science and tech

ESA’s Gaia Mission, Scientific Instruments and Major Discoveries

Context: The European Space Agency (ESA) has officially shut down its space observatory mission, Gaia, on March 27, 2025. About Gaia Mission Its original name was Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics (GAIA), it was later renamed Gaia Mission. Primary objective:...

Euclid Telescope: Exploring Dark Matter and Dark Energy

Context: Recently the Euclid space telescope has achieved a significant milestone by capturing high-resolution images of 26 million galaxies. About Euclid Telescope Euclid Telescope was launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) in July 2023. It is equipped with a 2-meter telescope, it...

India’s Biotechnology Sector, Major Contributors and Challenges

Context: The India BioEconomy Report, released by the Department of Biotechnology, highlights the status of India’s bioeconomy. India’s Biotechnology Sector Status Current Value and Growth India's bioeconomy was valued at $165 billion in 2024, contributing 2% to the GDP. The...

India’s Scientific Publication surpass USA by 2029

Context: On National Science Day, the Union Minister for Science and Technology said that “India will overtake the U.S. in the number of scientific publications by 2029”. More in News India ranks third in the number of scientific publications (2,07,390),...

Why Martian Dust may Pose Health Risks to Astronauts

Context: A recent study has highlighted the health risks posed by Martian dust to astronauts, as NASA and the Chinese Manned Space Agency (CMS) prepare for Mars missions in the next decade. Martian Dust Characteristics and Risks Size of Martian...

Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) and its Uses

Context: Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, have developed a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) using flexible single crystals of an organic compound. About Triboelectric Nanogenerator...

DNA Polymorphisms and DNA Fingerprinting

Context: According to recent findings, DNA polymorphism has various modern applications in forensics and medicine. What Are DNA Polymorphisms? DNA polymorphisms are sections of DNA where variations occur between individuals. They allow scientists to determine whether a specific chromosome was...

Challenge of Policing Tech Giants

Context: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) issued a landmark order, imposing a fine of ₹213.14 crore on Meta and mandating several behavioural remedies. More in News The CCI’s order found that the privacy policy update introduced by WhatsApp, Meta's...

Sonic Weapons, Types, Working and Health Effects

Context: Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic has denied allegations that his police forces used a banned 'sonic weapon' to disperse protesters in Belgrade. What Are Sonic Weapons? Sonic weapons are devices that emit loud or low-frequency sound waves over long distances....

Dark Oxygen and Deep Sea Mining

Context: A study published in Nature Geoscience has ignited a debate among scientists about the potential production of oxygen in the deep sea without the need for sunlight. What is Dark Oxygen? "Dark oxygen" refers to oxygen found in deep...