Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Scheme

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has recently completed its first call for proposals and initiated the second call for the eligible scientists in this scheme.

• The Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) is a fellowship programme to connect the Indian STEMM diaspora with Indian academic and R&D institutions.
• It is being implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Fellowship Grant – Fellowship would include fellowship grant (INR 4,00,000 per month), international and domestic travel, accommodation and contingencies.
• The scheme provides financial assistance to the institute that facilitates the fellow for research work.
• Eligibility – The fellowship is open to outstanding scientists and technologists who are actively engaged in research activities in their respective countries. The eligible scientist include:
  1. Indian origin (Non-resident Indians (NRI)
  2. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
  3. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
• They will be required to spend 1-2 months annually for a maximum of three years.
• The fellowship is open for all areas under Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics as well as Medicine (STEMM).

YUVIKA/Young Scientist Programme

Recently ISRO has announced the YUVIKA-2024.

• YUva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA) aims to impart basic knowledge on Space Science, Space Technology and Space Applications to the younger students.
• It is being organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• Students studying in Class 9 within India are eligible to apply for the ISRO Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA) - 2024.
• It is proposed to select 3 students each from each State/ Union Territory to participate in this programme covering CBSE, ICSE and State syllabus.
• Students belonging to the rural area have been given special weightage in the selection criteria.

National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP)

Recently NCTP conducted a meeting that aimed to address crucial matters concerning the transgender community, with a primary focus on fostering empowerment and well-being.

• The National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) is a statutory body established in 2020 under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and took force in 2020.
• Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment is the ex-officio chairperson of the council.
• A Member of National Council, other than ex officio member, shall hold office for a term of three years from the date of his nomination.
• The NCTP's responsibilities include:
  • Advising the government on policy matters affecting transgender, intersex and GIESC (Gender Identity/Expression and Sex Characteristics) identities.
  • Protecting the rights of transgender people.
• It works under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

International Energy Agency (IEA)

India recently began talks with the IEA for its full membership

• It is an autonomous intergovernmental organization established in the framework of the OECD.
• It was initially designed to help countries co-ordinate a collective response to disruptions in the supply of oil.
• Only OECD member states can become members of the IEA.
• Except for Chile, Iceland, Israel, Latvia, Slovenia all OECD member states are members of the IEA.
• Currently, the IEA is made up of 31 member countries and Lithuania became its 31st member in 2022.
• It also includes 8 associate countries including India and 4 countries are seeking accession to full membership include Chile, Colombia, Israel and Lithuania.
• IEA member countries are required to maintain total oil stock levels equivalent to at least 90 days of the previous year's net imports.
• India is not a full-time member but an associate member (2017).
• Reports – The reports released by IEA include:
  1. World Energy Outlook Report
  2. IEA's Oil Market Report (OMR)
  3. Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector Report
• The Emissions Gap Report (EGR) is an annual report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Micellar Water

• Micellar water is a product that is commonly used to remove make-up.
• It’s a very effective cleanser and many people use in their skincare routine.
• Micellar water products contain micelles, a cluster of molecules that are very effective at removing oily substances.
• The micelles in micellar water are formed by special molecules known as surfactants.
• Surfactant stands for surface active agent.
• Surfactants can be found in dishwashing detergent, body wash, shampoo, toothpaste and even many foods.
• In all of these cases, they are there to help the water interact with the dirt and oils and micellar water is no different.
• Sparkling water – A carbonated water that typically doesn't contain enough minerals to be truly beneficial for one's health.
• Black water – An alkaline solution that is infused with fulvic acid and contain several nutrients.
• Grey water – A type of domestic wastewater that has less nitrogen and phosphorus than black water.