Category: Science & Technology
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Digantara’s SCOT Mission Success
On January 14, 2025, Indian space startup Digantara achieved milestone with the successful launch of its Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) mission. This marks an important step in enhancing space situational awareness and tracking capabilities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The mission was launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rocket, showcasing India’s growing presence in the…
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Pixxel’s Firefly Satellite Constellation
In early 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought into light the achievement of Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel, which launched India’s first private Earth imaging satellite constellation, named ‘Firefly’. This milestone marks a very important moment in India’s space sector, showcasing advancements in satellite technology and imaging capabilities. Overview of Firefly Firefly is India’s first commercial satellite…
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Huntington’s Disease Research Advances
Recent studies have shed light on Huntington’s disease, a genetic disorder leading to the degeneration of brain cells. Despite the known genetic mutation, its delayed onset remains puzzling. New research indicates that the mutation, initially harmless, becomes harmful over time, ultimately causing neurological damage. This disease typically manifests between the ages of 30 and 50,…
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Maharashtra AI Policy Initiative
Recently, the Maharashtra government announced the formation of a 16-member committee to draft the state’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. This initiative aims to position Maharashtra as the first state in India with a dedicated AI policy. The committee’s recommendations will align with the central government’s India AI Mission, enhancing the state’s digital economy and…
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Ayurvedic Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease
Recent breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s disease research offer new hope for effective treatments. A team led by Professor Anirban Bhunia at the Bose Institute has explored innovative approaches to combat neurodegenerative disorders, particularly focusing on amyloid proteins, which are central to Alzheimer’s pathology. Role of Amyloid Proteins Amyloid proteins contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. They aggregate to…
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ISRO Successfully Germinates Black-eyed Pea Seeds in Space
Recent advancements in space agriculture have emerged as critical for long-duration human missions to celestial bodies. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully germinated black-eyed pea seeds in space as part of its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). This milestone marks the potential for sustainable food sources during extended space travel, addressing…
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India’s Third Launch Pad Approved
The Government of India has approved the establishment of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aims to enhance India’s space capabilities, particularly for future human spaceflight missions. The TLP will support the Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and act as a backup for the…
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Subatomic Particle Discoveries
In recent years, physicists have made strides in understanding subatomic particles, revealing new categories and behaviours. The exploration of these particles has led to the identification of exotic forms, such as semi-Dirac fermions, expanding the existing framework of particle physics. Subatomic Particles Overview Subatomic particles are the building blocks of matter. They include fermions, which…
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India Achieves Satellite Docking
Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed its first satellite docking manoeuvre, milestone in India’s space exploration efforts. This makes India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to achieve this capability. What is Docking? It is the process of joining two fast-moving spacecraft in the same orbit. Its use cases include:…
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IMD’s Vision-2047 Document
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently celebrated its 150th foundation day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the Vision-2047 document, outlining ambitious goals for weather forecasting and disaster management. The IMD aims for 100% accuracy in weather forecasts for three days and 90% for five days. The initiative seeks to enhance severe weather detection at the…
