GS Paper: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has introduced amendments to the rules governing the selection of experts in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).
Key Highlights of the Revised GEAC Rules:
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Expert members must disclose any direct or indirect interests that may conflict with their duties. Conflicted members must recuse themselves from decision-making unless specifically requested by the committee.
Transparency Measures: All members are required to submit a detailed record of their professional affiliations from the past 10 years to ensure accountability and unbiased evaluations.
Participation Restrictions: Experts with conflicts of interest must report them before meetings and take steps to ensure that their affiliations do not affect GEAC decisions.
Enhanced Governance: The revised rules aim to strengthen the regulatory process for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ensuring fair and impartial decision-making.
Supreme Court Compliance: The amendments align with the Supreme Court’s directive (2023) to address concerns of conflict of interest in GM crop approval processes, boosting public trust in GEAC’s role.
Improved Operational Integrity: These changes emphasize transparency, ensuring that scientific appraisals and policy decisions remain free from external influence.
What is Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)?
The GEAC is the apex regulatory body overseeing activities related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in India, particularly their release into the environment.
It is established under the Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export, and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989) framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Structural Mandate:
Operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Composition:
Chairperson: Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC.
Co-Chairperson: Representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
Includes 24 members, representing key institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).
Meets monthly for appraisals and discussions.
Powers and Functions of GEAC:
Powers:
Approves or denies proposals for environmental release of genetically engineered organisms (including GM crops).
Exercises the power to take punitive actions under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 for violations.
Monitors large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production.
Functions:
Evaluates activities involving the environmental release of GMOs and their products, including experimental field trials.
Ensures compliance with safety protocols to minimize environmental risks.
Reviews applications for the import, export, manufacture, and storage of GM organisms and cells.
Makes recommendations based on a comprehensive assessment of environmental and health impacts.
Addresses concerns related to conflicts of interest and ensures impartiality in decision-making.
Engages with stakeholders, including farmers and environmentalists, to maintain transparency and address public concerns.
PYQ:
[2015] The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the:
(a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
(b) Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
Scientists are deploying two advanced telescopes under the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT) project.
What is KM3NeT Project?
The KM3NeT is a European research initiative launched in 2012 and located in the Mediterranean Sea.
It uses advanced water Cherenkov detectors to study high-energy neutrinos and their origins, as well as fundamental neutrino properties.
Key Components:
ARCA (Astroparticle Research with Cosmics in the Abyss): Offshore Sicily, Italy, at 3,400 meters depth, studying high-energy cosmic neutrinos.
ORCA (Oscillation Research with Cosmics in the Abyss): Offshore Toulon, France, at 2,475 meters depth, focusing on neutrino oscillations and mass hierarchy.
It detects Cherenkov radiation, faint light produced when neutrinos interact with water molecules, using 6,210 optical modules.
Design:
Modular construction with plans to deploy 12,000 optical modules on 600 vertical strings, anchored to the seabed.
Connected via electro-optical networks to shore stations for power and data processing.
About Neutrinos
Neutrinos are subatomic particles, similar to electrons but without an electric charge.
Neutrinos are the 2nd most abundant particles in the universe after Photons.
Approximately a billion neutrinos pass through a cubic centimetre of space every second.
First detected in 1959, though their existence was theorized in 1931.
High-energy neutrinos, which originate from exotic astrophysical events like supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, or colliding stars, are of particular interest to scientists because:
Neutrinos can travel through dense cosmic environments, such as the dust-shrouded centre of the Milky Way, where visible light telescopes fail.
Neutrino detection depends on observing Cherenkov radiation — light flashes produced when neutrinos interact with water or ice molecules.
Darkness is essential for detecting the faint flashes of Cherenkov radiation.
Why study neutrinos?
Neutrinos provide insights into particle physics, including neutrino oscillations and mass hierarchy, challenging the Standard Model.
Neutrinos pass through dense cosmic regions, offering access to areas invisible to traditional telescopes.
Studying neutrinos aids in tracing cosmic ray origins and understanding dark matter, unlocking mysteries of the universe.
PYQ:
[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:
Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
Neutrinos have a negligible, but non-zero mass.
Trillions of Neutrinos pass through the human body every second.
Google has unveiled its latest quantum processor, ‘Willow’, which has sparked excitement about the potential of quantum computers to solve practical problems.
About WillowQuantum Processor:
Google’s team of researchers developed Willow and shared their results in the scientific journal Nature.
Willow has 105 qubits, which are the basic units of information in quantum computers.
Some qubits perform the actual calculations (called data qubits).
Others check for mistakes and fix them (called measurement qubits).
It operates at an extremely low temperature—almost absolute zero (-273.15°C)—to keep its qubits stable.
How fast is It? Willow solved a tough problem in just a few minutes. The same task would take the world’s best regular computer 10 septillion years (that’s 1 followed by 24 zeros!).
Each qubit can stay stable for 100 microseconds (a tiny fraction of a second), which is a big improvement for quantum computers.
Features and Significance
Smarter Error Handling:
Quantum computers are extremely sensitive, and even the tiniest disturbance can cause errors.
Willow uses a system where some qubits (called measurement qubits) are dedicated to spotting and fixing errors without disturbing the main qubits (called data qubits) that are doing the calculations.
Bigger, Better Performance:
Willow has 105 qubits: about half for computations and the rest for error correction.
Most quantum computers become less reliable as more qubits are added. Willow is different—it actually improves its performance as more qubits are included.
Longer Stability:
Qubits in Willow remain stable for 100 microseconds—a significant improvement that allows it to perform more complex tasks.
PYQ:
[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
PYQ Relevance: Q) How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (UPSC CSE 2019)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains has always focused on Drug regulation (2013) and Patent Issues in India (2018).
India ranks as the third largest producer of pharmaceuticals in terms of volume and fourteenth largest in terms of value globally.
Today’s editorial highlights the critical issue of drug quality and safety, particularly concerning pharmaceuticals produced in countries with regulatory frameworks. This content can be used in your Mains answer writing while discussing the implications for public health, especially in low- and middle-income families, where substandard medications can lead to severe health crises.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has flagged over 50 common medications as “Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ), including widely used drugs for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and acid reflux.
Notable examples include Telmisartan, Glimepiride, and Paracetamol.
What is India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940?
• It regulates the import, manufacture, and sale or distribution of drugs and cosmetics through licenses and permits. It has to ensure that the drugs and cosmetics marketed in India are reliable, efficient, and in compliance with national standards. • The associated Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, which were formulated in association with the 1940 Act, provide provisions for classifying medications into schedules and instructions for the storage, sale, presentation, and prescription of each schedule.
Other provisions laid under this Act include: • The Act oversees medication imports into India as well as prohibits the production of inferior or counterfeit pharmaceuticals in the country. • To form a Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and Drugs Consultative Committees (DCC) for allopathic and allied drugs, as well as cosmetics.
Salient Features of the Act: • The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10 lakhs or three times the confiscated goods’ value, whichever is greater. • Other gazette officers and officers from the Central Drug Controller’s Office (CDSCO) are authorized to initiate prosecution under the Act; some offenses are cognizable and non-bailable. • Specialized courts for the trial of offenses covered by the Act and provision for the aggregation of minor offenses.
What are the recent challenges?
1) Regulatory Challenge: Since each state is responsible for licensing and inspecting pharmaceutical manufacturing units located within its territory, it means that there is little that States can do to stop poorly manufactured drugs.
The only tool available to prosecute pharmaceutical companies for Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs is lengthy criminal prosecution.
During trials, companies can continue manufacturing and selling drugs in Karnataka.
2) Verification Issues: Current tender requirements ask companies to disclose blacklisting but lack independent verification methods for procurement officers
CASE STUDY:
Tainted cough syrups from India resulted in the deaths of at least 89 children in Gambia and Uzbekistan. Such incidents underline the urgent need for stringent quality control measures. India and China, are significant players in global drug manufacturing, where they supply a substantial portion of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) used in generic drugs worldwide. However, the regulatory oversight in these regions is often inadequate. For instance, India’s pharmaceutical sector, which accounts for over 20% of the world’s generic drugs, has faced scrutiny following incidents involving contaminated products that have resulted in fatalities abroad.
What are the Socio-economic impacts on the Society?
Social Implications: The WHO estimates that around 10% of medical products in low- and middle-income countries are either substandard or falsified. These medications can lead to treatment failures, increased morbidity, and even mortality.
Economic Implications: The economic burden of substandard medications is profound. Families may spend their limited resources on ineffective treatments, leading to financial strain and loss of trust in healthcare systems. This erosion of confidence can have long-term repercussions on public health initiatives.
How can a centralized database help with drug quality assurance?
A Centralized Drug database will enable agencies like KSMSCL to verify pharmaceutical companies’ credentials before purchasing drugs, and prevent issues like the recent scandal in Maharashtra that involved spurious antibiotics. This will eventually help procurement officers to assess the quality of inspections across states and prioritize manufacturers with rigorous inspection records.
Solutions and Recommendations (Way Forward)
Promoting Information Sharing: Encourage greater collaboration between state drug control departments and public procurement agencies.
Establish a centralized database for drug testing results from all central and state laboratories.
Benefits of Centralized Data: A centralized database would allow drug inspectors to track the failure rates of pharmaceutical companies’ products across the country.
This would enable a risk-based approach in enforcement and procurement decisions, enhancing overall drug quality.
Recommendations: The Union Ministry of Health recommended creating a central register of pharmaceutical manufacturers blacklisted for supplying Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs.
It aims to enhance drug quality and eliminate unreliable suppliers from the market, thereby improving the safety of drugs available in public hospitals.
The Parker Solar Probe has reached 6.1 million km from the Sun’s surface — the closest any human-made object has ever been. At this distance, if the Earth and Sun were 1 meter apart, the probe would be 4 cm from the Sun.
What is theParker Solar Probe?
Details
About
A NASA mission launched on August 12, 2018, as part of the “Living With a Star” program to study the Sun’s corona and solar winds.
Named after Eugene Parker, the first NASA mission named after a living researcher.
Size: Comparable to a small car.
Instruments: Equipped with four instruments to study electric and magnetic fields, plasma, and high-energy particles.
Completed 21 orbits around the Sun and uses Venus flybys to gradually get closer to the Sun.
How did it manage to come so close to the Sun?
On December 24, 2024, it reached 6.1 million km from the Sun’s surface, the closest any human-made object has been.
Technologies:
Heat Shield: A 4.5-inch carbon-composite shield withstands temperatures up to 1,377°C while keeping instruments stable at 29.4°C.
Venus Flybys: Gravitational assists from Venus gradually reduced the orbit.
Speed: Travels at 6,92,000 km/h, making it the fastest human-made object.
Significance of the Mission
Scientific Contributions: Provides insights into why the Sun’s corona is much hotter than its surface and the origins of solar winds.
Practical Implications: Improves predictions of space weather events that affect satellites, power grids, and communications on Earth.
Technological Feat: Demonstrates advanced spacecraft engineering to withstand extreme solar conditions.
PYQ:
[2010] In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?
(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
Recent research indicates that age-related losses in our cell’s mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)—specifically, deletion mutations—could be a major driver of aging. These mutations, once they accumulate, reduce the mitochondrion’s ability to produce energy (ATP), causing cell and tissue dysfunction.
What are Mitochondria?
Mitochondria generate most of the cell’s energy (hence called the Powerhouse) in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
They originated from free-living bacteria absorbed by ancient single-celled organisms, retaining a fraction of their own DNA (mtDNA).
Unlike nuclear DNA, mitochondria have their own circular DNA, though limited in size.
Humans inherit mitochondria exclusively from the mother’s egg; sperm-contributed mitochondria are generally not passed on.
They have a double membrane: a relatively permeable outer membrane and a highly folded inner membrane (cristae) that maximizes surface area for energy production.
Their inner compartment, the mitochondrial matrix, houses mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), ribosomes, and enzymes for the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle) and fatty acid β-oxidation.
Mitochondria help regulateintracellular calcium levels, which is crucial for various signalling pathways.
They play a role in apoptosis (programmed cell death) by releasing factors such as cytochrome c when the cell is under severe stress.
Functions of DNA, mRNA, and the gene:
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid):
Blueprint of Life: Houses genetic instructions in the form of a sequence of bases (A, T, G, C).
Chromosomal Structure: In the nucleus, it is organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes in humans, each carrying numerous genes.
Base-Pairing: Two DNA strands form a double helix via base-pair bonding (A-T, G-C).
Gene:
Functional Unit of DNA: A stretch of DNA containing instructions (a few thousand base-pairs) for making proteins or functional RNA.
Expression: When active, a gene is ‘read’ and transcribed into mRNA.
mRNA (Messenger RNA):
Intermediate Molecule: Carries the gene’s instructions from the DNA (in the nucleus) to the cytoplasm.
Protein Synthesis: Ribosomes read mRNA sequences, translating them into specific proteins.
Functions of the Mitochondrial Genome (mtDNA):
Encodes Key Mitochondrial Proteins:
The mtDNA has 13 protein-coding genes crucial for mitochondrial energy production (ATP synthesis).
It also encodes 24 non-coding genes (like rRNAs and tRNAs), essential for mitochondrial protein synthesis.
Energy Production:
mtDNA-encoded proteins form part of the electron transport chain, where most ATP is produced.
Distinct Inheritance Pattern:
Inherited exclusively from the mother.
Each cell contains multiple mitochondria, each with multiple copies of mtDNA.
Implication in Aging and Disease:
Age-related mutations (deletions, chimeric genes) in mtDNA can lead to functional decline in tissues like muscle and brain.
Loss of intact mtDNA reduces ATP generation, contributing to cellular and tissue ageing.
PYQ:
[2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:
Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondria replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg.
A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father.
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
Tamil Nadu Government has requested the Centre to consider including the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) due to surge in the Mumps cases across the State.
Tamil Nadu’s UIP currently offers 11 vaccines protecting against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including:
Tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, rota virus, pneumococcal, and Japanese encephalitis (in 14 endemic districts).
The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine was added to the UIP in April2017, but mumps is yet to be included.
About Mumps Disease
Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus, primarily affecting the salivary glands, leading to swelling near the ears (parotitis), fever, headache, and muscle aches.
It spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with saliva.
While often mild, complications can include orchitis (testicular inflammation), oophoritis (ovarian inflammation), encephalitis, or hearing loss.
There is no specific treatment, but supportive care like rest, hydration, and pain management helps.
Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the best prevention, offering 78–88% protection.
Which free immunised diseases are provided under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)?
The UIP was launched in 1985 and became part of the National Health Mission in 2005 to provide free vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases for children and pregnant women.
The programme now covers 12 diseases, including tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, rubella, hepatitis B, pneumonia, rotavirus gastroenteritis, and Japanese encephalitis.
Key vaccines added over the years include Hepatitis B (2007), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (2017), Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), and Measles-Rubella Vaccine.
The entire cost of vaccines is covered by the Government of India, funded through taxes, with an annual budget of ₹7,234 crore (US$870 million) as of 2022.
The programme covers all residents of India, including foreign residents, ensuring nationwide access to life-saving vaccines.
4 new vaccines have been introduced, including the Adult Japanese Encephalitis vaccine and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, to address emerging health challenges.
Note:
Mission Indradhanush is a health initiative launched by the Government of India on 25 December 2014 by Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda. The mission aims to achieve 90% full immunization coverage in India by 2022, targeting vaccination against eight major vaccine-preventable diseases:
Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenza type B.
Additionally, it covers Rotavirus Diarrhea and Japanese Encephalitis in specific states and districts.
The mission targets 201 districts in its first phase, focusing on areas with the highest number of unvaccinated children, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The approach follows similar planning and administration as the Pulse Polio Immunisation (PPI) program.
PYQ:
[2016] ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:
(a) Immunization of children and pregnant women.
(b) Construction of smart cities across the country.
(c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space.
The GoI Department of Science and Technology has initiated the National Quantum Mission, with plans to launch a quantum satellite within the next 2-3 years to facilitate quantum communications.
What is the National Quantum Mission?
The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is a significant initiative launched by the Government of India, specifically under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aimed at fostering research and development in quantum technologies.
Approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023, the mission has a budget of approximately ₹6,000 crore (about $730 million) and is set to be implemented from 2023 to 2031.
The primary objectives of NQM include:
Development of Quantum Technologies: The mission aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits within eight years, enhancing India’s capabilities in quantum computing.
Quantum Communication: Establishing a secure quantum communication network that spans 2,000 kilometers, facilitating both domestic and international secure communications.
Quantum Sensing and Metrology: Advancing technologies for high-sensitivity magnetometers and atomic clocks, which are critical for precision timing and navigation.
Quantum Materials: Focusing on the design and synthesis of quantum materials necessary for the fabrication of advanced quantum devices.
What is a quantum satellite?
A quantum satellite refers to a communications satellite that employs quantum mechanics principles to secure its signals.
This technology is pivotal for enhancing cybersecurity in communications, particularly as traditional encryption methods face vulnerabilities from advances in quantum computing.
Key features of quantum satellites include:
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): This technique allows two parties to securely share encryption keys using quantum properties. If an eavesdropper attempts to intercept the key, any measurement made will alter the state of the photons carrying the information, alerting the communicating parties to the breach.
Distance Capability: Unlike optical fibers, which have distance limitations (typically 100-250 km), quantum satellites can facilitate secure communications over much greater distances, making them suitable for national and international networks.
What are the significance and drawbacks of QKD?
Unconditional Security: QKD provides a level of security that is theoretically unbreakable due to the laws of quantum physics. It ensures that any attempt at eavesdropping will be detectable.
Resistance to Quantum Threats: As quantum computers evolve, they pose a threat to current encryption methods. QKD offers a new layer of security that is resilient against these emerging threats.
Drawbacks of QKD:
Authentication Issues: QKD does not inherently authenticate the source of transmissions, which can be problematic.
Cost and Infrastructure: Implementing QKD networks can be expensive and complex due to hardware dependencies.
Limited Practical Security: The actual security provided by QKD systems may not always match theoretical expectations due to practical engineering challenges.
Denial-of-Service Vulnerabilities: Eavesdroppers can disrupt transmissions, potentially denying service to legitimate users.
Way forward:
Integrate Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC): Complement QKD with PQC to address authentication and denial-of-service vulnerabilities, leveraging advanced classical encryption alongside quantum security.
Invest in Scalable Infrastructure: Develop cost-effective, upgradeable quantum hardware and standardized protocols to ensure widespread and sustainable adoption of QKD systems.
Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, denied claims that militants in Manipur (India) were using his Starlink satellite internet technology after the Indian Army and police seized Starlink devices alongside weapons.
Starlink’s involvement in Terrorism:
The Indian Army shared photos showing weapons and what seemed to be Starlink devices seized in Manipur. The equipment was marked with “RPF/PLA,” referring to a militant group.
This discovery raised concerns over the potential bypass of geographic restrictions by non-state actors.
Musk denied the allegations, explaining that Starlink services were not operational in India, despite the devices being found in the region.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, designed to provide broadband internet via a network of low Earth orbit satellites.
Satellites are launched ensuring low latency and high-speed connections compared to traditional satellite internet.
Starlink uses a large constellation of satellites, each equipped with phased array antennas and parabolic antennas to boost capacity.
SpaceX has plans to launch 42,000 satellites, which will create a mega-constellation to provide global coverage.
Does Starlink have regulatory approval in India?
Starlink does not yet haveregulatory approval in India.
India’s regulatory framework restricts theuse of foreign satellite communication services, especially for non-commercial purposes.
Starlink is however operational in more than 60 countries, including neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan (where it plans to start operations in 2025).
PYQ:
[2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?
space startups from Japan and India announced a joint agreement to explore the use of laser-equipped satellites for removing debris from orbit, addressing the growing issue of orbital congestion.
What is Space Debris?
Space debris, often referred to as space junk, consists of non-functional spacecraft, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegration of satellites.
These objects orbit the Earth at high speeds, posing significant risks to operational satellites and manned missions.
What are laser-equipped satellites for removing debris from orbit?
Laser-equipped satellites utilize focused laser beams to target and vaporize small parts of space debris, effectively stopping its rotation and making it easier for servicing spacecraft to rendezvous with and de-orbit defunct satellites. T
Companies like Japan’s Orbital Lasers and India’s InspeCity are collaborating to explore business opportunities for these laser systems.
They plan to demonstrate this technology in space, with potential deployment on satellites after meeting regulatory requirements in their respective countries, indicating a growing interest in international partnerships to tackle the issue of space debris.
What are the concerns related to space debris?
Collision Risks: The increasing amount of space debris raises the likelihood of collisions with active satellites and spacecraft, which can lead to further debris generation in a cascading effect known as the Kessler Syndrome.
Operational Challenges: Space debris complicates satellite operations and can disrupt services such as telecommunications, weather forecasting, and global positioning systems.
Environmental Impact: The accumulation of debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) threatens the sustainability of space activities and could hinder future space exploration efforts.
What are the initiatives to tackle space debris globally?
International Collaboration: Organizations like the United Nations have called for urgent action to track and manage space debris, emphasizing the need for global cooperation.
Technological Innovations: Companies like Orbital Lasers are exploring innovative solutions such as using laser-equipped satellites to de-orbit defunct satellites and mitigate debris by vaporizing parts of their surfaces.
Regulatory Frameworks: Various countries are developing regulations to ensure responsible satellite launches and operations, including guidelines for end-of-life satellite disposal to minimize future debris creation.
What are the measures should be taken by Satellite? (Way forward)
Tracking and Monitoring: Satellites use onboard systems and ground-based tracking data to monitor the position of space debris and predict potential collision risks.
Avoidance Maneuvers: Satellites perform preemptive orbital adjustments or “collision avoidance manoeuvres” to shift their trajectory away from debris.
Shielding and Resilience: Some satellites are equipped with protective shielding to withstand minor debris impacts, minimizing potential damage in low-risk scenarios.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC IAS/2019)
