June 2021 National Affairs

Sakshi Education

Rajnath Singh approves budgetary support of Rs 498 crore to iDEX for next 5 years
498 crore rupees to Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) – Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) for the next five years.

The budgetary support will provide a big boost to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The iDEX-DIO has the primary objective of self-reliance and indigenisation in the defence and aerospace sector of the country.

The creation of the iDEX framework and establishment of the DIO by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) is aimed at creating an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace.

The scheme, with budgetary support of 498 crore rupees for the next five years, is aimed at providing financial support to nearly 300 start-ups, MSMEs and individual innovators and 20 partner incubators under the DIO framework. It will support increased awareness in the Indian innovation ecosystem about defence needs.
#indiaFightsCorona: ‘Project O2 for India’ enables supply of critical raw materials
The second wave of COVID-19 saw an increase in demand for medical oxygen in different parts of the country. While meeting the current demand, manufacturing medical oxygen also became important to ensure we have adequate supply in the future.

‘Project O2 for India’ of the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India, is to enable stakeholders working to augment the country’s ability to meet this rise in demand for medical oxygen.

Under Project O2 for India, National Consortium of Oxygen is enabling the national level supply of critical raw materials such as zeolites, setting up of small oxygen plants, manufacturing compressors, final products, i.e., oxygen plants, concentrators, and ventilators. The consortium is not only looking forward to providing immediate to short-term relief but also working to strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem for long-term preparedness.

A committee of experts has been evaluating critical equipment such as oxygen plants, concentrators, and ventilators, from a pool of India-based manufacturers, start-ups, and MSMEs (in partnership with FICCI, MESA, etc.).
India emerges as 14th most charitable country in the World
World Giving Index 2021 report says, India is 14th most charitable country. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown ‘giving’ trends across the world. Released by the Charities Aid Foundation’s (CAF), this year’s survey highlights the impact of lockdowns on charitable giving.

India is now in the Top 20 most generous countries in the world. This is up from the 10-year global rank of 82. Australia and New Zealand, where the survey was undertaken in the weeks before the first wave of the pandemic took hold, maintained their top 10 rankings. Communities around the world mobilised to help fellow citizens during the pandemic, resulting in the highest ‘helped a stranger’ figures since 2009.

More than half (55 per cent) of the world’s adults – or 3 billion people – reported helping someone they didn’t know in 2020. The report says, Scores for India rapidly improved between 2017 and 2019, and this improvement was maintained during 2020. The improvement in India is seen across all the age groups and amongst both men and women. 61 per cent of Indians helped strangers; 34 per cent volunteered; and 36 per cent donated money.
India to showcase its Space Power in all its dimensions in upcoming World Expo at Dubai in October this Year
India’s Space Power will be showcased in all its dimensions in the upcoming World Expo at Dubai in October this Year.

At the Expo, an exclusive plot has been dedicated for showcasing the achievements of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Space.

Showcasing of India’s capacity and its success story in the field of Space Technology will not only inspire the rest of the world but also offer them cues about how to plan their future Space technology related programmes and projects.
Indian Army successfully conducts trial runs of military trains loaded with vehicles and equipment on dedicated freight corridor
The Indian Army has successfully conducted trial runs of military trains loaded with vehicles and equipment on the dedicated freight corridor.

The trial run which was done with an aim to hasten mobilisation of Indian Army in future ferried heavy equipment from New Rewari station in Haryana to New Phulera in Rajasthan.

Its intricate and synchronised coordination with Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) and Indian Railways will significantly enhance the mobilisation capability of the Armed Forces.

It added that these trials were part of the “Whole of the Nation Approach” for optimising national resources and achieving seamless synergy among various ministries and departments.
Rajnath Singh re-emphasises India’s call for open & inclusive order in Indo-Pacific region
Terrorism and radicalization are the gravest threats to peace and security in the world. He assured that India, as a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), remains committed to combat financing of terrorism.

India’s support to freedom of navigation and over-flight for all in International waters in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) is a forum comprising 10 ASEAN member countries and eight partner nations including India, China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States.

The 15th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting is being hosted by Brunei as it is the chair of the ASEAN grouping this year. The ADMM-Plus forum aims to strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace, stability and development in the region. The inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2010.
Railways to invest Rs 55,000 crore for modernization of Signalling, Telecommunication & other infrastructure
Indian Railways has envisaged investment of nearly 55,000 Crore rupees for Modernization of Signalling, Telecommunication and other infrastructure development. Railways have also started Electronic Interlocking (EI) at 2221 Railway Stations so far.

Further, 1550 EIs are planned to be provided in next 3 years. Electronic Interlocking are being adopted on a large scale to derive benefits of digital technologies in train operation and to enhance safety.

Government has approved allotment of 5 MHz Spectrum in 700 MHz frequency band to Indian Railways for public safety and security services at stations and in trains. As on April 30th, Indian Railways have provided interlocking with Signals at 11705 Level Crossing Gates to enhance the safety at Level Crossings.
Govt approves proposal for Deep Ocean Mission
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for Deep Ocean Mission and Nutrient Based Subsidy Rates.

This futuristic decision will give impetus to the Blue Economy by exploring the deep ocean for resources and developing deep-sea technologies for sustainable use of ocean resources.

This mission will help in the study of deep ocean biodiversity and minerals.

The estimated cost of the Deep Ocean Mission will be over Rs 4000 crore and it will be implemented in a phase-wise manner in five years.

Under the Mission, a manned submersible will be developed to carry three people to a depth of six thousand metre in the ocean.

An Integrated Mining System will also be developed for mining Polymetallic Nodules. The exploration studies of minerals will pave the way for commercial exploitation in the near future.

Studies and detailed engineering design for offshore Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion powered desalination plants are also envisaged under the Mission. A research vessel for deep ocean exploration would be built in an Indian shipyard which would create employment opportunities. This mission is also directed towards capacity development in Marine Biology which will provide job opportunities.
Govt approves proposal for Nutrient Based Subsidy Rates
Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for fixation of Nutrient Based Subsidy Rates for phosphorus and potassium fertilizers for the year 2021-22.

This will benefit the farmers by providing fertilizer at a reasonable price. He said, the Government provides Rs 900 subsidy on every packet of Urea.

A decision has been taken to increase the subsidy for DAP fertilizers from existing Rs 700 to Rs 1200.

The estimated additional subsidy burden for such an arrangement will be over Rs 14,000 crore.
Govt simplifies registration process for MSMEs
The Government has simplified the registration process for the Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises, MSMEs. Now only PAN Card and Aadhaar will be required for registration of MSMEs. This was announced by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Nitin Gadkari.

MSMEs contribute significantly in the economic and social development of the country by fostering entrepreneurship and generating huge employment opportunities. He said the vision of MSME aims towards building a supporting ecosystem for this sector to enhance their contribution towards a five trillion dollar economy.

In order to boost the economic activities of MSMEs, the Government had announced a special incentive package of 20 lakh crore rupees under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
National Helpline for preventing financial loss due to cyber fraud
Home Ministry has operationalised the national Helpline 155260 and Reporting Platform for preventing financial loss due to cyber fraud.

The National Helpline and Reporting Platform provides a mechanism for persons cheated in cyber frauds to report such cases to prevent loss of their hard earned money.

The Helpline was soft launched on first of April this year. The Helpline and its Reporting Platform has been made operational by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, I4C under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with active support and cooperation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), all major banks, Payment Banks, Wallets and Online Merchants.

Since, its soft launch, in a short span of two months, Helpline 155260 has been able to save more than 1.85 crore rupees of defrauded money.
Cable Television Network Rules amended
The Central Government today issued a notification amending the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994 thereby providing a statutory mechanism for redressal of grievances/complaints of citizens relating to content broadcast by television channels in accordance with the provisions of the Cable Television Network Act, 1995.

At present, there is an institutional mechanism by way of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to address grievances of citizens relating to violation of the Programme/Advertising Codes under the Rules.

Similarly, various broadcasters have also developed their internal self-regulatory mechanism for addressing grievances. However, a need was felt to lay down a statutory mechanism for strengthening the grievance redressal structure. Some broadcasters had also requested for giving legal recognition to their associations/bodies. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in its order in WP(C) No.387 of 2000 in the matter of “Common Cause Vs Union of India & Others” while expressing satisfaction over the existing mechanism of grievance redressal set up by the Central Government, had advised to frame appropriate rules to formalize the complaint redressal mechanism.
Govt aims to reduce road accident deaths by 50% by 2024
Minister for Road Transport and Highways NitinGadkarisaid, Government’s target is to reduce road accident deaths by 50 percent by 2024.

Addressing virtual session on ‘Role of Corporates in Arresting Road Fatalities’ organised by FICCI, Mr Gadkari congratulated FICCI on the announcement of Road Safety consortium ‘Safar’ and release of a white paper on road safety for the corporate world.

The Minister emphasised the need for identification of ‘black spot’ in every state, district and city. He said that the World Bank and ADB have already sanctioned a scheme by which the Government is allocating 14,000 crore rupees for states, NHAI and other stakeholders to remove black spots.
Study shows chances of hospitalisation reduce by 75 to 80 per cent after vaccination
The study conducted on the healthcare workers about vaccination suggests that chances of hospitalization reduce by 75 to 80 per cent after vaccination when an individual is infected from Coronavirus

The possibility of oxygen requirement is around 8 per cent after infection and the risk of ICU admission is only 6 per cent after vaccination. The study clearly shows that the vaccination provides protection from the serious infection.

WHO-AIIMS survey shows seropositivity in persons below and above 18 years of age is almost equal. In urban areas, it is 78 per cent in persons below 18 years of age and 79 per cent in above 18.

In rural areas, the seropositivity rate is 56 per cent in persons below 18 years of age and 63 per cent in persons above 18. The information shows that the children were infected but it was very mild and only isolated cases of infection may occur in children during the 3rd wave of COVID.
RBI to grant in-principle approval to Centrum Financial Services Ltd to set up Small Finance Bank
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to grant in-principle approval to Centrum Financial Services Limited to set up a Small Finance Bank.

This in-principle approval has been accorded in specific pursuance to the expression of centrum financial services limited’s offer dated February 1, 2021.

The approval has been accorded in response to the notification dated 30 November 2020 published by the Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperative Bank (PMC) bank.
Climate change to increase sea level in Lakshadweep Islands, will affect airport & residential areas: Study
Sea-level will rise around the Lakshadweep Islands in the range between 0.4 mm/year to 0.9 mm/year, says a study conducted projecting different greenhouse gas scenarios.

The study highlights that the worst possible inundation scenarios projected for Lakshadweep Islands are almost similar under different emission scenarios projected and all the islands in the archipelago would be vulnerable to impact from sea-level rise.

One of the major threats in the coming years is rising sea level and its significant impact on small islands and this is for the first time, that climate model projections were used to assess the potential areas of inundation over the archipelago of Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.

The research that was published in the journal ‘Regional Studies in Marine Science, Elsevier recently showed that the coastal inundation could have wide socio-economic impact. According to the team, projected inundation due to sea-level rise can impact the islanders as residential areas are quite close to the present coastline. Also, the only airport in the archipelago is located at the southern tip of Agatti Island, and has a high likelihood of damage due to inundation from sea-level rise.
Education Minister approves release of Performance Grading Index 2019-20 for states, UT’s
Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has approved the release of Performance Grading Index 2019-20 for States and UTs today. Government has introduced the Performance Grading Index with a set of 70 parameters to catalyze transformational change in the field of school education.
The PGI for States and UTs was first published in 2019 with reference year 2017-18. Punjab, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Kerala occupy the highest grade, which is Grade A, for 2019-20.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Puducherry, Punjab and Tamil Nadu have improved overall PGI score by 10 percent, that is, 100 or more points.
The PGI exercise helps States and UTs to pinpoint the gaps and prioritise areas for intervention. Most of the States and UTs have improved their grade in PGI 2019-20 compared to the earlier years. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Punjab have shown improvement by 10 percent or more in the PGI domain: Access. As many as thirteen States and UTs have shown improvement by 10 percent or more in the PGI domain: Infrastructure and Facilities. Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Odisha have shown improvement by 20 percent or more. Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Odisha have shown more than 10 percent improvement in the PGI domain: Equity.
Forest, tree cover in India increases by 24.56% to over 8 lakh sq kms: Environment Minister
India is one of the few countries where forest cover has actually increased in the last decade. He said the forest and tree cover in the country has reached 24.56 per cent of the geographic area which is spread over eight lakh square kilometres. He said, India has increased its forest and tree cover by 15 thousand square kilometres in the last six years.
The Union Environment Minister further said, substantial increase in the population of big cats in the last seven years reflects the Government's commitment towards conservation of wildlife and environment.
Highlighting the other initiatives of the government, the Environment Minister has said, phase-two of the FAME India scheme is being implemented with budgetary support of 10 thousand crore rupees to facilitate and enhance electric mobility.
Every year on 5th of June, people around the globe observe World Environment Day to raise awareness about the importance of nature and to inspire positive change towards the environment.
The theme of this year's World Environment Day is 'Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.' as this year marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Election Commission recommends inclusion of Paid News as electoral offence; favors remote voting for migrant workers, NRIs
The Election Commission, in its endeavour to promote free and fair elections in the country, has recommended to include Paid News in the list of electoral offences.
Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra informed that the Commission has suggested the Law Ministry to take necessary steps to amend the governing statutes in order to include Paid News as an electoral offence. Mr. Chandra informed that the Central poll body is very much concerned about the menace of Paid News and takes all due steps in order to curb it.
The facility of remote electronic voting for migrant workers and NRIs will soon become a reality in India. Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said that testing of the remote voting facility is underway and the measure aimed at further increasing inclusivity and voter participation will soon become a reality. He added, the novel initiative will allow a large number of people to exercise their franchise even from distant locations.

The Election Commission has also written to the Law Ministry to work on related amendments in the governing statutes. The remote voting facility will enable migrant workers, NRIs and all other such people to cast their votes who are physically away from the place where they are registered as eligible voters.
Centre assures safe potable tap water by 2022 in every household of North Western States
The Centre has assured safe potable tap water by next year in every household of North Western States and Union Territories of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Ministry of Jal Shakti has said that the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission will be expedited in these States and UTs and every rural household will be provided with tap water connections by the end of 2022.
Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has approved Central allocation of over 8200crore in the current financial year for expediting the work in these States & UTs. The allocation is more than four times of the allocation given to these States and UTs in the last financial year.

Mr. Shekhawat has also assured full assistance to these States and UTs for making provision of tap water supply in every rural home. Assured supply of potable tap water in every home will improve the lives of more than five crore people living in villages in this region, especially women and girls.

Three states in North-Western India, including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab have successfully provided tap water connections to all schools and Anganwadi Centres. Jammu & Kashmir has so far been able to extend the coverage to 90 per cent of its schools and Anganwadis whereas Ladakh has successfully extended the coverage to around 50 per cent.
Advanced Light Helicopters Inducted at INS Dega
The induction ceremony of ‘322 Dega Flight’ was held in the presence of Vice Adm Ajendra Bahadur Singh, AVSM, VSM Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) with three indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) MK III helicopters flying into Naval Air Station, INS Dega.
With the induction of these Maritime Reconnaissance and Coastal Security (MRCS) helicopters, the ENC got a major boost towards enhancing the capabilities of the force, in pursuit of the maritime interests of the nation. These helicopters, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, are state-of-the-art flying machines and constitute a major step in our quest for “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”.
ALH MK III helicopters feature an array of systems previously seen only on heavier, multi-role helicopters of the Indian Navy.
Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen - Phase 2, makes steady progress amidst COVID-19 Pandemic with 1249 villages declared ODF Plus
The Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Rattan Lal Kataria reviewed the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen (SBM-G) under the Department of Drinking water and Sanitation.
The Mission has been making steady progress amidst the grave challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. The department, working against time and amidst the strict regulations that were imposed owing to the pandemic, promptly released the scheme guidelines in May 2020 and compiled manuals, brochures, advisories to support capacity and implementation at State level.
The phase -2 of SBM was announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in February, 2020 i.e., just preceding the first COVID wave in India.
The phase -1 concluded in October 2019 with grand declaration of the Nation as Open Defecation Free.
The Phase -2 emphasizes upon the sustainability of achievements under phase -1 and to provide adequate facilities for Solid/Liquid & plastic waste management in rural India.
New eco-friendly process enhances fatigue life of aluminium alloy used in aerospace components
Indian Scientists have developed an environmental-friendly process, which can provide excellent corrosion resistance to the high-strength aluminium (Al) alloys extensively used in aerospace, textile, and automotive applications. It involves an electrochemical method for the production of an oxide film on the metallic substrate.
High-strength aluminium (Al) alloys are extensively used in aerospace, textile, and automotive applications owing to their low density and high specific strength. Aerospace components made out of Al alloys include landing gear, wing spar, which is the main structural part of the wing, fuselage (main body of an aircraft), aircraft skins or outer surface and pressure cabins. These parts often need resistance against wear, corrosion damages, and enhanced fatigue life. The widely used technique for Al alloys to improve corrosion resistance called hard anodizing (HA) process is an electrolyte-based coating deposition. It involves sulphuric/oxalic based electrolytes, which emits not only toxic fumes but are also hazardous to handle during processing.

In order to cater to the growing demand for cleaner industrial processes, an environmental-friendly process called micro-arc oxidation (MAO) has been developed at International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous R&D Centre of the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. The process which involves an alkaline electrolyte is capable of providing better wear and corrosion resistance compared to the HA process.
Vice President remembers tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda on his death anniversary
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu remembered tribal freedom fighter, Dharti Aaba Birsa Munda on his death anniversary. Dharti Aaba Birsa Munda death anniversary is on June 9th.
Fearless tribal leader made an invaluable contribution to the freedom struggle by spearheading the tribal movement against the oppressive British rule.
The Vice President said, he will always be remembered for his countless efforts to protect the rights of the tribals.
Govt to procure 75% of vaccines from manufacturers and provide it to States, UTs free of cost
The Central Government will procure 75 per cent of the COVID vaccines produced by the vaccine manufacturers. Procured vaccines would be provided free of cost to States and Union Territories. These doses would be administered to all citizens free of cost in Government Vaccination Centres across the country.
The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry issued revised guidelines for implementation of the National COVID Vaccination Programme. The revised guidelines will come into effect from the 21st June.
In the revised guidelines, it is stated that vaccine doses will be allocated to States and Union Territories based on criteria such as population, disease burden and the progress of vaccination. In the revised guidelines, domestic vaccine manufacturers have been given the option to provide vaccines directly to private hospitals. This would be restricted to 25 per cent of their monthly production. States and Union Territories would aggregate the demand of private hospitals ensuring equitable distribution between large and small private hospitals.
As per the earlier guidelines, the Government of India was procuring 50 per cent of vaccines and providing them to States and Union Territories free of cost.

The State Government and private hospitals were also empowered to directly procure from the remaining 50 per cent of the vaccine pool.
Jal Shakti Ministry allocates Rs 40,700 crore under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) phase -2 towards solid and liquid waste management
Jal Shakti Ministry said that Rs 40,700 crore have been allocated under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) phase -2 towards solid and liquid waste management to support over two lakh villages in the current financial year.
The National Scheme Sanctioning Committee of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti approved the Annual Implementation Plan of States and Union Territories.
The Central share will be around Rs 14000 crore and the States will spend over Rs 8300 crore. The funds to the tune of Rs 12,730 crore will be made available through the 15th Finance Commission. The implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase 2 in 2021-2022 will see construction of over 50 lakh individual household toilets, one lakh community toilets, plastic waste management units in over 2400 blocks, apart from the targeted support for over two lakh villages in implementation of solid and liquid waste management interventions.
Centre issues guidelines for development of e-Content for Children with disabilities
The Union Government has issued the guidelines for the development of e-Content for Children with disabilities.
The guidelines state that e-Content for Children with disabilities should be developed based on four principles of robust, perceivable, operable, and understandable.
It also stressed that e-content must comply with accessibility standards. The Union Education Ministry has said that these guidelines will initiate the creation of high-quality content for digital education to children with special needs.

The Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education had constituted a committee of experts for recommending guidelines for developing e-content for children with disabilities. The Committee has recommended that textbooks would be adapted into Accessible Digital Textbooks in a phased manner and the content should be provided in multiple formats. An initiative PM e-VIDYA was launched in May last year with an aim to unify all efforts related to digital, online, and on-air education. The program emphasizes on development of special e-content for the Children with Disabilities.
INS Tarkash reaches Mumbai with critical medical supplies from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia
Indian Naval Ship Tarkash on her third trip as part of Operation Samudra Setu II (Oxygen Express) brought in critical medical supplies from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. It reached Mumbai harbor. In continuation of "Oxygen Solidarity Bridge" to support India’s fight against COVID, Indian Naval ships have been playing a crucial role in transshipment of Oxygen and other medical supplies from various countries.
INS Tarkash entered Al Shuwaikh Harbour, Kuwait on 31 May 2021 and embarked 785 oxygen cylinders. Later on, the ship embarked 300 oxygen cylinders from Ad Dammam Port, Saudi Arabia on 01 Jun 21.
Previously, INS Tarkash had brought in critical medical supplies consisting of four Cryogenic Oxygen Containers (20MT each), 982 oxygen cylinders in her two trips from Doha and Bahrain.
Exports of India’s organic farm products jump 51% in 2020-21
Exports of India’s organic farm products surged 51 percent in 2020-21 beating Covid induced hiccups in the supply chain.
Commerce Secretary, Anup Wadhawan said that outbound shipments of organic products hit 1,040 million dollars last fiscal compare with 689 million dollars a year before.
Farm exports rose over 17 percent last fiscal to 41.25 billion dollars.
Even in volume term, exports of organic products grew at 39 % to 8,88,179 tonnes last fiscal.
The key organic products that were shipped out include oil cake and meals, oil seeds, cereals, millets, spices and condiments, tea, medicinal plant products, dry fruits, sugar, pulses and coffee.
Govt prohibits use of Remdesivir in children with corona virus infection
The government has strictly for bidden the use of Remdesivir in children infected with corona virus. Also, the Children under the age of five are no longer required to wear masks.
These recommendations have been made in the guidelines issued by the Union Government. Directorate General of Health Services, DGHS of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued comprehensive guidelines for management of Covid-19 in children below 18 years.
In the guidelines, an emergency use authorization drug Remdesivir has not been recommended in children.
DGHS has said that there is lack of sufficient safety and efficacy data about the use of Remdesivir in children below 18 years of age.

Lab investigations are not required for the children in asymptomatic and mild cases.
Indigenously designed & manufactured high purity oxygen concentrator being supplied to Indian hospitals
An indigenously designed oxygen concentrator, which ensures high-purity oxygen supply, is now out in the market. An Indian startup has designed developed this affordable portable oxygen concentrator and is now manufacturing it for supply to various hospitals in the country.
Oxygen saturation levels of patients have been a major challenge in the treatment of COVID 19, especially in the second wave. Indian medical devices manufacturers and indigenous automation companies took this challenge up and came up with innovative designs of ventilators, portable respiratory aids, and related devices.
Mohali-based Walnut Medical has developed a 5L and 10L portable medical grade oxygen concentrators based on Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology in India with an oxygen purity of above 96% at a pressure of 55-75 kpa. Pressure swing adsorption technology separates single gases from a gas mixture.

PSA is a non-cryogenic air separation (near ambient temperature separation processes) process that is commonly used in commercial practice. These two parameters are most critical for patients suffering from COVID or other respiratory problems.
Three Indian universities achieve top-200 positions in QS World University Rankings
IISc, Bengaluru has been ranked as number one University in research category in the world ranking by QS World University Rankings-2022.
Three Indian universities have also achieved top-200 positions.

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) a British company specialising in the analysis of higher education institutions around the world, released the 18th edition of the World’s International University rankings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated IIT, Bombay, IIT, Delhi and IISc, Bengaluru for top-200 positions in QS World University Rankings-2022.
Govt extends coverage under ESI Act to all casual and contractual workers engaged in municipal bodies in country
Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Gangwar has announced the decision to extend coverage under the Employees’ State Insurance Act to all casual and contractual workers working in the municipal bodies in the country.
The ESI Corporation has been directed to take up the matter with the States and Union Territories, for issue of notification for coverage of casual and contractual workers in the Municipal Corporation. The coverage will be extended to those casual and contractual employees which are within the implemented areas already notified under the ESI Act by the Central Government. The Minister informed that various municipal bodies in different States and Union Territories in the country employ a large number of casual and contractual workers.
Defence Minister approves policy on archiving, publication of war, operations histories by Defence Ministry
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the policy on archiving, declassification, compilation and publication of war and operations histories by the Ministry of Defence.
Defence Ministry has said that according to the policy, records should ordinarily be declassified in 25 years. It said that records older than 25 years should be appraised by archival experts and transferred to the National Archives of India once the war and operations histories have been compiled.

The policy also set clear timelines with regard to compilation and publication of war and operations histories.
India’s Aspirational Districts Programme aims to ensure inclusive, all-round development across the nation: PM Modi
India’s Aspirational Districts Programme aims to ensure inclusive and all-round development across the nation.
Many districts have witnessed holistic transformation under this programme
Neglected districts and areas affected by left wing extremism have experienced more growth and development in the last three years than ever before due to concerted efforts made under the Programme.
It further said, the Aspirational Districts Programme has been immensely successful in propelling development among the backward districts.
It captures the progress of the Aspirational Districts Programme and makes recommendations for further improvements.

The report found that the programme has acted as a catalyst for expediting development in several districts. A comparison between the Aspirational Districts and their counterparts found that these districts have outperformed non-Aspirational Districts.

According to the report, the districts have also admitted that the continued focus of the programme on health and nutrition has helped them in tackling the Covid crisis with greater resilience.

The report also recognized the unique collaborative nature of the programme to bring all stakeholders including state and local governments, development partners, and citizens together to achieve goals and targets.
NCPCR asks Delhi Police to register FIR against Twitter for violation of POCSO Act
National Commission For Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has asked Delhi Police to register an FIR against Twitter. NCPCR has also asked centre to stop access of children to Twitter till the platform is safe for children and till Twitter does not start reporting complaints of child sexual violence to Indian authorities.
Twitter has links to whatsapp groups where child sexual abuse material is available and is being sold. It also has links where toolkits to deepweb and Darkweb are available.
In an investigation of a complaint, NCPCR has found that rape threats of a small child were made when the child’s photograph was uploaded on the platform.
NCPCR has observed that Twitter has given NCPCR false information regarding the relationship between Twitter India and Twitter America in the context of control over content.
Centre allows supply of oxygen to certain industries on temporary basis
Centre has allowed the supply of oxygen to certain industries on temporary basis subject to ensuring adequate supply of medical oxygen to hospitals and other medical purposes. This came as Home Ministry had received request from oxygen manufacturing industries to the allow supply of oxygen to industries other than the industries exempted by it. The industries which made the requests were continuous process industries like furnaces, refineries, steel, aluminum and copper processing plants.
EPFO allows its members to avail second COVID-19 advance
To support its subscribers during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, EPFO has now allowed its members to avail second non-refundable COVID-19 advance.
The provision for special withdrawal to meet the financial need of members during pandemic was introduced in March 2020, under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY). An amendment to this effect was made by Ministry of Labour & Employment in Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952 by inserting therein sub-para (3) under paragraph 68L, through notification in the Official Gazette.
Under this provision, non-refundable withdrawal to the extent of the basic wages and dearness allowances for three months or up to 75% of the amount standing to member’s credit in the EPF account, whichever is less, is provided. Members can apply for lesser amount also.
The COVID-19 advance has been a great help to the EPF members during the pandemic, especially for those having monthly wages of less than Rs. 15,000. As on date, EPFO has settled more than 76.31 lakh COVID-19 advance claims thereby disbursing a total of Rs. 18,698.15 crore.
RDSO becomes the FIRST Institution to be declared SDO under one "One Nation One Standard" mission on BIS
RDSO (Research Design & Standards Organization) of Indian Railways has become the FIRST Institution to be declared SDO under "One Nation One Standard" mission on BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) which is Institution under Department of Consumer Affairs. This unique initiative of two organizations under GOI is going to set a template for all the rest of leading research and standard development organizations in the country to follow and adapt World Class Standards.
It may be noted that to attain “Nation One Standard” vision of Govt. of India, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body, has launched a scheme which provides for “Recognition of SDO”. Through this scheme, BIS aims at aggregating and integrating the existing capabilities and dedicated domain specific expertise available with various organizations in the country engaged in standards development in their specific sectors, and enable convergence of all standard development activities in the country resulting in “One National Standard for One Subject”.
Research Designs & Standards Organization (RDSO), Lucknow, which is the sole R&D Wing of Ministry of Railways, is one of India’s leading Standard formulating Body undertaking standardization work for railway sector.
RDSO took the initiative to seek recognition as a Standard Developing Organization (SDO) under the BIS SDO Recognition Scheme. In the process, RDSO reviewed its Standard Formulation procedures to realign them with the Best Practices of Standardization, encoded in the WTO-TBT “Code of Good Practice” and also mandated by the Bureau (BIS) as essential criteria for recognition as SDO.
Indian Army Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Army Educational Corps
Indian Army celebrated the 100th anniversary of the raising of Army Educational Corps (AEC) on 01 June 2021. On this occasion, Maj Gen Devesh Gaur, Additional Director General Army Education and Colonel Commandant, AEC laid wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of all ranks of the Army.
the Corps is rendering yeoman service in conduct of Map Reading training, Academic training at Pre-Commission Training Academies, capability development in foreign languages, Military Music, handling of Right to Information cases and shaping young minds in various Rashtriya Military Schools and Sainik Schools. Implementation of informal educational programmes like IGNOU Army Education Project (IAEP) and NIOS Education Project for Indian Army (NEPIA) to ensure continuing education for personnels, wards and dependents are other notable initiatives undertaken by the Corps. As the field of knowledge and education expands aligning itself to the technology advancement, the Army Educational Corps is prepared to meet the emerging challenges and the organisational needs in time to come.
Centre allocates Rs. 7,000 Crores grant to West Bengal Under Jal Jeevan Mission
To provide every household with assured tap water supply on regular and long-term basis, Central Government allocated Rs. 6,998.97 Crore grant to West Bengal under Jal Jeevan Mission for the year 2021-22. The Central allocation for the year 2019-20 was Rs. 995.33 Crores, which was increased to Rs. 1,614.18 Crore in 2020-21. Union Minister, Jal Shakti Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat while approving the enhanced allocation, also assured full assistance to the State for provision of tap water supply to every rural home by 2024.
Under Jal Jeevan Mission, in every village, a Village Water & Sanitation Committee (VWSC) comprising of 12–15 members to be formed with 50% women and suitable representation to weaker sections of society. As per available information, out of 41,357 villages in the State, such a committee has been formed only in 2,840villages. To utilize 15th Finance Commission tied grant for water and sanitation, for every village, 5-years Village Action Plan co-terminus with 15th FC period is to be prepared, which will dovetail resources available under various schemes like MNREGS, JJM, SBM (G), DMDF, 15th FC tied grant, etc.

Jal Jeevan Mission is creating new employment opportunities in villages and boosting the rural economy by investing more than Rs. 1 Lakh Crore this year in rural drinking water supply sector, including Rs. 50,000 Crore budget for Jal Jeevan Mission in 2021-22, matching resources from the State, and Rs. 26,940 Crore 15th Finance Commission tied grants for water and sanitation to RLBs/PRIs.
With the much-enhanced Central allocation of Rs. 6,998.97 Crore, matching State share, outstanding balance of Rs. 757.59 Crores, and 15th Finance Commission tied grants, availability of the fund is not an issue for tap water supply to rural homes. It’s the time for the State to work with more speed in planning, implementation, operation, monitoring and management to provide tap water connections to each and every rural home.
Van Dhan Yojana to be expanded this year in the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
To review the progress of the implementation of the Van Dhan Yojana, TRIFED conducted an outreach session with the state teams and VDVKs of the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu recently.

The main focus of the session was to plan the way forward regarding the progress of the implementation of the scheme.
Attendees from the various agencies (SIAs, SNAs, VDVKCs) said that preparations are in full swing to expand the programme from the currently sanctioned 1 VDVK cluster in the Union Territory to 10 VDVK Clusters by the end of the year.
Haryana Nagrikh Sangh launches E-SHIKSHA FOR ORPHANAGE Initiative
Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Tamilisai Soundararajan, launched the program today (2nd June, 2021) at Raj Bhavan.
As per the govt report, 577 children across the country were orphaned after their parents succumbed to Covid-19 in the ongoing pandemic. Haryana Nagrik Sangh (HNS) comes forward to help the orphan children of Hyderabad.
Haryana Nagrik Sangh has launched an initiative called E-SHIKSHA FOR ORPHANAGE in which the group will provide education to orphan children. Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Ms. Tamilisai Soundararajan, launched the program today (2nd June, 2021) at Raj Bhavan. In the 1st phase, Haryana Nagrik Sangh will adopt 50 orphanages in terms of education. Haryana Nagrik Sangh (HNS) has also received an award from the Government of Telangana for their support to the needy people during the pandemic times HNS group has visited many orphanages in the recent pandemic along with CP Hyderabad and CP Rachnakonda. The group has observed that the kids of orphanages, the future of our country are living in darkness as children are deprived of basic requirements. There are only a few computers for online studies. HNS group will provide the resources to the children through the E-Shiksha initiative.

This initiative will be a permanent initiative and it will include:
Training in spoken English: Spoken English is a global skill which has become crucial in the present times. 2-3 teachers will be appointed for teaching and classes will be conducted online. Basic sports equipment: Sports play an important role in every child’s life. It keeps every individual physically and mentally fit. Sports kit of 10 different equipment’s will be provided every 3-4 months which will include bat, ball, shuttlecock, frisbee, football, skipping rope, carrom board, and chess board. Every child can play anything of his or her own choice.
Computers: In today’s tech savvy times, i.e., everyone needs computers. The student can gain knowledge and learn many things through computers. Haryana Nagrik Sangh will provide computers depending on the number of children in orphanages and most likely 1:5 would be the ratio
Vision Making: Every child has a vision, but it needs proper guidance to actually know it. A personality development trainer will be appointed to guide the children in knowing and sharpening their vision and helping them build one if they don’t have any. They will be given personal grooming of basic etiquettes. They will be given proper guidance to select their career after 12th. They will be guided in which ever field they want to pursue. Like- Jobs in defense, Government and non- government organizations, service sectors like nurse’s male/female and even professions like doctors and engineers.

About Haryana Nagrik Sangh:
Haryana Nagrik Sangh group started in August 1989, consists of group of families which came to Hyderabad from Haryana. Any individual that migrated from Haryana is a member of this Sangh. This Sangh in known for its social activities to help their members. The Sangh also extend their support to the needy in terms of education, health issues, orphanages, old age home etc.
Signing and Ratification on “Cooperation in the field of Mass Media” between all the Member States of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation approved
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for signing and ratification of an Agreement on “Cooperation in the field of Mass Media” between all the Member States of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The Agreement was signed in June, 2019.

The main areas of cooperation are following:
i. creation of favorable conditions for wide and mutual distribution of information through the Mass Media in order to further deepen the knowledge about the lives of the peoples of their States.; ii. cooperation among the Editorial Offices of the Mass Media of their States, as well as among the relevant Ministries, Agencies and Organizations working in the field of the Mass Media, specific conditions and forms of which shall be determined by the participants themselves, including through conclusion of separate agreements;
iii. promote equal and mutually beneficial cooperation among professional associations of journalists of the States of the Sides in order to study the available professional experience, as well as to hold meetings, seminars and conferences in the field of Mass Media; iv. assist in broadcasting of television and radio programs and programs, distributed legally within the territory of the State of the other Side, the legal broadcasting by Editorial Offices of materials and information, if their distribution meets the requirements of the legislation of the States of the Sides;
v. encourage the exchange of experience and specialists in the field of Mass Media, provide mutual assistance in training media professionals and encourage cooperation among the educational and scientific-research institutions and Organizations operating in this field.
Cabinet approves Model Tenancy Act for circulation to the States/Union Territories for adoption
The Union Cabinet has approved the Model Tenancy Act for circulation to all States / Union Territories for adaptation by way of enacting fresh legislation or amending existing rental laws suitably.
It will help overhaul the legal framework with respect to rental housing across the country, which would help spur its overall growth.
The Model Tenancy Act aims at creating a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive rental housing market in the country. It will enable creation of adequate rental housing stock for all the income groups thereby addressing the issue of homelessness. Model Tenancy Act will enable institutionalisation of rental housing by gradually shifting it towards the formal market.
The Model Tenancy Act will facilitate unlocking of vacant houses for rental housing purposes. It is expected to give a fillip to private participation in rental housing as a business model for addressing the huge housing shortage.
The Seed Minikit Programme Launched
The Seed Minikit Programme was launched by Union Agriculture Minster Sh. Narendra Singh Tomar by distributing Seed Minikits (higher yielding varieties of seeds) to farmers.
The Central government in collaboration with states has been implementing various activities to enhance production and productivity of pulses and oilseeds under the National Food Security Mission. From the year 2014-15, there has been a renewed focus on increasing the production of pulses and
oilseeds. The efforts have yielded good results.

Oilseeds production has increased from 27.51 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 36.57 million tonnes in 2020-21 ( 3rd advance estimates), while pulses production has increased from 17.15 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 25.56 million tonnes in 2020-21 ( 3rdadvance estimates He stated that though trends in area, production and productivity of oilseeds and pulses are encouraging, but these need further acceleration.
NITI Aayog to release the SDG India Index & Dashboard, 2020-21 on 3rd June 2021
The third rendition of India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index will be launched by NITI Aayog on 3rd June, 2021.
First launched in December 2018, the index has become the primary tool for monitoring progress on the SDGs in the country and has simultaneously fostered competition among the States and Union Territories by ranking them on the Global Goals.
Designed and developed by NITI Aayog, the preparation of the index follows extensive consultations with the primary stakeholders -the States and Union Territories; the UN agencies led by United Nations in India, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), and the key Union Ministries. TheIndex, developed in collaboration with the United Nations in India, measures the progress at the national and sub-national level in the country’s journey towards meeting the Global Goals and targets and has been successful as an advocacy tool to propagate the messages of sustainability, resilience, and partnerships, as well.
The initiative to further refine and improve this important tool,with each edition, has been steered by the need to continuously benchmark performance and measure progress, and account for the availability of latest SDG related data on States and UTs. From covering 13 Goals, 39 targets, and 62 indicators in the first edition in 2018-19 to 17 Goals, 54 targets and 100 indicators in the second;this third edition of the index covers 17 Goals, 70 targets, and 115 indicators.
Thaawarchand Gehlot to launch SAGE project to support India’s elderly
care Ageing Growth Engine, SAGE project to select, support and create a one-stop access of elderly care products and services by credible start-ups.
The SAGE project is shaped on the recommendations of the empowered expert committee report on start-ups for elderly. Start-ups can apply for being a part of SAGE through a dedicated portal, which will be also launched today. The start-ups will be selected on the basis of innovative products and services, which they should be able to provide across sectors such as health, housing, care centres, apart from technological access linked to finances, food and wealth management and legal guidance.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will act as a facilitator, enabling the elderly to access the products through these identified start-ups. As per surveys, the share of elders, as a percentage of the total population in the country, is expected to increase from around 7.5 per cent in 2001 to almost 12.5 per cent by 2026.
IIT Hyderabad develops nano-fibre technology based oral tablets of Amphotericin B to treat fungal infections
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad has developed nano-fibre based oral tablets of Amphotericin B, called as AmB, to treat fungal infections post COVID treatment. Currently the AmB is available in injectable form.
The IIT Hyderabad researchers have decided to keep the technology free of intellectual property rights and ready for technology transfer for mass production of the drug, which is reportedly cheaper and higher AmB absorption and less Nephrotoxicity.
This was a first-ever attempt to fabricate nanofibrous oral tablets of Amphotericin B for the potential cure of Kala Azar.
The researchers are confident that the technology can be transferred to suitable pharma partners for large-scale production. The researchers recalled that Kala-Azar treatment is being currently used as a treatment for Mucormycosis in the country and opined that the immediate trial of this oral drug should be taken up to increase affordability and availability of the drug.
India working with several countries in WTO on targeted waiver under TRIPS to ensure timely access to vaccines for all: Foreign Secy
India is working with several other countries in the World Trade Organization on a targeted and temporary waiver under TRIPS to ensure timely and secure access to vaccines for all. India is also looking forward to World Health Organization’s approval for India’s indigenous vaccine Covaxin manufactured by Bharat Biotech.
India is dealing with unprecedented economic and social disruptions due to challenges posed by the Covid-19. He said, these challenges require a response at multiple levels.
India extends its visa validity till 31st August due to difficulties faced by foreign nationals on account of COVID-19 lockdown
India extended its visa validity till 31st August due to the difficulties being faced by foreign nationals who came to the country prior to March last year and got stranded due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Indian visa or stay stipulation period of such foreign nationals stranded in India will be considered as deemed to be valid till 31st August 2021 on gratis basis without levy of any overstay penalty. These foreign nationals will not be required to submit any application to the FRRO or FRO concerned for extension of their visas.
DAC approves Navy’s proposal for construction of 6 submarines at approximate cost of Rs 43,000 crore
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the Navy’s proposal for construction of six submarines at an approximate cost of Rs 43,000 crore. Defence minister Rajnath Singh chaired the meeting.
This is a landmark approval, being the first case processed under the Strategic Partnership model. This would be one of the largest Make in India projects and it will create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in the country.
With this approval, India will be enabled to achieve its 30 year Submarine construction programme envisioned by the Government to acquire national competence in submarine construction. The availability of new technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities to Indian Industry will be an important step towards enhancing the nation’s quest for self reliance in modern conventional submarine construction.
DAC approves proposals concerning Capital Acquisitions of various equipment for Indian Armed Forces amounting to approx Rs 6800 crore
The Defence Acquisition Council, DAC in its meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved proposals concerning Capital Acquisitions of various equipment for modernization and operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces amounting to approximately Rs 6800 crore. The DAC also approved the issue of Request for Proposal RFP for construction of six Conventional Submarines under Project P 75 (I) under the Strategic Partnership Model.
This project envisages indigenous construction of six conventional submarines at an estimated cost of Rs 43,000 crore. This is a landmark approval, being the first case processed under the Strategic Partnership model.
This would be one of the largest Make in India projects and it will create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India.
With this approval, India will be enabled to achieve its 30 year Submarine construction programme envisioned by the Government to acquire national competence in submarine construction and for the Indian industry to independently design and construct submarines in India.