- Miscellaneous
India becomes first country to control locusts through drones
Locusts are pests which damage crops.
They have entered India through the India-Pakistan border
The center has controlled the threat using drones and indigenously developed Ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayer
Quick Fact: The current locust swarm is an outbreak of desert locusts and has taken place in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, South Asia and South AmericaÂ
2. Government Schemes
Successful completion of 3 housing schemes: 3.5 million houses handed over
The three housing schemes are:
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
- Smart Cities Mission (SCM)
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Urban (PMAY-U)
Together, these three schemes have handed over 3.5 million houses to beneficiaries
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs marked the 5 years of successful completion of the 3 Schemes.
3. International Affairs
Nine year old dispute between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia moves towards resolution
The dispute has been over the Giant Ethiopian Renaissance Dam constructed over River Nile’s tributary, Blue Nile, by Ethiopia.
After nine years of discussion it has been decided that the dam will not be filled unilaterally by Ethiopia.
Egypt is dependent on the river for freshwater.
Quick Fact: River Nile originates from Lake Tana in Ethiopia and then diverges into two tributaries, the Blue Nile and White Nile.
4. India and the World
Pakistan and China sign agreement for Kohala HPP in Pakistan Occupied KashmirÂ
The agreement has been signed by the Government of Pakistan, State-owned Chinese Company China Three Gorges Corporation, and the Government of Azad Kashmir.
The Kohala Hydropower Plant is located on River Jhelum
It is part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
5. India and the World
World Bank Group’s STARS program in six Indian states
Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) Program will improve the quality and governance of school education system in India
The program will take place in Rajasthan, Odisha, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra
It will help India in bringing its aim to Education for All to realization
Quick Fact: The World Bank Group has five main branches: MIGA, ICSID, IBRD, IDA and IFC.
6. Science and Technology
Project Platina: World’s Largest Plasma Therapy Trial launched by Maharashtra
Plasma therapy has the following steps:
- A recovered patient donates their plasma containing COVID-19 specific antibodies
- The plasma is then transfused into a COVID-19 patient
- The patient then develops similar antibodies for fighting the COVID-19 virus
Under Project Platina, the convalescent plasma will be given to all critical patients in the state hospitals of Maharashtra
Quick Fact: Plasma is the clear component of the blood left after the cells are removed
7. Science and Technology
First Plasma Bank in India at ILBS, Delhi
As per Delhi government, the Plasma Bank will be set up at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences.
It will be used to meet the demand for plasma as cases rise in the region.
The plasma will be donated by COVID-19 recovered patients and transfused to COVID-19 patients to support their antibody generation capacity
8. Miscellaneous
Ministry of Culture: Sankalp Parva drive for clean and healthy environment
A tree plantation drive is being conducted in all government offices and bodies of Ministry of Culture from 28th June to 12th July
Five trees representing the herbal heritage of India— Bargad, Awla, Pepal, Ashok and Bel, will be planted
