science and tech

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...

Air Independent Propulsion Systems in Submarines

Context: The Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts to upgrade the capabilities of India’s Scorpene-class submarines, on integrating advanced technologies like Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) modules and Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedoes (EHWT). Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) It is...

NASA Parker Solar Probe Flies Closer to Sun than Any Spacecraft

Context: NASA's Parker Solar Probe has just made history by completing its closest pass to the Sun than any spacecraft ever before. On 24 December 2024, the Parker Solar probe made its closest approach to the Sun, coming to a...

ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission, Objectives, Phases and Future Implications

On December 30, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket. The mission, which took place from Sriharikota at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, marks a significant step forward in...

Global Polio Resurgence and Need for Revaluation

About Polio Polio is a viral infectious disease that can cause irreversible paralysis and even death by affecting the nervous system. Transmission: The virus primarily spreads through the faecal-oral route and can multiply in the intestine, where it can invade...

OpenAI AI Risk Perceptions Study: AI in Education

Findings of the OpenAI Study on AI in Education (India-specific) Positive Findings Improved Learning Outcomes: Generative AI tools can make learning interactive and engaging (e.g., Socratic models), particularly for students with low academic interest or participation. AI-based systems can act...

Indian Navy’s Undersea Warfare

The Indian Navy commenced 2024 with significant advancements in its operational capabilities, particularly through Operation Sankalp. Operation Sankalp Focus on ensuring shipping security from piracy and providing assistance to ships targeted by Houthis in areas like the Gulf of Aden,...

Starlink Device Usage in India Despite Being Unapproved

Context: Elon Musk launched Starlink internet service in Indonesia. Recently Starlink satellite antenna and router were seized in Manipur. It has raised concerns over the misuse of satellite internet in India. About Starlink Satellite Project Aspect Details Launched 2019 What...

New Undersea Cables to Boost India’s Digital Connectivity

Expansion of India’s Undersea Cable Network India is enhancing its undersea cable network with two new systems, the India Asia Xpress (IAX) and the India Europe Xpress (IEX), set to launch in the next three months. The IAX will connect...

Legal Gaps in India’s Unregulated AI surveillance

Use AI Surveillance in India In 2019, the Indian government announced plans to create the world’s largest facial recognition system for policing. AI-powered surveillance systems are in use at railway stations. The Delhi Police is preparing to use AI for...