Incovacc: Intranasal Covid-19 Vaccine
Context: Bharat Biotech’s intranasal vaccine, BBV154 or Incovacc is the world’s first intranasal vaccine to be approved as a booster dose for Covid-19. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: About Incovacc The nasal vaccine is a recombinant replication-deficient adenovirus vectored vaccine with a pre-fusion stabilized spike protein. Significance: Mechanism: -Source: Indian Express
Uncontrolled Re-Entries of Satellites
Context: More than 140 experts and dignitaries have signed an open letter published by the Outer Space Institute (OSI) calling for both national and multilateral efforts to restrict uncontrolled re-entries — the phenomenon of rocket parts falling back to earth in unguided fashion once their missions are complete. Relevance: GS III: Science and technology Dimensions […]
About Gaganyaan
Focus: GS III- Science and Technology Why in News? Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology said, India’s maiden human space flight “Gaganyaan” is targeted to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024 About Gaganyaan Significance of the Gaganyaan Mission
Anticancer mRNA Vaccine
Context: Recently, the results of a trial of messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA-4157/V940) vaccine made by Moderna and MSD (Merck & Co.) when taken along with an immunotherapy drug Keytruda has shown promising results against advanced melanoma, a kind of skin cancer. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: About mRNA: About mRNA […]
NASA’s InSight Mars lander
Context: Recently, NASA’s InSight Mars lander account struck a sombre note and said the robot currently on Mars will be signing off soon, ending its nearly four-year-long journey to study the red planet’s early evolution. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Purpose of the InSight Lander Why is InSight shutting down? […]
Deepfake Technology
Context: The Cyberspace Administration of China, the country’s cyberspace watchdog, is rolling out new regulations, to be effective from January 10, to restrict the use of deep synthesis technology and curb disinformation. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: About Deep synthesis What is a deepfake? Background: Where can it be used? […]
Digital Public Infrastructure
Context While highlighting the lack of digital payment systems in 133 countries worldwide, the article highlights India’s critical role as the G20 Presidency in developing digital platforms and e-governance services to digitally transform the world. Relevance GS Paper 3: Science & technology, Infrastructure Mains Questions How difficult will it be to put the Digital India plan […]
About Agni-V Missile
Context: Recently, India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-V that can strike targets at ranges up to 5,000 km, marking a significant boost to the country’s strategic deterrence. Relevance: GS-III: Science and Technology (Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology, Defence Technology, Indigenization of Technology) Dimensions of the Article: About Agni Missiles There are 5 […]
Breakthrough In Fusion Energy
Context For the first time, scientists in the United States have achieved a net gain in energy from a nuclear fusion reaction. Relevance GS Paper 3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Mains Question Consider nuclear fusion energy as a potential source of clean energy in the near future. […]
Base Editing – The Cancer Therapy
Context: Scientists from United Kingdom reported success in a new cancer therapy for a type of blood cancer T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: What happens in this form of cancer? What is ‘base editing?’ The CRISPR-cas9 An upgrade to CRISPR-cas9 How did base-editing actually work? […]