National
Semi-quantitative Electrochemical ELISA Test for COVID-19
⇒ Bangalore-based PathShodh Healthcare, the start-up incubated at the Society for Innovation and Development, Indian Institute of Science, has developed the first of its kind, semi-quantitative Electrochemical ELISA test for COVID-19 IgM and IgG antibodies.
The point-of-care Electrochemical ELISA test enables fast and accurate estimation of total antibody concentration of COVID 19 in clinical samples.
The novelty of the technology is based on the measurement of electrochemical redox activity of IgM and IgG antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein (S1).
Webinars for International Day of Yoga 2021
⇒ The Ministry of Ayush is organising various activities in the run up to the International Day of Yoga, 2021.
Webinars & Theme:
One among these is a series of five webinars that the Ministry is organising under the broad theme of “Be with Yoga, Be at Home” in collaboration with five renowned organisations of the country.
The first among the series was held on 24 May 2021 by The Art of Living on “Finding inner strength amidst outer crisis.”
Aim:
The purpose of this series of five important webinars is to make a large number of people aware of the most important issues in the current context of COVID-19.
International
Seventh Meeting of BRICS Astronomy Working Group
⇒ The seventh meeting of BRICS Astronomy Working Group meeting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as astronomers from these countries was held from 19 to 20 May 2021.
Host:
India hosted the meeeting, from the Indian side, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune, and Department of Science and Technology, Government of India coordinated the meeting.
Participation:
It saw the participation of more than 50 participants from all the five BRICS countries, including researchers, academicians, and government officials.
Aim:
Delegates from BRICS nations highlighted the importance of enhancing collaboration among astronomers from the countries at the meeting.
BRICS Presidency:
India has assumed the BRICS Presidency from January 2021. This meeting was held under the Science, Technology, and Innovation track of the BRICS 2021 calendar.
Acquisition of SB Energy by AGEL
⇒ Adani Green Energy Ltd has acquired the portfolio of SB Energy at the enterprise value of $3.5 billion (Rs 25,574 crore approximately).
With this deal, SB Energy will exit the Indian market. SB Energy is a joint venture of SoftBank Group and Bharti Enterprises formed in 2015.
After the acquisition, Adani Green Energy Ltd will achieve a renewable capacity of 24.3 Gw and an operating renewable capacity of 4.9 Gw.
Death
Tamil Writer, Ki Rajanarayan
⇒ Eminent Tamil writer & Tamil language folklorist, Ki Rajanarayan died in Puducherry on May 17, 2021. He was 98. He was popularly known as by his Tamil initials ‘Ki Ra’.
In 1991, he was conferred with the Sahitya Akademi award for his novel ‘Gopallapurathu Makkal’.
Some of his popular works included Gopalla Grammam, Gopallapurathu Makkal, Mayamaan, etc.
Former National President of the Indian Medical Association, Dr KK Aggarwal
⇒ Former national president of the Indian Medical Association, Dr KK Aggarwal died on 17 May 2021. He was 62. He was currently president of the Heart Care Foundation of India.
He was conferred with the Padma Shree award in 2010. He was also the recepient of Dr BC Roy award.
Veteran Actor, KD Chandran
⇒ Veteran actor KD Chandran died on 16 May 2021 in Mumbai. He was 84.
He was best known for his acting in bollywood films like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, China Gate, Tere Mere Sapne, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, Koi Mil Gaya etc.