Published on: April 29, 2024
Snippets : 29 APRIL 2024
Snippets : 29 APRIL 2024
- Prof Uma Ramakrishnan, faculty at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), has been elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS). She was one of AAAS’ 25 elected International Honorary Members in 2024
- The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), the operational arm of the UNFCCC’s Climate Change Technology Mechanism, recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Hosted by UNEP in collaboration with UNIDO and 11 other organizations, CTCN accelerates the development and transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low-carbon and climate resilient development. It provides tailored technology solutions, capacity building, and policy advice upon request from developing countries, utilizing a global network of technology experts
- A “super-sympathetic” solar flare event, featuring four simultaneous eruptions, has recently been observed by astronomers. Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation associated with sunspots, releasing magnetic energy and heating material to millions of degrees. They emit radiation across the spectrum, affecting satellite communications, radio signals, and potentially astronauts in space. These flares can also cause geomagnetic storms, impacting power grids and producing auroras. Sympathetic solar flares occur when sunspots or filaments are connected by magnetic field loops, leading to multiple eruptions in rapid succession, typically during the solar maximum phase
- Palaeontologists from Argentina announced the discovery of a new medium-sized herbivorous dinosaur and named it as Chakisaurus nekul
- The Centre has recently extended the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status to the gem and jewellery sector, offering simplified customs procedures and faster clearances. The AEO programme, based on the WCO SAFE FoS, enhances security in the international supply chain. Administered by CBIC since 2011, it benefits entities with a high security level, facilitating direct port delivery, paperless declarations, and expedited refunds. Businesses involved in customs-related activities can apply for AEO status, regardless of size, improving trade efficiency and security
- Indian Railways expanded its affordable meal scheme in 2023, introducing the Economy Meal Scheme through the IRCTC. This scheme offers the Janata Meal at platform counters to address passengers’ food challenges in unreserved coaches. Over 150 meal counters operate in nearly 100 stations, with options like Janata Khana and snack meals at affordable prices, along with 200 ml water glasses for ₹3
- The RBI has introduced draft guidelines for web aggregation of loan products to improve transparency and help borrowers make informed decisions. These guidelines focus on the role of Lending Service Providers, ensuring a digital view of loan offers, RBI’s regulatory framework, key components of digital views, guidelines for LSPs, and emphasis on unbiased content and consumer protection.
- The Central Board for Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued 18 guidelines for department personnel regarding GST investigations and enforcement. These guidelines empower the Principal Commissioner of GST to conduct investigations and enforce regulations, with a focus on written approval requirements for specific instances like interpreting new tax laws, summoning large corporations, handling sensitive matters, and matters before the GST Council. However, challenges arise due to unclear definitions for terms like “big industrial houses” and “matters with national implications,” leading to implementation concerns, particularly regarding sectors like gaming companies.
- Nasscom’s Patenting Trends in India report highlights a surge in resident patent filings, doubling from 33.6% to over 50% from 2019 to 2023. Granted patents also doubled during this period, with projections of over 100,000 patents to be granted in FY2023-24. Indian startups, especially in deep tech, filed over 900 patents since 2008, while 32,000 international patent applications were filed in India under the PCT. The healthcare sector leads in patent applications, followed by notable spikes in AI and IoT technologies, and emerging trends in neurotechnology focused on healthcare applications.
