News:The World Health Organisation(WHO) and the UN’’s postal agency have released a commemorative postage stamp on the 40th anniversary of the eradication of smallpox. Facts: Smallpox is an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family. The last known natural case was in Somalia in 1977.It was declared eradicated… Continue reading UN agencies commemorate 40th anniversary of smallpox eradication with a stamp
Category: Daily Factly articles
Band-like clouds seen over Sun’s neighbour
News:A group of astrophysicists with the help of polarimetry technique have found that the closest known brown dwarf, Luhman 16A shows signs of cloud bands similar to those seen on Jupiter and Saturn. Facts: Luhman 16A:It is a part of a binary system (Luhman 16) containing a second brown dwarf, Luhman 16B.This pair of brown… Continue reading Band-like clouds seen over Sun’s neighbour
Commercial whaling may be over in Iceland
News:Iceland may stop commercial whaling completely due to economic pressures and competition from Japan which also hunts whales and subsidises its whale products. Facts: Iceland alongside Norway and Japan has frequently withdrawn from the International Whaling Commission’s 1986 worldwide moratorium which had indefinitely paused commercial whaling. International Whaling Commission: It is an Intergovernmental Organisation established… Continue reading Commercial whaling may be over in Iceland
Bharat Biotech eyes human monoclonal antibody therapy for Covid-19
News:The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR) has sanctioned a project to develop human monoclonal antibodies as a therapy for Covid-19 in the next six months. Facts: The project was approved under CSIR’s New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative(NMITLI). Aim: To create an alternate therapy by generating highly effective and specific human monoclonal antibodies capable… Continue reading Bharat Biotech eyes human monoclonal antibody therapy for Covid-19
India, AIIB sign agreement for USD 500 million COVID-19 support for India
News:Government of India and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(AIIB) signed an agreement for a $500 million “COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project”. Facts: The project is co-financed by the World Bank. Aim: To help India prevent, detect and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen its public health preparedness. Additional Facts: Crisis Recovery… Continue reading India, AIIB sign agreement for USD 500 million COVID-19 support for India
Project CARD to push local production of testing kits
News:Project Consortium for Affordable & Rapid Diagnostics(CARD) has been launched by Niti Aayog and the Department of Biotechnology. Facts: Aim:To scale up India’s capacity to make coronavirus testing kits by rolling out at least 10 million rapid antibody tests by July,2020 and additionally other tests for Covid-19. Additional Facts: Rapid Test: It is a speedy… Continue reading Project CARD to push local production of testing kits
Explained: What are the safeguards against chemical disasters in India?
News:According to the National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA), over 130 significant chemical accidents have been reported in the country. Facts: Chemical Disaster:It is the unintentional release of one or more hazardous substances which could harm human health and the environment.The most dangerous chemical accident was 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy in which more than 3,000 people died… Continue reading Explained: What are the safeguards against chemical disasters in India?
A new concern: locusts
News:Scientists at the Locust Warning Organisation(LWO) have observed groups of Desert Locusts in districts of Rajasthan. Facts: Locusts:They are a group of short-horned grasshoppers that multiply in numbers as they migrate long distances in destructive swarms. Types: Four species of locusts are found in India: Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), Migratory locust (Locusta migratoria), Bombay Locust… Continue reading A new concern: locusts
Prime Minister Research Fellowship 2020 admission criteria changed to allow more scholars: HRD
News:Union HRD Ministry has carried out various amendments in the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship Scheme to boost research in the country. Facts: Key Amendments: A dedicated Division is being created in the ministry with the name of Research and Innovation Division to coordinate the research work of various institutions coming under MHRD. Students from any… Continue reading Prime Minister Research Fellowship 2020 admission criteria changed to allow more scholars: HRD
Defence minister inaugurates Link Road to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
News:The Defence Minister has inaugurated the Link Road which connects the Dharchula to Lipulekh Pass (China Border) known as Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route. Facts: Kailash Manasarovar Yatra(KMY): It is known for its religious value and cultural significance to Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva and also for the Jains and the Buddhists. It is… Continue reading Defence minister inaugurates Link Road to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
