Daily Current Affairs – Science

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SOURCE : THE HINDU  Summary Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer and astronaut-designate for ISRO's Gaganyaan mission, is set to become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). He will serve as the pilot of Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission (Ax-4), scheduled to launch no earlier than May 2025 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This marks a major milestone for India’s presence in global space missions. सारांश भारतीय वायुसेना के ग्रुप कैप्टन शुभांशु...

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  SOURCE : THE HINDU  Description : On World Health Day 2025, the theme ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’ highlights the importance of maternal and newborn health. India, while progressing with schemes like Ayushman Bharat, still battles health disparities, dual disease burdens, and infrastructure gaps. Key challenges include rural-urban divide, high out-of-pocket expenses, and digital exclusion. Strengthening primary care, increasing public health funding, promoting preventive care, and harnessing digital innovations are vital. A resilient, inclusive healthcare system rooted in equity and...

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SOURCE : THE HINDU  Description  The “Health of the Nation 2025” report by Apollo Hospitals reveals that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are affecting individuals at a younger age, even in childhood. Screening of over 2.85 lakh students showed alarming rates of obesity, pre-hypertension, and blood sugar issues. Women face heightened health risks post-menopause, with sharp increases in diabetes, obesity, fatty liver, and hypertension. The report stresses early detection and holistic health management to combat the growing NCD burden in India. Key...

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  SOURCE : THE HINDU  Description (English): Five years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the global community continues to grapple with unresolved challenges. From fragile trust in healthcare to digital divides and inequitable access to vaccines, the pandemic exposed deep structural weaknesses in both developed and developing nations. While technology and public-private collaboration surged, these gains remain uneven and fragile. As we move forward, the emphasis must be on rebuilding resilient, inclusive health systems, especially in the Global South, and...

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How ISRO Ensures Spaceflight Safety: The Gaganyaan Mission Approach SOURCE : THE HINDU  India's Gaganyaan mission aims to send humans to space safely, and ISRO is adopting a comprehensive safety protocol based on global best practices. Safety in human spaceflight is ensured across all three phases — launch, orbit, and reentry. Before liftoff, ISRO has installed zipline evacuation and fireproof lifts at Sriharikota. A Crew Escape System (CES) will pull the capsule away during emergencies using low and high-altitude escape...

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Source: The Hindu Description (English) ISRO has completed the second docking of its satellites SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) under the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission. This docking marks a major technological advancement, making India the fourth country after the USA, Russia, and China to demonstrate satellite docking capability. The first docking occurred on 16 January 2025, and undocking followed on 13 March 2025. This technology is crucial for future space missions, including crewed lunar missions, sample return, and space...

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China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 mission, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station for a six-month stay. This is part of China’s broader ambitions to strengthen its presence in outer space, including future moon and Mars missions. News Summary Event: Launch of three astronauts aboard Shenzhou-20. Destination: Tiangong Space Station, China’s indigenous orbital platform. Purpose: Replacement of the current crew, conduct of scientific experiments, and station maintenance. Significance: Reinforces China’s roadmap for long-term space exploration and future interplanetary missions....

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  Category: Social Issues / Population & Demography   Summary Points: SRS 2021 report shows Delhi, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu’s birth rates are falling twice as fast as national average. All-India Crude Birth Rate in 2021: 19.3; annual decline rate: 1.12% (2016–2021). Tamil Nadu: 2.35%, Delhi: 2.23%, Kerala: 2.05% decline rate. Slowest declines in Rajasthan, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Assam, MP, WB, UP. Uttarakhand only state to show increase in birth rate. TFR and GRR also high in Bihar, UP, Rajasthan,...

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Category: Infrastructure & Energy | Rajasthan Current Affairs Shortest Summary Points: Rajasthan facing 700–1200 MW electricity shortfall during peak summer. Dholpur Combined Cycle Power Plant to restart during peak hours (7 PM – 12 AM). Generation cost extremely high – ₹15 to ₹16 per unit. Gas shortage and expensive input have made production limited and costly. Other states also facing power crisis; exchange power rate is ₹10/unit.   Detailed Explanation (RAS Mains Relevance): Reason for Restart: Due to the intense...

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  Categorization: Health & Technology | Women & Child Development | Medical Advancement Shortest Summary Points Pre-natal diagnosis now possible at Jaipur's Sanganeri Gate Women's Hospital. Advanced Pre-Natal Diagnosis Sonography Machine installed. Inherited disorders like Thalassemia, Down Syndrome, Sickle Cell, and Muscular Dystrophy can be identified in the womb. Detection helps in planning timely medical interventions and informed decisions.   Detailed Explanation for RAS Mains Background: Jaipur's Sanganeri Gate Women Hospital has installed an advanced Pre-Natal Diagnosis Sonography Machine. Purpose...

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  Category: Environment & Biodiversity Conservation Summary Points: 3267 hatchlings of two endangered turtle species released into Chambal River. 160 protected nests were prepared in Dholpur, Rajasthan. Joint effort by Forest Department and Turtle Survival Alliance. Initiative aims to protect and conserve declining turtle populations.   Detailed Explanation (RAS Mains Relevant Points): Context & Objective: This initiative took place on the occasion of World Turtle Day. It focuses on the conservation of two endangered turtle species in the Chambal region....

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Category: Environment & Biodiversity / Rajasthan State News Shortest Summary Points: A hippopotamus at Nahargarh Biological Park (Kunda, Amer) gave birth to a calf. This is the first such birth at the park since 2019. Both mother and calf are healthy. The park staff and veterinary team ensured safe delivery. Officials celebrated the successful birth.   Detailed Explanation (RAS Mains Relevant Points): Location: The incident occurred at Nahargarh Biological Park, located in the Kunda area of Amer, Rajasthan. This park...

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  Category: Environment & Water Conservation (RAS Mains - Governance & Development) Short Summary Points Initiative launched following Rajasthan Patrika’s campaign. “Amrit Jalam” campaign to start from June 5. Focus on water body rejuvenation through public effort. Excavated silt to be used for agricultural purposes. Community-driven approach with local political involvement. Elected representatives encouraged to go beyond symbolic presence.   Detailed Explanation for RAS Mains Background: Ramgarh Dam, once Jaipur’s major water source, has dried up due to neglect. Reviving...