Researchers from the IIT Hyderabad have found a method that can convert fly ash into a waterproofing material. They have converted fly ash by treating it with stearic acid which is commonly used in soaps and shampoos. Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with an 18-carbon chain and has the IUPAC name octadecanoic acid.… Continue reading IIT Hyderabad scientists convert fly ash into waterproofing material
Category: Daily Factly articles
Explained: What Henley Passport Index tells us about mobility of an Indian passport
Henley Passport Index 2019 has been released.The Index is based on data provided by the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). The index has ranked India at 86 down five places from 81 in 2018. India’s mobility score is 58 which means that Indian passport holders can access 58 countries around the world without a prior… Continue reading Explained: What Henley Passport Index tells us about mobility of an Indian passport
FATF Asia-Pacific Group may blacklist Pakistan
The Asia Pacific Group(APG) may put Pakistan on an enhanced blacklist as the country has failed to meet global standards on money laundering and terror financing. In June 2018,Financial Action Task Force(FATF) had already greylisted Pakistan for failing to curb anti-terror financing. However,the two processes are separate as APG blacklisting status would impair Pakistan’s chances… Continue reading FATF Asia-Pacific Group may blacklist Pakistan
National Conference of Tourism Ministers
The National Conference of Tourism Ministers organized by the Union Ministry of Tourism was concluded successfully in New Delhi. The conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Tourism and was attended by State Tourism Ministers of States and Union Territories (UTs). The conference was aimed at deliberation on various issues related to development… Continue reading National Conference of Tourism Ministers
Leprosy
Union Minister for Health has asked the Ministers of Law, Minister of Social Justice and Chief Ministers for amending 108 discriminatory laws against persons affected by Leprosy. He stated that the National Leprosy Eradication Programme(NLEP) has achieved enormous success in leprosy control particularly in the last four decades. He also stated that India is committed… Continue reading Leprosy
Tirur Vettila obtains GI tag
Geographical Indication Registry of India has accorded Geographical Indication(GI) tag to Tirur Vettila. Tirur Vettila is a betel leaf.It is produced in Tirur and nearby areas of Malappuram district,Kerala. Tirur Vettila is unique for its significantly high content of total chlorophyll and protein in fresh leaves.The leaf also has several medicinal properties. Eugenol is the… Continue reading Tirur Vettila obtains GI tag
Nepal bans single use plastics on Everest region
Nepal authorities have announced a ban on single-use plastics in Mount Everest region.The new rule will come into effect from January 1, 2020. This decision is aimed at reducing the vast amounts of waste left by trekkers and mountaineers. Single-use plastics,often referred to as disposable plastics are commonly used for plastic packaging.It includes items intended… Continue reading Nepal bans single use plastics on Everest region
What an inverted yield curve means
Recently,United States and UK yield curves had inverted for the first time since 2007 and 2008 respectively.This has led to the fear of global recession in the coming future. The yield curve is a graph showing the relationship between interest rates earned on lending money for different durations. A normal yield curve is one in… Continue reading What an inverted yield curve means
Govt to make FASTag mandatory for all vehicles from Dec 2019
Government has has announced that FASTags will become mandatory for all vehicles from December,2019. This decision has been taken in order to promote faster payment of fees through the digital mode so that vehicles can move through seamlessly, and traffic jams at the toll plazas can be prevented. However, among all lanes,one ‘hybrid lane’ will… Continue reading Govt to make FASTag mandatory for all vehicles from Dec 2019
Delhi: 90% batteries ending up in informal sector
According to a report titled ‘Loaded batteries:Mapping the toxic waste trail”,more than 90% of the lead-acid batteries disposed off are ending up with the informal sector. This means they are not only being unscientifically disposed and dismantled but are also polluting the environment in a major way. The reasons for shops giving away lead-acid batteries… Continue reading Delhi: 90% batteries ending up in informal sector
