Science and Technology Current Affairs

The first international workshop on ‘Emerging Technologies and Challenges for Exoskeleton’ took place in Bengaluru on April 16-17.

• Exoskeleton technology involves wearable structures that enhance human strength.
• Dr. Samir V Kamat and Lt Gen JP Mathew were notable figures in attendance, representing the Department of Defence R&D, DRDO, and the Integrated Defence Staff.
• The workshop attracted over 300 attendees from DRDO, Services, Industry, Academia, and Researchers, aiming to advance the development of wearable exoskeleton structures to enhance human capabilities.

Q: What is Exoskeleton Technology?

a) A form of virtual reality gaming equipment
b) Wearable structures that enhance human strength
c) A software used for cybersecurity purposes
d) A method of renewable energy production

Answer: b) Wearable structures that enhance human strength

ISRO Chandrayaan-3 mission team awarded the 2024 John L ‘Jack’ Swigert Jr. award for space exploration by the US-based Space Foundation. The award ceremony took place during the Space Symposium’s annual opening ceremony in Colorado on April 8, 2024.

1. DC Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston, accepted the award on behalf of ISRO’s Chandrayaan team.
2. Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle praised India’s leadership in space, emphasizing Chandrayaan-3 mission’s technical and engineering excellence.
3. The John L “Jack” Swigert Jr award commemorates astronaut John L “Jack” Swigert Jr, a pivotal figure in space exploration history.
4. Previous winners of this award include NASA, University of Arizona OSIRIS-REx team, NASA JPL Mars Ingenuity Helicopter and InSight-Mars Cube One missions, as well as NASA Dawn and Cassini missions.
5. Space Foundation, established in 1983, is a nonprofit organization providing information, education, and collaboration opportunities for the global space ecosystem.
6. India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission marked the first successful landing on the Moon’s South Pole in September last year, positioning India as a significant player in lunar exploration alongside the US, Russia, and China.

Q: Who was honored with the 2024 John L ‘Jack’ Swigert Jr. award for space exploration?

a) NASA
b) ISRO Chandrayaan-3 mission team
c) University of Arizona OSIRIS-REx team
d) Russian Space Agency

Ans : b) ISRO Chandrayaan-3 mission team

On April 4, 2024,  President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, visited Mumbai to launch India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.

Key highlights:

1. The Therapy: The gene therapy in question is known as NexCAR19, which falls under the category of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. It was developed by ImmunoACT, a company incubated at IIT Bombay in collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital. CAR-T therapy is a cutting-edge approach that harnesses the patient’s own immune system to target cancer cells.
2. Targeted Treatment: NexCAR19 is specifically designed for B-cell cancers, including conditions such as leukemia and lymphoma. By genetically modifying the patient’s T-cells, this therapy enhances their ability to recognize and destroy cancerous cells.
3. Indigenous Innovation: The fact that this therapy is home-grown is a matter of immense pride for India. It signifies the country’s capability to develop advanced medical solutions within its own borders.
4. IIT Bombay’s Role: The Bioscience and Bioengineering (BSBE) department at IIT Bombay played a crucial role in designing and manufacturing the CAR-T cells for NexCAR19. This interdisciplinary effort demonstrates the synergy between scientific research and clinical application.
5. Hope for Patients: With NexCAR19, patients now have access to a novel treatment option that holds promise for improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life.

Q: What is the name of India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer?

A) NexCAR19
B) ImmunoACT
C) Tata Memorial Hospital
D) IIT Bombay

Answer: A) NexCAR19

Q: What does CAR-T therapy stand for?

A) Cellular Antigen Receptor Treatment
B) Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy
C) Cancer Antigen Response Technique
D) Cellular Antibody Recognition Therapy

Answer: B) Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy

The White House has directed NASA to establish a unified standard of time for the moon and other celestial bodies, aiming to set international norms in space amid increasing competition.

1. The directive comes from the head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), instructing NASA to develop a plan by the end of 2026 for a Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC).
2. LTC would provide a time-keeping benchmark for lunar spacecraft and satellites, considering the differing gravitational force and other factors on the moon and celestial bodies.
3. NASA’s Artemis program aims to send astronauts to the moon and establish a lunar base, involving numerous companies, spacecraft, and countries.
4. Lack of a unified lunar time standard could pose challenges in data transfers between spacecraft, communication synchronization, and commercial activities on the moon.
5. Deployment of atomic clocks on the lunar surface may be necessary to establish LTC.
6. The initiative for a unified lunar time standard aligns with international efforts and may involve agreements among nations, including those within the Artemis Accords.
7. While the U.S. leads in defining the standard, international cooperation will be crucial, potentially influenced by existing standards like Coordinated Universal Time.

Q: What is the name of the proposed standard time for the moon and other celestial bodies?

a) Lunar Standard Time (LST)
b) Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC)
c) Celestial Time Standard (CTS)
d) Universal Lunar Clock (ULC)

Ans : b) Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC)

Q: What is the average time difference between an Earth-based clock and a person on the moon (per Earth day)?

(a) It is always the same.
(b) There is no difference.
(c) An Earth-based clock would be 58.7 microseconds faster.
(d) An Earth-based clock would lose 58.7 microseconds.

Ans : (d) An Earth-based clock would lose 58.7 microseconds.