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GS Paper: GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology

  • DRDO achieves milestone in Scramjet Hypersonic Engine Development

    Why in the News?

    The DRDO Laboratory (DRDL), located in Hyderabad, successfully demonstrated long-duration Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor ground testing for over 1,000 seconds.

    About Hypersonic Cruise Missiles:

    • Hypersonic cruise missiles are advanced weapons capable of travelling at speeds greater than Mach 5 (approximately 6,100 km/h), making them 5x faster than the speed of sound.
    • These missiles use Scramjets (Supersonic Combustion Ramjets) powered by atmospheric oxygen, making them more efficient for long-duration travel compared to traditional missiles that carry their own oxidizers.
    • They maintain high speeds and are highly manoeuvrable, making them difficult to intercept by current missile defense systems.
    • They can strike targets at long ranges with minimal warning and penetrate advanced defense shields.

    DRDO’s Achievement:

    • The DRDO successfully conducted long-duration Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor ground testing for over 1,000 seconds.
    • This test advances India’s capability to develop hypersonic cruise missiles, validating the design of the scramjet combustor and the test facility, both crucial for developing air-breathing propulsion systems.
    • This paves the way for full-scale flight-worthy combustor testing, bringing India closer to developing functional hypersonic missiles and enhancing its defense capabilities.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.

    2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

     

  • Novel Silicon Photonics Breakthrough

    Why in the News?

    In a major breakthrough, Indian researchers have developed a new type of laser that can be placed directly onto silicon chips, a key component of modern computers.

    What is Silicon Photonics?

    • Silicon photonics is a technology that uses light (photons) instead of electrical signals to transmit data inside computer systems.
    • Light can carry more data at higher speeds with less energy than electricity, making it a promising technology for future computing and data transfer.
    • Traditional silicon chips struggle to produce light, requiring external lasers, which were inefficient and costly.
    • Silicon photonics can significantly enhance data transfer speed and efficiency, benefiting industries like data centers and telecommunications.

    About the Miniaturized Laser Technology

    • Indian researchers have successfully integrated a laser directly onto a silicon chip, eliminating the need for separate lasers.
    • The laser is made using gallium arsenide (where 20% of gallium atoms had been replaced with indium to achieve optimal light emission), which helps silicon emit light, a crucial step since silicon alone cannot produce light efficiently.
    • It uses minimal power, ideal for high-performance, energy-efficient computers.
    • Direct integration reduces costs, making the technology scalable for mass production.
    • This innovation boosts computing power, particularly in data centers where fast data transfer is critical.
    • Efforts are underway to enhance its durability, especially at higher temperatures, for broader industrial use.
    [UPSC 2008] Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer?

    (a) Dye laser (b) Gas laser (c) Semiconductor laser (d) Excimer laser

     

  • Real Time LAMP Assay for Early Diagnosis of TB

    Why in the News?

    Researchers from Thiruvananthapuram have developed a cost-effective Real-Time LAMP (rt-LAMP) Assay for early Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis.

    About the rt-LAMP Assay

    • The rt-LAMP assay (real-time Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) is a molecular diagnostic test designed to detect TB DNA with high precision.
    • It can detect TB DNA at concentrations as low as 10 copy numbers per microlitre, ensuring early detection even with low bacterial loads.
    • Developed by SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram, the rt-LAMP assay uses Syto 16, a fluorescent dye, to monitor DNA amplification in real time, addressing the limitations of traditional LAMP tests.
    • Working Principle:
      • It uses six primers for DNA amplification (compared to two in RT-PCR), enhancing amplification speed.
      • It operates at a single temperature, unlike RT-PCR, making it simpler and more cost-effective.
      • It monitors the amplification process continuously, providing faster results.

    Advantages Offered:

    • High Sensitivity and Specificity: Ensures accurate detection of TB DNA due to the use of six primers.
    • Cost-Effective: Uses affordable fluorescent dyes and primers, reducing diagnostic costs.
    • Speed: Produces results in just 10-20 minutes, faster than traditional tests.
    • Ease of Use: Compatible with existing RT-PCR machines, reducing the need for new infrastructure.
    • High Throughput: Can process 96-384 tests in one run, making it ideal for high-volume settings.
    [UPSC 2007] Which of the following types is used by computed tomography employed for visualization of the internal structure of the human body?

    (a) X-rays (b) Sound Waves (c) Magnetic Resonance (d) Radioisotopes

     

  • Iron inside the Sun is more opaque than expected

    Why in the News?

    Recent findings have revealed that iron’s opacity inside the Sun may be much higher than previously predicted, challenging current solar models.

    Iron Inside the Sun:

    • Iron makes up approximately 0.14% of the Sun’s mass, which is significantly less than hydrogen (~74%) and helium (~24%).
    • Despite its small percentage, iron plays a crucial role in the Sun’s opacity. In the Sun, opacity influences how energy moves from the core to the surface.
    • The higher the opacity, the more energy is trapped, impacting the Sun’s temperature, density, and fusion rates.

    Highlights of the New Study:

    • A 2025 study published in Physical Review Letters revealed that iron’s opacity in the Sun’s interior is 30-400% higher than previously predicted by models.
    • Researchers exposed a thin iron sample to X-rays and used spectrometers to measure the shadow cast by the sample.
    • By analyzing how strongly the iron absorbed the radiation, they were able to infer the element’s opacity.
    • Significance:
      • This discovery has important implications for how solar models are constructed.
      • By correcting the opacity of iron, models of the Sun’s temperature profile, fusion rates, and energy distribution may need to be revised.
      • This will lead to a more accurate understanding of stellar behaviour and energy transfer.

    Back2Basics: Composition of the Sun

    • The Sun primarily comprises hydrogen and helium, but other elements such as oxygen, carbon, neon, and iron also play significant roles.

    Element

    Composition by Mass (%)

    Key Role
    Hydrogen (H) 74% The primary fuel for nuclear fusion in the Sun’s core. It undergoes fusion to form helium, releasing energy that powers the Sun.
    Helium (He) 24% A byproduct of hydrogen fusion, helium helps maintain the Sun’s stability and supports continued fusion processes.
    Oxygen (O) ~0.8% Oxygen contributes to the Sun’s opacity, assisting in the transport of energy within the star. It also plays a role in nucleosynthesis, where heavier elements are formed in the Sun’s core.
    Carbon (C) ~0.3% Carbon is involved in nucleosynthesis and plays a significant role in determining the Sun’s opacity and energy transport mechanisms.
    Neon (Ne) ~0.2% Neon is found in the Sun’s atmosphere and is involved in the absorption of radiation, affecting the Sun’s energy output and behavior.
    Iron (Fe) ~0.14% Although small in mass, iron significantly impacts the Sun’s opacity, scattering and absorbing radiation, which influences energy transfer. Iron’s opacity affects the Sun’s temperature, density, and fusion rates.

     

    [UPSC 2002] Which one of the following statements is correct with reference to our solar system?

    (a) The Earth is the densest of all the planets in our solar system

    (b) The predominant element in the composition of Earth is silicon

    (c) The Sun contains 75 per cent of the mass of the solar system

    (d) The diameter of the Sun is 190 times that of the Earth

     

  • [pib] Cu-Phen Metallo-Nanozymes and its Applications

    Why in the News?

    Researchers from the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai has developed a new nanozyme, Cu-Phen, using a catalyst-by-design strategy. A nanozyme is a type of synthetic enzyme made from nanomaterials (extremely tiny particles) that can mimic the function of natural enzymes in biological systems.

    About the Metallo-Nanozymes 

    • Cu-Phen (Copper-Phenylalanine) is a type of metallo-nanozyme developed by Indian researchers.
    • It is a synthetic enzyme that mimics the functions of natural enzymes in the body, particularly in controlling the flow of energy at the cellular level.
    • It is made by combining copper ions (Cu²⁺) with phenylalanine, an amino acid, using a special design method called “catalyst-by-design”.
    • It forms a self-assembled nano-structure with a well-defined active site, which is where the enzyme’s function occurs.
    • This structure helps Cu-Phen control the electron transfer process, which is important for many biological functions.
    • Unlike traditional nanozymes, which often have poorly defined active sites, Cu-Phen has a precisely structured active site, allowing it to work more efficiently like natural enzymes in the body.
    • Cu-Phen interacts with cytochrome c, a protein that plays a key role in the electron transport chain, which is part of how our body generates energy.
    • It helps reduce oxygen to water without producing harmful substances called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cells.

    Potential Applications

    • Cu-Phen could be used to make energy systems more efficient, like in bioenergy (energy from living things), by mimicking natural energy-making processes.
    • It could help treat diseases like neurodegenerative diseases and cancer by controlling energy production in cells and reducing harmful effects on the body.
    • These nanozymes can help clean water and make energy systems work better, while reducing pollution and harmful by-products.
    • Cu-Phen can also be used in factories to help make useful products like medicines and chemicals by working like artificial enzymes.
    • This new nanozyme is a step forward in creating artificial enzymes that could be used in many areas like medicine, energy, and manufacturing.
    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements :

    1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.

    2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.

    3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    (a) 1 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3

     

  • IISc’s Bacteria-Based Technique for Lunar Habitat Construction

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) have developed a bacteria-based technique to repair bricks used in lunar habitats, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the moon’s environment.

    About the Bacterial Brick:

    • The bacterial brick is an innovative material designed for building durable, eco-friendly structures in lunar habitats.
    • It is created using lunar soil simulants combined with Sporosarcina pasteurii, a bacteria that binds soil particles together, forming a solid material suitable for construction on the moon.
    • How is it made?
      • The bacteria Sporosarcina pasteurii converts urea and calcium into calcium carbonate crystals, which bind soil particles together to create a brick-like substance.
      • The process is further enhanced with guar gum, which serves as a natural adhesive, making it a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to energy-intensive cement-based manufacturing.
      • The researchers also explored sintering, where a mixture of soil simulants and polyvinyl alcohol is heated to high temperatures, creating stronger, more pressure-resistant bricks.

    Significance for Lunar Surface Conditions:

    • The moon’s surface experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, ranging from 121°C to -133°C, causing bricks to crack and become brittle.
    • A bacteria-based repair technique using Sporosarcina pasteurii helps address these cracks.
      • When mixed with lunar soil simulant and guar gum, the bacteria effectively adhere to cracks, improving durability and enabling the bricks to withstand temperatures from 100°C to 175°C.
    • This approach offers a sustainable solution by allowing on-site construction with local lunar materials, reducing the need for Earth-based materials.
      • It ensures long-term structural integrity for lunar habitats, contributing to the sustainability of space missions.
    [UPSC 2011] Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why?

    1. They use living organisms as catalysts (often including bacteria) to generate electricity from certain substrates.

    2. They use a variety of inorganic materials as substrates.

    3. They can be installed in wastewater treatment plants to cleanse water and produce electricity.

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • ISRO undocks SpaDex Satellites in First Attempt

    Why in the News?

    India achieved a major milestone in space docking technology with the successful undocking of satellites under the SpaDeX mission, marking ISRO’s first-ever undocking operation on March 14, 2025, just two months after the initial docking.

    With this success, India joins an elite group of nations—the U.S., Russia, and China—that have demonstrated space docking and undocking capabilities.

    What is PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission?

    • The PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission is a landmark mission aimed at demonstrating in-space docking and undocking technology.
    • This mission would position India as the fourth country in the world to master space docking, following the US, Russia, and China.
    • Objective:
      • To demonstrate the docking, undocking, and rendezvous capabilities of two satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO).
      • Facilitate power transfer between docked spacecraft, an essential capability for future space missions.
    • Satellites: (Each weighing 220kg.)
      • SDX01 (Chaser): Equipped with a High-Resolution Camera (HRC).
      • SDX02 (Target): Carries a Miniature Multispectral Payload (MMX) and a Radiation Monitor (RadMon).
    • Configuration:
      • The satellites will be launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) in a core-alone (CA) configuration, meaning without strap-on boosters.
      • They will be placed in a 476-km circular orbit with an inclination of 55°.
    • Post-Docking:
      • After the docking demonstration, the satellites will continue standalone missions for two years, conducting imaging, natural resource monitoring, and radiation environment studies.
    • Significance: It is a strategic step towards several ambitious space objectives, including:
      • Preparing for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program
      • Enabling Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return missions
      • Developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s proposed space station35

    What is Space Docking?

    • Space docking refers to the process where two spacecraft in orbit rendezvous and physically connect to form a single entity. It is a highly complex and precise maneuver essential for advanced space missions.
    • Key Steps of Space Docking:
    1. Rendezvous: Involves bringing two spacecraft into the same orbit with minimal distance and velocity difference.
    2. Docking: Establishing a mechanical connection between the spacecraft using specialized docking systems.
    3. Power and Resource Sharing: Once docked, the spacecraft can transfer power, fuel, or crew to support joint operations.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to-

    Options:

    (a) Voyager-2  (b) New Horizons (c) LISA Pathfinder (d) Evolved LISA

     

  • National Science Day

    Why in the News?

    February 28 is observed as National Science Day in India to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928. It is the only Nobel achieved by an Indian while working in India.

    About National Science Day

    • National Science Day is celebrated in India on February 28 every year.
    • It marks the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928.
    • The GoI declared this day as National Science Day in 1986 to promote scientific awareness.
    • The primary objective of the day is to promote scientific temper, encourage research, and recognize India’s contributions to science.
    • Schools, colleges, and research institutions organize seminars, science exhibitions, and debates to celebrate this day.
    • The theme for National Science Day 2024 is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat.”

    Who was C.V. Raman?

    • Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was an Indian physicist born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
    • He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from Presidency College, Madras.
    • He initially worked as an Assistant Accountant General but continued his passion for physics through research.
    • In 1917, he became a professor at Calcutta University and conducted groundbreaking experiments.
    • He established the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore in 1948, which became a major center for scientific research.

    Contributions of C.V. Raman

    • Raman Effect (1928): Proved that light changes wavelength when scattered by molecules.
      • Inspired by the blue color of the Mediterranean Sea, disproving the earlier sky-reflection theory.
    • Won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, becoming India’s first Nobel laureate in science.
    • Conducted research on vibrations of musical instruments like the veena, tabla, and mridangam.
    • Raman Spectroscopy is widely used in chemistry, physics, medicine, and space exploration.
      • Used by NASA in Mars Rover missions for mineral analysis.
    • He established the Raman Research Institute to promote advanced scientific research in India.
    • He contributed to strengthening India’s scientific infrastructure and mentored future physicists.

    PYQ:

    [2016] A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of:

    (a) S. Ramanujan

    (b) S. Chandrasekhar

    (c) S. N. Bose

    (d) C. V. Raman

     

  • PUNCH Mission

    Why in the News?

    NASA is set to launch the Polarimetry to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission on February 28, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

    About the PUNCH Mission

    • PUNCH Mission is a groundbreaking solar mission designed to study the Sun’s corona and solar wind using advanced imaging techniques.
    • It will consist of 4 small satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for an expected two-year mission.
    • Unlike previous missions, PUNCH will use polarimetry (measurement of polarized light) to observe solar phenomena in 3D.
    • It allows scientists to study the origin and evolution of solar winds and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), both of which impact space weather and Earth’s technological systems.
    • Focus Areas of the PUNCH Mission:
      • Study how the Sun’s outer corona transforms into the solar wind.
      • Observe how CMEs are formed, gain speed, and travel through space.
      • Improve space weather forecasting to protect satellites, astronauts, and power grids.
      • Provide real-time data to help scientists predict solar storms and geomagnetic disturbances.
      • Contribute to NASA’s Artemis program by ensuring safe deep-space exploration.

    Key Features of the PUNCH Mission:

    • 4 microsatellite weighs 64 kg each and works together to capture a wide-field view of the Sun’s corona.
    • Advanced Imaging Instruments:
      • Narrow Field Imager (NFI):  Captures high-resolution images of the inner corona.
      • Wide Field Imagers (WFIs):  Observe solar wind and CMEs across interplanetary space.
      • STEAM (X-ray spectrometer): Monitors coronal heating and solar flares.
    • Provides real-time data every four minutes.
    • Offers a 90° field of view, covering the Sun’s outer atmosphere and heliosphere.
    • Helps mitigate the effects of solar storms on Earth’s communication systems.
    • Aids in protecting astronauts and satellites from harmful solar radiation.

    PYQ:

    [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?

    1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
    2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
    3. Power grids could be damaged.
    4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
    5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
    6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
    7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
    (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
    (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

     

  • SPHEREx Telescope

    Why in the News?

    NASA is set to launch its latest space telescope, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California.

    What is the SPHEREx Telescope?

    • SPHEREx is a new space telescope developed by NASA.
    • It is designed to map the entire sky in infrared light and provide insights into the origins of the universe, galaxy formation, and the distribution of life-forming molecules.
    • Its mission is expected to last 2 years, during which it will survey the sky 4 times.
    • Key Features of SPHEREx:
      • Infrared Spectroscopy: Unlike traditional optical telescopes, SPHEREx will capture the universe in 102 infrared colors, which are invisible to the human eye.
      • Wide-Sky Coverage: Unlike the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which focuses on narrow regions, SPHEREx will map the entire sky every 6 months.
      • High Data Output: It will collect data on one billion galaxies, 100 million stars, and 10,000 asteroids, creating an unprecedented cosmic map.
      • Study of Cosmic Inflation: SPHEREx will analyze the earliest moments after the Big Bang, helping scientists understand how the universe expanded rapidly in its infancy.
      • Search for Life-Forming Molecules: The telescope will identify biogenic molecules like water, carbon dioxide, and methanol in the Milky Way galaxy, revealing where the building blocks of life exist.

    SPHEREx Telescope

    How will SPHEREx Create the “Most Colourful” Map of the Cosmos?

    • Spectroscopic Imaging: SPHEREx will divide light from celestial objects into 96 infrared bands, significantly more than previous sky-mapping telescopes.
    • Mapping Galactic Evolution: By observing 450 million galaxies, SPHEREx will reveal how they evolved over cosmic history.
    • Identifying Cosmic Ice: The telescope will detect frozen water and organic molecules in interstellar dust clouds, essential for understanding planetary formation.
    • Unprecedented Infrared Insights: Unlike Hubble, which focuses on optical light, and JWST, which targets deep-space infrared observations, SPHEREx will capture broad infrared spectra across the entire sky, revealing hidden cosmic structures.

    PYQ:

    [2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:

    1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
    2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter.
    3. It is buried deep in the ice.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3