Science & technology

Context (TH): Recent government decisions that prioritize imports over local production could undermine India’s domestic pharmaceutical sector and potentially result in increased drug prices. Ensuring the availability of affordable medications is vital in India, where out-of-pocket health expenditures made up nearly 47.1% of total spending in 2021. Current Scenario India, …

Context (TH): India’s Ministry of Health has released its first Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for transporting human organs, which cover various modes of transport, including road, rail, and waterways. Organ Transplantation in India India ranks as the third-largest country globally in terms of organ transplants. From 2013 to 2022, the …

Context: Potassium cyanide (KCN) can cause immediate death by obstructing oxygen transport in the body, resulting in cellular suffocation. It is a cyanide salt made up of equal parts potassium (K+) and cyanide (CN-) ions. Properties of KCN Appearance: White, crystalline solid. Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming a clear …

The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) marks a significant development in the strategic partnership between India and the United States. Launched in January 2023, this framework aims to foster collaboration in cutting-edge technological areas critical for economic growth, national security, and global leadership. What is iCET? iCET establishes …

Context Electric vehicle (EV) owners are increasingly concerned about the impact of extreme temperatures on lithium-ion batteries. These batteries function optimally at ambient temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius. Lithium-ion batteries are particularly heat-sensitive, while solid-state batteries exhibit greater resilience. Impact of Extreme Heat on Lithium-ion Batteries Longevity Loss: High …

The National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA), also referred to as the National Quantum Mission (NQM), is a government of India initiative launched in 2023. This ambitious mission aims to propel India to the forefront of quantum technology development. Objectives: Seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial …

GS 3 : Test Flights of Private Rockets in India- Need and Significance. Agnibaan: Taking Flight in India’s Space Industry Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian space startup, successfully completed the first test flight of their two-stage, 14-tonne launch vehicle named Agnibaan. This marked the fifth attempt by Agnikul to test the …

X chromosome revival in older women increases risk of autoimmune disease GS Paper III: Questions related to biotechnology or genetic engineering might benefit from knowing about chromosomes. These fields use techniques like Karyotyping (Chromosomal Analysis). If a question asks about advancements in Genetics or the Human Genome Project, a basic …

Introduction Balanced fertilization is a crucial aspect of sustainable agriculture, aiming to provide crops with the optimal combination of primary, secondary, and micronutrients they require for healthy growth and maximum yield. Understanding Balanced Fertilization: Importance: Balanced fertilization ensures optimal nutrient uptake by crops, leading to improved yields, soil health, and …

Introduction Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing significantly to global warming. While natural sources contribute a portion, microbial activity plays a crucial role in methane production and consumption, influencing the overall atmospheric concentration. Sources of Methane Emissions: Natural Sources: Wetlands: Decomposition of organic matter in anoxic wetland soils …