Category Archives: SciTech

About: AstroSat Mission, It’s Features, Objective and Payload

About: AstroSat Mission AstroSat is the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray, optical and UV spectral bands simultaneously. It was launched in 2015 into a 650 km orbit. AstroSat is also India’s first multi-wavelength satellite which has five unique X-ray and ultraviolet telescopes working in tandem. Features: The payloads of AstroSat coverContinue reading “About: AstroSat Mission, It’s Features, Objective and Payload”

About 3D Printing

Govt readies 3D printing policy for local firms to join new global market In News The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will soon come up with a policy aimed at promoting 3D printing on an industrial scale. Objectives of the policy The policy will help to develop an ecosystem for design, development and deployment ofContinue reading “About 3D Printing”

Q. “Artificial intelligence is going to change every industry, but we have to understand its limits”. In light of this, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with AI in Indian context.

Model Answer Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines to learn and reason through analogy, analyze, interpret information, recognize speech, visual perception and take decisions. In other words, AI is application of human intelligence by the machines. Benefits of AI Contribution to Economy: The NITI Aayog estimates that AI could potentially give 15% boost toContinue reading “Q. “Artificial intelligence is going to change every industry, but we have to understand its limits”. In light of this, discuss the benefits and challenges associated with AI in Indian context.”

In brief: Internet travel

In brief: Internet travel Client-Server Architecture Internet is often defined as a network of networks of computers. Computer connected to the Internet communicate with each other for data exchange under the Client-Server Architecture. Illustration: When you are accessing a mail on Gmail, your computer is a client that wants to access data, information, and other services present onContinue reading “In brief: Internet travel”

World AIDS Day: HIV still a threat, but rate of spread is down

Headline : World AIDS Day: HIV still a threat, but rate of spread is down Details : Context: Since 1988, December 1 every year is observed as World AIDS day. About: HIV-AIDS Once contracted, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has the potential to attack the body’s immune cells called CD4 (which help the body to respond to infection). AfterContinue reading “World AIDS Day: HIV still a threat, but rate of spread is down”

Patent challenge mounted against J&J’s attempt to extend monopoly on high-priced anti-TB drug

Headline : Patent challenge mounted against J&J’s attempt to extend monopoly on high-priced anti-TB drug Details : The News Two TB patients have filed a petition challenging Johnson & Johnson’s application for extension of patent for Bedaquiline, the anti-TB drug. Background Drug-resistant TB: The bacteria causing TB have developed Multi-Drug Resistance and Extreme-Drug Resistance even toContinue reading “Patent challenge mounted against J&J’s attempt to extend monopoly on high-priced anti-TB drug”

Just 2km from landing on Moon, Vikram goes silent

Headline : Just 2km from landing on Moon, Vikram goes silent  Details : In News The Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-2 failed to make a smooth soft-landing on moon, as it was unable to bring down its speed to the required level. About: Chandrayaan-2 The Chandrayaan-2 Mission was launched in July, 2019 to attempt landing near theContinue reading “Just 2km from landing on Moon, Vikram goes silent”

Technology: Indian space industry, SSLV, NSIL, Antrix, Indian space industry, Commercial Space Industry, ISRO and Private Sector

Headline : ISRO’s new commercial arm gets first booking for launch Details : In News NEWSPACE INDIA Limited (NSIL), the newly created second commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation, recently got its first contract. A private US space services provider, Spaceflight, has booked ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which is yet to beContinue reading “Technology: Indian space industry, SSLV, NSIL, Antrix, Indian space industry, Commercial Space Industry, ISRO and Private Sector”

Malaria: About National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME), National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme,

Headline : Malaria may get ‘dangerous’ tag, but there’s nothing to worry about Details : In News Malaria may soon be re-categorised as a ‘dangerous disease’ like tuberculosis, plague, small pox or leprosy in the capital. The re-categorisation is taking place not because the disease has acquired an epidemic proportion or a new dangerous strain hasContinue reading “Malaria: About National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME), National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme,”

China, Russia, France share satellite data on Assam floods,UN-SPIDER, International Charter Space and Major Disasters

Headline : China, Russia, France share satellite data on Assam floods Details : In News: The above-average rainfall has led to floods in Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with Assam being the hardest hit. India has acquired satellite imagery related to floods from eight international space agencies, due to its membership of the International Charter Space andContinue reading “China, Russia, France share satellite data on Assam floods,UN-SPIDER, International Charter Space and Major Disasters”

How will India contribute to LIGO?

Headline : How will India contribute to LIGO? Details : Context: LIGO India project is coming up in Maharashtra, near Aundha in Hingoli district. This article explain about the LIGO projects across the world, their significance and India’s part in the global LIGO project. Telegram: https://t.me/SimplifiedIAS Background In September 2015, LIGO’s US detectors made the firstContinue reading “How will India contribute to LIGO?”

Ban or regulate? Editorial 29th Jul’19 TheHindu

Headline : Ban or regulate? Editorial 29th Jul’19 TheHindu Details : Use of Cryptocurrencies  at this moment in a bit shady: Bitcoin, the most prominent among cryptocurrencies, has fluctuated wildly in value, even over short periods of time. As per some analysts, for now, “speculation remains Bitcoin’s primary use case”. Its use in illegal online marketplacesContinue reading “Ban or regulate? Editorial 29th Jul’19 TheHindu”

Everything about Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

Headline : Hepatitis B and C major killers, but few know it Details : In News: On the World Hepatitis Day, the Union health minister pledged to join a campaign initiated by the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) to create awareness about the disease. Context of the topic: In India, more people are dyingContinue reading “Everything about Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C”

SciTech – Current Affairs

Bubble boy syndrome # It is also called severe combined immunodeficiency, it is a rare genetic disorder that results in a defective immune system in baby boys. How is it caused? It results from a genetic defect in the X-Chromosome and therefore called X-linked SCID The defective X-chromosome lacks in the gene that forms theContinue reading “SciTech – Current Affairs”

In Brief :about PSLV-C45, It’s features and Multiple orbit launch

Headline : Explained: What makes PSLV-C45 special Details : In News: ISRO has successfully launched the PSLV-C45 ferrying satellites to multiple orbits in a single launch.   About PSLV-C45 PSLV-C45 mission involved launching of following satellites in 3 different orbits EMISAT – 749 km 28 foreign satellites – 504 km Experimental satellites – 485 km  Continue reading “In Brief :about PSLV-C45, It’s features and Multiple orbit launch”

Everything about EMISAT: Electronic Intelligence Satellite, PSLV-C45 Mission

Headline : PSLV to launch military’s eye in the sky Details : The News ISRO will launch India’s first electronic intelligence satellite, EMISAT onboard PSLV-C45.   PSLV-C45 Mission PSLV-C45 mission, for the first time, will launch satellites in 3 different orbits EMISAT, electronic intelligence satellite in the low earth orbit, 749 km above the surface ofContinue reading “Everything about EMISAT: Electronic Intelligence Satellite, PSLV-C45 Mission”

Everything about Commercial Surrogacy

Lok Sabha Passes Bill Banning Commercial Surrogacy Details : The News The Lok Sabha has passed the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016 that seeks to put a blanket ban on commercial surrogacy and regulate altruistic surrogacy in India. The bill was cleared by the Union cabinet in March 2018 after the recommendations of a Parliamentary StandingContinue reading “Everything about Commercial Surrogacy”

Prelims Program: National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)

Headline : Prelims Program: National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Details :  Climate change: Problems faced in India Climate Change, caused by the increased concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, has emerged as the most prominent global environmental problem. Most of the countries including India are facing the problems of rising temperature, melting ofContinue reading “Prelims Program: National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)”

National Policy on Software Product 2019

National Policy on Software Product 2019 National Policy on Software Product 2019 is a basic roadmap for formulation of initiatives, schemes and other measures for the development of software products sector in India   Funding It involves an initial outlay of Rs.1500 crore for various schemes till 2025. Software Product Development Fund: of Rs 5000Continue reading “National Policy on Software Product 2019”

What is Trachoma?

• It is a chronic infective eye disease caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis which is transmitted through contact with eye and nose discharge of infected people, particularly young children who are most vulnerable to the infection. • It is also spread by flies which come in contact with the infected person andContinue reading “What is Trachoma?”

Discuss the applications of biotechnology in the agriculture and allied sectors.

Approach Introduce by mentioning the need for biotechnology in agriculture and allied sectors Explain how biotechnology can be used in agriculture and allied sectors. Conclude appropriately. Model Answer : Agriculture along with its allied sectors is the largest source of livelihood in India. Biotechnology can be instrumental in improving productivity and modernising these sectors. TheContinue reading “Discuss the applications of biotechnology in the agriculture and allied sectors.”

Everything about Chandrayaan-2

• Chandrayaan-2, the lunar mission, will be launched in April this year. • Under this mission ISRO for the first time will attempt to land a rover on the Moon’s south pole. • In Chandrayaan-1 mission, ISRO has spotted water on the moon. • Chandrayaan-2 is a further extension of the project as it also involvesContinue reading “Everything about Chandrayaan-2”

Quiz- Q16. Epidermis on the aerial parts of the plant often secretes a waxy layer to protect against:

Q16. Epidermis on the aerial parts of the plant often secretes a waxy layer to protect against: A. Loss of water B. Mechanical injury C. Invasion by parasitic fungi D. All of the above Answer: D Exp: The outermost layer of cells is known as epidermis. The epidermis is usually made of a single layerContinue reading “Quiz- Q16. Epidermis on the aerial parts of the plant often secretes a waxy layer to protect against:”

Artificial Intelligence and it’s application

Artificial Intelligence • It is a term coined in 1956 by John McCarthy at the Dartmouth conference, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. • It is an area of computer science that emphasises on the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans. • Some of the activities which computers with artificial intelligence are designed,Continue reading “Artificial Intelligence and it’s application”

Everything about World Malaria Report 2017 by WHO

The global figures • The report shows that there were 5 million more malaria cases in 2016 than in 2015. • The estimated global tally of malaria deaths reached 445,000 in 2016 compared to 446,000 the previous year. • The African Region continues to bear an estimated 90% of all malaria cases and deaths worldwide.Continue reading “Everything about World Malaria Report 2017 by WHO”

Everything about Brahmos

Brahmos: • It is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarine, ships, aircraft or land. • It is a joint venture between the Russia’s NPO Mashinostroeyenia and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation. • It has derived its name from the names of two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India andContinue reading “Everything about Brahmos”

Biofilms

Biofilms: A biofilm is an assemblage of microbial cells that is irreversibly associated (not removed by gentle rinsing) with a surface and enclosed in a matrix of primarily polysaccharide material. Van Leeuwenhoek, using his simple microscopes, first observed microorganisms on tooth surfaces and can be credited with the discovery of microbial biofilms. Microorganisms that formContinue reading “Biofilms”

Solar storms:

Solar storms: It could refer to the following: Coronal mass ejection: Corona, the outer solar atmosphere, is structured by strong magnetic fields. Where these fields are closed, often above sunspot groups, the confined solar atmosphere can suddenly and violently release bubbles of gas and magnetic fields called coronal mass ejections. Solar flares: These are intense burst ofContinue reading “Solar storms:”

How will NSG membership help India? 

How will NSG membership help India?  Clean energy push: India is a growing country with massive energy needs. It has set for itself an ambitious goal of sourcing 40% of its power from non-fossil sources and here is where nuclear energy comes into play. India will need latest technology and NSG membership will come inContinue reading “How will NSG membership help India? “

Hyperloop

Hyperloop: It is a system where magnetically levitating capsules are sent at high speeds through low-pressure tubes. It was entrepreneur Elon Musk who came up with the idea for a hyperloop. The Hyperloop project is being pegged as a mode of transport different from rail, mainly due to following reasons: It is said to beContinue reading “Hyperloop”

Evetything about Organic Farming

Organic Farming Organic farming is a combination of tradition, innovation and science. It is a production system that relies on the use of natural inputs that are suitable to local environment, rather than using synthetic chemicals with adverse effects. In the transition from conventional to organic farming, synthetic chemical fertilizers are replaced with natural inputsContinue reading “Evetything about Organic Farming”

Neutrino and Indian Neutrino Observatory

Neutrino Very similar to electrons Second most abundant particles after photon Don’t carry any charge Are not massless Neutrinos are miniscule particles created in nuclear reactions, such as in the birth and death of sun and the stars, or in nuclear power plants. Neutrinos interact with matter via the weak force. The weakness of thisContinue reading “Neutrino and Indian Neutrino Observatory”

GM mosquitoes

To suppress wild female Aedes aegypti mosquito populations that cause dengue, chikungunya and Zika were launched in Maharashtra’s Jalna district. The technology uses genetically modified male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry a dominant lethal gene. When male GM mosquitoes mate with wild female mosquitoes the lethal gene is passed on to offspring. The lethal gene in the offspring kills theContinue reading “GM mosquitoes”

Measles and Rubella

Measles  Measles  is a deadly disease and one of the important causes of death in children. It is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing of an infected person. Measles can make a child vulnerable to life threatening complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and brain infection. Globally, in 2015, measles killed an estimated 1,Continue reading “Measles and Rubella”

What is Human embryo?

What is Human embryo? An embryo is an early stage of development of a multicellular diploid eukaryotic organism. In general, in organisms that reproduce sexually, an embryo develops from a zygote, the single cell resulting from the fertilization of the female egg cell by the male sperm cell. The zygote possesses half the DNA ofContinue reading “What is Human embryo?”