NITI Aayog has set up a task force on employment and export, headed by its Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar.
It will propose a plan of action to generate employment and alleviate under-employment and low wages by boosting India’s exports in key labour-intensive industries.
It focuses on both goods and service sectors.
UJALA Scheme in Malaysia
Government of India has launched Ministry of Power flagship scheme UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable Lighting for All) in the State of Melaka, Malaysia.
The successful Indian model of UJALA scheme has become a sought-after example for the different nations of the world.
Under this, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) plans to distribute about 1 million LED bulbs, which will replace CFLs.
The initiative will have the logistical assistance and facilitation support from Green Growth Asia, which is a not for profit organization.
The price of each bulb will be way lesser than global average price of the LED bulb.
Ananda Temple
It is a Buddhist temple in Myanmar, built in the early 12th century.
It is based on Indian Style of Architecture.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has carried out structural conservation and chemical preservation work of this temple.
The ASI has undertaken several major conservation works across various countries of Asia such as Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia, the Vat Phou Temple in Laos, and the My Son Temple in Vietnam.
Zika virus
Scientists have found that Zika virus can kill deadly brain cancer cells that are resistant to standard treatments.
The virus is known for causing babies to be born with tiny deformed heads called as Microcephaly.
The researchers found that the lethal power of the virus in infecting and killing cells could be directed at malignant cells in the brain.
It may pave way for an effective treatment for glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer.
The virus specifically targets and kills neuroprogenitor cells which are rare in the adult brain. Thus it may be safer for use in adults.
World University Rankings 2018
The Times Higher Education “World University Rankings 2018” list the top 1,000 universities in the world.
It is the only global university performance table to judge research-intensive universities across all of their core missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.
The ranking is topped by University of Oxford, UK followed by University of Cambridge, UK.
42 Indian institutions figure in this year’s list. But the highest ranked, the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, weighs in only in the 251-300 range.
Overall, European institutions occupy half of the top 200 places, with the Netherlands, Germany and UK as the most-represented countries.
Asia’s top university, the National University of Singapore, has ranked in 22nd place.
First Hyperloop Transport System
Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) has signed an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh government to set up first Hyperloop transport system in India.
The system will connect the city centres of Amravati and Vijayawada.
The technology uses a high-speed train that promises travel at twice the speed of a commercial aircraft.
Hyperloop consists of a low pressure tube with capsules that are transported at both low and high speeds throughout the length of the tube.
