science and tech

NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer Mission, Objectives and Scientific Instruments

Context: Recently, NASA launched the Lunar Trailblazer satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. About NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer Mission It is a small satellite (orbiter) designed to map water on the Moon’s surface. It is Part of NASA’s Small, Innovative...

Solar Ultra-violet Imaging Telescope (SUIT)

Context: Aditya-L1, has achieved a major scientific breakthrough by capturing the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’. Key Highlights of the Observation The SUIT payload onboard Aditya-L1 has captured the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’ in the...

SPHEREx: NASA’s New Space Telescope Mission

Context: NASA is set to launch SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer), a mega telescope designed to scan over 450 million galaxies. About SPHEREx The launch will take place aboard a SpaceX...

Effects of Space Travel on Human Health

Context: Space travel presents major health risks, including radiation exposure, microgravity effects and psychological stress. Space Travel Space travel introduces distinct challenges for the human body because of the harsh conditions in space, such as microgravity, exposure to radiation, and...

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Causes and Symptoms

Context: Recently a two-and-a-half-year-old girl has become the first person in the world to be treated for Spinal Muscular Atrophy while still in the womb. What is SMA? Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder that leads to muscle...

India’s Generic Medicines Market, Problems and Challenges

Context: The pharmacy of the global South is facing a crisis of reputation. Reasons Cough syrups made by pharmaceutical companies based in India, which had unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol, killed 66 children in Gambia, 65 children...

Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) System

Context: The Army is also set to finalise a contract for the indigenously developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system within the next four to five months. About Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) System Developed by: Defence Research and Development...

Coalition for Environmentally Sustainable AI

Context: The Coalition for Environmentally Sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) was launched recently. About Coalition for Environmentally Sustainable AI It is a global initiative with 100+ partners, including 37 tech companies, 11 countries, and 5 international organizations, to promote AI’s environmental...

Nocturnal Bull Ants Use Polarised Moonlight for Navigation

Context: Scientists have discovered that two nocturnal bull ant species, Myrmecia pyriformis and Myrmecia midas, navigate at night using polarised moonlight. What is Polarised Light? Light from the sun and moon normally spreads out in all directions. This is called...

Discovery of Ovoid Cells and Their Role in Memory

Context: Researchers have identified a new type of neuron responsible for recognition memory, the brain’s ability to distinguish between new and familiar objects and form long-term memories. About Ovoid Cells Ovoid cells are named for their distinct egg-like shape. They...