17th December 2025

Explanation - Project Suncatcher aims to deploy solar-powered satellite constellations equipped with Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) to perform large-scale machine learning computations in space. The system will use laser-based optical links (free-space optics) to connect satellites, enabling data centre level computational coordination. Google says its chips have been tested for radiation tolerance to withstand space conditions. As a first step, the company plans to launch two prototype satellites in partnership with Planet Labs by early 2027 to test and refine the technology.​ 

Explanation - Biosecurity refers to practices and systems aimed at preventing the intentional misuse of biological agents, toxins, or technologies (not unintentional/accidental exposure). It includes: Securing laboratories handling dangerous pathogens, Preventing deliberate outbreaks, Protecting human, animal, and plant health (not limited to human health only). Biosecurity differs from biosafety, which deals with preventing accidental leakage of pathogens; however, strong biosafety protocols support effective biosecurity. 

Explanation - United Nations Alliance of Civilisation - It was established in 2005, as the political initiative of Mr. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General. It was co-sponsored by the Governments of Spain and Turkey. It was created to serve as a soft-power political tool of the United Nations Secretary-General for conflict prevention and conflict resolution (not a military observatory). Function: It maintains a global network of partners including states, international and regional organisations, civil society groups, foundations, and the private sector to improve cross-cultural relations between diverse nations and communities. The Global Forum is the highest-profile event of the UNAOC which brings together prominent personalities, current and potential partners, and others from different sectors. Funds — The Secretary-General has established a voluntary Trust Fund for UNAOC (not mandatory assessed contributions). This fund supports the UNAOC projects, activities and outreach, undertaken by the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations in his official capacity, and core operational and human resources needs. The Trust Fund for UNAOC is administered by the United Nations Secretariat in accordance with the United Nations Financial Regulations and Rules. UNAOC receives voluntary contributions from member states, international organisations, private sector and foundations. Secretariat: It is based in New York, USA. 

Explanation - Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance first diagnosed during pregnancy, and is typically diagnosed between 24-28 weeks gestation. Causes — It happens when the hormones from the placenta block ability to use or make insulin (not enhance it). The placenta supplies a growing foetus with nutrients and water, and also produces a variety of hormones to maintain the pregnancy. This is called contra-insulin effect, which usually begins about 20 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy. Symptoms — Most of the time, gestational diabetes doesn't cause symptoms but it includes excessive thirst, urinating more often, fatigue, nausea. Risk factors that can increase the chances of developing GDM which includes — Overweight or obesity, Being over the age of 45 (though commonly cited as 25+ or 35+, the text states 45), Having a family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, Having Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Treatment — Gestational diabetes can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. 

Explanation - Artemisinin is an antimalarial drug derived from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisia annua (not synthetic). The process involves drying the leaves and using a solvent to extract the active ingredient. Discovery of artemisinin's therapeutic benefits in the 1970s was a breakthrough in malaria treatment. It offered a new option when the malaria parasite was becoming resistant to older drugs like chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Artemisinin is effective against all the malaria-causing protozoal organisms in the genus Plasmodium. It mainly targets the parasite during the blood stage (not liver stage), disrupting its ability to replicate within red blood cells. It helps significantly reduce the parasites but doesn't stay in the body for a long time, being eliminated within hours. It is usually partnered with another drug that eliminates the remaining parasites over a longer period of time. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as the go-to treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Today, there are several derivatives of artemisinin, including artesunate and artemether, that are used in the treatment of malaria. Artesunate is highly effective at treating severe malaria as it is the only artemisinin derivative that can be given via intravenous injection.