Current Affair Category: Science & Technology

Key Points from the Article: Discovery of Water-Ice on the Moon Beyond Polar Regions: New analysis of data from Chandrayaan-3 suggests the possibility of water-ice in locations outside the Moon’s polar regions. ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) data revealed that surface and sub-surface temperatures vary significantly in higher latitudes based on altitude and exposure to […]

Hantavirus: Rare Rodent-Borne Disease Cause: Hantavirus is transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Notable Case: Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, passed away from complications of hantavirus. What is Hantavirus? Transmission: Spread via inhalation of particles from dried droppings or urine of rodents. Rarely transmitted among humans. Initial Symptoms: Fever, […]

Why in News The Union government launched AI Kosha, a platform with non-personal datasets to assist in developing artificial intelligence (AI) models and tools. This marks a significant step in India’s state-backed AI initiative under the IndiaAI Mission. Key Points: Launch of AI Kosha: A repository for non-personal data to build AI models and tools. […]

Quantum Technology and National Security Risks 1. Unique Features of Quantum Computing Quantum computing uses quantum bits (qubits), which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. Offers immense computational power, enabling faster execution of certain tasks compared to classical computers. Potential to crack modern encryption systems, destabilize financial markets, and revolutionize military capabilities. 2. National Security […]

Firefly Aerospace, a private American space company, successfully landed its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the Moon, marking a significant achievement in private lunar exploration. Blue Ghost Spacecraft on the Moon: The Blue Ghost spacecraft, developed by the American private space company Firefly Aerospace, recently achieved a significant milestone in lunar exploration by landing on the […]

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. SMA Type 1, also known as Werdnig-Hoffmann disease, is the most severe and early-onset form of SMA. Causes: Genetic Mutation:SMA is caused by a […]

Why in News? Surveillance capitalism has come under scrutiny for its reliance on the commodification of personal data, its impact on privacy and autonomy, and its links to state surveillance. What is Surveillance Capitalism? Definition: An economic system where personal data is collected, analysed, and sold by corporations to predict and manipulate human behaviour. Core […]

Why in the news? Microsoft recently announced a major breakthrough in quantum computing—a new way to create qubits (quantum bits) that are more stable and scalable than current methods. The company claims this technology could accelerate the development of practical quantum computers, potentially reducing the timeline from decades to just a few years. However, this […]

Why in News? Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will inaugurate the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories on February 21, 2025, at Raisen, Madhya Pradesh. This event will feature drone […]

Why in News? Chandrayaan-3 Lander (Vikram):In August 2023, India’s ISRO made a significant achievement by successfully carrying out a soft landing of the Vikram Lander on the Moon. After the landing, there was still some unused propellant remaining in the lander, which led to an unexpected hop experiment. Unexpected Hop on the Moon:Using the remaining […]