Notes:
China has been officially certified as ‘Malaria-free’ by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is only the second country in the Asia Pacific region to get the tag, after Sri Lanka in 2016.
China has maintained zero indigenous malaria cases for four consecutive years. In the 1940s, it had an estimated 30 million cases and 300,000 deaths per year.

Notes:
Saudi Arabian Airlines, owned by the state is the biggest carrier in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Others include low-cost carrier Flyadeal sand Flynas.
Recently, Saudi Arabia announced plans to launch a second national airline. This would push the kingdom to the fifth rank globally in terms of air transit traffic. The decision aims to turn the kingdom into a global logistics hub, diversifying from oil.

Notes:
India approved its fourth Covid-19 vaccine, and its first mRNA vaccine, Moderna’s mRNA-1273. It is sold under the brand name ‘Spikevax’ in the US.
Now the vaccines can be imported to India without bridging clinical studies. Moderna vaccine which has 94.1 percent efficacy will be available in India through the Indian pharma company Cipla.

Notes:
US-based (Educational Testing Service), the world’s largest private educational assessment organization, conducts several tests including TOEFL and GRE.
It was recently announced that Aadhaar Card will be accepted as an identification for taking the TOEFL and GRE tests. Students have to, however submit the original version of their Aadhaar Card as received in the mail.

Notes:
As per a recent notification by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the basic customs duty on crude palm oil has been cut to 10 per cent and refined palm oil to 37.5 per cent.
This tax cut could make palm oil more attractive than rival soyoil and sunflower oil, which will boost imports and bring down the edible oil prices. This lower tax rate will apply from June 30 to September 30.