Science and Technology Current Affairs Archives | Page 2 of 4

India’s First Fast Breeder Reactor Achieves Criticality

Why in News?

India has reached a significant milestone in its nuclear energy programme as the first indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, has achieved criticality. This marks a major step towards energy security and efficient utilization of nuclear fuel resources.

What is ‘Criticality’?

It indicates that the reactor is operational and ready for controlled power generation.
Criticality refers to the stage when a nuclear reactor sustains a self-sustaining chain reaction.

About India’s PFBR at Kalpakkam

Location: Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
Capacity: 500 MWe
Type: Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)
Developed by: BHAVINI (Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited

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YUVIKA: ISRO’s Young Scientist Programme Explained

Why in News?

The Government of India is actively promoting scientific awareness among students through initiatives like Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA). Highlighted by the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, the programme plays a crucial role in inspiring school students to pursue careers in space science and STEM fields.

What is YUVIKA?

Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA), also known as the Young Scientist Programme, is an educational initiative launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Key Purpose

To provide early exposure to space science and technology
To encourage students to take up careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

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Antariksh Venture Capital Fund (AVCF): India’s First Spacetech Fund

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

India has launched the Antariksh Venture Capital Fund (AVCF) to strengthen its growing spacetech ecosystem. This is the country’s first dedicated venture capital fund for the space sector, aimed at supporting startups

What is Antariksh Venture Capital Fund (AVCF)?

The Antariksh Venture Capital Fund (AVCF) is a specialized investment fund created to provide:

Risk capital to spacetech startups
Support for early-stage and growth-stage companies
Funding for innovation in space technology and applications

Key Features of AVCF

1. Total Corpus

Target fund size: ₹1,600 crore
Initial committed amount: ₹1,005 crore (as of November 2025)

2. Anchor Investor

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe)
- Committed ₹1,000 crore
- Acts as the primary institutional supporter

3. Fund Management

Managed by SIDBI Venture Capital Limited (SVCL)
SVCL is a subsidiary of:
- Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)

Institutional Background

IN-SPACe

A regulatory and promotional body under the Department of Space
Facilitates private sector participation in space activities

SIDBI

Apex financial institution for MSME financing
Supports entrepreneurship and innovation

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E20 Petrol with RON 95 Made Mandatory Across India

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

From April 1, 2026, the Government of India has implemented a major fuel reform by mandating the nationwide sale of E20 petrol (20% ethanol-blended fuel) with a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95.

What is E20 Petrol?

E20 petrol is a blended fuel consisting of:

80% conventional petrol
20% ethanol (biofuel)

Key Features

Ethanol Source:
- Derived from agricultural products like:
  - Sugarcane
  - Maize (corn)
  - Other food grains
Renewable Fuel:
- Ethanol is a renewable and eco-friendly energy source
Nationwide Implementation:
- Applicable across all States and Union Territories from April 2026

What is Research Octane Number (RON 95)?

Definition:
- RON measures a fuel’s ability to resist engine knocking (premature combustion)
RON 95 Explained:
- Indicates higher fuel stability
- Performs better under high pressure and temperature
Previous Standard:
- Earlier petrol standard was RON 91

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Mission MITRA: Preparing Gaganyatris for Space

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

India has launched Mission MITRA to evaluate astronaut-designates (Gaganyatris) for India’s first human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan. The mission focuses on testing physical, psychological, and teamwork capabilities in extreme high-altitude conditions.

What is Mission MITRA?

Full Form: Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Response Assessment (MITRA)
Conducted by: ISRO
Purpose: To assess astronauts’ ability to function effectively under extreme conditions

Key Features

Four astronaut-designates involved:
- Shubhanshu Shukla
- Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair
- Ajit Krishnan
- Angad Pratap
Testing Location: High-altitude regions of Ladakh

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Chandrayaan-4 Landing Site: ISRO Selects Mons Mouton Near Lunar South Pole for Sample Return Mission

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has identified Mons Mouton as the landing site for Chandrayaan-4

Key Highlights:

Landing Site: Mons Mouton
- A flat-topped mountain near the lunar south pole
Located near:
- South Pole–Aitken (SPA) Basin
- One of the largest and oldest impact basins in the Solar System

Chandrayaan-4:

Chandrayaan-4 is the fourth phase of India’s lunar exploration programme. It represents a shift from:

Exploration (Chandrayaan-1, 2, 3)
→ to
Sample return missions (advanced space capability)

Importance of South Pole region:

Presence of water ice deposits
Scientifically unexplored terrain

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2055983&reg=3&lang=2

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Kyasanur Forest Disease Vaccine: ICMR Begins Human Clinical Trials for Improved KFD Vaccine

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated human clinical trials for an improved vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD). The move aims to strengthen India’s response to tick-borne viral diseases in the Western Ghats.

Kyasanur Forest Disease:

Also known as: “Monkey Fever”Causative Agent:

KFD virus (a Flavivirus)

Transmission (Vector):

Bite of infected hard ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera)

Animal Hosts:

Monkeys (macaques and langurs)
Rodents and shrews

Human Symptoms:

Fever, headache, muscle pain
Hemorrhagic manifestations in severe cases

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/icmr-initiates-human-clinical-trials-for-improved-kyasanur-forest-disease-vaccine/article70606917.ece

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Haven-1: World’s First Private Space Station to Launch in 2027

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

The world’s first private space station “Haven-1” is scheduled to launch in 2027 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
It marks a major shift from government-led missions to commercial space infrastructure.

Key Highlights

Developed by:

US-based aerospace company Vast

Launch Timeline:

Expected in early 2027

Launch Vehicle:

SpaceX Falcon 9, a reusable rocket reducing mission costs

Significance:

First privately owned space station
Beginning of commercial space station era

Context:

Comes as the International Space Station is expected to be retired by the end of this decade

What is International Space Station?

A habitable artificial satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Serves as a microgravity research laboratory One of the most complex international collaborations involving:

NASA (USA)
Roscosmos (Russia)
European Space Agency (Europe)
JAXA (Japan)
Canadian Space Agency (Canada)

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/worlds-first-private-space-station-haven-1-aboard-a-spacex-falcon-9-rocket-set-to-launch-in-2027/articleshow/127884540.cms

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Azista Space Captures ISS Images: Boost to India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

Hyderabad-based Azista Space has successfully captured images of the International Space Station using its own satellite. This marks a significant step in strengthening India’s indigenous Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities.

First-of-its-kind achievement:

Azista Space demonstrated “in-orbit snooping” capability.

What was done?

Its satellite successfully captured images of the ISS from orbit, proving advanced tracking and imaging abilities.

Importance of SSA:

Helps in detecting, tracking, and identifying objects in space.
Prevents collisions between satellites and space debris.
Protects critical infrastructure like:
- Communication satellites
- Navigation systems (e.g., GPS/NavIC)

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/azista-space-spying-satellites-space-situational-awareness-collission-crash-iss-2864913-2026-02-08

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Union Budget 2026: India to Establish New Telescopes (NLST & NLOT) – Key Facts for Exams:

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

Union Budget 2026 approved the establishment of two major telescopes to boost India’s capabilities in space and astrophysical research. The initiative focuses on studying the Sun and the origin of the universe.

Key Highlights

New Telescopes Approved:
- National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) at Merak region near Pangong Tso (Ladakh)
- National Large Optical–Near Infrared Telescope (NLOT) at Hanle, Ladakh

Important Fact

NLST will become India’s 3rd ground-based solar observatory after:
- Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (1899, Tamil Nadu)
- Udaipur Solar Observatory (1975, Rajasthan)

https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=285551&reg=3&lang=2

Union Budget 2026: India to Establish New Telescopes (NLST & NLOT) – Key Facts for Exams: Read More »