Centre gives nod to defence proposals worth ₹1.44 lakh cr. Sub: Sci Sec: Defence Context: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the preliminary step of the long procurement process, for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to ₹1,44,716 crore. Of the total cost, 99% is from indigenous sources under Buy […]
OpenAI’s Project Strawberry: The Future of AI’s Advanced Capabilities Sub: Sci Sec: Awareness in IT& Computer Why in News OpenAI is poised to release its most powerful AI model, possibly integrated into ChatGPT-5, under the codename Project Strawberry. This model aims to enhance AI reasoning and introduce autonomous Internet research, marking a significant step […]
How can biotechnology be harnessed for economic development? Sub: Sci Sec: Biotechnology BioE3 Policy: The Centre has introduced the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy to: Revolutionize industrial and manufacturing processes Promote sustainability and environmental friendliness Develop manufacturing methods mimicking natural biological systems Advance the industrialization of biology for economic growth […]
NIAB using next-generation sequencing for genetic print of Indigenous cattle Sub: Sci Sec: Biotech Genetic Conservation of Indigenous Cattle Breeds: The National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) is working to decode the genetic blueprints of indigenous cattle breeds using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and genotyping technology. Goal: Establish molecular signatures for registered cattle […]
De-hyphenating Rice-Wheat: Addressing India’s Divergent Grain Challenges Sub : Sci Sec: Biotech Why This is in News India is currently facing distinct challenges with its two major cereals—wheat and rice. While wheat production is grappling with multiple constraints, rice is experiencing a surplus problem. This divergence necessitates a re-evaluation of policies and strategies […]
How Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France could possibly upend ‘safe harbour’ protection Sub: Sci Sec: Awareness in IT Context: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested by the French police and charged with multiple offences. This has raised questions about the safe harbour provision given to social media platforms. What are the […]
Japan’s Strategic Shift to Heat-Resistant Rice Varieties Amidst Climate Change Sub : Sci Sec: Biotech Japan is facing a significant rice shortage due to extreme weather conditions, leading to concerns about future food security. The nation is now turning to heat-resistant rice varieties to mitigate the impact of climate change on its staple […]
Health Ministry begins work to bring in manpower for its Technical Resource Centres Subject: Sci Sec: health Context: The Union Health Ministry along with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is working towards establishing Technical Resource Centres (TRC), which are mandated to systematically synthesise and evaluate evidence with the objective of developing […]
Will an extended space stay affect astronauts? Subject: Sci Sec: Space sector Context: On August 24, NASA announced that Boeing’s Starliner crew capsule that took astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS), as part of its first crewed test flight, wasn’t safe enough to transport them back. Instead, […]
INS Arighaat: India’s second nuclear sub Subject: Science and tech Section: Defence Context: India’s second nuclear powered submarine, the Arighaat, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam after extensive trials. Background: It is part of India’s Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) program. The project was initiated more than three decades ago, involving […]