ISRO’s ‘POEM’ Platform
Context: Besides placing three Singaporean satellites in precise orbit, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also achieved the feat of successfully launching the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module or ‘POEM’. Relevance: GS III- Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: What is POEM? How will ISRO keep POEM ‘alive and stable’ in orbit? Has ISRO repurposed […]
Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2022
Focus: GS III- Defence Technology Why in News? The RIMPAC-22 exercise will be held in and close to the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California from 29th June to 4th August, 27 countries are participating in the current edition of the multi-dimensional exercise. About RIMPAC-22 It’s one of the biggest multilateral naval exercises held every two years, and […]
CAPSTONE, NASA’s New Satellite
Context: Recently, NASA launched CAPSTONE, a microwave oven-sized CubeSat weighing just 55 pounds (25 kg). Relevance: GS III- Science and Technology About CAPSTONE: CAPSTONE, short for Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment, is designed to test a unique, elliptical lunar orbit. As a pathfinder for Gateway, CAPSTONE aims to help reduce risk for […]
India’s New VPN Rules
Context: Recently, Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) passed a rule mandating VPN (virtual private network) providers to record and keep their customers’ logs for 180 days. Relevance: GS III- Science and Technology, Cyber Security Dimensions of the Article: What is a VPN? Why do people use VPN? Why is anonymity or privacy so important for […]
What is Cyber Attack and Cyber Security?
Context: Digital wearables, smartwatches and fitness trackers pose unique threats to the security and privacy of customer data, warned the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a global outfit for technical professionals. Relevance: GS II- Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Key Points What is Cyber Attack and Cyber Security? Types of Cyber […]
Alzheimer’s Disease
Context: An experimental Alzheimer’s drug aimed at slowing or preventing cognitive decline in people has failed a clinical trial leading a blow to efforts to find a solution to fight back against the neurodegenerative disease. Relevance: GS III- Science and technology Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and […]
Critical Information Infrastructure
Context: Recently, The Union Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has declared IT resources of ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and UPI managing entity NPCI as ‘critical information infrastructure’. Relevance: GS II- Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: What is critical information infrastructure? Why is CII classification and protection necessary? What is Cyber Attack and […]
Auctioning 5G Spectrum Bands
Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, gave its nod for the auction of spectrum that can be used to offer 5G services. Relevance: GS III- Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: About 5G Application of 5G What are the key issues? What benefits are likely to come with 5G? About 5G […]
About Prithvi-II Missile
Context: Recently, India successfully conducted the night trial of surface-to-surface nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missile Prithvi-II. Relevance: GS III- Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: About Prithvi-II Missile About the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) About Prithvi-II Missile The 350-kilometer strike range of the Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile is impressive. It has twin liquid propulsion engines and […]
SIPRI Yearbook 2022
Context: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its yearbook a few days back highlighting some worrying trends of the past year in international security. Relevance: GS III- Nuclear Technology Dimensions of the Article: About SIPRI What have been the trends in military spending? What about global arms imports? Key developments/concerns flagged by the […]