DRUG FOR SEPSIS TO BE TESTED FOR COVID-19
Why in news? Sepsivac, a drug jointly developed by the Ahmedabad-based Cadilla Pharmaceuticals and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will be tested in 50 COVID-19 patients. Results from a human trial are expected in the next two months. What is Sepsivac and can it be used for COVID-19? Sepsivac was originally developed […]
WHERE DOES COVID-19 VIRUS FIRST STRIKE?
Why in news? Scientists reported that they have identified two specific types of cells in the nose as the likely initial infection points for SARS-CoV2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. How does it work? The entry of the virus takes place by means of a “lock and key” effect. Like all coronaviruses, SARS-CoV2 consists […]
AT THE EDGE OF A NEW NUCLEAR ARMS RACE
Why in news? In mid-April, a report issued by the United States State Department on “Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments (Compliance Report)” raised concerns that China might be conducting nuclear tests with low yields at its Lop Nur test site, in violation of its Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty […]
NATURAL PRODUCT-BASED ALZHEIMER INHIBITOR
Why in news? JNCASR scientists have modified the structure of Berberine, a natural and cheap product similar to curcumin, available commercially, into Ber-D to use as an Alzheimer’s inhibitor. Details Berberine is poorly soluble and toxic to cells, so they had to modify berberine to Ber-D, which is a soluble (aqueous), antioxidant. Ber-D was found […]
K9 VAJRA-T Gun
The K9 VAJRA-T 155mm/ 52 is a tracked self-propelled howitzer (a short gun for firing shells on high trajectories at low velocities), which has its roots in the K9 Thunder, the mainstay of the South Korean Army. It offers a high rate of fire at long-range and is compatible with Indian and standard North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) ammunition. The K9 Thunder […]
Digital Sky Platform
Digital Sky Platform, as part of Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR), for registration of drones, pilots, and operators for online permission was recently launched. Nano drones in India can start flying legally from now. For micro and above categories, operators and pilots are required to register on the Digital Sky Portal. Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR): In […]
Bhabha Kavach
It is the India’s lightest and cheapest ‘bullet-proof jacket’ fortheCRPF and the Ministry of Home Affairs personnel. It is indigenously developed by the Ordnance Factories Board, a public sector undertaking MIDHANI along with BARC. It is named after nuclear physicist Dr. Homi J. Bhabha. The jacket weighs just 6.6 kg in comparison to the 17-kg jackets in use. It can […]
Sagar Maitri Mission-2
It is a unique initiative of DRDO which aligns with the objective of “Safety And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)”. Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative(MAITRI) is the specific scientific component of DRDO. It is to promote greater scientific interaction especially in ocean research among ‘Indian Ocean Rim’ (IOR) countries. INS Sagardhwani, will embarks on […]
Swathi Weapon Locating radar
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) bags $40mn defence deal from Armenia for supplying four Swathi Weapon Locating Radars (WLR) Swathi WLR was indigenously developed by DRDO and manufactured by BEL. It is an electronically scanned phased array radar It automatically locates hostile artillery, mortars and rocket launchers and tracks friendly fire to locate the impact point of friendly artillery fire to […]
IL-78 Refueller Aircraft
It is a multi-purpose four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter designed by the Russia. The IAF is one of the few air forces in the world to operate mid-air refuellers. It now operates six Russian IL-78 refuellers. The name of the air-to-air refuelling method is ‘Probe and Drogue’.