Current Affairs

News & Analysis · Science & Technology

Syllabus-mapped editorials, PIB updates, reports, judgments, and policy news for prelims and mains revision.

22 July 2026

GS-3News & Analysis22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Quality sleep key to protecting brain health amid rising screen time, say neurologists

Neurologists warn that increasing screen time, chronic stress, and irregular sleep patterns are severely impacting brain health, leading to cognitive decline and a higher risk of neurological disorders like stroke and dementia. On World Brain Day (July 22), experts emphasized that quality sleep is crucial for brain repair, memory consolidation, and metabolic waste clearance. Excessive screen exposure disrupts the circadian rhythm by suppressing melatonin, while chronic stress elevates cortisol, both negatively affecting brain function. Recommendations include 7-8 hours of quality sleep, reduced screen time before bed, physical activity, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques.

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09 July 2026

GS-3News & Analysis09 Jul 2026thehindu.com

The quantum computing age will only begin when we silence the noise

The article delves into the foundational principles, current challenges, and future potential of quantum computing. It explains core concepts like quantum mechanics, qubits, superposition, and entanglement, contrasting them with classical computing. Key challenges such as decoherence, noise, and high error rates are discussed, alongside recent breakthroughs in error correction, notably by Google Quantum AI. The article also highlights India's National Quantum Mission (NQM) and its objectives, emphasizing the long-term vision for quantum technologies despite current limitations in practical utility.

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05 July 2026

GS-3News & Analysis05 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Why tanks still matter in modern warfare

The article discusses the continued relevance of tanks in modern warfare, emphasizing that ground presence is crucial for territorial control despite advancements in drones and precision weapons. It highlights the evolution of tanks with advanced protection, sensors, and networked capabilities, drawing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war regarding their vulnerabilities to drones and their effectiveness in integrated combined-arms operations. The piece focuses on India's strategic initiatives, including the indigenous Zorawar light tank for high-altitude operations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Project Ranjeet (Future Ready Combat Vehicle) to replace aging main battle tanks, addressing India's unique dual challenge of conventional warfare in plains and armoured operations in the Himalayas.

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04 July 2026

GS-3News & Analysis04 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Centre orders blocking of battery management apps used to turn off e-rickshaws

The Union government has ordered the blocking of certain battery management apps, primarily developed by Chinese firms, after they were found to be exploited to remotely shut down e-rickshaw batteries, even while transporting passengers. This vulnerability, which does not require internet access, has led to incidents of extortion and public safety concerns. The article highlights the lack of cybersecurity requirements in e-rickshaw testing standards and mentions that such acts are punishable under IPC/BNS sections for criminal mischief.

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03 July 2026

GS-3News & Analysis03 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Indian team discovers rare ‘bow and arrow’ radio galaxy two billion light years from Earth

An Indian-led team of researchers has discovered a rare, bow-and-arrow shaped radio galaxy, named RAD-BAARG, approximately two billion light-years from Earth. This unique structure, 1.8 million light-years wide, was identified using the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey. The discovery, published in the 'Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society', was made by the RAD@home Astronomy Collaboratory, India's first citizen science platform in astronomy. The unusual morphology is attributed to the interaction of the galaxy's radio plasma with a large bow-shock structure formed as the host galaxy falls through hot gas towards a cluster of galaxies. The structure was named after Manipur's Loktak Lake.

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22 June 2026

GS-3News & Analysis22 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Laser strums atoms trillions of times in search for better computers

Researchers have discovered a new method to induce terahertz (THz) frequency vibrations in a superlattice of platinum and copper atoms using laser pulses. This 'strain engineering' technique, driven by electron pressure rather than heat, allows for mechanical changes at the atomic level trillions of times per second. This breakthrough is crucial for developing faster and more efficient computers, particularly in fields like spintronics, and for creating advanced thermoacoustic metamaterials using scalable industrial processes like sputtering.

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19 June 2026

GS-3News & Analysis19 Jun 2026thehindu.com

IRDAI forms working group on AI

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has established a seven-member working group on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop governance frameworks, best practices, and safeguards for the insurance sector. Chaired by Sandeep K. Shukla, the group will assess AI's impact, risks, and implications for insurers and policyholders, focusing on data protection, security controls, ethical adoption, and audit frameworks. It will also review global regulatory approaches and identify skill gaps, with a three-month deadline for recommendations.

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27 May 2026

GS-3News & Analysis27 May 2026thehindu.com

Canada imposes Ebola-related travel ban, Bahamas to increase screening

Canada imposed a temporary travel ban on residents from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan due to an Ebola outbreak, following a similar ban by the US. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak in DRC and Uganda an emergency of international concern. The Bahamas opted for enhanced health screenings and possible quarantines instead of a full ban.

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GS-2News & Analysis27 May 2026thehindu.com

K9 warriors and robotic dogs steal spotlight at Exercise PRAGATI 2026

Exercise PRAGATI 2026, a multinational military training involving India and 12 friendly nations, showcased the Indian Army's K9 warriors (military dogs, including indigenous Rampur Hounds) and robotic dogs. The demonstrations highlighted their roles in modern battlefield operations, such as IED detection, tracking, and combat support, emphasizing interoperability and joint operational readiness. The inclusion of native breeds aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

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24 May 2026

GS-3News & Analysis24 May 2026thehindu.com

China to send astronaut on year-long space mission as it eyes 2030 moon landing

China is launching its Shenzhou-23 mission, sending an astronaut for a record year-long stay on the Tiangong space station to study long-duration human physiology in space. This mission is part of China's ambitious goal for a crewed moon landing by 2030 and establishing a permanent lunar base by 2035 with Russia. The article highlights the accelerating space race with the U.S., whose NASA aims for a crewed moon landing by 2028 with its Artemis program, supported by advancements like SpaceX's Starship. China is developing new hardware like the Long March-10 rockets, Mengzhou spacecraft, and Lanyue lunar lander, and is also conducting experiments on human stem cells in space.

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23 May 2026

GS-3News & Analysis23 May 2026thehindu.com

U.S. extends Ebola travel ban to Green Card holders

The United States has temporarily extended its Ebola travel ban to include lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan in the previous 21 days, citing public health concerns. This decision, made by the U.S. CDC under Title 42 of U.S. public health law, marks a departure from previous policies that exempted Green Card holders from such restrictions. The move follows the World Health Organization's declaration of the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda as an emergency of international concern, specifically mentioning the rare Bundibugyo strain. India has also stepped up Ebola preparedness and surveillance at places like Kochi airport.

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GS-3News & Analysis23 May 2026thehindu.com

SpaceX launches its biggest, most beefed-up Starship yet on test flight

SpaceX successfully launched its upgraded Starship V3, the largest and most powerful version yet, on a test flight from Texas. This mega-rocket is crucial for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to land astronauts on the moon and establish a lunar base near the south pole. The article highlights Starship's fully reusable design, its role alongside Blue Origin's Blue Moon in NASA's lunar lander competition, and its potential for future private space tourism to the moon and Mars. The launch involved releasing mock Starlink satellites and was the 12th test flight for Starship, following previous attempts that ended in explosions.

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