DoT Develops Facial Recognition Tool for Telecom Operators: ASTR
Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has developed an artificial-intelligence-based facial recognition tool that it claims has the capability of running checks on subscriber databases of telecom operators to deduce whether it contains multiple connections associated with the same person. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Origins and Testing of ASTR […]
New Alzheimer’s Drug: Donanemab
Context: Within a year, a second drug has been found effective in checking cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s. Developed by the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, Donanemab was found to slow down cognitive decline by 35% when compared with a placebo in a phase III trial. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of […]
Storm Shadow Missile
Context: According to a statement from the Russian Defence Ministry, Ukrainian aircraft allegedly used Storm Shadow missiles, supplied by Britain, to target two industrial sites in the city of Luhansk, which is under Russian control in eastern Ukraine. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: About Storm Shadow Missile: Features: -Source: Indian […]
Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)
Context: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the U.K. fertility regulator, recently confirmed that less than five children have been born using mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) as of April 2023. Relevance: GS III: Science and technology Dimensions of the Article: About Mitochondria Structure Function Replication About Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy Procedure: The process of MRT […]
India’s Strategic Nuclear Gamble Worked
Context Relevance: GS Paper-3: Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology; Nuclear Technology Mains Question Why were the nuclear tests so significant at the time for India? What modifications has the nuclear testing made to India? (250 Words) Key Highlights: Why were the examinations so crucial at the time […]
India Witnesses Rare Aurora Lights
Context: India, for the first time witnessed the rare aurora lights from Ladakh. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: India captures Northern lights: What is a Solar flare? What is a Geomagnetic storm? What is aurora? Why do auroras come in different colors and shapes? -Source: Times of India
Lithium Deposits Discovered in Rajasthan
Context: After Jammu and Kashmir, lithium reserves have been traced in Rajasthan. Relevance: GS Paper-3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Dimensions of the Article: New Lithium Deposits: Lithium Metal Significance of Lithium China’s Lithium Dominance -Source: Live Mint
A Workforce Lacking Digital Skills
Context According to data from the National Sample Survey’s Multiple Indicator Survey and Labour Force Periodic Survey (2020–21), more IT or computer-based training is required across a range of industries. Relevance: GS Paper-3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights, Indian Economy and issues relating […]
African Swine Fever
Context: According to an article published in the journal ‘Science’, the African Swine Fever could fatally affect the population of pygmy hogs, the world’s rarest and smallest pigs. Relevance: Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Dimensions of this Article: What is African Swine Fever? What are the symptoms of African swine fever? -Source: The Hindu
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Context: Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), a laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has partnered with several Indian airlines, including Boeing, Indigo, Spicejet, Air India, Vistara, and AirAsia India to support the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: About Sustainable Aviation […]