science and tech civil services

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Members and India’s Stand

Context: Amid the heightened military tensions between Iran and Israel, Iran stated that its Parliament was preparing a Bill to potentially leave the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is...

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Variant and Significance

ISRO is set to launch an Earth observation satellite using PSLV rockets. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is an expendable launch vehicle developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It primarily launches satellites into polar orbits,...

India’s Aircraft Carrier List, Name, History, Advantages

India is one of the few nations globally to operate aircraft carriers, symbolizing strategic naval strength, maritime dominance, and self-reliant defense capabilities. The Indian Navy currently operates two aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, with a third, INS...

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Features, Types, Advantage and Disadvantages

Context As Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities grow, concerns about rogue AI and superintelligence are rising. Strategic frameworks to manage AI threats are emerging, but flawed analogies and proposals raise critical policy and governance challenges. More in News A recent influential...

Nuclear Waste, Types, Management and Indian Scenario

Context: India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor marks a significant step in its nuclear program, emphasising the challenges of managing highly radioactive nuclear waste and the pursuit of energy independence through thorium utilisation. What is Nuclear Waste? Radioactive waste, or nuclear...

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), Stages, Missions and Significance

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is a space launch vehicle developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for launching satellites and other objects into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits. GSLV is capable of carrying heavier payloads into orbit...

Global Positioning System (GPS), Functionality and Applications

Global Positioning System (GPS) The Global Positioning System (GPS) stands as a testament to human ingenuity, revolutionizing various facets of modern life since its inception in the 1970s. Initiated by the U.S. Department of Defense, GPS has evolved into a...

Cyber Kidnapping, Types and Measures for Prevention

Kai Zhuang, a 17-year-old Chinese exchange student, fell prey to a "cyber-kidnapping" scam, resulting in his parents being extorted $80,000. Despite the ransom payment, he was found alive but distressed in a Utah wilderness tent. In "cyber kidnapping," criminals exploit...

ISRO’s XPoSat Mission: Study About Black Holes

The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) is a space observatory built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was launched on January 1, 2024, and is expected to operate for at least five years. XPoSat's mission is to study the...

Artificial Rain in Delhi and Cloud Seeding, Advantages, Disadvantages 

Artificial rain, or cloud seeding, is a weather modification method that induces precipitation by introducing substances into clouds. Common agents like silver iodide or solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) are utilized. Silver iodide particles function as artificial condensation nuclei, promoting...