science and tech

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory – 125 Years of Solar Physics Research in India

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO), located in Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the oldest solar observatories in the world, established in 1901. Managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), it has been pivotal in advancing solar research and...

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Objectives and Significance

Context: An international team of researchers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Chandra X-ray Observatory has discovered an unusual supermassive black hole, designated LID-568, which challenges existing theories of black hole formation and growth. About Supermassive Black...

NavIC Navigation System, Features and Applications

Context: The GSLV-F15 NVS-02 mission marks ISRO’s 100th launch from Sriharikota, deploying a 2nd-generation NavIC Satellite equipped with advanced atomic clocks and L1 frequency for enhanced regional navigation. What are Navigational Systems? Navigational Systems are satellite constellations that broadcast positioning,...

DRDO Conducts Scramjet Engine Ground Test For Hypersonic Missile

Context: DRDO has successfully conducted the 1st Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor Ground Test in India, running for 120 seconds. What is a Scramjet Engine? A Supersonic Combustion Ramjet engine is an air-breathing propulsion system designed for hypersonic speeds. How It...

Indian Cryptography Research and Quantum Challenges

As India invests heavily in cryptographic research, securing sensitive information and enhancing secure communication channels have become critical priorities. With the advent of quantum computing, cryptography must evolve to address emerging challenges and risks effectively. About Cryptography Cryptography, the science...

Surgical Tele-Robotic System, Advantages and Challenges

Context: SSI Mantra has successfully conducted two complex heart surgeries with a patient in Jaipur and the operating surgeon in Gurgaon. About Surgical Tele Robotic System SSi Mantra is a robotic surgical system developed in India by SS Innovations. It...

HAL’s Combat Air Teaming System Completed Crucial Test

Context: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully conducted the engine ground run for its full-scale demonstrator of the Combat Air Teaming System. About Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) CATS is a semi-autonomous, futuristic combat system designed to operate in collaboration...

Rise of Smaller Language Models, Advantages and Limitations

Context: Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have seen a shift from scaling up massive models to focusing on smaller, more efficient models. About Small Language Models (SLMs) SLMs are artificial intelligence (AI) models that can process, understand and generate...

AI Integration in India’s Defence Sector

Context: India is modernizing its military with a defence budget of ₹6.21 lakh crore ($75 billion) in 2023, focusing on AI integration. Progress in Military AI Integration Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has highlighted AI’s revolutionary potential in military operations,...

ICMR gets Low-Cost Tech to Detect Iron Deficiency – AnemiaPhone

AnemiaPhone AnemiaPhone is developed by Cornell University researchers to accurately, quickly and cheaply assess iron deficiency. It has been transferred to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for integration into its programmes for anaemia alleviation, women’s health, and maternal...