Person in News
Former IAS Amit Khare appointed as the advisor to PM Modi
The former higher education secretary, Amit Khare was appointed as the advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently.
Khare is a retired IAS officer of the 1985 batch from the Jharkhand cadre.
As an advisor to the PM, he will enjoy the rank and scale of the secretary to the Union government and has been appointed for two years initially or until further orders.
National Affairs
Covaxin approved for emergency use in 2-18 year olds
The Subject Expert Committee on COVID-19 has approved the “emergency use” of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin vaccine for children aged between 2-18 years old.
According to AIIMS professor, the trials suggested that the safety and immunogenicity of Covaxin are almost the same in children aged 2-18 years as is in adults above 19 years of age.
The trial was done on children dividing them into three groups- first between 12-18 years, second was between 6-12 years while the third was between 2-6 years.
Quick Facts: Covaxin has been developed by Bharat Biotech with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Government Schemes
‘Desh Ke Mentor’ programme launched by the Delhi government
The Delhi government has launched its “Desh Ke Mentors” program recently across all the schools in Delhi.
The program will provide students with young mentors which will help them in navigating their higher education as well as a career path.
The program will be available for a minimum of two months and carry on additionally for four months optionally with mentors from all parts of India.
Quick Facts: Delhi is the second-most populated city in India after Mumbai.
Miscellaneous
Henley Passport Index 2021 released
The henley passport Index 2021 was released recently in which India’s rank has dropped by six places as compared to the 2020 Index to 90th.
Japan and Singapore have topped the list as their passport holders are allowed to travel across 192 countries visa-free followed by South Korea and Germany claiming the second spot.
Henley Passport Index ranks the passports of countries based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without getting a visa in advance.
Quick Fact: The Henley Passport Index was prepared by the London-based Henley and Partners.
Environment
MoEF&CC releases Vision Plan (2021-2031) for Indian Zoos
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has released the “Vision Plan: 2021-2031” for Indian Zoos.
The Vision Plan has been launched to upgrade the Indian Zoos to global standards.
The Plan was announced at a two-day conference organized by the Central Zoo Authority hosted by Sardar Patel Zoological Park, Kevdia in Gujarat.
Quick Facts: Bhupendra Yadav is the current Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
Economy
Maharatna status given to the Power Finance Corporation
The Central Government has given the ‘Maharatna’ status to the Power Finance Corporation (PFC).
PFC has become the 11th state-owned entity in India to enter the Maharatna category alongside companies like ONGC, SAIL, BHEL, and Indian Oil Corporation.
The Maharatna status is accorded to a company that has recorded more than the net profit of INR 5,000 crore for 3 consecutive years or an average turnover of IR 25,00 crore for 3 years.
Quick Facts: PFC is India’s largest NBFC as well as the largest infrastructure finance company.
Environment
NITI Aayog: Handbook on Sustainable Urban Plastic Waste management
The Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, Rajiv Kumar has launched the “NITI Aayog- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Handbook on Sustainable Urban Plastic Waste Management”
The handbook provides a comprehensive overview to manage plastic waste by representing and discussing the components of the entire plastic waste value chain.
The handbook has been launched with the motive of spreading awareness amongst the masses regarding the harmful effects of plastic.
Quick Facts: Amitabh Kant is the CEO of NITI Aayog.
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