China questions India’s Agni-V missile project
Context: China cited a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution issued after the 1998 nuclear tests to question India’s missile programme amid reports of an upcoming test for the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile. Relevance: GS-III: Science and Technology (Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology, Defence Technology, Indigenization of Technology) Dimensions of the Article: About […]
Israeli armed robots to patrol borders
Context: State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries has unveiled a four-wheel-drive remote-controlled armed robot- “REX MKII” which is capable of patrolling battle zones, tracking infiltrators and opening fire. Relevance: GS-III: Science and Technology, GS-IV: Ethics Dimensions of the Article: Benefits of using robots in war Disadvantages of robots in war Ethicality of using Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems […]
BCG vaccine against TB: 100 years and counting
Context: The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been used since 1921 to prevent tuberculosis (TB) and 2021 marks 100 years of BCG. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology, GS-II: Social Justice (Issues related to Health, Government Policies and Initiatives) Dimensions of the Article: What is BCG Vaccine? What is Tuberculosis? Achievements highlighted in the Annual […]
Ugly face of a crime-fighting move: Facial Recognition System
Context: In June 2021, the Joint Committee examining the Personal Data Protection Bill (2019) was granted a fifth extension by Parliament. The Government is also exploring the potential of facial recognition technology. Relevance: GS-III: Science and Technology, GS-III: Internal Security Challenges Dimensions of the Article: Introduction to Face Recognition How does it work? About Facial […]
Fusion Ignition for the first time in U.S.
Context: Recently, researchers in the U.S. appeared to have demonstrated “fusion ignition” for the first time. This breakthrough has brought the world closer to the dream of near-limitless clean energy through nuclear fusion. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology (Nuclear Technology) Dimensions of the Article: Nuclear Fusion Advantages of Nuclear Fusion About the Fusion Ignition […]
All about ISRO’s GSLV-F10 failure: EOS-03 Mission
Context: The launch of earth observation satellite EOS-03, aboard the Indian Space Research Organisation ’s (Isro) heavy launch vehicle GSLV-F10 was unsuccessful as the third stage of the engine did not ignite. The performance of the first and second stages was normal. However, the Cryogenic Upper Stage ignition did not happen due to technical anomaly. […]
ISRO to launch Earth Observation Satellite (EOS)
Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch an Earth Observation Satellite in August 2021 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, at Sriharikota. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology (Space Technology) Dimensions of the Article: Earth Observation Satellites ISRO and EOS About the EOS-3 set to be launched in 2021 Earth Observation Satellites […]
PM Modi launches digital payment solution e-RUPI
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched digital payment solution e-RUPI, a person and purpose specific cashless digital payment solution, via videoconference. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology (IT & Computers), GS-III: Indian Economy (Mobilization of Resources, Growth and Development of Indian Economy) Dimensions of the Article: About e-RUPI How will these vouchers be issued? What […]
Import of GM soybean
Context: After facing crushing losses due to the pandemic, the poultry industry is demanding that the Central government permit the import of crushed genetically modified (GM) soy seeds. Relevance: GS-III: Science and Technology (Biotechnology), GS-III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: The need for importing GM soy seeds About GM soybean What are GM Crops? Regulating […]
Innovative farming methods and social media
Context: Farmers make time for social media to network, share and solve problems by discovering innovative farming methods. Relevance: GS-III: Agriculture (Agricultural Resources, E-Technology in the Aid of Farmers), GS-III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Penetration of Social Media and its impact Examples of Farmers using social media positively Other benefits of Social […]