Space Technology and Telescopes for UPSC Exam
What is Planet? Three conditions for a celestial object to be called a ‘planet’ – it must orbit the Sun it should be massive enough to acquire an approximately spherical shape it has to ‘clear its orbit’ i.e. be the object that exerts the maximum gravitational pull within its orbit ‘Dwarf planets’, on the other […]
ISRO TO LAUNCH 36 MISSIONS IN 2020-21
Why in news? Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has planned 36 missions including satellites and launch vehicles for the fiscal year 2020-21. ISRO will send up 10 earth observation satellites during 2020-21. Details of the missions in 2020-21 Earth observation satellite- 10 Communication satellite- 3 Navigation satellite- 2 Space science satellite- 3 Technology Demonstration- 1 […]
COALBED METHANE POLICY, 1997
Why in news? The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has brought out following policies/notifications after Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Policy 1997: Policy for extension of exploration phases for exploration and production under CBM contracts in 2007. Guidelines for pricing and commercial utilization of CBM in 2011. Notification for grant of right to exploration and […]
Starch-based materials developed to stop rapid blood loss during accidents
After a serious injury, few challenges are more urgent than stopping life-threatening bleeding. Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, have developed a starch-based ‘hemostat’ material that concentrates the natural clotting factors in blood by physically absorbing excess fluid. The biodegradable microparticles that combine to form […]
REGISTRY OF RARE DISEASES
Why in news? The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare published a national policy for the treatment of 450 ‘rare diseases’. Overview of the Registry of rare Diseases policy: Among other measures, the policy intends to kickstart a registry of rare diseases, which will be maintained by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). According […]
Uranium Contamination in Ground Water
There is prevalence of Uranium concentration above 30 micro-gram per litre (World Health Organization (WHO) provisional guidelines) in some of the localized pockets of few States/UTs in the country. A report brought out by Duke University, USA in association with Central Ground Water Board and State Ground Water departments states that Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, […]
NATIONAL BIOPHARMA MISSION
What is NBM? The National Biopharma Mission (NBM) is an industry-Academia Collaborative Mission for accelerating biopharmaceutical development in the country. Innovate in India Under this Mission the Government has launched Innovate in India (i3) programme to create an enabling ecosystem to promote entrepreneurship and indigenous manufacturing in the sector. Implementation The mission will be implemented […]
IMPARTING NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO FARMERS THROUGH ELECTRONIC MEDIA
Why in news? Dept. of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare is educating farmers through following use of electronic media as follows :- Kisan Suvidha mobile app facilitates dissemination of information to farmers on the critical parameters viz., Weather; Market Prices; Plant Protection; Input Dealers (Seed, Pesticide, Fertilizer) Farm Machinery; Soil Health Card; Cold Storages &Godowns, Veterinary […]
ARI SCIENTISTS STUDY METHANE-OXIDIZING BACTERIA (METHANOTROPH)
Why in news? Scientists at Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, have isolated 45 different strains of methanotrophic bacteria which have been found to be capable of reducing methane emissions from rice plants. Details Methanotrophs metabolise and convert methane into carbon-di-oxide. They can effectively reduce the […]
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN INDIA
Projects under Construction Projects Under Construction Place Type Capacity KAPP 3&4 Kakrapar, Gujarat PHWR 2 X 700 RAPP 7&8 Rawatbhata, Rajasthan PHWR 2 X 700 GHAVP 1&2 Gorakhpur, Haryana PHWR 2 X 700 KKNPP 3&4 Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu LWR 2 X 1000 PFBR Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu FBR 1 X 500 New Projects accorded Administrative approval […]