KIRAN
Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing Union Ministry of Science & Technology announces “KIRAN” scheme announced for Women Scientists Indian’s Union Ministry of Science and Technology has announced a very important scheme KIRAN (Knowledge, Involvement, Research, Advancement through Nurturing) for helping lady scientists to have a brighter future in the field. This scheme aims […]
SCIENTISTS IDENTIFY BACTERIA THAT CAN REPLACE FERTILIZERS AND FUNGICIDES IN TEA PLANTS
Why in news? Researchers have found significant plant-growth-promoting and antifungal activities of endophyticactino bacteria associated with Tea plant and related genera, Eurya to find potent plant growth-promoting strains. Application of endophytic Actinobacteria could reduce chemical inputs in Tea plantation. This research finding confirms that endophyticactino bacteria have the potential to exhibit multiple growth-promoting traits such […]
QUBIT
Why in news? Researchers from Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science & Technology, have devised a new test for fairness of quantum coin or ‘qubit’ (the basic unit of information in a quantum computer) using entanglement theory. What is a Quantum Computer? First, how do normal computers work now? […]
BIOMETHANATION TO TACKLE STUBBLE BURNING
What is Biomethanation Biomethanation is a process by which organic material is microbiologically converted under anaerobic conditions to biogas. Methanogenesis or biomethanation i.e., formation of methane, is done by microbes known as methanogens. Three main physiological groups of microorganisms are involved: fermenting bacteria, organic acid oxidizing bacteria, and methanogenic archaea. Microorganisms degrade organic matter via […]
TRANS FAT
Why in news? The limit of trans-fats to be not more than 5% is prescribed under Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 for vanaspati, bakery shortenings, bakery and industrial margarine and interesterified vegetable fats/oils. A draft notification to limit trans-fat to be not more than 2% by weight of […]
CULTIVATION OF GM CROPS
Why in news? Area, production and productivity of Bt. cotton has increased steadily since its introduction in India, barring minor fluctuation in few years Details Most of the countries are signatory to the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety which has well defined mechanism of regulation of Genetically Modified (GM) crops including bio-safety evaluation and environmental release. […]
NATIONAL SUPERCOMPUTING MISSION
What is National Supercomputing Mission (NSM)? The mission was set up to provide the country with supercomputing infrastructure to meet the increasing computational demands of academia, researchers, MSMEs, and startups by creating the capability design, manufacturing, of supercomputers indigenously in India. The mission will nationally coordinate collaborative programme involving developers and users of supercomputing systems […]
COMPUTER BASED NANO MATERIALS AND FUTURE OF NANO-ELECTRONICS
Why in news? Researchers from Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali have made computer based designs of nano-materials with superhigh piezoelectricity which can be the building blocks of futuristic nano-electronics for applications like ultrathin, next-generation nano-transistors. Piezoelectricity Piezoelectricity is the generation of electricity in certain materials upon application of pressure. Its applications have […]
NASA-Global Space Missions for UPSC Exam
Asteroid Impact Deflection Assessment Why in news? National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA) asteroid researchers and spacecraft engineers have come together to check the progress in the mission which is known as Asteroid Impact Deflection Assessment (AIDA). Details: An asteroid hit is widely acknowledged as one of the most likely, among all the causes […]
POACHING, NOT VIRUS, IS THE BIGGER THREAT, SAYS TIGER EXPERT
Why in news? Wildlife scientist cautions that a spurt in poaching during the lockdown period poses a greater threat to wildlife than the coronavirus (COVID-19). Background A tiger at the Bronx zoo in the U.S. tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The warning came after the advisory issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) […]