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# Previse 2025: Science & Technology Terms
- URL: https://www.upscprep.com/previse-2024-science-technology-terms-in-news-upsc/
- Published: 2024-05-10T11:41:17.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-01T06:00:24.000Z
- Description: GS3 | S&T
- Author: UPSCprep.com
- Tags: Previse 2025, UPSC Prelims, Current Affairs, #show-toc

### Biohacking 

- Biohacking is a term for various tricks which enhances the body’s ability to function at peak performance and extend one’s lifespan.
- It involves methods from biology, genetics, neuroscience and nutrition to enhance physical or mental performance.
- It involves facets like-  
  - **Molecular** i.e use of natural and synthetic molecules for eg supplements.
  - **Biologics** i.e use of biological products to enhance biology by ingestion, injection (stem cells) or intravenous transfusion.
  - **Lifestyle** i.e positive health and behavior choices like dietary shifts, meditation and exercise.
  - **Technology** i.e use of wearables like smartwatches and use of diagnostics like blood sugar monitors.

![What is Biohacking | UPSC](https://dnahormonalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/What-is-biohacking.webp)

![Biohacking - UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/05/image-41.png)

![Biohacking | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/05/image-40.png)

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###  Amaze-28

- **Amaze-28 is** Kerala’s maiden 3D-printed building, and its construction was completed in 28 days.
- 3D printing is a layer-by-layer three phased printing process, viz- data processing, material processing, and robotic printing.
- It is advantageous because a huge building can be completed in just 28 days, a fraction of the time required using conventional methods.
- There is flexibility in design and complex architecture can be built with precision and uniformity.
- Also, there is minimal wastage thus saving on inputs.
- Steps taken by the government to promote it include National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing, Samarth Udyog and Make in India 2.0.

![No more building houses, let's print them - KERALA - GENERAL | UPSC](https://keralakaumudi.com/web-news/en/2023/08/NMAN0431831/image/3d-.1692385275.jpg)

![3D Printing | Amaze-28 | UPSC ](https://scontent.fblr21-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/387840686_796444169154349_3306774548492877480_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=PAFyfg7sapoQ7kNvgG-yTIo&_nc_ht=scontent.fblr21-1.fna&oh=00_AYBYkuSMoM5AnDcYsyMqXAS6LQPU6dCcugthSsBmCRAnog&oe=6643B530)

![3D Printing |  Amaze-28 | UPSC](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/E773k-y1COtyQq9EowBWl_SATMvmih42HHa-pPmkKxmWmrDjMB0kxwfr-pME74uTGdra81LpdR58de680jJuonUWHPipj0B9KHz85Om55m9AG2-ag7krMqfzIj1Sz5ihcvsSTbb55JpHO4HwieVw5Bw)

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### Harit Nauka Initiative

- India’s maiden indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry was unveiled recently.
- As per the Shipping Ministry guidelines for inland vessels, all states have to use green fuels for 50 per cent of inland waterways-based passenger fleets in the next one decade.
- Recently launched vessel is a 24-meter-long catamaran ferry powered by a 50-kW Proton-Exchange Membrane fuel cell and Lithium-Ion phosphate batteries.
- The vessel operated with zero emissions and minimal noise ensuring enhanced energy efficiency.

![Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Basics | UPSC](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53ab1feee4b0bef0179a1563/1564673840262-PCCYLT4GK3PFYPTLACNO/fuel%2Bcell%2Bdiagram.jpg?format=1500w)

![Bharat's first hydrogen fuel ferry has been  launched | UPSC](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GHZ9BuIWMAEPslQ.jpg)

![Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry Project](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w800/source-teco-2030-142701.png)

---

### Tantalum 

- Recently a rare metal, tantalum, was unearthed from the sand of the **Sutlej River in Punjab**.
- It is very hard with exceptional corrosion resistance because it is immune to chemical attacks at temperatures below 150°C.
- Tantalum is used extensively in electronics, particularly in capacitors, smartphones, laptops, and cameras.
- It can also be used as a substitute of platinum in chemical plants, nuclear power plants, aircraft, and missiles.
- It is also insoluble in acids and due to its non-reactivity with bodily fluids, tantalum is utilized in surgical equipment and implants, such as artificial joints.

![Tantalum, the rare metal found in Sutlej | UPSC](https://www.ksgindia.com/images/th/tantulum1.png)

![What is tantalum? Where is it found, and why is it so special? | UPSC](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/vPh-AZIdu1V4bITGcrkpmOx8ws8h5h5Avo4RNy_fR1kbXKduQwG2wdr66NTaPIoS02HoPQdqo0WTLiYQWd7M7gXmEmi8HirSqqKNWMN243TVFKlms1ictZ2GRGQg1UwwWxW--UEHRPHWT9_7I-PMw_c)

![What is tantalum? Where is it found, and why is it so special? | UPSC](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/i_1aL4yWO23Rug_ggUrULTQTmKvceCKRitic-Hsv98Tanemm4OfOzOovLRRtc27G2EvIcpiLcRWiRJEbdm6zbQ_T_7Q-uhDfLXwI1WcIM9ZAqOdK1QaY5SfbKe_ZC8bcbT9PKFgfa03PfcV_u87FIDc)

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### Rice Vampireweed 

- Rhamphicarpa fistulosa, or Rice vampireweed, affected more than 1.5 lakh farmers in Africa.
- It is a facultative, parasitic weed growing on rice causing a lot of destruction to the food basket. This is because it affects other crops like sorghum, maize and other cereal crops.
- To date, there is no fertilizer that can control Rhamphicarpa fistulosais.

![Rhamphicarpa fistulosa | Rice Vampireweed ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9c/Rhamphicarpa_fistulosa_flower.jpg)

![Africa's rice farmers lose millions of dollars to parasitic weeds | UPSC](https://ricetoday.irri.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Striga-hermonthica-on-rice-in-Western-Kenya-Lake-Victoria.jpg)

![Rice Vampireweed | Country-level estimates of incidence (%) of Rhamphicarpa fistulosa in rainfed rice | UPSC](https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0261219424001169-gr2_lrg.jpg)

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### BFI-Biome Virtual Network Programme

- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms signed a Memorandum of Understanding with **Blockchain for Impact** to join its BFI-Biome Virtual Network Programme.
- This programme will unite incubators with research institutes for better outcomes.
- It will revolutionize healthcare delivery and ensure transformative scientific advances.
- C-CAMP is an initiative of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science, Technology and Earth Sciences.

![Blockchain For Impact (BFI) | We are launching one of our flagship programs  BFI-Biome Network to help accelerate transformative healthcare solutions by  catalysing cutting edge biomedical innovation](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4s-cgYaMAAT6_Z?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)

![BFI-Biome Programme | CCAMP](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/YLEEmGYIzQajl-XGA5q1Y8YoUjNJiqgCZS9u-4hEDAdt4aCeD5QIpaIYVvksVupqZQaYvsmIynrUkF7bpp5RNUd_Wv_4m2dyBb9lOgrbyyP5d-zGSpoHCo0C_YsO8n84t86-kja4NeEEkDeU5nEY0xk)

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### Bitcoin Halving

- Bitcoin Halving means 50% reduction in the premium paid to Bitcoin miners in return for processing other people’s cryptocurrency transactions.
- Bitcoin miners use advanced computer equipment to solve mathematical puzzles through the ‘Proof of work’ process to grow Bitcoin’s blockchain.
- These transactions result in huge carbon footprints and require huge electricity.
- Mining increases the supply of bitcoin while Bitcoin Halving reduces the rate at which these coins are released, making the asset more scarce.

![Bitcoin Halving | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/05/image-42.png)

![Bitcoin Halving | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/05/image-43.png)

![Bitcoin Halving | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/05/image-44.png)

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### Carbon Nanoflorets

- Carbon nanoflorets are novel spherical nanostructures that exhibit unprecedented efficiency in converting sunlight into heat.
- They are made of carbon cones with excellent light-absorbing capabilities.
- Its manufacture begins with heating of dendritic fibrous nanosilica along with acetylene gas.
- Upon further treatment, silicon particles are removed leaving behind spherical nanostructures.
- As per an estimate, carbon nanoflorets are 87% efficient in converting sunlight into heat as they can absorb visible, infrared and ultraviolet light

![What are carbon nanoflorets? | UPSC](https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-1926b6af34f74771dcc076937ca55f2b)

![Carbon Nanoflorets | UPSC](https://www.insightsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/plasma.jpg)

![Carbon Nanoflorets | UPSC](https://i0.wp.com/compass.rauias.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image-87.png?resize=640%2C326&ssl=1)

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