COVID 19 MAY CAUSE LOSS OF SMELL AND TASTE
Why in news? Scientists of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jodhpur have explored the neuroinvasive nature of the COVID 19 virus SARS-CoV-2 highlighting that loss of smell and taste of infected patients makes their entire Central Nervous System (CNS) and the underlying structures in the brain more prone to viral infection with devastating effects. Details […]
NTPC LAUNCHES HYDROGEN FUEL BUS AND CAR PROJECT
Why in news? NTPC Ltd, India’s largest power producer and a central PSU under Ministry of Power, has invited Global Expression of Interest (EoI) to provide 10 Hydrogen Fuel Cell (FC) based electric buses and an equal number of Hydrogen Fuel Cell based electric cars in Leh and Delhi. Details The move to procure Hydrogen […]
RUHDAAR: A LOW-COST MECHANICAL VENTILATOR
Why in news? A team of engineering students from IIT Bombay and other institutes have come up with a low-cost ventilator using locally available materials. 3-D printing and laser-cutting technologies also were instrumental in the success of the prototype. Why are Ventilators important right now? Among those getting infected by COVID-19, around 80% will experience […]
LIKELY LOW-PRESSURE AREA OVER SOUTH ANDAMAN SEA
Why in news? As per the forecast guidance from various numerical weather prediction models and the environmental and thermo-dynamical conditions prevailing over the region, a Low-Pressure Area is very likely to form over South Andaman Sea and neighbourhood around 30th April 2020. It is very likely to intensify further during subsequent 48 hours and very […]
UV DISINFECTION TROLLEY
Why in news? Scientists have developed a UVC based disinfection trolley to fight against COVID-19 by rapid cleaning of hospital environment. How does UV help and how is it better? UV light in the range of wavelengths between 200 and 300 nm is capable of inactivating microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, thus disinfecting both […]
INST SCIENTISTS FIND NANOMATERIALS WITH ENHANCED BIOCIDAL ACTIVITY
Why in news? Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India have found a low-cost metal-free nanomaterial for visible light microbial disinfection which can be an alternative to silver and other metal-based materials. Details and advantages Apart from being biocompatible […]
BORDER ROADS ORGANISATION CLEARS ROHTANG PASS
Why in news? The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has opened Rohtang Pass (13,500 feet above sea level) more than three weeks in advance after Clearing Snow. Himachal Pradesh Government had approached BRO to expedite the snow clearance to facilitate return of farmers for starting cultivation and movement of essential supplies and to bring relief materials […]
IIT DELHI DEVELOPS PROBE-FREE COVID-19 DETECTION ASSAY
Why in news? Team of scientists from IIT Delhi developed the COVID 19 probe – free Real-time PCR Diagnostic Kit. Details This is the first probe-free assay for COVID-19 approved by ICMR and it will be useful for specific and affordable high throughput testing. The assay has been validated at ICMR with a sensitivity and […]
ITAT HOLDS HEARING THROUGH VIDEO CONFERENCING
Why in news? A division bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) through web-based video conferencing platform, heard and disposed of an urgent stay petition on 24th April 2020. It was the first time ever that hearing was done through video conferencing. The ITAT benches based in 27 locations are equipped to hold similar hearings […]
IFFCO IS PLAYING VITAL ROLE TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT
Why in news? IFFCO, a leading fertilizer cooperative body under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, is playing a vital role by helping Government to combat COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate the impact of the outbreak. Ministry has said that Fertilizer companies are already working with full capacity to supply adequate quantity of fertilizers to the […]