Science & technology

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 …

Introduction The Indian government, recognizing the critical role of semiconductors in the digital age, launched the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2021. This initiative aims to address the country’s dependence on foreign chipmakers and foster a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem Objectives of the ISM The ISM has a multi-pronged approach …

Concept The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) was enacted in India in 1994 to regulate organ donation, retrieval, and transplantation. It aimed to prevent commercial dealings in organs and ensure ethical practices in organ transplantation. However, despite its noble intentions, several challenges persist in its implementation. Provisions …

Introduction India’s electronics industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years. However, the sector remains heavily reliant on imports, particularly for highend components and finished products. This dependence exposes India to fluctuations in global prices and hinders its potential to become a major electronics manufacturing hub. To address these challenges, …

  Concept : About Higgs Boson The Higgs boson imparts mass to elementary particles like electrons and quarks, being fundamental to the Higgs field. It is among the 17 elementary particles constituting the Standard Model of particle physics, the leading framework describing the universe’s fundamental constituents. The Higgs boson earns …

  Concept: Cicadas are insects belonging to the hemipteran order, renowned for their loud, intricate, and species-specific acoustic signals or songs. Cicada Diversity: India and Bangladesh boast the highest generic diversity of cicadas globally, closely followed by China. Most cicadas inhabit the canopies of natural forests with towering trees. One …

Concept : About Glycaemic Index : The Glycemic Index (GI) is a scale ranging from 0 to 100, which assigns values to foods based on their effect on blood glucose levels relative to pure glucose, which is arbitrarily given a value of 100. This value indicates the rise in blood …

Total Solar Eclipse: A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, completely obscuring the Sun’s disk and casting a large shadow on the Earth’s surface. Those located within the path of totality, where the Moon’s shadow fully covers the Sun, witness a total solar …

TABLE OF CONTENTS News Concept Understanding Ballistic Missiles News: The new generation ballistic missile Agni-Prime was successfully flight-tested by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) along with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha Concept : The Agni Prime …

TABLE OF CONTENTS News Concept Why no moon? Upcoming Project News: Astronomers are looking forward to opening a new window on the universe by posting high-resolution telescopes on the moon and in orbit around it. There are numerous proposals to do this from astronomers around the world, including one from …

Concept TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Key Features of Shrimp Cultivation: Contribution to Economy and Employment: Government Initiatives and Regulations Introduction • Shrimp cultivation, also known as shrimp farming or aquaculture, is the practice of cultivating shrimp for commercial purposes. • Cultivation of shrimps is a significant economic activity, particularly along …

TABLE OF CONTENTS UNODA Objectives and Functions Key Initiatives and Programs I.UNODA: United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs • Established in 1982, UNODA serves as the principal United Nations office dealing with disarmament matters. • Mandate includes promoting nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control, among other disarmament efforts. • Headquartered …

About Voice Cloning Voice cloning is the process of creating a synthetic voice from audio recordings of a real person. Why in NEWS Music composer A.R. Rahman has stated that his team obtained the necessary permission to use an AI software to recreate the voices of late singers Bamba Bakya …

The FAME Scheme The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) scheme has been a key driver in the country’s electric mobility journey. Why in NEWS Phase 3 of this scheme is expected to be launched in the upcoming Interim Budget Historical background 2011: The seeds of …

Genetically modified (GM) crops, also known as transgenic crops, are plants that have had their genetic makeup altered in a way that doesn’t occur naturally. This is done through techniques like gene insertion, removal, or modification using genetic engineering tools. What are they? Crops with their DNA deliberately altered to …

GSAT-20 GSAT-20, also known as CMS-03 or GSAT-N2, is a high-throughput communication satellite jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL). It is scheduled to be launched in the second quarter of 2024 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking …

The XPoSat is an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) manufactured space observatory to study polarisation of cosmic X-rays. It was launched on 1 January 2024 on a PSLV rocket, and it has an expected operational lifespan of at least five years. The telescope is being developed by the Raman Research …

India’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) procurement program India’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) procurement program was ambitious to bolster the Indian Air Force (IAF) with 126 modern fighter jets. Launched in 2007, it quickly became one of the world’s largest defence deals, attracting bids from six major global manufacturers: …