National
Transfer of technology of first indigenous vaccine for H9N2 virus
⇒ ‘Inactivated low pathogenic avian influenza (H9N2) vaccine for chickens’ was transferred to M/s Globion India Pvt Ltd., Secunderabad, M/s Venkateshwara Hatcheries Pvt Ltd., Pune, M/s Indovax Pvt Ltd., Gurgaon and M/s Hester Biosciences Ltd., Ahmedabad, on 27 December 2022, facilitated by M/s Agrinnovate India Ltd (AgIn) at NASC, New Delhi.
Developed by:
‘Inactivated low pathogenic avian influenza (H9N2) vaccine for chickens’ has been developed by the scientists of ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal.
Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) and Chairman, AgIn, appreciated the sincere efforts of the ICAR-NIHSAD scientists in development of the first indigenous vaccine for H9N2 virus. He commended the Agrinnovate India limited (AgIn) for the efforts in the transfer of the technology to industry.
Dr. B.N. Tripathi, DDG (Animal Science) asserted that the vaccine will meet the standard of the market both in India and abroad. The vaccine will contribute significantly to increasing the income of poultry farmers by reducing the economic loss due to the disease.
“Amrit Bharat Station” scheme
⇒ Ministry of Railways has formulated a new policy for modernization of stations named “Amrit Bharat Station” scheme.
- Amrit Bharat Station scheme envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term vision.
- It is based on Master Planning for long term and implementation of the elements of Master Plan as per the needs and patronage of the station.
Broad objectives:
- The scheme aims at preparation of Master Plans of the Railway stations and implementation of the Master Plan in phases to enhance the facilities including and beyond the Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) and aiming for creation of Roof Plazas and city centres at the station in long run.
- The scheme shall aim to meet the needs of the stakeholders, station usage studies as far as possible based on availability of funds and inter-se priority.
- The scheme shall cater for introduction of new amenities as well as upgradation and replacement of existing amenities.
- This scheme will also cover the stations where detailed techno-economic feasibility studies have been conducted or are being conducted but the work for construction of Roof Plazas has not been taken up yet, ensuring the phasing of Master Plan being suitably implemented and relocation of structures and utilities being given more emphasis in the phasing plans.
Ministry of Power signed an MoU with DRDO
⇒ Ministry of Power signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Ministry of Defence on 27 December 2022 for Implementation of Early Warning System for Vulnerable Hydro Projects/Power Stations.
- Ministry of Power and DRDO will jointly work towards developing suitable mitigation measures against avalanches, landslides, glaciers, glacial lakes and other geo-hazards.
- The expertise of DRDO will also be utilized in developing comprehensive Early Warning System for vulnerable hydro projects/ power stations in hilly regions.
- Separate and specific tasks will be formulated between DRDO & respective project developer(s) in agreement with broad understanding developed through this MoU.
About EWS:
- Ministry of Power has taken the initiative of implementing Early Warning System (EWS) in the Hydro Power Projects especially those located in upper reaches of Hilly regions.
- EWS is an integrated system of hazard monitoring, forecasting and prediction, disaster risk assessment, communication and preparedness for timely action to reduce disaster risks in advance of hazardous events.
- Ministry of Power has already signed MoUs with CSIR-NGRI, IMD, WIHG and NRSC-ISRO for implementation of EWS.
International
India, ADB sign $125 million loan
⇒ The Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 27 December 2022 signed a $125 million loan to develop climate-resilient sewage collection and treatment, and drainage and water supply systems in three cities in the state of Tamil Nadu.
- The financing is the third and the last tranche of the $500 million multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) for the Program approved by ADB in 2018 to build priority water supply, sewerage, and drainage infrastructure in strategic industrial corridors across 10 cities in the state.
- The tranche 3 loan covers Coimbatore, Madurai, and Thoothukudi.
- ADB financing will help ensure universal access to basic water and sanitation services and improve resilience against floods in the project target areas which are also the industrial hubs of Tamil Nadu.
Important Day
National Consumer Day 2022
⇒ In India, National Consumer Day or Bharatiya Grahak Diwas is celebrated every year on 24 December. National Consumer Day is also known National Consumer Rights Day.
- It aims to spread awareness about consumer rights and the power of a consumer.
Theme:
The theme of National Consumer Day 2022 was “Effective disposal of cases in consumer commissions”.
History:
- In India, to keep the integrity of consumers and protect them from malpractices, a set of rights is conferred to every citizen under the Consumer Protection Act.
- In 1986, the Consumer Protection Bill was passed by both the Houses of Parliament. The bill received the assent of the President on December 24, 1986, and came into force.
- Thus, to commemorate the importance of the day, December 24 is marked as National Consumer Day.
» World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on March 15 globally to acknowledge and recognise the rights of consumers.
- The theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2022 was “Fair Digital Finance”.