💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

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

  • 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.

  • Sound Waves for Energy-Efficient Next-Generation Computing

    Why in the news?

    Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) have discovered a new mechanism to generate and control spin currents using sound waves, opening avenues for low-power computing, spintronics, and quantum technologies.

    Key Highlights

    • Researchers developed a method to generate magnon-based spin currents using Surface Acoustic Waves (SAWs).
    • The study was published in Physical Review B.
    • It offers a pathway towards Energy-efficient electronics, Quantum computing, Next-generation communication technologies.

    Why is this Important?

    • Limitations of Conventional Electronics: Traditional electronics use: Movement of electric charge (electrons)
    • Problems: Heat generation, Energy loss, Reduced efficiency at smaller scales

    What is Spintronics?

    Spintronics (Spin Electronics) is a technology that uses the Spin of electrons. Along with their charge to process and store information.

    Advantages

    • Lower power consumption.
    • Faster processing speeds.
    • Reduced heat generation.
    • Higher data storage density.

    What are Magnons?

    Magnons are Quanta of spin waves or collective disturbances in the magnetic ordering of a material.

    What are Surface Acoustic Waves (SAWs)?

    Surface Acoustic Waves are Sound waves that travel along the surface of a material.

    Characteristics

    • Cause tiny mechanical vibrations.
    • Commonly used in: Mobile communication filters, Sensors, Signal processing devices.

    [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

  • 100 Years of Solar Data Reveal Clues About Sun’s Activity Cycle

    Why in News?

    Scientists from Indian Institute of Astrophysics used over 100 years of observations from Kodaikanal Solar Observatory to study how convection patterns on the Sun are linked to the 11-year solar activity cycle.

    Key Highlights

    • Study based on: More than 34,000 Ca II K solar images.
    • Published in: Astrophysical Journal Letters.
    • Researchers examined:
      • Lane widths
      • Intensities
      • Their relation with sunspot numbers and solar cycles.

    Note: The 34,000 Ca II K solar images mean a historic, 100-year-old archive of solar photographs from India’s Kodaikanal Solar Observatory that scientists recently digitized and used to solve mysteries about the Sun’s 11-year magnetic cycle.

    What are Supergranulations?

    • Large-scale convection patterns on the Sun’s surface.
    • Form network-like structures on the solar surface.

    Features

    • Average lifetime: Around 24 hours.
    • Average size: About 30,000 km.
    • Cooler intergranular lane width: Around 6,000 km.

    Note: An intergranular lane is the darker, cooler region found between bright granules (bright cellular structures visible on the Sun’s surface) on the Sun’s surface.

    Major Findings

    Correlation with Solar Cycle

    • Lane widths and intensities strongly correlate with Sunspot activity.

    Latitude Dependence

    • Strongest correlations observed around ±11° to ±22° latitudes.
    • Peak lane-width correlation 18°N and 20°S.
    • Peak intensity correlation 13°N and 14°S.

    Time Lag

    • Lane width correlations peak:
      • During solar maximum.
    • Intensity correlations peak:
      • 1.25 to 1.5 years after solar maximum.
    • Lag varies with latitude:
      • Near zero around ±20°.
      • Increases toward equator.

    Significance of Study

    • Helps understand:
      • Solar dynamics
      • Magnetic flux transport
      • Solar irradiance variations.
    • Important for:
      • Future solar cycle prediction.
      • Understanding UV radiation changes from the Sun.
    • Confirms:
      • Supergranular properties are influenced by solar magnetic activity.

    About Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

    • Located in: Kodaikanal.
    • Known for: One of the world’s longest continuous solar observation datasets.
    • Operated by: Indian Institute of Astrophysics.

    About Solar Cycle

    • The Sun undergoes an approximately: 11-year cycle of magnetic activity.
    • Characterized by variation in:
      • Sunspots
      • Solar flares
      • Solar radiation.
    • Solar maximum: Period of highest solar activity.
    • Solar minimum: Period of lowest solar activity.

    [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

  • Catalyst that Transforms to Perform

    Why in the news?

    Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences and collaborating institutions discovered how a catalyst changes its structure during water electrolysis for green hydrogen production. The study was published in Materials Horizons.

    Key Highlights

    • Researchers studied:
      • Molybdenum carbide (Mo₂C), an earth-abundant catalyst used in hydrogen production.
    • Molybdenum Carbide is a compound made of molybdenum and carbon that acts as an efficient catalyst in hydrogen production and other industrial chemical reactions
    • Key Features
      • Considered an earth-abundant catalyst because molybdenum is more available and cheaper than precious metals like platinum.
      • Exhibits platinum-like catalytic properties in some reactions.
      • Has high thermal stability and good electrical conductivity.
    • Role in Hydrogen Production
      • Mo₂C is widely studied for: Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in water splitting.
      • Electrochemical production of green hydrogen.
      • Improving efficiency while reducing dependence on expensive noble-metal catalysts.

    About Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER)

    • HER is the electrochemical reaction where hydrogen gas is produced from water during electrolysis.
    • It occurs at the cathode. (The cathode is the electrode where reduction occurs and hydrogen gas is produced.)
      • Note: Anode: The anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs. In water electrolysis, oxygen is produced at the anode through the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER).
    • Efficient catalysts are required to reduce energy consumption and improve hydrogen production efficiency.

    About Green Hydrogen

    • Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources through electrolysis of water.
    • It is considered a clean fuel because it emits no carbon dioxide during use.

    [2023] With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:
    1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
    2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
    3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • Next Generation Nanomedicine for Breast Cancer

    Why in the news?

    Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute developed a biodegradable nanomedicine platform capable of silencing cancer driving genes in breast cancer cells, offering a promising precision oncology therapy.

    Key Highlights

    • Research published in: Advanced Healthcare Materials.
    • Developed under: Department of Science and Technology.
    • Uses: Targeted gene silencing strategy.
    • Aim: Effective tumour inhibition with minimal toxicity.

    What is Nanomedicine?

    Nanomedicine refers to the use of nanoscale materials and technology for:

    • Diagnosis
    • Drug delivery
    • Treatment of diseases.

    What is Precision Nanomedicine?

    • Precision nanomedicine: Targets disease causing cells specifically.
    • Reduces:
      • Damage to healthy tissues.
      • Side effects associated with conventional therapies.

    Key Technology Used

    Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

    • Biodegradable nanoparticles with:
      • High drug loading capacity.
      • Tunable surface chemistry.
    • Used to deliver: Small interfering RNA (siRNA).

    What is siRNA?

    • Small interfering RNA (siRNA): Molecules that silence specific genes by preventing protein production.
    • Used in:
      • Gene therapy
      • Cancer treatment research.

    [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 code given below.

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026

    Why in the news?

    The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education launched applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 to attract global Indian talent into India’s research and innovation ecosystem.

    Key Highlights

    • The scheme aims to connect:
      • Indian origin researchers and professionals working abroad
        with:
      • India’s higher education and research institutions.
    • Focus areas include:
      • Research
      • Innovation
      • Technology development.

    Objectives of PMRC Scheme

    • Strengthen: India’s research ecosystem.
    • Promote: International academic collaboration.
    • Enhance: Innovation in strategic sectors.
    • Support: Mission oriented research in national priority areas.

    Thematic Areas Covered

    The scheme focuses on 13 national priority sectors including:

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Quantum Computing
    • Semiconductors
    • Cybersecurity
    • Biotechnology
    • Healthcare and MedTech
    • Space and Defence
    • Advanced Materials
    • Blue Economy
    • Atomic Energy
    • Climate Change and Sustainability.

    [2018] Consider the following statements :
    Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process which enables
    1. individuals of a country to accumulate more capital.
    2. increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country.
    3. accumulation of tangible wealth.
    4. accumulation of intangible wealth.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 2 and 4

    [D] 1, 3 and 4

  • Successful Flight Test of RudraM-II Missile

    Why in the news?

    Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Indian Air Force successfully flight tested the indigenous RudraM-II air-to-surface missile on June 2, 2026.

    Key Highlights

    • Missile was launched from: An airborne platform under extreme release conditions.
    • Successfully:
      • Followed intended trajectory
      • Hit the predefined target accurately.
    • Trials validated:
      • Critical subsystems
      • Flight parameters
      • Precision strike capability.

    About RudraM-II

    • RudraM-II is an indigenous air-to-surface missile.
    • Designed for Precision strike missions.
    • Capable of destroying enemy ground-based targets.

    [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

  • Subsurface Lunar Ice Discovery (Chandrayaan-2)

    Why in the news?

    Scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) used data from Chandrayaan-2’s Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR) to discover strong evidence of subsurface water-ice near the Moon’s South Pole.

    Key Findings

    • Target Location: Four “doubly shadowed craters” located inside Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) at the lunar south pole.
    • Extreme Thermal Environment: These locations are permanently shielded from solar radiation, maintaining temperatures around 25 Kelvin (-248°C), acting as ideal cold traps to preserve volatiles.
    • The Prime Candidate: A 1.1 km diameter micro-crater located within the larger Faustini Crater showed the highest probability of containing clean subsurface ice.

    Geomorphological Evidence

    • Lobate-Rim Morphology: The highly-evident 1.1 km crater exhibits flow-like, lobed patterns along its rim.
    • Geological Meaning: This indicates that the initial meteoroid impact likely penetrated a layer of subsurface ice, melting it briefly to create a slurry-like, fluid ejecta pattern before re-freezing.

    About Chandrayaan-2 & DFSAR

    • Mission Context: Launched in July 2019; while its Vikram lander failed to make a soft landing, the orbiter remains fully functional in lunar orbit.
    • DFSAR Instrument: Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar.
    • Capabilities: It is the first fully polarimetric radar sent to the Moon, operating across L-band and S-band microwave frequencies to penetrate deep into the lunar regolith.

    Significance

    • In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): Essential for future crewed bases (such as Artemis or India’s planned lunar base) to harvest local water for life support and rocket fuel production.
    • Strategic Mapping: Provides high-fidelity targeting data for future landing and excavation missions, including India’s upcoming Chandrayaan missions.

    Challenges

    • Accessing Cold Traps: Operating mechanical equipment in permanent darkness at 25 Kelvin presents immense engineering challenges.
    • Regolith Depth Overburden: The ice is subsurface, requiring specialized drilling and extraction systems rather than surface scraping.

    [2017] The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of

    [A] Observation and understanding of the Universe

    [B] Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses

    [C] Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth

    [D] Origin and evolution of living organisms on the earth

  • AMCA Fighter Project

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Defence issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to shortlisted private firms.

    Shortlisted Firms

    • Larsen & Toubro + Bharat Electronics Limited combine
    • Tata Advanced Systems
    • Bharat Forge + BEML consortium

    About AMCA

    • India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft
    • Developed to meet long-term requirements of the Indian Air Force
    • Being designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)

    Key Features

    • Stealth capability
      • Materials Used:
      • Carbon composites
      • Radar-absorbent coatings containing ferrite or iron ball paint
      • Composite polymers and graphene-based materials
    • Advanced avionics includes:
      • AESA radar
      • Sensor fusion
      • Electronic warfare suites
      • Helmet-mounted displays
    • Supercruise capability (Supersonic speed in Dry Thrust)
    • Next-generation combat systems

    Programme Highlights

    • Government plans to build five prototypes
    • Selected private company will partner with ADA
    • Part of the “Make in India” and defence indigenisation push
    • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) reportedly excluded from current process

    Consider the following statements regarding the fifth-generation fighter jet configurations of India and Russia:
    1.The Sukhoi Su-57, Russia’s operational fifth-generation stealth fighter, features supercruise capabilities but utilizes conventional round exhaust nozzles.
    2.Under proposed partnerships, Russia has offered a twin-seat variant of the Su-57, which allows a second crew member to manage manned-unmanned teaming operations with stealth drones.
    3.India’s indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is being developed and manufactured solely under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with zero foreign collaboration for its engines.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2, and 3