1. Union Government approves signing of Project Cooperation Agreement between DHR and WHO on Assistive Technology
Tags: National Science and Technology National News
The Union Government approved the signing of a Project Collaboration Agreement between the Department of Health Research (DHR) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Assistive Technology.
An Overview of the News
The agreement aims to draw global attention to access to assistive technology, promote research and innovation, and develop training programs.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) was approved during the meeting.
The MoU focuses on promoting and strengthening cooperation in competition law and policy through information exchange, sharing of best practices and capacity building initiatives.
The objective of the MoU is to develop and strengthen the relationship between the CCI and the ECA and to facilitate learning and cooperation in the enforcement of competition law.
The Union Cabinet approved the signing of an MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Chartered Accountants of Maldives.
The objective of the MoU is to establish mutual cooperation for the advancement of accounting knowledge, professional and intellectual development, and development of the accounting profession in Maldives and India.
World Health Organization (WHO):
It is a specialised agency of the United Nations that focuses on global public health.
The headquarters of WHO is in Geneva, Switzerland.
It operates through six regional offices and 150 field offices around the world.
It was established on April 7, 1948 with the aim of addressing international health issues.
Department of Health Research (DHR):
It was created in September 2007 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Its creation was notified through an amendment to the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.
It was formally launched on 5 October 2007.
DHR functions as a separate department within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Its primary objective is to take modern health technologies to the masses through research and innovation.
2. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the two-day National Ayush Mission Conclave in New Delhi
Tags: National National News
On 18 May Union Minister of AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the two-day National AYUSH Mission (NAM) Conclave in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The two-day conclave will pave the way for better coordination among stakeholders and strengthen the functioning of AYUSH health and wellness centres.
The objective of the mission is to increase the availability, reach and quality of AYUSH health services across the country through AYUSH Health Wellness Centers as part of the Ayushman Bharat scheme of the Government of India.
The government had approved operationalization of 12,500 AYUSH health wellness centres by upgrading existing AYUSH dispensaries and health sub-centres under the broad umbrella of NAM in a phased manner.
More than 8500 such centres have been established across the country and are serving the communities.
About Ministry of AYUSH
It is a government ministry in India.
It is responsible for the development, promotion and regulation of traditional systems of medicine.
AYUSH is the abbreviation of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Society and aims to promote education and research of the above.
The ministry provides educational and training programs.
Establishment - 2014
Responsible Ministers - Sarbananda Sonowal, Cabinet Minister and Mahendra Munjapara, Minister of State
Ministry Executive - Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary
Ministry of Motherhood - Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
3. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the two-day National Ayush Mission Conclave in New Delhi
Tags: National National News
On 18 May Union Minister of AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the two-day National AYUSH Mission (NAM) Conclave in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The two-day conclave will pave the way for better coordination among stakeholders and strengthen the functioning of AYUSH health and wellness centres.
The objective of the mission is to increase the availability, reach and quality of AYUSH health services across the country through AYUSH Health Wellness Centers as part of the Ayushman Bharat scheme of the Government of India.
The government had approved operationalization of 12,500 AYUSH health wellness centres by upgrading existing AYUSH dispensaries and health sub-centres under the broad umbrella of NAM in a phased manner.
More than 8500 such centres have been established across the country and are serving the communities.
About Ministry of AYUSH
It is a government ministry in India.
It is responsible for the development, promotion and regulation of traditional systems of medicine.
AYUSH is the abbreviation of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Society and aims to promote education and research of the above.
The ministry provides educational and training programs.
Establishment - 2014
Responsible Ministers - Sarbananda Sonowal, Cabinet Minister and Mahendra Munjapara, Minister of State
Ministry Executive - Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary
Ministry of Motherhood - Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
4. Government to set up 1,100 new farmer producer organisations in the cooperative sector
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
The government will set up 1,100 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the cooperative sector and the initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "prosperity through cooperation".
An Overview of the News
The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) will monitor the allotment of these additional FPOs.
Each FPO will get financial assistance of Rs 33 lakh.
Cluster based business organisations associated with FPOs will be given Rs 25 lakh per FPO.
Activities like bee-keeping and mushroom cultivation will be included as income-generating options for these societies.
The aim of setting up the FPO is to provide the necessary market linkages to the farmers.
Its objective is to ensure remunerative prices for the produce of the farmers.
National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC):
It is a statutory corporation established on March 13, 1963, by an Act of the Parliament of India.
The objectives of NCDC include planning and promoting cooperative programs for the production, processing, marketing, storage, export and import of agricultural produce, food items, industrial goods, livestock and other specified goods and services.
NCDC works on the basis of cooperative principles, emphasising cooperation and collective efforts for the development of cooperatives.
Headquarters - New Delhi, India
5. Government to set up 1,100 new farmer producer organisations in the cooperative sector
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
The government will set up 1,100 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the cooperative sector and the initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "prosperity through cooperation".
An Overview of the News
The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) will monitor the allotment of these additional FPOs.
Each FPO will get financial assistance of Rs 33 lakh.
Cluster based business organisations associated with FPOs will be given Rs 25 lakh per FPO.
Activities like bee-keeping and mushroom cultivation will be included as income-generating options for these societies.
The aim of setting up the FPO is to provide the necessary market linkages to the farmers.
Its objective is to ensure remunerative prices for the produce of the farmers.
National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC):
It is a statutory corporation established on March 13, 1963, by an Act of the Parliament of India.
The objectives of NCDC include planning and promoting cooperative programs for the production, processing, marketing, storage, export and import of agricultural produce, food items, industrial goods, livestock and other specified goods and services.
NCDC works on the basis of cooperative principles, emphasising cooperation and collective efforts for the development of cooperatives.
Headquarters - New Delhi, India
6. Phase-3 trial for Panacea Biotech’s Dengue Vaccine
Tags: Science and Technology National News
The phase-3 trial of a dengue vaccine developed by Panacea Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is likely to begin in August or September 2023.
An overview of the news
Phase-III clinical trial is being done for evaluation of efficacy, along with safety and immunogenicity of tetravalent dengue vaccine.
Serum Institute of India and Panacea Biotech have applied for expression of interest for clinical trials for indigenous manufacturers of dengue vaccine.
What is Dengue?
Commonly known as break bone fever, it is a flu-like illness caused by the dengue virus.
It occurs when an Aedes mosquito carrying the virus bites a healthy person.
The disease is mainly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.
Causes of Dengue
It is caused due to four viruses, namely - DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.
The virus enters the mosquito when it bites an already infected person.
The disease is transmitted when it bites a healthy person, and the virus is spread through the person's bloodstream.
Symptoms of Dengue
Headache, Muscle, bone and joint pain, Nausea, Vomiting, swollen glands, Rash.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for dengue.
Early detection of severe dengue-associated illness and access to appropriate medical care reduce deaths from severe dengue.
Diagnosis of dengue infection is done with a blood test.
Mosquito-borne diseases
Malaria - This disease is caused by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito.
Malaria fever is caused by a virus called Plasmodium vivax.
Dengue - Dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), dengue is the most widely spread disease by mosquitoes worldwide.
Chikungunya - Chikungunya, like dengue, is caused by the bite of the Aedes mosquito.
Yellow Fever - This disease is caused by the bite of a human from the Aedes mosquito, especially Aedes aegypti.
Yellow fever is caused by flavivirus.
7. India, EU agree to coordinate policies in strategic semiconductor sector
Tags: International News
India and the European Union have entered into an agreement to coordinate their policies in the semiconductor sector.
An overview of the news
The joint statement was issued after the first India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting held in Brussels.
It aims to enhance cooperation, foster innovation and strengthen competitiveness in this vital industry.
The agreement emphasizes collaborative research and development activities between Indian and European companies, research institutions, and universities.
By pooling their expertise and resources, both parties aim to drive technological advancements in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and applications.
Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, the agreement focuses on promoting skill development initiatives in the semiconductor sector.
India and the EU will jointly work towards training programs, knowledge exchange, and capacity building to nurture a talent pool equipped with cutting-edge skills.
The agreement signifies the establishment of a long-term strategic partnership between India and the EU in the semiconductor sector.
What are Semiconductor Chips?
It is a material which has conductivity between conductor and insulator.
Compounds of silicon or germanium or gallium, arsenide or cadmium selenide are used in this.
Why are semiconductors or chips so important?
It serves as the centre and brain of all modern electronics and information and communication technology products.
The chips are used as data-storing memory chips, or logic chips that run programs.
Manufacturing of chips requires a lot of precision as well as investment.
This requires special conditions where even small disturbances around or inside the manufacturing unit can hamper production.
About European Union
The European Union is a group of 27 European countries.
The United Kingdom which was the founding member of the European Union has left the organisation.
It was founded on 1 November 1993
Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
8. Cabinet approves Production Linked Incentive Scheme - 2.0 for IT Hardware
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th May approved the Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware with a budgetary outlay Rs 17,000 crore.
An overview of the news
Electronics manufacturing in India has seen a steady growth with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 17% in the last 8 years.
This year it crossed a major benchmark in production of USD 105 billion (about Rs 9 lakh crore).
India has become the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world.
Mobile phone exports have crossed a major milestone of US $ 11 billion (about Rs 90 thousand crore) this year.
The global electronics manufacturing ecosystem is coming to India, and India is emerging as a major electronics manufacturing country.
Features of PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT hardware
It covers laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, servers and ultra small form factor devices.
The tenure of this scheme is 6 years.
Expected incremental production is Rs 3.35 Lakh crore.
Expected incremental investment is Rs 2,430 crore.
Expected incremental direct employment is 75,000.
What is Production Linked Incentive Scheme?
It is an initiative that provides incentives to domestic industries to promote production at the local level.
Through this scheme, the government aims to incentivize companies to increase the sales of manufactured products in domestic units.
The objective of the scheme is to make domestic manufacturing globally competitive and to become a global champion in manufacturing.
The government has launched this scheme with an outlay of around Rs 2 lakh crore for 14 sectors including Automobiles and Auto Components, White Goods, Pharma, Textiles, Advanced Chemistry Cell and Specialty Steel.
9. Cabinet approves Production Linked Incentive Scheme - 2.0 for IT Hardware
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th May approved the Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware with a budgetary outlay Rs 17,000 crore.
An overview of the news
Electronics manufacturing in India has seen a steady growth with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 17% in the last 8 years.
This year it crossed a major benchmark in production of USD 105 billion (about Rs 9 lakh crore).
India has become the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world.
Mobile phone exports have crossed a major milestone of US $ 11 billion (about Rs 90 thousand crore) this year.
The global electronics manufacturing ecosystem is coming to India, and India is emerging as a major electronics manufacturing country.
Features of PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT hardware
It covers laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, servers and ultra small form factor devices.
The tenure of this scheme is 6 years.
Expected incremental production is Rs 3.35 Lakh crore.
Expected incremental investment is Rs 2,430 crore.
Expected incremental direct employment is 75,000.
What is Production Linked Incentive Scheme?
It is an initiative that provides incentives to domestic industries to promote production at the local level.
Through this scheme, the government aims to incentivize companies to increase the sales of manufactured products in domestic units.
The objective of the scheme is to make domestic manufacturing globally competitive and to become a global champion in manufacturing.
The government has launched this scheme with an outlay of around Rs 2 lakh crore for 14 sectors including Automobiles and Auto Components, White Goods, Pharma, Textiles, Advanced Chemistry Cell and Specialty Steel.
10. UGC launches redesigned website, UTSAH and two portals POP
Tags: National National News
UGC Chairman Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar redesigned the UGC website, UTSAH and POP portal.
An Overview of the News
The redesign is part of the UGC's transformational strategies and actions for higher education.
The updated website aims to provide a user-friendly interface for students, teachers and stakeholders.
The UGC website, UTSAH and POP portals are now live and accessible.
UTSAH Portal:
It serves as a platform for detailed information about UGC's initiatives for qualitative improvement in higher education.
It allows institutions to showcase achievements, share best practices and engage in knowledge-sharing.
Institutions can access UGC schemes, monitor progress and submit reports online through the portal.
Professor of Practice Portal (POP):
It is an initiative to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
It facilitates interaction between industry professionals, faculty members and students.
The portal provides valuable insights and real world knowledge to the students.
It aims to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the academic field.
