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  • BioEmu AI tool for Protein Flexibility Modelling

    Why in the News?

    In a breakthrough, scientists have developed BioEmu—an AI tool that predicts the full range of protein shapes, offering faster and scalable insights into protein dynamics.

    BioEmu AI tool for Protein Flexibility Modelling

    What is BioEmu?

    • Overview: It is a deep learning tool that predicts the equilibrium ensemble of a protein — meaning all the different shapes a protein can naturally take.
    • It works like diffusion models, starting with random/noisy inputs and learning to rebuild protein shapes.
    • Training: It was trained on-
      • AlphaFold structures (millions of predicted proteins)
      • Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation data (200 ms)
      • 500,000 mutant sequences from lab experiments
    • Speed: Once trained, BioEmu can quickly create thousands of 3D protein structures on a single GPU in just minutes to hours.

    Key Features of BioEmu:

    • Flexibility Capture: Shows how proteins change shape, fold/unfold, or form hidden binding pockets.
    • Accuracy:
      • Detects 83% of large and 70–81% of small shape changes.
      • Predicts open/closed forms of enzymes like adenylate kinase.
    • Mutation Analysis: Helps see how mutations affect protein structure and stability.
    • Fast & Scalable: Much faster than traditional MD simulations; works on thousands of proteins using less computing power.
    • Snapshots Only: Gives static 3D shapes, not full motion timelines.
    • Limitations: Can’t handle membrane proteins, drug molecules, or multi-chain complexes.

    Why is BioEmu Important?

    • Improves Protein Modelling: Adds to what AlphaFold does by showing how proteins move, not just what they look like.
    • Helps Drug Discovery: Finds hidden drug binding sites — speeding up the search for new medicines.
    • More Accessible: Works on basic hardware, making advanced protein modelling available to more researchers.
    • Combines with Other Tools: Can be used with molecular dynamics for deeper study.
    • Future of Research: Encourages students and scientists to learn a mix of AI, biology, and physics.
    [UPSC 2020] Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?

    1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.

    2. Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do.

    3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole vacuoles.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • International Moon Day

    Why in the News?

    Observed every year on July 20, the International Moon Day marks the historic first human landing on the Moon by the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

    moon day

    About International Moon Day:

    • Date & Purpose: Observed annually on July 20 to mark the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969.
    • UN Recognition: Declared by the UN General Assembly in 2021 on the recommendation of COPUOS.
    • First Observance: Officially celebrated for the first time on July 20, 2022.
    • Activities: Includes sky-gazing, science outreach, and student competitions to promote space awareness.
    • Date Controversy: While the lunar module landed on July 20, Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon at 2:56 UTC on July 21—yet July 20 remains the official date.

    Significance:

    • Historic Milestone: Celebrates Apollo 11 and humanity’s first step on the Moon by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
    • Peaceful Space Use: Promotes the Moon as a shared heritage and fosters international cooperation in outer space.
    • Sustainability Focus: Encourages responsible and eco-friendly exploration of lunar resources.
    • Global Unity: Reflects the UN’s vision of peaceful space collaboration under themes like “One Moon, One Vision, One Future”.
    [UPSC 2009] India has recently landed its Moon Impact Probe on the Moon. Among the following countries, which one landed such probe on the Moon earlier?

    Options: (a) Australia (b) Canada (c) China* (d) Japan

     

  • Piezo- Photocatalytic Water Filter

    Why in the News?

    Indian scientists from INST Mohali, IIT-Dharwad, and IIT-Kharagpur have developed a low-cost, reusable water filter that removes toxic industrial dyes using a process called piezo-photocatalysis.

    About the Light-Induced Water Filter:

    • Material Used: Built using 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) sheets (a biodegradable plastic); Sheets coated with bismuth ferrite (BFO) nanoparticles.
    • Working: It works in two ways. Together, this is called piezo-photocatalysis.
      • Photocatalysis: Uses sunlight to break dye molecules.
      • Piezoelectric effect: Uses vibrations (ultrasound) to work even in the dark.
    • Reusable: Can be used 5 times with only 3% loss in performance.
    • Lab tests showed:
      • 99% Congo Red removal
      • 74% Methylene Blue removal (in 90 minutes)

    Significance:

    • Eco-Friendly Solution: Removes harmful dyes without harmful chemicals or electricity.
    • Cost-Effective: Cheaper and safer than ozone or chemical-intensive treatments.
    • Green Energy Use: Operates using sunlight and mechanical vibrations—no external power needed.
    • Policy Alignment: Supports Namami Gange, Jal Nigam, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat missions.
    • Scalability: Ideal for deployment near textile treatment plants as a sustainable technology.
    [UPSC 2023] With reference to the role of biofilters in the Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements:

    1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed

    2.Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate

    3.Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None

     

  • All in one Agriculture needs more public spending, not just one umbrella scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) was recently approved by the Union Cabinet as a major reform initiative in the agriculture sector. It aims to converge 36 existing schemes across 11 departments to address regional disparities in agricultural productivity.

    What are the aims of PMDDKY (Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana)?

    • Address productivity disparities: The scheme aims to reduce inter-State and intra-State disparities in agricultural productivity.
    • Improve productivity & self-reliance: Focus on higher agricultural productivity, value addition, local livelihood creation, and increased domestic production to ensure self-sufficiency.
    • Holistic development: Enhance outcomes in agriculture and allied sectors through targeted intervention and convergence of schemes.
    • Private participation: Encourage local public-private partnerships for enhanced implementation and innovation.

    Why is scheme convergence under PMDDKY needed?

    • Eliminates Fragmentation of Efforts: Earlier, agricultural schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and Soil Health Card Scheme operated in silos. Eg: A farmer receiving income support under PM-KISAN might not be covered under insurance if PMFBY was poorly implemented in that region. Convergence ensures coordinated benefits.
    • Targets Low Productivity Districts: PMDDKY identifies 100 low-productivity districts using criteria like cropping intensity, credit flow, and yield gaps. Eg: A district with only 70% of national average yield can be provided tailored interventions by combining schemes like RKVY and Micro-Irrigation Fund.
    • Improves Resource Efficiency: Unified schemes allow for better fund utilisation, avoiding duplication of services or spending. Eg: Instead of running separate capacity-building programs under different departments, single training programs can be run using pooled funds from both Extension Services and Digital Agriculture Initiatives.
    • Ensures Uniform Implementation Standards: PMDDKY seeks national uniformity while allowing local customization. Eg: While standards for soil health management may be set centrally, implementation can be adapted to local conditions using district-specific plans.
    • Compensates for Declining Budget Share: Public investment in agriculture is falling (from 3.53% in 2021-22 to 2.51% in 2025-26 of the Central Plan outlay). Eg: Convergence helps make the most of limited resources by integrating multiple schemes under a single implementation umbrella.

    How do ‘District Plans’ aid agricultural reform?

    •  Localized Problem Solving: District Plans allow for the identification of region-specific challenges such as water scarcity, pest outbreaks, or poor seed quality. Eg: In Latur district (Maharashtra), which faces frequent droughts, the district plan prioritized micro-irrigation and watershed development, leading to improved water-use efficiency.
    • Customised Crop Diversification: District-level planning helps align cropping patterns with agro-climatic conditions and market demand, reducing monoculture dependency. Eg: In Koraput district (Odisha), known for tribal farming, the plan introduced millet promotion and value chain linkages, increasing income and nutritional security.
    • Efficient Use of Resources and Schemes: Integration of multiple schemes under district plans ensures better fund allocation, resource convergence, and monitoring. Eg: In Barabanki district (Uttar Pradesh), convergence of Soil Health Card, PM-KUSUM, and FPO promotion led to more sustainable and solar-powered farming practices.

    What challenges may hinder PMDDKY?

    • Administrative Coordination Across Departments: With 36 schemes under 11 departments converging, bureaucratic silos and lack of inter-departmental coordination can delay execution. Eg: In Jharkhand, similar convergence under NRLM and agriculture failed initially due to poor communication between the Rural Development and Agriculture departments.
    • Data Gaps and Poor Baseline Assessment: District-level planning requires granular, updated data on land use, cropping patterns, and farmer needs — often missing or outdated. Eg: In Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), poor digital records led to misallocation of subsidies under earlier agri-reform efforts.
    • Weak Local Institutions: PACS (Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies) and local self-governments may lack the capacity to implement and monitor complex plans. Eg: In Banda district (U.P.), PACS struggled to handle seed distribution due to lack of trained staff and digital infrastructure.
    • Limited Private Sector Engagement in Remote Areas: Private partners may hesitate to invest in low-productivity districts due to poor infrastructure or lack of assured returns. Eg: In Kiphire (Nagaland), agri-businesses withdrew from a millet-processing initiative due to transport and power issues.
    • Farmer Awareness and Participation: Without sustained IEC (Information, Education, Communication) campaigns, farmers may not understand how to benefit from the converged schemes. Eg: In Barmer (Rajasthan), uptake of soil health and credit-linked schemes remained low due to lack of farmer outreach in vernacular languages.

    Way forward: 

    • Ensure Adequate and Sustained Funding: Increase the budgetary allocation for agriculture to reverse the current decline (only 2.51% of Central Plan outlay in 2023-24). Sufficient and stable funding will support better implementation of integrated District Plans.
    • Leverage Technology and Real-Time Monitoring: Implement digital dashboards for tracking the 117 indicators under PMDDKY and promote data-driven decision-making. This will help improve accountability, efficiency, and timely course corrections.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2016] Considering the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

    Linkage: The article explicitly states that the PMDDKY will subsume existing Central schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Therefore, a question about PMFBY is directly relevant to understanding a key component of this new “one umbrella scheme” approach.

  • [pib] INS Nistar Diving Support Vessel

    Why in the News?

    Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV).

    [pib] INS Nistar Diving Support Vessel

    About INS Nistar:

    • Project Origin: First of two Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) ordered by the Navy in 2018.
    • Developer: Built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd with input from 120 Indian MSMEs.
    • Commissioning: Inducted at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
    • Legacy Name: Named after the Soviet-origin INS Nistar (1971–1989).
    • Indigenization: Over 80% indigenous content, in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
    • Sister Ship: INS Nipun, launched in 2022, will join soon.

    Key Features:

    • Rescue Depth: Supports diving and submarine rescue operations up to 300 metres.
    • Rescue Equipment: Equipped with ROVs, Hyperbaric Lifeboats, and Diving Chambers.
    • DSRV Role: Functions as mothership for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles.
    • Size: 120 metres long with a displacement of ~10,500 tonnes.
    • Endurance: Can stay at sea for over 60 days.
    • Utility Gear: Fitted with a 15-tonne subsea crane and helipad facilities.
    • Medical Support: Includes OT, ICU, hospital beds, and hyperbaric treatment units.

    Significance for India:

    • Submarine Rescue: Provides independent submarine rescue capability.
    • Operational Autonomy: Ends reliance on leased rescue platforms.
    • Strategic Status: Places India among 12 countries with full submarine rescue capability.
    • Regional Role: Strengthens India’s position as Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean.
    [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel* (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

     

  • MoSPI to integrate 8th Economic Census with 16th Population Census

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is preparing for India’s 8th Economic Census by integrating it with the upcoming 16th Population Census.

    About the Economic Census:

    • Conducting Body: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
    • Purpose: Creates a detailed database of non-agricultural economic establishments in India.
    • Key Data Captured: Covers location, clustering, ownership, employment size, and type of economic activity.
    • Unorganised Sector Inclusion: Includes informal units, vital for understanding employment dynamics.
    • Historical Background:
      • Economic Enquiry Committee: Proposed by Visvesvaraya Committee (1925); Setup by Bowley-Robertson Committee (1934).
      • Outcome: Led to the creation of the Central Statistical Office (CSO) in 1951 and national statistical systems.
      • First Census: Conducted in 1977 (excluding Lakshadweep), targeting non-agricultural units with at least one hired worker.
    • Timeline of Economic Censuses:
      • Years Conducted: 1980, 1990, 1998, 2005, 2013, and 2019–21 (7th Census).
      • Integration with Population Census: 2nd and 3rd rounds were aligned with the 1981 and 1991 Population Censuses.
      • 7th Census Status: Completed in 2021, but results pending due to COVID-related data quality issues.
      • Execution Support: MoSPI partnered with the CSC (Common Service Centre) network for grassroots-level implementation.

    Integration with the 16th Population Census:

    • Objective: Improve efficiency and reduce costs by leveraging shared field operations.
    • Data Collection: Enumerators will note household-based economic activity for MoSPI processing.
    • Census Schedule:
      • Oct 1, 2026: Snow-bound and remote regions (e.g., Ladakh, J&K, HP, Uttarakhand).
      • Mar 1, 2027: Rest of the country.
    • Preparatory Work: State and district committees have been formed to plan the 8th Census.
    [UPSC 2018] As per the NSSO 70th Round “Situation Assessment Survey of Agriculture Households”, consider the following statements:

    1.Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agriculture households among its rural households.

    2.Out of the total households in the country, a little over 60 percent being to OBCs.

    3.In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agriculture households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agriculture activities.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • [pib] New Lichen Species reveals ancient Symbiosis

    Why in the News?

    A team of Indian scientists has discovered a new species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.

    What are Lichens?

    lichen

    • Lichens are symbiotic organisms, composed of a fungus (mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner (photobiont)—either a green alga or a cyanobacterium.
    • The fungus provides structure and protection, while the photobiont produces food through photosynthesis.
    • Lichens are key ecological contributors:
      • They build soil by breaking down rocks.
      • Serve as bioindicators of environmental and air quality.
      • Provide food for insects and small animals.
    • Despite being often overlooked, lichens are vital to ecosystem stability and resilience.

    About the Newly Discovered Lichen Species:

    • Discovery: Allographa effusosoredica was discovered in the Western Ghats by MACS-Agarkar Research Institute, Pune.
    • First of Its Kind: First Indian Allographa species confirmed using molecular data.
    • Biodiversity Addition: 53rd Allographa species in India; 22nd from the Western Ghats.
    • Funding Support: Research funded by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under a lichen symbiosis project.

    Key Features Revealed:

    • Morphology: Crustose body with effuse soredia; Contains norstictic acid—rare among related species.
    • Algal Partner: Photobiont identified as Trentepohlia, expanding understanding of tropical lichen symbiosis.
    • Molecular Markers: Analysis used fungal markers (mtSSU, LSU, RPB2) and algal marker (ITS).
    • Phylogenetic Placement: Closely related to Allographa xanthospora; visually similar to Graphis glaucescens.
    [UPSC 2014] Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of:

    Options: (a) algae and bacteria (b) algae and fungi* (c) bacteria and fungi (d) fungi and mosses

     

  • A better terror fight with J&K police under state reins

    Why in the News?

    On June 16, 2025, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha declared that eradicating terrorism from Jammu & Kashmir is the government’s foremost priority, during the passing-out parade at Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academy, Udhampur.

    What limits central forces in handling terrorism in J&K? 

    • Lack of Local Intelligence: Central forces often lack deep familiarity with local terrain, dialects, and community networks, which limits their real-time response and prevention capability. Eg: In 2022, a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district was attacked despite heavy deployment, partly due to lack of localized inputs.
    • Limited Civil Engagement: Being outsiders, central forces struggle to build community trust and rapport, which is crucial in identifying radical elements or suspicious activity. Eg: In Shopian, several villages refused to cooperate during a combing operation, affecting the credibility of the forces.
    • Operational Dependence on Local Police: Central forces depend on J&K police for actionable intelligence, language support, and legal procedures. Without local coordination, operations falter. Eg: A planned raid in Anantnag in 2023 failed due to miscommunication between central teams and local law enforcement.

    Why is the local police important in counter-terrorism in J&K?

    • Deep Local Knowledge: The J&K Police understand the terrain, dialects, and social dynamics far better than external forces, enabling precise operations. Eg: In 2020, the local police identified and neutralised a Hizbul Mujahideen module in Kulgam using ground-level intel.
    • Strong Community Links: Their trust-based relationship with local residents helps in gathering timely human intelligence (HUMINT) against militant activities. Eg: Tip-offs from locals helped prevent a planned terror strike in Pulwama in 2022.
    • Proven Operational Experience: The J&K Police have decades of counter-terrorism experience, including intelligence gathering, search operations, and deradicalisation efforts. Eg: The Special Operations Group (SOG) of JAKP has led several successful anti-terror raids in Anantnag and Baramulla.

    How does excluding elected leaders affect security in J&K?

    • Weakens Grassroots Intelligence: Elected leaders act as a bridge between citizens and security forces, providing local insights into suspicious movements. Their exclusion disrupts this intelligence flow. Eg: After the dilution of Article 370, the absence of panchayat leaders in parts of South Kashmir reduced early warnings of militant regrouping.
    • Erodes Public Trust: Marginalising elected representatives creates a governance vacuum, leading to alienation and making youth more vulnerable to radicalisation. Eg: In 2021, areas with fewer active local leaders saw a spike in recruitment by terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
    • Hampers Local Problem-Solving: Without democratic leadership, local issues like unemployment or land disputes remain unaddressed, creating fertile ground for terrorist narratives. Eg: In Kupwara, lack of local mediation escalated minor disputes into violent protests, exploited by separatist elements.

    Why is democratic governance key to counter-terrorism in J&K?

    • Enhances Local Legitimacy: Democratic governance empowers elected representatives who enjoy public trust, making it easier to mobilize communities against terrorism.
    • Improves Intelligence Gathering: Leaders at the grassroots level, like panchayat members, act as the eyes and ears of the state, helping identify suspicious activities early.
    • Counters Alienation: Political inclusion addresses grievances, reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies and promoting peaceful participation in governance.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

    • Abrogation of Article 370: Revoked the special status of J&K in 2019 to fully integrate the region with the Indian Union and ensure uniform application of laws.
    • Increased Security Deployment: Strengthened the presence of central paramilitary forces, enhanced surveillance, and improved infrastructure to curb terrorism.
    • Development Initiatives: Launched major schemes like PMDP (Prime Minister’s Development Package) and back-to-village programmes to boost infrastructure, education, and employment.

    What reforms are needed for better governance and security in J&K? (Way forward)

    • Strengthening Local Bodies: Empowering Panchayati Raj institutions with real authority and resources ensures decentralized governance and community involvement. In 2020, delays in fund disbursal to panchayats led to poor development outcomes, hampering trust in state mechanisms.
    • Police Reforms: Investing in modern training, surveillance tech, and better coordination between local and central forces improves counter-terror operations. During a 2021 operation in Baramulla, timely tech-driven coordination between police and intel units led to the arrest of a top militant.
    • Restoring Electoral Processes: Holding timely Assembly elections boosts political engagement, giving people a voice and reducing radicalization risks. The absence of an elected government since 2018 has widened the disconnect between administration and public sentiment.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2023] Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Linkage: The article talks about the emphasizes that the eradication of terrorism in J&K is a top priority, and that the J&K Police (JAKP) should utilize strategies like community engagement, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration. This directly relates to the PYQ’s theme of “winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’” and “restoring the trust of the population” in terrorism-affected areas.

  • Successful trial of Akash Prime Air Defence System

    Why in the News?

    India successfully tested the Akash Prime Missile System in Ladakh, neutralizing two high-speed aerial targets at high altitude.

    About Akash Prime:

    • What It Is: Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system.
    • High-Altitude Capability: Designed to operate effectively above 4,500 metres.
    • Development: Developed by DRDO with BDL, BEL, and Army Air Defence.
    • Operational Use: Proven in Operation Sindoor against aerial threats.
    • Production Trials: Validated through First of Production Model (FoPM) firing trials.
    • Deployment: Already in use at IAF bases and forward posts along the LAC in Ladakh.

    Key Features:

    • Seeker Upgrade: Equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for better accuracy.
    • Altitude Adaptability: Engineered for high-altitude, cold-climate operations.
    • Multi-Target Engagement: Capable of engaging multiple aerial threats at once.
    • Speed & Accuracy: Travels at Mach 2.5 with up to 90% kill probability.
    • Electronic Warfare: Equipped with ECCM features to resist electronic jamming.
    • Radar Integration: Uses Rajendra radar for detection, targeting, and tracking.
    • Operational Range: Effective engagement range of 25–30 km.

    Other Variants of Akash:

    • Akash Mark-I (1990–2005): First version under IGMDP; achieved successful dual-target intercepts by 2005.
    • Akash-1S (2019): Enhanced version with 30 km range and 60 kg warhead; effective against aircraft and drones; tested successfully in May 2019.
    • Akash Prime (2021 onwards): Added active RF seeker and altitude/weather resistance; tested on September 27, 2021.
    • Akash-NG (Next Generation): Approved in 2016 with â‚č470 crore funding; offers faster response and improved aerial threat protection.

     

    [UPSC 2009] In the context of Indian defence, consider the following statements:

    1. The Shourya missile flies with a speed of more than 8 Mach. 2. The range of Shourya missile is more than 1600 km. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

     

  • IIST Scientists detected Circular Polarisation near massive Protostar

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) has detected radio emissions with circular polarisation near a massive young protostar, IRAS 18162-2048.

    About Protostars:

    • Definition: Early-stage stars formed by the gravitational collapse of dense regions in molecular clouds.
    • Accretion Phase: They actively gather gas and dust but have not yet begun sustained nuclear fusion.
    • Jet Ejection: Bipolar jets—high-speed streams of particles—are commonly emitted from their poles.
    • Massive Protostars: Expected to evolve into stars with masses over 8–10 times that of the Sun.
    • Role of Magnetism: Magnetic fields likely influence both jet formation and ejection mechanisms.

    About the Protostar IRAS 18162-2048:

    • Overview: Situated about 4,500 light years away in the Milky Way.
    • Jet Feature: Powers the HH80-81 jet—one of the galaxy’s largest and brightest protostellar jets.
    • Magnetic Detection: First direct evidence of magnetic fields from the protostar itself, not just its jet.
    • Observation Challenges: Heavily shrouded in dense gas and dust, making traditional observation difficult.
    • Jet Dynamics: Suggests that magnetic fields and rotational energy drive its development.

    Recent Observations:

    • Detection Method: Observed circular polarisation in radio waves—where electromagnetic fields rotate along their path.
    • Rarity: Circular polarisation is extremely faint and seldom detected, even in intense sources like active galactic nuclei.
    • Scientific Milestone: First-ever estimation of magnetic field strength near a massive protostar using circular polarisation.
    • Magnetic Field Strength: Estimated to be 100 times stronger than Earth’s magnetic field.
    • Theoretical Support: Findings reinforce the theory that magnetic fields power jets from both stars and black holes.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs:

    Objects in space :: Description

    1. Cepheids : Giant clouds of dust and gas in space

    2. Nebulae : Stars which brighten and dim periodically

    3. Pulsars : Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    Options: (a) Only one* (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None