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

  • DAE Inaugurates World’s First Nuclear Heat Based Hydrogen Production Facility

    Why in News?

    The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has inaugurated the world’s first hydrogen production facility based on the Copper-Chlorine (Cu-Cl) Thermochemical Cycle using nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at Kalpakkam.

    Key Highlights

    • First in the world to produce hydrogen using the Cu-Cl thermochemical cycle powered by nuclear heat.
    • Established at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.
    • Uses process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) instead of fossil fuels.
    • Technology developed indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
    • Serves as a technology demonstrator for future commercial-scale nuclear hydrogen production.

    What is the Copper-Chlorine (Cu-Cl) Thermochemical Cycle?

    The Cu-Cl cycle is a series of chemical reactions that split water into hydrogen and oxygen using heat and electricity.

    Process

    • Water reacts with copper and chlorine compounds.
    • High-temperature nuclear heat drives most of the reactions.
    • Hydrogen gas is produced while intermediate chemicals are recycled.

    Advantages

    • Operates at lower temperatures (≈500°C) than many other thermochemical cycles.
    • Higher thermodynamic efficiency.
    • Requires less electricity.
    • Produces zero greenhouse gas emissions when powered by nuclear energy.

    Why Use Nuclear Heat?

    • Fast reactors generate both Carbon-free electricity and High-temperature process heat.
    • Using this heat:
      • Reduces dependence on natural gas for hydrogen production.
      • Improves overall reactor efficiency.
      • Enables continuous hydrogen production irrespective of weather conditions.

    Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR)

    • Located at IGCAR, Kalpakkam.
    • India’s only operating fast reactor research facility.
    • Commissioned in 1985.
    • Uses liquid sodium as coolant.
    • Produces plutonium while generating power.

    [2023] Consider the following heavy industries:
    1. Fertilizer plants
    2. Oil refineries
    3. Steel plants
    Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • Netra AEW&C System Receives Final Operational Clearance (FOC)

    Why in the news?

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate of the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The system had received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017.

    What is Netra AEW&C?

    • Netra is an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system developed indigenously by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in collaboration with the IAF and Indian industry.
    • Mounted on a modified Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft.
    • Functions as a “flying radar”, providing airborne surveillance, early warning, command and battle management.

    Key Features

    • 360° situational awareness through networked surveillance.
    • Detects and tracks: Fighter aircraft, Cruise missiles, Drones/UAVs, Helicopters, and Surface targets.
    • Provides: Airspace surveillance, Threat detection, Target tracking, Battle management, and Command and control support.
    • Enhances interoperability with ground-based and airborne assets.

    Prelims Pointers

    • AEW&C: Airborne Early Warning and Control system for surveillance and battle management.
    • FOC (Final Operational Clearance): Certification that a defence system is fully operational and combat-ready.
    • IOC (Initial Operational Clearance): Limited operational induction after successful initial trials.
    • CABS: Centre for Airborne Systems, a DRDO laboratory responsible for airborne surveillance systems.

    [2025] With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements:
    I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing.
    II. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering.
    III. All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All the three

    [D] None

  • SAIL Supplies Defence Grade Steel for Indian Navy Warships

    Why in News?

    The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) supplied 5,700 tonnes of indigenous defence grade steel for three Indian Navy ships, INS Dunagiri, INS Agray, and INS Sanshodhak, commissioned on 21 June 2026. The move strengthens India’s defence indigenisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

    Key Highlights

    • SAIL supplied 100% of the special steel requirement (5,700 tonnes) for INS Dunagiri (Stealth Frigate), INS Agray (ASW Shallow Water Craft), and INS Sanshodhak (Survey Vessel)
    • Steel supplied DMR 249A grade hot rolled sheets and plates (Defence grade steel).
    • Manufactured at Bokaro Steel Plant, Bhilai Steel Plant, and Rourkela Steel Plant
    • Production of DMR grade plates has been expanded, especially at the Special Plate Plant, Rourkela, to meet defence needs.

    What is DMR 249A Steel?

    • DMR (Defence Metallurgical Research) 249A is a high strength, low alloy steel developed for naval warships.
    • Features: High tensile strength, Excellent weldability, High toughness, Corrosion resistance in marine environments, and Better survivability under combat conditions.
    • Other Major Naval Platforms Using SAIL Steel: INS Vikrant, INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri, INS Ajay, INS Nistar, and INS Anjadeep

    Significance

    • Enhances self reliance in defence manufacturing.
    • Reduces dependence on imported naval steel.
    • Strengthens India’s indigenous shipbuilding capability.
    • Supports strategic maritime security and blue water naval ambitions.
    • Demonstrates collaboration between public sector steel manufacturing and defence production.

    [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

  • Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report (Jan-Mar 2026)

    Why in News?

    TRAI released the Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report for the quarter ending 31 March 2026, highlighting growth in telecom, internet, broadband, DTH, and broadcasting sectors.

    Telecom

    • Total telephone subscribers: 1,330.58 million (↑1.87% QoQ).
    • Tele-density:93.26%: Urban: 151.47% and Rural: 60.46%
    • Private operators’ market share: 92.32%.

    Internet & Broadband

    • Internet subscribers: 1,092.79 million (↑6.24% QoQ).
    • Broadband subscribers: 1,065.88 million.
    • Wireless internet: 1,046.26 million.
    • Wired internet: 46.54 million.
    • Internet penetration: 76.59 per 100 population.

    Wireless Services

    • Wireless (Mobile + FWA) subscribers: 1,282.33 million.
    • Wireless (Mobile) subscribers: 1,265.73 million.
    • 5G FWA subscribers: 16.61 million.
    • Average wireless data usage: 26.70 GB/subscriber/month.

    Revenue & Usage

    • Monthly Wireless ARPU: ₹196.04.
    • Minutes of Usage (MOU): 1,017 minutes/subscriber/month.
    • Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR): ₹86,716 crore.

    Broadcasting

    • Private satellite TV channels: 917
    • Pay TV channels: 342
    • Private FM channels: 390 across 120 cities
    • Pay DTH subscribers: 49.05 million
    • Community Radio Stations: 564.

    Prelims Pointer

    • TRAI is a statutory body established under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
    • It regulates telecom services, ensures consumer protection, promotes competition, and recommends licensing and spectrum policies.
    • Tele-density = Number of telephone connections per 100 population.

    [2019] With reference to communications technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?
    1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.
    2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • Advancing Electrolyte Engineering for Durable and Affordable Aqueous Batteries

    Why in the 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 (BDIM) that significantly improves the performance and lifespan of Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries (AZIBs).

    Key Highlights

    • AZIBs are emerging as safer, cheaper, and more sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries.
    • Major challenges:
      • Zinc dendrite formation
      • Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER)
      • Corrosion of zinc anode
      • Poor cycling stability
    • Researchers developed BDIM (1,3-bis(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-1H-imidazole-3-ium chloride) as an electrolyte additive.
    • BDIM selectively adsorbs on the zinc surface and occupies the Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP).
    • It displaces water molecules, thereby:
      • Suppressing hydrogen evolution
      • Reducing corrosion
      • Preventing dendrite growth
      • Enhancing battery life and safety
    • Researchers used: Ultramicroelectrode (UME) and Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry (FSCV)
      to study zinc deposition mechanisms.

    Significance

    • Extends battery lifespan without costly material redesign.
    • Improves safety and reliability of rechargeable batteries.
    • Supports large-scale renewable energy and grid-storage applications.
    • Can reduce maintenance costs of energy-storage infrastructure.

    Prelims Facts

    • AZIB Electrolyte: Water-based, making it non-flammable and safer than lithium-ion batteries.
    • Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP): Region near the electrode surface where electrochemical reactions occur.
    • Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER): Undesirable side reaction that reduces battery efficiency.

  • Indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) Inducted into Indian Coast Guard

    Why in News?

    The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted the first of six indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), or hovercraft, at Goa on 18 June 2026. The vessels are being constructed by Chowgule & Company Private Limited under a Ministry of Defence contract.

    Key Highlights

    • First ACV inducted into ICG service in Goa.
    • Part of a contract for six indigenous hovercraft.
    • Contract signed between the Ministry of Defence and Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd. on 24 October 2024.
    • Supports the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
    • Enhances India’s indigenous maritime manufacturing capability.

    What is an Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV)?

    • A hovercraft that travels on a cushion of pressurised air.
    • Can operate over Water, Mudflats, Marshes, Sandbanks, Shallow and coastal areas
    • Combines features of both marine vessels and aircraft.

  • 12 Years of India’s Scientific Transformation

    Why in the news?

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the major achievements of India’s science and technology ecosystem over the last 12 years.

    Bioeconomy Growth

    • India’s bioeconomy expanded from about USD 10 billion (2014) to over USD 190 billion (2026).
    • Target: USD 300 billion by 2030.
    • Growth driven by innovations in Biotechnology, Genomics, Diagnostics, and Biopharmaceuticals.
    • Supported by the BioE3 Policy Framework.

    Space Sector Achievements

    • Space economy grew to around USD 8 billion and is projected to reach USD 45 billion in the next decade.
    • Space startups increased from single digits to over 400.
    • Major milestones: Chandrayaan-3 became the first mission to land near the Moon’s south pole. Gaganyaan preparations underway.
    • Future goals: Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035. Indian Moon landing by 2040.

    Weather and Climate Services

    • Weather radars increased from 17 (2014) to nearly 50 operational radars.
    • Another 50 radars planned under Mission Mausam.
    • Forecast coverage expanded from 300 cities to nearly 1,700 locations.
    • Expansion of Lightning detection systems, Rain-monitoring infrastructure, and Nowcast services for short-term forecasts.
    • Mission Mausam: Initiative aimed at strengthening India’s weather forecasting and disaster resilience capabilities through modern observation and prediction systems.

    Biotechnology and Healthcare

    • India emerged as a global biotechnology hub.
    • Advances include Affordable CAR-T cell therapy, Genomics and precision medicine, Next-generation antibiotics, and Indigenous diagnostics and vaccines.
    • India’s COVID-19 vaccines showcased domestic scientific capability.

    CSIR Innovations

    The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) expanded its outreach through:

    • Aroma Mission promoting high-value aromatic crops.
    • Steel slag road technology converting industrial waste into road-building material.
    • Technologies in healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

    Deep Ocean Technologies

    • Development of Matsya 6000, India’s manned submersible.
    • Development of Varaha, an indigenous deep-sea mining system.

    Major Scientific Initiatives

    • Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
    • National Quantum Mission
    • National Supercomputing Mission
    • Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund
    • National Geospatial Policy

    Nuclear Energy Reforms

    • Opening of the nuclear energy sector to greater private participation.
    • Expected to boost Investment, Innovation, and Capacity creation.

    [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

  • DRDO Successfully Flight-Tests Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM)

    Why in the news?

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island on 15 June 2026

    About LRLACM

    • LRLACM stands for Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile.
    • It is an indigenously developed cruise missile.
    • All major subsystems have been developed by DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
    • The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru is the nodal laboratory.

    What is a Cruise Missile?

    • A guided missile that flies within the atmosphere for most of its trajectory.
    • Uses aerodynamic lift and propulsion throughout flight.
    • Designed for high precision strikes against land targets.
    • Generally flies at low altitudes to avoid radar detection.

    Cruise Missile vs Ballistic Missile

    • Cruise missiles: Powered throughout flight and follow a relatively flat trajectory.
    • Ballistic missiles: Powered only during the initial phase and then follow a ballistic path under gravity.

    [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

  • India’s Space Economy Poised to Reach USD 45 Billion

    Why in the news?

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that India’s space economy is expected to grow from USD 8-9 billion to USD 40-45 billion over the next decade, driven by policy reforms, private participation, and innovation.

    Key Highlights

    • India’s space economy is projected to reach USD 40-45 billion in the next decade.
    • The country currently has over 400 space startups, compared to only a handful a few years ago.
    • More than 125 startups and technology innovators participated in the RISE Conclave 2026.

    Factors Driving Growth

    • Liberalisation and reforms in the space sector.
    • Increasing private sector participation.
    • Expansion of the startup ecosystem.
    • Collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions.
    • Focus on innovation-led growth under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

    India’s Space Achievements

    • Chandrayaan-3 established India among leading space-faring nations.
    • Gaganyaan is India’s upcoming human space mission.
    • India has demonstrated cost-effective execution of complex missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission.

    Space Technology in Governance

    India is increasingly using space applications for development through:

    • PM Gati Shakti for integrated infrastructure planning.
    • Urban development programmes.
    • Drone-enabled monitoring systems.
    • Project implementation and monitoring.
    • Improved transparency and efficiency in service delivery.

    PSLV Mission Anomaly

    • The analysis of the recent Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) anomaly has been completed.
    • Causes have been identified.
    • Corrective measures have been initiated for future missions.

    RISE Conclave 2026

    • Theme: “Innovation & Entrepreneurship Driven Growth for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
    • Brought together researchers, startups, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.
    • Showcased innovations in Aerospace technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Deep-tech, and Agri-food technologies.

    [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

  • Project Kusha: India’s Indigenous Long-Range Air Defence System

    Why in the news?

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Project Kusha as a “game changer” for India’s security architecture and stated that its significance had been demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.

    What is Project Kusha?

    • An indigenous long-range air defence missile system being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
    • Intended to provide a multi-layered air defence shield against diverse aerial threats.
    • Often viewed as India’s indigenous counterpart to advanced systems like the Russian S-400 Triumf.

    Objectives

    • Protect military assets and strategic installations.
    • Defend critical infrastructure and civilian areas.
    • Enhance India’s indigenous air defence capabilities.
    • Strengthen strategic autonomy under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

    Threats It Is Expected to Counter

    • Fighter aircraft, Cruise missiles, Ballistic missiles, Drones and UAVs, Precision-guided munitions, and Stand-off weapons

    Mission Sudarshan Chakra

    • Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2025 Independence Day address.
    • Envisages a nationwide multi-layered missile defence shield.
    • Aims to protect: Military establishments, Critical infrastructure, and Civilian population centres.
    • Project Kusha is expected to be an important component of this vision.

    [2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?

    [A] An Israeli radar system

    [B] India’s indigenous anti-missile programme

    [C] An American anti-missile system

    [D] A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea.