Kargil Veteran Lt. Col. Dr. Samir Rawat Becomes First Indian Officer to be Invited at International Congress of Psychology (ICP) in Prague in 2020

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Lt.Col. Dr. Samir Rawat, a military psychologist who was also in ‘operation Vijay’ conducted by the Indian army in Kargil, has been invited as the keynote speaker to give a speech on psychology at the 32nd International Congress of Psychology(ICP) in Prague, Czech Republic, in which over 8000 delegates are participating in the biggest international event.

Govt approves national permit scheme for inter-state travel for bus operators

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Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari yesterday said, the government has approved the national permit scheme for inter-state travel for bus operators.

AAI Signs a Contract with Aireon LLC for Implementation of Air Traffic Surveillance Service

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A statutory body working under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India(AAI) has signed MoU (memorandum of understanding) with Aireon, USA, a global aircraft tracking body, for implementation of Space-Based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast data (ADS-B) services for the oceanic regions of the Indian flight information regions (FIRs).

AAI signed up with Aireon for aircraft surveillance over the Indian ocean. Source:Aireon

The agreement was signed by Mansoor Ahmed of Airports Authority of India and Don Thoma, President and CEO, Aireon.

St. Petersburg: INS Tarkash reaches St. Petersburg to participate in Russian Navy Day Parade 2019 #Gallery

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INS Tarkash which was constructed for the Indian Navy by Russia reached SaintPetersburg, Russia to take part in the Russian Navy Day parade celebrated on 28 July. The Indian delegation is led by Vice Admiral Ajith Kumar,Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command and INS Tarkash.

INS Tarkash reached Saint Petersburg, Russia to take part in the Russian Navy Day parade. Source:socialnews.xyz

Meryl Streep to Be Honored With TIFF's Inaugural Tribute Actor Award

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Most nominated actor in the history of The Academy Awards, Meryl Streep wins inaugural Tribute Actor award in Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Meryl Streep wins inaugural Tribute Actor award in Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Source:Variety

Goyal reviews India's participation in Dubai World Expo 2020

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Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways, Piyush Goyal reviewed the preparations for the construction of the India Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo 2020.

Dubai World Expo 2020. Source:dubaimetro.eu

The expo will take place for 6 months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021 with the theme of the Expo is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” with three sub themes include Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

Bill to set up single tribunal to settle inter-State water introduced

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Inter-State River Water disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 introduced in LS seeks to amend the Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

Inter-State River Water disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Source:Dharmendra Pradhan on Twitter

Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat introduced the Inter State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill 2019 that seeks to amend the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 to resolve water disputes in a time-bound manner.

ADB sanctions Rs 1,925 cr power project in Tripura

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a Rs 1,925 crore project for upgradation of power generation and distribution in Tripura, Said The Deputy Chief Minister of Tripura Jishnu Dev Varma.

Asian Development Bank. Source:akamaihd.net

Dev Varma, who is also the power minister of the state said that the amount was sanctioned to the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL).

WhatsApp and NITI Aayog join hands to promote women entrepreneurs

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A partnership between NITI Aayog and WhatsApp has been announced to support the growth of the ecosystem to promote women entrepreneurs in India under the aegis of Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP).

Will Cathcart, Global Head of WhatsApp and Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog. Source:yourstory.com

A coffee table book was launched by WhatsApp in New Delhi named “Gateway To A Billion Opportunities” which is a collection of impactful stories from across India.

WhatsApp will partner with Women Transforming India (WTI) awards 2019 which is a flagship initiative of NITI Aayog.The winners will be provided with $100,000 by WhatsApp.

Apple to acquire the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business

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Apple and Intel have signed an agreement for Apple to acquire the majority of Intel’s smartphone modem business. Approximately 2,200 Intel employees will join Apple, along with intellectual property, equipment and leases. The transaction, valued at $1 billion, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, including works council and other relevant consultations in certain jurisdictions.

Apple to acquire Intel’s smartphone modem business for a transaction value of $1 billion. Source:Interesting Engineering

China launches first private rocket capable of carrying satellites

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Beijing-based startup Interstellar Glory Space Technology, which is also known as iSpace, successfully launched the first commercial rocket of China named Hyperbola-1. It is capable of carrying satellites into orbit. It launched two satellites into orbit from Jiuquan, a state launch facility in the Gobi desert.

Chinese startup Glory Space Technology launched first private rocket capable of carrying satellites. Source:hindustantimes.com

US Official Says Iran Test Fires Shahab-3 Ballistic Missile

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Iran test-launched a medium-range ballistic missile inside its borders- Shahab-3. It is derived from a North Korean missile called the Nodong-A and can fly 1,150 to 2,000 kilometers, or up to 1,242 miles, depending on the variant.

Iran test-launched a medium-range missile Shahab-3. Source:missiledefenseadvocacy.org

Earth is warming at faster pace than in last 2000 years: study

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World temperatures rose faster in the late 20th century than at any other time in the last 2,000 years, according to a study released on Wednesday.

An Amur tiger at a zoo in Chicago, U.S., enjoying an ice treat filled with meat on a summer day. Source:thehindu.com

HAL delivers Chetak helicopter ahead of schedule to Indian Navy

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India’s central banking institution, Reserve Bank of India(RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das launched “Utkarsh 2022”, central bank’s medium-term strategy framework (2019-22), in line with evolving macroeconomic environment.

Chetak helicopter by HAL. Source:wikipedia.org

Digital Commission upholds Rs 3,050 crore fine against Airtel, Vodafone Idea

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The Digital Communications Commission (DCC) upheld the penalty against Vodafone Idea and Airtel. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had recommended a cumulative fine of Rs 3,050 crore against the two telecom operators for not providing points of interconnection to Reliance Jio.

NTPC, BHEL ink pact to set up JV for eco-friendly power plant

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National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) signed a pact, forming a joint venture (JV) company, to set up an 800 MW Technology Demonstration Plant (TDP) at NTPC’s existing power plant in Sipat, Chhattisgarh. It will be the world’s most efficient and environment-friendly coal-fired power plant.

It will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% as compared to conventional sub-critical technology.

IAS Officer Ajay Kumar Bhalla Appointed Next Union Home Secretary

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Power Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Wednesday was appointed Officer on Special Duty in the Home Ministry and he will take over as the new Union Home Secretary succeeding Rajiv Gauba when he retires on August 31.

Rajya Sabha passes POCSO (Amendment) Bill, 2019

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The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a Bill entailing amendments to the The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act by including death penalty for aggravated sexual assault on children, besides providing stringent punishments for other crimes against minors. The Bill has now been send to the Lok Sabha for Approval.

POCSO (Amendment) Bill, 2019 with provision of death penalty passed by Rajya Sabha. Source:dailyhunt.in

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 also provides for fines and imprisonment to curb child pornography. It was introduced in the Rajya Sabha by Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani.

India's first space war drill, IndSpaceEx, to kickstart this week: Report

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The three armed forces of India (Army, Navy, and Air Force) conducted 1st ever simulated space warfare exercise called “IndSpaceEx” on July 25, 26, 2019. It was started in New Delhi. The 2-day exercise aims to assess requisite space and counter-space capabilities that are needed by India. It will also help India to better grasp strategic challenges in space that need to be handled.

Railway's first printing press heritage gallery opened

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The Western Railway (WR) has thrown open to public the first printing press heritage gallery of the Indian Railways Western Railway named Mahalaxmi General Stores Depot (GSD) at Mahalaxmi in Mumbai, Maharashtra. at Mahalaxmi,Mumbai.

UGC declares 23 universities as 'self-styled, unrecognised'; maximum in UP followed by Delhi

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The University Grants Commission(UGC) which coordinates, determines and maintains standards of higher education, has released a list of 23 universities which are declared “self-styled” and “unrecognized“. These universities contradict the UGC Act 1956.

23 self-styled and unrecognized universities announced by the University Grants Commission. Source:Economic Times

Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of unrecognized universities with 8 Fake Universities followed by Delhi with 7 and Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Puducherry have 1 fake university each while West Bengal and Odisha have two fake universities each

Jordan unveils underwater museum of military vehicles

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Jordan, an Arab country in Western Asia, opened its first Underwater Military Museum Dive Site, off its Red Sea coast, Aqaba. The objective of the museum is to offer a new type of museum experience combining sports, environment and exhibits for divers, snorkelers and visitors on glass-bottomed boats.

Jordan opens its first underwater military museum. Source:hindustantimes.com

Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of unrecognized universities with 8 Fake Universities followed by Delhi with 7 and Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Puducherry have 1 fake university each while West Bengal and Odisha have two fake universities each

Cars24 gets NBFC licence from RBI

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An online marketplace for used vehicles, Cars24 has received a non-banking finance company (NBFC) licence from the Reserve Bank of India and is set to carve out the lending business as a separate entity within the Cars24 group.

Cars24 gets RBI NBFC license to offer loans against used cars. Source:etimg.com

Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of unrecognized universities with 8 Fake Universities followed by Delhi with 7 and Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Puducherry have 1 fake university each while West Bengal and Odisha have two fake universities each

Kristof Milak Breaks Michael Phelps Record to Win 200m Butterfly Gold at World Championships

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A 19 year-old swimmer Kristof Milak of Hungary broke men’s 200 metres butterfly world record to win the gold medal at the 18th FINA (Federation Internationale de notation) World swimming championships 2019 held in Gwangju, South Korea.

Kristof Milak broke the men’s 200 meters butterfly world record. Source:abcnews.com

IMF cuts India's growth forecast for 2019-20 to 7%

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According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s latest update on World Economic Outlook (WEO) report 2019, India’s GDP (gross domestic product) growth expected to grow by 7% in 2019 (FY-Fiscal Year 2020) and 7.2% in 2020 (FY21).

IMF lowers India’s growth forecast for 2019-20 to 7% from 7.3%. Source:livemint.com

RBI launches medium-term strategy framework Utkarsh 2022

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India’s central banking institution, Reserve Bank of India(RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das launched “Utkarsh 2022”, central bank’s medium-term strategy framework (2019-22), in line with evolving macroeconomic environment.

RBI launches a medium-term strategy framework “Utkarsh 2022”. Source:devdiscourse.com

RBI names Kanungo to run monetary policy portfolio after Viral Acharya quits

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India’s Central Bank, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has assigned Deputy Governor BP Kanungo to run the monetary policy portfolio after the resignation of fellow Deputy Governor Viral V. Acharya.

BP Kanungo to run monetary policy. Source:pragativadi.com

Plastic from Burlap? Bangladesh Invents a Green Throw-away Bag

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A team of scientists working for Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) has developed a method to convert Jute fiber into low-cost Biodegradable cellulose sheets. It is named as “Sonali” – the Bengali word for “golden” bags. It is biodegradable after three months buried in soil and can also be recycled. Jute is called as the “golden fiber”.

“Sonali”. Source:The Daily Star

New India-UK scheme to fund students from UK to visit India

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A team of scientists working for Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) has developed a method to convert Jute fiber into low-cost Biodegradable cellulose sheets. It is named as “Sonali” – the Bengali word for “golden” bags. It is biodegradable after three months buried in soil and can also be recycled. Jute is called as the “golden fiber”.

British Council of India and The Universities UK International (UUKi) launched UKIERI mobility program. Source:ukieri.org

PayPal opens new centre in Hyderabad, to have around 100 techies

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PayPal Holdings, Inc has opened it's 3rd Global Technology Centre in India at Western Aqua at Kondapur in Hyderabad, Telangana after Bengaluru and Chennai.

PayPal opens third Global Technology Centre in Hyderabad. Source:pymnts.com

Ehsan Mani appointed chairperson of powerful ICC committee

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Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Ehsan Mani has been appointed second time as chairman of the ICCs Finance & Commercial Affairs (F&CA) committee. He was previously appointed as the first-ever chairman of ICC’s (International Cricket Council) F&CA committee between 1996 and 2002.

Ehsan Mani to chair financial committee of ICC. Source:azureedge.net

Indian Navy commissions fifth Dornier Aircraft Squadron

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Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh commissioned the fifth Dornier squadron of the Indian Navy- Indian Naval Air Squadron 313 (INAS 313 ) at the Naval Air Enclave in Meenambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It will operate the indigenous Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) built Maritime Surveillance version multi-role Dornier 228 Short Range Maritime reconnaissance aircraft from Chennai Airport.

Indian Navy commissions fifth Dornier Aircraft Squadron in Chennai. Source:indiatoday.in.com

Andhra Pradesh Becomes First State to Reserve 75% Private Jobs for Local Youths

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Andhra Pradesh on became the first state to reserve jobs for local youth after the assembly passed the Andhra Pradesh Employment of Local Candidates in Industries/Factories Act, 2019, which reserves 75 per cent jobs in industrial units, factories, joint ventures and projects set up under public-private partnership mode.

NPCI ties up with JCB for global RuPay card

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The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Japan Credit Bureau (JCB) International along with domestic banks, launched RuPay JCB Global Cards. It will be accepted in India at all Point Of Sale (POS) terminals and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) that accept JCB cards.

NPCI & JCB launched RuPay JCB Global Cards. Source:Philippine Primer

Adam Peaty wins 100m breaststroke gold at world championships

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British competitive swimmer, Adam George Peaty(24) has broken his own world record in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke at the FINA (International Swimming Federation) World Aquatics Championships 2019 held in Gwangju, South Korea.

Adam Peaty becomes a 1st man to swim under 57 sec in the 100m breaststroke. Source:independent.co.uk

Major rejig in Army, Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane appointed next vice chief

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Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane has been appointed as the next vice chief of the army staff in the Indian Army. He succeeds Lieutenant General D. Anbu who is retiring next month.

Major rejig in Army, Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane. Source:thehindubusinessline.com

Delhi among the world's cheapest cities to relocate

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According to the study named “Moving Price Index 2019” conducted by relocation experts from Movinga (German online platform-based moving company), Delhi is among the world’s cheapest cities to move to. Delhi was ranked 85th in terms of individual relocation & 84th rank in family relocation on the Index, a study of 85 cities that takes a number of parameters into account as a foundation for its findings, including transportation, food and drink, phone bills, rent cost (temporary and permanent), storage fees and internet connection.

Delhi among cheapest cities to relocate: Moving Price Index 2019. Source:toiimg.com

MANNY PACQUIAO, 40, DEFEATS KEITH THURMAN AND FATHER TIME TO WIN WBA WELTERWEIGHT TITLE

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Filipino professional boxer, Manny Pacquiao (40) claimed the WBA (World Boxing Association) welterweight championship 2019 by defeating Keith Thurman of US at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, United States.

Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao Wins WBA Super Welterweight title 2019. Source:abs-cbn.com

Culture Min inaugurates architectural illumination of Safdarjung Tomb

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Culture Minister, Prahlad Singh Patel has inaugurated the architectural illumination of the historic Safdarjung Tomb in New Delhi.

Architectural illumination of historic Safdarjung Tomby. Source:newsonair.com

Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank to close operations

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Nearly 17 months after it began operations, Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank Limited announced winding up of its business on account of "unanticipated developments" that made its economic model "unviable".

Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank. Source:outlookindia.com

Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Mary Pierce and Li Na were welcomed into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this weekend

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Chinese tennis great Li Na, France’s Mary Pierce and Yevgeny Kafelnikov of Russia were inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame. They all are two-time Grand Slam singles champions.

Li Na, Mary Pierce and Yevgeny Kafelnikov inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame. Source:wixstatic.com

DefExpo India-2020 to be held in Lucknow for the first time

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The defence ministry will hold its 11th biennial arms exhibition ‘DefExpo 2020’ in Lucknow, next year from February 5-8 in line with Modi government’s big push to develop Uttar Pradesh as one of the two major defence manufacturing hubs.

Lucknow to host Asia’s biggest arm show ‘DefExpo’ in February 2020. Source:menafn.com

The theme of DefExpo will be "India: the emerging defence manufacturing hub".

VP addresses 13th Global Healthcare Summit

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Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the 13th edition of the annual Global Healthcare Summit (GHS) organized by American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), with the lighting of the traditional lamp and delivering the keynote address at the Taj Krishna Hotel in Hyderabad.

Lucknow to host Asia’s biggest arm show ‘DefExpo’ in February 2020. Source:menafn.com

The theme of DefExpo will be "India: the emerging defence manufacturing hub".

Carnatic vocalist S. Sowmya chosen for Sangita Kalanidhi award

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The Music Academy’s Executive Committee unanimously selected Carnatic vocalist S. Sowmya for Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2019. She will preside over the 93rd annual conference of The Music Academy which is scheduled to be held from December 15, 2019 to January 1, 2020.

Carnatic vocalist S. Sowmya selected for Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2019. Source:sowmya.org

Health Ministry bans sale, distribution of antibiotic Colistin for food producing animals

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The Health Ministry has banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of antibiotic, Colistin a.w.a polymyxin E and its formulations for food producing animals, poultry, aqua farming and animal feed supplements in a bid to preserve the drug’s efficacy in humans.

Government bans Colistin- antibiotic used in poultry industry. Source:thehindubusinessline.com

The ban has been imposed under section 26 of the drugs and cosmetics act 1940.

LIC offering Rs 1.25 trillion by 2024 for highway projects, says Gadkari

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Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways stated that Mumbai headquartered Indian state-owned insurance group, LIC (Life Insurance Corporation) has agreed to offer Rs 1.25 trillion (Rs 1.25 lakh crore) line of credit by 2024, to fund highway projects for timely execution of the Rs 8.41 trillion ambitious Bharatmala project.

Indian bodybuilder Ravinder Malik clinches Mr South Asia title

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Indian bodybuilder Ravinder Kumar Malik has clinched Mr. South Asia title. He has crowned the overall champion at 12th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Kathmandu.

Indian bodybuilder Ravinder Kumar Malik bagged the “Mr. South Asia” award at 12th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship 2019 held in Kathmandu, Nepal. Source:mediafire.com

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan launches next-generation DNA sequencing facility in Hyderabad

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The Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan in Hyderabad launched NGS facility at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), which will be used for genomics study.

Union minister launches Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) facility at CCMB in Hyderabad. Source:newindianexpress.com