Researchers at the University of Hyderabad have made a major breakthrough in malaria treatment. They have identified a chemical inhibitor which they say is equally effective against both drug-sensitive and multi-drug resistant malaria strains. This small chemical inhibitor is capable of blocking the DNA repair pathway which in turn kills the parasite known as Plasmodium… Continue reading University of Hyderabad’s inhibitor increases effectiveness of malaria drugs
Author: ForumIAS
Bangladesh declares its rivers ‘legal persons’
Bangladesh’s High Court has granted the country’s rivers the rights and status of living entities.This will protect the rivers from pollution and encroachment. The court has appointed the country’s River Conservation Commission as the legal guardian of all waterways and directed other state agencies to fully assist it. The Court has empowered the commission to… Continue reading Bangladesh declares its rivers ‘legal persons’
French lawmakers approve 3% tax on online giants
French lower house of parliament has approved a small,pioneering tax on internet giants like Google,Amazon and Facebook. The bill aims to stop multinationals from avoiding taxes by setting up headquarters in low-tax European Union(EU) countries. The bill foresees a 3% tax on the French revenues of digital companies with global revenue of more than 750… Continue reading French lawmakers approve 3% tax on online giants
Scientists find new gene linked to schizophrenia
Recently,Indian and Australian scientists in a collaborative effort has identified a new gene directly linked to schizophrenia. This study identified a gene called as NAPRT1.The gene encodes an enzyme involved in vitamin B3 metabolism and is directly linked to schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that usually appears in late adolescence or early adulthood.It is… Continue reading Scientists find new gene linked to schizophrenia
Passport-like Aadhaar centres in Delhi, Vijayawada. UIDAI shares details
The Unique Identification Authority of India(UIDAI) has operationalised the first ‘Aadhaar Seva Kendra’ in Delhi and Vijayawada. These Aadhaar Seva Kendras are meant to facilitate enrolment, updation and other activities. It will be owned and operated by UIDAI.These Kendra’s will be in addition to other centres currently being run by banks and post offices and… Continue reading Passport-like Aadhaar centres in Delhi, Vijayawada. UIDAI shares details
Human atlas: An initiative for holistic understanding of human biology
Department of Biotechnology(DBT) has launched ‘MANAV: Human Atlas Initiative’ towards improving knowledge on human physiology. The project aims to create a unified database of molecular network of all the tissues in the human body and to derive a holistic picture of working of the human body. This mega project will collate and integrate molecular information… Continue reading Human atlas: An initiative for holistic understanding of human biology
Supreme Court pulls up Kerala for denying relief to Endosulfan victims
The Supreme Court has directed the Kerala government to pay compensation to four minors who were victims of the endosulfan tragedy. The case relates to the victims who were reported to be affected in Kerala’s Kasaragod district after Endosulfan was aerially sprayed by state owned company on cashew plantations. Endosulfan is an organochlorine insecticide which… Continue reading Supreme Court pulls up Kerala for denying relief to Endosulfan victims
Stranded sea cow named ‘sea prince’
Thailand has named a baby dugong found washed ashore as Yamil.The name means handsome man of the sea in the Yawi language. Dugong or Sea Cow is a sea-grass eating mammal which is found in waters of as many as 37 countries.The dugong has been hunted for thousands of years for its meat and oil.… Continue reading Stranded sea cow named ‘sea prince’
Union Budget 2019-20 foreign affairs outlay: The importance of being Thimpu
The bilateral relations between India and Bhutan has received a major boost with the Budget announcing a major increase in the allocation to Bhutan under India’s foreign affairs outlay. Bhutan received ₹2,802 crore, out of the total allocations for foreign affairs commitments. This move has indicated that India is going to firm up its development… Continue reading Union Budget 2019-20 foreign affairs outlay: The importance of being Thimpu
New rules mooted on drugs dispensed by doctors
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation(CDSCO) has suggested amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules,1945 to ensure that registered medical practitioners dispense only generic medicines. A generic medicine is a copy of drug medication created to be the same as an already marketed brand-name drug.It is equal in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration,… Continue reading New rules mooted on drugs dispensed by doctors
