Current Affair Category: Science & Technology

Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): “Forever Chemicals” Why in news?: Recent environmental monitoring and scientific studies across India have detected elevated levels of toxic PFAS contamination in groundwater, surface water, seawater, and sewage. This has raised urgent concerns regarding drinking water safety, marine ecosystems, and long-term public health risks. What are PFAS? Definition: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances […]

GS Paper III: Science and Technology | Prelims + Mains Why in News? Research teams in Europe and China have reported advances towards the world’s first working nuclear clocks, using the thorium-229 isotope. The research was reported in Nature. What are Nuclear Clocks? Nuclear clocks measure time using energy transitions within an atom’s nucleus, rather […]

Why in News? A suspected plague-related death of a laboratory worker in Irkutsk, Siberia (Russia) has raised concerns about possible exposure to Yersinia pestis. Several contacts were quarantined and monitored. Russian authorities, however, stated that no evidence of a laboratory accident or plague-causing microorganism was found in the deceased worker’s samples. The WHO has sought […]

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology: New Challenge from DRT3 Why in News? Two studies published in Cell and Science have identified a new family of bacterial reverse transcriptases (DRT3) that can synthesise DNA without a nucleic-acid template, raising new questions about the traditional understanding of the central dogma of molecular biology. What is the Central […]

Why in News? Karnataka has approved the Sustainable Data Centre Policy 2026–31 to expand data-centre infrastructure while addressing concerns related to water, energy and the environment. What are Data Centres? Data centres are specialised facilities that house servers and computing equipment used for websites, cloud services, digital applications and Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-based data centres require large amounts of electricity and generate more […]

Why in News? India has completed the 10,000 Genomes sequencing initiative, following earlier milestones of the first genome sequencing in 2009 and 1,000 genomes in 2019. The expansion of genomics can transform healthcare, but concerns remain regarding genomic data protection, cross-border sample transfer, genetic discrimination, data fragmentation and equitable access. Understanding Human Genomics: Genomics: Study of the complete genetic material of […]

Why in News? The Arctic Region is emerging as an important zone of climate change, resource competition, maritime connectivity and strategic rivalry. Rapid warming is reducing sea-ice cover and increasing the accessibility of Arctic resources and shipping routes, attracting greater attention from the USA, Russia, China and India. Arctic Region: Geographical Significance The Arctic is the region surrounding the North […]

Why in News? The Global Fintech Fest (GFF) in Mumbai highlighted the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into India’s digital payments ecosystem. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) showcased MyUPI, an AI-powered system designed to make UPI payments more automated and user-centric. NPCI also introduced Agentic Orchestration and Messaging (AtOM), a backend framework intended to enable AI agents to interact across […]

Why in News? India has launched its first mainstream Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) SUV, highlighting the growing debate around different types of electric and hybrid vehicles. Types of Electric Vehicles: ICE: Conventional petrol/diesel vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. BEV: Runs entirely on a battery and electric motor; requires external charging. HEV: Uses engine + electric motor; battery is […]

Why in News? The Department of Consumer Affairs notified the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026 on 27 August 2026. The Rules will make Indian Standard Time (IST) the common reference for legal, administrative, commercial and official purposes across India. They will come into force after a 180-day transition period. The Times of India+1 What is “One Nation, One Time”? It is an initiative […]