What is the News? Rubber Board has planted the world’s first genetically modified (GM) rubber at its Sarutari research farm in Guwahati, Assam. About GM Rubber Crop: GM Rubber Crop has been developed at the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) in Kerala. How was GM Rubber developed? GM rubber was developed by inserting the MnSOD (manganese containing superoxide dismutase) gene which was taken from… Continue reading World’s first GM rubber sapling planted in Assam
Category: Current affairs Categories
Why is China targeting cryptocurrencies?
Synopsis: Bitcoin has fallen below $30,000 for the first time in more than five months. This is because of China’s crackdown against cryptocurrencies which are not sanctioned by China. What has China done? China has asked banks and online payment firms not to offer any crypto-related services, such as account openings, registration, trading, clearing, settlement and insurance reiterating the… Continue reading Why is China targeting cryptocurrencies?
Google hit with European Union antitrust probe on ad-tech dominance
Synopsis: Google faces a European Union enquiry into its advertising technology. Introduction What is Anti-Trust Policy? EU developed its Antitrust policy based on Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Article 101 prohibits anti-competitive agreements between two or more independent market operators. Article 102 prohibits abusive behaviour by companies holding a dominant position on any given… Continue reading Google hit with European Union antitrust probe on ad-tech dominance
What can we do to avoid the third wave of Covid?
Synopsis: India needs to urgently adopt a targeted vaccination strategy, prioritizing high risk groups and potential super spreaders. Introduction Targeted vaccination strategy is critical to avoid a possible third wave of Covid-19 infections. Due to limited resources, optimal utilisation of the scarce resource must be a key strategy. What are the policy gaps in the current vaccination strategy? The current policy of vaccination benefits digitally aware citizens and creates… Continue reading What can we do to avoid the third wave of Covid?
The role of multilateral lenders in minimizing climate change
Synopsis: Asia should take bold measures and launch green projects in the energy sector to make a difference. Introduction We must fight climate change, meet the emission-reduction goals under the Paris Agreement, all while promoting economic growth and putting the region’s development on a green path. Why is the efforts of Asia important in the climate change battle? Asia accounts… Continue reading The role of multilateral lenders in minimizing climate change
Covid leaves Indian adults poorer by 6.1% in 2020: Credit Suisse
What is the News? Credit Suisse has released a report titled Global Wealth Report 2021. Key Takeaways from the Global Wealth Report 2021: Report on Global Wealth: The aggregate global wealth has risen by $28.7 trillion to reach $418.3 trillion at the end of 2020 despite the pandemic. In terms of current US dollars, total wealth… Continue reading Covid leaves Indian adults poorer by 6.1% in 2020: Credit Suisse
Digital Agristack for Farmers
Synopsis: The agricultural ministry is working towards creating a Digital Agristack for farmers. It will collect granular data to provide growers with a range of customized services like input quantity, output choice, potential market etc. About Agristack: The project will collect granular data to provide growers with a range of customized services. Like, what to plant, where to… Continue reading Digital Agristack for Farmers
Covid-19 vaccines: EU ignores India, S Africa’s patent waiver plea at WTO
Synopsis: The European Union has presented a declaration to the World Trade Organization (WTO) that overlooks the goals of India and South Africa’s combined request for an intellectual property (IP) waiver on Covid-19 pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Introduction Despite the fact that the waiver idea has the support of over 100 countries, the EU has been opposing… Continue reading Covid-19 vaccines: EU ignores India, S Africa’s patent waiver plea at WTO
Bt Cotton adoption in Punjab has resulted in net economic, environmental benefits: Study
Context: Bt cotton’s positive and negative impacts, a recent study titled ‘Long-term impact of Bt cotton: An empirical evidence from North India’ has said its adoption in Punjab in the past over a decade has resulted in net economic and environmental benefits. Bt Cotton in India Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton has been commercially grown in India for the past 19 years. The Genetic… Continue reading Bt Cotton adoption in Punjab has resulted in net economic, environmental benefits: Study
Corpses did not add to Ganga pollution: Centre
Do corpses increase pollution level in Ganga? Context: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) informed that the Floating bodies are not the reason for pollution in Ganga. About the study: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has received a complaint from a citizen. He alleged that the disposal of bodies in and around the river would not only pollute the river… Continue reading Corpses did not add to Ganga pollution: Centre
