Bangalore startup receives TDB National Award 2021 – Recycling Carbon technology

In News: A Bangalore based startup has received the National Award 2021 from Technology Development Board (TDB) for developing a commercial solution for conversion of CO2 to chemicals and fuels.

Context:

  • Breathe Applied Sciences, a startup incubated at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) developed efficient catalysts and methodologies for the conversion of CO2 to methanol and other chemicals.
  • The startup signed an agreement with JNCASR, an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology for transfer of technology based on lab-scale research on reducing CO2 to methanol and other useful chemicals and fuels.
  • It has led to improvisation of process engineering to enhance the production of chemicals and fuels from anthropogenic CO2 generated from various sources including coal and natural gas power generation sectors, steel industry, cement industry, and chemical industries and integrating multiple components involved in the CCUS (Carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration) to develop a complete solution for the environmental issues due to global warming.

Clues to Star Formation and Galaxy Evolution

In News: A scientist has estimated the three-dimensional distribution of molecular and atomic hydrogen in a nearby galaxy which can help lead to clues to the star formation processes and the evolution of the galaxy.

Context:

  • Galaxies like the one we reside in, the Milky Way, consist of discs containing stars, molecular and atomic hydrogen, and helium.
  • The molecular hydrogen gas collapses on itself in distinct pockets, forming stars, its temperature was found to be low –close to 10 kelvin, or -263 ºC and thickness is about 60 to 240 light-years. The atomic hydrogen extends both above and below the discs.
  • They have estimated that molecular hydrogen extends farther from the disc in both directions, up to about 3000 light-years. This gaseous component is warmer than the one straddling the disc and has comparatively lesser densities, thus escaping earlier observations. They called it the ‘diffuse’ component of the molecular disc. How much of the total molecular hydrogen is this diffuse component of the disc remains unclear.
  • “The molecular hydrogen gas converts to individual stars under the pull of gravity, thus holding clues to the star formation processes and the evolution of the galaxy,” said Narendra Nath Patra, the researcher.
  • It is also essential to understand why the gas has two components and maybe tell-tale signatures of supernovae or exploding stars.
  • For the study, Narendra focussed on a single galaxy about 20 million light-years away from the Milky Way. The distance is relatively small compared to the size of the universe, more than 10 billion light-years.
  • The galaxy’s proximity makes it easier to observe with telescopes, and spectral lines of carbon monoxide (CO) are available for public research.
  • The researcher used the observed spectral lines of the CO molecule to infer the three-dimensional distribution of both the narrow disc component and the diffuse component of molecular hydrogen.
  • Estimating how the ratio of the two components varies with the distance away from the centre of the galaxy, he found that the diffuse component makes up about 70 percent of the molecular hydrogen, and this fraction remains roughly constant along the radius of the disc. “This is the first time that such a calculation has been done for any galaxy,” he asserts.
  • The method, although new, relies on calculations that can be carried out on computers with the help of publicly available data. Hence, Narendra is already on his way to employing it on other nearby galaxies.

India and Israel sign a three-year work program for cooperation in Agriculture (2021-2023)

In News: The two governments have agreed to enhance their cooperation in agriculture and signed a three-year work program (2021-2023) agreement for development in Agriculture cooperation, while affirming the ever-growing bilateral partnership and recognizing the centrality of agriculture and water sectors in the bilateral relationship.

Context:

  • India and Israel are implementing the “INDO-ISRAEL Agricultural Project Centres of Excellence” and “INDO-ISRAEL Villages of Excellence”.
  • MIDH, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India, and MASHAV – Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation – are leading Israel’s largest G2G cooperation, with 29 operational Centres of Excellence (COEs) across India in 12 States, implementing Advanced-Intensive agriculture farms with Israeli Agro-Technology tailored to local conditions.
  • The Centres of Excellence generate knowledge, demonstrate best practices and train farmers.
  • Every year, these COEs produce more than 25 million quality vegetable seedlings, more than 387 thousand quality fruit plants and train more than 1.2 lakh farmers about latest technology in the field of horticulture.

INDO-ISRAEL Villages of Excellence:

  • This is a new concept aimed at creating a model ecosystem in agriculture across eight states, alongside 13 Centers of Excellence within 75 villages.
  • The IIVOE program will focus on:
    • Modern Agriculture infrastructure
    • Capacity Building
    • Market linkage
  • The program will promote the increase of net income and better the livelihood of the individual farmer, transforming traditional farms into modern-intensive farms based on IIAP standards.
  • Large-scale and complete value chain approach with economic sustainability, embedded with Israeli novel technologies and methodologies will be tailored to local conditions.

GI certified Shahi Litchi from Bihar exported

In News: In a major boost to export of GI certified products, season’s first consignment of Shahi Litchi from Bihar was exported to United Kingdom. The phyto-sanitary certification for exports of Shahi Litchiwas issued from newly established certification facility at Patna.

Context:

  • APEDA collaborated with Department of Agriculture, Bihar along with other stakeholders such as farmers, exporters and importers for facilitating exports of Shahi Litchi.
  • Due to short-shelf life of litchi, there is need to explore exports opportunities for the processed and value-added products.
  • Shahi litchi was the fourth agricultural products to get GI certification from Bihar in 2018, after Jardalu mango, Katarni rice and Magahi paan. 
  • Muzzafarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur, Champaran, Begusarai districts and adjoining areas of Bihar have favorable climate for growing Shahi Litchi.
  • India is the second largest producer of litchi (Litchi chin) in the world, after China. Bihar tops in terms of production of litchi.
  • The translucent, flavoured aril or edible flesh of the litchi is popular as a table fruit in India, while in China and Japan it is preferred in dried or canned form.

Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery to begin from 15th June

In News: Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery is set to begin from 15th June 2021.In view of Covid, Government accepted to postpone the exercise from 1st June 2021.

Context:

  • A committee was formed to ensure proper coordination and resolve the implementation issues. Pramod Tewari DG (BIS) would be the convener of Committee.
  • It is done to enable Customers get Hallmark certified Gold at Earliest all across the country.
  • Under Hallmarking scheme of Bureau of Indian Standards, Jewellers are registered for selling hallmarked jewellery and recognise testing and Hallmarking centres.
  • BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations, were implemented w.e.f. 14.06.2018. Hallmarking will enable Consumers/Jewellery buyers to make a right choice and save them from any unnecessary confusion while buying gold.
  • At present, only 30% of Indian Gold Jewellery is hallmarked.
  • According to World Gold Council, India has around 4 lakh jewellers, out of this only 35879 have been BIS certified.
  • The Hallmarking of jewellery/artefacts is required to enhance the credibility of gold Jewellry and Customer satisfaction through third party assurance for the marked purity/fineness of gold , consumer protection. This step will also help to develop India as a leading gold market center in the World.

Availability of edible oil at reasonable prices in the country – Centre holds meeting

In News:

  • Centre held a meeting with all stake holders to discuss ways and means to address the issue of stability of edible oil prices.
  • It may be noted that production and domestic availability of oilseeds in India is falls way short of needs of domestic demand of edible oil.
  • A big volume of edible oil is imported each year. Changes in International prices of edible oil make an impact on domestic Indian price of edible oil.
  • Secretary of Food & Public Distribution said that mission “Atmanirbhar Bharat” requires country to be self-sufficient in edible oils. Dependency of almost 60% on imports is not appropriate to the growth of edible oil industry in India.

Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs launches 1st Phase of MCA21 Version 3.0

In News: Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Anurag Singh Thakur launched the first phase of Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ (MCA) MCA21 Version 3.0 (V3.0) comprising of revamped website, new email services for MCA Officers and two new modules, namely, e. Book and e. Consultation. 

Context:

About MCA21:

  • The MCA V3.0 is going to be implemented in two phases. The second and final phase shall be launched from October 2021 onwards.
  • The entire project is proposed to be launched within this Financial Year and will be data analytics and machine learning driven.
  • The MCA21 V3.0 in its entirety will not only improve the existing services and modules, but will also create new functionalities like e-adjudication, compliance management system, advanced helpdesk, feedback services, user dashboards , self-reporting tools and  revamped master data services.
  • The e-consultation module will facilitate:
    • Virtual public consultation of proposed amendments and new legislations to be introduced by MCA from time to time.
    • Leverage Artificial intelligence for compiling, grouping and categorizing comments/inputs received from stakeholders and create analytical reports for quick policy decision making.
    • New email service for officers of MCA will provide them with advanced features and capabilities for organised and managed communication with internal as well as external stakeholders.
  • Data analytics driven MCA21 V3.0 will give new meaning to corporate compliance culture and will further enhance the trust and confidence in the Corporate regulatory and governance system.

Islanders seek withdrawal of land norms in Lakshadweep

In News: A slew of regulations introduced by the new administrator Praful Khoda Patel of the Lakshadweep group of islands has sparked discontent among its inhabitants.

Context:

  • Islanders have pointed out that the legislation are out of sync with the social and environmental realities of the archipelago.
  • The creation of the Lakshadweep Development Authority (LDA), with extensive powers, including eviction of land owners, is widely read as having been pushed by the real estate lobby and against the interest of the islanders.
  • Hundreds of islanders have written to the administrator demanding the withdrawal of the proposed regulation, which makes “provision for the orderly and progressive development of land in both urban and rural areas and to preserve and improve the amenities thereof; for the grant of permission to develop land and for other powers of control over the use of land; to confer additional powers in respect of the acquisition and development of land for planning; and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.”
  • The regulation empowers the government, identified as the administrator, to constitute Planning and Development Authorities (PDAs) to plan the development of any area identified as having “bad layout or obsolete development”.
  • An authority thus created would be a corporate body with a government-appointed chairman, a town planning officer and three “expert” government nominees besides two local authority representatives.
  • The islanders opposing the plan have pointed out that the ecologically fragile islands are tiny and thickly populated.
  • One of the petitions seeking the withdrawal of the regulation says the legislation vests extensive powers with the authority, allowing it to prepare comprehensive development plans for any area and relocate people.

High-powered panel meets to choose next CBI Director

In News: A high-powered committee, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice N.V. Ramana and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, met to finalise the choice of the next Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Context:

  • Three Indian Police Service (IPS) officers — V.S. Kumudi (1986 batch), Kumar Rajesh Chandra (1985) and Subodh Jaiswal (1985 batch) — have been shortlisted from a list of 109 officers that included four batches (1984-1987) of the IPS.
  • CBI:
    • The Central Bureau of Investigation is the premier investigating agency of India, operating under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (India).
    • Originally set up to investigate bribery and governmental corruption, in 1965 it received expanded jurisdiction to investigate breaches of central laws enforceable by the Government of India, multi-state organised crime, multi-agency or international cases.
    • The agency has been known to investigate several economic crimes, special crimes, cases of corruption and other cases. CBI is exempted from the provisions of the Right to Information Act.

90%-95% of Mucormycosis patients are Diabetics on steroids – AIIMS

In News: Dr. Guleria, Director of the AIIMS speaking at the Health Ministry press conference, added that early detection and hygiene were key to tackling the virus.

Context:

  • Mucormycosis is not a communicable disease and 90%-95% of patients that we have with us currently are diabetics who were on steroids.
  • Mucormycosis is one of the general fungal infections being seen in recovering or recovered COVID-19 patients. The number of cases being reported is increasing, but it is not a communicable disease, meaning it does not spread from one person to another, like COVID-19 does.
  • Dr. Guleria also said it is better not to use the term black fungus while talking of mucormycosis, as it leads to a lot of avoidable confusion.
  • Black fungus is another family; this term got associated with mucormycosis due to the presence of black dots among the culture of white fungal colonies.
  • In general, there are various types of fungal infections such as candida, aspergillosis, cryptococcus, histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis.
  • Mucormycosis, candida and aspergillosis are the ones observed more in those with low immunity.
  • Maintaining proper hygiene is very important for diabetic patients since chances of opportunistic infection is very high in such patients. Those using oxygen concentrators should ensure cleaning of humidifiers regularly.
  • He added that difficulty in concentrating, insomnia and depression are other signs to watch out for.

FDI flows crossed $81 bn in FY21

In News: Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into India grew 10% in 2020-21 to touch a record $81.72 billion, with FDI equity inflows rising 19% to almost $60 billion, the Commerce and Industry Ministry said.

Context:

  • Singapore emerged as the top investor with almost a third of all investments, followed by the U.S. which accounted for 23% of FDI and Mauritius from where 9% of the capital flows originated.
  • FDI equity flows from the U.S. tripled during the year compared with 2019-20, while investments from the U.K. surged 44%.
  • The sharpest growth among the top 10 FDI-origin countries was recorded from Saudi Arabia. Investments from the oil-rich nation jumped from a mere $90 million in 2019-20 to $2.8 billion last year.

Top FDI Destinations in India:

  • Gujarat was the top FDI destination in FY21, accounting for 37% of the foreign equity inflows.
  • It was followed by its traditional industrial rival Maharashtra that got 27%.
  • Karnataka stood third and accounted for 13% of the equity investments.
  • The rest of the country got a disproportionately less 23% of foreign equity capital.
  • Computer software and hardware has emerged as the top sector during 2020-21 with about 44% share of the total FDI equity inflow followed by construction (infrastructure) activities (13%) and services sector (8%), respectively.
  • Construction (infrastructure) activities, computer software and hardware, rubber goods, retail trading, drugs and pharmaceuticals and electrical equipment have recorded more than a 100% jump in equity during 2020-21, the statement pointed out.