Subject: IR/Science and tech Context: China and Pakistan possess more nuclear weapons than India, according to a new yearbook released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Concept: Findings: The nine nuclear-armed states—the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) together […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: India is using RT-PCR as standard test for COVID. But recently ICMR approved ELISA test kits for Covid-19 developed by two companies. Concept: An ELISA test is of two types depending on the antibodies tested for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM). IgG detects antibodies developed in later stage of infection, […]
Subject: Geography/Science and tech Context: After the onset of southwest monsoon in India, epidemiologists are studying how monsoon will impact coronavirus spread. Concept: Scientists are not sure how the rain might affect virus behavior because of its recent emergence. So the effort is to look for clues in the way other similar viruses behave during […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: International Albinism Awareness Day is observed every year on June 13 to highlight the rights of those born with albinism and increase awareness of the genetic condition. “Made to Shine” the chosen theme of the year celebrates the achievements of those who have albinism. Concept: Albinism is a rare disease […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: “SARS CoV2 virus behaves very differently from SARS and that is why it is much more difficult to contain it” said renowned virologist Malik Peiris who was credited for his role in discovering that a novel coronavirus was the cause of SARS in 2003. Concept: SARS vs COVID In case of […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: A web-based solution for the healthcare supply chain that provides real-time availability of critical supplies was launched by CSIR Concept: Aarogyapath, an integrated public platform that provides single-point availability of key healthcaregoods can be helpful to customers in tackling a number of routinely experienced issues like dependence on limited suppliers, […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: Maharashtra government has given nod to the use of homeopathy medicine Arsenic Album 30 for the general population as a prophylactic against Covid-19 and as an immunity booster. Concept: Arsenicum album is made by heating arsenic with distilled water, a process repeated several times over three days. The health hazards of arsenic contamination in […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-BHU) has developed an anti-microbial five-layered face mask. Concept: This face mask can annihilate pathogenic microorganisms that are stuck to its outer surface and thereby limit the spread of secondary infections. At present the mask that is available in the market currently acts as a filter […]
Subject: Science and tech Context: There is allegation that farmers might undertake mass sowing of GM seeds for maize, soyabean, mustard, brinjal and herbicide tolerant (Ht) cotton in upcoming kharif season Concept: In conventional plant breeding, species of same genus are crossed to provide the offspring with the desired traits of both parents. Genetic engineering […]