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

  • Electronic Gold Receipts: A New Way to Own Gold

    Why in the News?

    The National Stock Exchange (NSE) introduced Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) in May 2026, a new exchange-traded segment for buying and selling gold electronically. The launch extends a SEBI-led regulatory push, begun in 2021, to move gold ownership from informal physical custody into standardised market infrastructure.

    What Explains the Shift from Physical Gold Custody to Exchange-Based Receipts?

    1. Definition: An EGR is an exchange-traded security representing ownership of physical gold of a specified purity, held in SEBI-regulated vaults and tradeable electronically through a demat account.
    2. Regulatory foundation laid in 2021: SEBI approved the framework for Gold Exchange and the SEBI (Vault Managers) Regulations, 2021 on September 28, 2021.
    3. Legal status as securities: The Centre notified EGRs as securities under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 in December 2021.
    4. Risk framework added in 2022: SEBI issued a Comprehensive Risk Management Framework for EGRs on April 1, 2022, completing the regulatory base for EGR trading.
    5. First mover was BSE, not NSE: The Bombay Stock Exchange received SEBI’s final approval in September 2022 and launched EGR trading on October 24, 2022, starting with 995 and 999 purity products traded in multiples of 1 gram.

    How Do EGRs Function as a Market Instrument?

    1. Trading window: EGRs trade Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., extended to 11:55 p.m. during the U.S. daylight saving period.
    2. Settlement cycle: EGRs follow a T+1 settlement cycle, with receipts credited to the buyer’s demat account the next trading day.
    3. Eligible participants: Retail investors, jewellers, bullion traders, refiners and institutional investors can all buy EGRs through registered stockbrokers.
    4. Dual account requirement: Both a trading account and a demat account are mandatory to buy and sell EGRs.
    5. Purity and denomination structure: EGRs are available in 999 (99.9% pure) and 995 (99.5% pure) standards, each offered in six denominations from 10 mg to 1 kg.

    What Advantages Does the EGR Structure Offer Over Traditional Gold Ownership?

    1. Transparent price discovery: Exchange trading ensures a uniform gold price across India at any given point in time, unlike fragmented physical jewellery market pricing.
    2. Removal of storage and purity risk: Gold backing an EGR is held in SEBI-regulated vaults, removing the investor’s need to store gold at home or verify its purity independently.
    3. Liquidity and settlement guarantee: EGRs can be bought and sold during market hours with an exchange-backed settlement guarantee.
    4. Flexible entry points: Denominations from 10 mg to 1 kg allow both first-time small investors and larger accumulators to participate.
    5. Portfolio diversification and fungibility: EGRs can be held as a financial asset within a broader investment portfolio while retaining the option of conversion to physical gold.

    Does the Promise of Seamless Convertibility Between Physical and Electronic Gold Hold Up in Practice?

    1. Layered transaction costs: Beyond the purchase cost, investors bear brokerage, demat (depository) charges and vault-storage charges for holding EGRs electronically.
    2. Additional costs on conversion: Investors opting for physical delivery must separately bear purity testing and transportation charges not applicable to those who stay electronic.
    3. Tax asymmetry: EGR trading itself attracts no GST, but converting an EGR into physical gold triggers 3% GST on the gold value, the same as buying physical gold directly.
    4. Practical implication: The cost structure rewards investors who remain within the electronic system and penalises the physical-conversion route, so electronic and physical gold are not fully interchangeable in cost terms even though they are interchangeable in form.

    Conclusion

    EGRs formalise India’s gold market by converting informal physical gold holding into a SEBI-regulated, exchange-traded financial instrument with transparent pricing and vaulted custody. The layered brokerage, storage and conversion charges, particularly the 3% GST triggered only on physical delivery, show that electronic and physical gold remain only partially fungible in cost terms. 

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2015] Craze for gold in Indians have led to a surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization Scheme.

    Linkage: The PYQ discusses the Gold Monetization Scheme, introduced to channel idle household gold into the formal economy and ease pressure on India’s balance of payments. Both the PYQ and the article concern state efforts to formalise gold within the financial system.

  • International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026

    Why in News?

    India won 1 Gold and 3 Silver medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026, held in Vilnius, Lithuania.

    Key Highlights

    • Host: Vilnius, Lithuania.
    • Participants: 307 students from 78 countries.
    • India’s Performance: 1 Gold and 3 Silver medals.
    • India’s Overall IBO Medal Tally: 17 Gold, 69 Silver, 17 Bronze, and 1 Honourable Mention
    • This was India’s 26th participation in the IBO.

    About the International Biology Olympiad (IBO)

    • International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is an annual global biology competition for secondary school students.
    • Established: 1990.
    • Hosted by a different country every year.
    • Includes theoretical and practical examinations.
    • Covers Cell & Molecular Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Plant & Animal Biology, Ecology, and Biosystematics.

    Prelims Value Addition

    Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)

    • HBCSE is a constituent institution of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
    • It coordinates India’s Science Olympiad Programme and prepares Indian teams for international Olympiads.

    [2026] X’, born in the UK, was conferred the Nobel Prize in 2025. He was a professor in an American university when this prize was announced. Identify X’:

    [A] Michel H. Devoret

    [B] Richard Robson

    [C] John Clarke

    [D] Joel Mokyr

  • Engineering Biology Roadmap 2035

    Why in News?

    The Government launched the Roadmap: “Building India as a Leading Bioeconomy Powerhouse by 2035” and announced India’s first Engineering Biology undergraduate course to develop a future-ready biotechnology workforce.

    Key Highlights

    • First Engineering Biology Graduation Course to be introduced in India.
    • Objective: Build a sovereign biotechnology ecosystem by integrating engineering, biology, medicine and AI.
    • IITs are preparing interdisciplinary programmes in collaboration with medical institutions.
    • Focus on AI-driven biology, synthetic biology and advanced biomanufacturing.
    • Bioeconomy Growth Fund: Proposed ₹50,000 crore to support innovation and commercialization.
    • Emphasis on industry-academia partnerships, talent development and indigenous biomanufacturing.

    What is Engineering Biology?

    • Engineering Biology is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to biological systems for designing and modifying organisms to develop useful products and technologies.

    Applications

    • Precision medicine and gene therapies, CAR-T cell therapy, Sustainable biofuels and bio-based chemicals, Climate-resilient agriculture, Alternative proteins and food systems, and Environmental remediation

    India’s Bioeconomy: Key Facts

    • Grew from ~USD 10 billion (2014) to ~USD 95 billion (2026).
    • Expected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030.
    • Roadmap targets USD 700 billion by 2035.
    • Over 11,000 biotechnology startups.
    • Nearly 100 bio-incubators.
    • Annual growth rate: 15 to 18%.
    • Contributes around 4.8% of GDP.

    Government Initiatives

    • BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment)
    • Promotion of AI-enabled biology and synthetic biology.
    • Strengthening bio-manufacturing and biotechnology innovation ecosystem.
    • Expansion of biotechnology education and skilled workforce.

    Prelims Facts

    • Synthetic Biology: Designing or modifying biological systems for useful applications.
    • Biomanufacturing: Using living organisms or biological processes to manufacture products.
    • CAR-T Cell Therapy: Personalized immunotherapy where a patient’s T cells are genetically modified to attack cancer cells.
    • DNA Vaccine: Uses genetically engineered DNA to trigger an immune response.

    [2025] With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements:
    I. They are man-made proteins.
    II. They stimulate immunological function due to their ability to bind to specific antigens.
    III. They are used in treating viral infections like that of Nipah virus.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] I and II only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] 1, II and III

  • Guardians of India’s Maritime Frontiers

    Why in News?

    The Indian Navy recently commissioned INS Mahendragiri, INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray, strengthening India’s indigenous maritime capabilities.

    Key Highlights

    • Three indigenous naval classes strengthen India’s layered maritime security:
      • Nilgiri Class: Stealth Frigates (Project 17A)
      • Sandhayak Class: Survey Vessel (Large)
      • Arnala Class: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)
    • Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) with high indigenous content under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
    • Protect India’s 11,098 km coastline, 2.4 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and sea lanes carrying ~90% of India’s trade by volume.

    About the Three Classes

    • Nilgiri Class (Project 17A): Next-generation stealth guided missile frigates for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
      • Equipped with BrahMos missiles, advanced radar, sonar, and helicopters.
    • Sandhayak Class: Conducts hydrographic surveys, seabed mapping, and nautical charting.
      • Supports the Blue Economy, navigation safety, and disaster relief.
    • Arnala Class: Designed for coastal anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters.
      • Equipped with lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and shallow-water sonar.

    Strategic Significance

    • Strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous shipbuilding.
    • Supports SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) visions.
    • Enhances maritime security, defence exports, and the Blue Economy.

    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    [A] Amphibious warfare ship

    [B] Nuclear-powered submarine

    [C] Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

    [D] Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

  • DRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket

    Why in News?

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The test validated its user defined minimum strike range of 60 km and demonstrated high precision strike capability.

    Key Highlights

    • Successfully validated the minimum strike range of 60 km.
    • The rocket executed all planned in flight manoeuvres and accurately hit the designated target.
    • It followed the predicted trajectory with high precision.
    • Launched from an in service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating compatibility with multiple Pinaka rocket variants.
    • This enhances operational flexibility for the Indian Army.

    Development

    • Designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune.
    • Developed in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune.
    • Supported by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad and Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
    • Flight trial coordinated by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) and Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur.

    About Pinaka Rocket System

    • Pinaka is an indigenously developed Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL).
    • Developed by DRDO for the Indian Army.
    • Named after Lord Shiva’s bow, Pinaka.
    • Provides rapid, high volume artillery fire against enemy positions.
    • Mounted on a high mobility vehicle.
    • Can fire 12 rockets in about 44 seconds.
    • Suitable for: Area suppression, Counter battery fire, Destruction of troop concentrations, and Neutralising enemy logistics and command centres

    Pinaka Variants

    • Pinaka Mk I: Range of about 37 to 40 km.
    • Guided Pinaka: Precision guided rocket with a range of about 75 km.
    • Pinaka Enhanced Range (ER): Range of about 90 km.
    • Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR): Maximum range of about 120 km, while the latest test validated a user defined strike range of 60 km.

    [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 fight.
    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?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • IoT Based Smart Health Tracker for Himalayan Yaks

    Why in News?

    Scientists have developed an Internet of Things (IoT) based smart system to monitor the health, movement, and stress of high altitude yaks in the Himalayan region.

    Key Highlights

    • Developed by scientists from ICAR National Research Centre on Yak (NRC-Y), Dirang (Arunachal Pradesh) and Assam Don Bosco University.
    • The device is attached to a collar worn by the yak.
    • Features:
      • Geo-fencing to track movement.
      • Real time health monitoring.
      • Early prediction of stress and illness.
    • Helps monitor livestock in remote border areas where physical surveillance is difficult.

    Significance

    • Improves yak health and productivity.
    • Supports the livelihoods of Himalayan pastoral communities (Brokpas).
    • Reduces livestock loss and enables timely veterinary intervention.
    • Demonstrates the use of IoT in precision livestock farming.

    Prelims Facts

    • Scientific name: Bos grunniens
    • Known as the “Ship of the Himalayas.”
    • Found above 8,000 feet.
    • India has about 58,000 yaks (20th Livestock Census), with nearly half in Ladakh; others are found in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

    [2018] When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day’s weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step’ out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a message to your office accordingly. In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario?

    [A] Border Gateway Protocol

    [B] Internet of Things

    [C] Internet Protocol

    [D] Virtual Private Network

  • INS Mahendragiri (Project 17A Stealth Frigate)

    Why in News?

    The Indian Navy will commission INS Mahendragiri (F38), the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, at Visakhapatnam on 11 July 2026.

    Note: Project 17A is a ₹45,000-crore Indian Navy initiative to build seven advanced Nilgiri-class stealth frigates.

    Key Highlights

    • Named after the Mahendragiri Hills in the Eastern Ghats.
    • Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
    • Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
    • Features over 75% indigenous content, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
    • Powered by Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion for high speed and long endurance.

    Features

    • Advanced stealth design with reduced radar signature.
    • Equipped with:
      • Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM)
      • Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM)
      • Electronic Warfare (EW) systems
      • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) systems
      • Integrated Combat Management System (CMS)
    • High degree of automation and enhanced survivability.

    Operational Roles

    • Anti-air warfare, Anti-surface warfare, Anti-submarine warfare, Maritime security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Search and Rescue (SAR), and Indo-Pacific presence missions

    Significance

    • Strengthens India’s indigenous warship-building capability.
    • Enhances the Indian Navy’s blue-water combat capability.
    • Boosts the domestic defence ecosystem, including MSMEs.
    • Reinforces India’s role as the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

    [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to stealth technology is/are correct ?
    1. Stealth objects have a very small radar cross-section and are coated with Radar Absorbing Material.
    2. Stealth objects can be detected using specific frequencies.
    3. Stealth objects are coated with metamaterials to increase the scattering of electromagnetic radiation.
    Select the answer using the code given below :

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 2 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • India’s First Privately Developed Orbital-Class Rocket Vikram-1 Set for Launch

    Why in News?

    India’s first privately developed orbital-class launch vehicle, Vikram-1, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, is scheduled for its maiden mission, Mission Aagaman, with a launch window from 12 July to 4 August 2026 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

    What is Mission Aagaman?

    • Mission Aagaman (“Arrival”) is the first orbital test flight of Vikram-1.
    • It follows the successful launch of Vikram-S, India’s first private suborbital rocket (18 November 2022).
    • It is a partially commercial mission carrying payloads from domestic and international customers.
    • The mission aims to validate critical flight systems before full commercial operations.

    About Vikram-1

    • India’s first privately developed orbital-class launch vehicle.
    • Developed by Skyroot Aerospace, Hyderabad.
    • Height: About 24 metres (seven-storey tall).
    • Configuration: Multi-stage launch vehicle.
    • Payload Capacity: Up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
    • Target Orbit: 450 km altitude with 60° orbital inclination.
    • Built using an all-carbon composite structure for lightweight construction.
    • Powered by:
      • High-thrust solid rocket boosters.
      • In-house liquid propulsion systems.
      • 3D-printed rocket engines, enabling faster and cost-effective manufacturing.
    • Designed for rapid manufacturing and high launch frequency.

    Objectives of the Maiden Flight

    • Validate: Propulsion systems. Stage separation. Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC). Overall vehicle performance.
    • Collect real-time in-flight data that cannot be fully simulated during ground testing.
    • Lay the foundation for high-cadence commercial satellite launches.

    [2026] Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India’s space programme :
    1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.
    2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world’s first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.
    3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 2 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • India’s First PinS Instrument Approach Procedure for Helicopter Operations

    Why in News?

    India has approved its first Private Point in Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations at Undavalli Heliport (Andhra Pradesh). The procedure was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

    What is PinS (Point in Space)?

    • A satellite based instrument approach procedure designed specifically for helicopters.
    • Enables helicopters to fly safely under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) even when heliports lack conventional landing systems.
    • Uses GNSS/GAGAN enabled Performance Based Navigation (PBN) instead of ground based navigation aids.
    • Developed according to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

    How does PinS work?

    • Guides helicopters to a predefined Point in Space (PinS) using satellite navigation.
    • From the PinS point, the helicopter either lands visually if weather permits, or continues under instrument guidance where applicable.
    • Improves operations during poor visibility, rain, fog and difficult terrain.

    Significance

    • Enhances aviation safety and operational reliability.
    • Enables all weather helicopter connectivity.
    • Improves access to remote, hilly and strategically important locations.
    • Reduces dependence on expensive ground based navigation infrastructure.
    • Supports: Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Disaster relief operations, Char Dham and other pilgrimage services, Tourism, Offshore oil and gas operations, Corporate aviation, and Regional connectivity under UDAN.

    Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

    • Flight operations conducted primarily using cockpit instruments rather than visual references.
    • Essential during poor weather and low visibility.

    Performance Based Navigation (PBN)

    • Navigation based on aircraft performance standards using satellite navigation.
    • Improves route efficiency, safety and fuel savings.

    GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation)

    • India’s Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS).
    • Developed jointly by ISRO and AAI.
    • Enhances the accuracy and integrity of GPS signals for civil aviation.

    [2025] GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
    I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
    II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
    III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    [A] I, II and III

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I only

    [D] I and II only

  • Advancing Electrolyte Engineering for Durable and Affordable Aqueous Batteries

    Why in News?

    Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a novel electrolyte additive that significantly improves the performance and lifespan of Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries (AZIBs).

    What are Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries (AZIBs)?

    • Rechargeable batteries that use zinc metal as the anode and a water-based electrolyte.
    • Considered a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries because they are Safer (non-flammable electrolyte), Low-cost (abundant zinc), Environment-friendly, and Suitable for large-scale energy storage.

    Challenges in AZIBs

    • Growth of zinc dendrites (needle-like deposits causing short circuits)
    • Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) leading to gas formation
    • Corrosion of zinc anode
    • Poor cycling stability and reduced battery life

    Key Innovation

    • Researchers developed an electrolyte additive called BDIM (1,3-bis(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-1H-imidazole-3-ium chloride).
    • BDIM selectively adsorbs on the zinc surface and regulates the Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP).
    • It displaces water molecules from the electrode surface, thereby:
      • Suppressing hydrogen evolution
      • Reducing corrosion
      • Preventing dendrite formation
      • Enhancing battery lifespan and stability

    Important Concepts

    • Electrolyte: A medium containing ions that enables the flow of electric charge between battery electrodes.
    • Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP): The innermost layer at the electrode-electrolyte interface where electrochemical reactions occur. Controlling this layer improves battery efficiency and durability.
    • Research Techniques Used
      • Ultramicroelectrode (UME): Tiny electrode (<50 µm) enabling high-resolution electrochemical studies.
      • Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry (FSCV): Technique used to study rapid charge-transfer and zinc deposition mechanisms.

    [2025] In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements:
    I. Cobalt
    II. Graphite
    III. Lithium
    IV. Nickel
    How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All the four