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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.

  • China halts export of Rare Earth Magnets

    Why in the News?

    China has suspended exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets after US’s tariff embargo.

    What Are Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and RE Magnets?

    • REEs are a group of 17 elements in the periodic table, including Lanthanum (La), Neodymium (Nd), Europium (Eu), and Ytterbium (Yb).
    • Though not rare, they are found in low concentrations, making extraction challenging and costly.
    • Classification:
      • Light REEs (LREEs): Elements 57-63, such as La, Ce, Nd, and Sm.
      • Heavy REEs (HREEs): Elements 64-71, like Gd, Tb, Dy, and Er.
      • Scandium and Yttrium: Classified with HREEs due to similar chemical properties.
    • Rare Earth Magnets are powerful permanent magnets made from elements like Neodymium (Nd), Samarium (Sm), and Dysprosium (Dy).
    • They are far stronger and more efficient than traditional magnets, crucial for high-tech electronic applications.

    Global Supply Chain of REEs:

    • REEs are abundant but difficult to extract economically.
    • China alone dominates, producing 70% of the global supply and controlling 80% of the refining capacity. REEs are primarily mined from China’s Bayan Obo mine.
    • Australia, USA, Brazil, and Russia also contribute, though less significantly.
    • Refining also is largely controlled by China, though other nations are working to build their own refining capabilities to reduce dependency.
    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements:

    1. Monazite is a source of rare earths. 2. Monazite contains thorium. 3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India. 4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • KATRIN Experiment

    Why in the News?

    The KATRIN (Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino Experiment) has made a groundbreaking achievement by measuring neutrino mass with a new precision.

    About the KATRIN Experiment:

    • The KATRIN is located at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), specifically on its Campus North site in Karlsruhe, Germany.
    • It is aimed at measuring the mass of the electron antineutrino with sub-eV precision.
    • It has measured the mass of neutrinos by studying the beta decay of tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen.
    • The mass was inferred by analyzing the energy of the emitted electrons.
    • Technological Setup:
      • A 70-meter-long beamline with a powerful tritium source.
      • A 10-meter-wide spectrometer to measure the energy of emitted electrons with high precision.
    • Key Findings:
      • KATRIN has set a new upper limit for neutrino mass at less than 0.45 eV/c² (8 × 10⁻³⁷ kg), nearly twice as precise as previous measurements from 2022.
      • Data Collection was based on five campaigns from 2019-2021, totalling 250 days of data.

    Neutrinos and Their Properties

    • Neutrinos are extremely light subatomic particles that rarely interact with matter, making them difficult to detect.
    • They are found in cosmic rays and solar radiation.
    • Properties:
      • Mass: Their small mass influences cosmic structure formation, such as galaxies and clusters.
      • Weak Interaction: They interact via the weak nuclear force, allowing them to pass through vast amounts of matter.
    • They are essential in particle reactions and play a key role in galaxy formation and the study of dark matter.

     

    [UPSC 2010] India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the planning commission as a mega-science project under the 11th Five-year plan. In this context, consider the following statements:

    1.Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.

    2.Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.

    3.Neutrinos have a negligible, but non-zero mass.

    4.Trillions of Neutrinos pass through the human body every second.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • The conservation argument for resurrecting dire wolf is not credible

    Why in the news?

    Colossal Biosciences is an American company that combines genetics and conservation in a unique way by bringing back species that have been extinct for thousands of years.

    What is the primary goal of Colossal Biosciences’ de-extinction project?

    Colossal Biosciences is a biotechnology company specializing in de-extinction projects, aiming to revive extinct species through advanced genetic engineering.

    • Woolly Mammoth De-Extinction: Colossal is working to resurrect the woolly mammoth by integrating mammoth genes into the Asian elephant genome using CRISPR technology. The goal is to create a cold-resistant elephant with traits characteristic of the woolly mammoth, such as a thick layer of fat and shaggy hair, to inhabit Arctic tundra regions and potentially combat climate change.
    • Dire Wolf Revival: In a groundbreaking achievement, Colossal announced the birth of three pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—genetically engineered to resemble the extinct dire wolf. Using DNA from ancient dire wolf remains, scientists edited the genes of modern gray wolves, resulting in animals that exhibit traits such as larger size and distinctive fur color.

    Why do critics question the credibility of reviving extinct species for conservation purposes?

    • Lack of Scientific Proof: The actual success of reviving extinct species like the woolly mammoth has not yet been proven through rigorous peer review or established results.
    • Limited Genetic Editing: The extent of genetic editing in revived species often involves only a small number of genes, leading to incomplete or flawed replicas of the original species. Eg: In the case of the dire wolf, only 20 genes were edited, resulting in what critics describe as just a “strange-looking gray wolf” rather than a true de-extinct species.
    • Ethical Concerns: There are ethical debates over the potential consequences of creating species that may not thrive in the modern environment or might cause unforeseen ecological imbalances. Eg: The introduction of revived species like the woolly mammoth could disrupt current ecosystems in ways that may not be beneficial.

    How can bringing back the woolly mammoth help stop global warming?

    • Restoring Grasslands: The woolly mammoth can help restore Arctic grasslands by grazing on shrubs and plants, which would create open grasslands where permafrost can remain intact. Eg: By grazing, mammoths would prevent the growth of shrubs that trap heat, promoting the return of grasslands that are cooler and better at reflecting sunlight.
    • Slowing Permafrost Melt: Grasslands absorb less heat than shrub forests, helping to keep the permafrost cool. The return of woolly mammoths could help prevent the thawing of permafrost, which releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Eg: Mammoth grazing can keep the ground cooler and slow the thawing of permafrost, thus reducing the release of methane into the atmosphere.
    • Preventing Methane Emissions: As the permafrost melts, it releases large amounts of methane into the atmosphere. Woolly mammoths could help mitigate this by maintaining ecosystems that slow down the permafrost’s thaw. Eg: With mammoths grazing, the tundra could remain cooler and less prone to releasing methane.
    • Enhancing Carbon Sequestration: Grasslands are more effective at absorbing carbon than shrubbery or forested areas. By converting tundra back into grasslands, woolly mammoths could enhance carbon sequestration and help store more carbon in the soil. Eg: Woolly mammoths could help re-establish healthy grasslands, which would act as carbon sinks, absorbing more CO2 from the atmosphere.

    What is India’s situation in advanced genetic engineering?

    • Advancements in Agricultural Biotechnology: India has developed a structured regulatory framework for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) under the Environment (Protection) Act, of 1986. Eg: Recently, India initiated trials of CRISPR/Cas9-modified rice varieties in test fields, reflecting a surge in scientific research and innovation in plant genome editing.
    • Pioneering Genomic Research and Precision Medicine: India’s Genome India Project aims to sequence at least 10,000 Indian genomes to develop predictive diagnostic indicators for various diseases. Eg: Institutions like the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) have been instrumental in understanding genetic epidemiology, including the development of the FELUDA COVID-19 test based on CRISPR technology.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Ethical and Regulatory Frameworks: India should establish robust regulations and ethical guidelines for genetic engineering, particularly for gene-editing technologies like CRISPR, to ensure safety and sustainability in areas such as agriculture and medicine.
    • Promote Collaborative Research and Innovation: Encouraging partnerships between academic institutions, the private sector, and the government will help accelerate research and application of advanced genetic technologies, positioning India as a global leader in biotechnology innovation.

    Mains PYQ: 

    [UPSC 2024] What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe [mass extinction of life]?

    Linkage: The article says we should focus more on saving the species that are alive today, rather than trying to bring back extinct ones. The debate about de-extinction raises the question of whether it’s better to spend resources on protecting current species instead.

  • Three Gorges Antarctic Eye Telescope

    Why in the news?

    China has unveiled the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye telescope in Antarctica.

    About the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye Telescope

    • The Three Gorges Antarctic Eye is a 3.2m wide radio/millimetre-wave telescope located at China’s Zhongshan Station in Antarctica.
    • It was developed by China Three Gorges University (CTGU) and Shanghai Normal University (SHNU).
    • This telescope can detect radio waves and millimeter waves, types of invisible light, allowing scientists to study phenomena like neutral hydrogen and ammonia molecules, essential for understanding star formation and gas movement in space.
    • Unlike most telescopes, it works with both radio and millimeter waves, providing a more comprehensive view of space.
    • It is built in one of the harshest environments on Earth, with operating temperatures below -60°C and strong winds, making construction particularly challenging.
    [UPSC 2015] The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of:

    (a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence

    (b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim

    (c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region

    (d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

     

  • Preliminary Findings of the Genome India Project

    Why in the News?

    The preliminary findings of Genome India Project, based on the whole genome sequencing of 10,074 healthy and unrelated Indians from 85 populations across the country, were published recently.

    About Genome India Project

    • The Genome India Project was launched in January 2020 to map the genetic diversity of India’s population.
    • It is a collaborative project supported and funded by the Department of Biotechnology, GoI, involving multiple institutions across the country.
    • Objectives:
      • Decode the genetic diversity of India’s population through large-scale genome sequencing.
      • Create an exhaustive catalog of genetic variations, including common, low-frequency, rare, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and structural variations.
      • Develop a reference haplotype structure for Indians, which can be used to impute missing genetic variation in future studies.
      • Design genome-wide arrays for research and diagnostics at an affordable cost.
      • Establish a biobank for DNA and plasma collected for future research use.
    • The Genome India Database, which houses the genetic data, is now available to researchers worldwide and is stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, Haryana.

    Preliminary findings of the Study

    • The project genotyped 10,074 individuals from 85 populations, including 32 tribal and 53 non-tribal groups across India.
    • Blood samples were collected from around 20,000 individuals, with DNA samples from 10,074 individuals subjected to whole genome sequencing.
    • A total of 180 million genetic variants were identified, of which 130 million are in non-sex chromosomes (22 autosomes) and 50 million are in sex chromosomes X and Y.
    • Variant Significance:
      • Variants associated with diseases.
      • Rare variants.
      • Variants unique to India or specific communities.
    [UPSC 2016] In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to

    (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 cell

     

  • ESA’s Biomass Mission

    Why in the News?

    The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing to launch Biomass Mission to map the world’s forests and enhance our understanding of their crucial role in the global carbon cycle.

    ESA's Biomass Mission

    About the Biomass Mission by ESA

    • The ESA will launch the Biomass mission on April 29, 2025, aboard the Vega C rocket from French Guiana.
    • The mission aims to map the world’s forests, gathering data on their role in the carbon cycle and how they change over time.
    • It will be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at around 666 km, optimizing sunlight for observations.
    • It is the 7th mission in ESA’s Earth Explorer Program, focusing on data related to Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, and land surface.

    Features of the Biomass Mission:

    • Biomass uses a P-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor (70 cm frequency), capable of penetrating forest canopies to measure carbon storage in trees and the forest floor.
    • It will be the first satellite to use this cutting-edge P-band SAR technology, offering unprecedented forest biomass data.
    • Equipped with a 12-meter antenna, the satellite will deploy upon launch to conduct broad Earth observations.
    • It will create 3D images of forests, from canopy to roots, providing detailed insights into forest health and carbon storage.

    Significance of the Biomass Mission:

    • The mission will fill critical gaps in forest biomass and height data, improving understanding of forests’ role in the carbon cycle and climate change.
    • Biomass will measure carbon storage in forests and track changes due to deforestation and human activity.
    • The mission’s data will aid climate change mitigation strategies by tracking carbon fluxes between forests and the atmosphere.
    • It will support environmental monitoring, assist policymakers, and contribute to global climate change strategies.
    [UPSC 2010] Consider the following statements:

    The Satellite Oceansat-2 launched by India helps in

    1. estimating the water vapour content in the atmosphere.

    2. predicting the onset of monsoons.

    3. monitoring the pollution of coastal waters.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • Technology and Innovation Report, 2025

    Why in the News?

    The Technology and Innovation Report, 2025 was recently issued by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

    About the Technology and Innovation Report

    • The report is released by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
    • It addresses critical issues related to science, technology, and innovation, with a particular focus on developing countries. The report emphasizes policy-relevant analysis and conclusions.
    • The theme for the 2025 edition is “Inclusive Artificial Intelligence for Development.”

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • Global Highlights:
      • Developed countries lead in technology preparedness, but nations like China, India, and Brazil outperform their income levels.
      • AI market projected to reach USD 4.8 trillion by 2033, fuelling global digital transformation.
      • 100 companies, mostly in the U.S. and China, account for 40% of global corporate R&D spending.
      • AI will affect 40% of jobs globally, raising concerns over automation and job displacement.
      • U.S. leads in AI investment with USD 67 billion, followed by China (USD 7.8 billion) and India (USD 1.4 billion).
      • AI Governance Gap: 118 countries, mainly from the Global South, are absent from global AI governance discussions.
    • Indian Prospects:
      • India ranks 36th in the Readiness for Frontier Technologies Index in 2024, up from 48th in 2022. It ranks 10th globally with USD 1.4 billion in AI investments.
      • India has a talent pool of 13 million AI developers, contributing significantly to open-source platforms like GitHub.
      • The India AI Mission (2024) focuses on AI innovation through collaborations with the private sector and academia.
      • India leads in nanotechnology and has AI excellence centres like IIT Hyderabad and IIT Kharagpur.
    [UPSC 2019] The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the:

    (a) International Monetary Fund (b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (c) World Economic Forum (d) World bank

     

  • [4th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The other space race — the geopolitics of satellite net

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] Can India become a space power by solely relying on its indigenous technology, or is it imperative to forge technological alliances and collaborations with other nations to stay competitive in the global space race? Elaborate your views. 

    Linkage:  India’s choice to partner with Starlink, a US-based network, over waiting for indigenous solutions or potentially partnering with China, illustrating the geopolitical considerations in space technology.

     

    Mentor’s Comment: Many parts of India still lack fiber and mobile networks. Starlink’s tie-up with Airtel and Jio helps bring fast Internet to remote areas without big infrastructure costs. While good for business, it raises concerns about U.S. digital control. Starlink’s dominance, with 7,000 satellites, risks creating a monopoly and giving private firms major control over key infrastructure.

    Today’s editorial analyzes  Starlink’s tie-up with Airtel and Jio and its impact. This will help in GS paper 2 and GS Paper 3.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    It’s still unclear whether satellite Internet will help everyone get connected or just make the digital gap worse in a new way from space.

    What are the economic and strategic benefits of India’s partnership with Starlink?

    • Bridging the Digital Divide: Enables high-speed internet access in rural, remote, and hilly areas where laying fiber-optic cables is difficult or expensive. Eg:  Remote villages in Ladakh or Northeast India can access e-learning, telemedicine, and government services through satellite internet.
    • Cost-effective Infrastructure Expansion: Reduces the capital and operational costs for Indian telecom companies like Airtel and Jio, as satellite internet bypasses the need for expensive terrestrial infrastructure. Eg : Instead of building hundreds of towers in sparsely populated areas, Airtel can provide service using Starlink’s satellite network.
    • Strategic Geopolitical Alignment: Aligns India with the U.S.-led democratic digital alliance, distancing itself from authoritarian tech ecosystems like China’s GuoWang. Eg: Choosing Starlink over Chinese alternatives reflects India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy of cooperation with like-minded nations.
    • Boost to Domestic Capability via Partnership Model: Collaborating through Indian partners (Airtel, Jio) offers regulatory oversight, scope for technology transfer, and growth of India’s tech ecosystem. Eg: Local data routing, domestic satellite ground stations, and service operations can help build technical capacity and expertise in India.
    • Strategic Communication Redundancy Enhances national security by providing backup communication systems during disasters or network blackouts. Eg: During natural calamities like cyclones or earthquakes, satellite internet can keep remote regions connected when ground networks fail.

    Why is Starlink’s monopolistic control a concern, and how does it impact India?

    • Overdependence on a Foreign Private Entity: Reliance on Starlink gives a U.S.-based private firm significant control over India’s digital backbone in remote areas.
       Eg: If Starlink alters service terms or suspends access due to U.S. geopolitical interests, India’s connectivity in border or conflict zones could be compromised.
    • National Security Risks: Communication infrastructure operated from outside the country raises concerns over surveillance, data sovereignty, and wartime disruption. Eg: During the Russia-Ukraine war, Starlink restricted access to its services in conflict zones — India could face similar risks in sensitive areas like Jammu & Kashmir or Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Market Distortion and Limited Competition: Starlink’s first-mover advantage and satellite volume (~7,000 satellites) could outcompete smaller or local satellite internet ventures. Eg: Domestic players like ISRO’s satellite internet plans or private Indian firms may struggle to gain market share or scale up effectively.
    • Pricing Power and Affordability Issues: Monopoly allows Starlink to set high prices, making services unaffordable for large sections of rural and poor populations. Eg: Without competition or regulation, satellite internet packages may remain out of reach for rural schoolchildren or small farmers.
    • Reduced Technological Sovereignty: Long-term reliance may hinder India’s ability to develop indigenous alternatives, stalling progress toward digital self-reliance. Eg: Starlink dominance might delay ISRO’s or IN-SPACe’s efforts in launching Indian LEO satellite constellations.

    Who are the key global players in satellite internet?

    Player Country Project Name Key Features Example / Status
    SpaceX USA Starlink – Operates 7,000+ satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

    – Provides global broadband internet

    		 – Services available in 70+ countries

    – Partnerships with Airtel & Jio in India for rural access
    China Satellite Network Group China GuoWang – State-run project for national security & digital sovereignty

    – Aims to deploy 13,000+ satellites

    		 – Strategic focus on Indo-Pacific and Belt & Road countries
    Amazon USA Project Kuiper – Plans to deploy 3,000+ satellites

    – Emerging competitor in global internet services

    		 – FCC approved

    – Aims to launch by 2026

    – Focus on North America & developing markets

     

    How does India’s choice of Starlink over indigenous or Chinese alternatives reflect its Indo-Pacific strategy?

    • Strategic Alignment with Democratic Partners: India’s preference for Starlink (a U.S.-based company) indicates alignment with democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region. Eg: By avoiding Chinese alternatives like GuoWang, India reinforces its commitment to frameworks like Quad (India, U.S., Japan, Australia) that promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
    • Countering China’s Digital Influence: India’s decision helps prevent Chinese technological dominance in Asia, especially in sensitive sectors like space and communication.Eg: Partnering with Starlink counters China’s Digital Silk Road ambitions and limits Beijing’s potential surveillance or control via GuoWang.
    • Enhancing Strategic Interoperability: Collaborating with U.S. technologies builds compatibility with partner nations’ digital and defense infrastructure. Eg: Starlink’s use in defense communication, as seen in Ukraine, could serve as a backup during emergencies in border regions like Ladakh or Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Economic Pragmatism and Speed: India needs fast, scalable connectivity. Starlink offers a quicker solution compared to long timelines for domestic capability development. Eg: Indigenous LEO satellite programs are still in nascent stages, while Starlink is already operational, helping bridge rural digital gaps.
    • Signal of Strategic Autonomy, Not Dependency: By routing Starlink through Indian firms like Jio and Airtel, India retains some control, showing a model of “managed dependency.” Eg: Unlike full foreign control, this hybrid model mirrors India’s “Act East” and “Neighbourhood First” policies that balance strategic autonomy with global partnerships.

    What steps can ensure digital sovereignty? (Way forward)

    • Develop Indigenous Satellite Infrastructure: Investing in homegrown satellite constellations enhances strategic independence and reduces reliance on foreign networks.Eg: ISRO and private players like IN-SPACe can develop India’s own LEO satellite systems to serve rural and border areas.
    • Enforce Strong Regulatory Frameworks: Mandating data localization, technology transfer, and operational oversight ensures control over foreign tech operations. Eg: India can require local data storage and security vetting for Starlink services, similar to norms for other digital services.
    • Strengthen Public Sector Participation: Involving state-owned enterprises like BSNL in satellite internet rollouts can provide public oversight and reduce strategic vulnerabilities.Eg: Partnering Starlink with BSNL could combine reach and regulation, giving the government more control over critical infrastructure.

  • Majorana 1 Chip and the Pursuit of Quantum Computing

    Why in the News?

    In December 2024, Microsoft introduced its quantum computing chip, Majorana 1, designed to solve industrial-scale problems by utilizing the properties of Majorana particles for practical quantum computing.

    About Majorana 1 Chip and the Science Behind

    • Microsoft introduced its Majorana 1 quantum computing chip, designed to solve large-scale problems using quantum computing.
    • This chip is named after Majorana particles, which have unique properties in particle physics.
    • Majorana particles are special because they are their own anti-particles.
    • This means that when two Majorana particles meet, they destroy each other and release energy.
    • This property is different from most particles, like electrons, which have separate anti-particles (for example, the electron’s anti-particle is the positron).
    • Why Majorana Particles Matter for Quantum Computing?
      • This unique property could make Majorana particles useful in quantum computing.
      • They could help make quantum bits (qubits) more stable, which is important for improving quantum computers.
      • Using Majorana particles may also help in topological quantum computing, which makes qubits less affected by external disturbances, making them more reliable.

    Beta Decay and Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay (0vßß):

    • Beta decay happens when an unstable atomic nucleus releases energy. In this process, a neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton, and an electron and anti-neutrino are emitted. There are two types of beta decay:
    1. Beta-minus decay: A neutron becomes a proton, releasing an electron and an anti-neutrino.
    2. Beta-plus decay: A proton turns into a neutron, releasing a positron and a neutrino.
    • What is Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay (0vßß)? Neutrinoless double beta decay is a rare event where two electrons are emitted instead of the usual electron and anti-neutrino. This suggests that neutrinos and anti-neutrinos might be the same particle, known as Majorana particles.
      • If scientists observe this type of decay, it will prove that neutrinos are Majorana particles and help measure their mass.
      • This discovery would improve our understanding of particle physics.

    AMoRE Experiment:

    • The AMoRE experiment is being conducted in South Korea to detect this rare 0vßß decay.
    • The experiment uses molybdenum-100 (Mo-100), which is known to undergo double beta decay. The team is measuring the energy differences in electron emissions to detect the 0vßß decay.
    • While no evidence has been found yet, the experiment continues to improve its sensitivity by using 100 kg of Mo-100 for more accurate measurements.

    Scientific Significance:

    • The search for 0vßß and studying Majorana particles could help answer important questions about the mass of neutrinos and improve our understanding of particle physics.
    • Learning more about neutrinos is key to both advancing quantum computing and understanding particle physics.
    [UPSC 2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

    (a) Cloud Services (b) Quantum Computing (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

     

  • Fram2 Polar-Orbiting Mission

    Why in the News?

    SpaceX has launched the Fram2 mission, sending four private astronauts on a groundbreaking journey to orbit Earth from pole to pole, marking a major milestone in space tourism.

    About the Fram2 Polar-Orbiting Mission

    • The Fram2 mission is a spaceflight undertaken by SpaceX, featuring a crew of four private astronauts.
    • The mission is named after the Fram ship, a historical vessel used in early 20th-century polar expeditions.
    • Unlike traditional space missions, Fram2 is designed to fly from pole to pole, completing an orbital journey around Earth that no human has attempted before.
    • Its goal is to fly over both the North and South Poles, providing an unprecedented opportunity to observe these regions from low-Earth orbit.
    • The mission will involve a series of scientific experiments focused on spaceflight and the effects of microgravity on the human body.
    • The mission is scheduled to last between three to five days, with the astronauts aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft completing each orbit in about 46 minutes.

    Features and Significance:

    • Unique Orbital Path:
      • Unlike traditional orbits closer to the equator, the Fram2 mission follows a polar trajectory, covering Earth’s poles.
      • This approach requires more fuel and presents a unique challenge in terms of mission logistics, making the Fram2 flight one of the most ambitious private space missions to date.
    • Scientific Research:
      • The crew will participate in 22 experiments, including studies on microgravity’s impact on the human body, the effects of spaceflight on muscle loss and bone density, and X-ray imaging in space.
      • Additionally, the mission will gather data crucial for climate change research by focusing on Earth’s polar regions, which play a vital role in understanding global environmental changes.
    • Climate Change Research:
      • As part of the mission, astronauts will be able to film and observe Earth’s polar regions, contributing valuable data to climate science.
    [UPSC 2010] Consider the following statements:

    The Satellite Oceansat-2 launched by India helps in

    1. estimating the water vapour content in the atmosphere.

    2. predicting the onset of monsoons.

    3. monitoring the pollution of coastal waters.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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