Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CURRENT AFFAIRS – TARGET 2018
(AUGUST-2017) By
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari - Scientist in IIT Delhi with the association of DST (GoI) - Author of McGraw Hill Publication of Science & Technology - More than 15 years teaching experiences - Faculty of Enroute IAS (Old rajendra Nagar, N.Delhi)
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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Complete currents are compiling in these units
Unit-1: Development of Science & Technology
Unit-2: Energy
Unit-3: Space Technology
Unit-4: Information and Communication Technology
Unit-5: Defence Technology
Unit-6: Robotics and Nanotechnology
Unit-7: Intellectual Property Rights
Unit-8: Particle Physics
Unit-9: Biotechnology
Unit-10: Health and Diseases
Unit-11: Miscellaneous
UNIT-I: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA
1. CSIR ranked 9th in the world • India's largest autonomous public research and development organization CSIR has
been ranked ninth in the world.
• The ranking is based on a composite indicator that combines research performance,
innovation outputs and societal impact measured by their web visibility, so as to reflect
scientific, economic and social characteristics of institutions.
• The institute has been ranked ninth amongst a total of 1,207 government institutions,
according to the Scimago Institutions ranking World Report 2017.
(Note: Scimago Institutions ranking is a science evaluation resource to assess worldwide
universities and research focused institutions.)
• In overall global ranking, CSIR stands at 75th position amongst 5250 institutions
world-wide.
UNIT-II: ENERGY
2. Three contracts signed on NPP Three main contracts were signed between state-owned Nuclear Power
Corporation of India (NPCIL) and Russia’s JSC Atoms troy export for priority
design works, working design and supply of the main equipment for stage III of
Kudankulam NPP.
Note: 20 November 1988, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Soviet President Mikhail
Gorbachev signed an inter-governmental agreement on the project, for the construction of two
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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reactors.
1. JSC Atomstroy export is a key foreign trade engineering company of State Corporation
“Rosatom” for construction of nuclear power facilities abroad.
Note: The State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom headquartered in Moscow that
specializes in nuclear energy.
2. The Kudankulam NPP was the outcome of an inter-governmental agreement
between the erstwhile Soviet Union and India in 1988.
3. It is the single largest nuclear power station in India. The power station was
envisaged to have six units with total capacity to generate 6,000 MW of
electricity (1,000 MW each).
Note: The capacity of these reactors has not been declared yet, however, it is expected that
the capacity of each reactor will be 1000 MW or 1 GW; thus they would bring the total
capacity of the power plant to 9200 MW or 9.2 GW.
3. Niti Action Agenda`
Niti Aayog has set for the government an ambitious goal of 100 giga watt of clean
energy by 2019–20 and wants financial provision for generation and infrastructure
rather than just capacity creation.
A renewable energy capacity of 100 GW should be achieved by 2019–20 so as to
contribute to achievement of 175 GW target by 2022.
It is a 3–Year Action Agenda unveiled by the Niti Aayog.
1. The Central Electricity Authority monthly report for July 2017, India has 58.3
GW of renewable energy capacity, including 32.5 GW wind power, 13.1 GW
solar power, 4.3 GW small hydro and 8.1 GW biomass.
2. The Agenda stressed on the need for developing storage solutions to boost
use of clean energy in the country.
3. It suggested that the state-owned Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
should develop storage solutions within next three years to help bring down
prices through demand aggregation of both household and grid scale batteries.
4. On strengthening the renewable purchase obligations (RPO) system, it
favored creation of a robust market for renewable power by 2019–20 through
effective implementation of RPOs, especially in light of uniform targets.
4. UN opens uranium bank
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN global nuclear watchdog,
opened a uranium bank in Kazakhstan on 29 August 2017, a $150-million facility
designed to discourage new nations from enriching the nuclear fuel.
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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The Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Bank in the city of Oskemen, in eastern
Kazakhstan, will store up to 90 tonnes of the fuel, enough to power a large city for
three years, and sell it to IAEA members if they are unable to procure it elsewhere.
1. Russia has operated a sim`ilar bank since 2010 but the one in Kazakhstan will
be the first one fully owned and operated by the global nuclear watchdog.
2. The IAEA LEU bank, Kazakhstan has made another contribution to
strengthening the global non-proliferation regime.
International Day against Nuclear Tests
The International Day against Nuclear Tests was observed across the world on 29
August with an aim to raise awareness about the effects of nuclear weapon test
explosions or any other nuclear explosions.
The day seeks to promote peace and security world-wide and calls for urgent
need to prevent nuclear catastrophes to avert devastating effects on
humankind, environment and the planet.
1. The International Day against Nuclear Tests was instituted by the United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by unanimously adopting resolution in
December 2009.
2. The resolution was initiated by Kazakhstan with support of large number of
sponsors and cosponsors on 29 August 1991.
3. The Day was first observed in 2010 and since then observed annually to
galvanize the necessity of banning nuclear weapon tests.
International Biodiesel Day / World Bio Fuel Day 2017
The International Biodiesel Day (IBD) is celebrated every year on August 10 in a
bid to create awareness about non fossil-fuels (Green Fuels).
The day also honours the research experiments by Sir Rudolf Diesel who ran an
engine with peanut oil in the year of 1893. His research experiment had predicted
that vegetable oil is going to replace the fossil fuels in the next century to fuel different
mechanical engines.
Benefits of Biodiesel
1. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel.
2. It is biodegradable, sustainable, non-toxic environment friendly fuel.
4. On burning, it emits 60% less carbon dioxide (CO2).
5. The energy produced by biodiesel on combustion is approximately 90% of
that of energy produced by petroleum diesel.
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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6. Byproducts–methyl esters and glycerine obtained during production of biodiesel
can be used preparation of soaps and other products.
About Biodiesel
1. The Biodiesel is an alternative fuel which can be used in place of fossil fuels.
2. It is manufactured from vegetable oils, recycled grease, algae, and animal fat.
3. It is produced through a chemical process called transesterification, in which
glycerine is separated from the vegetable oil or fat.
World Bio Fuel Day 2017
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) celebrated the World Biofuel
Day 2017 on 10th August 2017.
Government efforts in this regard:
▪ The government will also be coming out with the BioFuel Policy soon.
▪ The policy will take into consideration various facets like Role of Government,
Return on investment, Minimum Assurance etc.
▪ Both the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Ministry of Petroleum
and Natural Gas will be working towards more utilisation of biofuels.
About World Bio Fuel Day:
Every year 10th August is observed as World Bio-Fuel Day in a bid to create
awareness about non fossil-fuels (Green Fuels).
On this day in 1893, Sir Rudolph Diesel (inventor of the diesel engine) for the
first time successfully ran mechanical engine with Peanut Oil. His research
experiment had predicted that vegetable oil is going to replace the fossil fuels in the
next century to fuel different mechanical engines. Thus to mark this extraordinary
achievement, World Biofuel Day is observed every year on 10th August.
Methanol a clean, cheaper fuel
The government has asked the think-tank NITI Aayog to study the automobile
standards developed in China to use methanol as an alternative fuel.
Methanol as an alternative fuel:
Methanol is a promising fuel for waterways as it is clean, cheaper than fossil fuels and
a good substitute for heavy fuels. India imports methanol from Saudi Arabia and
Iran at present.
Methanol can be blended with gasoline in low-quantities and used in existing
road vehicles, or it can be used in high-proportion blends such as M85-M100 in
flex-fuel or dedicated methanol-fueled vehicles. Technology is also being
commercialized to use methanol as a diesel substitute.
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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• Methanol is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer smog-causing
emissions — such as sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and
particulate matter — and can improve air quality and related human health
issues.
• As a high-octane vehicle fuel, methanol offers excellent acceleration and power.
It also improves vehicle efficiency.
MOUs signed for distribution of Energy Efficient appliances
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the Ministry of Power, have
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oil Marketing Companies
(OMCs) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) for
distribution of energy efficient appliances under the flagship Unnat Jeevan by
Affordable LEDs and appliances for All (UJALA) scheme.
▪ According to the agreement, Oil Marketing Companies- IOCL, BPCL and HPCL
will take up distribution of LED Bulbs, LED Tubelights and energy efficient Fans
from select retail outlets across the country.
About UJALA scheme:
The main objective of the scheme is to promote efficient lighting, enhance
awareness on using efficient equipment which reduce electricity bills and help
preserve environment.
▪ The scheme is being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL),
a joint venture of PSUs under the Union Ministry of Power.
▪ also contribute to the energy security of India.
▪ The scheme is being monitored in a transparent manner through a national
dashboard (delp.in).
▪ The distribution of LED bulbs will happen through DISCOM offices, DISCOM
bill collection centres, designated EESL kiosks, Weekly haat markets, etc.
Why does the 2022 target for rooftop solar seem ambitious?
The government has set itself a target of 100 GW of solar power by 2022, of which
60 GW is to come from utilities and 40 GW from rooftop solar installations.
While the 60 GW target seems achievable, the country is lagging behind on the target
set for rooftop solar.
What is rooftop solar?
Rooftop solar installations — as opposed to large-scale solar power generation plants
— can be installed on the roofs of buildings. As such, they fall under two brackets:
commercial and residential. This simply has to do with whether the solar panels are
being installed on top of commercial buildings or residential complexes.
What are the benefits?
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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Rooftop solar provides companies and residential areas the option of an alternative
source of electricity to that provided by the grid. While the main benefit of this is
to the environment, since it reduces the dependence on fossil-fuel generated
electricity, solar power can also augment the grid supply in places where it is erratic.
Rooftop solar also has the great benefit of being able to provide electricity to
those areas that are not yet connected to the grid — remote locations and areas
where the terrain makes it difficult to set up power stations and lay power lines.
What is the potential for rooftop solar in India?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has pegged the market potential for
rooftop solar at 124 GW. However, only 1,247 MW of capacity had been installed
as of December 31, 2016. That is a little more than 3% of the target for 2022, and
1% of the potential.
Why is it not being adopted widely?
▪ One of the major problems with rooftop solar — and what affects solar energy
generation in general — is the variability in supply.
▪ Storage is one solution. Storage technology for electricity, however, is still
underdeveloped and storage solutions are expensive.
▪ Another major reason why rooftop solar is not becoming popular is that the
current electricity tariff structure renders it an unviable option. Many states
have adopted a net metering policy, which allows disaggregated power producers
to sell excess electricity to the grid.
Development of Radiation Technology
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) – Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
has been actively engaged in R&D work on the technology of preservation and
hygienization of food and agri-products by radiation
Unique advantages of radiation processing are:
▪ Significant increase in shelf life for many products including fruits,
vegetables, cereals, pulses, spices, sea foods and meat products.
▪ Effective elimination of harmful bacteria, viruses and insects/pests.
▪ Cold & clean process (No temperature raise or residue); and treatment done
after final packaging (no repacking necessary).
UNIT-III: SPACE TECHNOLOGY
TRAPPIST-1 older than solar system
TRAPPIST-1 is a system of seven Earth-size planets orbiting an ultra-cool dwarf
star about 40 light-years away.
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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This is up to twice as old as our own solar system, which formed some 4.5 billion
years ago.
The star is about the size of Jupiter and much cooler than sun.
IRNSS-1H mission unsuccessful
Indian Space Research Organsiation's (ISRO) attempt to launch India's eighth
navigation satellite IRNSS-1H failed on 31 August 2017. Since heat shield did
not open on PSLV-C39, satellite got trapped, thus making the launch unsuccessful.
1. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C39) carrying the 1425-kg navigation satellite
IRNSS-1H blasted off from the second launch pad at Sriharikota in Andhra
Pradesh.
2. Since 2013, Isro has launched seven navigation satellites. The last one was
launched on April 28, 2016. Each satellite has a life span of 10 years.
3. The satellite, which was launched today, supposes to replace IRNSS-1A as its
rubidium atomic clocks have failed. It may be noted, the clocks are important
to provide the accurate positional data.
4. The Rs 1,420 crore Indian satellite navigation system NavIC consists of nine
satellites - seven in orbit and two as substitutes (IRNSS-1H and IRNSS-1I).
5. Like its other IRNSS predecessors, IRNSS-1H was supposed to carry two types
of payloads – navigation payload and ranging payload. The payload will
transmit navigation service signals to the users and they will be operating in
L5-band and S-band.
6. The ranging payload of IRNSS-1H consists of a C-band transponder, which
facilitates accurate determination of the range of the satellite. IRNSS-1H also
carries Corner Cube Retro Reflectors for laser ranging.
What is Atomic Clock
Atomic clocks are the most accurate time and frequency standards known, and are
used as primary standards for international time distribution services, to control the
wave frequency of television broadcasts and in global navigation satellite
systems such as GPS.
HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING SATELLITE
Why in news?
ISRO plans to launch HySIS (Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite) – a earth observation satellite,
using a critical chip it has developed called “optical imaging detector array”.
What is hyperspectral imaging?
• Hyperspectral images provide much more detailed information about the scene than a
normal color camera, which only acquires three different spectral channels corresponding to
the visual primary colors red, green and blue.
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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WATER AS PROPELLANT IN CUBESAT
Engineers at Purdue University in the US have designed and tested a
micropropulsion system that uses liquid water as the propellant for orbital
maneuvering of tiny satellites called CubeSats.
How does the water propulsion system work?
• CubeSat will be integrated with FEMTA thrusters. "Film-Evaporation MEMS Tunable
Array", or FEMTA thruster uses capillaries thinner than human hair through which the
propellant water can flow.
• Small heaters located near the ends of the capillaries turn the water into vapor, which, on
escape from these tiny tubes, provides the thrust. Because the capillaries are only about 10
micrometers in diameter, the surface tension of the fluid keeps it from flowing out, even in
the vacuum of space.
• The minuscule capillaries act like valves that can be turned on and off by activating
the heaters
Joint Project between NASA and ISRO
ISRO and NASA are working towards realisation of NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture
Radar (NISAR) mission by 2021.
ISRO and NASA have a framework agreement for cooperation in the exploration
and use of outer space for peaceful purposes signed in 2008. Under this
framework agreement, ISRO and NASA have executed an implementing
arrangement for cooperation in NISAR mission, which is valid until 2034 and
provides scope for joint activities on science & applications of NISAR data after the
launch.
About NISAR:
The Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission is a joint project between
NASA and ISRO to co-develop and launch a dual frequency synthetic aperture radar
satellite.
▪ The satellite will be the first radar imaging satellite to use dual frequency and it is
planned to be used for remote sensing to observe and understand natural
processes of the Earth.
▪ NISAR would provide information about a place more frequently than older
satellites orbiting the Earth at present.
▪ Among the objectives of NISAR are estimation of soil moisture, agriculture and
forest biomass.
▪ It is also designed to observe and take measurements of some of the planet’s
most complex processes, including ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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collapse, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and
landslides.
China uses a quantum satellite to transmit potentially
unhackable data China has demonstrated a world first by sending data over long distances using
satellites which are potentially unhackable, laying the basis for next generation
encryption based on so-called quantum cryptography.
▪ Last year, China launched a quantum satellite into space. Using this satellite,
Chinese researchers at the Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS)
project, were now able to transmit secret messages from space to Earth at a
further distance than ever before.
What you need to know about this technology?
The technology is called quantum key distribution (QKD). QKD works by using
photons — the particles which transmit light — to transfer data.
QKD allows two distant users, who do not share a long secret key initially, to
produce a common, random string of secret bits, called a secret key. Using the one-
time pad encryption this key is proven to be secure to encrypt and decrypt a
message, which can then be transmitted over a standard communication
channel.
Significance of this technology:
▪ The encryption is “unbreakable” and that’s mainly because of the way data is
carried via the photon. A photon cannot be perfectly copied and any attempt to
measure it will disturb it. This means that a person trying to intercept the data will
leave a trace.
▪ Any eavesdropper on the quantum channel attempting to gain information of the
key will inevitably introduce disturbance to the system, and can be detected by the
communicating users.
▪ The implications could be huge for cybersecurity, making businesses safer,
but also making it more difficult for governments to hack into
communication.
UNIT-IV: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Committee constituted to for data protection
The Union Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY) has
constituted an expert Committee. The ten-member committee will be headed by
Supreme Court Judge (retired) Justice B N Srikrishna and comprise of members
from government, academia and Industry. The committee will study and identify key
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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data protection issues and recommend methods for addressing them. It will also
suggest a draft Data Protection Bill.
What is Big Data?
• Big data is a term that describes the large volume of data – both structured and
unstructured beyond the ability of commonly used software tools to capture, curate,
manage, and process data within a tolerable elapsed time.
Big Data Management Policy, 2016
• It was launched by CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General). It paved the wave for Data
Analytics Centre (first of its kind in the country) National Data Sharing and Accessibility
Policy – 2012
• India joined the Open Government Data Movement through this policy. Consequently, a
website was launched by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to share the data of various
ministries with citizens.
e-RaKAM portal launched
The Union Government has launched e-Rashtriya Kisan Agri Mandi (e-RaKAM)
portal to provide a platform for farmers to sell agricultural produce. e-RaKAM is a
first of its kind initiative that leverages technology to connect farmers from the
smallest villages to the biggest markets of the world through internet
What
1. e-RaKAM is a digital initiative that aims to bring together the farmers, PSUs,
civil supplies and buyers on a single platform to ease the selling and buying
process of agricultural products.
2. Under this initiative, e-RaKAM centres are being developed throughout the
country in a phased manner to facilitate farmers for online sale of their
produce.
3. The farmers will be paid through e-Payment directly into their bank accounts
under the e-RaKAM initiative.
India’s first ‘Internet of Things’ policy: One step closer to Smart and
Digital India
Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) has drafted India’s
first ‘Internet of Things Policy’. This policy has been developed with an aim to make the
IoT industry in India to reach the mark of USD 15 billion by 2020 by increasing the
number of connected devices in Indian from the current 200 million to 2.7 billion by
2020.
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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India’s First IoT policy
Two major efforts taken by the Government of India which will lead to a rapid growth of IoT
industry are Smart Cities project and Digital India Program. These two major initiates by
the GOI will definitely boost the IoT industry and pave the way forward for it.
What the policy has in-store for the IoT industry
• Hence as part of this policy, GOI will fund research and development for specific
applications in IoT. Also DeitY plans to initiate an innovative project named
“International IoT Research Collaboration scheme (IIRC)” to get investments from
private sector for R&D.
• In order to support the growth and boost investment in IoT, government will
promote Venture funds, which provide support to organizations in IoT related
domains like memory, processor, sensors, low power devices and solar electronics.
• This policy will be supporting high quality manufacturing of IoT devices in India
without affecting the environment. 100% duty benefit will be available on raw
materials imported for manufacturing IoT devices, thereby helping organization to
maintain their costings.
• Development of Human resource is important for any industry to be successful and
with this objective, DeitY will be responsible for creating an IoT Education and
Awareness program with the aim to develop skill sets required for IoT at various
levels to allow smooth functioning of the industry.
India’s first IoT platform
• Home-grown technology and Internet of Things (IoT) company Smartron unveiled
‘tronX’ – an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered IoT platform that would help make
users’ daily life easier and smarter. Terming it as one of the first global technologies
being developed in India, the company said ‘tronX’ is an intelligent ecosystem that
helps connect a range of devices.
• “Smartron has been working for more than two years on creating a new connected
ecosystem fuelled by AI-powered ‘IoT’ and ‘tronX’ is at the core of this brave new
world”
• To begin with, Smartron announced four verticals that are in the works at its RD
facility and already have built in capabilities that integrate in our lives: ‘tronX
Personal’, ‘tronX Health’, ‘tronX Home’ and ‘tronX Infra’.
• ‘tronX Personal’ offers personalised entertainment, travel, shopping, financial,
health, event, communication and collaboration experiences across devices and
contexts.
• With ‘tronX Health’, the system monitors and manages medical history, insurance
data and offers intuitive and preventive solutions from a range of partners who are
already on board.
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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• ‘tronX Home’ helps control locking mechanisms, security updates, home appliances,
services like water, electricity and payment modules for these services, all available
through a Voice Activated Assistant.
• ‘tronX Infra’ is Smartron’s B2B vertical, offering an AI-assisted system that covers a
range of monitoring and management services, thus increasing productivity and
security for enterprises. Smartron was founded with a vision to build India’s first true
global OEM brand to revolutionise the country’s ecosystem and create experiences
that are on par with global innovations.
ICT Figures 2017
India and China are home to 39 per cent of the 830 million young people
worldwide who use the Internet, according to a UN report. The data released by the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialised
agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), shows that of
the 830 million young people online worldwide, 320 million, or 39%, are in China and
India.
1. The ITU’s ICT Facts and Figures 2017 also shows a significant increase in
broadband access and subscriptions with China leading the way. The ICT data
shows that youths (15-24 years old) are at the forefront of Internet adoption.
2. In Least Developed Countries (LDCs), up to 35% of individuals using the Internet
is aged 15-24, compared with 13% in developed countries and 23% globally.
4. Digital connectivity plays a critical role in bettering lives, as it opens the door
to unprecedented knowledge, employment and financial opportunities for billions of
people worldwide.
5. Most of the increase in high-speed fixed broadband subscriptions in
developing countries can be attributed to China, which accounts for 80% of all fixed
broadband subscriptions at 10 Mbit/s or above in the developing world.
7. In 2017, the global Internet penetration rate for men stands at 50.9%
compared to 44.9% for women.
Free new-age email service
Rajasthan is the first state in the country to offer free new-age email service for
communication and e-vault for storage of documents. At the launch of Rajasthan
Digifest, 2017 Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said it's a unique initiative to provide
free e-mail and e-vault facility to every citizen of the state.
PROJECT BRAINWAVE
• Microsoft has launched “Project Brainwave” deep learning acceleration
platform for real-time artificial intelligence (AI).
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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• The 'Project Brainwave' uses the massive field-programmable gate array (FPGA)
infrastructure.
NHAI LAUNCHES MOBILE APP MYFASTAG AND FASTAG
PARTNER
Recently National Highways Authority of India launched two mobile apps MyFASTag
and FASTag Partner to facilitate Electronic Toll Collection.
• NHAI launched the Electronic Toll Collection program to reduce human
interventions and increase the seamless passage of vehicles on the highway.
However, the biggest hurdle in the implementation of the program was the
cumbersome method of purchase of FASTags and their recharge thereon.
• FASTag is a device which uses RFID technology for making a prepaid
payment directly from the prepaid account.
UNIT-V: DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY
ICGS Shaurya commissioned
Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Shaurya was commission in Vasco, Goa. It is an
offshore patrol vessel designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL). It
will be based at Chennai under administrative and operational control of
Commander Coast Guard Region (East).
1. It is 105-metre long and capable of cruising at a speed of 23 knots. It has a range
of 6000 nautical miles.
2. The ship has capacity to carry twin engine light helicopter and five high speed
boats including quick response interceptor boats for quick boarding operations,
search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol.
3. It is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to combat oil spill
contamination.
India’s first private missile production facility
India’s first private sector missile sub-systems manufacturing facility Kalyani Rafael
Advanced Systems (KRAS) plant was inaugurated in Hyderabad, capital of
Telangana. It is joint ventures between India’s Kalyani Group and Israel’s Rafael
Advanced Defence Systems Ltd. It has been established line with the ‘Make in
India’ initiative and Government’s policy to encourage private sector participation in
defence production.
It has invested in designing, developing and manufacturing of weapon systems
including Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) systems and remote weapon
systems.
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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It will develop a wide range of advanced capabilities that include command control
and guidance, remote weapon systems, electro-optics, precision guided munitions
and system engineering for system integration.
It will be supplying defence equipment to the Indian Army and also export to South
East Asian countries
Navika Sagar Parikrama
Navika Sagar Parikrama is a project wherein a team of women officers of the
Indian Navy would circumnavigate the globe on an Indian-built sail boat INSV Tarini.
This is the first ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women
crew.
The project was commenced on Sep 17, 2017. INSV Tarini is the sister vessel of
INS Mhadei. The project is considered essential towards promoting Ocean Sailing
activities in the Navy while depicting Government of India’s thrust for ‘Nari Shakti’.
Tarini was inducted into the Indian Navy on 18 Feb 17. The expedition has been aptly
titled ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’, aimed at promoting women empowerment in the
country and ocean sailing by the Indian Navy. The expedition would inspire the youth
of our nation to develop an understanding of the sea and instill a spirit of adventure
and camaraderie.
Indra tri-services exercise First time, India and Russia are going to conduct Indra tri-services
exercise,involving their armies, navies and the air forces in October 2017 to
further ramp up military ties. It will be for the first time India will participate in a tri-
services exercise with a foreign country with such large scale participation by
Army, Navy and Air Force. The Indra exercise 2017 was held in Russia including in
mountainous Vladivostok region.
UNIT-VI: NANOTECHNOLOGY AND ROBOTICS
Task Force on Artificial Intelligence
Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has constituted a task
force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for India’s Economic Transformation.
She said driven by the power of big data, high computing capacity, artificial
intelligence and analytics, Industry 4.0 aims to digitise the manufacturing
sector. Smt. Sitharaman said the panel will comprise of experts, academics,
researchers and industry leaders and will explore possibilities to leverage AI for
development across various fields. The task force will submit concrete and
implementable recommendations for government, industry and research institutions.
The task force chaired by Dr. V. Kamakoti, IIT Madras – Chairperson.
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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Regular members from the organizations: NITI Aayog, Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology, Department of Science & Technology, UIDAI and
DRDO
2. NANOMATERIALS: COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE AND PREVENT
POLLUTION
Globally scientists are developing nanomaterial which can effectively help to
reduce the Carbon Dioxide in the air and trigger bioremediation to get rid of
toxic waste such as dyes, oil spill etc.
• Environment nanotechnology involves use of nanoscale material for addressing
environmental concerns such as bioremediation, water purification, product
recycling and recovery, solid waste management.
• These nanomaterials have unique properties such as chemical reactivity,
electronic properties and antimicrobial activity. Therefore they hold potential to
address issues such as combating Climate Change and reduction of pollution.
Areas where Environment nanotechnology can be used
1. Combating Carbon Emission
• The researchers have developed nanoCO2 harvester, which can suck CO2 from
the atmosphere and convert it into methanol, which can further be used as
vehicular fuel.
• The Nano CO2 Harvester can capture more CO2 than usual and is more efficient
fuel converter.
2. Cleaning Water
• The magnetically charged nanoparticles have been proved potent in researches
to have effectively carried on adsorption process to remove heavy metals and
dyes from the water bodies and they do not readily degrade.
• They can also be used to clean the underground water contaminated with toxic
materials such as arsenic, lead, chromium and mercury. They can also be used to
clean up oil spills by using nanosponges
3. Accelerating Biodegradation (Solid Waste Management)
• The method of converting the organic waste into organic manures and
fertilizers can also be quickened through use of Nanoparticles.
• Thus they can reduce the time consumed in solid waste management and
increases the production of biogas. According to researchers, Iron oxide particles
which are non-toxic can be used for the same.
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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World’s smallest surgical robot created Scientists in the UK have developed the worlds smallest surgical robot with low-cost
technology used in mobile phones and space industries. The robot is called
Versius. The robot is controlled by a surgeon at a console guided by a 3D screen in
the operating theatre.
Functions performed by the robot:
It mimics the human arm and can be used to carry out a wide range of procedures in
which a series of small incisions are made to circumvent the need for traditional
open surgery. These include hernia repairs, colorectal operations, as well as
prostate, ear, nose and throat surgery.
UNIT-VIII: BIOTECHNOLOGY
1. India’s first calf born to surrogate cow
India’s first calf delivered by a surrogate or recipient cow through In Vitro
Fertilisation (IVF) technology carried out in a mobile laboratory was born in
Indapur, Pune (Maharashtra). It has been named as “Vijay”. This is for first
time IVF procedure was successfully implemented at farm level with the help of
mobile laboratory. Earlier similar experiment was carried out by the National Dairy
Research Institute (NDRI) at the lab- level.
DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH
• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in association with the
Department of Biotechnology recently released the revised Draft Guidelines for
Stem Cell Research, 2017 for comments. The draft guidelines seek to ensure that all
research with human stem cells is conducted in an ethical and scientifically
responsible manner.
• The draft guidelines are applicable to various stakeholders, including individual
researchers, sponsors, and oversight/regulatory committees associated with both
basic and clinical research involving human stem cells. The guidelines will not apply
to research concerning non-human stem cells.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) associated with the outcome of research on stem
cells may have commercial value. The option of sharing such IPRs should be
indicated in the informed consent form which must be procured before the
commencement of the research.
• A National Apex Committee for Stem Cell Research and Therapy currently
monitors and oversees research activities at the national level. The Institutional
Committee for Stem Cell Research approves and monitors stem cell research (both
basic and clinical research) at the institutional level. These committees will ensure
that review, approval and monitoring process of all research projects related to stem
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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cells is carried out in compliance with the national guidelines.
UNIT-IX: HEALTH AND DISEASES
World’s first plant-based zika vaccine
Scientists from US have developed the world’s first plant-based Zika vaccine that
may be more effective, safer and cheaper than other vaccines against the
mosquito-borne Zika virus. It was developed using proteins derived from Tobacco
plant. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines or therapeutics available to combat
Zika
About Zika virus
1. Zika virus is vector borne disease transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the
same mosquito that transmits dengue, West Nile fever, Yellow fever.
2. The virus has been named after Zika forest in Uganda where it was first isolated in 1947.
3. The worldwide Zika threat first emerged in 2015, infecting millions in South America.
4. The World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the disease as epidemic and global
health emergency but later revoked it after the outbreak was brought under control.
Second phase of measles-rubella vaccination drive launched in eight states,
UTs
Aiming to eliminate measles and curb instances of rubella by 2020, the Centre
has rolled out the second phase of its measles-rubella (MR) vaccination
campaign in the country. Nearly 3.4 crore children across eight states and union
territories — Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala,
Telangana, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu — will be
covered in this stage.
Background:
Under the measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, all children in the age group
of 9 months to less than 15 years will be vaccinated in a phased manner across
the nation.
More than 3.3 crore children were vaccinated, reaching out to 97% of the intended
age group. The drive was carried out at schools, community centres and medical
institutes, covering children between the ages of nine months and 15 years.
National Deworming initiative Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched its 2nd round of National
Deworming Day (NDD) 2017 in 33 States/UTs targeting. A total of 7.8 crore children
are targeted in private schools and 3.5 crore out of school children will be covered in
this program through Anganwadi workers and ASHAs.
What you need to know about National Deworming Day?
The NDD program has been launched in 2015 as WHO estimates that 220 million
children below 14 years of age are at risk of STH infections in India. National
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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Deworming Day is organised twice in a year covering all the children from 1-19
years of age except the States of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where deworming
is carried out once in a year. The Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) prevalence in
these two States is less than 20%.
▪ The deworming tablet called ‘Albendazole’ is a safe and efficacious drug for
controlling worm infestation.
▪ During NDD, besides the deworming tablet, various health promotion
activities related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) are also being
organised in schools and anganwadis. This program is being implemented in
close collaboration with Ministry of Human Resource & Development and Ministry
of Women & Child Development.
▪ The first NDD round of 2017 implemented in February covered 26 crore children
with a coverage of 89%.
UNIT-X: MISCELLANEOUS
5 chemicals banned in firecrackers
Ahead of the festive seasons of Dussehra and Deepavali, the Supreme Court has
prohibited the use of five chemicals, labelled as toxic by the Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB), in the manufacture of firecrackers.
▪ The banned chemicals include antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic and lead in
any form whatsoever.
Background:
The order came after the court heard the submissions from officials of the CPCB and
Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation’s (PESO) Firework Research and
Development Centre at Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu.
About PESO:
Petroleum And Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) was formed to control and
administer the usage of explosives, petrol stations in India. The agency issues
licenses for Operation of Petrol Stations, Licenses to operate Petroleum Product
Transportation vehicles, Licenses for Refineries, Petrochemical Complexes, etc. The
Department is headed by Chief Controller of Explosives and is headquartered at
Nagpur in the State of Maharashtra in India. It functions under DIPP.
Cloud-seeding project of Karnataka takes off at Jakkur Airfield
Karnataka has launched the much-touted cloud seeding project- named
Varshadhare.
Cloud-seeding is a technique employed to increase precipitation in clouds. Experts
say precipitation in clouds has been affected recently due to increase in particulate
matter in the atmosphere, among other factors.
Dr. Ravi Agrahari’s Classes (Scientist in IIT Delhi, Author of Mc Graw Hill)
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▪ Cloud-seeding aims at catalysing the process of precipitation, so that rainfall could
be increased by 15-20% in drought-affected areas of the State
▪ Among the problems for successful precipitation in rain-bearing clouds are that
water droplets formed in the clouds are much smaller. Droplets formed in the
clouds are blown away in the wind even before they have the time to reach earth.
Moreover, small droplets do not have the energy to collide and form large droplets
that can come down as rain.
▪ By introducing impurities such as Silver Iodide, Potassium Chloride and
others, the objective is to ensure that the size of the droplets is large enough
to fall down as rain.
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