The World Health Organization(WHO) has released its first report into the effects of microplastics on human health. In this report,WHO looked into the specific impact of microplastics in tap and bottled water. The report said that the level of microplastics in drinking water is not yet a health risk for humans. It said that microplastics… Continue reading Microplastics in drinking water not a health risk for now: WHO
Author: ForumIAS
Government to prepare roadmap for distribution of fortified rice
Government has prepared a roadmap for extending the pilot scheme of Rice Fortification all over the country. In February 2019,government had approved centrally sponsored pilot scheme on “Fortification of Rice and its Distribution under Public Distribution System”. Fortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of an essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals… Continue reading Government to prepare roadmap for distribution of fortified rice
Nigeria first to approve Bt cowpea
Nigeria has become the first country to approve open cultivation of genetically modified(GM) Bt cowpea. Bt Cowpea is pest- resistant and can help combat malnutrition rates, especially in children. However,activists claimed that the transgene Cry1Ab which is there in Bt cowpea can be toxic for human liver cells and can also alter the immune systems… Continue reading Nigeria first to approve Bt cowpea
Bavar-373 system
Iran has unveiled its new home-grown air defence system called Bavar-373. Bavar-373 is a long-range mobile surface-to-air missile system.It is designed to intercept and destroy incoming hostile targets. The system employs missiles that have a maximum range of 300 kilometers. The system is also capable of simultaneously detecting up to 300 targets, tracking 60 targets… Continue reading Bavar-373 system
Indian-standard Rafale jet to be ready by September 2021
France will handover the first batch of Rafale fighter jets to India in September,2021. The Rafale deal is a defence deal between French and Indian government.In 2016,Indian government had inked a direct deal with the French government to purchase 36 new Rafale fighter jet. Rafale is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft.It is manufactured by… Continue reading Indian-standard Rafale jet to be ready by September 2021
From drones to social media, big data helps mitigate impact of complex disasters in Asia
According to the UNESCAP report,rising global temperatures have increased the frequency and intensity of floods,cyclones and droughts in the Asia pacific region. Since 1970,natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific region have killed two million people which is around 59% of the global death toll for that period. However,technological innovations have helped in reducing some of that… Continue reading From drones to social media, big data helps mitigate impact of complex disasters in Asia
7 new species of insects that can walk on water discovered
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India(ZSI) have discovered seven species of water treaders semi-aquatic insects.These insects can walk or run on the surface of the water. The newly described species belong to the genus Mesovelia whose size ranges from 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm. These insects are equipped with hydrophobic setae(bristles) on their legs.The… Continue reading 7 new species of insects that can walk on water discovered
10 PM Current Affairs Quiz #20 August 24, 2019
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9 PM Current Affairs Brief – August 24, 2019
San-Sadhan’ Hackathon The government has invited applications for its latest initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission called the ‘San-Sadhan’ Hackathon, The initiative aims to ease the lives of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) by making toilets smarter, more accessible and easier to use. The initiative is being organized jointly by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and… Continue reading 9 PM Current Affairs Brief – August 24, 2019
7 PM | Cleaning Mumbai’s coastal water, naturally | 24th August, 2019
Context: artificial reefs and their significance in coastal areas Submerged shipwrecks are the most common form of artificial reef. Oil and gas platforms, bridges, lighthouses, and other offshore structures often function as artificial reefs. Marine resource managers also create artificial reefs in underwater areas that require a structure to enhance the habitat for reef organisms,… Continue reading 7 PM | Cleaning Mumbai’s coastal water, naturally | 24th August, 2019
