23.02.22

A draft data policy has been published by the central government. This policy states that all data collected, maintained, and generated, by every government ministry and agency shall be open and shareable. The government could also monetize and earn from detailed datasets that have undergone value addition.

Department of Biotechnology has released a draft foresight paper on synthetic biology. In its paper, department has stressed on the need for a national policy to consolidate Indias stand on the issue.

This 70-page document also notes that, India should avoid conflicting stands on science and policy.

It looks not only at global policies and protocols that must be refer to develop such a policy but also defines synthetic biology and how will be applicable in resulting processes and products.

The paper was developed through a consultative process with experts from several organisations, non-profit organisations, and some people from the Industry.

Synthetic Biology refers to science of using genetic sequencing, modification and editing, in order to create unnatural organisms or organic Molecules which can function in living systems. Synthetic biology helps the scientists in designing and synthesising new sequences of DNA from scratch.

NIBRI, at present, has risen around 23 Percentage points (pp) higher than pre-pandemic levels, and around 21pp higher than the third wave.

The Index reported that Google workplace rose by 1.4 pp and retail & recreation mobility rose by 6 pp from the previous week, touching record highs. The Apple driving index increased by 11.3 points, the labor participation rate remained unchanged at 40.1 percent, and power demand increased by 0.4 percent following a 1.5 percent drop.

The monthly data until the month of January suggests that the third wave had very little on demand, while the supply side remained intact.

For the week which ended on 2oth February, the Nomura India Business Resumption Index (NIBRI) reached a record high of 122.8, up from 119.5 the previous week.

The Index showed weak demand due to rising and the scarring due to the pandemic, as the recovery remains uneven, with sluggish consumption and Services even before the third COVID-19 wave.

World Thinking Day, initially referred to as Thinking Day, is widely known annually on 22 February by all Girl Scouts, Girl Guides, and other girl groups worldwide.

The day is observed to believe fellow brothers and sisters worldwide, address their concerns and understand the true meaning of guiding.

The theme for World Thinking Day 2022 is Our World, Our Equal Future.

Japan has launched its first hydrogen-powered train. This unveiling is seen as a step towards the country’s objective of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The hydrogen-fuelled train was tested within the country in March.

Highlights

“Hybari,” the two-car train costs over USD 35 million or 4 billion yen and might go up to 140 kilometers or 87 miles at a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour on a single hydrogen refueling.

The train was developed by East Japan RAILWAY associated with Hitachi and Toyota Motor Corporation.

The nation has plans to interchange its diesel fleet with this hydrogen variant of trains and can also look to export them.

In 2030, commercial Services are expected to start. To attain net-zero energy, Japan has made hydrogen a significant clean-energy source.