News:There are different types of coronaviruses that have been identified to infect humans. Facts: Coronavirus: They are a large family of single-stranded RNA viruses that belong to the Nidovirales order which includes Coronaviridae among three others. The first coronavirus was isolated in 1937 and it was the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) that caused respiratory disease… Continue reading Types of human coronaviruses
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.
Precautionary Principle
News:The steps being taken by the countries to halt the virus by suspending mobility are examples of a strategy known as the ‘precautionary principle’. Facts: Precautionary Principle:It states that countries must take precautionary measures when stakes are high despite when scientific evidence about the expected event being harmful is not yet certain. Significance: The principle… Continue reading Precautionary Principle
JUICE Mission
News:European Space Agency has announced its plan to launch JUpiter ICy moons Explorer(JUICE) mission by 2022. Facts: Aim:To spend at least three years making detailed observations of the giant gaseous planet Jupiter and three of its largest moons, Ganymede, Callisto and Europa.
Govt issues list of National Directives for COVID-19 management
News: Ministry of Home Affairs issued National Directives for COVID-19 management Facts: Wearing of face cover in workplaces and public places compulsory. Fine for spitting in public places. Ban on sale of tobacco products and alcohol Gatherings of more than five people not allowed in public spaces or in any organisation District magistrates have been… Continue reading Govt issues list of National Directives for COVID-19 management
World Chagas Disease Day
News:World Chagas Disease Day is being celebrated for the first time on April 14,2020. Facts: Chagas disease also known as American trypanosomiasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). It is classified as a neglected tropical disease(NTD) which means it mostly affects the poorest countries of the developing world. Transmission:The main route… Continue reading World Chagas Disease Day
CovidGyan
News: Ministry of Science and Technology launched CovidGyan Facts: It is a science based website for information on Covid-19. Aim: To fight misinformation around coronavirus disease and generate public awareness. It is a brainchild of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Tata Memorial Centre (TMC).
Pooled Testing
News: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued an advisory for using pooled samples for testing of COVID-19. Facts: Pooled testing, also known as group testing, is a procedure where individual specimens (e.g., urine or blood) are combined into a common pool. If the pooled test turns out to be positive, individual samples are tested-… Continue reading Pooled Testing
Mauna Loa observatory
News:Scientists at Mauna Loa observatory are observing the impact of Covid-19 on the Carbon Dioxide(CO2) emissions. Facts: Mauna Loa Observatory(MLO) is located in Hawaii,USA. It is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Aim:To measure the elements in the atmosphere that contribute to climate change on Earth. Additional Facts: Keeling Curve:It is a… Continue reading Mauna Loa observatory
International Space Station(ISS)
News:The U.S.-Russian space crew has reached the International Space Station(ISS) after a launch was carried out by Russian Soyuz rocket from Kazakhstan. Facts: The International Space Station(ISS) is a space station located in the low Earth orbit. Participating agencies:It is a joint project between five space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA… Continue reading International Space Station(ISS)
Coronavirus: What is ‘R0’, or reproduction number?
News:Researchers are calculating mathematical figure ‘R0’ to understand the nature of transmission of Coronavirus, Facts: Basic reproduction number(R0):It measures the rate at which a virus is transmitted based on the average number of people who will contract the virus from a person who has already been infected.R0= new infections/existing infections Example:If the number of people… Continue reading Coronavirus: What is ‘R0’, or reproduction number?
