Myanmar has pushed back against China after trying to widen its influence through China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC). The decision was influenced from the experience of Pakistan in China Pakistan Economic Corridor and with Sri Lanka being pushed towards debt trap. China proposed the CMEC as a part of the BRI initiative. When Chinese President Xi … Read more
On August 17, 2020, India and UAE held their 13th Joint Commission Meeting virtually. The five sub-committees from India and UAE participated in the meeting. This included the following Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation Defence and Security Cooperation Education, Culture and Youth Cooperation Consular and Community Affairs Cooperation Overview and High-level Exchanges The countries also discussed … Read more
The State-Owned Technology Parks in India (STPI) are to have the largest ecosystem to incubate new technologies. This is to be achieved by setting up 21 Centres of Excellence in these parks. India has centres of excellence (CoE) for Internet of Things, electric vehicles, block chain, animation and gaming, etc. The Government of India has … Read more
On August 21, 2020, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the discovery of large natural gas reserves in the Black Sea coast. According to the announcement made by the President, 320 billion cubic metres of natural gas has been discovered. Turkey is to start using the discovered natural gas by 2023. Though the discovery … Read more
The International Solar Alliance will hold World Solar Technology Summit for the first time on September 8, 2020. The summit aims to bring the world scientists and engineers together to address the challenges to make energy affordable. With alliance being launched very recently, one and a half years back, it is already implementing projects that … Read more
On August 17, 2020, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched Tribal Health and Nutrition portal called “SWASTHYA”. Also, the ministry launched the “ALEKH” e-newsletter on health and nutrition. The portal is first of its kind. It provides information related to health and nutrition of tribal population in India. It will also act as an integrated … Read more
On August 17, 2020, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) opened a Quality Control Laboratory in Porbandar. The laboratory is to test seafood processors and exporters. The laboratory is to test seafood processors and exporters to make sure their products are safe according to international regulatory requirement. It is equipped with equipment to analyse … Read more
Malaysia has recently detected a new COVID-19 strain that is 10 times more infectious. The mutation of the virus is called DG14G. Highlights According to the Malaysian Government, the mutation was found in at least three of the 45 case. Also, it started from a restaurant owner who had returned from India. The Government also … Read more
The Indian Railways is constructing world’s tallest pier bridge in the state of Manipur. The bridge is 141 metres high. It has surpassed the record of 139 metres tall Mala-Rijeka bridge in Montenegro, Europe. Highlights The bridge is a part of the 111 km long Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway line project. The project is to have 45 … Read more
On August 17, 2020, the United Kingdom launched 3 million pounds of Innovation Challenge Fund in India. The funds were launched to support Indian scientists in industries and academia to tackle COVID-19 and climate change. Highlights The funds invite innovators to connect to the Artificial Intelligence Clusters in Karnataka and future mobility cluster in Maharashtra. … Read more
As the Prime Minister Modi addressed the country at the Red Fort, DRDO (Defence Research Development Organization) anti-drone system was deployed for PM security. Highlights The anti-drone system can detect micro drones up to 3 kilo metres. It uses LASER to bring down target up to 1-2.5 kilo metres. It can detect and identify drone … Read more
On August 16, 2020, India sent 30 tonnes of technical equipment and material to Mauritius. The country is fighting to contain an oil spill that occurred in its pristine south-east coast. Highlights India has deployed a 10-member Indian Coast Guard team under Mission SAGAR to contain oil spill. Earlier in August 2020, a Japanese bulk … Read more
The National Thermal Power corporation developed infrastructure at Rihand project in Uttar Pradesh to transport fly ash to cement plants at cheaper cost. Highlights The infrastructure is being developed to help NTPC achieve its goal of 100% utilisation of fly ash from power plants. This will enable power plants to upgrade the utilisation of fly … Read more
On August 16, 2020, the United States Food and Drugs Administration authorised the emergency use of saliva based diagnostic test for COVID-19. This is to be a game changer as it provides the results rapidly. The testing method has been named “SALIVA DIRECT” Highlights Saliva Direct testing method is simpler and is less expensive as … Read more
The fourth session of Anti-Drug Working Group was held virtually. All the member countries of the group such as India, Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa participated in the session. Highlights The group reaffirmed their commitments towards the Anti-Drug Conventions. The meeting focused on misuse of technologies for drug trafficking. During the meet India stressed … Read more
