science and tech

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...

Rapamycin Offers Life-extending Benefits Comparable to Eating Less

Context: Scientists may have found a way to extend lifespan using two existing drugs, Rapamycin and Metformin, which mimic calorie restriction. Human trials are yet to begin. About Rapamycin Rapamycin (sirolimus) is an FDA-approved drug known for inhibiting the mTOR...

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Context: Kerala’s SAT Hospital gave India’s first presymptomatic SMA treatment to a newborn identified through prenatal screening, using the rare drug Risdiplam to prevent future nerve damage. Recently, a two-and-a-half-year-old girl has become the first person in the world to...

India Successfully Tests Unhackable Quantum Communication

Context: DRDO and IIT-Delhi successfully demonstrated quantum communication over 1 km in free space, marking a major step toward secure, hack-proof defence communication in India. About Quantum Communication It is a method of sending information using tiny particles like photons...

What is Vitiligo: Causes, Nature and Treatment

Context: Vitiligo has gained attention for efforts to raise awareness, dispel harmful myths, and promote inclusion and dignity for those affected, ahead of World Vitiligo Day (June 25). What is Vitiligo? A condition that causes loss of skin color in...

CAR T-Cell Therapy, Clinical Trial and Current Applications

Context: Delhi’s Dr (Col) VK Gupta beat his blood cancer after receiving CAR T-cell therapy at Tata Memorial Hospital. In India, researchers collaborated to develop NexCAR19, an affordable CAR T-cell therapy. About Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Therapy CAR...

Hydraulic System: Working, Key Components, Applications and Advantages

Context: Globally, the hydraulics industry is valued at approximately $45–50 billion and continues to experience steady growth. About Hydraulic System Hydraulics operate on Pascal’s Law, formulated by French scientist Blaise Pascal in the 17th century. Pascal’s Law states: When pressure...

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Working and Advantages

Context: Recently, NASA said the NASA-ISRO SAR mission had arrived at ISRO’s spaceport in Sriharikota. What is Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)? Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a type of active remote sensing technology. It sends out microwave pulses and records...

AI and Biomanufacturing: Can India’s Policies Match its Ambitions

Context India’s BioE3 Policy and IndiaAI Mission signal a push to fuse artificial-intelligence tools with the nation’s proven strengths in biomanufacturing. AI can turn India from the “pharmacy of the world” into a design-and-discovery powerhouse—but only if regulation, data practice...

DNA Identification Process to Identify AIR India Plane Crash Victims

Context: DNA analysis is being used to identify victims of the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. DNA Identification Process 1. Collection & Storage of Samples: DNA starts degrading after death; hence, quick collection is crucial. Samples must be...