Methane in the Moons of Saturn

By flying through the plumes of Saturn’s moons (Titan and Enceladus), NASA’s Cassini spacecraft discovered an abnormally high concentration of methane, as well as carbon dioxide and dihydrogen

Highlights:

It discovered methane in Titan’s and a liquid ocean with erupting plumes of gas and water on Enceladus.

An international research team used new statistical methods

to determine whether methanogenesis, or microbe-produced methane, could explain the molecular hydrogen and methane.

OECD – G20 Inclusive Framework Tax Deal

The /OECD Inclusive Framework Tax Agreement has been signed by India.

Highlights:

Most members of the G20/OECD Inclusive Framework for Basic Erosion and Profit Shifting, including India, passed

a high-level statement containing an outline of a consensus solution to the Taxation challenges posed by the digitalization of the economy.

The proposed solution is consists of two components:

Pillar One, which consists of re-allocating an additional share of profit to market jurisdictions; and

Pillar Two, which consists of a minimum tax and is subject to tax rules.

Some significant issues, such as profit allocation and the scope of subject to tax rules, remain unresolved and must be addressed.

Furthermore, the proposal’s technical details will be worked out in the coming months, with a consensus agreement expected by October 2021.

Airports Authority of India Launches Sustainable Green Airports Mission

In a major move towards sustainability and carbon neutrality, the Authority of India (AAI) has taken a significant step by launching its groundbreaking publication, the “Sustainable Green Airports Mission.” This initiative aims to transform airports across India into environmentally friendly and

energy-efficient hubs, setting new standards for the aviation Industry globally.

A recent initiative was taken up by the publication of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on sustainability in the form of a booklet titled “Sustainable Green Airports Mission”, It was launched on World Environment Day by Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation.

Agni Prime

In a significant achievement for Indias defense capabilities, the DEFENCE Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden pre-induction night launch of the new-generation ballistic missile Agni Prime. The test, held at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, showcased

the missiles exceptional accuracy and reliability, meeting all objectives set for the trial.

The recent launch of Agni Prime marked the first pre-induction night launch following three successful developmental trials of the advanced ballistic missile. The flawless execution of these developmental trials demonstrated the systems superior accuracy and reliability, setting the stage for the latest test.

To capture vital flight data covering the entire trajectory of Agni Prime, an array of range instrumentation systems was deployed at strategic locations. These included radar, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems, strategically positioned on the island and two down-range ships. The comprehensive data collection

facilitated a meticulous assessment of the missiles performance, further bolstering its credentials.

Cyclone Biparjoyis a low-pressure area that is currently forming over theSoutheast Arabian Sea.It is expected to intensify into a depression in the next 48 hours and may reach cyclonic storm intensity in the subsequent 72 hours. The track of the cyclone is not yet clear, but it is likely to move towards the West Coast of India. Cyclone Biparjoy is the first cyclone to form in the Arabian Sea this season. The monsoon season in India typically begins in June and lasts until September.

The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the West Coast of India. The heaviest rains are expected to fall in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The strong winds could cause power outages and damage to property. People in the affected areas are advised to take precautions and stay safe.

The name Biparjoy was given to the cyclone byBangladesh.The World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

names tropical in alphabetical order according to the names submitted by member countries. Bangladesh submitted the name Biparjoy, which means Disaster in Bengali.

Five countries have been elected as non-permanent members of theUN Security Councilfollowing a vote in the General Assembly.Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Sloveniawill join the premier body for maintaining international peace and security, starting in January, serving for a two-year period. They were among six countries vying for five non-permanent seats around the Councils horseshoe-shaped table that will become vacant at the end of the year.

The five newly elected countries will join Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland as non-permanent members of the Council. They will take up seats currently occupied by Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and the United Arab Emirates when their two-year terms end on 31 December.

The Security Council is composed of 15 countries,

five of which China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States are permanent members, granting them the right to veto any resolution or decision.

The 10 non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly, which comprises all 193 UN Member States, and in line with geographical distribution by region.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) Therapy

The Department of Biotechnology supported the first CAR-T cell therapy performed at ACTREC at Tata Hospital in Mumbai.

The first CAR-T cell therapy was performed in June 2021 at the Bone Marrow Transplant unit at ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai.

This is a first in India gene therapy that is in the early stages of a pilot clinical trial.The trial was conducted by IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai partly supported by the BIRAC-PACE scheme.

The central government’s National Biopharma Mission-BIRAC has approved 19.15 Cr for the team to conduct a first-in-human phase-1/2 clinical trial of the CAR-T cells.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell

Therapy:

It is a type of treatment in which a patient’s T cells (a type of immune system cell) are altered in the laboratory to attack cancer cells.

T cells are extracted from the patient’s blood. Then, in the laboratory, the gene for a special receptor that binds to a specific protein on the patient’s cancer cells is added to the T cells.

The unique receptor is known as a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). A large number of CAR T cells are grown in the laboratory and infused into the patient.

It is used to treat certain types of blood cancers and is being researched for other cancers as well.

I-Familia – Global Database to Identify Missing Persons

Interpol has launched a new global Database called “I-Familia” to identify missing persons through family DNA and help the Police resolve outstanding cases in member countries.

I-Familia is the first global database for identifying missing people based on international DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) kinship matching.

When direct comparison is not possible, the database uses DNA samples from family members to identify missing people or unidentified human remains.

Family members must give their permission for their data to be used for international searching.

It builds on Interpol’s long track record of success with direct DNA matching.

The DEFENCE Minister issued an E-booklet titled ’20 Reforms in 2020,’ which highlights the major reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2020.

The following are the major reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2020:

Department of Military Affairs & Chief of the Defence Staff
Self-Reliance in Defence
Increased Defence Exports
Defence Acquisitions
Reforming Defence R&D
Digital Transformation
Strengthening Border
Participation of Women in Armed Forces
Reforms in National Cadet Corps
Aid

to Civil Administration during Covid-19
Help beyond Boundaries

The Ministry of Power is implementing energy-saving measures with the goal of lowering CO2 emissions levels in the Environment from industries, establishments, and the use of equipment/appliances.

In this regard, the Power Ministry is implementing the PAT Scheme.

The Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme is an important programme for large industries and establishments.

This scheme aims to improve the cost-effectiveness of energy Savings by upgrading technologies or implementing in-house energy-saving measures.

The scheme provides mandatory targets for identified large-scale units, and issues excess energy saved as energy-saving certificates, which are tradable tools.

Different industries and establishments have different Energy Efficiency targets based on their energy consumption and potential for energy savings.

The Asia University Rankings Has Been Released

Times Higher Education Asia college rankings 2021, three Indian universities secured positions in the top hundred list.

IISc Bangalore, IIT Ropar and IIT Indore have secured ranks among the top one hundred universities in Asia. Like remaining year, not a single Indian varsity

made it to the elite top 10. IISc Bangalore ranked at thirty seventh position. IIT Ropar is positioned at 55th rank and IIT Indore at 78th rank amongst the top one hundred universities.

Tsinghua University, China has received the first function in the Asia university rankings 2021. The 2d location is also secured by means of Chinas Peking University. The 0.33 and fifth ranks have been secured with the aid of Singapore varsities. Whereas, the University of Hong Kong is at fourth rank.

Kerala Becomes Indias First Fully E-Governed State, Achieving Total E-Governance

Kerala, the southern state of India, is set to make HISTORY by declaring itself as the countrys first total e-governed state. Building upon its reputation as the first fully-literate state inIndia, Kerala has achieved this milestone through a series of policy initiatives aimed at transforming the state into a digitally-empowered Society. With a focus on a knowledge-based economy and 100% digital Literacy, the government has digitized

the delivery of vital Services across various domains, ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and accessibility for all citizens.

Decades after attaining full

literacy, Kerala embarked on a journey to become a fullye-literate society.Recognizing the potential of digital technologies to enhance Governance and delivery, the State Government launched several initiatives to achieve total e-governance. The vision for transparent and speedy service delivery to all citizens has been a key driving force behind these efforts.