Citizens manipulated on social media, FB’s selective curbs
Context: Journalist Maria Ressa from the Philippines is one of two journalists to have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2021, along with Russian Editor Dmitry Muratov. Maria Ressa recently spoke about journalism in the age of authoritarianism, big tech and terrorism. Facebook in India has been selective in curbing hate speech, misinformation and […]
Insulin and tissue health, 100 years of insulin discovery
Context: In a study that examined the effect of insulin – researchers have uncovered how insulin amounts shape the flow of information through the signalling network. It showed that abnormalities in insulin signalling impacts health and survival of tissues. 2021 is a year to celebrate, as it marks the centenary of the discovery of insulin […]
Chemistry Nobel for developing tool to build molecules
Context: The Nobel Prize for chemistry has been awarded to German scientist Benjamin List of the Max Planck Institute and Scotland-born scientist David WC MacMillan of Princeton University for their work in developing a new way for building molecules. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: About the Chemistry Nobel laureates and […]
Nobel for deciphering the science of Touch and Temperature
Context: Two U.S.-based scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine on October 4 2021 for their discovery of the receptors that allow humans to feel temperature and touch. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology (Important developments in science and technology and their application in daily life) Dimensions of the Article: About the […]
Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) Hanle
Context: The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) located at Hanle near Leh in Ladakh is becoming one of the globally promising observatory sites, according to a recent study. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: About IAO at Hanle About Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen (GROWTH) About IAO at Hanle India’s […]
China questions India’s Agni-V missile project
Context: China cited a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution issued after the 1998 nuclear tests to question India’s missile programme amid reports of an upcoming test for the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile. Relevance: GS-III: Science and Technology (Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology, Defence Technology, Indigenization of Technology) Dimensions of the Article: About […]
Israeli armed robots to patrol borders
Context: State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries has unveiled a four-wheel-drive remote-controlled armed robot- “REX MKII” which is capable of patrolling battle zones, tracking infiltrators and opening fire. Relevance: GS-III: Science and Technology, GS-IV: Ethics Dimensions of the Article: Benefits of using robots in war Disadvantages of robots in war Ethicality of using Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems […]
BCG vaccine against TB: 100 years and counting
Context: The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been used since 1921 to prevent tuberculosis (TB) and 2021 marks 100 years of BCG. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology, GS-II: Social Justice (Issues related to Health, Government Policies and Initiatives) Dimensions of the Article: What is BCG Vaccine? What is Tuberculosis? Achievements highlighted in the Annual […]
Ugly face of a crime-fighting move: Facial Recognition System
Context: In June 2021, the Joint Committee examining the Personal Data Protection Bill (2019) was granted a fifth extension by Parliament. The Government is also exploring the potential of facial recognition technology. Relevance: GS-III: Science and Technology, GS-III: Internal Security Challenges Dimensions of the Article: Introduction to Face Recognition How does it work? About Facial […]
Fusion Ignition for the first time in U.S.
Context: Recently, researchers in the U.S. appeared to have demonstrated “fusion ignition” for the first time. This breakthrough has brought the world closer to the dream of near-limitless clean energy through nuclear fusion. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology (Nuclear Technology) Dimensions of the Article: Nuclear Fusion Advantages of Nuclear Fusion About the Fusion Ignition […]