Decarbonising Indian agriculture Editorial FinancialExpress Emissions from agriculture and livestock are high: As per India’s third Biennial Update Report , in 2016, agriculture and livestock emitted 407,821 Gg of CO2e. This amounts to around 14% of total emissions. GHG emissions are typically discussed in terms of mass of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). Gg of CO2e measures emissions in Giga grams
Read moreModel Answer Vaccines help prepare the body to fight foreign invaders (pathogens such as bacteria or viruses), to prevent infection. mRNA or messenger RNA is a new type of vaccine that uses a molecule called messenger RNA. Messenger RNA is a type of RNA that is necessary for protein production.mRNA vaccines work by introducing a piece of mRNA that corresponds to
Read moreModel Answer WHO is a specialized agency of UN responsible for international public health. The objective of the Organization is to ensure the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the controversies associated with it have raised questions about the credibility of WHO as a global health leader. WHO: failed to
Read moreModel Answer Space debris are artificial material that is orbiting Earth but is no longer functional.These include derelict spacecraft, fragmentation debris from the breakup of derelict rocket bodies, solidified liquids expelled from spacecraft, unburned particles from solid rocket motors, etc. Problem: 7,500 tonnes:The estimated amount of defunct, artificially created objects that are currently in space. It threatens both crewed and uncrewed spaceflight. 28,000 kph:The
Read moreDigital India initiatives The initiatives under Digital India fall under three umbrellas: A.DI initiatives – Infrastructure Aadhaar Aadhaar identity platform is one of the key pillars of ‘Digital India’, under which every resident of the country is provided with a unique identity or Aadhaar number. It is a strategic policy tool for social and financial inclusion, public sector delivery reforms, managing fiscal
Read moreWhat is Cybersecurity? Computer security, Cybersecurity or Information Technology Security is the protection of computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft of or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data. About: Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) The Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) is a trusted reference that measures the commitment of countries to cybersecurity at a global level. GCI was first launched
Read moreAbout Digital India The Digital India programme was launched in 2015, with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It is an umbrella programme that covers multiple government Ministries and Departments. The overall coordination is done by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY). It brings together a large number of ideas into a
Read moreAbout: AstroSat Mission AstroSat is the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray, optical and UV spectral bands simultaneously. It was launched in 2015 into a 650 km orbit. AstroSat is also India’s first multi-wavelength satellite which has five unique X-ray and ultraviolet telescopes working in tandem. Features: The payloads of AstroSat cover the energy bands of- Ultraviolet
Read moreGovt readies 3D printing policy for local firms to join new global market In News The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will soon come up with a policy aimed at promoting 3D printing on an industrial scale. Objectives of the policy The policy will help to develop an ecosystem for design, development and deployment of 3D printing in the country. It
Read moreModel Answer Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines to learn and reason through analogy, analyze, interpret information, recognize speech, visual perception and take decisions. In other words, AI is application of human intelligence by the machines. Benefits of AI Contribution to Economy: The NITI Aayog estimates that AI could potentially give 15% boost to the gross value added (GVA)
Read moreIn brief: Internet travel Client-Server Architecture Internet is often defined as a network of networks of computers. Computer connected to the Internet communicate with each other for data exchange under the Client-Server Architecture. Illustration: When you are accessing a mail on Gmail, your computer is a client that wants to access data, information, and other services present on a variety of servers. Data
Read moreHeadline : World AIDS Day: HIV still a threat, but rate of spread is down Details : Context: Since 1988, December 1 every year is observed as World AIDS day. About: HIV-AIDS Once contracted, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has the potential to attack the body’s immune cells called CD4 (which help the body to respond to infection). After HIV attacks the CD4 cells,
Read moreHeadline : Patent challenge mounted against J&J’s attempt to extend monopoly on high-priced anti-TB drug Details : The News Two TB patients have filed a petition challenging Johnson & Johnson’s application for extension of patent for Bedaquiline, the anti-TB drug. Background Drug-resistant TB: The bacteria causing TB have developed Multi-Drug Resistance and Extreme-Drug Resistance even to the most powerful anti-TB drugs,
Read moreHeadline : Just 2km from landing on Moon, Vikram goes silent Details : In News The Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-2 failed to make a smooth soft-landing on moon, as it was unable to bring down its speed to the required level. About: Chandrayaan-2 The Chandrayaan-2 Mission was launched in July, 2019 to attempt landing near the little-explored south pole of the Moon.
Read moreHeadline : ISRO’s new commercial arm gets first booking for launch Details : In News NEWSPACE INDIA Limited (NSIL), the newly created second commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation, recently got its first contract. A private US space services provider, Spaceflight, has booked ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which is yet to be tested, for launching a spacecraft.
Read moreHeadline : Malaria may get ‘dangerous’ tag, but there’s nothing to worry about Details : In News Malaria may soon be re-categorised as a ‘dangerous disease’ like tuberculosis, plague, small pox or leprosy in the capital. The re-categorisation is taking place not because the disease has acquired an epidemic proportion or a new dangerous strain has been found. The intention is
Read moreHeadline : China, Russia, France share satellite data on Assam floods Details : In News: The above-average rainfall has led to floods in Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with Assam being the hardest hit. India has acquired satellite imagery related to floods from eight international space agencies, due to its membership of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters. Note: There is
Read moreHeadline : How will India contribute to LIGO? Details : Context: LIGO India project is coming up in Maharashtra, near Aundha in Hingoli district. This article explain about the LIGO projects across the world, their significance and India’s part in the global LIGO project. Telegram: https://t.me/SimplifiedIAS Background In September 2015, LIGO’s US detectors made the first discovery of gravitational waves travelling
Read moreHeadline : Ban or regulate? Editorial 29th Jul’19 TheHindu Details : Use of Cryptocurrencies at this moment in a bit shady: Bitcoin, the most prominent among cryptocurrencies, has fluctuated wildly in value, even over short periods of time. As per some analysts, for now, “speculation remains Bitcoin’s primary use case”. Its use in illegal online marketplaces that deal with drugs and
Read moreHeadline : Hepatitis B and C major killers, but few know it Details : In News: On the World Hepatitis Day, the Union health minister pledged to join a campaign initiated by the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) to create awareness about the disease. Context of the topic: In India, more people are dying of Hepatitis B and C than HIV,
Read moreBubble boy syndrome # It is also called severe combined immunodeficiency, it is a rare genetic disorder that results in a defective immune system in baby boys. How is it caused? It results from a genetic defect in the X-Chromosome and therefore called X-linked SCID The defective X-chromosome lacks in the gene that forms the immune system. The absence of
Read moreHeadline : Explained: What makes PSLV-C45 special Details : In News: ISRO has successfully launched the PSLV-C45 ferrying satellites to multiple orbits in a single launch. About PSLV-C45 PSLV-C45 mission involved launching of following satellites in 3 different orbits EMISAT – 749 km 28 foreign satellites – 504 km Experimental satellites – 485 km Unique features of PSLV-C45 The
Read moreHeadline : PSLV to launch military’s eye in the sky Details : The News ISRO will launch India’s first electronic intelligence satellite, EMISAT onboard PSLV-C45. PSLV-C45 Mission PSLV-C45 mission, for the first time, will launch satellites in 3 different orbits EMISAT, electronic intelligence satellite in the low earth orbit, 749 km above the surface of the earth. 28 foreign satellites
Read moreLok Sabha Passes Bill Banning Commercial Surrogacy Details : The News The Lok Sabha has passed the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016 that seeks to put a blanket ban on commercial surrogacy and regulate altruistic surrogacy in India. The bill was cleared by the Union cabinet in March 2018 after the recommendations of a Parliamentary Standing Committee constituted in 2017 for
Read moreHeadline : Prelims Program: National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Details : Climate change: Problems faced in India Climate Change, caused by the increased concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, has emerged as the most prominent global environmental problem. Most of the countries including India are facing the problems of rising temperature, melting of glaciers, rising of sea-level leading
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Read moreNational Policy on Software Product 2019 National Policy on Software Product 2019 is a basic roadmap for formulation of initiatives, schemes and other measures for the development of software products sector in India Funding It involves an initial outlay of Rs.1500 crore for various schemes till 2025. Software Product Development Fund: of Rs 5000 crore with contribution from private
Read moreIndia will launch electronic intelligence satellite Emisat on April 1
Read more• It is a chronic infective eye disease caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis which is transmitted through contact with eye and nose discharge of infected people, particularly young children who are most vulnerable to the infection. • It is also spread by flies which come in contact with the infected person and is most common under poor
Read moreApproach Introduce by mentioning the need for biotechnology in agriculture and allied sectors Explain how biotechnology can be used in agriculture and allied sectors. Conclude appropriately. Model Answer : Agriculture along with its allied sectors is the largest source of livelihood in India. Biotechnology can be instrumental in improving productivity and modernising these sectors. The National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-2020
Read more• Chandrayaan-2, the lunar mission, will be launched in April this year. • Under this mission ISRO for the first time will attempt to land a rover on the Moon’s south pole. • In Chandrayaan-1 mission, ISRO has spotted water on the moon. • Chandrayaan-2 is a further extension of the project as it also involves landing a rover on the
Read moreQ16. Epidermis on the aerial parts of the plant often secretes a waxy layer to protect against: A. Loss of water B. Mechanical injury C. Invasion by parasitic fungi D. All of the above Answer: D Exp: The outermost layer of cells is known as epidermis. The epidermis is usually made of a single layer of cells. In some plants
Read moreArtificial Intelligence • It is a term coined in 1956 by John McCarthy at the Dartmouth conference, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. • It is an area of computer science that emphasises on the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans. • Some of the activities which computers with artificial intelligence are designed, include: Speech recognition, Learning, Planning
Read moreThe global figures • The report shows that there were 5 million more malaria cases in 2016 than in 2015. • The estimated global tally of malaria deaths reached 445,000 in 2016 compared to 446,000 the previous year. • The African Region continues to bear an estimated 90% of all malaria cases and deaths worldwide. • About 80% of the
Read moreBrahmos: • It is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarine, ships, aircraft or land. • It is a joint venture between the Russia’s NPO Mashinostroeyenia and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation. • It has derived its name from the names of two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia. Speed:
Read moreBiofilms: A biofilm is an assemblage of microbial cells that is irreversibly associated (not removed by gentle rinsing) with a surface and enclosed in a matrix of primarily polysaccharide material. Van Leeuwenhoek, using his simple microscopes, first observed microorganisms on tooth surfaces and can be credited with the discovery of microbial biofilms. Microorganisms that form biofilms include bacteria, fungi and
Read moreSolar storms: It could refer to the following: Coronal mass ejection: Corona, the outer solar atmosphere, is structured by strong magnetic fields. Where these fields are closed, often above sunspot groups, the confined solar atmosphere can suddenly and violently release bubbles of gas and magnetic fields called coronal mass ejections. Solar flares: These are intense burst of radiations coming from the release
Read moreHow will NSG membership help India? Clean energy push: India is a growing country with massive energy needs. It has set for itself an ambitious goal of sourcing 40% of its power from non-fossil sources and here is where nuclear energy comes into play. India will need latest technology and NSG membership will come in handy. Though it got a
Read moreHyperloop: It is a system where magnetically levitating capsules are sent at high speeds through low-pressure tubes. It was entrepreneur Elon Musk who came up with the idea for a hyperloop. The Hyperloop project is being pegged as a mode of transport different from rail, mainly due to following reasons: It is said to be two-to-three times faster than the
Read moreOrganic Farming Organic farming is a combination of tradition, innovation and science. It is a production system that relies on the use of natural inputs that are suitable to local environment, rather than using synthetic chemicals with adverse effects. In the transition from conventional to organic farming, synthetic chemical fertilizers are replaced with natural inputs and bio-materials like organic manures,
Read moreNeutrino Very similar to electrons Second most abundant particles after photon Don’t carry any charge Are not massless Neutrinos are miniscule particles created in nuclear reactions, such as in the birth and death of sun and the stars, or in nuclear power plants. Neutrinos interact with matter via the weak force. The weakness of this force gives neutrinos the property
Read moreTo suppress wild female Aedes aegypti mosquito populations that cause dengue, chikungunya and Zika were launched in Maharashtra’s Jalna district. The technology uses genetically modified male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry a dominant lethal gene. When male GM mosquitoes mate with wild female mosquitoes the lethal gene is passed on to offspring. The lethal gene in the offspring kills the larvae before they reach adulthood.
Read moreMeasles Measles is a deadly disease and one of the important causes of death in children. It is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing of an infected person. Measles can make a child vulnerable to life threatening complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and brain infection. Globally, in 2015, measles killed an estimated 1, 34,200 children—mostly under-5 years. In
Read moreWhat is Human embryo? An embryo is an early stage of development of a multicellular diploid eukaryotic organism. In general, in organisms that reproduce sexually, an embryo develops from a zygote, the single cell resulting from the fertilization of the female egg cell by the male sperm cell. The zygote possesses half the DNA of each of its two parents.
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