PHASE-1 TRIAL: ADENOVIRUS COVID-19 VACCINE FOUND SAFE
Why in news? A phase-1 trial using a single dose of a vaccine (Ad5-nCoV) that uses a recombinant adenovirus type-5 vector that carries the genetic material that codes for spike glycoprotein of novel coronavirus was found to be safe, well-tolerated and able to generate immune responses against the virus. Details The adenovirus is a weakened […]
DENGUE, JE STRIKE AS ASSAM BATTLES COVID-19
Why in news? Assam is facing crisis through a series of viral and pest attacks, Districts from different parts of Assam have reported cases of dengue and acute encephalitis syndrome. The heavy rainfall in the northern parts of the State had seen two rivers – Jia-Bharali and Puthimari – flowing above the danger mark. 2,980 […]
UMANG APPLICATION
Why in news? 7 services hosted on web site of IMD have been onboarded to UMANG Application. Details about the Umang App UMANG is a Government of India all-in-one single, unified, secure, multi-channel, multi-platform, multi-lingual, multi-service mobile app, powered by a robust back-end platform providing access to high impact services of various organization (Central and […]
WHAT IS THE SONIC BOOM THAT RATTLED BENGALURU?
Introduction There was a ‘loud sound’ heard in Bengaluru on 20th May 2020 afternoon, which puzzled lakhs of city dwellers- It was revealed to have emanated from an IAF test flight involving a supersonic profile. The sound effect caused due to such high-speed flights is known as ‘sonic boom’. Considering the atmospheric conditions and reduced noise […]
IIT GUWAHATI: NEW WAY PREVENT ALZHEIMER MEMORY LOSS
Why in news? Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has worked on out-of-the-box ideas that can help prevent or reduce short-term memory losses associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Details The Research explored new ways to prevent accumulation of neurotoxic molecules in the brain that are associated with short-term memory loss. The scientists found that […]
GENES TO ELIMINATE RICE CROP RESIDUE BURNING
Why in news? The Scientists at Pune based Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have mapped two alternative dwarfing genes Rht14 and Rht18 in wheat. These genes are associated with better seedling vigour and longer coleoptiles (sheath protecting the young shoot tip). Details Scientists ARI have mapped the dwarfing genes on chromosome 6A in durum wheat. The […]
TEXTILES COMMITTEE: INDIGENOUS PPE TESTING EQUIPMENT
Why in news? The Textiles Committee will now test and certify PPE body coveralls required for healthcare workers and other COVID-19 warriors. Details The inclusion of Textiles Committee as the ninth approved laboratory to test and certify body coveralls has been announced by the Ministry of Textiles on 20th May. The Ministry of Textiles has been […]
AGAPPE CHITRA MAGNA FOR DETECTION OF COVID 19
Why in news? The commercial launch of, Agappe Chitra Magna, a magnetic nanoparticle-based RNA extraction kit for use during testing for detection of COVID-19 developed by Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) – Trivandrum, an Institute of National Importance of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) along with Agappe Diagnostics […]
MAN-MADE METEOR SHOWER TO PROTECT EARTH FROM ASTEROIDS
Why in news? If all goes according to plan, in September 2022, a NASA spacecraft, the Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission, or DART, will slam into a space rock with the equivalent energy of three tonnes of TNT. Why is DART going to slam into a space rock? The goal is to nudge the orbit […]
DEFANGING AI
AI should be deployed for purposes that raise productivity but do not displace workers in the country, makes good sense, given India’s problem of unemployment For decades, production has been highly capital intensive despite the abundant availability of labour Rules that make it hard to let go of workers also act as a disincentive to […]