SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: Google recently unveiled a new computer chip named Ironwood, marking the launch of its 7th generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU). These chips are specifically engineered to power Artificial Intelligence (AI) models. Processing units serve as the central hardware components that drive computing operations. What …

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Science & Technology – Electronics advancements, silicon photonics GS-3: Economy – Innovation, cost-efficient manufacturing GS-3: Infrastructure – Impact on digital communication, data centers Key Highlights From Electrons to Photons Conventional chips rely on electrons for data transfer. Researchers have now integrated miniature lasers onto silicon chips, enabling …

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Science and Technology – Indian scientific achievements, technology indigenization GS-2: International Relations – India’s space mission collaborations Essay & Ethics – Risk management, human-focused science policy Key Highlights Safety in Human Spaceflight The safe return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore from the ISS highlights …

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Environment & Science and Technology – Alternatives to Plastic, Sustainable Innovations, Biotechnology GS-2: Governance & Policy – Promoting Innovation for Public Good, Support for Research & Development Key Points: Sustainable Packaging Breakthrough Two students from Kerala created edible food wrappers using bacterial cellulose to combat plastic waste. …

GS III-Energy The Global Electricity Review 2025 by Ember reveals that India surpassed Germany in 2024, becoming the world’s third-largest producer of electricity from wind and solar sources. Global Renewable Energy Trends (2024) Unprecedented Growth: Global renewable electricity generation rose by 858 TWh in 2024, a 49% increase over the …

GS3 – S&T – BioTech Biotech firm Colossal Biosciences has successfully engineered wolf pups with genetic characteristics of the long-extinct dire wolf, using ancient DNA and CRISPR gene-editing technology. What is De-Extinction? De-extinction is a cutting-edge process in biotechnology that aims to bring back species that have gone extinct by …

GS3 – Science & Technology – IPR – Geographical Indication Kannadippaya, a traditional tribal mat, has officially become Kerala’s first tribal handicraft to receive the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of indigenous craft traditions. What is Kannadippaya? The term ‘Kannadippaya’ translates to ‘mirror mat’, …

GS3 – Science & Technology – Defense Sector In a significant milestone, CSIR–NAL (National Aerospace Laboratories) has signed its first aircraft technology transfer agreement with a private firm to manufacture Hansa-3 NG, India’s first indigenously developed trainer aircraft designed for commercial pilot instruction. Overview of Hansa-3 NG Hansa-3 NG is …

GS III-Science and Technology Context: Airtel’s 2Africa Pearls subsea cable recently made landfall in India, significantly expanding internet capacity by 100 Tbps. This development underscores the urgent need for a strong undersea cable framework. What Are Undersea Cables? Definition: Submarine or underwater cables are fibre-optic lines laid along the seabed, …

GS III-Science & Technology Context : ISRO actively engages students across India through educational programs to foster awareness and interest in space science. YUVIKA – Young Scientist Programme Objective: Provides basic knowledge of space science, technology, and applications to young students. Aims to “Catch them young” and encourage STEM careers. …

GS III-Science and Technology A web browser is an application software designed to explore the World Wide Web (WWW). It acts as an interface between the client and the server, requesting web documents and services from the server. The browser functions as a compiler, rendering HTML, the language used to …

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Background The recent shift in the United States’ approach to cryptocurrency has prompted India to reconsider its own regulatory framework. US Policy Shift on Crypto 2019: Former President Donald Trump expressed doubts about cryptocurrencies, arguing that Bitcoin and similar digital assets were highly volatile …

Subject: GS-2: Governance & Policy – Census Operations, National Population Register (NPR), Demographic Insights GS-3: Technology & Data Systems – Digital Governance, Aadhaar in Policy Implementation Key Points Census Postponement & Panel’s Call The 2021 Census was deferred indefinitely due to COVID-19 disruptions. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs …

Subjects: GS-2: Governance & Tech: AI Strategy, Local Innovation GS-3: Science & Tech: AI Development, Quantum Advances Key Points Case for Homegrown AI Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser, stresses India’s need for custom AI models tailored to its diverse population and languages. India’s AI Mission prioritizes computing power and data …

  SUBJECT: GS-2: Health & Biotechnology (Autoimmune Disorders, Gut Microbiome) GS-3: Science & Technology (Medical Research, Microbiome Therapy)   Key Highlights Understanding Vitiligo Autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks melanocytes, leading to skin depigmentation. Results in white patches, often causing social stigma and psychological distress. Affects 0.5% to 2% …

SUBJECT: GS-3: Science & Technology (Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity) GS-2: National Security (Defense Applications, Strategic Technology) Key Highlights NITI Aayog’s Quantum Push NITI Aayog launched the NITI Frontier Tech Hub to advance India’s capabilities in quantum computing. A strategic paper highlights how quantum technology will reshape national security and other sectors. …

GS-3: Economy (Agricultural Exports, Value Addition in Agriculture) GS-3: Science & Tech (Agri-based Pharmaceuticals, Food Processing) Key Highlights India’s Position in the Global Spice Market: India is the largest producer and exporter of spices, yet its share in the $4 billion global seasoning market is only 0.7%. Current spice exports: …

GS-2: Governance (Electoral Reforms, Election Commission’s Role) GS-3: Technology in Governance (Voter ID Digitization, Data Management) Key Highlights Election Commission’s Plan to Resolve Duplicate Voter IDs: Election Commission (EC) acknowledged the issue of duplicate EPIC (Voter ID) numbers. EC committed to resolving the issue within 3 months by ensuring a …

GS-1: Society (Gender Disparities, Women Empowerment) GS-2: Governance (Education & Research Policies, Gender Inclusion) GS-3: Science & Tech (STEM Workforce, Gender Bias in Research) Key Highlights Challenges for Women in STEM: Gendered social norms, limited access to quality education, and non-inclusive workplaces hinder women’s participation in STEM. Harassment, discrimination, and …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH:  Overview Nepal’s five-yearly rhino census faces uncertainty due to the suspension of USAID funding. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) lacks financial resources, threatening the planned 2025 census. The last census in 2021 recorded 752 one-horned rhinos. Importance of the Census Essential for …