science and tech

Cowpea Seeds Sprout in Space – Achievements of POEM-4 Mission

Context: ISRO’s PSLV-C60 POEM-4 mission achieved a milestone by germinating cowpea seeds in space and operating India’s first space robotic arm. A batch of cowpea seeds which were taken into orbit by an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) mission and...

India’s First Case of Avian Influenza Among Animals

Context: Three tigers and one leopard have died due to the H5N1 Virus (avian influenza) at the Gorewada Rescue Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra, in December 2024. This is the first reported case of avian influenza among animals in India. About...

Indian Researchers Develop Injectable Hydrogel for Targeted Cancer Treatment

Context: Researchers from IIT Guwahati, in collaboration with Bose Institute Kolkata, have developed an injectable hydrogel aimed at revolutionizing breast cancer treatment. Key Features of the Injectable Hydrogel Innovative Design Composed of ultra-short peptides, which are biodegradable and biocompatible. The...

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Cases in China

China is currently experiencing a surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, raising concerns about another virus outbreak in the region. As reports of overwhelmed hospitals emerge, parallels are being drawn to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s everything...

Transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Delhi

Context: Delhi faces severe air pollution, with the transport sector being the single largest contributor. Studies highlight the significant health and economic costs associated with pollution, particularly due to PM 2.5 emissions, which lead to premature deaths and high healthcare...

How In-flight Internet Works?

Air India has announced the rollout of Wi-Fi Internet connectivity services on select domestic and international flights. It is the 1st Indian airline to offer Internet connectivity on domestic flights. Technologies Behind In-Flight Wi-Fi Air-to-Ground (ATG) Technology Uses cellular towers...

Obesity and Undernutrition, Parameters, Causes, Socio-economic Factors

Context: Obesity and overweight are causing over 3.4 million deaths every year worldwide. Obesity and Undernutrition India faces a growing challenge of both obesity and undernutrition, co-existing within the population, as per a new Lancet study. This phenomenon, known as...

Tobacco Epidemic in India, Awareness and Control Programs

Context: Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of disease and death globally, affecting both consumers and cultivators. India’s tobacco exports likely cross ₹13,000 crore this year. About Tobacco Tobacco cultivation in India was introduced by the Portuguese in 1605. It...

Chandrayaan-4 Mission Expansion gets Centre’s Approval

Context: According to ISRO, a series of space-docking experiments will be conducted before the launch of the Chandrayaan-4 mission. Chandrayaan-4 Mission Mission Objective: It aims to bring rock and soil samples back from the Moon. Modules: The Chandrayaan-4 spacecraft will...

Addressing the Issue of Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) Drugs in India

What was the recent incident? Five young mothers in Ballari district, Karnataka, allegedly died due to contaminated drugs manufactured by a pharmaceutical company in West Bengal. Challenges with the Current Regulatory Framework Fragmented Regulatory Authority: Under the Drugs and Cosmetics...