Author: ForumIAS

Explained: What is the tick-borne virus spreading in China?

News: A new infectious disease called Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome(SFTS) caused by a tick-borne virus has killed seven people and infected 60 others in China. Facts: SFTS virus: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) belongs to the Bunyavirus family and is transmitted to humans through tick bites. Origin: The virus was first identified… Continue reading Explained: What is the tick-borne virus spreading in China?

Pokkali rice seedlings travel from Kerala to the Sunderbans

News: Farmers in West Bengal are experimenting with the pokkali variety of rice to tide over a crisis-like situation created by severe seawater incursion into paddy fields in the Sundarbans. Facts: Pokkali: It is a unique variety of rice known for its saltwater resistance and is cultivated in the districts of Alappuzha, Thrissur and Ernakulam… Continue reading Pokkali rice seedlings travel from Kerala to the Sunderbans

Explained: What is SpaceX’s Starship?

News: SpaceX has successfully completed a flight test of the future rocket Starship which the company hopes to send to Mars. Facts: Starship: Starship has been designed by SpaceX.It is a spacecraft and super-heavy booster rocket meant to act as a reusable transportation system for crew and cargo to the Earth’s orbit, Moon and Mars.… Continue reading Explained: What is SpaceX’s Starship?

Reserve Bank of India’s(RBI) monetary policy review

News: The Reserve Bank of India has released its monetary policy committee (MPC) report. Facts: Key Highlights: Repo Rate:It is the rate at which the RBI lends money to the banks for a short term.It remains unchanged at 4%. Reverse Repo Rate:It is the short term borrowing rate at which RBI borrows money from banks.It… Continue reading Reserve Bank of India’s(RBI) monetary policy review

Explained: What is ammonium nitrate, which caused the massive explosion in Beirut?

News: The catastrophic explosion at Beirut port in Lebanon was caused by over 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate kept in storage for over six years. Facts: Ammonium Nitrate(NH4NO3): It is a white, crystalline chemical which is soluble in water. Where is it used? It is a common industrial chemical used mainly for fertiliser and is… Continue reading Explained: What is ammonium nitrate, which caused the massive explosion in Beirut?

JNU gets aid from Higher Education Funding Agency(HEFA)

News: Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU) has secured a financial assistance of Rs 455 crore from the Higher Education Funding Agency(HEFA) for construction of new academic buildings, hostels and research centres. Facts: Higher Education Financing Agency(HEFA): It was formed in 2017 as a joint venture of the Canara Bank and Ministry of Human Resource Development (now renamed… Continue reading JNU gets aid from Higher Education Funding Agency(HEFA)

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