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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.

  • Research team takes big step towards making a Bose Metal

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have recently discovered a potential new state of matter, the Bose metal, found between a regular metal and a superconductor, with evidence of this phase in Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) by a team of Chinese and Japanese scientists.

    What is a Bose Metal?

    • A Bose metal is a hypothetical anomalous metallic state where Cooper pairs (electron pairs) form but do not transition into a superconducting state.
    • This state exists between a normal metal and a superconductor, challenging traditional theories of condensed matter physics.
    • In simple terms, a Bose metal is a material where:
      • Electrons pair up into Cooper pairs (like in superconductors).
      • However, these Cooper pairs fail to achieve long-range coherence, meaning the material remains metallic instead of becoming superconducting.
      • This results in partial electrical resistance, unlike superconductors that have zero resistance.
    • Recent experimental studies suggest their existence in materials like Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) when subjected to specific conditions, such as thin layers and applied magnetic fields.

    Key Features:

    • Intermediate State: Exists between a metal and a superconductor.
    • Cooper Pair Formation: Electrons form pairs, but they don’t condense into superconductivity.
    • Anomalous Conductivity: Higher than normal metals but not infinite like superconductors.
    • Quantum Fluctuations: Strong phase fluctuations disrupt Cooper pair coherence.
    • Hall Resistance Vanishing: Indicates charge transport by Cooper pairs rather than individual electrons.
    • Observed in Thin 2D Materials: Seen in ultra-thin films of superconductors under specific conditions.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?

    1. Beryllium
    2. Cadmium
    3. Chromium
    4. Heptachlor
    5. Mercury
    6. Lead
    7. Plutonium

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
    (b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
    (c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

     

  • ‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1

    Why in the News?

    US’s Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 successfully landed on the Moon, becoming the second private mission to do so and the first to land upright.

    What is ‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1?

    • Blue Ghost Mission 1 is a private lunar landing mission by Firefly Aerospace under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
    • It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
    • It successfully landed on the Moon, at Mons Latreille, Mare Crisium.
    • The mission is designed to operate for 14 Earth days (one lunar day).

    Key Features of Blue Ghost Mission 1:

    • Carries 10 scientific instruments, including a lunar soil analyzer, a radiation-tolerant computer, and a GPS-based navigation experiment to test satellite navigation on the Moon.
    • Equipped with a high-definition imaging system to capture a lunar eclipse (March 14, 2024) and lunar sunset (March 16, 2024).
    • Successfully navigated a rocky and cratered surface using hazard-avoidance technology, slowing from thousands of miles per hour to just two mph before touchdown.
    • The lander is golden in color and about the size of a hippopotamus.
    • It supports Artemis missions by testing lunar technologies and reducing costs for future human exploration.

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

    (a) Electric plane tested by NASA

    (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

    (c) Space observatory launched by China

    (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

     

  • [1st March 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The steps that will shape India’s AI ambition

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2020)

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution)  (2020) and the development of IT industries  (2021).

    Despite a skilled workforce, Indian firms often lose AI deals due to capability gaps. In the intense AI race against Silicon Valley, China, and Southeast Asia, India must focus on fostering innovation and ensuring market regulations do not hinder its progress.

    Today’s editorial talks about the AI-related challenges in India. This content would help in GS Paper 3 mains.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    In Bengaluru, Indian developers face tough competition from China for AI projects. To lead the AI race, India must focus on supportive regulations and enhancing technological capabilities.

    What are the key issues related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India?

    • Job Displacement and Skill Gap: Increased AI adoption threatens to automate routine jobs, leading to large-scale unemployment and requiring a workforce with advanced digital skills. Example: The NASSCOM report (2023) highlighted that 69% of Indian tech workers need to upskill in AI and machine learning to remain employable as automation rises.
    • Algorithmic Bias and Ethical Concerns: AI systems can reflect and amplify societal biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes in hiring, lending, and public services. Example: In 2023, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) faced criticism when its AI-based screening system allegedly disadvantaged candidates from marginalized backgrounds during preliminary evaluations.
    • Misinformation and Deepfake Threats: AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes undermine public trust, pose security risks, and impact democratic processes. Example: During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, deepfake videos impersonating political leaders circulated widely on social media, raising concerns about election manipulation.
    • Regulatory Uncertainty and Compliance Costs: The lack of a unified AI policy and fragmented regulations create legal ambiguity, increasing compliance burdens for Indian startups. Example: In 2023, Indian app developers filed a complaint with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against Google for restrictive AI-related practices on the Play Store, citing unfair competition.
    • Global Competitiveness and Innovation Lag: Over-regulation and high compliance costs could hinder AI innovation, making India less competitive against global leaders like the U.S. and China. Example: India’s AI startup investments lag behind China and the U.S., with China attracting four times more AI funding in 2023, according to a Stanford AI Index report.

    Where does India stand in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) race?

    • Emerging AI Hub with Growing Investments: India is positioning itself as an emerging AI hub with increasing investments in AI research and development, but it still lags behind global leaders like the U.S. and China. Example: According to the Stanford AI Index Report 2023, India ranked fifth globally in AI research output but attracted significantly less AI funding compared to China and the U.S.
    • Government Initiatives to Boost AI Innovation: India has launched several initiatives to promote AI adoption, such as the “National Program on AI” and the establishment of AI research centers to enhance innovation and application. Example: In 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) introduced the “IndiaAI” mission to promote AI-based solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
    • Challenges in Global Competitiveness: Despite having a large talent pool, India faces challenges in scaling AI innovation due to fragmented regulations, limited high-performance computing resources, and competition from advanced economies. Example: While India produced over 20,000 AI and machine learning professionals in 2023, its AI exports remain limited compared to China’s dominance in AI-driven hardware and cloud solutions.

    What is the current regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

    • Existing Laws Governing AI Use: India does not have a dedicated AI law but regulates AI through existing legal frameworks like the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, which governs data protection, cybersecurity, and intermediary liability.
    • Sector-Specific Guidelines: Various government bodies have issued guidelines for AI applications in specific sectors. For example: RBI Guidelines for AI in financial services (e.g., credit scoring) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommendations on AI in data privacy and telecommunications.
    • National Strategy on AI: The government launched the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (NITI Aayog, 2018) to guide AI research, ethical standards, and public-sector AI deployment. Example: Under the IndiaAI Mission (2023), the government aims to promote responsible AI use while fostering innovation across industries.
    • Competition and Data Protection Framework: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) monitors anti-competitive practices by tech firms using AI algorithms. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 regulates how AI systems process personal data. Example: In 2023, the CCI investigated Google for alleged AI-related anti-competitive practices on the Play Store.
    • AI Ethics and Responsible Use: Guidelines on the ethical use of AI emphasize transparency, fairness, and accountability without imposing ex-ante (preemptive) regulation. Example: In 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) released advisory notes on preventing algorithmic bias and ensuring explainability in AI decisions.

    Way forward: 

    • Comprehensive AI Policy Framework: Establish a unified and adaptive AI policy focusing on ethical guidelines, data privacy, and accountability to balance innovation with public interest.
    • Investment in AI Infrastructure and Skill Development: Enhance funding for AI research, expand high-performance computing resources, and implement large-scale reskilling programs to bridge the skill gap and improve global competitiveness.

  • Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs) in DNA

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have discovered a reason why certain segments of the human and mouse genomes (Tra2b gene) have remained unchanged for 80 million years. These segments, known as ultra-conserved elements (UCEs), play a vital role in regulating protein production

    What are Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs) in DNA?

    • Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs) are long, highly conserved DNA sequences (200+ base pairs) that have remained unchanged for millions of years across multiple species, including humans, mice, rats, chickens, and even fish.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • Found in both coding (gene) and non-coding (regulatory) regions of the genome.
      • Do not tolerate mutations, meaning they remain identical across species for tens of millions of years.
      • Many UCEs do not code for proteins but play crucial roles in gene regulation and cellular function.
    • Their importance:
      • Evolutionary Significance: Their extreme conservation suggests they are essential for survival, as any mutation would likely be harmful.
      • Gene Regulation: UCEs may function as enhancers or silencers, controlling when and where genes are activated.
      • Developmental Roles: They are often linked to brain development, fertility, and immune response.
      • Disease Prevention: UCEs may protect against genetic disorders and cancers by stabilizing gene expression.

    Why do Human and Mouse Genomes overlap?

    • Humans and mice share a common mammalian ancestor that lived around 80 million years ago.
    • Genomic Similarity:
      • Around 85% of mouse genes have direct counterparts in humans.
      • Nearly 500 UCEs are identical between humans and mice, despite millions of years of evolution.
    • Many fundamental processes like cell division, metabolism, and brain function are similar between species, necessitating high conservation of crucial DNA regions.
    • Medical Research:
      • Because of these similarities, mice serve as a model organism for studying human genetics, diseases, and drug responses.
      • UCEs help scientists understand gene function across species, leading to insights into evolution and biomedical advancements.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred

    1. across different species of plants

    2. from animals to plants

    3. from microorganisms to higher organisms

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • New Experiment to Test Quantum Gravity

    Why in the News?

    A new proposal published on October 29, 2024, suggests an experiment that could provide direct evidence for quantum gravity, unifying general relativity and quantum mechanics. A new experiment proposes testing weak gravitational fields at the quantum level, a historic breakthrough in physics if successful.

    What is Quantum Gravity?

    • Quantum Gravity is a theoretical framework that aims to unify general relativity (which explains gravity at large scales) and quantum mechanics (which governs subatomic particles).
    • Since gravity behaves differently from the other fundamental forces in quantum mechanics, physicists have been searching for a theory that integrates gravity into the quantum world.
    • General relativity treats gravity as the curvature of spacetime, while quantum mechanics describes forces through particle interactions.
    • Gravity has never been directly observed in quantum form, unlike the other fundamental forces.
    • Theories like String Theory and Loop Quantum Gravity attempt to explain quantum gravity but lack experimental validation.

    Significance of the Experiment

    • First Realistic Test for Quantum Gravity: Most quantum gravity theories rely on extreme conditions (e.g., black holes), making them impossible to test. This experiment provides a lab-based alternative.
    • Testing Gravity at the Quantum Level: If a small mass in quantum superposition is influenced by gravity, it could prove gravity itself is quantum in nature.
    • Weak Gravity Instead of Strong Gravity: Unlike previous studies focused on black holes, this experiment explores weak gravitational interactions, making it more feasible.
    • Towards a Unified Theory of Physics: Proving quantum gravity could merge general relativity and quantum mechanics, solving a major gap in modern physics.
    • Challenging Existing Theories: If results differ from both classical and quantum predictions, it could suggest a new force or a modified gravity theory.

  • New study challenges the age of Saturn’s Rings

    Why in the News?

    A new study has challenged previous assumptions, suggesting that Saturn’s rings could be as old as the Solar System (~4.5 billion years old).

    New study challenges the age of Saturn’s Rings

    About Saturn and Its Rings

    • Saturn, the sixth planet from the Sun, is famous for its iconic ring system, made up of billions of ice and rock particles ranging in size from tiny grains to massive chunks.
    • It is primarily composed of water ice (95%), with some dust and rocky debris.
    • The rings are divided into seven main sections (A to G), with gaps like the Cassini Division.
    • Scientists have debated whether the rings formed with Saturn (~4.5 billion years ago) or if they are only 100-400 million years old.
    • Over time, tiny space rocks should darken the rings, yet they remain surprisingly bright.

    Key Findings of the Study:

    • Earlier estimates, based on Cassini data, suggested the rings were 100-400 million years old because they looked clean and bright.
    • The new study suggests that micrometeoroid collisions remove dust efficiently, preventing the rings from darkening over time.
    • High-speed micrometeoroid impacts (~108,000 km/h) cause dust to vaporize, rather than accumulate.
    • The vaporized dust either escapes Saturn’s gravity, falls into the planet’s atmosphere, or gets ejected into space, keeping the rings pristine.
    • 100 million years ago, the Solar System was stable, making ring formation unlikely.
    • 4 billion years ago, the Solar System was chaotic, increasing the chances of violent planetary collisions that could have formed Saturn’s rings.

    Various Missions to Saturn

    Saturn has been explored by multiple spacecraft, each providing valuable insights into its rings, atmosphere, and moons.

    1. Pioneer 11 (1979)

    • First spacecraft to fly past Saturn, capturing basic images.

    2. Voyager 1 & Voyager 2 (1980-1981)

    • Discovered new moons and ring structures.
    • Provided detailed images of Saturn’s rings.

    3. Cassini-Huygens (1997-2017)

    • A NASA-ESA-ASI mission that orbited Saturn for 13 years.
    • Key discoveries:
      • Confirmed liquid oceans on Enceladus.
      • Found methane lakes on Titan.
      • Observed Saturn’s rings losing material into the planet’s atmosphere.

     

    PYQ:

    [2009] Which one of the following planets has largest number of natural satellites or moons?

    (a) Jupiter
    (b) Mars
    (c) Saturn
    (d) Venus

     

  • Nocturnal Bull Ants Navigate Using Polarized Moonlight

    Why in the News?

    Scientists at Macquarie University, Sydney, have discovered that two species of nocturnal bull ants (Myrmecia pyriformis and Myrmecia midas) rely on polarised moonlight for navigation.

    Nocturnal Bull Ants Navigate Using Polarized Moonlight

    What is Polarised Moonlight?  

    • Polarised moonlight refers to moonlight that has undergone scattering in Earth’s atmosphere, causing its waves to oscillate in a specific direction.
    • Unlike direct moonlight, which is unpolarised, the light that scatters in the sky becomes linearly polarised, meaning its electric field aligns in a fixed plane.
    • The moon emits unpolarised light, but when it interacts with air molecules and dust particles in the atmosphere, it scatters and becomes polarised.
    • The intensity of polarised moonlight is much lower than polarised sunlight, making it harder for most animals to detect.
    • The pattern of polarisation in moonlight remains stable, allowing nocturnal animals to use it as a reliable navigation tool.
    • Why is it Important for Navigation?
      • Many nocturnal animals, including bull ants (Myrmecia pyriformis and Myrmecia midas), rely on celestial cues to orient themselves.
      • Unlike the moon’s direct position, which changes with phases and cloud cover, the polarisation pattern remains detectable throughout the night.
      • This enables ants to navigate effectively even under crescent or waning moons, where light intensity is significantly lower.

    E-Vector Pattern and Ant Navigation

    • Polarised moonlight forms a distinct pattern in the sky, known as the E-vector pattern.
    • This pattern shifts based on the moon’s position, but its orientation remains stable, allowing insects like ants to use it as a natural compass.
    • The E-vector pattern aligns at 90° to the moon’s direct light, creating a predictable navigation reference.
    • How do Bull Ants use it?
      • Ants detect the E-vector pattern in the night sky using their specialised compound eyes, which are sensitive to polarised light.
      • Even in dim conditions, they adjust their movements according to the orientation of polarised moonlight.
      • Researchers found that when the E-vector was artificially rotated, the ants changed their paths accordingly, confirming that they rely on this pattern.
      • When the moonlight disappeared (during a new moon phase), the ants struggled to navigate, further proving their dependence on polarised lunar light.

  • [pib] Matsya-6000

    Why in the news?

    India’s 4th generation deep-ocean submersible Matsya-6000 has successfully completed wet testing at Chennai harbor, paving the way for shallow-water demonstrations at depths of up to 500 meters by 2025.

    [pib] Matsya-6000

    About Matsya-6000

    • Made of titanium alloy to withstand extreme oceanic pressure.
    • Built with a 2.1-meter diameter sphere to accommodate three crew members.
    • Moves at speed of 5.5 km/hr using multidirectional thrusters.
    • Uses GPS, underwater acoustic positioning, and joystick-controlled maneuverability.
    • Operates for 12 hours, with an emergency endurance of 96 hours.
    • Includes emergency buoyancy modules and high–pressure-resistant escape hatches.
    • Features robotic arms for sample collection.
    • Uses high–resolution imaging and oceanographic sensors for deep-sea research.
    • Future Trials:
      • Shallow-water tests up to 500m planned by late 2025.
      • Full deep-sea trials at 6,000m scheduled for 2026.

    What is Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)?

      • The DOM launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in 2021, aims to enhance India’s deep-sea exploration capabilities while supporting the Blue Economy policy.
      • It focuses on resource utilization, climate monitoring, and marine biodiversity conservation.
    • Objectives of DOM:
    • Develop advanced technologies for ocean mining, biodiversity assessment, and deep-sea surveillance.
      • Enable climate change research through real-time ocean data collection.
      • Establish a Marine Station for Ocean Biology for research on marine ecosystems and pharmaceuticals.
      • Support the Samudrayaan Mission, which includes the development of Matsya-6000, India’s first deep-ocean human submersible.
    • Structural Mandate of DOM:
      • Deep-ocean survey and identification of polymetallic nodule and sulfide deposits.
      • Harnessing ocean energy through wave, tidal, and thermal sources.

  • What is the Cancer Vaccine Russia is offering?

    Why in the News?

    In December 2024, Russia announced the development of a new mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine, with plans to make it available for free to patients by early 2025.

    What is mRNA (Messenger RNA)?

    • mRNA is a type of RNA that transports genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, guiding the production of proteins.
    • It tells the cell which proteins to make by providing the exact sequence of amino acids.
    • Unlike DNA, mRNA does not stay in the cell permanently; it gets degraded after protein synthesis.
    • mRNA-based vaccines (like COVID-19 vaccines) teach cells to produce harmless viral proteins, triggering an immune response.

    What is an mRNA Cancer Vaccine?

    • Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines provide genetic instructions to train the immune system to detect and attack cancer cells.
    • This technology gained prominence with the COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) and is now being adapted for cancer treatment.
    • These vaccines are therapeutic, designed for patients who already have cancer, not for prevention.

    How do mRNA Cancer Vaccines Work?

    • Cancer cells evade the immune system by suppressing immune responses.
      • Immunotherapy works by enhancing the body’s natural ability to detect and destroy these cancerous cells.
    • Unlike chemotherapy, which kills both healthy and cancerous cells, immunotherapy selectively targets only cancer cells, reducing harmful side effects.
    • mRNA cancer vaccines are customized for each patient, targeting specific tumor antigens, making them highly personalized and potentially more effective.
    • While traditional infectious disease vaccines prevent illness, mRNA cancer vaccines are therapeutic, meaning they are administered to patients who already have cancer to help their immune system fight the disease.

    PYQ:

    [2019] RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?

    1. It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
    2. It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
    3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
    4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 4

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) 1 and 4 only

     

  • Scientists discover ‘Einstein Ring’

    Why in the News?

    The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid Space Telescope has captured a rare Einstein Ring around a galaxy nearly 590 million light-years away from Earth.

    Scientists discover ‘Einstein Ring’

    What is an Einstein Ring?

    • An Einstein Ring is a circular ring of light caused by gravitational lensing, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.
    • It occurs when a massive celestial object (like a galaxy) bends and magnifies light from a more distant background galaxy that lies directly behind it.
    • The recent discovery by ESA’s Euclid telescope identified an Einstein Ring around NGC 6505, located 590 million light-years away, acting as a lens for a distant galaxy 4.42 billion light-years away.
    • Features of an Einstein Ring:
      • Perfect circular shape (only if source, lens, and observer align precisely).
      • Example of strong gravitational lensing, distorting background light.
      • Extremely rare (found in less than 1% of galaxies).
      • Not visible to the naked eye, observed only with advanced space telescopes like Euclid or Hubble.

    Significance of the Discovery:

    • Reveals Dark Matter: Helps indirectly map dark matter, which makes up 85% of the universe.
    • Magnifies Hidden Galaxies: Makes faint, distant galaxies visible for study.
    • Measures Universe’s Expansion: Tracks how light stretches over time, refining cosmological models.
    • Confirms Einstein’s Theory: Proves light bends in curved space-time, supporting gravitational lensing theory.
    • Demonstrates Euclid’s Capabilities: Shows Euclid’s high-resolution potential, promising more discoveries.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following phenomena:

    1. Light is affected by gravity.
    2. The Universe is constantly expanding.
    3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time.

    Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?

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