Science

The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, has raised concerns about its potential to weaken the Right to Information (RTI) Act, particularly regarding the balance between privacy and transparency. Key Concerns: Amendment to Section 8(1)(j) of RTI: The amendment limits the disclosure of personal information of public officials, even …

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare published the India TB Report 2024, which reveals a decrease in the mortality rate from Tuberculosis (TB), dropping from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh in 2022. Key Highlights of the Report Trends in TB Cases and Deaths: …

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 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted resident individuals to open Foreign Currency Accounts at International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in GIFT City, Gujarat, under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Details: Authorised Persons: These are entities authorised by the RBI, such as banks and designated FX dealers, to facilitate …

Context: A recent celestial spectacle in Ladakh captivated observers with the appearance of a rare phenomenon – the double sun halo. While sun halos are more common in certain parts of India, a double halo is a rarer sight, especially at high altitudes like Ladakh. Understanding Sun Halos: A Common …

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 …

Cold lava, also known as lahar (Indonesian and Tagalog), is a fast-moving, mudflow-like slurry of volcanic debris and water. It rushes down the slopes of volcanoes, often following river valleys, and can be extremely destructive. Formation Cold lava formation can be triggered by several mechanisms: Heavy Rainfall: When intense rain …

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 …