science and tech

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission

Context: With over a million people affected with sickle cell disease, India bears the world’s second largest burden of this condition. Last year, the Union government launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission to eliminate sickle cell disease as...

India’s Drug Regulation Reforms, Challenges and Limitations

Earlier this year the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) announced policy initiatives on three issues: recall guidelines, guidelines on good distribution practices and the use of similar brand-names by pharmaceutical companies for their drugs. Despite their potential, the measures...

INS Arighaat, India’s 2nd Nuclear Ballistic Submarine

India continues to enhance its defense capabilities by commissioning its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighat. This strategic addition to the Indian Navy not only strengthens the country’s nuclear deterrence but also establishes India as a formidable maritime...

National Space Day 2024, India’s First National Space Day

On August 23, 2024, India celebrates its first-ever National Space Day, marking a momentous occasion in the country’s history. Exactly one year ago, on August 23, 2023, India's space mission reached a groundbreaking milestone when the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s Vikram Lander...

India AI Mission: Transforming India into a Global AI Powerhouse

The Government of India has embarked on an ambitious journey to establish the country as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) through the IndiaAI Mission. This initiative, which was unveiled by the Prime Minister at the GPAI (Global Partnership...

Dark Oxygen and Deep Sea Mining

Context: A study conducted in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) has revealed a previously unknown process producing oxygen in the deep ocean. More in News Polymetallic nodules are economically viable when their concentration exceeds 10 kg per square metre. They contain...

Axiom 4 Mission: India’s Step Towards New Horizons in Space

Context: India has shortlisted two astronaut-designates to the International Space Station for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission. Axiom-4 Mission It is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Duration of the mission: 14 days. Launch Site: Kennedy Space...

CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing, Key Components, Applications, Challenges

Context: Scientists from the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, have developed an enhanced genome-editing system that can modify DNA more precisely and more efficiently than existing CRISPR-based technologies. More in News Researchers modified amino acids in FnCas9...

Defence Acquisition Council in India, Members, Functions, Challenges

Context: Defence Acquisition Council reviewed and approved amendments to the procurement deal for 31 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from General Atomics, USA. More in News The amendments are primarily focused on increasing the indigenous content and other related aspects...

Centre allocates ₹1000Cr venture fund to boost Space Economy in India

Context: In the recent Budget 2024, the Finance minister announced Rs.1000 crore venture capital to fund the space economy. Space Economy The space economy refers to the broad range of activities and the use of resources that create value and...