💥Mains Ready By December. Smash Mains & Smash PYQ Admissions Open
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

  • What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Srihari Kota.

    Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landed near the lunar South Pole in August 2023. India not only redeemed the partial failure of its predecessor but also became the first nation to reach the Moon’s most scientifically coveted region.

    Main Task of Chandrayaan-3

    To demonstrate Safe and Soft Landing on the Lunar Surface. Chandrayaan-2 experienced a setback with the lander’s failure to achieve a soft landing.

    To demonstrate Rover roving on the moon and

    To conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

    Countries that have achieved moon mission

    The Soviet Union (USSR)

    The United States of America (USA)

    The People’s Republic of China

    The Republic of India

    Japan (Achieved post-Chandrayaan-3 in early 2024 via its SLIM mission)

    Subsystems of the Spacecraft

    Propulsion Module (PM): Carries the Lander Module from launch vehicle injection until it reaches the final 100 km circular polar lunar orbit, where separation occurs.

    Lander Module (LM): To demonstrate soft-landing capabilities at a specific lunar site and deploy the Rover.

    Scientific Payloads:

    ChaSTE: Measures thermal conductivity and surface temperature.

    ILSA: Monitors seismic activity around the landing site.

    RAMBHA Uses Langmuir Probe (LP) to measure near-surface plasma density and temporal variations.

    Laser Retroreflector Array: A passive instrument used for lunar laser ranging studies.

    Rover: Mobility across the lunar surface to conduct chemical analysis of the soil and rocks.

    Scientific Payloads:

    APXS (Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer): Derives the elemental composition of the lunar surface.

    LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope): Identifies the chemical elements present in the vicinity of the landing site.

    Role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ (VLCC)

    Remote System Checkouts: Allowed ISRO scientists to perform comprehensive remote testing of the LVM3-M4 rocket from Thiruvananthapuram.

    Parallel Monitoring: It acted as a digital twin to the Main Control Centre (MCC) at Sriharikota, providing an additional layer of real-time telemetry analysis and redundancy.

    Decentralized Coordination: Strategic hub that allows experts to monitor the health of the launch vehicle without overcrowding the primary launch site.

    By rectifying previous design limitations, India’s third lunar mission successfully completed its complex soft-landing task, solidifying ISRO’s status in elite global space exploration.


    Nano-technology, Bio-technology and other

  • Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare?

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is a set of technologies that empowers computers to learn, reason, and perform a variety of advanced tasks in ways that used to require human intelligence, such as understanding language, analyzing data, and even providing helpful suggestions.

    AI in clinical diagnosis

    Early diagnosis: AI detects cancers, arrhythmias, and stroke risks early, enabling timely treatment. Eg- IBM Watson for Oncology

    Pattern recognition: AI analyzes patient records to predict diabetes, hypertension, and other diseases across populations. Eg- MadhuNetrAI Program

    Robotic process automation: AI automates billing, authorizations, and record updates, reducing workload and operational costs.

    AI-guided treatment: AI personalizes treatments using genetics, lifestyle, and medical history analysis. Eg- Genetika+ using stem cell technology and AI software to match antidepressants to patients and minimise side effects.

    Enhanced accuracy: AI interprets X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ECGs with high precision, reducing diagnostic errors.

    Medical image analysis: AI detects tumours, fractures, and eye diseases from scans with remarkable accuracy. Eg- Google DeepMind Health

    Health monitoring: Wearables track heart rate and activity, supporting preventive healthcare through continuous monitoring. Eg- Fitbit devices.

    Threats to Individual Privacy from AI in Healthcare

    Permanent Risk of Re-identification: Expert states that no anonymized dataset is permanently secure; mathematical advancements constantly improve de-anonymization science.

    Cyber Vulnerabilities: Eg- The 2022 AIIMS attack compromised data of 30 million individuals.

    Predictive Discrimination Harms AI predicts future health risks, potentially leading to workplace or insurance bias.

    Algorithmic Bias and Marginalization AI trained on affluent data may recommend suboptimal care for marginalized groups. Eg- : Amazon’s AI recruitment tool mirrored historical gender bias.

    Secondary use of patient data: Health data collected for treatment may later train AI algorithms without meaningful patient consent.

    Corporate surveillance: AI wearables monitoring vitals and behavior may enable profiling and commercial manipulation.

    While AI offers unprecedented breakthroughs in diagnostic accuracy, its clinical deployment must be balanced with absolute data protection.

  • Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.

    Microorganisms are microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, archaea, and microalgae that can break down organic matter and produce useful energy compounds. Due to these capabilities, they are becoming important for sustainable energy production and the global clean energy transition.

    Ways Microorganisms Help in Meeting Fuel Shortage

    Bioethanol: Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis ferment sugars and agricultural waste into ethanol. India achieved 10% ethanol blending in 2022 and targets 20% (E20) by 2025-26.

    Biodiesel: Microalgae such as Chlorella and Dunaliella produce lipid-rich biomass, which is converted into biodiesel through transesterification.

    Biogas through Anaerobic Digestion: Methanogens decompose sewage, food waste, and cow dung to produce methane-rich biogas. Eg- India’s GOBAR-dhan scheme.

    Biohydrogen Production: Certain photosynthetic bacteria and cyanobacteria can split water or organic compounds to release Hydrogen gas, the cleanest burning fuel.

    Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs): Bacteria break down organic waste in wastewater and release electrons, generating electricity while simultaneously treating the wastewater.

    Biobutanol Production: Species like Clostridium acetobutylicum produce butanol through ABE (Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol) fermentation. Biobutanol is considered superior to ethanol.

    Syngas Fermentation: Acetogenic bacteria can convert synthesis gas (CO and H2 from industrial emissions or biomass gasification) into liquid fuels like ethanol and acetic acid.

    Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR): Microbes are injected into depleted oil wells where they produce surfactants and gases that decrease oil viscosity.

    For a country like India, which imports over 80% of its crude oil, scaling up microbial fuel technologies is essential for achieving Urja Atmanirbharta (Energy Self-reliance) and meeting the Panchamrit targets for net-zero emissions.

  • What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe?

    Asteroids are rocky, airless remnants from the early formation of the solar system, primarily orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter (asteroid belt). Some asteroids, known as Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), have orbits that bring them close to Earth, raising concerns about impact hazards.

    Key facts about asteroids

    Types –

    C-type (carbonaceous, most common)

    S-type (silicaceous)

    M-type (metal-rich)

    The total mass of all the asteroids combined is less than that of Earth’s Moon.

    Threat from asteroids

    Historical Evidence – The Chicxulub asteroid impact (~66 million years ago) led to the extinction of dinosaurs.

    Probability Assessment

    Extinction-level asteroids (>10 km) are extremely rare

    City or regional-scale impacts (50-300 m) are more frequent and pose serious human and economic risks.

    Current Scientific Consensus

    Low probability, high impact risk.

    No known large asteroid is on a confirmed collision course with Earth in the foreseeable future.

    No global policy framework or convention to prevent asteroid impact

    Strategies Developed to Prevent or Mitigate Asteroid Impact

    Detection and Tracking – Ground- and space-based surveys continuously monitor NEOs.

    Kinetic Impact Deflection – A spacecraft collides with the asteroid to slightly alter its trajectory. Demonstrated successfully by NASA’s DART mission (2022).

    Gravity Tractor – A spacecraft hovers near the asteroid, using mutual gravitational attraction to gradually change its path.

    Nuclear Deflection (Last Resort) – Use of a nuclear device near (not on) the asteroid to vaporise surface material.

    NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, accurately characterizes the orbits of all known near-Earth objects, predicts their close approaches with Earth

    The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) – UN-endorsed, global collaboration of over 60 scientific institutions that detects, tracks, and characterizes Near-Earth Objects (NEOs).

    United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) has recognised asteroid impact hazards as a global risk transcending national boundaries.

    While extinction-level impacts are extremely rare, the consequences would be catastrophic, justifying sustained vigilance.

  • 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 commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.

    IPR grants legal rights over innovations, while life materials include genes, microorganisms, and GMOs. Their intersection determines ownership and commercialization of biological resources, shaping biotechnology, healthcare, agriculture, and innovation-driven economic growth.

    Present World Scenario of IPRs with Respect to Life Materials

    Biotechnology: Increased patents on GMOs and gene-editing technologies, though patent laws differ across countries. Eg- CRISPR-Cas9 patents in the US and restrictions in the EU.

    Ethical concerns: Patenting genes and life forms can create monopolies and limit public access to healthcare and seeds. Eg- Myriad Genetics BRCA1 gene patent case.

    Developing nations’ approach: often oppose patents on essential medicines and biological resources. Eg- India rejected Novartis Glivec patent under Section 3(d).

    TRIPS and global standards:

    The TRIPS Agreement requires patent protection but allows safeguards for public health and biodiversity.

    With the WTO moratorium ending after MC 14 Meet, countries can now challenge public-health measures like compulsory licensing for harming expected profits.

    Open-source movements: Open-access biological initiatives encourage collaborative innovation and protect farmers’ rights. Eg- Open Source Seed Initiative.

    Biopiracy: Unauthorized patenting of biological resources and traditional knowledge exploits indigenous communities without fair compensation.

    Reasons for Low Commercialization in India

    Weak industry-academia linkage: Limited collaboration between research institutions and industries restricts market adoption. Eg- About 13.8% of CSIR patents are licensed.

    “Valley of Death” funding gap: Indian universities lack sufficient funding to scale laboratory research and prototypes into commercially viable products through testing and trials.

    Weak Patent Quality: Many patents suffer from vague claims, weak disclosures, or insufficient novelty, making them vulnerable to litigation and revocation.

    Slow regulatory machinery: Patent approvals and clearances in India often take 5-7 years, delaying commercialization and reducing technological relevance.

    Complex tech-transfer policies: Fragmented institutional IP policies create legal uncertainty, discouraging industry partnerships.

    Lack of Skilled IP Management: Limited expertise in licensing, prior-art research, and market-oriented commercialization, causing many patents to remain commercially unused.

    Misaligned objectives: Universities and researchers prioritize patent filings for rankings and grants, while industries seek scalable, market-ready technologies.

    Low absorptive capacity: Most universities lack strong innovation ecosystems and technology-transfer infrastructure beyond elite institutions like IITs.

    Poor commercialization infrastructure: India lacks strong incubators and technology-transfer systems.

    Global competition: Indian innovations face competition from dominant multinational corporations. Eg- Pfizer global market dominance.

    Inadequate Innovation Ecosystem: Support systems such as advanced laboratories, industry mentors, commercialization hubs, and global market integration remain uneven across regions.

    Way Forward

    Shift from quantity-driven patenting to quality-driven innovation by rewarding commercially viable and genuinely novel research.

    Strengthen industry-academia collaboration through technology transfer offices, IP centres, and startup incubation ecosystems. E.g Bayh-Dole model of the United States.

    Emulate China’s metrics-based databases, using big data analytics to isolate high-value patents

    Develop specialized biotechnology and pharmaceutical IP commercialization hubs on the lines of innovation clusters in South Korea and Israel.

    Utilize the 2024 Patent Rules, advance renewal discounts, and expanded startup facilitator schemes to protect emerging technologies.

    Align academic incentives away from mere patent counts toward innovation impact, technology transfer, and market adoption.

    Enhance venture capital support, FDI confidence, and startup financing by ensuring strong and enforceable intellectual property rights.

    Promote uniform state-level IP policies, single-window commercialization portals, and support for SMEs and rural innovators.

    With the above measures India can convert its patents into drivers of innovation, technological self-reliance, and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

    Nuclear energy

  • How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour?

    Energy independence by 2047 is central to India’s Viksit Bharat vision. Clean, indigenous and sustainable technologies are key for realisation of this vision.

    Energy independence through clean technology by 2047

    Expansion of renewable energy – Scale up solar, wind, hydro and offshore wind to meet 1000+ GW by 2047.

    Green hydrogen as a fuel of the future – Expand National Green Hydrogen Mission for use in steel, fertilisers, transport and power storage.

    Energy storage and grid modernisation

    Strengthen Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and pumped hydro storage.

    Create smart grids, microgrids and AI-based demand management.

    Electric mobility transition

    Electrify public transport, freight. Eg- PM e-Bus Sewa

    Promote EV manufacturing + battery ecosystem under PLI and PM-eDrive.

    Make in India and supply Chain resilience

    Strengthen domestic solar, battery and electrolyser manufacturing.

    Secure supply chains through National Critical Mineral Mission. Eg- lithium supply from Argentina

    Energy efficiency & circular economy

    Expand PAT scheme

    Promote circular economy in energy storage, e-waste and batteries.

    Role of Biotechnology

    Ethanol Blending under the National Bio-Energy Mission can reduce petrol imports and stubble burning.

    Biogas and Compressed Biogas (CBG) under SATAT scheme and Gobardhan Mission can ensure rural energy self-sufficiency.

    Algal biofuel technology – High yield per hectare and non-competitive with food crops.

    Waste-to-Energy using anaerobic digestion, enzymatic conversion and microbial fuel cells. (Swachh Bharat + Energy security)

    Bio-hydrogen and bio-electricity enables low-cost, decentralised green energy.

    Steps Taken

    BioE3 Policy – innovation-driven research & high-performance biomanufacturing.

    Bio-RIDE – To bridge academia–industry gap and ensure lab-to-market transition

    Emerging Frontiers in Biotechnology Programme for cutting-edge biotechnology research

    As PM Modi stated, “India’s energy independence will be the foundation of its economic independence.” Clean technology is core pillar of this vision

    Agriculture

    Cropping Pattern

  • DAE Inaugurates VDPP and 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell

    Why in News?

    The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) inaugurated the Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant (VDPP) and commissioned the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell at the Heavy Water Board Facilities (HWBF), Vadodara, strengthening India’s indigenous capabilities in strategic nuclear materials.

    Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant (VDPP)

    • Established for indigenous production of high-purity deuterated compounds and solvents.
    • Supports:
      • Advanced scientific research
      • Strategic applications
      • Frontier technologies
    • Reduces dependence on imports of specialized deuterated materials.

    What are Deuterated Compounds?

    • Compounds in which hydrogen (¹H) is replaced by deuterium (²H or D), a stable isotope of hydrogen containing one proton and one neutron.
    • Used in Nuclear technology, NMR spectroscopy, Pharmaceutical research, and Chemical and biological studies

    24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell

    • India’s first indigenous industrial-scale prototype for producing nuclear-grade sodium.
    • Nuclear-grade sodium serves as the coolant in Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs).
    • Represents a major step toward self-reliance in strategic nuclear materials.

    Significance

    • Strengthens India’s Fast Breeder Reactor Programme.
    • Supports the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
    • Promotes AtmaNirbhar Bharat in critical nuclear technologies.
    • Enhances long-term energy security and technological self-reliance.

  • India’s Space Odyssey: Prelims Quick Revision

    Why in News?

    The Government highlighted India’s achievements under Space Vision 2047, focusing on self-reliance, commercialization, and human spaceflight.

    Major Missions

    • Chandrayaan-3 (2023): First soft landing near Moon’s south pole; confirmed sulphur.
    • Chandrayaan-4 (2027): Lunar sample return mission.
    • LUPEX (2027-28): ISRO-JAXA mission to explore lunar polar ice.
    • Mangalyaan: First country to reach Mars on maiden attempt.
    • Aditya-L1: India’s first solar observatory at Sun-Earth L1.
    • Venus Orbiter Mission: Planned for 2028.
    • Gaganyaan: India’s first human spaceflight programme.
    • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): First module by 2028.

    Space Technology

    • SpaDeX (2025): India became 4th nation to achieve autonomous space docking.
    • NavIC: Indigenous navigation system covering India and 1,500 km beyond.
    • VIKRAM3201: First indigenous 32-bit space microprocessor.
    • RLV-TD: Developing reusable launch vehicle technology.

    Space Economy

    • Space startups: 1 (2014) → 400+ (2026).
    • Space economy: $8 billion, targeted to reach $40-45 billion by 2030.
    • Major reforms: IN-SPACe, NSIL, Indian Space Policy 2023, Liberalised FDI.

    Launch Infrastructure

    • Operational launch vehicles: PSLV, GSLV, LVM3.
    • NGLV under development (30-ton LEO capacity).
    • Second spaceport: Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
    • Third launch pad approved at Sriharikota.

    International Cooperation

    • NISAR: ISRO-NASA
    • TRISHNA: ISRO-CNES
    • LUPEX: ISRO-JAXA
    • Human spaceflight cooperation with ESA and Russia.

    Space Applications

    • Disaster management, Telemedicine, PM e-VIDYA, India-WRIS, Potential Fishing Zone advisories, and Satellite Aided Search and Rescue (SASAR).

  • Fast X-ray Transients (FXTs)

    Why in the news?

    Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics have traced the likely origin of a rare Fast X-ray Transient (FXT) event, EP241107a, detected by the Einstein Probe in November 2024.

    Key Findings

    • FXTs are energetic, non-repeating flashes of X-rays lasting from a few minutes to several hours.
    • They are a recently discovered class of transient cosmic events whose origin has remained uncertain.
    • Researchers identified a radio counterpart of FXT EP241107a using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array.
    • Follow-up observations were conducted using:
      • Himalayan Chandra Telescope
      • GROWTH India Telescope
      • Upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope

    Likely Origin

    • The event was probably caused by: Collapse of a massive star leading to a supernova and gamma-ray burst (GRB), or Merger of two neutron stars.
    • Researchers concluded that EP241107a is most likely an “orphan afterglow”:
      • A gamma-ray-burst-like explosion whose gamma rays were not directly detected.
      • Represents a lower-energy member of the GRB population.

    Fast X-ray Transients (FXTs)

    • Sudden flashes of low-energy X-rays.
    • Non-repeating and short-lived.
    • Fade rapidly after detection.
    • Associated with highly energetic cosmic explosions.

    Proposed Sources

    • Core-collapse supernovae.
    • Binary neutron star mergers.
    • Magnetars (highly magnetized neutron stars).
    • Tidal disruption events involving white dwarfs and black holes.
    • Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs).

    Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs)

    • Most energetic explosions known in the Universe.
    • Emit intense gamma radiation for a few milliseconds to several minutes.
    • Associated with the collapse of massive stars (Long GRBs) and Neutron star mergers (Short GRBs).
    • Followed by multi-wavelength “afterglows” in X-ray, optical, and radio bands.

    Neutron Star

    • Extremely dense remnant of a massive star after a supernova.
    • Mass ≈ 1.4-2 solar masses compressed into a sphere about 20 km across.
    • Composed mainly of neutrons.

    [2023] Consider the following pairs: Objects in space : Description
    1. Cepheids : Giant clouds of dust and gas in space
    2. Nebulae : Stars which brighten and dim periodically
    3. Pulsars : Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse
    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched ?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • GRAPES-3: A Cosmic-Ray Tracker

    Why in the news?

    Researchers from India and Japan used the Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS phase-3 (GRAPES-3) telescope to analyse 22 years of muon data, enabling real-time monitoring of changes in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

    What is GRAPES-3?

    • GRAPES-3 (Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS phase-3) is a muon telescope and cosmic-ray observatory located at Ooty, Tamil Nadu.
    • It detects muons, rather than visible light.
    • It is designed to study Cosmic rays, Solar magnetic fields, Space weather, and Atmospheric processes.

    What are Muons?

    • Muons are high-energy subatomic particles produced when cosmic rays collide with atoms in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
    • They can penetrate deep into the Earth’s surface due to their high energy.

    How does GRAPES-3 Work?

    • Comprises 16 detector modules.
    • Each module contains 232 proportional counters filled with argon-methane gas and a tungsten wire.
    • Passing muons generate electrical pulses, recorded as “hits.”
    • Four layers of detectors arranged at right angles help determine the trajectory and angle of incoming muons.
    • Reinforced concrete layers filter out low-energy particles, allowing only high-energy muons to be detected.

    Significance

    • Enables real-time monitoring of upper atmospheric temperature changes.
    • Helps study the Sun’s magnetic field and space weather.
    • Improves understanding of cosmic-ray interactions with Earth’s atmosphere.
    • Contributes to research in astroparticle physics and atmospheric science.

    Value Addition

    • Cosmic Rays: High-energy charged particles originating from outer space.
    • Space Weather: Variations in the space environment caused by solar activity that can affect satellites, communication systems, and power grids.

    [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