Category: Science and Technology Current Affairs

First-Ever Pangenome Of Asian Rice: Scientists have created the first-ever pangenome of Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) by compiling genetic data from 144 varieties of both wild and cultivated rice strains. Key Findings: Researchers used high-fidelity sequencing (PacBio HiFi) and advanced computational tools to assemble 87 billion base pairs of novel genetic sequences, which were […]

RNA Exosomopathies: Researchers at Emory University and the University of Texas Health Science Centre have shown that mutations causing brain defects in humans also produce similar effects in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), a simpler eukaryotic organism. These mutations affect a cellular complex called the RNA exosome, which plays a critical role in RNA processing, surveillance, […]

Chirality: Researchers discovered a chiral quantum state in topological Kagome lattice material (KV₃Sb₅), a material previously believed to be non-chiral, marking a landmark moment in condensed matter physics. Key Findings: Spontaneous symmetry breaking was observed in the form of a charge density wave (CDW) in KV₃Sb₅. When cooled to 4 Kelvin, the material displayed differential […]

Coal Gasification: The Ministry of Coal has signed the Coal Gasification Plant Development and Production Agreement (CGPDPA) with selected applicants under Category II of the Coal Gasification Financial Incentive Scheme. Coal gasification is a thermo-chemical process that converts coal into syngas, a synthetic gas composed mainly of Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrogen (H₂), Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), […]

Lead-to-Gold Transmutation: CERN’s ALICE detector has experimentally confirmed the conversion of lead into gold through a process of nuclear transmutation at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The concept of turning lead into gold, known as chrysopoeia, was a medieval alchemist’s dream, based on the similar density of the two metals, but modern science clarified that […]

World Thalassaemia Day: World Thalassaemia Day is observed on May 8 every year to raise awareness and promote action around the genetic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Thalassemia  is an inherited blood disorder. Thalassemia causes the body to have less of the protein hemoglobin than usual. Hemoglobin is present in red blood cells […]

NASA’s IXPE Unlocks X-ray Emission Mystery in Black Hole Jets: The mission aimed to solve the long-standing mystery of how X-rays are generated in black hole jets. Two competing theories existed: Proton-based models (would result in high X-ray polarization). Electron-based models (would result in low X-ray polarization). IXPE’s observations found that the X-rays emitted from […]

Palaeofires: Scientists have traced evidence of palaeofires (ancient wildfires) from the Permian Period (~250 million years ago) in the Godavari Basin. The team successfully distinguished between in situ (on-site) and ex situ (transported) charcoal, helping resolve a long-standing debate in geology regarding the origin of charcoal found in coal-bearing formations. Stratigraphic patterns (rock layering) revealed […]

Kerala has demanded changes to the Animal Birth Control: Kerala has demanded changes to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules as increasing stray dog attacks and rabies cases spark public health concerns.The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, notified under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, regulate stray dog population control through sterilisation […]

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a strategic MoU with Rhenus Logistics India: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a strategic MoU with Rhenus Logistics India, a global logistics firm, to operate 100 cargo barges and pusher tugs across multiple national waterways, starting in late 2025. This aims to boost […]