Chlorophyll – f

In news: Textbook wisdom says that plants use chlorophyll, technically chlorophyll-a, that is sensitive to visible red light from the sun. It is a type of chlorophyll that uses near-infrared light from the sun for photosynthesis. It is found in a wide range of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) when they grow in near-infrared light. It is...

MCLR and Base Rate

  Banks calculate the lending rates to its customers based on the base rate and Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR). Base rate is the minimum rate set by the RBI below which banks are not allowed to lend to its customers. Components of base rate system are Cost of funds (interest rates offered...

Banks Board Bureau (BBB)

In news: BBB has recently recommended 22 candidates from different banks for the executive director positions for state-run banks. About BBB: It is an autonomous body created in 2016 to improve the governance of public sector banks (PSBs). It was initially given the mandate to recommend candidates for the top post in state-run banks and financial institutions....

ISRO’s clock to prop up India’s own GPS

  Time is running out for the seven-satellite Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC (Navigation in Indian Constellation).    NavIC, whose seventh satellite was launched in April 2016, was expected to provide India a satellite-based navigation system independent of the U.S.-controlled GPS (Global Positioning System).   But India's own ‘regional GPS' is yet to become...

Thalassaemia – A Genetic Blood Disorder

  Thalassaemia is the most common genetic blood disorder that is prevalent in India. We must not forget that while there is a high incidence of inherited diseases in South Asia, India has the highest number of thalassaemia majors and carriers (or those who are asymptomatic).   It is estimated that there are more than 100,000 thalassaemia...

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

It is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.   The IAEA was established as an autonomous organisation on 29 July 1957.   Though established independently of the United Nations through its own international treaty, the IAEA Statute, the IAEA reports to both...

Okinoshima Island – A World Heritage Site

In news: A men-only island, Okinoshima, in Japan where women are banned and male visitors must bathe naked in the sea before visiting its shrine, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site on 9 July 2017.   The island, in the Sea of Japan (East Sea), sits off the north-west coast of Kyushu,the southernmost of Japan's four...

Breast cancer

In news: A recent study on breast cancer has found Higher levels of vitamin D are associated with decreasing risk of breast cancer Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts, it can occur in women and rarely in men. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the...

Malabar Exercise 2018

  Malabar is a trilateral naval exercise of the US, Japan and India. The Malabar exercise usually features both ashore and at-sea training. The maritime exercise has grown in scope and complexity and aims at increasing the level of mutual understanding of the best practices among the three navies. This is the first time that...

European Union Film Festival (EUFF)

India is going to host 23rd European Union Film Festival (EUFF) on 18th to 24th June, 2018 at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi. It is organized by Di... Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting partnering with the Delegation of European Union (EU) and embassies of EU Members States in various city...