- Science and Tcehnology
India ranks 3rd in scientific publication
As per National Science and Technology Management Information (NSTMIS), which conducted a survey on Research and Development Statistics and Indicators 2019-20, India ranked 3rd in scientific publication
The first two ranks were occupied by USA and China
The two main contributors for publication have been Department of Science and Technology and Department of Biotechnology
2.Miscellaneous
Kashmir saffron gets GI tag
Kashmir saffron is unique with longer and thicker stigmas, natural deep-red colour of stigmas, natural deep-red colour of stigmas, high aroma,bitter flavour, chemical-free processing, and high quantity of crocin (colouring strength), safranal (flavour) and picrocrocin (bitterness).
These unique characteristics may be due to the fact that it is the only saffron to be grown at a high altitude of 1600-1800m above sea level.
It is grown in the Karewa highlands of JnK
The recognition was formally published in the latest GI Journal by the GI registry.
Quick Fact: Saffron is primarily grown in Pampore and Kishtwar.
3.Sports
Sania Mirza Becomes First Indian To Get Nominated For Fed Cup Heart Award
Sania Mirza became the first Indian to be nominated for the Fed Cup Heart Award from the Asia/Oceania zone.
She has been nominated from the zone along with Indonesia’s Priska Medelyn Nugrorho.
The winners of the Heart Awards will be determined by online voting by fans.
4. Government Schemes
Chhattisgarh gives maximum jobs under MGNREGA amid lockdown
Chhattisgarh has topped the list of states in terms of jobs under MGNREGA due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly 24% of the labourers employed under MGNREGA across the country are from Chhattisgarh.
Second in this list is Rajasthan with 14% of the total number of labourers employed, and third is Uttar Pradesh with 12%
Quick Facts: MGNREGA, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, is an Indian labour law and social security measure that aims to guarantee the ‘right to work’ which was passed in September 2005.
5.Person in News
Shikha Sharma appointed as advisor of Google Pay India
Shikha Sharma has been named advisor to Google Pay India.
She is the former CEO of Axis Bank.
Google Pay is one of the leading apps on Unified Payments Payments Interface (UPI)
Quick Facts: Alphabet Inc. is the parent company of Google
6. Person in News
IIT Madras Professor T Pradeep selected for Nikkei Asia Prize 2020
Professor Thalappil Pradeep will be awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize 2020 in the category of ‘Science and Technology’.
The award is for his pioneering work in nanotechnology-based water purification.
Quick Fact: The Nikkei Asia Prize recognizes the achievements of people and organizations that have improved the lives of people throughout Asia.
7. Person in News
Thangjam Dhabali Singh conferred ‘Order of Rising Sun’ by Japanese Government
Thangjam Dhabali Singh is a Manipuri doctor.
He has been awarded for promoting a better understanding of Japan in India and deepening ties between the two countries.
The honour is conferred on individuals with achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, environmental preservation, welfare or achievements in their fields.
Quick Fact: ‘Order of Rising Sun’ was formed under the Japanese Emperor Meiji in 1875
8. Defence and Security
US Navy to host world’s largest maritime exercises in Hawaii
The Navy has held the Rim of the Pacific exercises in Hawaii every two years since the early 1970s
The drills will only be held at sea because of the Corona virus.
The 2018 RIMPAC exercise involved 25 nations including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Republic of Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.
