Science and Technology Notes

ISRO's CE20 cryogenic engine passed a sea-level test with a 'Nozzle Protection System'.
Uses liquid hydrogen ($-253°$ Celsius) as fuel and liquid oxygen ($-183°$ Celsius) as oxidizer.
Advantages: High thrust, fuel efficiency (2 kg/sec vs. 3.4 kg/sec for PSLV Vikas), eco-friendly.
Challenges: Complex technology, high thermal stress, high operational pressures, high development cost.

Google unveiled Willow, a new quantum chip, improving error reduction and benchmark computation time.
Qubits can occupy superposition (0, 1, and in-between), conveying information through a binary system.
Quantum AI: Quantum computers can collect training data faster for AI models.
Impact on encryption: Quantum computers could break online encryption including RSA.
Challenges: Fragile quantum states, noise, temperature control, high cost, chip supply chain.

IIT Madras and TuTr completed a 410-meter Hyperloop test track in India.
Hyperloop: High-speed transportation system with pods traveling through low-pressure tubes.
Components: Tube (100Pa), capsule, compressor, suspension (air bearing), propulsion (linear induction motor).
Issues: High costs ( $25-27$ million/mile), safety (fire, evacuation), vacuum maintenance, acceleration impact (greater than $2 m/s^2$ ).

Founded in 2014 to revive traditional medicine and support SDGs.
AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
Achievements: Infrastructure expansion, research (AYUSH-64, Kabasur Kudineer), economic impact (market growth from $2.85$ to $43.4$ billion USD), technology integration (Ayush Grid).
Initiatives: International cooperation (MoUs), quality assurance (Ayush Mark), WHO collaboration (GCTM in Jamnagar).

CDSCO approved first anti-complement therapy for rare diseases.
WHO defines rare disease as affecting 1 or less per 1000 population.
NPRD 2021 classifies rare diseases into 3 groups: treatable with one-time curative treatment, long-term treatment with lower costs, and definitive treatment with high cost.
Initiatives: NPRD 2021 (financial support up to Rs. 50 lakhs), Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi, GST exemption on imported drugs.
Issues: High prevalence, limited trials, lack of definition, low budgetary support (₹93 crore).

ISRO launched PSLV-C59 with ESA’s Proba-3 satellites (formation flying).
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4): Fourth private astronaut mission to ISS.
Dark Comets: Asteroid-like objects acting like comets; NASA discovery.
FSSAI Advisory: Compliance for e-commerce food businesses, shelf-life requirements.
High Risk Food: Packaged drinking water classified, risk-based inspections.
Notifiable Disease: Snakebite cases and deaths designated; National Action Plan.
World Malaria Report 2024: Cases rose globally, declined in India.
Nanoplastics: Contribute to antibiotic resistance, facilitate gene transfer.
Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA): Drives cancer progression and drug resistance.
Marburg Virus Disease (MVD): Outbreak in Rwanda, high fever and severe headache.
Diamond Battery: Carbon-14 diamond battery for long-lasting power; sustainable.
Milkweed fiber: Natural fiber for absorbent material and water-safety equipment.
Bio-Bitumen: Petroleum-free alternative for road paving.