science and tech

India’s Position in AI Race, Challenges and Solutions

Context: The emergence of DeepSeek as a cost-effective, high-performing open-source AI model has significant implications for India’s AI ecosystem, spanning AI application development, research, infrastructure, and policy. Global Implications of DeepSeek Disrupting US AI Dominance DeepSeek R1 challenges the US-led...

Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs), Types and Symptoms

Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs) IRDs are a group of genetic conditions that can cause vision loss or blindness. They are caused by mutations in genes that control the function of the retina. Retinal diseases are disorders that affect the Prevalence...

Leprosy in India, Types and Recent Initiatives

Context: The Union Health Ministry is shifting towards a targeted approach to controlling leprosy in India after achieving the elimination status as a public health problem at the national level in 2005. About Leprosy Affected Areas: Leprosy impacts the skin,...

NASA’s Bennu Asteroid Sample: Evidence of Life’s Building Blocks

Context: A recent study on rock and dust samples retrieved from the asteroid Bennu provides strong evidence that space rocks may have played a crucial role in seeding early Earth with the fundamental chemical ingredients for life. About Bennu Bennu...

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

Context: Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the pilot of the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Axiom-4 Mission It is the 4th private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Duration of the mission:...

Fentanyl Crisis in USA and Related Health Risks

Context: Recently, the US President said his administration was discussing a 10% punitive duty on Chinese imports as fentanyl is being sent from China to the US via Mexico and Canada. About Fentanyl Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid used...

Indian Army’s Showstopper MULE Robot Dog At Kolkata’s Republic Day

Context: The Indian Army displayed Robotic Mules (Multi-Utility Legged Equipment)during the Republic Day Parade in Kolkata. What are Robotic Mules? It is a four-legged, remote-controlled ground robot designed to support military operations in diverse terrains. Control: The mule is controlled...

What is Paraquat Poisoning?

Context: Recently, a 24-year-old woman was awarded a death sentence by a Thiruvananthapuram court which found her guilty of poisoning her boyfriend with a chemical herbicide called paraquat. About Paraquate Paraquat, also known as paraquat dichloride or methyl viologen, is...

SANJAY Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)

Context: Recently the Union Defence Minister launched SANJAY, an advanced Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS). About SANJAY SANJAY Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) is a state-of-the-art military technology developed by India to enhance battlefield awareness and improve decision-making during combat operations. Development:...

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory – 125 Years of Solar Physics Research in India

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO), located in Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the oldest solar observatories in the world, established in 1901. Managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), it has been pivotal in advancing solar research and...