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) […]
TWO CSIR LABS START SEQUENCING NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
Why in news? India has shared nine whole genome sequences of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) with the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). Details: So far, 3,086 sequences of the virus isolated from humans have been shared by 57 countries. With 621, the U.S. has shared the most number of sequences, followed by the U.K. (350), Belgium (253) […]
RESEARCHERS FIND CELLS THAT MAY EXPLAIN LOSS OF SMELL IN COVID-19 PATIENTS
Why in news? Can a loss of smell be an early warning for a COVID-19 infection? Multiple reports have surfaced, primarily from Europe and the United States, from physicians and ear, nose and throat specialists, of COVID-19 patients complaining of an inability to smell — or anosmia. However, it is not clear whether neurons in […]
INDIA REVOKES BAN ON EXPORT OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE, OPPOSITION SLAMS
Why in news? The Government of India announced on 7th March 2020 that it had rescinded its earlier ban on the export of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), which is now being used in countries such as the U.S. as a possible line of treatment for COVID-19, setting off a controversy over whether the two-day old […]