What is the news? As per a study carried out by INSACOG (the consortium of labs undertaking genome sequencing in India), Delta variant of Covid-19 is the primary cause of the second Covid-19 wave gripping the country presently. What is the Delta Variant of Covid-19? The World Health Organization (WHO) has named B.1.617.1 variant as ‘Kappa‘… Continue reading What is the “Delta variant of Covid-19”?
Category: Daily News Updates
“Blue finned Mahseer” now placed under Least Concern (LC) status of IUCN red list
What is the news? Blue Finned Mahseer which was on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) red list of endangered species has now moved to the ‘Least Concern (LC)’ status. About Blue Finned Mahseer: Source: The Indian Express Blue Finned Mahseer is a freshwater fish. It is also known as Deccan Mahseer or… Continue reading “Blue finned Mahseer” now placed under Least Concern (LC) status of IUCN red list
“Anti-hail guns” and their application in preventing hail storm
What is the news? ‘Anti-hail guns’, developed indigenously, will be tested by the Himachal Pradesh government to help out horticulturists who face crop damage due to hailstorms. What are anti-hail guns? An anti-hail gun is a machine that generates shock waves to disrupt the growth of hailstones in clouds. Who has developed these anti-hail guns?… Continue reading “Anti-hail guns” and their application in preventing hail storm
Human-induced global warming causes over a third of “heat-related deaths”: Study
What is the News? According to a study published in the journal Nature Climate Change, more than one-third of the world’s heat-related deaths between 1991 and 2018 are due to global warming. Key Findings of the study: Between 1991 and 2018, more than a third (37%) of all deaths in which heat played a role… Continue reading Human-induced global warming causes over a third of “heat-related deaths”: Study
“Vigilance clearance” is mandatory before offering jobs to retired Govt employee: CVC
What is the News? Central Vigilance Commission(CVC) has laid down a procedure for employing a retired official on a contractual or consultancy basis. Under this guideline, government organisations have to get vigilance clearance before employing a retired official. What is the Procedure? The organisations owned or controlled by the Center has to obtain vigilance clearance… Continue reading “Vigilance clearance” is mandatory before offering jobs to retired Govt employee: CVC
“Corbevax Vaccine” and its difference from other Covid-19 vaccines
What is the News? India has placed an advance order to block 300 million doses of a new Covid-19 vaccine, Corbevax from Hyderabad-based company Biological E. About Corbevax Vaccine: Corbevax is a recombinant protein subunit vaccine. The vaccine is being indigenously produced by Biological E, Hyderabad-based Pharmaceutical company. Made up of: The Corbevax vaccine is… Continue reading “Corbevax Vaccine” and its difference from other Covid-19 vaccines
The tussle of Digital Services Tax between India and US
Synopsis: The US has rolled back its increased tariff on products of 6 countries including India. It now wants to negotiate, over the imposition of a digital service tax by the 6 nations. It is even willing to engage in a future trade war. Background: The six countries of Austria, India, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and… Continue reading The tussle of Digital Services Tax between India and US
Reason behind the decision to shift the National Museum
Synopsis: The government is planning to shift the National Museum in Delhi to the North and South Blocks. This would serve the collection, comfort, and audience experience needs of the Museum in a better way. Background: The National Museum in Delhi is a repository of India’s rich history and proud heritage. However, now the government… Continue reading Reason behind the decision to shift the National Museum
Significance of the Kedar Nath Singh Judgment on Sedition
Synopsis: The significance of Kedar Nath Singh judgment for sedition cases was once again highlighted in the recent Vinod Dua sedition case. The 1962 judgment upheld Section-124A of the Indian Penal Code, but it significantly narrowed down the provision. Background: The SC struck down a sedition case filed under Section-124 A of the Indian Penal… Continue reading Significance of the Kedar Nath Singh Judgment on Sedition
India needs to strengthen the rural health infrastructure
Synopsis: Rural health infrastructure (SHCs, PHCs and CHCs) needs to be Modernised to cater to the health needs of the 65% of the population living in rural areas Background According to info, out of 139 crore population of India, at least 91 crore people are living in 649,481 villages. The second wave of Covid-19 had… Continue reading India needs to strengthen the rural health infrastructure
