DETECTING RNA VIRUS USING RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Why in news? Researchers have turned to Raman Spectroscopy to detect RNA viruses present in saliva samples. It is a study to analyse non-infectious RNA viruses using conventional Raman Spectroscopy without using any additional reagent to enhance the signal. Significance of the Study It has been reported that novel coronavirus […]
KUWAIT’S BILL ON WORKERS
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? A draft bill to reduce the number of foreign workers in Kuwait has been deemed constitutional by the legal and legislative committee of the Gulf state’s national assembly. Details Kuwait is planning out a more comprehensive plan to cut down on foreign workers, and this has led to […]
INDIA, AFGHANISTAN INK 5 AGREEMENTS
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? India and Afghanistan signed five agreements for developing educational infrastructure in four Afghan provinces, with the move seen as a reiteration of New Delhi’s support to Kabul at a time when the war-torn country’s peace process is confronting challenges. Details The five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed […]
CHINA DOUBLES DOWN ON CLAIMS ON BHUTAN BOUNDARY
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? Days after Bhutan sent China a demarche protesting Chinese claims to the Sakteng wildlife sanctuary in Eastern Bhutan, Beijing has included Bhutan’s “Eastern sectors” to the boundary dispute between the two countries for the first time. Background to the situation According to written records, there has been no […]
ECONOMIC REVIVAL NOW HINGES MORE ON SERVICES SECTOR
Focus: GS-III Indian Economy Introduction The importance of services in the Indian economy has gone up over time. In 2004-05, services constituted 43.5% of the economy. By 2019-20, the proportion had jumped to more than 50%. What is manufacturing sector’s share? The size of manufacturing sector has varied between 15%-16% of the economy in the last […]
RE-ENFRANCHISE THE FORGOTTEN VOTER
Focus: GS-II Governance Introduction In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has made it possible for senior citizens above the age of 65 to vote by postal ballot, given that they are at greater risk from exposure to the novel coronavirus. Hitherto, this option was available only to disabled citizens […]
WHAT ARE SCIENTISTS SAYING ABOUT A NEW VIRUS STRAIN IN CHINA?
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Why in news? Newspapers and television channels reported that a new strain of H1N1 (also known as swine flu) had started infecting workers and the recommendations of scientists were that it must be controlled with a great deal of urgency as it had the potential of becoming yet another pandemic. […]
WHAT WILL BE THE IMPACT OF CHINESE APPS BAN?
Focus: GS-II International Relations Introduction In the wake of the face-off with Chinese forces on the India-China border in Ladakh, and a violent clash on June 15 that left 20 Indian soldiers dead, the Indian government on June 29 banned 59 apps of Chinese origin, citing data security and national sovereignty concerns. These include popular […]