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

  • Moonlight Programme

    Why in the News?

    The European Space Agency (ESA) launched its Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) Programme.

    About Moonlight Programme

    Details
    Agency European Space Agency (ESA)
    Purpose To establish a communications and navigation infrastructure around the Moon to support future lunar missions by space agencies and private companies.
    Planned Missions Supports over 400 moon missions planned over the next 20 years.
    Satellite Constellation Deployment of 5 lunar satellites to provide communication and navigation services.
    Data Transfer Range Enables data transfer between Earth and the Moon over a distance of 400,000 km.
    First Satellite Lunar Pathfinder, a communications relay satellite built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, is set to launch in 2026.
    Operational Timeline Initial services expected to begin by 2028, with full operational capability by 2030.
    Primary Focus Area Coverage around the Moon’s South Pole, an area of high interest due to favorable lighting conditions and potential water ice presence in permanently shadowed craters.
    Global Collaboration Collaboration with NASA and JAXA (Japanese Space Agency) as part of LunaNet for standardizing lunar mission communications and navigation.
    Significance – Enables over 400 lunar missions
    – Supports NASA’s Artemis programme
    – Provides continuous all-weather connectivity for lunar missions
    – Focuses on the South Pole for ice deposits
    – Reduces costs by sharing infrastructure
    – Technological advancements for Mars missions (MARCONI)
    Strategic Advantage Enhances ESA’s role in global lunar exploration and contributes to the future of commercial lunar activities.

  • What is Wayanad’s new X-band Radar?

    Why in the News?

    After the floods and landslides in Wayanad in July 2024, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences approved the installation of an “X-band radar” in the district.

    What is an X-Band Radar?

    • An X-band radar is a type of radar that operates in the 8-12 GHz frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum, with wavelengths of 2-4 cm.
    • This radar is particularly useful for detecting smaller particles like raindrops, fog, and other fine materials due to its shorter wavelengths, which allow for higher resolution images.

    Key Features of X-Band Radar:

    • High Resolution: The shorter wavelength provides more detailed images, making it ideal for tracking weather phenomena, including precipitation and particle movements.
    • Limited Range: They have a relatively shorter range compared to other types like S-band radars because higher frequency signals get attenuated (weakened) faster as they travel through the atmosphere.

    Applications: In weather forecasting, X-band radars are used for short-range weather monitoring, such as predicting rainfall intensity and landslides. They are also used in air traffic control and military applications.

    What is a Doppler Radar?  

    • A Doppler radar is a type of radar used primarily in meteorology to measure the velocity and movement of weather formations, such as clouds and storms.
    • It works on the principle of the Doppler effect, which refers to the change in frequency of waves as their source moves relative to the observer.

    It’s applications: 

    • Velocity Measurement: By measuring these changes in frequency, Doppler radar can determine how fast the object (e.g., rain cloud) is moving and in which direction.
    • Weather Monitoring: Doppler radar helps in tracking rainfall intensity, detecting wind patterns, and predicting the formation of storms or tornadoes.

    India’s Radar Network

    • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) began using radars in weather applications in the 1950s.
      • The first indigenously designed X-band storm detection radar was installed in 1970 in New Delhi.
    • In 1996, the IMD replaced 10 outdated X-band radars with digital X-band radars.
    • India’s radar network includes both wind-finding and storm-detecting X-band radars. The country also uses S-band radars (2-4 GHz) for long-range detection. The first S-band cyclone detection radar was installed in Visakhapatnam in 1970.

    Recent Developments:

    • In September 2024, the Ministry of Earth Sciences announced that India would install 56 additional Doppler radars over the next few years.
    • On September 11, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the ₹2,000-crore ‘Mission Mausam’, which aims to upgrade meteorological infrastructure, including the installation of up to 60 radars by 2026.
    • The Wayanad radar initiative also includes the installation of a C-band radar (4-8 GHz) in Mangaluru, with an observational range of 250 km.

    About the NISAR

    • NISAR, short for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, is a joint satellite mission being developed by NASA and ISRO.
    • NISAR will use radar imaging to create a high-resolution map of the earth’s landmasses, tracking changes in natural processes.
    • Its payload consists of an L-band radar (1.25 GHz, 24 cm) built by NASA and an S-band radar (3.2 GHz, 9.3 cm) built by ISRO.
    • NISAR is expected to launch in 2025 aboard an ISRO GSLV Mk II rocket, with a total cost of $1.5 billion, primarily funded by NASA.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?

  • [pib] Combination Therapeutic Clotting Implant

    Why in the News?

    Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, in collaboration with other researchers have developed the Combination Therapeutic Clotting Implant.

    What is the Combination Therapeutic Clotting Implant?

    • It is a hybrid implant made of metal-based nano-medicine combined with patient-derived blood clotting components.
    • It is designed to reduce localized tumor recurrence after surgery.
    • It uses nanotechnology and autologous fibrin (derived from the patient’s own blood) to enhance post-surgical cancer treatment by providing localized therapy and promoting healing in the tumor bed.

    How does It Work?

    • The implant is created using Nano-Micro-Sera (NMS), which consists of drug and metal-based nanomedicine stabilized by the patient’s own serum protein corona.
    • The hybrid implant is reinforced into autologous fibrin, which quickly bonds with damaged tissue in the tumor bed after surgery.
    • Once the surgical site is closed, the implant delivers localized chemo-phototherapy, triggering immunogenic cell death (ICD).
    • This process activates dendritic cells and T-cells, which boosts the body’s immune response and prevents the recurrence of tumors.

    Significance of the Implant

    • The implant offers an affordable and effective solution for localized post-surgical cancer management, especially for marginalized patients.
    • By using the patient’s own serum proteins and fibrin, the implant ensures personalized treatment, reducing the risk of systemic toxicity.
    • The implant’s design is resource-efficient, making it accessible for bedside fabrication with simple equipment, ensuring wider availability.
    • It has demonstrated superior outcomes in suppressing recurrent breast tumors, and its use could prevent tumor recurrence and reducing the chances of metastasis.

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.

    2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • New science awards, old political project 

    Why in the News?

    In 2023, the government replaced numerous opaque science awards with the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP), a streamlined set with clear criteria. It aimed to address concerns about transparency by involving committees led by respected scientists.

    Introduction of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP):

    • In 2023, the government replaced multiple science-related awards with the RVP, a consolidated and streamlined set of awards.
    • RVP introduced specific categories and clear eligibility criteria to enhance transparency and reduce opacity in the selection process.
    • Committees led by reputed scientists were tasked with finalizing the awardees, a measure intended to address concerns about bureaucratic interference.

    Concerns Over Selection Process:

    • Chance of political interference: The modification of rules overnight and the omission of some scientists from the final list, despite being shortlisted by the RVP committee, created suspicion of political interference.
    • Omission of the critic of Govt policy: Notably, some of the omitted scientists had previously criticized government policies, leading to concerns that the awards process might be used to marginalize dissenting voices within the scientific community.

    Shift in Authority:

    • Original Process: Initially, the RVP committee head had the authority to finalize the awardees.
    • Recent Change: A last-minute rule modification allowed the committee head to only “recommend” the final list to the Science Ministry, increasing the possibility of government intervention in the selection process.
    • Recognition Framework: The RVP awards are categorized into four main types: Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievements, Vigyan Shri for distinguished contributions, Vigyan Yuva for young scientists, and Vigyan Team for collaborative efforts.

    Impact on the Scientific Community

    • Concerns Over Transparency: The modification of selection criteria just before the announcement of awardees has led to suspicions that political motives might influence who receives recognition.
      • Notably, some scientists who were initially included in the recommended list were omitted from the final public announcement, prompting questions about whether political pressures were involved.
    • Exclusion of Dissenting Voices: Many excluded scientists had previously expressed dissent against government policies. This trend suggests a troubling pattern where recognition is contingent upon alignment with governmental perspectives, potentially stifling academic freedom and critical discourse within the scientific community.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Transparency and Autonomy: Establish an independent, non-governmental oversight body to ensure that the selection process remains transparent and free from political interference.
    • Safeguard Academic Freedom: Implement safeguards to prevent exclusion based on political or ideological views, ensuring that recognition is purely merit-based.

  • Param Rudra Supercomputer

    Why in the News?

    PM has dedicated three “PARAM Rudra” Supercomputers along with High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika’, to the nation.

    What are High-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems?

    • HPC systems are powerful computational systems that perform large-scale and complex computations at incredibly high speeds.
    • HPC Arka system at IITM has 11.77 Peta Flop capacity and will, for the first time, help improve the country’s horizontal resolution of its global weather prediction models to 6 km from the existing 12 km.
    • HPC Arunika comes with 8.24 Peta Flop capacity. This HPC will prove beneficial in upgrading weather forecast resolution at block levels.

    What is PARAM Rudra?

    • PARAM Rudra is a high-performance computing (HPC) system and part of India’s PARAM series of supercomputers.
    • It is developed indigenously by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).

    Applications of PARAM Rudra

    • Astronomy: Used by the Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune to study Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena.
    • Atomic Physics and Material Science: The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi uses PARAM Rudra for research in these areas.
    • Physics, Cosmology, and Earth Sciences: The supercomputer at the SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in Kolkata supports advanced studies in these domains.
    • Weather Forecasting and Agriculture: The supercomputers enhance weather forecasting, benefiting industries like agriculture, where improved predictions help farmers make informed decisions.

    Back2Basics: National Supercomputing Mission (NSM):

    Details
    Launch Year 2015
    Objective
    • To enhance India’s research capacities by creating a Supercomputing grid supported by the National Knowledge Network (NKN)
    • To position India as a global leader in supercomputing technology by boosting research, development, and innovation
    Nodal Agency Department of Science and Technology (DST);

    Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
    Implementation Agencies C-DAC, Pune  and IISc, Bengaluru
    Phases 1. Phase I: Assembling supercomputers
    2. Phase II: Manufacturing components in India
    3. Phase III: Designing an indigenous supercomputer
    Historical Context India’s supercomputer program began after the USA’s technology embargo in the late 1980s, leading to the creation of C-DAC and the unveiling of PARAM 800 in 1991 (second-fastest globally at the time)
    Notable Supercomputers AI Supercomputer’ AIRAWAT’ and PARAM Siddhi – AI are currently the fastest supercomputers in India.

    AIRAWAT has been ranked 75th in the world as of June 2023.
    Global Context Frontier (USA) is the world’s fastest supercomputer since December 2023.

  • What are retractions and why do they matter?

    Why in the News?

    The ‘Retraction Watch’ database reports an Indian scientist in Lucknow with 45 retractions, while a Kolkata researcher, who published 300 papers in a year, had six papers retracted.

    What is retraction?

    • A retraction is when a scientific journal officially takes back a research paper because it contains serious mistakes or was found to be dishonest (like using fake data).
    • It’s like saying, “This paper shouldn’t be trusted,” to make sure other scientists don’t rely on wrong information.

    What is retraction index?

    • The retraction index is a way to measure how often papers are retracted in a particular journal.
    • It helps to see the rate of retractions compared to the total number of papers published by the journal.

    How It’s Calculated:

    • It is calculated by multiplying the number of retractions by 1,000 and dividing it by the total number of papers published in that journal during a specific time period.

    What are the primary reasons for retraction?

    • Plagiarism: Copying or presenting someone else’s work without proper attribution.
    • Fabrication/Falsification: Deliberate manipulation of data, experiments, or results to present false findings.
    • Image Manipulation: Altering figures or graphical representations, especially in fields like biology and medicine.
    • Paper Mills: Fake or low-quality papers produced by organizations and sold to researchers to inflate publication counts.
    • Ethical Violations: Including authorship disputes, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and failure to obtain proper consent for studies.
    • Errors in Data: Honest mistakes in data collection, interpretation, or analysis that render the findings invalid.

    How do retractions affect the credibility of scientific research?

    • Erosion of Trust: Scientific integrity relies on trust; retracted papers can cause scientists to lose confidence in published research.
    • Hindrance to Scientific Progress: Retractions delay progress, as future research may be based on faulty or retracted studies.
    • Impact on the Reputation of Researchers and Institutions: Scientists and institutions involved in retractions often face damage to their credibility and career prospects.
    • High-Impact Journals at Greater Risk: More retractions occur in high-impact journals, suggesting a vulnerability due to the pressure to publish groundbreaking work quickly.
    • Harm to Public Perception: High-profile retractions, especially in fields like medicine, can damage public trust in science and scientific institutions.

    What is the process of retracting a paper?

    • Detection: Retractions are often initiated when errors or misconduct are identified through peer reviews, investigations, or by other researchers who question the validity of the work.
    • Investigation: The journal and, in some cases, the author’s institution will conduct an inquiry to determine whether the issues warrant retraction.
    • Notification: Once a decision is made, the journal issues a notice of retraction. This document typically explains why the paper is being retracted (e.g., misconduct or error).
    • Publication of Retraction Notice: The retraction notice is published in the journal, often linked to the original paper. The original article is marked as retracted but remains in the journal archives for transparency.
    • Database Update: Retractions are indexed in databases like PubMed, Retraction Watch, and others, so researchers are informed of flawed studies.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Peer Review and Use AI Tools: Implement advanced AI tools to detect plagiarism, data manipulation, and image alteration during the peer review process to prevent flawed papers from being published.
    • Shift Focus from Quantity to Quality: Encourage institutions to prioritize the quality of research over the sheer number of publications to reduce the pressure on researchers and discourage reliance on paper mills.

  • [pib] Pest-Control Pheromone Dispenser

    Why in the News?

    A new sustainable pheromone dispenser has been developed through a collaborative research project by scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) and ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR–NBAIR).

    What is the Pest-Control Pheromone Dispenser?

    Details
    What is it? A device designed to release pheromones that alter the behaviour of pests, primarily used in agriculture to control infestations and prevent crop damage.
    Developed By A collaborative project by scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, and ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR–NBAIR), India.
    How it Works
    • Releases synthetic pheromones that mimic natural insect signals.
    • Attracts pests to traps or disrupts mating cycles, preventing infestations.
    Technology
    • Uses mesoporous silica matrix technology for controlled release.
    • Ensures consistent pheromone release, independent of external factors like temperature.
    Benefits
    • Cost-effective: Fewer replacements of pheromones reduce overall costs.
    • Labor-saving: Longer intervals between replacements lower labor requirements.
    • Environmentally friendly: Reduces chemical pesticide use, promoting sustainable agriculture.
    • Increased efficacy: Stable release rate ensures effective pest control over extended periods.
    Scalability Suitable for both small-scale farms and large industrial agricultural operations, making it highly scalable.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.

    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.

    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • What is Quantum Non-Locality?

    Why in the News?

    A recent study published in Physical Review Letters by Indian researchers has revealed that a universal standard for measuring quantum non-locality is impossible.

    What is Quantum Nonlocality?

    • Quantum Nonlocality is a mysterious connection between distant objects that challenges the classical idea of local realism, where no faster-than-light communication is allowed.
    • It’s crucial for technologies like secure communication, random number generation, and cryptographic key creation.
    • Easy Explanation:
      • Imagine two particles that are created together and then move far apart, even to opposite ends of the universe.
      • In classical physics, any effect on one particle would need a signal to travel to the other, taking time.
      • But in quantum physics, Quantum Nonlocality means these particles are instantly connected, affecting each other no matter the distance, as if linked by an invisible thread that works faster than light.

    Historical Background: Bell’s Theorem (1964)

    • Physicist John Stewart Bell introduced a theorem that challenged the classical idea of ‘local realism’ in quantum systems.
      • Local Realism: In classical physics, objects are believed to have definite properties independent of observation and are only influenced by their immediate surroundings.
      • Quantum Challenge: Bell demonstrated that in quantum systems with multiple, distant parts, correlations appear that cannot be explained by local realism.
    • Bell’s theorem was confirmed through experiments, leading to the recognition of quantum nonlocality, which was honored with the 2022 Physics Nobel Prize.

    Recent Research and Findings

    • The research demonstrates that a universal standard for measuring and comparing quantum nonlocality is impossible.
      • It shows that the nature of nonlocality varies based on the type of correlation, with infinite unique points on the correlation boundary.
      • There is no single, universal resource in the realm of quantum nonlocality; instead, each nonlocal resource is unique, capable of performing specific tasks that others cannot.
    • This observation plays a key role in secure communication, random number certification, and cryptographic key generation.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

    (a) Cloud Services

    (b) Quantum Computing

    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies

    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

  • [pib] REACHOUT Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Indian student team, supported by the REACHOUT (Research, Education, Training and Outreach) scheme, achieved remarkable success at the 17th edition of the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO) held in Beijing, China.

    What is the REACHOUT Scheme?

    • It is an initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under the broader PRITHVI (PRITHvi Vigyan) program. 
    • The scheme aims to enhance the understanding and dissemination of Earth system sciences through research, education, and outreach activities.

    About the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO)

    • The IESO was established in 2003 during the International Geoscience Education Organization Council Meeting in Calgary, Canada.
    • The competition focuses on promoting interest in earth system sciences, particularly in addressing climate change, environmental challenges, and natural disasters.

    India’s Participation:

    • India has participated in the IESO since 2007 and hosted the 10th edition in Mysore.
    • The Indian National Earth Science Olympiad (INESO) serves as a national-level prelude to the IESO, held across schools in India.
    • Top-performing students from INESO represent India at the IESO, with support from MoES and the Geological Society of India.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the

    (a) Department of Science and Technology

    (b) Ministry of Labour and Employment

    (c) NITI Aayog

    (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

  • ISRO’s SSLV-D3 successfully launches EOS-08 Satellite

    Why in the News?

    • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3.
      • This marks the third and final development flight of the SSLV.

    About EOS-08 Satellite:

    Details
    Type Earth Observation Satellite (EOS)
    Design Platform Built on ISRO’s Microsat/IMS-1 bus, known for its compact and efficient design.
    Orbit Operates in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4°.
    Mission Life 1 year
    Payloads – Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): Captures images in MIR and LWIR bands for surveillance, disaster monitoring, and environmental assessments.
    – Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) Payload: Monitors ocean surface winds, soil moisture, and inland water bodies using GNSS-R-based remote sensing.
    – SiC UV Dosimeter: Monitors UV irradiance, particularly for ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission, ensuring safety against UV radiation.
    Technological Innovations – Integrated Avionics System: Combines Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) functions into one system.
    – Embedded Technologies: Includes a Structural Panel Embedded with PCB, Embedded Battery, enhancing structural efficiency and power reliability.
    – Advanced Antennas: Micro-DGA (Dual Gimbal Antenna) and M-PAA (Phased Array Antenna) for precise control and enhanced signal transmission.
    – Flexible Solar Panels & Nano Star Sensor: Improves energy efficiency and satellite orientation in space.

    Back2Basics: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3

    • SSLV is designed to launch Mini, Micro, or Nanosatellites (10 to 500 kg) into a 500 km planar orbit.
    • SSLV is a 3-stage launch vehicle with all solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as the terminal stage.
    • SSLV is designed for low cost and low turn-around time.
    • The vehicle offers flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites and is capable of launch-on-demand.
    • SSLV requires minimal launch infrastructure, making it a versatile option for satellite deployment.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

    1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3. GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch l vehicle with the first and third stages l using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 2

    (d) 3 only