Science and Technology 2024 Current Affairs (Important for all competitive exams)

Stay updated on important science and technology news in 2024. Get the latest insights and information in this comprehensive blog post.

ZSI names a newly discovered head-shield sea slug after President

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has discovered and named a new marine head-shield sea slug species along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha. This new species, called Melanochlamys droupadi, has a unique ruby red spot and other distinct features that set it apart from other sea slugs.

It was found in the coastal areas of Digha, West Bengal, and Udaipur, Odisha.
It has a short, blunt cylindrical body, a smooth dorsal surface, and a distinctive red spot.
The species is named after the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and was confirmed through morphological, anatomical, and molecular studies.

The ZSI is headquartered in Kolkata and was founded on July 1, 1916. The current Director is Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, and it was established by the Government of India.

India’s first indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a significant milestone in India’s nuclear energy sector with the “Core Loading” ceremony at the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This event marks the near completion of India’s first domestically developed PFBR, a project led by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), in collaboration with over 200 Indian industries, including many small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Once operational, the 500 MWe PFBR will make India the second country after Russia to have a commercial Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR). This achievement not only positions India as a leader in nuclear technology but also demonstrates its commitment to clean and efficient energy sources.

The PFBR is designed with a core comprising control, blanket, and fuel sub-assemblies, which helps minimize nuclear waste and improve safety features. Fast Breeder Reactors are seen as the next evolution in nuclear energy, offering a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly power source. This development aligns with the global objective of achieving net-zero emissions and emphasizes India’s dedication to sustainable development.

In essence, India’s inauguration of the PFBR represents a significant step towards achieving energy security through indigenous nuclear technology while contributing to global efforts for a cleaner and greener future.

A Government Homeopathic College, the first of its kind in North India

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced (March 2024) the establishment of North India’s first Government Homeopathic College in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir.
The project is funded centrally with Rs 80 crore, marking significant progress in healthcare and education infrastructure in the region.
The college reflects the government’s strategy of integrating traditional Indian medicine, including Homeopathy, Ayurveda, and naturopathy, with allopathic medicine.
It aims to provide affordable treatment options and meet the rising demand for Homeopathy in the region.
Future plans will focus on developing Kathua as a prime destination in North India, emphasizing holistic development and sustainability.

Discovery: Novel Scorpion Species with 8 Eyes and Legs Unearthed in Thailand

Researchers have uncovered a thrilling find: a previously undiscovered scorpion species boasting 8 eyes and 8 legs within Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan National Park.
During a wildlife expedition near the Tenasserim Mountain Range, a research team chanced upon this newfound scorpion species while camping, finding it sheltered beneath a rock.
Their study, published in the journal ZooKeys, documents the examination of three adult males and one adult female of this species.
The research indicates that this new species shares many characteristics with other scorpions in the Euscorpiops subgenus:
- Notably, it is significantly smaller in size compared to other Euscorpiops species and has a brownish hue, with females exhibiting darker coloring than males.
- Additionally, the species possesses a striking feature of 8 eyes and 8 legs.
- Furthermore, this species is exclusive to a specific area, emphasizing its localized habitat within the park.

AI- generated school teacher Robot- Kerala

BHU Introduces Human DNA Bank as Part of Make in India Initiative

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has embarked on two innovative projects: the creation of a Human DNA Bank and the near-completion of a Wildlife DNA Bank, highlighting India’s commitment to innovation under the Make in India initiative. These projects utilize advanced technology, including an Automated DNA Extractor Machine, showcasing Indian expertise in enhancing genetic material extraction for research in personalized medicine and wildlife conservation.

Key points:

Innovative Projects: BHU has established the Human DNA Bank and is close to completing the Wildlife DNA Bank.
Advanced Technology: The Automated DNA Extractor Machine, a product of Indian engineering, improves the efficiency of genetic material extraction.
Inspired by Estonia: BHU’s DNA banks are modeled after Estonia’s Genome Bank, aiming to collect and analyze genetic data from diverse populations.
Health and Conservation: These projects support personalized medicine, early detection of hereditary diseases, and wildlife conservation.
Global Leadership: BHU’s initiatives strengthen India’s position in scientific innovation, combining local technology with global best practices for advancements in healthcare and environmental sustainability.

AIIMS Unveils iOncology.ai for Early Cancer Diagnosis

Cabinet Greenlights Acquisition of 200+ BrahMos Missiles for Navy

Approval: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the purchase of over 200 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for the Indian Navy in Feb 2024.

Cost: The procurement is valued at approximately ₹19,000 crore.
Deployment: The missiles will be deployed on various warships to boost the Navy’s combat capabilities.
Missile Range: The acquisition includes BrahMos missiles with a range of around 290 km and the latest extended-range variant with a range of approximately 450 km.
Production: BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an India-Russia joint venture, manufactures these supersonic cruise missiles.
Capabilities: The BrahMos missile can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, and land platforms and flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach, nearly three times the speed of sound.

Reliance Industries Secures India’s First ISCC-Plus Certification

Reliance Industries Becomes First in India to Use Chemical
Recycling for Circular Polymers

The new innovation is a testimony to the company’s commitment in reducing plastic waste and supporting Circular Economy in India

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), operator of the… pic.twitter.com/NOzqShKpB9
— Reliance Industries Limited (@RIL_Updates) December 29, 2023