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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.

  • IRIS² Program

    Why in the News?

    The European Union has signed a contract for IRIS², a network of 290 satellites aimed at improving resilience, connectivity, and security.

    About IRIS²:

    Details
    • IRIS² stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite.
    • It consists of a 290-satellite constellation, including 264 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 18 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
    • Collaboration between European Union and SpaceRISE.
    • First satellite launch planned for 2029.

    Key Features of IRIS²:

    • Deployment of 264 satellites in LEO and 18 in MEO.
    • Provide secure, high-speed broadband connectivity, particularly in underserved regions.
    • Focus on Europe for secure satellite internet services.
    Project Funding and Implementation
    • 12-year concession for IRIS² is funded by the EU, ESA, and private firms like SES, Eutelsat, and Airbus.
    • Total cost: €10.6 billion (~$11 billion).
    Applications of IRIS²
    • Governmental Use: Border surveillance, crisis management, infrastructure security, and defense.
    • Civilian Use: Broadband access, smart energy, transportation, and remote healthcare.

     

    World’s Largest Earth Observation Programs: Take a look

    • Copernicus Program (EU): Launched in 2014, the Copernicus Program is a European Union initiative with satellites like Sentinel to monitor land, ocean, and atmosphere, enhancing environmental management and disaster response.
    • NASA Earth Observing System (EOS): Initiated in 1997, NASA’s EOS provides comprehensive Earth observation data from satellites like Terra and Aqua, focused on understanding Earth’s environment, climate change, and atmospheric composition.
    • Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS): Founded in 2005, GEOSS connects Earth observation systems globally to provide data on climate, water resources, biodiversity, and natural disasters, involving over 100 organizations.
    • Landsat Program (USA): Launched in 1972 by NASA and USGS, Landsat is the longest-running satellite program offering continuous Earth surface monitoring, focusing on land cover, land use, and environmental changes.

    Note: 

    In September, 2024, ISRO launched the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08 under the SSLV-D3/EOS-08 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, with the satellite operating in a circular Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of 475 km and a mission life of 1 year.

  • Firefly Sparkle Galaxy

    Why in the News?

    James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has identified a rare galaxy, Firefly Sparkle, offering a unique look into early galaxy formation.

    Firefly Sparkle Galaxy

    About Galaxy Firefly Sparkle:

    Details
    • Discovered by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), dating back to 600 million years after Big Bang.
      • It is one of the earliest low-mass galaxies discovered, providing rare insights into early galaxy formation.
    • It is named so because its star clusters shine brightly, resembling fireflies in JWST’s images.
    • It is part of a group of galaxies from the early universe, offering clues about how galaxies like the Milky Way may have formed.
    Features of the Galaxy
    • Mass equal to 10 million suns, making it a relatively low-mass galaxy.
    • Visible portion spans just 1,000 light-years, much smaller than the Milky Way’s 100,000 light-years.
    • Contains 10 distinct star clusters, each representing different stages of star formation.
      • Accompanied by 2 smaller galaxies, Firefly-Best Friend and Firefly-New Best Friend.
    • Elongated raindrop shape, indicating it is still forming.
    Observational Studies by JWST
    • Used gravitational lensing to magnify the galaxy’s light by 16-26 times, providing detailed observations.
    • JWST observed varied stages of star formation, with younger stars appearing blue and older stars red.
      • It is forming piece by piece, with each star cluster representing a phase of formation.
    • These observations help refine theories on galaxy formation and star cluster dynamics in the young universe.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?

    [2012] Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidences for the continued expansion of universe?

    1. Detection of microwaves in space
    2. Observation of redshift phenomenon in space
    3. Movement of asteroids in space
    4. Occurrence of supernova explosions in space

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 1, 3 and 4
    (d) None of the above can be cited as evidence

  • What is Disease X and why should the world prepare for it?

    Why in the News?

    The outbreak reported in the first week of December 2024 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has already claimed more than 400 lives and is yet to be classified, has sparked concerns that it might be an example of Disease X.

    What is Disease X?

    • Definition: Disease X is a hypothetical term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 to represent an unknown pathogen that could potentially cause a global epidemic or pandemic.
    • Conceptual Origin: The term was created in the aftermath of the Ebola epidemic (2014-2016) to emphasise the need for preparedness against unpredictable infectious diseases.
    • Nature of Disease X: It serves as a placeholder for both “known unknowns” (threats we are aware of but do not fully understand) and “unknown unknowns” (threats we are not yet aware of). This acknowledges the likelihood of future pandemics without specifying their characteristics.
    • Potential Pathogens: Disease X could originate from a variety of sources, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, helminths, or prions. Historical data indicates that about 70% of emerging infectious diseases have zoonotic origins, meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans.
    • Emerging Disease Patterns: The emergence of new diseases is often linked to ecological disruptions caused by human activities such as deforestation and urbanisation, which increase contact between humans and wildlife.

    Why is it Important to Prepare for Disease X?

    • Global Health Security: Preparing for Disease X is essential for protecting public health globally. The emergence of new pathogens can lead to widespread illness and mortality, as demonstrated by COVID-19.
    • Unpredictable Nature of Outbreaks: The unpredictable emergence of infectious diseases necessitates robust surveillance and rapid response systems. Being prepared helps mitigate the impact of unforeseen threats.
    • Increasing Frequency of Outbreaks: The frequency of novel outbreaks has significantly increased since the mid-20th century due to environmental changes, urbanization, and human encroachment on wildlife habitats.
    • Economic Impact: Pandemics can have devastating economic consequences, disrupting trade, travel, and healthcare systems. Preparedness can help minimize these impacts.

    What should be done to prevent this? ( Way forward) 

    • Advances in Science and Technology: Investments in research, genomic sequencing, artificial intelligence, and public health infrastructure enhance our ability to detect and respond to emerging diseases quickly.
    • International Cooperation: Global collaboration is crucial for effective outbreak response. Initiatives like the WHO’s priority pathogen list and proposed Pandemic Treaty aim to foster a unified approach to health emergencies.
    • Equitable Access to Resources: Ensuring equitable access to diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines across all countries is vital for effective pandemic response, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid the management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • The significance of ANI versus OpenAI

    Why in the News?

    The lawsuit against OpenAI in India is poised to establish key precedents for defining the legal accountability of AI developers regarding the content generated by their platforms within the country.

    What are the core allegations made by ANI against OpenAI?

    • Unauthorized Use of Copyrighted Content: ANI alleges that OpenAI used its copyrighted news content to train its language models without obtaining the necessary permissions, constituting copyright infringement.
    • Verbatim Reproduction: ANI claims that ChatGPT generates responses that are either verbatim or substantially similar to its original articles, which violates copyright protections. They argue that this reproduction occurs without authorization.
    • False Attribution and Fabricated Information: ANI highlights instances where ChatGPT has attributed false statements or fabricated interviews to the agency, which they argue damages their reputation and risks spreading misinformation.
    • Ineffectiveness of Opt-Out Policy: ANI contends that OpenAI’s opt-out policy is ineffective because their content is still accessible through third-party websites, allowing OpenAI’s crawlers to scrape it despite ANI’s attempts to block access.
    • Request for Legal Restraints: ANI is seeking an interim injunction to prevent OpenAI from storing, using, or reproducing its work, as well as prohibiting access to its content through any means.

    How does this case reflect broader issues in AI and copyright law?

    • Liability of AI Platforms: The case presents an unresolved legal question regarding whether AI platforms can be held liable for copyright infringement when they use publicly available content for training purposes. This issue is not only pertinent in India but also resonates globally, as similar lawsuits have emerged in other jurisdictions.
    • Fair Use and Exceptions: The interpretation of fair use and the applicability of exceptions such as text and data mining (TDM) in the context of AI training remain ambiguous under Indian law. The court’s decision will be crucial in determining whether existing copyright frameworks can accommodate the unique characteristics of AI technologies.
    • Territoriality in Data Storage: OpenAI’s defence centres on the argument that it operates outside India, complicating the application of Indian copyright law. This raises broader concerns about data sovereignty and how traditional legal concepts apply to cloud-based services and distributed AI models.

    What implications does this case have for the future of AI development and media partnerships?

    • Setting Legal Precedents: The case may establish important legal precedents regarding the responsibilities of AI companies toward content creators, influencing how future disputes are resolved in India and potentially beyond.
    • Impact on Licensing Agreements: As seen with other publishers entering licensing agreements with AI firms, this case could encourage more formalised partnerships where media organisations negotiate terms for their content’s use in AI training, ensuring they receive compensation for their intellectual property.
    • Regulatory Framework Development: The lawsuit may prompt Indian lawmakers to consider new regulations addressing the use of copyrighted material by AI platforms, potentially leading to clearer guidelines that balance innovation with the rights of content creators.
    • Challenges for Smaller Publishers: While larger media organisations may have the resources to negotiate favourable terms with AI companies, smaller publishers could face difficulties without similar leverage. This disparity could affect diversity in media representation and innovation within the industry.

    Way forward: 

    • Establish a Balanced Regulatory Framework: Policymakers should develop clear guidelines addressing the use of copyrighted material by AI platforms, incorporating provisions for text and data mining (TDM) and fair use exceptions.
    • Promote Collaborative Licensing Models: Media organisations and AI firms should work towards formalised licensing agreements that outline terms for the use of copyrighted content in AI training.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) hasinitiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • [pib] CAR T-Cell Therapy

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has been a key supporter of research projects focusing on CAR T-cell therapies for cancers.

    About CAR T-Cell Therapy:

    What is it?
    • Acronym  for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T–Cell Therapy;
    • Innovative  immunotherapy in which T-cells (a type of white blood cell) are genetically modified to express a receptor (CAR) that targets specific proteins on cancer cells.
    • T-cells are part of the immune system and help identify and eliminate infected or cancerous cells.
    Objective of the Therapy
    • To treat blood cancers, especially B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL).
    • Aimed at patients whose disease relapsed or was resistant to conventional treatments (chemotherapy, radiation).
    • Specifically targets CD19, a protein found on the surface of B-cells, which includes cancerous B-cells.
    Implementation and Structural Mandate
    • Developed jointly by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Bombay) and Tata Memorial Center (TMC), Mumbai since 2015.
    • Approved by DCGI (Drug Controller General of India) in March 2021 for Phase 1 trials in children and adults with relapsed B-ALL and B-NHL.
    • Supported by academic grants from Department of Biotechnology and government agencies.
    • Trials were conducted at Tata Memorial Center (TMC), and other hospitals.
    Future Scope for Phase II
    • Phase 1 Trials: Conducted from 2021 to 2023 on children and adolescents with B-ALL and adults with B-NHL, with promising results matching international standards in terms of efficacy and safety.
    • Phase 2 Trials: Have been approved and are currently ongoing. These trials will expand on the efficacy and long-term safety of the therapy, including larger cohorts of patients.

    Future Scope: Holds the potential for expanding to other cancers, such as Multiple Myeloma, Glioblastoma, and Hepatocellular Carcinomas, based on continued research and results from Phase II trials.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body?

    (a) They protect the environmental allergens body.
    (b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.
    (c) They act as immuno-suppressants in the body.
    (d) They protect the body from diseases caused by pathogens.

  • [pib] National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Health has re-strategized the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) under the 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign to reduce TB cases and mortality through targeted interventions and a multi-pronged approach.

    Menace of TB in India:

    • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India accounted for 26% of global TB cases and deaths in 2023.
    • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a National TB Prevalence Survey in 20 states, reporting 312 TB cases per lakh population.
      • The TB incidence rate decreased by 17.7%, from 237 per 100,000 in 2015 to 195 per 100,000 in 2023.
      • Similarly, TB-related deaths have declined by 21.4%, from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023.

    About the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP):

    Details
    About
    • Former Name: Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP)
    • Objective: To eliminate tuberculosis (TB) as a public health issue in India by 2025, as per PM Modi’s 2018 target.
    • Focus Areas: Early detection, complete treatment, prevention, and strengthening TB care and control services.

    Key Components of NTEP:

    • Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST): Early detection of drug-resistant TB.
    • Free Diagnosis and Treatment: Provided for all TB patients across India.
    • Nikshay: A case-based web-enabled TB information system for monitoring and case management.
    • Private Sector Engagement: Involving private healthcare providers for standardized care.
    Objectives under the National Strategic Plan 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign is an intensified effort launched to fast-track the detection and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) cases across the country.

    • Eliminate TB as a public health problem by 2025.
    • Achieve Universal Access to quality TB care.
    • Prevent the emergence of drug-resistant TB through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
    • Reduce the burden of TB through preventive interventions and awareness campaigns.
    • Ensure better case management through Nikshay, a case-based monitoring system.
    • 6. Engage with the private sector to ensure standardized and quality TB care.
    Steps taken by Govt
    • Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST): Early detection of drug-resistant TB.
    • Free Diagnosis and Treatment: Provided for all TB patients.
    • Nikshay System: Web-enabled case-based monitoring and management system for TB patients.
    • Private Sector Engagement: Ensuring standardized TB care by involving private healthcare providers.
    • National TB Prevalence Survey: Conducted to assess the TB burden in 20 states.
    • Enhanced Diagnostic Facilities: Including genetic and molecular tests for early detection.
    • Targeted Interventions for Vulnerable Populations: Focus on high-risk groups, including children and marginalized populations.

  • Marburg Virus outbreak in Rwanda

    Why in the News?

    An outbreak of Marburg Virus (Bleeding Eyes) disease (MVD) has killed and infected many in Rwanda.

    rwanda
    Location of Rwanda

    About Marburg Virus:

    Overview • Causes Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), also known as Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever.
    • Belongs to the filovirus family (same as Ebola).
    • Discovered during outbreaks in 1967 in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany.
    • Case Fatality Rate ranges from 24% to 88%, depending on the strain and treatment effectiveness.How does it spread?• Animal to Human Transmission: Spread primarily from Rousettus bats, especially Egyptian fruit bats found in caves or mines.
    • Human to Human Transmission: Spread through direct contact with blood and bodily fluids (saliva, vomit, feces, semen, and breast milk). Also transmitted indirectly through contaminated surfaces or clothing.
    Symptoms and Treatment • Early signs include fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhoea.

    • Progresses to bleeding from various body parts, and death typically occurs 8-9 days after symptoms due to blood loss and organ failure.
    • No approved vaccine or antiviral treatment. Supportive care includes hydration, symptom management, and blood transfusions. Experimental vaccines are being studied.
    Why is it a Global Concern? • High Fatality Rate: MVD’s case fatality rate (24%-88%) makes it one of the deadliest diseases.
    • Spread: Ongoing outbreaks, primarily in Africa, but now affecting Rwanda and Tanzania.
    • Public Health Threat: Human-to-human transmission and rapid spread pose significant challenges.
    • Economic Impact: Outbreaks disrupt local economies, healthcare systems, and global trade due to travel restrictions and quarantine measures.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?

    (a) Syria and Jordan

    (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia

    (c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea

    (d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam

  • ecDNA Challenges Law of Genetics

    Why in the News?

    A recent study published in the ‘Nature’ has shown that Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is present in approximately 50% of cancer types, playing a significant role in tumor evolution and genetic heterogeneity.

    What is ecDNA?

    Details • ecDNA stands for extrachromosomal DNA, which is small, circular DNA found in the nucleus of cells, separate from regular chromosomes.
    • Forms when DNA breaks off from chromosomes, often due to damage or errors in cell division.
    • Can carry extra copies of oncogenes, which promote cancer growth.
    • Initially thought to be unimportant, recent studies show it plays a major role in cancer.
    How ecDNA Contributes to Cancer and Drug Resistance • Helps Tumors Grow: ecDNA contains extra copies of oncogenes that help cancer cells grow faster and become more aggressive.
    • Drug Resistance: The extra oncogenes make the cancer harder to treat with standard drugs by producing more harmful proteins.
    • Faster Tumor Evolution: ecDNA allows cancer cells to evolve rapidly, making them more resistant to treatments like chemotherapy and enabling the tumor to grow even when drugs are used.

     

    How ecDNA Challenges Genetics Laws?

    • Mendel’s Law says that genes on different chromosomes are inherited independently, meaning they are passed on randomly to the next generation.
    • ecDNA breaks this rule by grouping genes together and passing them on as a cluster during cell division.
    • This allows cancer cells to inherit beneficial genes more easily and helps the tumor grow faster.
    • Unlike regular chromosomes, which are distributed randomly during cell division, ecDNA is passed on together as a package.
    • This process gives cancer cells an advantage by making sure they inherit helpful genetic combinations that support cancer growth and resistance to drugs.

  • What India’s AI Safety Institute could do?

    Why in the News?

    In October, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) held discussions with industry leaders and experts about establishing an AI Safety Institute as part of the IndiaAI Mission.

    What are the core objectives and focus areas for the AI Safety Institute?

    • Setting Standards for AI Safety: The AISI aims to develop frameworks, guidelines, and standards for safe AI deployment without acting as a regulatory body. This approach is designed to foster innovation while ensuring safety.
    • Enhancing Domestic Capacity: The institute will focus on building domestic capabilities in AI safety, leveraging India’s unique strengths and addressing local challenges related to AI deployment.
    • Promoting Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaging various stakeholders—including government bodies, industry players, academia, and civil society—is crucial for creating a comprehensive approach to AI safety that reflects diverse perspectives.
    • Risk Assessment and Mitigation: The AISI will develop tools for risk assessment and mitigation related to AI technologies, focusing on issues such as bias, discrimination, and social exclusion.
    • Global Engagement: By integrating into international networks like the Bletchley Process, the AISI will participate in global dialogues on AI safety, bringing forward the concerns of developing countries and contributing to a more inclusive governance framework.

    How should the organizational structure of the AISI be designed to ensure scalability and independence?

    • Independence from Regulatory Bodies: The AISI should operate independently from rulemaking and enforcement authorities to maintain its focus on research, testing, and standardization rather than regulatory compliance.
    • Collaboration with Academic Institutions: Establishing the AISI within academic institutions (e.g., IITs) can provide it with a degree of independence while tapping into existing research capabilities and expertise.
    • Scalable Framework: The organizational structure should be designed for scalability, allowing the institute to adapt to evolving technological landscapes and increasing demands for AI safety oversight.
    • Technical Research Focus: The AISI should prioritize technical research and development of indigenous AI safety tools that address India’s specific challenges while aligning with global standards.

    What strategies can be implemented to engage stakeholders and build partnerships for effective AI safety governance? (Way forward)

    • Building Strong Partnerships: The AISI should actively seek partnerships with key stakeholders in government, industry, academia, and civil society both nationally and internationally to foster collaboration on AI safety initiatives.
    • Engaging in Global Dialogues: Participation in international forums and dialogues on AI governance will help position India as a leader in global discussions on AI safety, allowing for knowledge exchange and shared best practices.
    • Community Involvement: Engaging local communities through outreach programs can raise awareness about AI risks and promote inclusive participation in shaping AI governance policies.
    • Establishing Voluntary Compliance Tools: Developing voluntary compliance toolkits can help industries adopt best practices in AI safety without imposing stringent regulatory requirements that could stifle innovation.
    • Continuous Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing mechanisms for continuous feedback from stakeholders will ensure that the AISI remains responsive to emerging challenges in AI technology and governance.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • [pib] Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14)

    Why in the News?

    The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) will take place from December 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi.

    About AOMSUC:

    Details
    What is it? • It is a conference focused on the use of meteorological satellite data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster risk management.
    • First AOMSUC was held in Beijing, China in 2010.• Held annually across various locations in the Asia-Oceania region, becoming a significant event for meteorological satellite applications.

    • Participants: WMO, NASA, ESA, JAXA, and other leading space organizations.
    Aims and Provisions • Collaboration: Facilitate regional cooperation in the use of satellite data.
    • Weather & Climate Monitoring: Improve forecasting and monitoring of climate patterns.
    • Disaster Management: Enhance early warning systems for extreme weather events.
    • Capacity Building: Provide training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing opportunities for local meteorologists and satellite data users.
    • Data Sharing: Promote satellite data sharing across countries.
    Significance • Regional Cooperation: Promotes stronger collaboration between Asia-Oceania countries, helping to address shared meteorological challenges.
    • Improved Forecasting: Facilitates the improvement of satellite data usage for more accurate weather forecasts and better disaster risk reduction strategies.