Category: Factly: Science and Technology

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?

What is the News? The Union Minister has said that India will soon come out with a policy for the next generation of battery technologies for Electric Vehicles(EVs). What will be the focus of the upcoming Policy? The policy will look for alternative battery technologies for electric vehicles like metal-ion, metal-air, hydrogen fuel cells to… Continue reading India to formulate policy for “new battery technologies for EVs”

What is the News? The Government of India has decided to waive off some GST amount against the import of gene therapy — Zolgensma. This therapy is required to treat a child who is suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare genetic disease. The person suffering from this… Continue reading Zolgensma Gene therapy for “Spinal Muscular Atrophy disease”