Table of Contents
Science and Technology. 1
Spinal Muscular Atrophy disease. 1
Polity and Governance. 1
Public Interest Litigation. 1
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) 2
Art and Culture. 2
TholpavaKoothu. 2
Padmanabhaswamy Temple. 3
Bodies. 3
National Human Rights Commission. 3
International Relations. 4
New Development Bank. 4
News in Short. 4
Kalaripayattu. 4
Science and Technology
Spinal Muscular Atrophy disease
Why in News?
The Government of India has decided to waive off some GST amount against the import of gene therapy — Zolgensma. This therapy is required to treat a child who is suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
About Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Art and Culture Tholpava Koothu
Why in News?
For the first time, the leather puppets in Kerala’s famous temple art Tholpavak koothu is being animated by a robot.
About Tholpavak koothu:
It is known to be one of the 108 holy temples associated with Vaishnavism in India.
Bodies
National Human Rights Commission
Why in News?
The Delhi High Court recently has sought response from NHRCon a plea related to extrajudicial killings.
About NHRC:
- Members: Chairman (Retd. Supreme Court Chief Justice or Judge) and seven other members (of which three are ex-officio members)
- Appointed by: President appoints the Chairman and members of NHRC on recommendation of high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister.
- Selection Committee Members:
- The Prime Minister (chairperson)
- The Home Minister
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
- The Speaker of the Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
- Tenure of Service: The Chairperson and the members of the NHRC are appointed for 3 years or till the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
- Eligible for re-appointment in NHRC, but not under any other central or state government.
Key Takeaways:
NHRC investigates grievances regarding the violation of human rights either suo moto or after receiving a petition.
It has the power to interfere in any judicial proceedings involving any allegation of violation of human rights.
- It can visit any jail or any other institution under the control of the State government
- to see the living conditions of the inmates and to make recommendations thereon.
- It can review the safeguards provided under the constitution or any law for the protection of the human rights and can recommend appropriate remedial measures.
- It has the powers of a civil court and can grant interim relief.
- It also has the authority to recommend payment of compensation or damages.
- It can recommend to both the central and state governments to take suitable steps to prevent the violation of Human Rights.
- It submits its annual report to the President of India who causes it to be laid before each House of Parliament.
International Relations
New Development Bank
Why in News?
NDB investd $100 Millionin the fund of funds (FOF) OF National InvestmentandInfrastructure Fund (NIIF).
About NDB:
- It is a multilateral development bank jointly founded by the BRICScountries at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil in 2014.
- BRICS countries -Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
- It was formed to support infrastructure and sustainable development efforts in BRICS and other underserved, emerging economies for faster development through innovation and cutting-edge technology.
- It is headquartered at Shanghai, China.
In 2018, the NDB received observer status in the United Nations General Assembly.
- News in Short
- Kalaripayattu
- Kalaripayattu is a martial art based on the ancient knowledge of the human body.
- It originated in Kerala during 3nd century BC to the 2nd century AD.
- It is now practised in Kerala and in some parts of Tamil Nadu.
- The place where this martial art is practised is called a ‘Kalari’. It is a Malayalam word that signifies a kind of gymnasium.
- The word Kalari first appears in the Tamil Sangam literature to describe both a battlefield and combat arena.
- It isone of the oldest fighting systems in existence.

- It is also considered as the father of modern Kung – Fu