Nigeria has become the first country to approve open cultivation of genetically modified(GM) Bt cowpea. Bt Cowpea is pest- resistant and can help combat malnutrition rates, especially in children. However,activists claimed that the transgene Cry1Ab which is there in Bt cowpea can be toxic for human liver cells and can also alter the immune systems… Continue reading Nigeria first to approve Bt cowpea
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.
Russia launches floating nuclear reactor in Arctic
Russia has successfully launched the world’s first floating nuclear reactor called Akademik Lomonosov in the Arctic region. Akademik Lomonosov is a non-self-propelled powership.The reactor will be the northernmost nuclear plant in the world. The reactor is suited for powering remote areas and island states that require stable, green sources of energy.It will also power the… Continue reading Russia launches floating nuclear reactor in Arctic
Explained: What is Adratiklit boulahfa?
Scientists from London Natural History Museum(NHM) have described a species named Adratiklit boulahfa as a stegosaurus,a type of dinosaur. They dated the species back to 168 million years ago which makes it the oldest known member of that group of dinosaurs ever known. The species is also the first stegosaurus to be found in North… Continue reading Explained: What is Adratiklit boulahfa?
Russia sends its first humanoid robot Fedor into space
Russia has sent its first life sized Humanoid robot known as Fedor into the International Space Station(ISS). Fedor stands for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research (Skybot F-850).It is the first humanoid robot to be sent to space by Russia. Fedor is the size of an adult and can emulate movements of the human body.The main… Continue reading Russia sends its first humanoid robot Fedor into space
IIT Hyderabad scientists convert fly ash into waterproofing material
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
Soon, QR codes for Haryana buildings
The Haryana government will implement an ambitious project of installing an 18-digit Quick Response(QR) code carrying metal plates outside all built-up structures across the state. The metal plates will be affixed to the buildings.It will contain a Unique Property Identification and QR code(Digital Door Number). This move is aimed at enhancing the property-based tax revenues.It… Continue reading Soon, QR codes for Haryana buildings
UK Researchers develop new technique to make cancer treatment more effective, affordable
Researchers from the UK have developed a technique that could make light-based cancer treatment more effective and safer for patients while reducing its cost. Light-based or photo-dynamic therapy is a clinically-approved treatment which uses drugs that only work when exposed to light to destroy cancer cells. However,many of these drugs are frequently toxic even without… Continue reading UK Researchers develop new technique to make cancer treatment more effective, affordable
ISRO arm begins search for PSLV makers
NewSpace India Ltd has invited expressions of interest from one or more experienced companies to produce PSLV satellite launch vehicles. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is an indigenously-developed expendable launch system of the ISRO. It is the first Indian launch vehicle to be equipped with liquid stages. It comes in the category of medium-lift launchers… Continue reading ISRO arm begins search for PSLV makers
Fusarium (TR4) fungus
Colombia has declared a national emergency after Fusarium (TR4) fungus was detected in soil in La Guajira. Fusarium (TR4) fungus causes Fusarium wilt disease in banana plants. It is also known as Panama disease. The fungus attacks the roots and blocks the plants’ vascular systems Fusarium (TR4) was first detected in the 1990s in Malaysia… Continue reading Fusarium (TR4) fungus
Explained: What is a notifiable disease?
Recently,South Delhi Municipal Corporation(SDMC) has initiated the process to notify malaria as notifiable disease. A notifiable disease is any disease that is required by law to be reported to government authorities. This will allow authorities to gather information to monitor the disease, and provides early warning of possible outbreaks. The process will also help the… Continue reading Explained: What is a notifiable disease?
