science and tech

Regulatory Issues in India’s Nuclear Programme

Context: The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam achieved first criticality, but the milestone has also revived debate over India’s nuclear regulatory framework. Regulatory Issues in India’s Nuclear Programme Institutional Conflict: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and Department of...

Deep-Space Distance Measurement: New Technique and Its Significance

Context: Indian astronomers have proposed a new technique to estimate distances in deep space using pulsars, combining dispersion and scattering effects in radio signals, improving accuracy in regions with complex interstellar plasma Earlier Method: Dispersion Measure (DM) Concept: Distance estimated...

India’s Nuclear Breakthrough Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam

Context: India’s 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, achieved first criticality, marking entry into the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme aimed at utilising India’s vast thorium reserves for long-term energy security What is Criticality...

Fast Breeder Reactor: India’s 3 Stage Nuclear Power Programme

Context: India's nuclear programme has reached a significant milestone with the commencement of core loading at the country's first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Fast Breeder Reactor: Historical Context and Development Fast Breeder Reactor Program: Initiated...

Maritime Domain in India’s Strategic Thinking: Importance and Challenges

Context: India’s growing alignment with the Arab Gulf reflects a strategic shift toward maritime priorities, reviving the Bombay School’s vision while integrating it with enduring continental security concerns. Continental vs Maritime Thinking of India’s Strategic Lens Historically, the defence of...

Role of Midwives in Maternity Care: Functions, Importance and Benefits

Context: India has made notable strides in maternal health, with the Maternal Mortality Ratio declining from 130 per lakh live births (2014–16) to 93 (2019–21). However, a contrasting trend has emerged in the rising number of caesarean deliveries from 6.4%...

Space Based Solar Power: Concept, Technology and Benefits

Context: Companies like Japan’s Shimizu Corporation are now proposing mega-scale engineering projects to make space-based solar power a reality. Space Based Solar Power Core Concepts: Orbit vs. Lunar Surface The fundamental goal is to collect sunlight where it is most...

Earthquake Lights Explained: Mystery Behind Glowing Skies

Context: Researchers are using geological physics to explain "Earthquake Lights" (EQL), the mysterious bluish flashes seen during the Turkey-Syria tremors. About Earthquake Lights (EQLs) Earthquake lights are luminous aerial phenomena that appear in the sky in areas of tectonic stress,...

Internet Censorship in India: Rules, Laws and Challenges

Context: Over the last decade, India’s digital landscape has expanded rapidly, making it one of the world’s largest online markets. Alongside this expansion, however, a complex and often non-transparent system of internet regulation and content control has evolved. Internet Censorship...

INS Aridhaman: India’s Nuclear Submarine, Features and Strategic Significance

Context: India commissioned INS Aridhaman (S4), the third nuclear-powered ballistic missile. About INS Aridhaman Class: Arihant-class Nuclear Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN) (part of India’s nuclear deterrence force). Programme: Developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project (India’s secret submarine...