Opens Second Post Office Branch in Antarctica at Bharati Research Station
Context: The Department of Posts has recently inaugurated a second branch of the post office at the Bharati research station in Antarctica, marking a significant development after almost four decades. Letters intended for Antarctica will now bear a new experimental PIN code, MH-1718, which is customary for a new branch. Currently, Maitri and Bharati are […]
PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3
Context: In a significant accomplishment, ISRO’s PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission successfully achieved near-zero debris in Earth’s orbit by converting the final stage into the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3). Instead of leaving debris in orbit after completing its mission, the POEM-3 was safely re-entered into the Earth’s atmosphere. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the […]
Gopi Thotakura to Become First Indian Space Tourist
Context: Entrepreneur and pilot Gopi Thotakura is poised to make history as the first Indian to venture into space as a tourist on Blue Origin’s NS-25 Mission, founded by Jeff Bezos. Thotakura has been selected as one of the six crew members for the mission, the launch date of which is yet to be announced. […]
World Quantum Day 2024
Focus: GS III: Science and Technology Why in News? India celebrates World Quantum Day 2024 on April 14, 2024. About World Quantum Day: Quantum technology: About: There are Four domains of Quantum Technology: The underlying principles of quantum technology are as follows: Quantum entanglement (QE): Quantum entanglement: Applications: Quantum technology promises to improve a wide range […]
ISRO’s Zero Orbital Debris Milestone
Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission has resulted in minimal debris left in Earth’s orbit. ISRO clarified that the final stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) utilized in the mission was repurposed into what’s known as the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3). Instead of lingering in orbit after completing its mission, the […]
Coordinated Lunar Time
Context: Recently, the US White House officially directed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to create a time standard for the Moon, which different international bodies and private companies can use to coordinate their activities on the lunar surface. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) Overview Need for LTC: Earth’s […]
India Enhances Timekeeping Infrastructure with Deployment of Atomic Clocks
Context: India is set to deploy its own atomic clocks nationwide to bolster its timekeeping infrastructure and bolster national defense capabilities for the future. The initiative aims to synchronize all digital devices with Indian Standard Time (IST), ensuring uniformity and accuracy across the nation. Spearheaded by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) under the Ministry of […]
Understanding Shallowfakes
Context: With the Lok Sabha elections scheduled to start on April 19, social media platforms are abuzz with misinformation, mostly in the form of shallow fakes. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Understanding Shallowfakes What are Shallowfakes? Definition: Creation Methods: Quality and Authenticity: Threat Perception: Usage of Shallowfakes: False Identity […]
Groundbreaking 3D Map of the Universe Unveiled by International Researchers
Context: An international team of scientists has unveiled the most comprehensive three-dimensional map of the universe to date. This monumental achievement could potentially provide valuable insights into the mysterious nature of dark energy, a force believed to be driving the accelerated expansion of the universe. By mapping the vast cosmic structures in unprecedented detail, researchers […]
Inauguration of India’s First Small-Scale LNG Unit at GAIL’s Vijaipur Complex
Context: The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas recently inaugurated India’s first small-scale liquefied natural gas (SSLNG) unit at GAIL (India) Ltd’s Vijaipur complex in Madhya Pradesh. Relevance: GS III: Energy Dimensions of the Article: LNG and SSLNG: A Comprehensive Overview Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Environmental and Economic Significance: Global Perspective: Small-Scale LNG (SSLNG): Definition: Small-Scale LNG (SSLNG) refers […]