Subject: Science and tech Context: The LIGO Scientific and VIRGO Collaborations (LSC) have registered puzzling event where black hole merges with unusual compact object whose mass falls in between that of a typical black hole and a neutron star. Concept: LIGO The LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) is a group of scientists focused on the direct […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: Diabetes remained one of the risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 and chances of COVID deaths are elevated in people with diabetes. But now there is growing evidence that novel coronavirus might actually be triggering diabetes in some people who have so far remained free of it. Concept: These patients […]
Subject: Geography/science and tech Context: A recent report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said that the supply of raw materials to produce rechargeable batteries, crucial to move to cleaner energy is uncertain. Concept: As electric vehicles (EVs) have gradually been integrated into global transportation, there has been a rapid growth in demand for rechargeable batteries. This will […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: With Bayer’s $10.9-billion settlement in US, there may be rise in demand for glyphosate ban in India Concept: First developed in 1970, glyphosate is scientifically N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine under the IUPAC system of nomenclature. It is applied to the leaves of plants to kill weeds. Working: As a non-selective herbicide (affecting […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) Concept: It is constituted to provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure. This is part of reforms aimed at giving a boost to private sector participation in […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: COVID-19 testing kits Feluda developed by labs of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are yet to make it to the market. But change in rules by the ICMR that now requires additional data and not just results from laboratory-controlled […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: Union Aviation Ministry stated that government is considering establishment of “individual bilateral bubbles” with the US, the UK, Germany and France for allowing airlines of the respective countries in the agreement to operate international passenger flights. Concept: Creating a travel bubble involves reconnecting countries or states that have shown a […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: COVID-19 puts a spotlight on importance of Medicines Patent Pool as it helps in reducing cost of medicines and makes it accessible. Concept: Patent pools can be defined as an agreement between two or more patent owners to license one or more of their patents to one another or to […]