Arsenic-resistant rice cultivated in West Bengal News:Researchers in West Bengal have developed and commercialised a rice variety named “Muktoshri” that is resistant to arsenic. Facts: About the rice variety: It is also called IET 21845. It has been developed jointly by the Rice Research Station, West Bengal Agriculture Department and the National Botanical Research Institute,… Continue reading 9 PM Current Affairs Brief – February 9th, 2020
Author: ForumIAS
Explained: What is genome mapping?
News:The Government of India has cleared an ambitious gene-mapping project called the Genome India Project. Facts: About Genome Mapping: Genome refers to an organism’s complete set of DNA which includes all its genes and mapping these genes simply means finding out the location of these genes in a chromosome. Genetic mapping offers evidence that a… Continue reading Explained: What is genome mapping?
Emergency Response Sanitation Units(ERSUs)
News:The Maharashtra government has directed all civic bodies in the state to set up Emergency Response Sanitation Units(ERSUs) to ensure safeguards for sanitation workers who clean manholes and sewers. Facts: About ERSUs: The municipal commissioner of the civic body concerned will be the Responsible Sanitation Authority(RSA).The unit would be headed by a senior civic officer… Continue reading Emergency Response Sanitation Units(ERSUs)
SARAS Initiative
News:Coal India Subsidiary NCL (Northern Coalfields Limited) has set up ‘SARAS’ to promote innovation and R&D. Facts: About SARAS: SARAS stands for Science and Applied Research Alliance and Support. Aim: To promote innovation, R&D and skill development along with improving the company’s operational efficiency and utilize resources at optimum level. It will also help and… Continue reading SARAS Initiative
Explained:Idlib Province
News:Idlib is the last stronghold of the rebels and jihadist groups in Syria that has been witnessed eight years of bloody fighting with the Syrian government. Facts: About Idlib: Idlib province is one of the fourteen provinces of Syria.It is situated in north-western Syria bordering Turkey. Idlib city, the province’s capital lies near the road… Continue reading Explained:Idlib Province
9 PM Current Affairs Brief – February 8th, 2020
Explained:Sedition law News:Recently, a sessions court had rejected the anticipatory bail application of a student booked under Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code(IPC). Facts: About Sedition(Section 124A): The concept of sedition was introduced in the penal code in 1870.It was a colonial law directed against strong criticism of the British administration. Section 124A… Continue reading 9 PM Current Affairs Brief – February 8th, 2020
[Answers] Mains Marathon I Daily Answer Writing I 8th February 2020
1. Promoting and strengthening the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector can help in achieving inclusive growth. Comment. Answer 2. What is Darknet? Discuss its potential dangers and urgent need for a data protection law. Answer 3. What do you understand by ‘formalisation of economy’? Discuss various merits and demerits of formalisation. Answer 4.… Continue reading [Answers] Mains Marathon I Daily Answer Writing I 8th February 2020
Ease of Living Index(EoLI) and Municipal Performance Index(MPI)
News:The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has launched two new indices namely Ease of Living Index(EoLI) and Municipal Performance Index(MPI) to assess the quality of life of citizens in cities. Facts: About Ease of Living Index:It is aimed at providing a holistic view of the country’s cities. Main objectives of the Index: To generate… Continue reading Ease of Living Index(EoLI) and Municipal Performance Index(MPI)
Explained:Why cancer gene map matters
News:Recently,a Pan-Cancer Project involving 1,300 scientists has completed a decade-long project to map the many gene mutations that drive cancer’s development. Facts: About Pan Cancer Project: The project also called Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) is an international collaboration of the International Cancer Genome Consortium and The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA). The project revealed the… Continue reading Explained:Why cancer gene map matters
Swadhar Greh Scheme
News:The Minister of Women and Child Development has informed the Lok Sabha about the implementation of the Swadhar Greh Scheme. Facts About Swadhar Greh Scheme: Launched by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2002. Aim:To provide a supportive institutional framework such as shelter, food clothing for women victims of difficult circumstances so… Continue reading Swadhar Greh Scheme
