Science & Technology

Science & technology
CURRENT AFFAIRS 2 aug
Nauka module pushes ISS out of control
Issue
The recently launched Nauka module of the Russian part of the International
Space Station has pushed ISS out of its path during docking process.
Background
The Nauka module will replace the Pirs module that has served its lifetime
and will soon be brought back to Earth.
Details
 Russia had said that a software glitch was responsible for the accident
that pushed ISS out of its path during the docking.
 The ISS lost altitudinal control after one of the rocket thrusters on the
Nauka module misfired as a result of software failure.
 The crew on the ISS are now involved in fitting the module by balancing
the internal pressures and purifying the atmosphere.
 The agencies have now reported that the ISS has regained its control
and the loss of altitude has been fixed along with stability.
The dangers posed

 If the ISS loses its control or altitude, it may strike other satellites. This
may start a series of collision reaction, called as Kessler’s syndrome.
 The agencies say that no serious threat was posed by the incident on
the lives of astronauts currently on the ISS.
www.studyiq.com
Sea of fossils
Issue
Large number of fossils buried in sea have been discovered by scientists in a
quarry in England’s Cotswold Hills.
Background
The age of fossils is said to be more than 200 million years old. Scientists
have named it ‘Jurassic Pompeii’.
Details
 The fossil site contains many echinoderms such as sea cucumbers and
starfish. They may have been killed in unknown natural calamities.
 The initial investigations say that the natural calamity might be
mudslide as large amount of mudflow has been discovered near the areas.
This allowed the fossils to be preserved.
 Alongside the organism, water lilies, wood samples, pollen sample and
rocks were also found preserved. Study of these items will help in studying
climatic conditions.
Significance of site
 The site may have been created in the early phase of transition in seas
when more than half of the marine species had died during a mass extinction
event.
 It is difficult to locate such a site as majority of the dead organisms
would have been devoured by scavengers. Perhaps the mud kept the
organisms fossiled.
www.studyiq.com
Light detected for the first time behind black hole
Issue
A major prediction in Einstein’s theory of relativity has been proved by
observation of light behind a black hole.
Details
 Scientists were studying x-ray waves emitted from a black hole in a far
away galaxy located about 800 million light years away.
 Presence of bright flares around black holes in not new as high amount
of gravitational force can increase the heat to millions of degrees, resulting
in release of X-rays.
 Theoretically this should not have happened as the X-rays originated
from far-side of the black hole and light cannot escape from a black hole.
 Einstein's general theory of relativity had predicted that gravity is matter
warping space-time. This has been discovered for the first time.
 The European Space Agency's XMM-Newton and NASA's NuSTAR were
the space-based telescopes used to make the observations.
Significance
The X-ray emitted out from the black hole can be used to study the properties
of black hole and also map it.
Einstein’s general theory of relativity

Einstein’s general theory of relativity says that the laws of physics are the
same for all non-accelerating observers. It also says that speed of light in
vacuum is constant.
www.studyiq.com
CURRENT AFFAIRS 4 Aug
Black hole
 Black hole is a space time object that has such high gravity that even
light cannot escape from it.
 It contains a great amount of matter that is packed into a small area.
The density of such object is very high.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
Earth’s rotation slowdown affect

oxygen content of atmosphere
Issue
A new study has identified that slowdown in Earth’s rotation speed had a
major role in increasing the oxygen concentration in atmosphere.
Background
Earlier it was believed that all of the oxygen generated started from oxygen-
producing cyanobacteria.
Details
 Scientists were studying cyanobacteria mats under the surface of lake
Huron. The organisms emerged from under the ground, which resembles a
pre-oxygen condition.
 The study emphasizes that continuous day light started the process of
oxygen production by weird microbes. This may have been possible only
because of more day time.
 Scientists were aware of the role of cyanobacteria but were still unclear
about the start of the events exactly.
The process
 Earlier, Earth’s rotation period was faster. The slowdown helped
decrease speed of rotation from 6 hrs to current 24 hrs.
 The early amount generated was very low. Slowly, carbon dioxide
breathing cyanobacteria started to emit oxygen through photosynthesis.
 The process allowed oxygen concentration to boost tremendously. This
allowed new plants and animals to evolve.
www.studyiq.com
 The reason why exposure to sunlight increased capacity to produce

oxygen in cyanobacteria is not yet known to scientists.
Slowdown of Earth’s rotation speed

The rotation speed decreased due to combination of factors such as
interaction with moon and tidal friction.
Cyanobacteria
 Cyanobacteria are a variety of photosynthetic organisms. They are
unicellular and grow in large colonies.
 They are said to be the earliest among all organisms and plants that
prepared their food via the process of photosynthesis.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
Boeing’s starliner
Issue
The launch of uncrewed Starliner Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) of Boeing has
been postponed once again.
Background
The spacecraft was supposed to be launched from Cape Canaveral Space
Force Station in Florida.
Details
 Crew Space Transportation-100 (CST-100) is the given name for the
spacecraft. It will be a test flight to the International Space Station (ISS) and
part of Commercial Crew Program of NASA.
 The spacecraft will take about 24 hrs to reach the ISS. It will carry about
400 pounds of NASA cargo and also crew supplies.
 A maximum of seven passengers can be accommodated on the
spacecraft. There can also be a combination of cargo and passengers.
 The starliner module is reusable for upto 10 times. It will require a
turnaround time of six months to be mission ready.
 The spacecraft contains modern features such as internet and also
wireless tablets for the passengers.
Significance
The test flight will help in understanding if the spacecraft can be used for
future NASA missions including human space flights.
www.studyiq.com
Commercial Crew Program

 NASA has launched the Commercial Crew Program to make access to
space easier and less costly for transporting crew and cargo to ISS.
 NASA will encourage private companies to design spacecrafts and rent
them for their missions. It will allow NASA to focus on its core study of deep
space.
 Apart from Boeing, companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin
Galactic are vying hard for space business with official agencies.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
IAC-1
Issue
Indigenously developed aircraft carrier for Indian Navy, INC-1, has started its
trial runs before induction into service.
Background
INC-1 has been christened INS Vikrant, India’s first aircraft carrier that was
decommissioned from service few years ago.
Details
 IAC-1 is the first aircraft carrier that is designed and built completely in
India. It elevates India into an elite league of countries having such
capabilities.
 Aircraft carriers are important part of a country’s marine assets that
enhances the capability of the Navy to operate far from home.
 Having multiple aircraft carriers is central to country’s Blue water policy.
This policy projects a country’s capacities on high seas.
 Aircraft carrier is the leader of battle group but is also vulnerable to
enemy strikes. It is thus escorted by number of frigates, submarines,
destroyers, missile cruisers and supply ship.
Stats of the ship

 Top speed: 28 knots
 Cruising speed: 18 knots
 Total crew: 1700
www.studyiq.com
Weaponry
 MIG-29K fighter aircraft
 Kamov-31 early warning helicopters
 MH-60R multi-role aircrafts
 Indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters
Development
The ship was designed by Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and built
indigenously by Cochin Shipyard Limited, a public sector company.
Significance
Only five or six nations currently hold the capacity to develop indigenous
aircraft carriers. They are one of the world’s most complex and advanced
ships.
Previous aircraft carriers

 India’s earlier aircraft carriers were either built by Russia or Britain. INS
Vikramaditya, the current lone aircraft carrier was earlier known as Admiral
Gorshkov of Russia.
 Previously decommissioned INS Vikrant and INS Virat were British ships
known as HMS Hercules and HMS Hermes before getting enrolled into Indian
Navy.
 More than 76 percent of the equipment used in the ship is indigenous.
The ship has benefitted large number of Indian manufacturers and
companies.
www.studyiq.com
Tourists expected to pay to go to space
Issue
Tourists planning to go on an upcoming space mission of Virgin Galactic will
have to shell out thousands of dollars.
Background
Space tourism sector has been receiving boost after many space companies
tested their modules for safe travel.
Details
 An individual space tourist will have to pay $4,50,000 for a seat on
Virgin Galactic. This is however less than the amount paid by the bidder
aboard New Shephard of Blue Origin.
 The winning bid for a seat on New Shephard was $28 million. More
than 7.900 people from across the globe had bid for the seat.
 Other companies currently giving space tourism services are Armadillo
Aerospace, SpaceX, Blue Origin, XCOR Aerospace and Virgin Galactic.
Space tourism
 Space tourism is an opportunity for lay people to go to space and
experience space conditions business, recreational or leisure purposes.
 The main aim would be to make space travel easy for non-professionals
who want to visit the area without any scientific purposes.
SpaceShipTwo
www.studyiq.com
 The spacecraft will be having more space for travelers than any other
ones. It will be controlled by a pilot and a maximum of 8 people can be
accommodated.
 Registrations for ticket will take place after paying $1,000. Early bidders
for tickets will have to pay $250,000 per ticket.
Customers waiting
 Many potential customers have already paid for the travel including
singer Justin Beiber and actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
 Customers will be taken to their spaceport facility where they will be
trained for three days and later taken aboard.
 They can experience weightlessness and also get the best possible view
of earth and blank space before entering back into earth.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
Super shoes in Olympics
Issue
The use of ‘super shoes’ have resulted in the breaking of large number of
athletic records since the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Background
The beneficiaries of such shoes have been athletes participating in track and
field events. These shoes have been praised as well as criticized equally.
Details
 The Tokyo Olympics saw athletes performing exceedingly well in several
disciplines. This has been due to the high-tech tracks as well as super shoes.
 Critics say that the shoes have ruined the natural form of athletics. They
have gone ahead and called the use of these shoes as ‘technological
doping’.
 The shoes were first developed by Nike, a multinational sports company
based in USA. The same design has now been used by all competitor
companies.
Records broken using new shoes

 The World record in 400m hurdles in both men and women stream
have been broken during the ongoing Olympics.
 The 33-year old record for 100m was broken by Jamaican athlete
Elaine Thompson-Herah. A record was also set in the triple-jump event.
www.studyiq.com
What are ‘super shoes’?

 The ‘super shoes’ first arrived on the scene in form of Vaporfly Elite,
which was developed by Nike. The athlete wearing these shoes saves about 4
percent more energy than the rest.
 The shoes are made up of a rigid carbon-fibre plate and unique foam to
give the runner an added comfort and speed.
 The super foam in spikes has better ability to return energy back to the
athlete and acts like a spring with effective push-off for every stride taken by
them.
 The track used for track and field events has been modified to help
athletes. The track material allows shock absorption and energy return.
Concerns
 Critics argue that sports should be awarded based on individual efforts
of the athletes and not combination with technology.
 A small technological difference can change the outcome of tight races.
The poor athletes will stand no chance in buying them and will lose out on
advantage.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
Device that detects SARS CoV-2 in saliva
Issue
A tabletop device has been prepared by engineers at MIT and Harvard
University to detect SARS-CoV-2 from a saliva sample.
Background
The further studies carried out using this device showed that it has accuracy
as same as PCR tests.
Details
 Specific viral mutations that are currently circulating can be detected
using this device. The device works on CRISPR technology.
 The current cost of the device is about $15 but can be reduced
significantly if produced on a large scale.
 The SHERLOCK, a CRISPR-based tool is behind working of the device.
The first step will be to neutralize saliva, as it can destroy RNA material.
 The salivary nuclease is inactivated by heating after the sample goes
into the device. Chemical reagents are added to the sample.
 The RNA of virus is then extracted and passed through a sort of
membrane to increase its concentration.
 The RNA sample is amplified by exposing it to freeze-dried CRISPR/Cas
components. It ensures that target RNA sequence is detected.
The device
The device has four modules. The first module will try to identify the original
SARS CoV-2 virus sample. The other three will try to find the mutated
versions.
www.studyiq.com
CRISPR technology
 CRISPR is a tool for editing genomes. It stands for Clusters of Regularly
Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.
 The tool will help in identifying the correct nucleotide sequence that can
be cut using bio-enzyme cas-9. The cut part can be edited into another
genome.
 The tool is very important part of genetic engineering. The tool has
made production of GM organisms and crops that have helped humans.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
EOS-03 launch fails
Issue
The launch of Indian Space Research Organization’s EOS-03 observation
satellite aboard a GSLV rocket failed due to malfunction.
Background
The failure of GSLV is the third major incident among the 14 missions carried
out by the GSLV. The failure was observed in the third ignition cycle.
Details
 Indigenously developed cryogenic engine using liquid hydrogen and
liquid oxygen was used for the cryogenic upper stage.
 Heavy payload carrying rockets such as GSLV can be propelled more
efficiently using the cryogenic stage as it gives more thrust.
 The cryogenic engines are more complex as they use fuels which are at
extremely low temperatures than the conventional solid and liquid fuels.
 The Mark II version of the same GSLV was used by ISRO to launch
GSAT-7A. The last failure of GSLV rocket was in 2010.
Implications
 ISRO’s major missions have already been delayed due to pandemic as
well as technical glitches. The failure will be a big setback for its capabilities.
 The future missions involving GSLV have to be temporarily halted until
the glitch is identified and addressed.
www.studyiq.com
EOS-03
 The EOS-03 was an Earth observation satellite which intended to
provide the real-time images of different parts of the country.
 The observations made using the satellite can be used to monitor floods,
cyclones, droughts and other natural disasters apart from observing forests
and water bodies.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
Mixing different Covid-19 vaccines
Issue
A new study by ICMR has found that mixing Covaxin and Covishield vaccine
gives better immunity and also safe.
Background
Studies have been conducted worldwide to know if cocktail of vaccines can
be safe and effective in preventing infections.
Details
 Covaxin is an inactivated whole virus vaccine whereas Covishield is an
adenovirus vector platform-based vaccine, making it two different platform
vaccines.
 Experts say that mixing vaccine should not be random but based on
evidences obtained after carrying out detailed study.
The study
 The study was undertaken purely based on a mistake that took place in
Uttar Pradesh. Beneficiaries had been given Covaxin as second dose after
getting Covishield as the first.
 The ICMR compared immune response of these beneficiaries with that
of others who got two doses of Covishield and two doses of Covaxin.
Reasons behind the findings

 The results are only preliminary as the data was collected from only 18
individuals who were victims of the mix-up.
www.studyiq.com
 The theoretical explanation for the study does not exist but the result is
an indication that combination doses are not inferior to doses of same
vaccine.
Global trend
 AstraZeneca has updated its guidelines to say that mRNA vaccines,
Pfizer or Moderna, can be used as second dose if AstraZeneca is not
available.
 Companies have not studied the combination effects of vaccine as they
want two does of their vaccine sold. Their focus has been on their product.
 It is recommended that if the first dose of vaccine induces anti-body
response then the second dose could involve T cell response in form of DNA
or vector vaccines.
 Many countries had witnessed blood clotting in young population due to
use of AstraZeneca vaccine. They had recommended vector vaccines as
second dose.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
Protein-based vaccine
Issue
Nanoparticles that mimic SARS-CoV-2 were used by researchers to immunize
mice against the viral disease.
Details
 Researchers made use of receptor binding domain (RBD) antigen to
generate an anti-body response in the mice.
 Nanoparticles were made similar to SARS CoV-2 and were implanted
with many RBDs. They were then injected into mice.
 Along with this decorated nanoparticles, researchers inserted separate
nanoparticles containing adjuvant in form of separate doses.
 Another group of mice were immunized with the help of RBD
encapsulated polymersomes to compare with the nanoparticles.
 High levels of RBD specific antibodies were generated in the bodies of
the mice but neutralizing antibodies were produced in mice given surface
decorated nanoparticles.
RBD
 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) can be considered as a critical part of
viral protein that makes contact with the cell and allows entry of viral DNA
inside.
 The RBD is located near the spike protein and is the primary target of
drugs trying to prevent the virus from infecting healthy cells.
www.studyiq.com
Nanoparticles
 Nanoparticles are types of matter that ranges between the size of 1 to
100 nanometers. These particles have unique physical and chemical
characteristics that are not visible to naked eye.
 Due to their precision and non-corrosive nature, nanoparticles are
particularly used in medical science, food packaging and electronics
technology.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
Tatas enter semiconductor manufacturing
Issue
Conglomerate Tata group is now planning to venture into semiconductor
manufacturing. This is set to be the latest venture of the Indian giant.
Background
Tata has already started manufacturing high-tech electronics and will foray
into semiconductor sector owing to an opportunity provided by high
demands.
Details
 Global semiconductor and chip supply chain has suffered immensely
due to the pandemic induced lockdown. The demand is increasing but supply
is still unable to fulfill it.
 The first steps were taken when it bought a stake in Tejas Networks,
which is involved in manufacturing telecom equipments.
 Tata has been eyeing the e-commerce space, especially in consumable
goods sector. It has bought stakes in Big Basket, CureFit and 1mg.
Significance
 Semiconductor chips are important components of technological
products like computers and smartphones. In addition, new-age automobiles
have been increasingly functioning on semiconductor chips.
 Due to the shortage of chips, many automobile companies have
delayed delivery of new vehicles and also pushed new vehicle launches.
www.studyiq.com
 The new sector would provide Tata the opportunity to explore market
not only in India but all across the world. In addition, it would be useful for its
own ventures such as Tata powers and Tata automobiles.
Global semiconductor chip shortage

 Large manufacturing companies in Taiwan and Korea have shutdown
due to pandemic. This has created pile-up of order which existing companies
cannot fulfill.
 In addition, the demand for electronic goods such as computer and
smartphones grew tremendously due to the pandemic-induced lockdown. This
created demand-supply mismatch.
 The shortage event was observed last year immediately after the first
wave and is expected to continue until 2022.
 The situation has forced many electronics manufacturers to diversify
their supply chain and remove dependency. Any new manufacturer will
definitely have an opportunity to prosper.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
Stealing of crypto tokens from Poly Network
Issue
Hackers were able to steal $613 million worth of cryptocurrency from token-
swapping platform Poly Network.
Background
This is the biggest digital currency heist that has taken place in recent years.
The hackers returned back $260 million.
Details
 Poly Network is a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform that allows
users to transfer or swap tokens across different blockchains.
 It will allow an individual to transfer bitcoin from Binance Smart Chain
to Ethereal blockchain for a specific purpose.
 Poly Network was launched by founders of Chinese blockchain project
Neo. However, there is no idea of Poly Network’s website or who runs it.
The stealing
 Ethereum, Polygon and Binance Smart Chain are the blockchains on
which Poly Network operates. A smart contract is used to transfer bitcoins
from one platform to another.
 The smart contract currently in use has large amount of liquidity for
efficiently swapping tokens between platforms. The hackers used vulnerability
in this contract to perform the heist.
 The hackers were able to steal coins in more than 12 cryptocurrency
forms including ether and later transferred the coins to their wallets.
www.studyiq.com
Hackers
 Experts say that the hack was well organized, planned and perpetrated
using sophisticated tools. They managed to trace IP address used by the
hacker.
 The hacker has portrayed himself/herself as ethical hacker but experts
do not buy into the argument.
 The ethical hackers are usually concerned with exposing vulnerability
and do not steal such huge amount of money. They had returned some sum
as they were unable to convert them.
Hacking
 Hacking is a digital action that will aim at accessing unauthorized
devices, servers and network to perform actions that violates cyber laws.
 Hacking can be unethical or ethical based on the purpose of the
perpetrator. Ethical hacking is usually done to expose vulnerability and help
secure the system.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
Nuclear fusion recent breakthrough
Issue
A breakthrough in nuclear fusion research has been reported by the
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.
Background
The fusion technology experiments were carried out in National Ignition
Facility of the research laboratory.
Details
 The researchers used laser to heat pellets of tritium and deuterium. The
small area of target produced enough heat to make the atoms fuse and
produce energy. About 1.3 mega joules of energy was produced.
 The energy produced is not significant enough in terms of general
practice but is very important when fusion technology is concerned.
Nuclear fusion
 It is a process in which several smaller nuclei are combined into a large
single nucleus with subsequent release of energy.
 Nuclear fusion is a form of unlimited renewable energy. The same
process happens on the surface of Sun and powers it.
 The process is preferable because it produces no long radioactive
waste, do not emit carbon dioxide and inexhaustible.
Achievement of breakthrough
www.studyiq.com
 The fusion reaction was triggered after the team made changes to the
energy level of laser and the precision. The design of facility was also varied.
The conditions were made similar to centre of our sun.
 An ionized matter of state known as plasma is formed when multiple
nuclei fuse. It also releases alpha particles that trigger self sustenance of the
reaction.
Issues for future

 The energy produced is just fraction of energy needed to run a fusion
nuclear power plant. The technology needs more enhancements.
 The imitation of conditions on the sun will allow scientists to produce
matter that is only available on stars and supernovae.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
Adding micronutrients to rice
Issue
The rice distributed to public under various government schemes will be
fortified, as announced by PM Modi on Independence Day.
Background
The government provides food grains to citizens under schemes such as
midday meals and public distribution system (PDS).
Details
 The definition of food fortification by the Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI) says that it is an artificial process of increasing the
content of essential micronutrients in a food.
 The process if carried out to enhance the nutritional quality of food and
provide health benefits for public with minimal health risk.
 Rice fortification process involves adding essential micronutrients to rice
grains. This is done to improve dietary requirements.
Fortification method
 Methods for rice fortification include coating and dusting. Extrusion is
considered the best technology for rice fortification in India.
 Using extruder machine, fortified rice kernels (FRKs) are produced.
These kernels are then blended with regular rice to produce fortified rice.
Extrusion technology
www.studyiq.com
 Rice is made into dry flour, which is then mixed with required
micronutrients. They are then heated in specialized twin-screw extruder to
form kernels similar to rice.
 The kernels are then dried and packaged to be sold as regular rice. This
product has a shelf life of 12 months.
Need for rice fortification

 Malnutrition among women and children is high in India. The country
falls under serious hunger category in Global Hunger Index (GHI).
 Rice is consumed by two-thirds of the population. It can thus contribute
to improvement of malnutrition condition in India.
Cooking fortified rice

Fortified rice has same physical properties as normal rice. It has to be washed
before cooking. The micronutrient levels do not vary after cooking.
Cost of rice fortification

The cost will be about 0.60 per kg for nutrients such as iron, Vitamin B12 and
folic acid. The cost will be shared by centre and states.
Previous implementation
 Pilot scheme for distributing fortified rice is running in states such as
Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Uttar
Pradesh, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh.
 Countries such as Philippines, USA, Nicaragua, Solomon Islands, Papua
New Guinea and Panama have compulsory rice fortification.
www.studyiq.com
Dravidian language link with Indus Valley Civilization
Issue
Information about the linguistic culture of Harappans has recently been
published in an international journal.
Background
Archaeologists have studied Harappan culture in detail but have not yet
deciphered the language they spoke or the script they used.
Details
 Scientists discovered relation between few of the words spoken by the
Indus valley people and other cultures. They arrived at a conclusion that the
language may have proto-Dravidian origin.
 The proto-Dravidian language is the ancestor of the currently existing
Dravidian languages spoken in the subcontinent.
 The speakers of Dravidian language were having a wider geographical
presence including the Indus valley civilization. They migrated southwards
from their initial place of dwelling.
Other findings
 An independent researcher based the study on the trade relations
between Indus valley and Mesopotamia, including the Gulf of Persia.
 She looked for eastern texts of these civilizations and tried to locate
foreign words used in the texts.
 The idea is that if a product or commodity is not produced locally, it is
known by its foreign name from where it is sourced.
www.studyiq.com
 Akkadian language refers elephant as ‘pīru’/‘pīri’, which may have

originated from IVC. Since these words do not have any local origin, they
may have been borrowed.
 In several Dravidian languages pīluru, pallava, pella and pilu signify
elephant. The word may have undergone variation to become pīru’ in foreign
tongues.
 Previous studies have also shown that genes of IVC people carried Y-
chromosome haplogroup H1a1d2. This is present in majority of south-
Indians.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
Oil and gas companies exploring green energy options
Issue
State-owned oil companies, including Oil and Natural Gas Corporation are
planning to invest in renewable energy.
Background
These investments are being made in order to reach a target of 10 GW of
installed renewable energy capacity by 2040.
Details
 Many oil companies across the globe are trying to reduce their carbon
footprint by investing in renewable energy.
 This is in line with the global effort to slow down climate change by
reducing emissions due to fossil fuels.
 The oil companies are also trying hard to help government to achieve
ambitious renewable energy targets. These investments are part of reaching
the target.
 India has a rather ambitious renewable energy target. It plans to reach
450 GW of renewable energy by 2030 from the existing 100 GW.
Renewable energy investments

 ONGC will be aiming at achieving 10 GW of renewable energy by
2040 from the existing 178MW of renewable energy capacity.
 GAIL is looking to increase its renewable energy capacities to 1 GW
within 3-4 years from the existing 130 MW. It is undertaking a series of
acquisitions.
www.studyiq.com
 Indian Oil Corporation Ltd is setting up 257 electric charging and

battery swapping stations across many fuel outlets. This is done considering
the migration towards electric mobility.
 The company will start a joint venture with Sun Mobility to set up battery
swapping. It will also set up India’s first green hydrogen plant in Mathura.
 Indian Oil will partner with startup Phinergy to manufacture aluminum-
air technology based battery systems for electric vehicles.
 Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Tata Power are jointly
setting up vehicle charging stations at petrol pumps.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
China’s new data privacy laws
Issue
China has passed a new data protection law regarding collection and
handling of customer data by companies.
Background
The law has introduced stricter measures that are part of Beijing’s new
agenda of controlling operations of private companies.
Details
 New rules have been set up regarding collection of data, processing
and protecting it under the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL).
 The new law does not do enough to prevent surveillance of users but it
may have large impact on working of technology giants.
 The law has been framed based on Europe’s General Data Protection
Regulation, which is considered the most robust privacy protection
framework.
 The prior consent of the individual will be needed if personal data of
Chinese citizen is being collected by any individual or organization.
The legislation
 The firms collecting data will have to take consent of the user and
subsequently reduce the amount of data that will be collected.
 The Chinese government is accused of using data collected by big techs
to suppress dissent in its northwestern Xinjiang province.
www.studyiq.com
 The law also stipulates companies against transferring data of Chinese

citizens to countries having lower data protection standards than China.
 Companies that do not comply with the new laws will be fined 50
million yuan or about 5 percent of their turnover.
The start
Many government associations had accused companies of violating rights of
customers by misusing personal data and promoting their own products.
Data protection laws across the world

 General Data Protection Regulation of Europe has been an example of
customer data protection. It gives customers more rights over their data.
 These laws not only apply to companies located in EU but also to others
who offer goods or services to, or monitor the behaviour of, people in the
bloc.
 Users can find out where their personal data is being stored and to what
purpose it is being used. They can also demand right to be forgotten for
getting rid of it permanently.
 Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados of Brazil is Latin America’s first major
data protection law. It is also similar to European law.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
Glitches in tax portal
Issue
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has summoned MD & CEO of Infosys to
report a glitch in the e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department.
Background
The e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department has recently been
upgraded. Infosys was involved in developing the portal.
Details
 The minister has given the company a deadline of September 15 to
come up with a solution to the repeated problems faced by the customers.
 The new e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department was inaugurated
on June 7. It was designed as a tax-payer friendly portal.
 The new portal could carry out immediate processing of Income Tax
Returns to issue quick refunds to taxpayers.
 All interactions and uploads or pending actions was to be displayed on
a single dashboard.
 Additional features included free ITR preparation software and also a
new call centre for faster response to queries.
 The new portal was to reduce processing time for returns from 63 days
to one day. Infosys was given the contract in 2019.
 Chartered accountants and taxpayers are demanding that the last date
for filing returns should be expanded due to persistent issues.
www.studyiq.com
Issues on portal
 Inability to generate OTP for Aadhar authentication, failure to link past
ITR data, password validation problems and also problems in filing returns.
 Other problems include errors in interest calculation, inability to add
exemption for trusts, not able to capture details from Form 16.
Government intervention
 The IT department has extended due dates for electronic filing of forms
and also allowed manual filing of remittance forms.
 The company has assured that majority of the problems will be sorted
out in a couple of days and the grievances will soon be addressed.
Other issues in Infosys products

 Infosys is also working on other government projects such as Ministry of
Corporate Affairs’ MCA21 v2 portal and also to develop the IT backbone for
the GST Network.
 In both the cases, many issues were observed. The GST filing portal
experienced series of glitches that were sorted out after tax officials were
appointed to explain frequent changes to GST laws.
NOTES
www.studyiq.co
Delhi’s new smog tower
Issue
The first smog tower has been set up in the city of Delhi ahead of the
infamous winter season, which sees the pollution levels increase.
Background
The smog tower is a solid structure that consists of fans for pulling the air
and purifying it before releasing back.
Details
 The structure is as high as 8 storey building and built of concrete. There
are 40 fans, divided equally on four sides of the structure.
 The fans can give out 25 cubic metres per second of clean air. The total
capacity of the structure is 1,000 cubic metres per second.
 Two layers of filters have been fit inside the tower. They have been
imported from the US along with the fans.
Working
 The technology being used in the tower is based on ‘downdraft air
cleaning system’. This technology was developed by University of Minnesota.
 The technology has been replicated by IIT-Bombay for implementing it
locally. The structure has been constructed by Tata Projects Limited.
 The polluted air is sucked from the top of the tower. The filtered air is
then released from the bottom through fans.
 The negative pressure created due to release of air at the bottom
allows the air to be sucked at the top.
www.studyiq.com
 This air is made to pass through macro-filters that absorb particles of 10

microns and larger. The micro-filter traps smaller particles of around 0.3
microns.
Difference in technology
 The technology used in Delhi is different from the updraft system used in
China’s Xian city, which has a 60m high smog tower.
 The Chinese model absorbs polluted air from the base of the tower. It is
then moved upwards by heating and convection.
Impact
 Studies conducted by IIT-Bombay say that the effect could be felt within
1km radius of the tower. A pilot study will be carried out to study detailed
effects.
 The air quality level of PM 10 and PM 2.5 will be consistently monitored
through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
 The aim of the project will be to provide pure air in a given area.
However, there is no clear evidence of success.
Criticism
 Scientists are demanding structural changes to combat air pollution
rather than short term benefits. Preventing stubble burning is among the top
priority.
 Since the air flow pattern in a given area is dynamic, there are high
chances that the tower may prove futile.
Other projects
Smaller versions of smog towers have been installed in Lajpat Nagar, Krishna
Nagar and Gandhi Nagar by Gautam Gambhir foundation.
www.studyiq.com
Havana syndrome
Issue
The much-awaited visit of US Vice-President Kamala Harris to Vietnam was
delayed due to emergence of a case of ‘Havana Syndrome’.
Background
Havana syndrome is a name given to a mysterious illness that was observed
in US diplomatic officials serving in Havana, capital of Cuba.
Details
 The travel was reportedly delayed after a case of Havana syndrome was
apparently observed in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
 Since the beginning of the cases, more than 200 US officials and their
family members fell ill due to this mysterious illness.
 Apart from US officials, Canadian diplomatic officials and staff also
experienced such weird illness during their stay in Cuba.
Start of illness
 The health condition was first reported in 2016, when diplomatic staff
and US officials serving in Cuba started falling ill.
 The patients were reportedly hearing strange sounds along with weird
physical sensations different from any other condition.
Symptoms observed
The sufferers were experiencing severe headaches, nausea, hearing loss,
dizziness, sleeping problems along with physical sensations in their hotel
room or houses.
www.studyiq.com
Investigation of the illness

 The health condition was investigated by CIA, FBI, National Institutes of
Health, US military and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention without
conclusion.
 Some of the researchers say that it was a psychological illness caused
due to stressful environment of foreign missions.
 A report in December 2020 indicated that the illness was caused by
directed pulsed radio frequency (RF) energy.
Sources of such pulses

 The report says that the energy were pulsed and directed at victims and
not caused due to common exposure to microwave energy, such as, a mobile
phone.
 The origination of buzzing sound from a particular direction and at a
particular part of room further strengthened the theory.
Other incidents
Apart from Cuba, US diplomatic officials serving in Russia, Austria as well as
Germany experienced the symptoms of Havana syndrome.
NOTES
www.studyiq.com
TOP SELLING courses
UPSC/IAS All Govt SSC & Bank

(Pre + Mains) Exams Combo
Rs.58,000 Rs.33,000 Rs.22,000
Rs.28,000 Click Rs.13,000 Click Rs.8,600 Click
Here Here Here
Rs.18,500 Rs.11,000 Rs.5,999
UPSC Prelims Madhya Pradesh

Test Series PSC
Rs.7500 Rs.52,000
Click Rs.28,000 Click
Here Here
Rs.6000 Rs.20,000
Uttar Pradesh
Bihar PSC CAPF (A.C.)
PSC
Exams
Rs.52,000 Rs.52,000 Rs.340500
Rs.27,500 Click Rs.28,000 Click Rs.17,500 Click
Rs.20,000 Here Here Here

Rs.20,000 Rs.12,000
UPSC Opt -
RBI Grade B
Geography
Rs.30,000 Rs.24,000
Rs.13,500 Click Rs.11,000 Click
Here Here
Rs.12,000 Rs.8,200

Science & Technology

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Science & Technology

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Science & Technology

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Science & technology

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2 aug

Nauka module pushes ISS out of control

The dangers posed

Light detected for the first time behind black hole

Einstein’s general theory of relativity

Earth’s rotation slowdown affect

 The reason why exposure to sunlight increased capacity to produce

Slowdown of Earth’s rotation speed

Commercial Crew Program

Stats of the ship

Previous aircraft carriers

Tourists expected to pay to go to space

Super shoes in Olympics

Records broken using new shoes

What are ‘super shoes’?

Device that detects SARS CoV-2 in saliva

EOS-03 launch fails

Mixing different Covid-19 vaccines

Reasons behind the findings

Tatas enter semiconductor manufacturing

Global semiconductor chip shortage

Stealing of crypto tokens from Poly Network

Nuclear fusion recent breakthrough

Issues for future

Adding micronutrients to rice

Need for rice fortification

Cooking fortified rice

Cost of rice fortification

Dravidian language link with Indus Valley Civilization

 Akkadian language refers elephant as ‘pīru’/‘pīri’, which may have

Oil and gas companies exploring green energy options

Renewable energy investments

 Indian Oil Corporation Ltd is setting up 257 electric charging and

China’s new data privacy laws

 The law also stipulates companies against transferring data of Chinese

Data protection laws across the world

Glitches in tax portal

Other issues in Infosys products

Delhi’s new smog tower

 This air is made to pass through macro-filters that absorb particles of 10

Investigation of the illness

Sources of such pulses

UPSC/IAS All Govt SSC & Bank

UPSC Prelims Madhya Pradesh

Rs.20,000 Here Here Here

You might also like