A floating device designed to collect plastic waste from the Great Pacific garbage patch has been re-deployed. The device, developed by the Netherlands-based engineering NGO Ocean Cleanup was first deployed in 2018. However, during the first run, the device broke under constant waves and wind. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, also known as Pacific trash… Continue reading Device to trap ocean plastic waste relaunches
Author: ForumIAS
Plants may be spreading superbugs to humans
According to a new study by University of Southern California (USC), antibiotic-resistant bacteria could be transmitted to humans through consumption of plant foods. The study has noted that plant foods serve as vehicles for spreading antibiotic resistance to the gut microbiome. In an experiment conducted on mice, researchers observed that superbugs (antibiotic resistant bacteria) hid… Continue reading Plants may be spreading superbugs to humans
India scraps Israel anti-tank missile deal after DRDO says it will deliver
India has scrapped a deal with Israel for the purchase of Spike anti-tank missiles from defence contractor Rafael Advanced Defence Systems. The decision to scrap the deal came after Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) claimed that it could deliver an alternative- the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) by 2021. India had signed a deal… Continue reading India scraps Israel anti-tank missile deal after DRDO says it will deliver
Saudi launches residency scheme to boost revenue
Saudi Arabia has launched Premium Residency scheme. The scheme is aimed at boosting investment and non-oil revenues by attracting wealthy expats. The scheme offers a permanent residency for 800,000 riyals and a one-year renewable residency costing 100,000 riyals. The other rights and privileges offered by the scheme are: a) Residence in Saudi Arabia with one’s… Continue reading Saudi launches residency scheme to boost revenue
Scientists decode genome of miracle plant
Scientists from the University of Kerala have decoded the genetic make-up of Arogyapacha (Trichopus zeylanicus). Arogyapacha is a subspecies of Trichopus zeylanicus. It is a small medicinal plant with slender stems and thick leaves. In India, it is found in the Agasthya hills, Western Ghats The plant has high therapeutical qualities. It is known for… Continue reading Scientists decode genome of miracle plant
MEA rejects US report on state of religious freedom in India
Rejecting the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) International Religious Freedom Report, 2019, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that foreign governments do not have the right to criticise India’s vibrant democracy and dedication to rule of law. MEA also asserted that the Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its… Continue reading MEA rejects US report on state of religious freedom in India
Vulnerable Ranganathittu bird sanctuary to get a solid makeover
In an effort to better conserve bird species, Ranganathittu bird sanctuary is being revamped and various measures such as soil stabilisation has have been taken. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located in the Mandya District of Karnataka. It comprises of six islets on the banks of Cauvery River. It was formed in 1648 when the then… Continue reading Vulnerable Ranganathittu bird sanctuary to get a solid makeover
Startup India fund falls short of allocation target by over Rs 1,000 crore
The Startup India fund has fallen short of its capital allocation target by around Rs 1,000-1,200 crore. The Startup India fund which was launched in 2016 had a disbursal target of Rs 3,300-3,500 crore to venture capital(VC) firms at the end of the financial year ending March 2019. However,the Startup India fund has allocated Rs… Continue reading Startup India fund falls short of allocation target by over Rs 1,000 crore
India lining up defence deals worth $10 billion with US amid trade row
India is lining up defence deals worth around $10 billion with the US over the next two-three years despite ongoing trade disputes and immigration concern. The latest deal being finalised by India under the foreign military sales programme of the US is for the acquisition of 10 more Poseidon-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft for over… Continue reading India lining up defence deals worth $10 billion with US amid trade row
Explained: What purpose would simultaneous polls serve?
Prime Minister has renewed the idea of One Country, One Election.He has announced that a committee will be formed to examine the issue, One Country,One Election is the method of holding single elections for both Lok Sabha and States instead of separate and continuous elections. One Country,One election is needed as (a)massive expenditure that is… Continue reading Explained: What purpose would simultaneous polls serve?
