About The Photocatalysts
Context: Researchers at IISER Bhopal recently developed a new photocatalyst called UC-POP-Au, which absorbs the entire spectrum of light, making it a potent catalyst for chemical processes. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Photocatalysts: Material Effectiveness: Categories of Photocatalysis: Applications: Valuable for: -Source: Times of India
Space Exploration Highlights in 2023 and Upcoming in 2024
Context: The year 2023 witnessed significant space missions, including NASA’s OSIRIS-REx sample return from an asteroid and India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission. The momentum continues into 2024 with NASA’s upcoming missions under Artemis and Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiatives, focusing on lunar exploration. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Upcoming Space Missions in […]
Drug War: On use of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance
Background: The adage “prevention is better than cure” holds valuable wisdom in medicine. However, blindly wielding this principle, particularly in the form of prophylactic antibiotic use, risks undermining the very purpose of treating patients – their recovery. This concern becomes even more dire when considering the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a phenomenon where pathogens evolve to […]
Square Kilometer Array Observatory
Context: Scientists in India will now also be part of the international mega-science project, the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO), that will function as the world’s largest radio telescope. India’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is amongst the world’s six large telescopes. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Radio Telescopes: Detection […]
ISRO Launches X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XpoSat)
Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its inaugural X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XpoSat) to study X-ray polarization and investigate cosmic sources such as Black holes, Neutron stars, and Magnetars. The mission was propelled into Low Earth Orbit via the PSLV-C58 rocket. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: X-ray […]
What is eSoil?
Context: Researchers have developed a new electronic soil that was found to increase the growth of barley seedlings by 50 per cent in a new study. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: eSoil: Advancing Hydroponics with Bioelectronic Growth Substrate Key Features: Working Mechanism: Applications: Benefits: -Source: Indian Express
Balancing Act of the Universe’s Energy Composition
Context: The universe’s energy distribution involves a delicate equilibrium. Dark energy, comprising 68% of the total, emerges as the dominant force influencing the universe’s expansion. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Understanding Dark Energy in the Universe Definition and Significance: Energy Distribution: Key Points on Dark Energy: Implications of Dark Energy […]
Non-invasive Formaldehyde Sensor
Context: Recently, the Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Guwahati University, Assam has developed a cost-effective formalin sensor that can effectively detect the presence of formalin in adulterated fishes. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: Non-invasive Formaldehyde Sensor: Revolutionizing Detection Technology Sensor Composition: Key Components: Synthesis Process: Sensor Characteristics: Comparison […]
Japan’s SLIM Lunar Orbit Entry
Context: Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) successfully entered lunar orbit on December 25, marking a crucial step before its planned moon landing on January 19. This development positions Japan to potentially become the fifth country to achieve a soft landing on the moon, following India’s success with Chandrayaan 3 in August. The outcome […]
About The OSIRIS-APEX Mission
Context: In an unprecedented extension of its celestial duties, the spacecraft that delivered asteroid samples from Bennu, OSIRIS-REx, has embarked on a new mission, and NASA has renamed it as OSIRIS-APEX. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: OSIRIS-APEX Mission: Exploring Changes in Asteroid Apophis Mission Overview: OSIRIS-APEX Spacecraft: Key Facts about […]