A SNEEZE, A GLOBAL COLD AND TESTING TIMES FOR CHINA
Why in news? The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a global emergency, as the outbreak continues to spread outside China. More about coronavirus Coronaviruses is a large family of viruses that are often the source of respiratory infections, including the common cold. Most of the viruses are common among animals and only a small number […]
Vizag Gas Leak (VISAKHAPATNAM) Explained for UPSC Exam
Vizag Gas Leak Explained for UPSC Exam While it unclear at the moment whether the deaths are due to direct exposure to styrene gas or one of its byproducts, Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner has maintained that the gas is “non-poisonous” and is only fatal when exposed to longer duration. Lets know all about this accident: What […]
Herd Immunity coronavirus for UPSC Exam
What is herd immunity ? The concept of herd immunity is typically described in the context of a vaccine. When enough people are vaccinated, a pathogen cannot spread easily through the population. If you are infected with measles but everyone you interact with has been vaccinated, transmission will be stopped in its tracks. Herd immunity […]
KISAN SABHA APP TO CONNECT FARMERS
Why in news? The Kisan Sabha App developed by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, to connect farmers to supply chain and freight transportation management system, was remotely launched on 1st May 2020. The Kisan Sabha app is a one stop solution for farmers, transporters and other entities engaged in the agriculture Industry and offered that ICAR can […]
NEEDED: A PANDEMIC PATENT POOL
Introduction Every April 26, we celebrate World Intellectual Property Day. This year it provided us an opportunity to reflect upon the role of intellectual property (IP) in the ongoing health crisis and dedicate IP to finding a solution. Vaccines are the only way ahead The purpose of creating and recognising patent rights is for the […]
HEALTH MINISTRY DOES A U-TURN ON PLASMA THERAPY
Why in news? Plasma therapy is not an approved treatment for COVID-19 and is only one of the several therapies which is being explored currently, the Health Ministry said on 28th April 2020, adding that the therapy is still at an experimental stage and the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) is currently studying its efficacy. […]
STOP VILLAINIZING BATS: SCIENTISTS, CONSERVATIONISTS
Why in news? There have been increasing incidents of the public destroying bat roosts and smoking them out. This is due to unverified news and social media posts linking bats to the COVID-19 outbreak. To raise awareness, 64 CHIROPTEROLOGISTS (THOSE WHO STUDY BATS) from six South Asian countries have released a document clarifying myths about bats and […]
LIMITATIONS OF ONLINE LEARNING
Why in news? Universities and colleges were in the middle of the second semester of their academic year when the lockdown was enforced. A few universities made hasty arrangements for teachers to continue to hold their classes virtually through video conferencing services such as Zoom. The transition to virtual modes was relatively less difficult for […]
HOW THE OZONE LAYER HOLE OVER ARCTIC CLOSED?
Why in news? Last week, the European Union’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) announced that a hole in the Arctic ozone layer, believed to be the biggest reported, has closed. Why did it close? The ozone hole’s closing was because of a phenomenon called the polar vortex, and NOT because of reduced pollution levels due […]
New Space India Limited
The establishment of NSIL was announced in Budget 2019. One of the mandates of NSIL is to mass-produce and manufacture the SSLV and the more powerful PSLV in partnership with the private sector in India through technology transfers. Its aim is to use research and development carried out by ISRO over the years for commercial purposes through Indian industry […]