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

  • 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.

  • 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