News: A massive Sunspot group, AR2770 was observed using images of the Sun’s surface from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory(SDO). Facts: Sunspots: It is an area on the Sun that appears dark on the surface and is relatively cooler than surrounding parts. Why are sunspots relatively cool: It’s because they form at areas where magnetic fields… Continue reading Explained: What are Sunspots?
Category: Factly: Science and Technology
This category contains all Current Affairs Factly Articles for Prelims, related to Science and Technology. You can find all relevant Science and Technology related updates on this page. This page is specifically useful for UPSC Prelims exam.
Explained: What is the tick-borne virus spreading in China?
News: A new infectious disease called Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome(SFTS) caused by a tick-borne virus has killed seven people and infected 60 others in China. Facts: SFTS virus: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) belongs to the Bunyavirus family and is transmitted to humans through tick bites. Origin: The virus was first identified… Continue reading Explained: What is the tick-borne virus spreading in China?
Explained: What is SpaceX’s Starship?
News: SpaceX has successfully completed a flight test of the future rocket Starship which the company hopes to send to Mars. Facts: Starship: Starship has been designed by SpaceX.It is a spacecraft and super-heavy booster rocket meant to act as a reusable transportation system for crew and cargo to the Earth’s orbit, Moon and Mars.… Continue reading Explained: What is SpaceX’s Starship?
Explained: What is ammonium nitrate, which caused the massive explosion in Beirut?
News: The catastrophic explosion at Beirut port in Lebanon was caused by over 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate kept in storage for over six years. Facts: Ammonium Nitrate(NH4NO3): It is a white, crystalline chemical which is soluble in water. Where is it used? It is a common industrial chemical used mainly for fertiliser and is… Continue reading Explained: What is ammonium nitrate, which caused the massive explosion in Beirut?
Time capsules: what they contain, how they are installed and why
News: Ahead of the laying of the foundation stone for the Ram temple in Ayodhya, claims and denials have emerged about plans by the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to put in a time capsule. Facts: Time Capsule: It is a container of any size or shape which accommodates documents, photos and artefacts typical of… Continue reading Time capsules: what they contain, how they are installed and why
COVISHIELD phase 2, 3 trials get DCGI nod
News: Drugs Controller General of India(DCGI) has given approval to Serum Institute of India(SII) to conduct Phase II+III clinical trials of Oxford University AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine(COVISHIELD). Facts: COVISHIELD: The Oxford vaccine “AZD1222” is being called Covishield in India. The Serum Institute of India(SII) has entered into a manufacturing partnership with biopharma major AstraZeneca to produce… Continue reading COVISHIELD phase 2, 3 trials get DCGI nod
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon successfully returns NASA astronauts back to Earth
News: SpaceX and NASA have successfully completed the final phase of their Demo-2 mission for the Crew Dragon spacecraft after two NASA astronauts returned to Earth safely. Facts: Crew Dragon Demo-2: It is the first crewed test flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.It is a part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The Demo-1 mission… Continue reading SpaceX’s Crew Dragon successfully returns NASA astronauts back to Earth
Yellow fever burden to shift to central and east Africa by 2050: Study
News: According to a study by the World Health Organization(WHO), the burden of yellow fever is projected to shift to Central and East Africa from West Africa by 2050. Facts: Yellow Fever: It is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.The yellow in the name refers to the jaundice that affects some patients.… Continue reading Yellow fever burden to shift to central and east Africa by 2050: Study
NASA launches Mars rover Perseverance to look for signs of ancient life
News: National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) has launched Mars 2020 rover ‘Perseverance.’ Facts: Mars Perseverance rover mission: It is a part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the Red Planet. Objectives: Explore a geologically diverse landing site Assess ancient habitability Seek signs of ancient life, particularly in special rocks… Continue reading NASA launches Mars rover Perseverance to look for signs of ancient life
Is SARS-CoV-2 a latent virus which can recur?
News: Scientists have said that COVID-19 could be a latent virus as a Delhi policeman tested positive from Covid-19 within one and a half months of having recovered. Facts: What is Latent Viral Infection? It is an infection that is inactive or dormant and does not replicate within the host.However,it possesses the capacity to be… Continue reading Is SARS-CoV-2 a latent virus which can recur?
