science and tech

Biobank to Preserve DNA of Species and its Importance

Context: Delhi zoo to set up an on-site wildlife biobank to preserve DNA of endangered species. Biobank to Preserve DNA of Species A species DNA biobank (also called a wildlife or conservation biobank)—sometimes referred to as a Frozen Zoo or...

India’s First Indigenous Polar Research Vehicle (PRV) and its Significance

Context: India will design and build the first-ever indigenous Patrol Vessel (PRV) by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with Norway. What is a Polar Research Vehicle (PRV)? A Polar Research Vehicle (PRV) is a specially designed ship built to carry...

Dark Factories: Key Advantages, Challenges and Limitations

Context: In the TCS Annual Report for FY2025, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran emphasized a significant transformation in IT and business services, marked by a move toward autonomous operations powered by AI agents and robotics, paving the way for the...

Oreshnik Missile: Russia’s Hypersonic Nuclear-Capable Weapon Explained

The RS-26 “Oreshnik” missile has emerged as one of Russia’s most advanced and controversial strategic weapons in recent years. Touted as a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile system, the Oreshnik is part of Russia's broader military modernization program aimed at countering NATO...

Tejas Light Combat Aircraft: Engine, Design, and Performance Overview

The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is India’s indigenously developed multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). As a cornerstone of India’s defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative,...

Dark Patterns: Definition, Legal Status, Examples and Global Laws

Context: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued notices to 11 companies for using dark patterns, violating its 2023 guidelines. What Are Dark Patterns? A dark pattern is a user interface that has been crafted to trick or manipulate users...

Kashmir University Researchers Create India’s First Gene Edited SHEEP

Context: Researchers at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar, have created India’s first gene-edited sheep. India's First Gene Edited SHEEP Utilised CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit the myostatin gene, which regulates muscle growth. Result: 30% increase in muscle...

AI Technology in Space Satellites, Applications, Challenges and Issues

Context: AI is revolutionising satellites, but it also introduces novel risks, legal dilemmas, and geopolitical uncertainties which need urgent regulation. AI Technology in Space Satellites: Applications Autonomous Operations: Independent manoeuvring, docking, in-orbit servicing, and debris removal (e.g., SpaceX uses AI...

Nafithromycin: India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic

Context: Despite the launch of Nafithromycin, experts suggest that tackling AMR requires a multifaceted approach with a shared sense of responsibility. The greatest challenge of the modern healthcare era is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). India has made a tremendous step in...

Gene Editing Treatment: World’s First Personalised Gene Therapy Treatment

Context: In the US, a baby suffering from carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency was healed with the world’s first personalised CRISPR-based gene editing treatment. What is Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 (CPS1) Deficiency? CPS1 deficiency is a rare genetic metabolic...