Science & technology

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: …

Deepfake Technology: A Powerful Tool with Both Benefits and Risks Deepfake technology, a portmanteau of “deep learning” and “fake,” refers to synthetic media created using artificial intelligence to manipulate or generate visual and audio content. This powerful technology can be used to convincingly replace someone’s likeness with another, create realistic …

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) introduced the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill in November as one of several initiatives aimed at regulating broadcasting in a comprehensive way. The Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill, which was introduced in 2007, was the most recent attempt to tackle this difficult undertaking. A decade …

Today India’s bioeconomy contributes 2.6% to the GDP but it is envisioned to contribute about 5% by 2030. To achieve this growth, the sector needs Robust policies that create an ecosystem of innovation and industrial action Need for government funding for biotechnology in India Need for extended efforts to attract …