SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: With the intensifying global tech race, quantum technology is becoming central to digital, economic, and national security. India must go beyond investments to build strategic global partnerships and remain competitive. Importance of Quantum Technology Massive Market Potential: The global quantum tech market is expected …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context Researchers at IIT Bombay have developed an innovative solar-powered thermal battery that captures and stores solar heat in summer for use during the cold Himalayan winters. What is a Solar-Powered Thermal Battery? A device that stores solar thermal energy chemically for long durations and …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context INS Nilgiri, the first stealth frigate under the indigenously developed Project 17A, has been commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. Key Features of INS Nilgiri Type: Multi-role, multi-mission stealth frigate Designed for: Blue-water operations (deep-sea naval missions) Combat Capabilities: Anti-surface …

GS III – Science & Technology What is Quantum Computing? Quantum computing is a new computing paradigm based on the principles of quantum mechanics, such as: Superposition: A quantum bit (qubit) can exist in multiple states simultaneously. Entanglement: Two qubits can be connected in such a way that the state …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: The Indian Coast Guard has launched ‘Achal’, the fifth vessel in the series of Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), marking a step forward in coastal defence capabilities. About ‘Achal’ FPV: Class & Builder: Fifth in the Adamya-class of FPVs, constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: In a significant advancement, IIT-Delhi and DRDO jointly demonstrated Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in free-space communication across a distance exceeding 1 km. The system achieved a secure key rate of 240 bits per second with a Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) of less than …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context Recently, the Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in the USA used SPArc therapy to treat a patient suffering from Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC), a rare cancer affecting the salivary glands or head and neck regions. What is SPArc Therapy? SPArc (Step-and-Shoot Spot-Scanning Proton …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context India is strategically positioned to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing biotechnology, guided by forward-looking initiatives such as the BioE3 Policy and the India AI Mission. BioE3 Policy – 2024 The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet …

GS3 – S&T Context: The “Fund Kaveri Engine” campaign has gained attention post-Operation Sindoor, spotlighting this indigenous turbojet project. What is Kaveri Engine? An indigenous turbofan engine developed by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru. Designed originally in the 1980s to power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and …

GS3 – S&T Context: A recent study has found that an ancient mutation on the X chromosome activates the Arhgap36 gene, causing the orange coat color in domestic cats. Key Details: Location: Arhgap36 gene is on the X chromosome in mammals (cats and humans). Function: Regulates cellular processes related to …

GS3 – S&T Context The U.S. Air Force successfully test-launched its LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile), designed for long-range nuclear strike capabilities. Minuteman III ICBM Overview: Originally deployed in the 1970s, the Minuteman III is set to be phased out and replaced by the LGM-35A Sentinel system. It …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kiltan is set to participate in the upcoming IMDEX Asia 2025. About IMDEX Asia: First held in 1997, IMDEX Asia (International Maritime Defence Exhibition) is one of the leading maritime defence events in the Asia-Pacific region. It is held …

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: The DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight trials of the Stratospheric Airship Platform from the Sheopur Trial site in Madhya Pradesh. Developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment in Agra, the airship carried an instrumental payload to an altitude of approximately …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context : New research using the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) on the Subaru Telescope (Hawaii) has offered insights into the distribution of matter in the universe. The researchers arrived at a Sigma 8 (S8) value of 0.747, which is consistent with earlier astronomical surveys. What is …

GS3 – S&T Context: Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. About the Ax-4 Mission Organizer: Axiom Space (U.S.-based private space company), in collaboration with NASA. Launch Vehicle: SpaceX …

GS-3: Science and Technology Key Points: Indian-origin scientist Nikhilesh Natraj and the UCSF team developed a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) enabling a paralyzed individual to control a robotic arm through imagined movements. The system operated reliably for months with minimal recalibration, a significant advancement in assistive technology. Sensors detect neural signals …

GS3 – Science & Technology Operations of the Dhruv helicopter have resumed in Anantnag. Key Details: The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv is a domestically developed multi-purpose utility aircraft, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is specifically engineered for a variety of missions and operational roles. Development started in …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: Researchers in China have successfully developed rice varieties that naturally produce Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) through advanced genetic modification techniques, including CRISPR-Cas9. This breakthrough positions biofortified crops as potential functional foods, aiming to combat nutritional deficiencies and enhance public health. About Coenzymes Coenzymes are organic, …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to reach its peak in the early hours of April 22, with Indian observers potentially witnessing up to 20 meteors per hour between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM under clear, dark skies — no telescopes required. About the …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: Russia has officially recognized Ukraine’s indigenously developed Sapsan ballistic missile—also known as Grom-2—as a credible threat, highlighting its growing strategic significance. Key Specifications and Features Alternate Name: Grom-2 (Domestic), Hrim-2 (Export version developed with Saudi support). Range Compliance: Its export version has a range …