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February 25th, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Rajya Sabha (Council of States) 2. India – Australia 3. Ajeya Warrior-2020 4. H1N1 infection of Supreme Court Judges 5. Department of Biotechnology (DBT) 6. 1st Khelo India Winter Games
1. Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
Context:
Biennial elections to the Council of States will fill the seats of Members retiring April 2020.
Details:
- The term of office of 55 members of the Rajya Sabha elected from 17 States is due to expire on their retirement in April 2020.
- The date of polling is in March 2020.
- For more on the Rajya Sabha and elections to it, click on the linked article.
Context:
16th session of the Joint Ministerial Commission between India and Australia was convened in New Delhi.
Details:
- India and Australia agreed to:
- Enhance bilateral trade and investment through the revival of the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations, and harmonise standards and regulations on imported products.
- Work on market access issues in both directions to increase trade.
- Both sides reflected on the important role the private sector played in building the bilateral economic relationship. India welcomed the Australia-India Business Exchange program including the 100-member delegation of Australian businesses that accompanied the Australian government party.
- The business delegation is exploring opportunities in education, food and health and beauty, resources, and infrastructure.
- Work on mutual recognition of educational qualifications of the two countries.
- Continue collaboration to encourage increased direct flights between Australia and India.
- India raised the issue of taxing of off-shore income of Indian firms through the use of India-Australia Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and sought early resolution of the issue. Both sides agreed to intensify discussions.
Context:
The closing ceremony of Exercise Ajeya Warrior-2020
Details:
Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR – 2020, a joint military training exercise between India & United Kingdom (UK) culminated at West down Camp, Salisbury Plains Training Area, UK.
For more on Exercise Ajeya Warrior, check PIB dated Feb 10, 2020.
4. H1N1 infection of Supreme Court Judges
Context:
Five judges of the Supreme Court of India have been affected by Swine Flu which is caused by the H1N1 virus.
Details:
- In order to prevent the further spread of the virus, many measures have been taken by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India:
- The First Aid Post (FAP) of CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) was strengthened at the Supreme Court
- All the judges were provided treatment as per the protocol. Prophylactic treatment was also given to all who have come in contact with them including their family members.
- All five judges were kept in home isolation. Of these, three Judges have already resumed their duty and two continue to be under home isolation/observation and are recovering.
- The courtrooms and residences are being sanitised.
- Awareness information regarding preventive measures was disseminated to all concerned.
- H1N1 is a seasonal infection which usually occurs every year with two peaks (One in January to March and other between July and September).
- For more on Swine Flu, check CNA dated Feb 10, 2019.
5. Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
Context:
DBT is celebrating its 34th foundation day.
Details:
- DBT was formed in 1986 within the Ministry of Science and Technology, GOI.
- That decision has made India one of the first countries to have a separate department for this stream of science and technology.
- DBT has the mandate of supporting R&D and manufacturing in biology; promote the large-scale use of biotechnology; identify and establish centres of excellence; evolve safety guidelines, manufacture and application of cell-based vaccines, among others.
- The Department has many autonomous institutions under its wing such as the National Institute of Immunology, National Centre for Cell Science, National Brain Research Centre, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, etc.
- DBT also has a few PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) under it.
- The biotechnology sector in India has evolved over the last three decades and has made a significant contribution in various sectors especially health, agriculture, etc.
- Due to enormous support received both from government & private sector, the biotechnology sector has seen a rapid growth amounting to an annual growth rate of nearly 20%.
- India is rated among the top 12 biotechnology destinations in the world.
- It is the demand for biotechnology products and services that has been the fulcrum for setting an ambitious target of US$150 billion by 2025.
- Looking at the growth prospects, the biotech sector plays a significant role in addressing major global challenges in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, energy, livestock, etc.
- Various awards instituted by DBT are now considered under an overarching umbrella as DBT BRITE Awards [Biotechnology Research Innovation and Technology Excellence Awards].
- The Department has renamed a few awards in honour of outstanding Indian scientists who have immensely contributed to Indian Science and been an inspiration to the scientific fraternity across the globe.
- Har Gobind Khorana – Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award
- Ramachandran – National Bioscience Award for Career Development
- Janaki Ammal National Women Bioscientist Award
- Tata Innovative Fellowship Award
- Biotechnology Social Development Award
6. 1st Khelo India Winter Games
Context:
The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports inaugurated the first-ever Khelo India Winter Games in Leh.
To read more on the Khelo India Programme, click on the linked article.
February 25th, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here
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