What is the News? Cabinet approves the Production Linked Incentive(PLI) Scheme ‘National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’. PLI Scheme For Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’: Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises Aim: The programme aims to set up facilities capable of manufacturing a cumulative 50GWh of Advanced Chemistry Cell… Continue reading Cabinet approves PLI scheme ‘National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage’
Category: Daily Factly articles
Biodegradable “Moorhen Yoga Mat” developed from “Water Hyacinth”
What is the News? Six young girls from Assam have developed a biodegradable and compostable yoga mat called ‘Moorhen Yoga Mat’. Note: The Mat was developed with the support of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach(NECTAR). NECTAR is an autonomous body under the Department of Science & Technology(DST). About Moorhen Yoga Mat:… Continue reading Biodegradable “Moorhen Yoga Mat” developed from “Water Hyacinth”
“Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture”(MIDH) Scheme
What is the News? The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has provided an enhanced allocation of Rs. 2250 Crore for the year 2021-22 for ‘Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture’(MIDH). Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture(MIDH): The mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture(MIDH) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the… Continue reading “Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture”(MIDH) Scheme
“Community Transmission”(CT) and “Categorisation of diseases”
What is the News? India is registering the highest number of cases globally every day. But the World Health Organization(WHO) Report mentions, India is yet to label itself in the category of community transmission(CT). Note: Currently, India has labelled itself in the category of ‘cluster of cases’ category. About Categorisation of diseases: In general, the… Continue reading “Community Transmission”(CT) and “Categorisation of diseases”
World Bank’s “Migration and Development Brief”: India is the top receiver of remittances
What is the News? The World Bank has released a report titled “Migration and Development Brief, 2020”. Key Findings of the Migration and Development Brief: Findings Related to India: Firstly, India has received the highest amount of remittances in 2020. This was followed by China, Mexico, the Philippines, Egypt, Pakistan, France and Bangladesh. Secondly, India’s… Continue reading World Bank’s “Migration and Development Brief”: India is the top receiver of remittances
What is Compulsory Licensing?
What is the News?
Kerala High Court has asked the Centre to respond to a plea for invoking the compulsory licensing. Other capable vaccine manufacturers will also be able to produce Covid-19 vaccines by the use of the compulsory license.
About Compulsory Licensing:
- Compulsory licensing(CL) is a process that allows governments to license third parties (that is, parties other than the patent holders) to produce, use and sell a patented product or process. By that, producers can manufacture patented drugs without the requirement of consent of patent owners.
- The WTO’s agreement on intellectual property –TRIPS allows countries to issue compulsory licenses to domestic producers.
- In India, Compulsory licensing is allowed and regulated under the Indian Patent Act, 1970.
Section 84 of the (Indian) Patent Act,1970: It provides that after three years from the date of the grant of a patent, any person can apply for the compulsory license, on certain grounds:
- the reasonable requirements of the public with respect to the patented invention have not been satisfied
- the patented invention is not available to the public at a reasonably affordable price
- Lastly, the patented invention is not used in the territory of India.
However, compulsory licenses can also be granted under exceptional circumstances.
Section 92 of the (Indian) Patent Act,1970: It authorizes the central government to issue a compulsory license at any time after the grant of the patent, in the case of:
- National emergency; or
- Extreme urgency; or
- Case of public non-commercial use.
After the government issues a notification under Section 92 the companies can approach the government for a license. They can start manufacturing the patented drug by reverse-engineering the product.
Section 100 of the (Indian) Patent Act,1970:
- It gives the central government the power to authorize anyone to use the invention for the purposes of the government.
- Basically, this provision enables the government to license patents of the vaccine to specific companies. This is done to speed up manufacturing and ensure equitable pricing.
What is a Patent?
- Firstly, a patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention. In other words, a patent is an exclusive right to a product or a process that generally provides a new way of doing something or offers a new technical solution to a problem.
- Secondly, is a patent valid in every country? Patents are territorial rights. In general, the exclusive rights are only applicable in the country or region in which a patent has been filed and granted in accordance with the law of that country or region.
- Thirdly, how long does a patent last? The protection is granted for a limited period, generally 20 years from the filing date of the application.
Source: Hindu Business line
Shakuntala Haraksingh of Indian descent wins “World Food Prize”
What is the News? Dr Shakuntala Haraksingh, a global nutrition expert of Indian descent has won the prestigious 2021 World Food Prize. She was awarded for her research in developing holistic, nutrition-sensitive approaches to aquaculture and food systems. About World Food Prize: Firstly, the World Food Prize is an international honor recognizing the achievements of… Continue reading Shakuntala Haraksingh of Indian descent wins “World Food Prize”
NITI Aayog’s Report on Creating a “Roadmap for Digitally Inclusive Bharat”
What is the News? NITI Aayog and Mastercard have released a report titled ‘Connected Commerce: Creating a Roadmap for a Digitally Inclusive Bharat’. Purpose of the report: The report identifies challenges in accelerating digital financial inclusion in India. The report also provides recommendations for making digital services accessible to its 1.3 billion citizens. Key Findings… Continue reading NITI Aayog’s Report on Creating a “Roadmap for Digitally Inclusive Bharat”
WHO warns against use of “Ivermectin” to treat Covid-19
What is the News? The World Health Organization(WHO) has recommended against the use of ‘ivermectin‘ drug for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Despite this, Ivermectin is still listed in India as a possible treatment option for mild COVID-19 patients under home isolation. About Ivermectin Drug: Ivermectin is an orally administered drug used to treat parasitic… Continue reading WHO warns against use of “Ivermectin” to treat Covid-19
What is “Article 311” of the Indian Constitution?
What is the News? Recently Mumbai Police Commissioner dismissed a Police officer from service without a departmental enquiry. The commissioner did this by exercising his powers under Article 311(2) (b) Article 311 of the Indian Constitution: Article 311 deals with the dismissal, removal or reduction in rank of persons employed in civil capacities under the… Continue reading What is “Article 311” of the Indian Constitution?
