Category: Science and Technology

How the fair use clause is being applied to generative AI   Context: The use of copyrighted materials to train large language models (LLMs) has become a major legal and ethical issue in the AI industry. With lawsuits mounting across jurisdictions, two recent summary judgments in the U.S. offer critical insight into how courts may…

The medical boundaries for AYUSH practitioners Context: A recent debate over whether AYUSH practitioners (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy) can call themselves “doctors” has reignited a long-standing controversy in India’s healthcare system. What is the Controversy? The controversy stems from: Demands by AYUSH doctors to prescribe allopathic drugs (e.g., antibiotics). Government notifications allowing Ayurvedic postgraduates…

India Energy Stack: A Strategic Leap Towards Smart Energy Management Context: The Ministry of Power is spearheading the India Energy Stack (IES) initiative as part of its mission to build a unified and interoperable digital backbone for India’s power sector. To guide this ambitious project, the Ministry has constituted a 17-member Task Force, comprising leaders…

Retired coal plants eyed for nuclear use Context: In a strategic move to expand India’s clean energy base while addressing land and infrastructure challenges, the Central government is exploring the feasibility of converting retired coal-based power plants into nuclear power stations. More on News This shift comes as part of India’s ambitious nuclear energy goals:…

Japan launches climate change monitoring satellite on mainstay H2A rocket’s last flight Context: On June 29, 2025, Japan successfully launched the GOSAT-GW climate change monitoring satellite aboard its H-2A rocket from Tanegashima Space Center, marking the H-2A’s 50th and final flight. About the GOSAT-GW Satellite The GOSAT-GW (Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse gases and Water…

Synthetic genome: DNA from scratch Context: A major UK-led initiative, the Synthetic Human Genome (SynHG) project, aims to construct human genetic material from scratch to deepen understanding of DNA and develop next-generation medical therapies. Background The original Human Genome Project (1990–2003) sequenced 92% of the human genome. Genome reading technologies have progressed, but genome writing…

GPS interference threatening flights, ships: What is happening, possible solutions Context: In recent years, global navigation systems have come under threat due to increasing incidents of GPS interference, including jamming and spoofing. These disruptions pose serious risks to aviation, maritime, and road transportation, especially in geopolitically sensitive regions. What is GPS Interference and Why is…

India’s Civil Nuclear Sector Reform: Bold Amendments to Unlock Global Investment Context: The Government of India is working on legislative amendments to two key laws — the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010 and the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 — in order to open up India’s civil nuclear sector to greater private and…

ICG inducts ‘Adamya’ the first FPV out of the eight being built by GSL   Context: ‘Adamya’, the first Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) under the eight-FPV, was inducted into the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on June 26, 2025, in Goa. What is Adamya FPV? The vessel is the first FPV of the 08-FPV project, designed and…

Shukla becomes first Indian to enter the ISS Context: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force became the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS). He was part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew, alongside three other astronauts. What is Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)? Axiom Mission 4 is a private…

Technique to make CAR T-cells in vivo could transform cancer care Context: A recent study published by US and international researchers introduced a novel in vivo approach that engineers T cells inside the body using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) carrying messenger RNA (mRNA), bypassing the need for lab-based cell modification and chemotherapy.     What is…

Iran’s n-programme, the illusion of a surgical strike Context: Amid renewed tensions in West Asia, both Israel and the United States have launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, targeting key facilities and top scientists.  More on News Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks, some of which breached Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system. …

Stealth frigate INS Tamal to be commissioned on July 1 Context: The Indian Navy is poised to induct its latest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, at a commissioning ceremony scheduled for July 1 in Kaliningrad, Russia.  What is INS Tamal? INS Tamal is a Tushil-class guided-missile stealth frigate built under Project 11356 at Russia’s Yantar…

Indian drug regulator issues guidelines on disposal of expired and unused medicines Context: In May 2025, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) issued national guidelines on the safe disposal of expired and unused drugs. These were circulated to all state and Union Territory drug controllers, with instructions to encourage adoption by stakeholders across the…

Introduction: SAR is a remote sensing technology that creates sharp, high-resolution images even in dark, cloudy, or smoky conditions. Instead of relying on visible light like traditional cameras, SAR uses microwave pulses to scan surfaces such as land, oceans, ice, or man-made structures.  The system records the echoes of these pulses bouncing off various surfaces…