S&T Current Affairs Gist Mana La Excellence

S&T Current Affairs Gist 2024

(1st Jan 2024- 14th March 2024)

1. Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)- India joined SKAO; An ambitious multinational initiative to
build the world’s largest radio telescope spanning over a square kilometre; A vast collection of thousands of
telescope antennas interconnected at sites in South Africa and Australia; India's expertise in software
development, including the advanced 'Telescope Manager,' derived from running the Giant Metrewave Radio
Telescope (GMRT), enhances SKAO's capabilities. Participation in SKAO offers India opportunities to deepen
cosmic understanding, including insights into galaxy evolution, stars, and black holes.

2. XPoSAT- ISRO successfully launched the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) PSLV -C58 (PSLV-C58 was the
60th flight of ISRO’s Polar Satellite launch Vehicle) at 650km. First dedicated satellite from ISRO for
researching and measuring X-ray emissions from celestial sources like black holes and neutron stars. Second
satellite globally to study X-ray polarization, following NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE)
launched in 2021.

XSPECT, one of its payloads, conducts spectral and timing studies of soft X-ray emissions. Another payload,
POLIX, measures X-ray polarization from cosmic sources in the 8-30 keV energy range. XSPECT tracks changes
in soft X-ray emissions' spectral line intensities and profiles, covering 0.8-15 keV energies. XSPECT successfully
imaged Cassiopeia A, capturing the expanding gas shell from a supernova explosion.

Cassiopeia A is a supernova remnant located 11,000 light years away, offering insights into cosmic
phenomena. XPoSat's observations can provide valuable insights into gamma-ray bursts and other energetic
cosmic events.
Fourth stage of PSLV C58 lowered to about 350 km altitude for conducting PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-
3 (POEM-3) experiment; ISRO successfully tests Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell on PSLV-C58’s orbital
platform POEM3;
India’s space telescope AstroSat has for the first-time measured X-ray polarization from the Cygnus X-1 black
hole. Cygnus X-1 is one of the first confirmed black hole systems in our galaxy.)
3. Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) base stations- India adopts Open RAN for rural connectivity.
Open RAN disaggregates base station architecture. Open RAN allows: Mixing and matching components from
multiple vendors, Easy integration of new innovations and localized solutions, Faster rollout of networks;
Benefits: cost efficiency, flexibility, innovation. Applications: rural broadband, private 5G networks, public Wi-
Fi, disaster management. Aligns with National Digital Communications Policy 2018.
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4. Cervical Cancer- Government initiative in 2024 budget to promote HPV vaccination for girls aged 9-14.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women. Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)
infections, often sexually transmitted. Over 120,000 women diagnosed annually, with over 75,000 deaths.
HPV vaccination recommended for girls aged 9-14 by NTAGI. Available vaccines: Gardasil and CERVAVAC.
India aims to save over 125,000 lives annually by strengthening the immunization program.

5. Obelisks- Recently, researchers at Stanford University discovered a new virus-like entity called obelisks.
Microscopic entities in human mouth and gut; Circular genetic material, self-organize into rods; Have RNA
genome, contain genes for proteins. Different from viruses and viroids; Likely rely on bacteria or fungi as
hosts for replication, without impacting the cell function of the host; Found in human gut, mouth, dental
plaque; Impact on human health uncertain, more research needed.

6. Vyommitra- Half-humanoid robot developed by ISRO; To simulate human activities aboard spacecraft;
Functions: Monitor parameters, perform life support operations, respond to queries using AI; India is
planning to send astronauts to low Earth orbit by 2025; Vyommitra's orbital mission in 3rd quarter of 2024,
crewed mission likely in 2025.

7. The Future Circular Collider (FCC) - is a proposed €16 billion expansion of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)
at CERN; To probe deeper into fundamental physics, investigate dark matter, supersymmetry, etc. Benefits:
Drive technological innovation, enhance international collaboration. Large Hadron Collider- World’s most
advanced and powerful particle accelerator ; Giant 27km long experimental underground machine; Fires two
beams of protons generated from D shaped superconducting electro-magnets to collide at nearly the speed
of light; To simulate conditions that existed only factions of seconds after Big Bang; Project with International
collaboration; Discovered Higgs Boson aka God Particle (a particle that gives other particles mass); Recently,
discovered 3 new subatomic particles- a new kind of "pentaquark" and the first-ever pair of "tetraquarks";
Quarks- elementary particles that combine in groups of twos and threes to form hadrons such as the protons
and neutrons. Rarely, however, they can also combine into four-quark and five-quark particles, or tetraquarks
and pentaquarks.

8. Neuralink- Neuralink, founded in 2016 by Elon Musk; It achieved a milestone (In Feb 2024) with first human
brain chip implant. It aims to develop advanced neural interface technology for treating neurological
disorders and enhancing human-AI symbiosis. Brain Chip Implant: "Link" device monitors brain activity,
inserted via minimally invasive surgery using specialized robot. Applications: Addresses epilepsy, Parkinson’s,
spinal cord injuries; potential for sensory/motor function restoration and cognitive enhancement. Challenges
include surgical risks, device safety, and ethical implications of cognitive enhancement.
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9. Deep Technology- The Finance Minister unveiled a Rs 1 lakh crore fund for research and development
initiatives during the Interim Budget address; Aims to provide long-term, low-cost, or zero-interest loans for
R&D projects and support deep-tech capabilities.

Deep tech refers to startups developing offerings based on tangible engineering innovation or scientific
discoveries. Deep tech innovations disrupt existing markets or create new ones, requiring significant time
and capital for development. Deep tech startups in India raised USD 2.7 billion in venture funding in 2021
and now represent over 12% of the country's startup ecosystem. The Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy
(NDTSP) aims to create an enabling environment for deep tech startups, focusing on areas like funding,
intellectual property, tax incentives, and talent nurturing. Challenges for deep tech projects include high risk,
scarcity of specialized talent, market readiness, and insufficient research funding

10. SWATI (Science for Women- A Technology & Innovation) Portal - The government launched the SWATI
portal in February 2024 to highlight accomplishments of Indian women in STEMM fields. Women constitute
only 13-15% of researchers in STEMM in India, leading to a visibility gap and hindering diversity and
innovation; The portal allows self-registration of profiles and provides dynamic analytics on women's
distribution in STEMM roles; It addresses inclusion challenges by guiding counselling programs, enabling
targeted opportunity initiatives, and empowering women scientists.

11. BharatGPT- BharatGPT is a consortium, led by Reliance and top Indian institutes (IIT, IISc), will launch
Hanooman, an AI rival to ChatGPT; It aligns with India's AI goals for a $1 trillion economy by 2036. Hanooman
targets Indian language diversity, knowledge, and entertainment-education blend to compete globally.
Reliance's tech investments, including Jio Brain for AI integration, position it for rapid adoption. BharatGPT's
public-private partnership model combines elite research support and collaborative product development.

12. BHU’s Human DNA Bank- BHU (Banaras Hindu University) launched the Human DNA Bank and is almost
done with the Wildlife DNA Bank, both part of Make in India. These banks advance genetic research, aiding
personalized medicine and wildlife conservation. Following Estonia's model, they tackle hereditary diseases
and improve healthcare with tailored treatment plans. They also enhance disease control strategies and
preserve endangered species through genetic diversity.

13. Monkey Fever- Monkey Fever, or Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), is a concern in Karnataka, , caused by
the KFD virus. Recent outbreaks have led to fatalities. It spreads through tick bites or contact with infected
monkeys. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain. Diagnosis involves PCR testing, and treatment
focuses on supportive care. Prevention includes vaccination and avoiding tick exposure.
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14. Gemini Chatbot- Google renamed its chatbot, Bard, as Gemini; It introduces the Ultra 1.0 model, excelling
in complex tasks like coding. Seamlessly integrated with Google products, Gemini supports text, speech, and
image interactions, aiming for global accessibility and expansion.

15. National Deworming Day 2024 The National Deworming Day is celebrated annually on February 10th
across India to deworm all pre-school and school-age children between 1 and 19 years old. It aims to optimize
overall health, nutritional status, access to education, and life quality of young children by providing them
with deworming medication. The initiative started in February 2015 , Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
leading its implementation. Activities include administering Albendazole tablets to children in government
and government-aided schools and anganwadi centers, followed by a Mop-Up Day for those who missed the
dose. Deworming helps reduce malnutrition, supports physical and mental growth, and spreads awareness
about health and the eradication of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH).

STH, or intestinal worms, are parasites transmitted from soil and pose significant health risks, especially to
children. Transmission occurs due to poor hygiene, contaminated food and water, and consumption of raw
or uncooked meat. Symptoms include digestive issues, weight loss, fatigue, and itchiness, while long-term
effects include stunted growth, anaemia, energy loss, and organ damage. Prevention measures include
sanitation, consuming cooked food, using filtered water, and maintaining hygiene. Globally, 24% of the
population is infected with STH worms, with around 241 million children in India at risk. Treatment involves
oral medications like praziquantel for tapeworm infections and mebendazole or albendazole for roundworm
infections. The National Deworming Day contributes to reducing anaemia and complements efforts under
the POSHAN Abhiyan, addressing long-term health and educational issues in children.

16. Pulse Polio Program 2024-

On March 3, 2024, India observed Polio Day with a nationwide Pulse Polio Immunization drive aimed at
administering polio vaccines to children under 5 years old. India launched the Pulse Polio immunization
program in 1995 as part of the Universal Immunization Program, aiming for 100% coverage. As of January 13,
2023, India has been polio-free for 12 years. Concerns of cases from Afghanistan, Pakistan led to intense Polio
Imunisation in India.

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral infection primarily affecting the nervous system,
transmitted through contaminated water, food, or contact with infected individuals. Polio symptoms include
flu-like symptoms, muscle weakness, sensitivity to touch, and in severe cases, paralysis. Polio vaccines are
crucial for preventing the spread of the virus, contributing to global eradication efforts, protecting
unvaccinated individuals, ensuring long-term health and well-being, and providing economic benefits by
reducing healthcare costs and loss of productivity.
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17. Coronoal Mass Ejection- Solar Wind- Aditya L1

18. INSAT 3DS - GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission launched from SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota and placed the satellite
in Geostationary Orbit; GSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle with a liftoff mass of 420 tonnes. It includes solid
and liquid propellant stages, along with a cryogenic stage; INSAT-3DS is a meteorological satellite funded by
the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). It aims to enhance meteorological observations and disaster warning
capabilities. Mission Objectives: Monitor Earth's surface and environment, including oceanic observations;
Provide vertical profiles of meteorological parameters; Support Satellite Aided Search and Rescue services.

19. YUVIKA 2024- ISRO's Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA) 2024 aims to inspire school children's interest
in space science and technology. Students in Class 9 can apply, undergo two weeks of training, and participate
in various activities, including interactions with ISRO scientists.

20. 10000 Genome Project- The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) completed the '10,000 Genomes
Project,' sequencing genomes from diverse Indian populations; Enables precision medicine and genetic
epidemiology studies tailored to India's population diversity; Project conceptualized in 2020 under the
National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-20. 10,010 genomes sequenced from individuals across
28 states and 9 union territories; Implemented using a hub-and-spoke model with three anchor institutes:
CSIR-IGIB, IISER-RCGT, and ILS. World’s first ethnically relevant genome database positioning India among few
countries with indigenous genomic information at population scale; Applications: Understanding genetic
diseases, enabling preventive healthcare policies, driving research in genomics, precision medicine, and
agriculture; Potential to develop targeted drugs, diagnostics, and treatment protocols optimized for Indian
sub-groups, revolutionizing healthcare.

21. Crew Gaganyan- PM revealed the identities of the four pilots undergoing training for India’s first human
space flight mission, Gaganyaan- Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group
Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander S Shukla. The mission (2024-2025), aims to send a crew of three
individuals into a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission, with a safe return to Earth via landing in Indian sea
waters.

22. Indigenous Electrolyser- Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has launched its first indigenously made electrolyser at
the Green Hydrogen Plant in Hazira, Gujarat, signalling its entry into domestic electrolyser manufacturing;
The electrolyser has a power capacity of 1 MW, expandable up to 2 MW, and can produce 200 Nm3/Hr of
hydrogen efficiently. (Electrolysers, which use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, are a critical
technology for producing low-emission hydrogen from renewable energy.) It helps in achieving the targets
under National Green Hydrogen Mission.
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23. Chakshu- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched 'Chakshu' on the Sanchar Saathi portal
to combat telecom misuse in cyber-crime and financial frauds. 'Chakshu' allows citizens to report suspected
fraud communications, including calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages, simplifying the reporting process.
Citizens can report various types of fraud, such as KYC-related frauds, impersonation, sextortion, and other
fraudulent activities.

24. CSapce- Kerala is launching CSpace, India’s first government-backed OTT platform. It aims to democratize
content consumption with a mix of informative and entertaining content. Managed under the Department
of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala, it signifies the convergence of technology and culture.

25. IndiaAI Mission- The Union Cabinet has approved the IndiaAI mission with a budget of Rs. 10,371.92
crore; The mission aims to bolster AI innovation in India and leverage AI for national advancement. It focuses
on establishing the India AI Innovation Centre (IAIC) as a premier academic institution; IAIC will develop and
deploy foundational AI models, emphasizing indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and domain-
specific models. The mission includes provisions to enhance AI startup financing mechanisms, facilitating
funding for budding AI startups. It involves the setup of a National Data Management Office to streamline
data management processes for AI initiatives. Additionally, the proposal includes scaling AI computing
infrastructure at five locations, targeting 3,000 AI Petaflops computing power, and establishing Inference
Farm and Edge Compute systems.

26. Bharat Semiconductor Research Centre- The Union Minister of State for Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship, Electronics and Information Technology, announced the establishment of the 'Bharat
Semiconductor Research Centre' during the All-India Research Scholars Summit – 2024. The centre is
expected to be set up at the Indian Institute of Technology – Madras; will initially be co-located with
Semiconductor Complex Ltd; It aims to become a global standard institution, collaborating with academia,
government, private sector, and startups; The research centre will focus on areas related to semiconductors,
including materials, physics, transistors, devices, packaging, and system innovation. In the Budget for 2024-
25, the Government of India allocated ₹1-lakh crore as the 'Research and Innovation Fund' to catalyse
innovation and research through an industry-academia partnership model.

27. 'Sangam: Digital Twin' initiative - The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched the 'Sangam:
Digital Twin' initiative through the Telecom Centre of Excellence (TCOE); It is to revolutionize infrastructure
planning and management. Digital twins replicate physical assets digitally, collect real-time data, and model
process behaviours to improve operational efficiency and potentially save costs in infrastructure projects.
The initiative is seen as a paradigm shift in conceptualizing and managing infrastructure; It paves the way for
smarter, more resilient cities and driving innovation and efficiency in the telecom industry.
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28. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Technology Hub (MATH)- The Department of Science &
Technology has partnered with the Telangana government-led T-Hub to establish the MATH; To foster AI
innovation and create job opportunities in India. MATH will be equipped with a mini data center with GPU
capabilities, a tailored learning management system (LMS) for AI education, and robust data infrastructure
to support various AI applications. The hub aims to nurture over 150 startups annually. Generate more than
500 AI-related jobs by 2025 by providing access to advanced compute infrastructure, AI skilling programs,
data lakes, and virtual connectivity to global AI ecosystems. India's AI market, expected to reach $17 billion
by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25-35%.

29. New Space Port at Kulashekarapatnam- ISRO is developing a new spaceport at Kulasekharapatnam in
Tamil Nadu to launch payloads to polar orbits efficiently. A dogleg maneuver involves altering a satellite's
launch trajectory to avoid collisions or prevent debris from falling in populated areas. The Kulasekharapatnam
Spaceport allows launches to be sent directly south over the Indian Ocean without the need for a dogleg
maneuver, improving payload capability. The spaceport will be dedicated exclusively to SSLVs developed by
the private sector, with an investment of Rs 950 crore.

30. Indelible Ink- Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd (MPVL) is the sole manufacturer of indelible ink, essential
for elections. They received a record order worth ₹55 crore from the Election Commission for 26.55 lakh
vials. MPVL is also fulfilling export orders from countries like Cambodia, Fiji Islands, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-
Bissau. MPVL is exploring alternative products like marker pens as well. Indelible ink is applied on the left
forefinger of voters to prevent fraudulent voting and contains silver nitrate. The ink mark lasts for about three
days on the skin and a few weeks on the fingernail.

31. India's fastest indigenous IP/MPLS router- Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled India's fastest
indigenous IP/MPLS router in Bengaluru. The router boasts a capacity of 2.4 tbps (terabytes per second), a
significant milestone in India's technological advancement. It aligns with the Digital India Vision. Key
features- blazing speed, versatile applications across various sectors, and the use of MPLS routing technique.
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) optimizes data transfer efficiency by directing data based on labels
rather than traditional network addresses. The router is developed through collaboration between the
Department of Telecom, CDOT, and Nivetti, showcasing India's technological innovation.

32. Mission Divyastra- Successful testing of an Agni missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable
Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, marking the success of Mission Divyastra. This latest variant of the
missile, Agni-5, is equipped with MIRV technology, allowing it to carry multiple warheads meant to hit
multiple targets simultaneously. Agni-5, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, has a range of over 5,000 km.
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Currently, only a few countries possess MIRV-equipped missiles, including the United States, Russia, China,
France, and the United Kingdom.

33. PFBR- Stage 2 of Nuclear Program- Commencement of core-loading at the indigenous Prototype Fast
Breeder Reactor (PFBR) situated in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. PFBR produces more nuclear fuel than it
consumes. Core-loading event signifies the onset of Stage II of India’s nuclear power program. Utilizes liquid
sodium as primary coolant. Significance of PFBR: Uses Pu-239 and U-238 to produce energy, U-233, and more
Pu-239. Liquid sodium facilitates heat transfer and electricity generation.

India's nuclear power contributes around 3.11% of its total power generation, ranking fifth among its
electricity sources. India’s 3-stage Nuclear Power Program: Stage 1: Relies on PHWRs using natural uranium
as fuel, operational since the 1960s. Stage 2: Focuses on developing FBRs using plutonium-239 produced in
Stage 1, in development phase. Stage 3: Involves developing thorium-based reactors, in research &
development phase.

34. Samudrayan- The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has launched India’s first manned ocean
mission “Samudrayaan” in Chennai. This Unique Ocean Mission has made India into the elite club of nations
such as the US, Russia, France, Japan, and China; Exploration targets include polymetallic manganese
nodules, gas hydrates, hydrothermal sulfides, and cobalt crusts found at depths between 1000 to 5500
meters; Undertaken by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), the project received a site
allocation of 75,000 sq km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin from the International Sea Bed Authority (ISA)
for 15 years; Estimated resource potential of polymetallic nodules is 380 million tonnes, containing
manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt. Matsya 6000 is the human rated deep-sea vehicle developed under
the Samudrayaan project.; It is designed to carry three persons underwater for deep-sea exploration to a
depth of 6000 meters;

Six components of the mission include technology development for deep-sea mining, ocean climate change
advisory services, sustainable use of marine bio-resources, deep ocean survey and exploration, energy
production from the ocean, and advanced marine station for ocean biology; Promotes exploration and
utilization of ocean resources for clean energy, drinking water, and blue economy development.

All The Best

D. Malleswari