Category: Factly: Science and Technology

What is the news? Defence Research & Development Organisation(DRDO) has conducted the successful launch of Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM). About VL-SRSAM: The missile has been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO for the Indian Navy. Purpose: The missile will be used to neutralize various aerial threats at close ranges including… Continue reading DRDO successfully conducted the launch of “VL-SRSAM”

What is the news? The government recently conducted successful user trials for Helina and Dhruv Astra Missile Systems. The tests were carried out from the Advanced Light Helicopter(ALH) platform in desert ranges. About Helina and Dhruv Astra Missile Systems: These are third generation fire and forget Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM). Defence Research and Development Organization… Continue reading DRDO conducted successful trial of “Anti-tank missiles Helina and Dhruvastra”

What is the News? National Informatics Centre(NIC) launched an instant messaging platform called Sandes. About the Sandes platform: It is an instant messaging platform like WhatsApp. It was previously named Government Instant Messaging System(GIMS). The platform can be used for all kinds of communications by anyone with a mobile number or email id. Initially, the platform… Continue reading What is “Sandes” platform?

What is the News? The University of Cambridge has found out new genes emerging in the genome of living organisms. They have called them novel Open Reading Frames or as nORFs. Human Genome Project: Human Genome Project(HGP) was an international, collaborative research program conducted from 1990 to 2003. The main goal was to completely map… Continue reading What are “novel Open Reading Frames(nORFs)”?

What is the News? Researchers from the University of Hyderabad have developed a technique named “mechanophotonics”. It has allowed them to move, slice, bend, and lift micron-sized wave guiding crystals using atomic force microscopy. Significance of Research: This ability to manipulate micron-sized crystals with precision and control is very useful in the field of nanophotonics.… Continue reading Significance of “Nanophotonics”

What is the News? Scientists have unveiled the detailed genome of the Asian malaria vector mosquito Anopheles stephensi. Click Here to Read about Malaria Who conducted the research? The research was conducted by the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS) and Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology both in Bengaluru. What was the need… Continue reading Scientists map detailed “genome of malaria vector mosquito”

What is the News? Department of Science and Technology(DST) announced liberalised guidelines for geo-spatial data. It deregulates access to its geospatial data and services including maps for all Indian entities. What is Geo-Spatial data? Geospatial data (also known as “spatial data”) represents data-linked to features or objects on the Earth’s surface. Objects can be man-made… Continue reading DST announce liberalization of “Geospatial data and Mapping” Policy

What is the News? Indian drug regulator approved Serum Institute to conduct a phase-2/3 trial of CovoVax COVID-19 vaccine that was originally developed by Novavax Inc. In this case, the regulator allowed the vaccine manufacturer to use a placebo in the control group. What is a Placebo? It is a substance or treatment which is… Continue reading What is a “Placebo”, how is it used in Medical trials?