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

  • ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defence System

    Why in the News?

    US President Donald Trump announced that he has shortlisted a design for a powerful new missile defence shield called the ‘Golden Dome’.

    About the Golden Dome Project:

    • Project Launch: It is a proposed missile defence shield announced by Donald Trump.
    • Development: It is being led by Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force, with support from SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril.
    • Timeline: The system is projected to cost $175 billion and is expected to be operational by January 2029.
    • Purpose: It aims to protect the US from long-range missile threats, particularly ICBMs from China and Russia.
    • Defence Layers: The system will combine technologies deployed on land, at sea, and in space for comprehensive coverage.

    Key Features:

    • Space-Based Interceptors: Thousands of orbiting satellites will carry and launch interceptors from space, offering global missile defence.
    • Missile Tracking: Real-time detection using space-based sensors will allow the system to track enemy launches within seconds.
    • Altitude and Reach: Drones and satellites operating at 15,000 meters or more will stay above many conventional air defences.
    • Payload Flexibility: Capable of deploying surveillance drones, kamikaze UAVs, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles depending on mission needs.
    • Modular Adaptability: The system is designed for multiple applications, including military operations, public security, and maritime surveillance.

    Parallel Examples:

    • Iron Dome (Israel): A short-range missile defence system using ground-based radar and Tamir interceptors for protection against rockets and UAVs.
    • “Star Wars” Initiative (1980s): President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) aimed to destroy nuclear missiles from space using lasers and interceptors.
    • DARPA’s Gremlins Project: Explored mother ship-launched drones; Golden Dome builds on this idea at a larger and space-based scale.
    [UPSC 2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?

    Options: (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

     

  • China’s ‘Mother Ship’ Drone

    Why in the News?

    China has unleashed its unmanned aerial “mother ship” drone named ‘Jiu Tian,’ capable of launching and coordinating over 100 drones in a single mission.

    About the Jiu Tian Mother Ship Drone:

    • Type and Capability: It is a jet-powered, super-high-altitude, long-range drone designed for advanced aerial missions.
    • First Appearance: It was first showcased at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024.
    • Size and Range: The drone is 82 feet wide, has a wingspan of 25 metres, and can fly up to 15,000 metres (50,000 feet) with a maximum range of 7,000 km.
    • Weight and Payload: It has a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes and can carry up to 6 tonnes of weapons and drones.
    • Altitude Advantage: It is designed to fly above medium-range air defence systems, improving survivability in contested zones.

    Key Capabilities and Features:

    • Drone Deployment: It can release up to 100 small drones or loitering munitions, including kamikaze drones, from both sides of its belly.
    • Weapon Compatibility: It features eight external hardpoints that can carry surveillance drones, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles like the PL-12E.
    • Mission Flexibility: Its modular interior allows for quick reconfiguration to suit different missions such as military strikes, border defence, maritime surveillance, emergency rescue, public security, and high-risk logistics.
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following activities: (1) Spraying pesticides on a crop field (2) Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes (3) Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis

    At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?

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

     

  • [23rd May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Tariff wars and a reshaping of AI’s global landscape

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] “The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.

    Linkage:  India as a strategic “third option” in the technological rivalry between the U.S. and China, driven by tariffs. It notes that India might benefit if companies seek alternatives to China for manufacturing due to tariff-induced supply chain disruptions.

     

    Mentor’s Comment: After the 2024 U.S. election, the government raised tariffs on AI hardware, increasing costs and making the U.S. expensive for building AI technology. These tariffs disrupt global supply chains and push companies to move data centers abroad. India’s growing tech sector positions it as a key alternative to the U.S. and China in this changing AI rivalry and supply chain realignment.

    Today’s editorial explains how the USA raised tariffs on AI hardware and the impact of these tariffs. This information will help with GS Paper II (International Relations) and Paper III (Indian Economy).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    After the 2024 U.S. presidential election, new high tariffs on AI hardware could significantly change the global supply chains that support artificial intelligence (AI) development.

    What is the effect of 2024 U.S. tariffs on AI supply chains and costs?

    • Increased Hardware Costs: Tariffs have raised import duties up to 27% on critical AI components, making AI infrastructure significantly more expensive in the U.S. Eg: Imports of data processing machines worth $200 billion from countries like China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Mexico are now tariff-affected.
    • Disruption of Global Supply Chains: Tariffs have caused companies to rethink and relocate data center construction abroad due to higher costs in the U.S. Eg: Some firms are shifting operations to China, which was ironically a key target of the tariffs.
    • Reduced Innovation and Investment: Tariffs create uncertainty, discourage investment, and slow innovation due to higher costs and fragmented supply chains. Eg: Studies show that a standard deviation increase in tariffs could reduce output growth by 0.4% over five years.

    Why is India seen as a potential third option in the U.S.-China tech rivalry?

    • Strategic Geopolitical Position: India is being positioned as a neutral and reliable alternative amidst U.S.-China tensions. Eg: India is increasingly chosen for data center locations and AI collaborations as companies seek to reduce dependence on China.
    • Growing Tech and AI Sector: India’s AI and digital engineering sectors are among the fastest-growing within its IT industry. Eg: IT exports have grown at 3.3% to 5.1% annually in recent years, with a major focus on AI services.
    • Skilled Workforce: India produces about 1.5 million engineering graduates every year, many with strong AI-related skills. Eg: This talent pool supports global R&D needs, especially in software and algorithm development.
    • Policy Support and Investment: The Indian government is heavily investing in semiconductor and AI infrastructure. Eg: AMD’s $400 million design campus in Bengaluru and multi-billion-dollar fab proposals are part of this initiative.
    • Comparative Cost Advantage: Lower labor costs and an expanding tech ecosystem make India economically attractive. Eg: Companies find operations in India more cost-effective compared to both the U.S. and China.

    How do tariffs influence AI innovation and efficiency?

    • Disruption of Global Supply Chains: Tariffs increase the cost of critical AI components, slowing innovation and access to cutting-edge technologies. Eg: A 27% tariff on AI chips in 2025 made the U.S. one of the most expensive places to build AI infrastructure.
    • Shift Toward Efficiency Over Raw Power: Rising hardware costs push companies to focus on algorithmic efficiency and model compression instead of raw compute. Eg: AI model usage costs are falling rapidly (by ~40x/year) due to optimisation rather than increased hardware.
    • Deadweight Loss and Slowed Productivity: Tariffs reduce trade volume and create inefficiencies that neither benefit producers nor consumers, slowing innovation cycles. Eg: Studies show a 1 standard deviation rise in tariffs can cut output growth by 0.4% over 5 years.

    Where is India investing to boost its AI and semiconductor sector?

    • Semiconductor Manufacturing Facilities: India is setting up large-scale chip fabrication units to reduce dependency on imports. Eg: A ₹2,500 crore semiconductor chip manufacturing facility is being established in Lucknow under the India Semiconductor Mission.
    • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborations with global tech companies are being encouraged to build domestic capacity. Eg: HCL and Foxconn are jointly setting up a semiconductor unit near the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh.
    • AI Skilling and R&D Initiatives: Programs are being launched to train talent in AI and expand research. Eg: The ‘AI Pragya’ initiative aims to upskill 1 million individuals in areas like AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

    When could over 50% of AI workload accelerators become custom ASICs?

    By 2028, over 50% of AI workload accelerators are expected to be custom ASICs: This marks a shift from general-purpose chips to highly specialized hardware tailored for specific AI tasks. Eg: ASICs designed for language model inference (like Google’s TPU) outperform GPUs in efficiency and cost for specific applications.

    Note: ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) are specialised chips designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks more efficiently than general-purpose processors like CPUs or GPUs.

    What does it imply?

    • Shift Toward Decentralised and Specialised AI Development:  Indicates a move away from one-size-fits-all hardware to task-specific solutions, enhancing performance and energy efficiency. Eg: Companies may deploy custom ASICs for voice assistants, facial recognition, or autonomous driving systems instead of relying on generic GPUs.
    • Cost Optimisation: Encourages innovation in hardware design and reduces long-term operational costs, benefiting firms with large-scale AI deployments. Eg: Startups and emerging economies like India can leapfrog legacy systems by adopting efficient ASIC-based infrastructure tailored to specific AI needs.

    What are the challenges for India? 

    • Dependence on Imported Hardware: India relies heavily on imported semiconductor components, which makes its AI ambitions vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and tariffs. Eg: Tariffs on AI hardware can increase costs, slowing India’s AI infrastructure development.
    • Limited Semiconductor Manufacturing Capacity: India currently has insufficient domestic chip manufacturing facilities, making it difficult to compete with established producers like Taiwan and China. Eg: India has announced semiconductor fab proposals but is still far from meeting demand for advanced chips.

    Way forward: 

    • Boost Domestic Manufacturing: Accelerate investments in semiconductor fabs and public-private partnerships to build self-reliant AI hardware supply chains, reducing dependence on imports and mitigating tariff impacts.
    • Enhance R&D and Skilling: Strengthen AI-focused research, innovation, and workforce training programs to develop specialized hardware solutions like custom ASICs, driving cost efficiency and global competitiveness.

  • New drugs arrive on the block, but AMR threats continue

    Why in the News?

    AMR is rapidly becoming one of the greatest public health threats, contributing to 2.97 lakh deaths in India in 2019 alone, as reported by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation.

    What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

    • AMR occurs when microorganisms (like bacteria) evolve to become resistant to antibiotics designed to kill them. This makes infections harder to treat, leading to increased mortality and healthcare complications.
    • Globally, AMR contributed to 1.27 million deaths and in India to 2,97,000 deaths in 2019 (IHME report).

    Why is it a growing concern globally?

    • Rising Deaths Due to Resistant Infections: AMR causes infections that are harder to treat, leading to increased mortality. Eg, globally AMR contributed to 1.27 million deaths in 2019, and it is projected that by 2050, up to 10 million people could die annually due to resistant infections if no action is taken.
    • Limited New Antibiotics Development: There has been a major decline in new antibiotic discovery over the past 30 years, leaving fewer effective treatment options. Eg, India’s development of Nafthromycin was the first new antibiotic in three decades, highlighting the global innovation gap.
    • Widespread Misuse and Overuse of Antibiotics: Over-prescription and use of antibiotics in humans, livestock, and agriculture accelerate resistance. Eg, in India, antibiotics are often sold without prescriptions, promoting resistance and reducing drug effectiveness.

    What is Nafthromycin? 

    • Nafthromycin, marketed as ‘Miqnaf’, is a new antibiotic developed in India by Wockhardt, with support from BIRAC.
    • It treats Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP). It is a once-a-day, three-day treatment with a 97% success rate.
    • India’s first indigenously-developed antibiotic in 30 years and the first globally in this class.

    What is the role of Nafthromycin in fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

    • Provides a New Effective Treatment Option: Nafthromycin is India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic in 30 years, offering a powerful new drug to treat infections like Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) with a 97% success rate. Eg: This helps overcome resistance to older antibiotics like azithromycin.
    • Supports Antibiotic Stewardship by Reducing Overuse of Existing Drugs: By providing an effective alternative, Nafthromycin can reduce reliance on existing antibiotics that have become less effective due to resistance, helping slow down the spread of AMR.

    Why is the misuse and overuse of antibiotics a major cause of AMR in India?

    • Over-the-counter sales without prescription: Antibiotics are often sold without a prescription, leading to improper and unnecessary use. Eg: People buying antibiotics directly from pharmacies for viral infections like common cold, where antibiotics are ineffective.
    • Use of antibiotics in livestock and agriculture: A large portion of antibiotics is used in animals to promote growth or prevent disease, which contributes to resistant bacteria spreading to humans. Eg: Use of colistin in poultry farming, which was recently banned in India to curb resistance.
    • Self-medication and lack of awareness: Many people self-medicate with antibiotics or do not complete prescribed courses, promoting resistance.  

    What are the healthcare gaps in the treatment of AMR?

    • Shortage of Trained Medical Personnel in AMR Management: There is limited awareness and training among healthcare providers on rational antibiotic use and infection control practices. Eg: A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that in community clinics in tier-2 cities, over 50% of doctors were unaware of the national treatment guidelines for infections.
    • Lack of Diagnostic Infrastructure: Many primary and secondary healthcare centers in India lack adequate microbiology labs to accurately identify bacterial infections and their resistance profiles. Eg: In rural districts of Uttar Pradesh, absence of lab support leads doctors to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics blindly, increasing resistance risks.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR): A comprehensive plan aligned with WHO’s Global Action Plan to tackle AMR using a One Health approach (human, animal, and environment sectors). Eg: The plan prioritizes awareness, surveillance, infection prevention, and rational antimicrobial use. States like Kerala and Delhi have developed their own State Action Plans on AMR in alignment with NAP-AMR.
    • Establishment of Surveillance Networks: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) set up the Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance & Research Network (AMRSN) to track resistance patterns across hospitals. Eg: AMRSN collects data on AMR trends in pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli from over 30 hospitals, helping inform national policy.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Regulation and Stewardship: Enforce strict controls on antibiotic sales and promote antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals and clinics.
    • Invest in Surveillance and Public Awareness: Expand AMR surveillance networks and run sustained awareness campaigns to educate public and healthcare providers.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] How do you explain the factors responsible for the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

    Linkage: The core issue of “drug-resistant diseases” which is Antibiotic Resistance (AMR). The article talking about the key factors for AMR, such as misuse and overuse of antibiotics across various sectors, including non-prescription sales in countries like India. It also discusses the need for monitoring and control mechanisms like responsible global stewardship, patient education, public awareness, innovation, regulation, and government leadership in stewardship.

  • NASA’s GRAIL Mission

    Why in the News?

    Scientists now believe the Moon’s near side looks different from its far side due to its internal structure and volcanic past, revealed by NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission.

    About the GRAIL Mission:

    • Launch: NASA launched the GRAIL mission in 2011 to study the moon’s internal structure.
    • Spacecraft Used: It used two spacecraft, Ebb and Flow, flying in tandem to detect gravity variations.
    • Objectives: The mission measured tiny changes in distance between the two spacecraft caused by differences in the moon’s gravitational field.
    • Scientific Outcome: The data revealed important details about the moon’s crust thickness, interior composition, and subsurface features.

    Key Findings: Reasons for the Moon’s Asymmetry

    • Tidal Deformation: The nearside bends more than the farside due to Earth’s gravity, a process called tidal deformation.
    • Internal Activity: The nearside is geologically warmer and more active, suggesting internal structural differences.
    • Volcanic History: Ancient volcanic activity on the nearside formed large basaltic plains, while the farside remained rugged and less active.
    • Heat Distribution: Elements like thorium and titanium accumulated on the nearside, making it 100–200°C hotter than the farside.
    • Crust Thickness: The nearside has a thinner crust, allowing magma to escape, while the farside’s thicker crust trapped heat and blocked eruptions.
    • Thermal Contrast: The thinner crust also allowed more heat-producing elements to concentrate, increasing the temperature gap between the two sides.

    Why do these findings matter?

    • Support for Lunar Missions: Insights from GRAIL help design better navigation and timing systems for future lunar operations.
    • Applications: GRAIL’s method can be applied to other moons like Enceladus and Ganymede, which may hold potential for life.
    [UPSC 2007] NASA’S Deep Impact space mission was employed to take detailed pictures of which comet nucleus?

    Options: (a)  Halley’s Comet (b) Hale-Bopp (c) Hyakutake (d) Tempel 1 *

     

  • What is A-to-I mRNA Editing?

    Why in the News?

    Chinese researchers found that A-to-I mRNA editing, once considered random, plays a key role in development, especially in the wheat pathogen Fusarium graminearum.

    About A-to-I mRNA Editing:

    • mRNA: Our cells use DNA as a guide to make proteins. First, they copy DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA).
    • A-to-I editing: This is a process where the letter adenosine (A) in mRNA is changed to inosine (I) by special enzymes called ADARs. The cell reads inosine as guanine (G), which can change the protein being made.
    • Why it matters:
      • It helps the cell make different versions of proteins without changing the DNA.
      • It can remove early stop signals, allowing full proteins to be made.
      • It helps the cell adapt to different conditions or stages of life.

    What did scientists discover in the fungus?

    • Fungal Discovery: Scientists found that the fungus edits over 26,000 mRNA sites during reproduction, not during normal growth.
    • Development Role: This editing fixes early stop signals in key genes, helping the fungus develop and reproduce properly.
    • Stress Adaptation: Some genes work better unedited under stress, showing the fungus edits only when needed for survival.

    Does this happen in humans?

    Yes, A-to-I editing is common in humans:

    • In the brain: It helps with brain growth, memory, and learning.
    • In the immune system: It helps fight infections and control inflammation.

    Health Implications:

    • Health Risks: Faulty editing is linked to epilepsy and certain cancers.
    • Therapeutic Potential: Understanding this process can lead to new treatments and improve gene-editing technologies.
    [UPSC 2016] In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to:

    Options: (a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing (b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism * (c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression (d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

     

  • 125 Years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO) 

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Posts has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO)—one of India’s oldest and most significant astronomical research centres dedicated to studying the Sun.

    About the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO):

    • Founding: Established in the late 19th century, KoSO was established in 1899 after atmospheric surveys by Charles Michie Smith.
    • Location: It is located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, in the Palani Hills, chosen for its excellent sky conditions.
    • Early Observations: Initially focused on observing sunspots, solar prominences, and solar radiation.
    • Modern Equipment: Now equipped with the H-alpha telescope (for flares and prominences) and WARM (for high-resolution sunspot imaging).
    • Institutional Role: Became part of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in April 1971.
    • Scientific Importance: KoSO contributes to understanding the Sun’s effect on Earth’s climate and space weather.

    Important Observations / Discoveries:

    • Evershed Effect (1909): Discovered by John Evershed, it was the first observation of radial gas outflows in sunspots, a key finding in solar physics.
    • Historic Solar Archive (1904–2017): Created one of the world’s longest continuous solar datasets.
    • Digitization: First Indian observatory to digitise solar data (since 1984); currently maintains a digital archive of 1.48 lakh images (~10 TB).
    • Wider Scientific Work: Extended research into cosmic rays, radio astronomy, ionospheric physics, and stellar astrophysics over the decades.
    [UPSC 2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?

     

  • Scientists create 2D Metal Sheets using High-Pressure Technique

    Why in the News?

    A team of researchers from top Chinese scientific institutions has reported a major breakthrough in the creation of atomically thin 2D metal sheets using a novel high-pressure sandwich method.

    About the 2D Metal Created:

    • Definition: 2D metals are only one or two atoms thick, so electrons can move in just two dimensions.
    • Quantum Confinement: Electrons in 2D metals are restricted to specific energy levels, similar to how they behave in atoms.
    • Scientific Interest: Metals like bismuth, tin, and lead in 2D form are being studied for their electrical, magnetic, and quantum properties.
    • Applications: Their special properties make them useful for quantum computing, sensors, and advanced electronics.

    Technologies Involved:

    • Quantum Dots: These are tiny semiconductors where electrons are tightly confined, creating quantised energy states.
    • Quantum Confinement: In quantum dots, electrons can’t move freely in any direction, leading to discrete energy levels.
    • Link to 2D Metals: In 2D metals, electrons are confined in two dimensions, changing conductivity, magnetism, and optical behaviour.
    • Process: Chinese scientists created 2D metals by sandwiching metal powder between two MoS₂-coated sapphire layers.
    • Steps involved: The structure is heated, twisted, and pressed to form ultra-thin sheets, then cooled and peeled off.
    • Material Choice: MoS₂ and sapphire were chosen for their strength, smoothness, and low chemical reaction with metal.

    Note: 

    Quantum confinement occurs when a particle like an electron is trapped in an extremely small space, such as a nanoscale material. This restriction changes its energy levels, making them discrete instead of continuous. As a result, the material’s properties—like color and conductivity—can change with size.

     

    [UPSC 2012] Graphene is frequently in the news recently. What is its importance?

    1. It is a two-dimensional material and has good electrical conductivity.

    2. It is one of the thinnest but strongest materials tested so far.

    3. It is entirely made of silicon and has high optical transparency.

    4. It can be used as ‘conducting electrodes’ required for touch screens, LCDs and organic LEDs.

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

  • Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX Mission) enters Preliminary Design Phase

    Why in the News?

    India and Japan have begun the preliminary design phase of the Chandrayaan-5 mission, also known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration).

    Back2Basics: Legacy of Chandrayaan Missions

    • Chandrayaan-1 (2008): First mission, focused on mineral and chemical mapping.
    • Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Orbiter mission with 98% success.
    • Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Achieved a historic soft landing on the Moon’s south pole.
    • Chandrayaan-4 (Upcoming, 2027):
      • It is a planned lunar sample return mission by ISRO, expected to launch around 2027, with the landing site near Statio Shiv Shakti at the lunar south pole.
      • The mission involves five modules launched on two LVM-3 rockets, later docked in Earth orbit to form an integrated spacecraft.
      • A robotic arm and drill will collect 2–3 kg of surface and sub-surface lunar samples for return to Earth.
      • The Re-entry Module (RM) will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere with the samples using ballistic re-entry, marking India’s first attempt at sample return.
    • Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX: Aimed at deeper exploration with global participation.
    • Manned Lunar Mission: Prospected lunar landing by 2040.

    About Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX Mission:

    • It is a collaborative mission between ISRO and JAXA.
    • Approval: Cabinet approval for the mission was granted on March 10, 2025.
    • Launch: It will carry a 6.5-tonne payload and launch aboard Japan’s H3 rocket in 2027–28.
    • Collaboration: The lander is being developed by ISRO and the 350-kg rover by JAXA.
    • Duration: The mission is expected to last 100 days, with a possible extension of one year.
    • Mission Goals and Objectives:
      • Explore water and regolith in the lunar south pole’s Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs).
      • Drill into the Moon’s surface, analyse soil samples, and perform in-situ experiments.
      • Assess water content, quality, and analyse surface volatiles using advanced instrumentation.
      • Exploration of the far side of the Moon.

    Scientific Collaboration and Instruments:

    • A total of 7 scientific instruments will be onboard the mission.
    • ISRO’s Contribution: Development of the lander; creation of one sensor in a major four-sensor instrument.
    • JAXA’s Contribution: Development of the rover and three sensors in the same instrument; Rover is designed to climb 25° inclines and operate on a complex battery charging protocol.
    • ESA (European Space Agency): Developing a mass spectrometer.
    • NASA: Contributing neutron spectrometers.
    [UPSC 2009] In the context of space technology, what is Bhuvan, recently in the news?

    Options: (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India* (d) A space telescope developed by India

     

  • How did India develop genome edited rice?

    Why in the News?

    Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently said that India is the first country in the world to create rice varieties using genome editing technology.

    What are the new varieties?

    A team of researchers from different institutions, led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), developed two new rice varieties — DRR Dhan 100 (called Kamala), made from the high-yielding Samba Mahsuri rice, and Pusa DST Rice 1, made from the Maruteru 1010 (MTU1010) variety.

    What are the benefits of the new rice varieties Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1?

    • Higher Yield: Both varieties produce more rice per hectare than their parent strains. Eg: Kamala yields 5.37 tonnes/ha vs. Samba Mahsuri’s 4.5 tonnes/ha; Pusa DST Rice 1 yields 3,508 kg/ha, which is 9.66% more than MTU1010’s 3,199 kg/ha.
    • Drought Tolerance: Kamala is more resilient to drought, ensuring stable harvests during water shortages. Eg: Farmers can harvest good crops with less water in drought-prone areas using Kamala.
    • Early Maturity: Kamala matures 20 days earlier, reducing resource use and allowing faster crop cycles. Eg: Early harvest saves water and fertilizer, enabling farmers to grow a second crop sooner.
    • Salinity and Alkalinity Resistance: Pusa DST Rice 1 tolerates coastal salinity and alkaline soils better than its parent, boosting yield in tough environments. Eg: It yields 30.4% more under coastal salinity and 14.66% more under alkalinity than MTU1010.
    • Reduced Environmental Impact: Early maturity of Kamala lowers methane emissions from rice fields, helping fight climate change. Eg: Shorter growing period means less methane released compared to traditional rice varieties.

    Why are there objections to the genome-edited rice varieties?

    • Lack of Transparency: There is concern that the genome-edited rice varieties were announced without adequate field-level data being shared publicly, making the scientific claims appear premature. Eg: Venugopal Badaravada, a former ICAR governing body member, criticized the lack of transparency and was later expelled, raising concerns about institutional accountability.
    • Regulatory Concerns: Critics argue that exempting genome-edited crops (especially SDN-1 and SDN-2) from GM regulations is legally questionable and may bypass biosafety evaluations. Eg: The Coalition for a GM-Free India stated that de-regulating gene editing is “outright illegal” under India’s current biosafety framework.
    • Seed Sovereignty and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Activists fear that the gene-editing tools used are patented, which could threaten farmers’ seed rights and give control to private corporations. Eg: Concerns were raised about IPR entanglements with the technologies used in Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1, potentially compromising India’s food and seed sovereignty.

    When will the new rice seeds be available for farmers?

    The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) anticipates that certified seeds of these varieties will be available to farmers within two years, following the completion of necessary processes such as Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) registration and seed multiplication.

    Way forward: 

    • Ensure Transparent Evaluation: Conduct multi-location field trials and publicly share performance data to build scientific credibility and public trust.
    • Safeguard Farmer Rights and Regulatory Oversight: Develop a clear IPR policy and establish robust, independent biosafety review mechanisms to protect seed sovereignty and address legal concerns.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2020] In what way have the science-based technologies triggered off striking changes in agriculture?

    Linkage: Genome editing is a science-based technology that represents a significant advancement capable of triggering changes in agriculture by developing improved crop varieties.