News: India is set to scale up its neodymium production ninefold to 500 tonnes by the end of FY27, as part of an aggressive push to boost self-reliance in rare earth elements. About Neodymium (Nd) Neodymium (symbol Nd, atomic number 60) is a ductile and malleable silvery-white metal belonging to the lanthanide series of rare-earth… Continue reading Neodymium (Nd)
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.
Rift Valley Fever (RVF)
News: Recently, WHO confirmed an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) affecting Mauritania and Senegal, resulting in over 404 human cases and 42 deaths. About Rift Valley Fever (RVF) RVF is a viral zoonotic disease that affects both animals and humans. Caused by : The disease is caused by a Phlebovirus belonging to the Phenuiviridae… Continue reading Rift Valley Fever (RVF)
Ricin
News: On 7 November, Gujarat ATS allegedly seized 4 kg castor-bean mash from Hyderabad doctor planning ricin extraction and surveying markets in Delhi and Ahmedabad as potential attack sites. About Ricin Ricin is the byproduct that remains after oil has been extracted from castor seeds. It is a toxic glycoprotein that shuts down protein synthesis… Continue reading Ricin
ReALCRaft Portal
News: Recently, a key reform under the new EEZ Rules has been done by introducing digital Access Pass system through the ReALCRaft Portal. About ReALCRaft Portal It is a national online platform which provides web-based and citizen-centric services to marine fishers and coastal States and Union Territories for the registration and licensing of fishing vessels.… Continue reading ReALCRaft Portal
Alprazolam
News: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently busted a an illegal Alprazolam manufacturing unit in Valsad, Gujarat, under “Operation White Cauldron.” About Alprazolam Alprazolam is a psychotropic substance regulated under the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Drug Class: It belongs to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Uses: It is primarily… Continue reading Alprazolam
Project Suncatcher
News: Google unveiled Project Suncatcher to explore space-based AI compute using solar-powered satellites. About Project Suncatcher It is a research initiative exploring how constellations of solar-powered satellites could host data centres in space. Initiative of: it is an initiative of Google. Aim: To examine whether future AI computing can be powered by solar energy harnessed… Continue reading Project Suncatcher
Mussels
News: Scientists have deployed thousands of mussels on the seafloor to monitor microplastic levels. About Mussels Classification: Mussels are bivalve molluscs belonging to the marine family Mytilidae and the freshwater family Unionidae. Mussels typically live in beds on the ocean floor, attaching themselves to rocks or other mussels. Habitat: They are most common in cool… Continue reading Mussels
Scrub Typhus
News: A Gulf-based Keralite was recently diagnosed with scrub typhus. About Scrub Typhus Scrub Typhus, also known as bush typhus, is a disease caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. Transmitted by: It is transmitted by the mite Leptotrombidium deliense. It spreads through the bite of infected chiggers, which are the larval stage of mites. Chiggers… Continue reading Scrub Typhus
INS Savitri
News: Recently, INS Savitri has arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, as part of a Long-Range Operational Deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region. About INS Savitri INS Savitri is an Indian Naval Ship that serves as an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). Developed by: It was indigenously built by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. Commissioned… Continue reading INS Savitri
Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
News: NASA confirmed water’s chemical fingerprint on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, reshaping ideas on comet evolution and ingredients for life. About Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar comet – the third known object from outside our solar system. Naming: The prefix “3I” marks it as the third confirmed interstellar object after: 1I/ʻOumuamua– identified in 2017… Continue reading Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
