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

  • Diving Support Craft A20

    Why in the news?

    The Indian Navy is set to commission Diving Support Craft (DSC) A20 at Kochi under the Southern Naval Command, marking a key milestone in indigenous naval capability.

    About Diving Support Craft A20

    • First vessel of the indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft class
     • Lead ship in a series of five DSCs
     • Built by M s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, Kolkata
     • Designed for a wide range of diving and underwater missions in coastal waters

    Prelims Pointers

    • DSC A20 is an indigenously built naval auxiliary vessel
    • Builder: Titagarh Rail Systems Limited
    • Hull type: Catamaran
    • Command: Southern Naval Command
    • Focus areas include diving operations, underwater missions, and salvage support
    Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (2016)

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship 

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine 

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel 

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

  • NSIL and ISRO Technology Transfer 

    Why in the News?

    NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) has so far signed 70 Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) to license technologies developed by ISRO to Indian industries.

    About NSIL

    • Commercial arm of the Department of Space (DoS), incorporated under the Companies Act 2013.
    • Mandated to:
      • Commercialise ISRO technologies.
      • Enable industry participation in space missions.
      • Act as the actual licensor of ISRO technologies.

    Technology Transfer Mechanism

    Types of Agreements

    1. Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) – Define rights, obligations, and usage of transferred technology.
    2. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) – Contain explicit confidentiality clauses protecting commercially sensitive information.

    Role of IN-SPACe

    • Acts as a facilitator for Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs).
    • NSIL remains the licensing authority.

    Oversight for Fairness

    • A dedicated Technology Transfer Committee reviews all proposals.
    • Ensures transfers are transparent, equitable, and accountable.

    Transparency and RTI Compliance

    • NSIL is a public authority under RTI Act, 2005.
    • Suo motu disclosure under Section 4:
      • Lists technologies available for transfer.
      • Guidelines and procedures for NGEs.
      • Periodically updated information on technology transfers.

    What Information is Public?

    • Names and details of industries receiving ISRO technologies
       (furnished under RTI and available via ISRO/DoS websites such as URSC, IN-SPACe, NSIL).
    • Media publications also highlight certain transfers.

    Information Exempt from Disclosure

    Under Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act, NSIL does not disclose:

    • Commercial terms.
    • Payment details.
    • Copies of agreements.
       These are considered commercially sensitive or strategic.
    With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), Consider the following statements : (2018)

    1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 

    2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 

    3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) None

  • To fulfil STEM potential, India must cast a net wider, go to the roots

    Introduction

    India’s STEM ecosystem faces deep-rooted structural constraints even as the government seeks to reform doctoral guidelines and redirect research toward emerging national needs. The debate highlights persistent gaps in funding, fellowships, university governance, research priorities, and industry linkages. 

    Why in the news?

    The issue is significant because the government has asked ministries and departments to re-examine PhD guidelines and shift focus to topics of national relevance. This action comes at a time when existing systemic problems, like delayed fellowship payments, inadequate stipends, poor institutional support, and the absence of industry linkages, have reached a critical point. Several premier institutions have not paid PhD stipends for months, and research fellowships remain stagnant at ₹8,000 per month since 2012 for many categories, sharply contrasting with inflation and rising living costs. 

    Understanding the Roots of India’s STEM Challenges

    What structural issues limit India’s STEM potential?

    1. Weak Research Relevance: Research funded by government departments often lacks direct relevance to national technological needs, reducing innovation output and long-term applicability.
    2. Low Public Visibility: Communication gaps hinder public understanding of how government-funded research benefits society or advances national capability.
    3. Fragmented Institutional Support: Government departments and agencies lack coordinated mechanisms for selecting and nurturing PhD candidates working in critical areas like energy storage, sustainable agriculture, health tech, and battery technologies.

    Why is applied research struggling in India?

    1. Limited Industry Linkages: Applied science breakthroughs, though central to modern technological advances, receive inadequate industry support, reducing opportunities for scale-up.
    2. Insufficient Local Innovation Ecosystems: Historical examples like the laser or optical fibre show how long-lag research becomes transformative. India still lacks comparable mechanisms to nurture such deep-tech research.
    3. Weak Commercialisation Pathways: The absence of industry-academia collaboration limits the transition from early-stage research to viable technologies.

    How do fellowship and salary problems deepen the crisis?

    1. Delayed Payments: University-funded PhDs and major fellowships like non-NET scholarships frequently experience months-long delays, affecting basic sustenance and productivity.
    2. Inadequate Fellowship Amounts: The ₹8,000 monthly scholarship, unchanged since 2012, remains insufficient even for minimal living costs.
    3. Forced Supplementary Work: Students must take up temporary teaching assignments, reducing time available for research.
    4. Failed Direct Transfer Models: Attempts to transfer fellowship payments directly from banks collapsed due to payment delays and administrative complexities.

    Why is India’s research ecosystem unable to retain talent?

    1. Limited Faculty Positions: Funded PhDs are scarce; many bright students cannot find positions due to narrow intake. 
    2. Opaque Recruitment Processes: Ad-hoc contractual appointments reduce academic stability and deter long-term research commitment.
    3. Weak University Ecosystem: Few Indian universities maintain predictability and transparency in administrative and financial processes.

    What non-STEM burdens weaken STEM research?

    1. Non-scientific Teaching Loads: PhD programmes require students to teach subjects like psychology, sociology, history, diverting time and focus from scientific inquiry.
    2. Administrative Distractions: Non-STEM tasks increase the administrative burden on researchers, affecting scientific productivity.
    3. Cultural undervaluation of STEM: Specific social sciences are privileged in university structures, leading to skewed resource allocation.

    Conclusion

    India’s STEM potential depends on addressing foundational issues, predictable funding, research relevance, ecosystem stability, transparent administration, and meaningful industry linkages. Without systemic reform, higher fellowships alone cannot solve deeper governance failures. Strengthening these roots will determine whether India can build a globally competitive research ecosystem capable of supporting national development.

    UPSC Relevance

    [UPSC 2024] What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialised. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.

    Linkage: This theme links directly to GS-3: Science & Technology, IPR, innovation ecosystem, highlighting gaps between patent filings and commercialization. It is relevant for analysing India’s weak research-to-market pipeline, low industry linkages, funding delays, and systemic failure.

  • How can India benefit from neurotechnology

    Introduction

    Neurotechnology integrates neuroscience, AI, engineering, and computing to decode and influence neural activity. At the core of this revolution lies the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), a system that converts thoughts into actions using implanted or non-invasive devices. As global investment accelerates, India stands at a crucial juncture: it must leverage its scientific strengths while addressing regulatory and ethical gaps to become a competitive player in this emerging domain.

    Why in the news

    Neurotechnology has moved into a phase of rapid global advancement, with major breakthroughs such as in-human trials of Neuralink’s BCI receiving regulatory approval in 2024. Nations like the U.S., China, and Chile are accelerating R&D through large-scale missions. 

    Understanding Neurotechnology and BCIs

    1. Mechanical-neural integration: Neurotechnology uses devices that read, monitor, or influence brain activity, enabling control of cursors, robotic arms, wheelchairs, or prosthetics in real time.
    2. BCI systems: BCIs convert neural signals into digital commands, using implanted electrodes for precision or non-invasive systems such as EEG headsets.
    3. Therapeutic potential: Devices help diagnose brain disorders, stimulate brain regions for depression or Parkinson’s, or allow communication for patients with paralysis.
    4. Human-human interfaces: Research has even enabled brain-to-brain communication, transmitting simple information between individuals.

    India’s Need for Neurotechnology

    1. High neurological disease burden: India faces major disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and depression.
    2. Growing share of NCDs: Between 1990-2019, the share of non-communicable and injury-related neurological disorders rose steadily.
    3. Stroke as largest contributor: Stroke has become the top neurological contributor to India’s disease load.
    4. Rehabilitation benefits: BCIs offer possibilities for motor restoration, communication, and reducing long-term medication dependency.
    5. Mental health potential: With rising mental health challenges, neuromodulation and cognitive stimulation could offer new tools for treatment.

    India’s Current Standing

    1. Academic leadership: Institutes such as IIT Delhi, IISc, and AIIMS are active in BCI research, advancing sensor tech, signal processing, and neural implants.
    2. Neurorights and ethics research: Centres like IIT’s neurotechnology groups study data privacy, cognitive security, and the ethics of manipulating neural signals.
    3. Interdisciplinary progress: Neuroscience, AI, biomedical engineering, and biotech sectors are expanding, positioning India to scale domestic innovation.

    Global Progress and Lessons for India

    1. U.S. BRAIN Initiative: A major collaboration between federal agencies and private partners to accelerate innovative neurotechnologies.
    2. Neuralink trials: In 2024, Neuralink demonstrated that implanted BCIs restored motor functions in paralytic patients.
    3. China Brain Project (2016-2030): Focuses on cognition, brain-inspired AI, and neurological disorders.
    4. Chile & EU leadership: Pioneering frameworks for neuro-rights, ensuring cognitive liberty and mental privacy.
    5. Wide applications: Uses range from healthcare, gaming, rehabilitation, and security, making this not just a medical frontier but an economic one.

    Challenges for India

    1. Regulatory vacuum: Lack of clear national guidelines for invasive vs non-invasive BCIs, safety standards, and neural data protection.
    2. Ethical and privacy concerns: BCIs generate the most sensitive form of data-thought-level signals.
    3. Adoption and funding gaps: Without adequate funding and industry incentives, large-scale deployment will remain slow.
    4. Need for a national mission: A coordinated strategy is required to tap into India’s biotech capacity.

    Conclusion

    Neurotechnology represents a strategic frontier combining biotech, AI, and healthcare. For India, the potential spans medical rehabilitation, national innovation capacity, and future economic growth. However, its successful adoption requires a strong regulatory framework, ethical safeguards, and a dedicated national strategy that aligns technological advancement with patient safety and cognitive rights.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2020] What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? 

    Linkage: This PYQ falls under GS-3 Science & Technology, where UPSC tests new and frontier technologies shaping future healthcare. Nanotechnology is directly linked to neurotechnology and BCIs, forming the base for next-generation medical diagnostics, making it highly relevant for UPSC.

  • Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme

    Why in the news?

    DRDO has handed over seven indigenous defence technologies developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme to the three Armed Services.

    Technologies Transferred

    1. High-Voltage Power Supply for Airborne Self-Protection Jammers
       Enhances protection of aircraft from radar guided threats
    2. Tide-Efficient Gangway for Naval Jetties
       Assists safe crew movement in high tidal variation zones
    3. Advanced VLF-HF Switching Matrix System
       Efficient communication routing in naval platforms
    4. VLF Loop Aerials for Underwater Platforms
       Underwater long-range communication support
    5. Indigenous Waterjet Propulsion System for Fast Interceptor Craft
       Marine propulsion technology aiding coastal security
    6. Process for Recovery of Lithium Precursors from Used Lithium-ion Batteries
       Supports strategic material recycling and energy security
    7. Long-Life Seawater Battery System
       Provides sustained power for underwater surveillance

    About the TDF Scheme

    • Implemented by DRDO
    • Objective:
      • Support MSMEs and startups in defence innovation
      • Promote import substitution of critical technologies
    • Funding support up to 90 percent of development cost
    • Aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and defence indigenisation push
    Consider the following statements: (2023)

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at sub-sonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 

    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

  • Understanding concerns around Sanchar Saathi

    Introduction

    The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed smartphone manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi application on all new mobile devices. The app is designed to combat digital fraud, trace stolen devices, and prevent misuse of SIMs. But its mandatory installation has raised widespread concerns about privacy, surveillance, user consent, and constitutional rights. The government later clarified that the app is “optional,” but the directive mandating its pre-installation has created ambiguity.

    Why in the news

    Sanchar Saathi’s mandatory pre-installation order marks a major shift because devices in India have never required a state-controlled app by default. This reversal from voluntary to mandatory installation has generated concerns about surveillance risks, access to sensitive data, and violation of user consent. The scale is significant as India is the world’s second-largest smartphone market; even small changes affect millions. Legal experts view it as a possible infringement of the fundamental right to privacy.

    What the Government’s App Actually Does

    1. Blocking & Tracking: Allows blocking or locating lost/stolen phones anywhere in India using IMEI-based tracing.
    2. User Option to Block IMEI: Enables users to prevent stolen devices from being activated.
    3. Support to Law Enforcement: Assists police in identifying counterfeit devices and preventing black-market circulation.
    4. Fraud Prevention: Helps report fraudulent calls, messages, and online scams via unified channels.

    Why Has Sanchar Saathi Triggered Concerns?

    1. Ambiguity Around Consent
      1. Unclear Mandate: Pre-installation directive contradicts the Minister’s statement that the app is optional.
      2. User Autonomy: Mandatory installation affects user ability to choose, delete, or disable the app freely.
    2. Expanded State Power
      1. Exceptional Move: First time the government mandated a wide-scale state app on all devices.
      2. Precedent Risks: May normalise future mandates for state surveillance tools.
    3. Privacy Risks
      1. Data Access: App uses Android’s Mobile Security Framework enabling access to call logs, camera, SMS, and unique device identifiers.
      2. Opaque Permissions: Apple devices require permissions for photos, files, and camera.
      3. Potential Misuse: Centralised data collection may heighten misuse & monitoring risks.

    What Data Does Sanchar Saathi Collect?

    1. IMEI Data: Unique identifier used to block stolen devices.
    2. Call Logs & SMS Data: Access allowed when reporting fraud or using suspicious call detection features.
    3. Camera Access: Needed for uploading barcodes of mobile equipment (IMEI verification).
    4. Personal Information: Includes phone numbers, Aadhaar-linked data, and registration details.
    5. Problem: The app’s privacy policy bans sharing identifiable information except when required by law, but the phrase “required by law” remains broad and open-ended.

    Constitutional & Legal Concerns

    1. Lack of Consent: Forced Pre-installation undermines voluntary, informed consent, a core component upheld under the Puttaswamy judgment (2017).
    2. Three-fold Privacy Test: Experts argue mandatory pre-installation fails:
      1. Legality: No explicit statutory backing for a nationwide mandate.
      2. Necessity: No demonstrated need requiring compulsory installation.
      3. Proportionality: Data access far exceeds the minimum required for fraud detection.
    3. Surveillance & “Function Creep”
      1. Risk of Expansion: Potential to expand into unrelated data surveillance functions.
      2. No Independent Oversight: Absence of clear audit mechanisms, grievance redressal, or limits on retention periods.

    Way Forward 

    1. Clarity of the mandate: Issue a clear written policy stating the app’s status to remove confusion.
    2. Addressing Privacy Risks: Limit data permissions to essential functions and publish regular audit reports.
    3. Ensuring Consent & User Autonomy: Provide a visible and fully functional uninstall or disable option.
    4. Preventing Surveillance Overreach: Create independent oversight to monitor misuse and restrict function creep.
    5. Building Trust Through Transparency: Disclose data flows, retention rules, and access logs in the public domain.

    Conclusion

    Sanchar Saathi addresses real concerns of digital fraud and misuse of mobile devices. However, its mandatory pre-installation, broad data permissions, unclear safeguards, and inconsistent communication have created concerns about state overreach and privacy violations. The app’s utility must be balanced with constitutional guarantees, transparent policy design, and robust data protection mechanisms.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2024] Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference, discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of a child in the womb to establish its paternity.

    Linkage: This PYQ links directly to debates on privacy, consent, and proportionality governing state access to sensitive personal data. It shows how intrusion into bodily or digital autonomy must meet strict constitutional tests.

  • [2nd December 2025] The Hindu OpED: The new action plan on AMR needs a shot in the arm

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2014] Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

    Linkage: This PYQ directly mirrors the article’s focus on antibiotic misuse, OTC access, and weak regulatory control driving AMR. It lets you use NAP-AMR 2.0 to show gaps in surveillance, stewardship, and One Health governance, exactly what the exam tests.

    Mentor’s Comment

    AMR is now a major threat to India’s health, food systems, and environment. Resistance has moved beyond hospitals into water, soil, and livestock. NAP-AMR 2.0 is timely and shows a stronger, more accountable approach. This analysis helps you clearly understand what worked, what failed, and what must change.It also builds GS2 and GS3 depth through governance, science, environment, and One Health linkages.

    Introduction

    India has released its National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR 2.0) for 2025-29, signalling a renewed commitment to containing AMR, a challenge that affects human health, livestock, agriculture, the environment, and food systems. Unlike the first plan (2017), which saw uneven adoption across States, the second plan attempts structural reform through higher accountability, stronger surveillance, private-sector engagement, multi-departmental integration and One Health alignment.

    Why in the news?

    The launch of NAP-AMR 2.0 marks a significant turning point because AMR has now expanded beyond hospitals into soil, water, livestock, markets and food systems, making it a full-spectrum health and environmental challenge. 

    How did the first NAP-AMR evolve and where did it fall short?

    1. Significant early progress: Brought AMR into national consciousness, encouraged multi-sectoral participation, improved laboratory networks, and strengthened stewardship.
    2. One Health recognition: Placed AMR within the interface of human health, animals and environment.
    3. State-level stagnation: Most States undertook only individual activities; only a few (Kerala, MP, Delhi, AP, Gujarat, Sikkim, Punjab) created formal AMR action plans.
    4. Weak institutional execution: Multisectoral One Health structures were missing in most States.
    5. Uneven governance: Human health, veterinary systems, pharmaceuticals and waste management lie under different jurisdictions, causing weak coordination.
    6. Monitoring deficiencies: Surveillance, regulatory oversight, environmental contamination monitoring and antibiotic stewardship remained fragmented.

    What makes NAP-AMR 2.0 more mature and implementation-focused?

    1. Shift to national priorities: Moves beyond intent; outlines clear responsibilities across levels of governance.
    2. Private sector engagement: Recognises that a major share of India’s health care and veterinary services is provided privately.
    3. Scientific strategy: Emphasises innovation, rapid diagnostics, alternatives to antibiotics, and improved environmental monitoring.
    4. One Health deepening: Stronger coordination across food safety, waste management, agriculture, environment and human/animal health.

    What new governance mechanisms does the NAP-AMR 2.0 introduce?

    1. Higher accountability: Greater role for national supervision through a dedicated Coordination and Monitoring Committee.
    2. State-level innovation: Recommends every State establish a One Health inter-ministerial AMR committee, along with State AMR cells.
    3. Integrated reporting framework: Aligns State reporting with national structures for uniform monitoring.
    4. Technical backbone: Calls for a national follow-up mechanism and a multi-departmental coordinating structure.

    Where do administrative and operational gaps persist?

    1. Funding limitations: NITI Aayog’s earlier financial grant-based system did not generate adequate incentives.
    2. Weak incentive design: No system for rewarding State performance or penalising poor progress.
    3. Fragmented responsibility: Human health, veterinary systems, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and waste sectors work under separate ministries and State departments.
    4. Lack of real-time accountability: No statutory notification requiring States to inform the Centre of AMR progress.
    5. Dependence on central push: States often wait for Union-level initiatives rather than proactively building AMR infrastructure.

    What financial and institutional reforms does the article highlight as essential?

    1. Mandatory funding channels: Conditional grants through the National Health Mission (NHM) for surveillance and laboratory systems.
    2. Administrative energy: Once funding becomes compulsory, States respond faster.
    3. Scientific backbone: Need for a sustainable, long-term national centre for AMR control and accountability.
    4. International relevance: Without a Centre-backed national AMR programme, India cannot engage in meaningful global AMR governance.

    Conclusion

    The NAP-AMR 2.0 offers an opportunity to anchor India’s AMR response on a stronger scientific and institutional foundation. But success will require coordinated State participation, financial backing, and accountable governance, not just policy intention. A central AMR Centre, integrated surveillance, and enforceable incentives could finally convert national plans into ground-level action across health systems, veterinary services, agriculture, food safety and environmental management.

  • Project 17A | Delivery of ‘Taragiri’  

    Why in the News?

    • Taragiri, the fourth Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) indigenous stealth frigate, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 28 Nov 2025 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai.

    About Taragiri (Yard 12653)

    • Third P17A ship built by MDL.
    • Named after the erstwhile INS Taragiri (Leander-class), which served 1980–2013.
    • Represents major strides in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with 75% indigenous content.
    • Over 200 MSMEs involved; employment generated:
      • ~4,000 direct, 10,000+ indirect.

    Project 17A (P-17A) 

    • Follow-on of P17 Shivalik-class frigates.
    • Total ships: 7
      • 4 at MDL, 3 at GRSE.
    • Aim: Advanced stealth, multi-mission, blue-water capability.
    With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)

    1. It is surface-to-surface missile. 

    2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. 

    3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500km away. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

  • International Astronomical Union (IAU) 

    Why in the news?

    • A 3.5-billion-year-old Martian crater has been named after Indian geologist M.S. Krishnan. The naming was approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
    • Several other names proposed by Kerala scientists for Martian landforms were also approved.

    About the Martian Crater

    • Estimated to be 3.5 billion years old, dating back to Mars’ early geological history.
    • Located in a region studied for traces of ancient water and habitability.

    Who Was M.S. Krishnan?

    • Full name: Maharajapuram Seetharaman Krishnan
    • One of India’s most influential geologists, known as a foundational figure in modern Indian geological studies.
    • Served as Director, Geological Survey of India (GSI) (1950–1956).

    Major Contributions

    • Mapped India’s geological structures, including:
      • Indian stratigraphy
      • Peninsular shield
      • Himalayan formations
    • Played a leading role in mineral exploration and petroleum geology in India.
    • Contributed to studies on:
      • Gondwana formations
      • Economic geology
      • Earth resources of India

    Famous Work

    • Author of the landmark textbook “Geology of India and Burma”, a globally referenced work in earth sciences.

    About the International Astronomical Union (IAU)

    • Founded: 1919
    • A senior international body that governs professional astronomical activities worldwide.
    • Mission: Promote and safeguard astronomy through research, communication, education, development, and international cooperation.
    • Headquarters: Paris, France
    • India is a member of it 
    What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (ELISA)’ project? (2017)

    (a) To detect neutrinos 

    (b) To detect gravitational waves 

    (c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system 

    (d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

    This PYQ is selected because it directly tests knowledge of a major international scientific venture in the field of astronomy/cosmology, which is conceptually linked to the mandate of the IAU

  • Moss Spores Survive Months in Space

    Why in the news?

    A recent study published in iScience revealed that moss spores (Physcomitrium patens) survived nine months outside the International Space Station (ISS), enduring vacuum, cosmic radiation, microgravity, and temperature extremes. Over 80% of the spores survived and successfully germinated on return to Earth. Scientists estimate moss could survive up to 15 years in space.

    Key Findings of the Study

    • 20,000 moss spores were placed outside the ISS in March 2022.
    • Exposed to: Vacuum, Cosmic radiation, Microgravity and Extreme temperatures
    • After 283 days, the spores were retrieved.
    • Results: 80% survived
      • Among survivors, 89% germinated successfully
      • Chlorophyll levels normal except a 20% drop in chlorophyll a, but not harmful
    • Survival attributed to multiple spore wall layers offering passive protection.

    About the Species

    • Species: Physcomitrium patens
    • Model organism for plant evolutionary studies
    • Mosses are one of the earliest land plants
    • Already known for surviving:
      • Antarctica
      • Volcanic fields
      • Deserts

    Why Moss Survived – Scientific Insight

    • Multiple thick-walled layers → physical shielding
    • Ability to remain in dormant state
    • Natural mechanisms to handle:
      • Radiation
      • Desiccation
      • Freezing and thawing cycles

    Why Is This Significant?

    • Implications for Space Exploration: 
        • Ability to survive harsh space environments → potential role in: Oxygen generation, Humidity control, Soil formation on Moon/Mars.
        • Supports concepts of bioregenerative life-support systems
        • It could be used in terraforming experiments on other celestial bodies

    • Astrobiology

        • Supports the idea that primitive plant life could survive interplanetary transport.
        • Relevant to panspermia hypothesis (life spreading across planets via spores).

    • Long-term Human Habitats

      • Moss can grow with minimal resources
      • Can contribute to:
        • Closed-loop ecosystems
        • Sustainable habitats
        • Psychological well-being in isolated environments (greenery)
    Consider the following statements: (2023)

    1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water. 

    2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water. 

    3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3. 

    How many of the above statements are correct? 

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None