November 13, 2024

Science and Technology


LiDAR

Current Context : Recently, Scientists discovered an ancient Mayan city hidden in the dense Mexican jungle using LiDAR technology, which helped reveal buried structures beneath the thick vegetation. What is LiDAR?: A remote sensing method using laser pulses to measure distances, typically from an aircraft to Earth's surface. Data Precision: Creates 3D ground models with up to 10 cm accuracy in elevation. How LiDAR Works Components : Includes a laser, scanner, and GPS receiver. Process : Emits laser pulses that reflect off surfaces. Return time helps calculate distance, creating elevation maps. Point Cloud : Initial data is a "point cloud"....Read More

U-WIN Portal

Current Context : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the U-WIN portal, an online system designed to improve vaccination tracking across the country. Key Features: Records all vaccinations for pregnant women and children under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). Part of the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Program under the National Health Mission (NHM). Ensures timely vaccination against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases for pregnant women and children aged 0-16 years.Read More

BRIC-NABI

Current Context : The new complex of India's first Biomanufacturing Institute, named BRIC-NABI (Bio-Manufacturing Research Innovation and Commercialization-National Agri-Food Biomanufacturing Institute), was recently inaugurated at Mohali in Punjab. Formation : This institute was created by merging the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) and the Centre of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), focusing on advancing India's biomanufacturing sector. Funding : Supported by the Department of Biotechnology. Objectives: Advance research in genetic engineering and metabolic pathways. Support large-scale biomanufacturing and foster startups. Develop bio-based products like biofertilizers and biopesticides. Incubation Center: BioNEST center to assist entrepreneurs, youth, and farmers in commercializing innovations​Read More

UV photodetector

Current Context : The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with IIT-Delhi for the development of diamond-based deep ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors marks a significant milestone in India's technological advancements. Material : Utilizes lab-grown diamonds produced using Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) techniques, with diamond's ultra-wide bandgap properties. About UV Photodetectors UV photodetectors are optoelectronic devices that convert ultraviolet light into electrical signals. They generate a small current or voltage in response to UV light. Types : Diamond-based photodetectors are known for high sensitivity to deep UV light, making them effective for applications requiring precision. Applications : Widely used in fields like environmental....Read More

Biopolymers

Current Context : Recently, the union minister inaugurated India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Pune. ABOUT BIOPOLYMERS: Biopolymers are materials derived from biological sources such as fats, vegetable oils, sugars, resins, and proteins. Characteristics: More complex structures than synthetic polymers. Biodegradable, decomposing through oxidation, hydrolysis, or enzyme action. BENEFITS Environmental Impact: Reduce pollution through natural decomposition, unlike synthetic polymers. Carbon Footprint: Help lower atmospheric CO2 levels, contributing to reduced carbon emissions. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA Demonstration Facility: India's first facility for biopolymers inaugurated in Pune to boost research and production​ Innovative Packaging: New biodegradable film made from chitosan and....Read More

Haber-Bosch Process

Current Context : A hundred million tonnes of nitrogen removed from the atmosphere and converted into fertilizer via the Haber-Bosch process, adding 165 million tonnes of reactive nitrogen to the soil. ABOUT HABER-BOSCH PROCESS: Purpose: It converts nitrogen (N₂) from the air and hydrogen (H₂) into ammonia (NH₃), a key component in fertilizers. Developers: Invented by Fritz Haber in the early 1900s. Industrialized by Carl Bosch, making it possible to mass-produce fertilizers. Significance: Enabled large-scale fertilizer production, supporting global agriculture. Considered one of the most important technological advances of the 20th century. Process: Nitrogen and hydrogen are combined under high pressure and moderately high temperatures. An iron-based catalyst is used to....Read More

X-band radar

Current Context : The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has approved the installation of an X-band radar in Wayanad, Kerala, following severe floods and landslides. ABOUT X-BAND RADAR: Frequency Range: Operates in the 8-12 GHz range, allowing for high-resolution imaging. Applications: Monitors particle movements, such as soil, aiding in landslide warnings. Real-Time Monitoring: Capable of rapid sampling to detect changes in particle movement. Weather Observation: Useful for studying cloud development and light precipitation due to its ability to detect small water particles​ WHAT IS RADAR? Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) uses radio waves to determine the distance, speed, and characteristics....Read More

Current Context : Recently, Taiwan’s navy commander Admiral Tang Hua claimed that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is using an ‘anaconda strategy’ to squeeze the island nation. The 'Anaconda Plan' refers to a military and economic strategy aimed at constraining Taiwan by surrounding it with military resources, similar to an anaconda suffocating its prey. This strategy mirrors the original "Anaconda Plan" from the American Civil War, which aimed to suffocate an adversary without direct confrontation. Objective: To limit Taiwan’s access to international support and resources while maintaining strong naval capabilities in the region.Read More

Tele MANAS

Current Context : Union Health Ministry celebrated the completion of two years of National Tele Mental Health Programme, Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking across States (Tele MANAS) on World Mental Health Day. ABOUT TELE MANAS Tele MANAS app is a comprehensive mobile platform that has been developed for providing support for mental health issues. It offers mind challenges, games, and mindfulness practices. It includes self-care tips, distress signal recognition, and stress management tools. Access: Users can connect for free, 24/7, with trained mental health professionals for confidential counseling. ABOUT WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY Celebrated on October 10 Theme: "It....Read More

Current Context : The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory is a significant milestone for India's space research and astrophysics, inaugurated at Hanle, Ladakh. ABOUT: Location: At an altitude of ~4,300 meters, making it the highest imaging Cherenkov observatory globally and the largest in Asia. Purpose: Observes high-energy gamma rays, aiding the study of energetic cosmic phenomena like supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts. Built by: Indigenously developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)with support from Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL) and other Indian industry partners. Collaboration: Promotes international collaboration, enhancing India’s contributions to space science and astrophysics. Scientific and Socio-Economic Impact: Contributes to the understanding of....Read More

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