Rapid diagnostic kit for Chikungunya detection
An antigen-based chikungunya rapid diagnostic kit developed in 2013 by an international group of researchers was put to test in India, a dengue endemic country, to check its efficiency during co-infection with dengue.
Nobel-winning scientist loses honorary titles
Nobel laureate James Watson, co-discoverer of the DNA helix and father of the Human Genome Project, has been stripped of honorary titles following “reprehensible” remarks on race and ethnicity.
India supported Afghan-led peace talks
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at a meeting with the Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries and Afghanistan said that India supports the efforts of the government and the people of Afghanistan to build an inclusive nation.
Mini 2+2
India and the U.S. reviewed the progress on finalising two key agreements during the 2+2 intercession meeting, apart from taking stock of the overall defence cooperation.
Gujarat’s 10% quota law
Gujarat is set to become the first state to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to the economically weaker sections in the general category.
Makaravilakku festival at Sabrimala
The sacred grove (poonkavanom) of Ayyappa at Sabarimala is all set to celebrate the annual Makaravilakku festival.
RBI warns of NPA spike in MUDRA loans
The RBI has raised a concern over spike in non-peforming assets (NPAs) under the government’s flagship scheme to support micro enterprises in the country- the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana(PMMY).
Farm-to-port project
The Commerce Minister announced that the UAE and Saudi Arabia had decided to use India as a base to address their food security concerns.
Technology centres for MSMEs
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) will develop 20 technology centres, along with extension centres across the country in another 3-5 years.
Solar wind at the night side of the Moon
A study using observations from Chandrayaan 1 mission has found how plasma particles from the solar wind make their way into the Moon’s night side.