger Census Report
Kandangi Saree
T.N.’s Dindigul lock and Kandangi saree get GI tag Dindigul lock and Kandangi saree from Tamil Nadu have been given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Dindigul locks are made in an area of 5 km in and around Dindigul in Tamil Nadu. The lock is world famous for their superior quality and durability, and the… Continue reading Kandangi Saree
