SciTech Express

National Science Day 2025: Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation About National Science Day (NSD) Date of Celebration : February 28 every year. Purpose : To commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928. Recognition : The Government of India designated February 28 as National Science Day (NSD) in 1986. Significance : Encourages scientific awareness and curiosity among citizens. Promotes science and technology as a means for national development. Provides students with exposure to career opportunities in research and innovation. Theme for National Science Day 2025 Theme : “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat” Inspiration : Derived from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) . Highlights the importance of youth in driving scientific progress and innovation on a global scale. Objective : Encourage young minds to explore STEM (Science, ...

A competing theory to 'dark energy' suggests the universe has different time zones Recent cosmological research has introduced alternative theories to dark energy, suggesting that variations in the flow of time across different regions of the universe could account for the observed accelerated expansion. These theories propose that the universe may have "different time zones," where time progresses at varying rates depending on the density of matter and gravitational energy in a given region. Alternative Theories to Dark Energy 1. Timescape Cosmology Concept : Proposed by physicist David L. Wiltshire, timescape cosmology posits that the universe is not homogeneous; instead, it consists of regions with varying matter densities. This inhomogeneity leads to differences in the passage of time between dense regions (like galaxies) and vast, empty voids. Gravitational Time Dilation : In areas with higher matter density, stronger gravitational fields cause time to flow more ...

Project Water-worth: Meta’s World's Longest Undersea Cable System Meta has announced Project Water-worth , a groundbreaking 50,000 km sub-sea cable system designed to improve global digital connectivity. This project aims to enhance internet infrastructure across five continents , strengthening the scale and reliability of digital highways worldwide . Key Features of Project Water-worth Length and Scale The Project Water-worth cable system will be 50,000 km long , making it the longest undersea cable system in the world . It will connect five continents , including North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia . The project will create three new oceanic corridors , improving global high-speed internet access. Depth and Deployment The sub-sea cable system will be laid at depths of up to 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) in deep waters . Enhanced burial techniques will be used in shallow coastal waters to protect the cable from damage due to ship anchors and fishing activiti...

NASA's James Webb Telescope Observes Disintegrating Exoplanets In a groundbreaking achievement, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has, for the first time, directly observed two exoplanets in the process of disintegration. These observations provide unprecedented insights into the internal compositions and life cycles of distant worlds. Key Observations: Identification of Disintegrating Exoplanets: The JWST has detected two exoplanets exhibiting significant mass loss, shedding their outer layers into space. Mechanism of Disintegration: The intense heat from the host stars causes the planets' surfaces to vaporize, leading to the formation of tails composed of gas and dust, reminiscent of comets. Scientific Significance: These observations offer a rare opportunity to study the internal compositions of exoplanets, enhancing our understanding of planetary formation and evolution. Collaborative Efforts: The discoveries were made possible through the combined efforts of the...

Einstein Ring: A Cosmic Phenomenon Unveiled by Euclid Telescope Introduction The European Space Agency's (ESA) Euclid space telescope has recently discovered a stunning Einstein Ring named NGC 6505 . This cosmic spectacle is a result of gravitational lensing , a concept predicted by Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity . Such discoveries provide crucial insights into the structure of the Universe, dark matter, and dark energy. What is an Einstein Ring? An Einstein Ring is a rare astronomical phenomenon where light from a distant galaxy is bent into a circular shape due to the immense gravitational pull of a massive celestial object , such as a galaxy or a cluster of galaxies. Key Features: First Observed: The concept was first predicted by Einstein, but the first Einstein Ring was discovered in 1987 . Formation: Occurs when a distant light source, a massive intervening object , and Earth align perfectly. Appearance: Can look like a complete or partial ring depending...

Indirect Prompt Injection: A Growing Security Threat in AI Chatbots Introduction With the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), chatbots and language models are becoming an integral part of daily life. However, these AI-powered systems are vulnerable to various security threats, one of the most significant being Indirect Prompt Injection (IPI). Unlike traditional cybersecurity threats, IPI exploits the way AI models process and interpret information, making them execute unintended or even harmful actions. This article provides a detailed overview of IPI , its mechanism, impact, and possible mitigation strategies. What is Indirect Prompt Injection (IPI)? Indirect Prompt Injection is a type of security vulnerability that occurs when Large Language Models (LLMs) accept external input from sources controlled by an attacker. These sources can include: Websites Documents Emails Code snippets Social media posts IPI manipulates AI chatbots and causes them to generate unintende...

Extended Reality (XR): The Future of Immersive Digital Experiences Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term that encompasses a spectrum of immersive technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) . These technologies are revolutionizing industries such as gaming, healthcare, education, and manufacturing by blending digital and physical experiences seamlessly. Recently, the XR Creator Hackathon , hosted by Wavelabs and Bharat XR, showcased the next generation of XR innovators, highlighting groundbreaking advancements in this field. What is Extended Reality (XR)? XR refers to a combination of real and virtual environments enhanced by digital elements, creating interactive and immersive experiences. It enhances the way humans interact with the digital world, blurring the boundaries between reality and computer-generated content. The key components of XR include: Virtual Reality (VR) – Full immersion in a simulated digital environment. Augmen...

Starlink: SpaceX’s Satellite Internet Revolution Introduction to  Star-link Star-link, developed by SpaceX , is a satellite-based internet service designed to provide high-speed broadband connectivity across the globe . Unlike traditional internet infrastructure, which relies on fiber optics or cellular networks, Star-link utilizes a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver internet services. Key Features of  Star-link Low Earth Orbit Satellites: Star-link satellites orbit the Earth at approximately 550 km altitude , much closer than traditional geostationary satellites (35,786 km). This proximity significantly reduces latency , ensuring faster data transmission and seamless connectivity . Global Coverage: The system aims to provide broadband internet to every corner of the world , especially to remote and under served areas where conventional broadband is unavailable. The satellite network is continuously expanding, ensuring better coverage and hig...

Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025: India Among the Most Affected Nations Introduction to Climate Risk Index (CRI) The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025 is a globally recognized measure that ranks countries based on their vulnerability to extreme weather events over a defined period. This index assesses the impact of climate-related disasters such as floods, storms, heatwaves, and droughts. It serves as a critical indicator of how climate change affects human lives and economies across different regions. The CRI 2025 , published by German-watch , highlights India's growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters. India has been ranked as the 6th most affected country during 1993-2022 , highlighting the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Key Findings of CRI 2025 India's Climate Vulnerability India faced over 400 extreme weather events between 1993 and 2022 . The economic losses due to these disasters exceeded USD 180 billion . The death toll from climate-r...

SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches 21 Starlink Satellites with Successful Nighttime  Landing SpaceX, the private aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, successfully launched 21 Starlink satellites aboard its Falcon 9 rocket in a nighttime mission. The launch, which took place from Cape Canaveral, Florida, marks another significant milestone in SpaceX’s efforts to expand global internet coverage through the Starlink satellite constellation. This mission also showcased the company’s commitment to rocket reusability, as the Falcon 9 booster made a successful landing on a drone ship in the ocean. 1. Successful Nighttime Launch The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off under the night sky, creating a spectacular visual display. The launch was carefully planned to ensure optimal conditions for satellite deployment. The nighttime setting also allowed for clear visibility of the rocket’s ascent and stage separations, making it a breathtaking event for space enthusiasts. 2. Advanced Rocket Technology and Falco...

  Discovery of Sub-Saturn Exoplanet Using PARAS-2 Spectrograph Introduction to the Discovery Scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), India , have discovered a new dense exoplanet using the PARAS-2 Spectrograph at Mt Abu Telescope . The newly found exoplanet falls in the Sub-Saturn category , which is a transition region between Neptune-like and gas giant planets . Understanding PARAS-2 Spectrograph PARAS-2 (PRL Advanced Radial velocity Abu Sky Search) Spectrograph is an advanced high-resolution fiber-fed spectrograph . It is designed to analyze light from distant exoplanets to determine their composition, atmosphere, and movement . It is currently Asia’s highest-resolution spectrograph , ensuring high precision and sensitivity . Role of Spectrographs in Exoplanet Discovery A spectrograph is an instrument that breaks down light into its spectrum , helping scientists analyze planetary atmospheres, star compositions, and orbital patterns . Using Doppler shift measur...