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Context ∙ Recently, scientists have developed a new fuel cell, claiming it can harvest energy from microbes (bacteria) living in the soil. About the Soil-powered fuel cell ∙ It is a new technology that generates power with the help of microbes in the soil instead of chemicals. ∙ The microbes release electrons during the decomposition […]

Context ∙ The Union government recently launched India’s first graphene centre (IICG) in Kerala. ∙ The centre was established to foster research and development, product innovation and capacity building in the area of graphene and 2D material systems. About the Graphene ∙ Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb Applications ∙

Context North Korea has tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). What is Solid-Fuel Technology? ∙ Solid fuel missiles are rockets that use a prepackaged propellant mixture of fuel and oxidiser, as opposed to liquid-fueled missiles which require separate tanks for fuel and oxidizer. ∙ Metallic powders such as aluminum often serve as the

Context ∙ The government will set up a coordination cell to implement the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a focus on establishing four technology hubs. About ∙ The NQM is expected to set up four mission hubs in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices. ∙ It will essentially

Context ∙ Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) succeed the incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps of previous centuries as the world’s light-source of choice. Light-emitting diodes (LED) ∙ A diode is an electronic component which has two points of contact, or terminals, called anode and cathode. A diode’s primary purpose is to allow current to flow in only

Context ∙ The Odysseus lunar lander, has become the first US-made spacecraft to touch down on the moon in 50 years. About ∙ Spacecraft Odysseus built and flown by Texas-based company Intuitive Machines landed near the south pole of the moon. ∙ It is also the first commercial spacecraft to make a touchdown on the

Context ∙ Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru have developed a synthetic human antibody that can neutralize a potent neurotoxin produced by the Elapidae family of snakes. About ∙ Snake Bites cause thousands of deaths every year, especially in India and sub-Saharan Africa.  ∙ The Elapidae family of snakes are highly

Context: ∙ Recently, ISRO informed that the Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA) payload onboard the Aditya-L1 has been operational and performing nominally.  About the Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya-L1 (PAPA) ∙ It is one of seven scientific payloads aboard the 1,480-kg Aditya-L1 (India’s first mission to study the Sun), the solar probe of the

Context:  ∙ In a first, an international team of physicists from the Anti-hydrogen Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, Spectroscopy (AEgIS) collaboration has achieved a breakthrough by demonstrating the laser cooling of Positronium. About ∙ Physicists representing the Antihydrogen Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, Spectroscopy (AEgIS) collaboration announced this scientific achievement. ∙ AEgIS is a collaboration of physicists from 19

Recently, ISRO has successfully completed the human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine, which represents a major boost to India’s attempt to launch humans into space under the Gaganyaan mission. About the Gaganyaan Mission: ∙ India’s first human spaceflight program, aims to send astronauts into a low earth orbit. ∙ A critical aspect of this