News: National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) has launched Mars 2020 rover ‘Perseverance.’ Facts: Mars Perseverance rover mission: It is a part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the Red Planet. Objectives: Explore a geologically diverse landing site Assess ancient habitability Seek signs of ancient life, particularly in special rocks… Continue reading NASA launches Mars rover Perseverance to look for signs of ancient life
Category: Factly: Science and Technology
This category contains all Current Affairs Factly Articles for Prelims, related to Science and Technology. You can find all relevant Science and Technology related updates on this page. This page is specifically useful for UPSC Prelims exam.
Is SARS-CoV-2 a latent virus which can recur?
News: Scientists have said that COVID-19 could be a latent virus as a Delhi policeman tested positive from Covid-19 within one and a half months of having recovered. Facts: What is Latent Viral Infection? It is an infection that is inactive or dormant and does not replicate within the host.However,it possesses the capacity to be… Continue reading Is SARS-CoV-2 a latent virus which can recur?
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor(ITER)
News: The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor(ITER) has entered its years-long assembly phase. Facts: What is ITER? It is a major International scientific experiment intended to prove the viability of fusion as an energy source. Where is it being constructed? An experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor is currently under construction in the south of France. Funding:… Continue reading International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor(ITER)
BelYo, India’s first Covid-19 blockchain platform goes live
Facts: BelYo: It is the country’s first COVID-19 blockchain platform that converts COVID-19 related clinical and vaccination data of citizens from physical form into digital assets which can be retrieved by contact tracing apps like Aarogya Setu. Developed by: BelfricsBT, a global blockchain start-up along with IlIT Bangalore. Additional Facts: Blockchain Technology: It is a… Continue reading BelYo, India’s first Covid-19 blockchain platform goes live
Explained: What is spyware and stalkerware?
News: According to a report,there was a 51% increase in the use of spyware and stalkerware during the lockdown period from March to June. Facts: Spyware and Stalkerware: These are apps like viruses and malware that infect devices that are connected to the internet. However, unlike viruses and malware that can be detected by anti-virus… Continue reading Explained: What is spyware and stalkerware?
Sun like stars hold key for Li increase in the Universe
News: Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics(IIA) have provided evidence for the first time that Lithium(Li) production is common among low mass Sun-like stars during their Helium (He) core burning phase. Facts: About the Study: Scientists performed a large-scale systematic investigation of the ‘He-flash’ (on-set of He-ignition at the star’s core via violent eruption)… Continue reading Sun like stars hold key for Li increase in the Universe
NASA to launch ASTHROS Mission to stratosphere
News: NASA has announced the launch of ASTHROS mission from Antarctica in 2023. Facts: ASTHROS stands for Astrophysics Stratospheric Telescope for High Spectral Resolution Observations at Submillimeter-wavelengths. Aim: To send a telescope into the stratosphere to observe wavelengths of light invisible from the Earth. Significance: The mission will help in trying to find answers about… Continue reading NASA to launch ASTHROS Mission to stratosphere
Explained: What exactly is herd immunity
News: A recent serological survey in Delhi found the presence of coronavirus specific antibodies in about 23% of the samples tested.The results of the survey are being interpreted to suggest that Delhi could be approaching Herd immunity. However, scientists have cautioned against such conclusions. Facts: What is Herd immunity? It is a stage of an… Continue reading Explained: What exactly is herd immunity
China successfully launches first Mars mission
News: China has successfully launched a Mars mission called Tianwen-1. Facts: Tianwen-1 mission: It is China’s first Mars exploration mission.The name comes from the long poem “Tianwen,” meaning Questions to Heaven. Objectives: The mission was launched to fulfil three objectives: To orbit the red planet for comprehensive observation. To land on Martian soil and send… Continue reading China successfully launches first Mars mission
Solar Orbiter Mission Returns First Data, Snaps Closest Pictures of the Sun
News: European Space Agency has released the closest pictures ever taken of the Sun captured by the Solar Orbiter Mission. Facts: Key Takeaways: Camp Fires: There are mini-flares on the sun that are millionths of the size of the Sun’s massive flares that are routinely observed by Earth telescopes. Significance: These camp fires could have… Continue reading Solar Orbiter Mission Returns First Data, Snaps Closest Pictures of the Sun
