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GS Paper: GS3

  • ESA’s Biomass Mission

    Why in the News?

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

    ESA's Biomass Mission

    About the Biomass Mission by ESA

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

    Features of the Biomass Mission:

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

    Significance of the Biomass Mission:

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

    The Satellite Oceansat-2 launched by India helps in

    1. estimating the water vapour content in the atmosphere.

    2. predicting the onset of monsoons.

    3. monitoring the pollution of coastal waters.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • [pib] Cu-Phen Metallo-Nanozymes and its Applications

    Why in the News?

    Researchers from the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai has developed a new nanozyme, Cu-Phen, using a catalyst-by-design strategy. A nanozyme is a type of synthetic enzyme made from nanomaterials (extremely tiny particles) that can mimic the function of natural enzymes in biological systems.

    About the Metallo-Nanozymes 

    • Cu-Phen (Copper-Phenylalanine) is a type of metallo-nanozyme developed by Indian researchers.
    • It is a synthetic enzyme that mimics the functions of natural enzymes in the body, particularly in controlling the flow of energy at the cellular level.
    • It is made by combining copper ions (Cu²⁺) with phenylalanine, an amino acid, using a special design method called “catalyst-by-design”.
    • It forms a self-assembled nano-structure with a well-defined active site, which is where the enzyme’s function occurs.
    • This structure helps Cu-Phen control the electron transfer process, which is important for many biological functions.
    • Unlike traditional nanozymes, which often have poorly defined active sites, Cu-Phen has a precisely structured active site, allowing it to work more efficiently like natural enzymes in the body.
    • Cu-Phen interacts with cytochrome c, a protein that plays a key role in the electron transport chain, which is part of how our body generates energy.
    • It helps reduce oxygen to water without producing harmful substances called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cells.

    Potential Applications

    • Cu-Phen could be used to make energy systems more efficient, like in bioenergy (energy from living things), by mimicking natural energy-making processes.
    • It could help treat diseases like neurodegenerative diseases and cancer by controlling energy production in cells and reducing harmful effects on the body.
    • These nanozymes can help clean water and make energy systems work better, while reducing pollution and harmful by-products.
    • Cu-Phen can also be used in factories to help make useful products like medicines and chemicals by working like artificial enzymes.
    • This new nanozyme is a step forward in creating artificial enzymes that could be used in many areas like medicine, energy, and manufacturing.
    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements :

    1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.

    2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.

    3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

     

  • [pib] 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)

    Why in the News?

    April 8, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), launched to fund micro and small enterprises.

    About the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)

    • The PMMY, launched in 2015 is a Central Sector Scheme designed to provide financial support to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs previously excluded from the formal financial system.
    • MUDRA stands for Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd., a financial institution established to support the development and refinancing of micro-enterprises
    • It aims to foster grassroots entrepreneurship and remove barriers to accessing loans, especially for businesses that lack collateral.

    Loan Categories:

      1. Shishu: Loans up to ₹50,000 for new or small businesses.
      2. Kishore: Loans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh for growing enterprises.
      3. Tarun: Loans from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh for more established businesses with greater capital needs.
      4. TarunPlus: Loan limit up to ₹20 lakh for more established and larger businesses (since July 2024).

    Key Features:

    • Collateral-Free Loans: PMMY loans do not require any collateral, making them accessible to those without assets.
    • Member Lending Institutions (MLIs): These include Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Small Finance Banks (SFBs).
    • Credit Guarantee: Loans are backed by the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU), which was established in 2015 to provide security to financial institutions offering loans under PMMY.
    • MUDRA Card: A MUDRA card is issued to manage the working capital portion of the loan, providing convenience to the borrower.

    MUDRA 2.0:

    • MUDRA 2.0 (launched in Union Budget 2024) is an upgraded version of the original PMMY, designed to extend its outreach, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
    • This version introduces additional services such as financial literacy programs, business mentorship, and comprehensive business support, aiming to improve the overall impact of the scheme.
    • Enhanced Credit Guarantee Scheme (ECGS) is a new feature introduced to encourage more lending to small and microenterprises by reducing the risk for financial institutions.

    Successes of PMMY:

    • Massive Loan Disbursement: Over ₹32.61 lakh crore disbursed through 52 crore loans, benefitting millions.
    • Inclusivity: 69% of loans are held by women, 51% by SC/ST and OBC entrepreneurs.
    • Job Creation: Promoted self-employment and business growth in rural and semi-urban areas.
    • MSME Credit Growth: Lending increased from ₹8.51 lakh crore in FY14 to ₹27.25 lakh crore in FY24.
    • International Recognition: Praised by IMF for expanding financial access, especially for women-led businesses.

    Challenges:

    • Increase in NPAs: Rising defaults due to lack of collateral.
    • Disbursement Delays: Some banks face challenges in meeting loan targets.
    • Fraud Risk: Collateral-free loans are susceptible to misuse and fraud.
    • Larger Loan Limits: Higher limits under TarunPlus raise default risks for banks.
    • Default Risk: Some borrowers exploit the system through “evergreening” tactics.
    [UPSC 2016] Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at

    (a) bringing small entrepreneurs into the formal financial system.

    (b) providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops.

    (c) providing pensions to old and destitute persons.

    (d) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation.

     

  • Technology and Innovation Report, 2025

    Why in the News?

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

    About the Technology and Innovation Report

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

    Key Highlights of the Report:

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

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

     

  • First photographic record of Woolly Flying Squirrel captured in Himachal

    Why in the News?

    The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department’s wildlife wing has captured the first photographic evidence of the elusive Woolly Flying Squirrel in the Miyar Valley, Lahaul and Spiti district.

    First photographic record of Woolly Flying Squirrel captured in Himachal

    About the Woolly Flying Squirrel:

    • The Woolly Flying Squirrel, scientifically known as Eupetaurus cinereus, is one of the rarest and least known mammals in Asia.
    • It is endemic to the northwestern Himalayas, primarily found in northern Pakistan and northwestern India.
    • It prefers to live in dry conifer woodlands within a fragmented habitat in a thin elevational band.
    • This species was long believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994, nearly seventy years after its last recorded sighting.
    • It is unique due to its ability to glide, much like other flying squirrels, as it has elastic membranes that connect its fore and hind legs.

    Physical features:

    • Its body is covered with dense, straight, silky hairs, with the dorsal pelage appearing blue-gray, while the underside is pale gray.
    • The squirrel also has creamy white hairs on its throat and ears, and dense black fur on the soles of its feet, with pinkish brown toe pads that are naked.

    Conservation Status:

    • Listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List.
    • NOT explicitly mentioned under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

    Significance of the Rediscovery:

    • Its confirmed existence adds to the state’s mammal checklist, offering hope for its continued survival in this remote part of the Himalayas.
    • This discovery is important from a scientific perspective, as it marks the first time the elusive species has been documented in India since its rediscovery in 1994.
    [UPSC 2012] Consider the following:

    1. Black-necked crane 2. Cheetah 3. Flying squirrel 4. Snow leopard

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

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

     

  • PM inaugurates New Pamban Bridge 

    pamban bridge

    Why in the News?

    The newly constructed Pamban Bridge was inaugurated by PM Modi to replace a 110-year-old structure that connected Rameswaram to the Indian mainland.

    About the Pamban Bridge  

    • The Pamban Bridge, completed in 1914, was India’s first sea bridge, connecting Rameswaram on Pamban Island to the mainland.
    • It featured a double-leaf bascule span, allowing ships to pass through when the bridge lifted.
    • Standing 12.5 meters above sea level and spanning 145 piers, the bridge faced challenges, including cyclones and workforce issues.
    • The old bridge had become unsafe due to severe corrosion and structural weaknesses, highlighted by vibrations detected in 2022.
    • The new bridge features a vertical lift span that can raise in just 5 minutes, with a 22-meter clearance to allow larger vessels to pass, compared to the old bridge’s 1.5 meters.
    • Trains can now travel at speeds up to 75 km/h, a significant improvement from the previous 10 km/h limit.

  • CAPTCHA: a digital border between Humans and Bots

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in The Hindu.

    What is CAPTCHA?

    • CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart.
    • It is a security measure used to differentiate humans from automated bots on websites.
    • It helps protect websites against spam and misuse by ensuring that the user performing actions is a human.
    • It was developed in the early 2000s by Luis von Ahn, Manuel Blum, Nicholas J. Hopper, and John Langford as a response to the proliferation of automated bots on the internet that created fake accounts, spammed websites, and stole data.
    • The first patent for CAPTCHA was filed in 2003.

    How Does CAPTCHA Work?

    • CAPTCHA presents tasks that are easy for humans to solve but hard for machines.
    • These tasks typically involve recognizing distorted text, images, or sounds that machines cannot interpret as reliably as humans.
    • It operates on the principle of the Turing test, designed by British mathematician Alan Turing in the 1950s.
      • This assesses a machine’s ability to exhibit human-like behaviour.
    • Over the years, CAPTCHA has evolved from simple text recognition to more complex tests:
    1. Image Recognition CAPTCHA: Users are asked to identify specific objects within images, such as cars, traffic lights, or storefronts.
    2. reCAPTCHA: Launched by Google in 2009, this system not only serves as a CAPTCHA but also helps digitize text from scanned documents. Users transcribe words that OCR software has been unable to recognize.
    3. Invisible reCAPTCHA: Introduced by Google in 2014, this version analyzes the user’s interaction with the website, such as mouse movements, to determine if they are human without needing them to complete a specific challenge.

    Limitations of CAPTCHA

    • Accessibility Issues: CAPTCHA can be challenging for people with disabilities, such as visual or hearing impairments.
    • User Inconvenience: The need to solve CAPTCHAs can be cumbersome, particularly on mobile devices, and may detract from user experience.
    • Advancing Bot Technology: As bots become more sophisticated with AI, they are increasingly capable of bypassing CAPTCHA systems, necessitating more complex solutions.
    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements: A digital signature is

    1. an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it

    2. used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet.

    3. an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • India’s Subsea Cable Infrastructure

    Why in the news?

    India is gradually expanding its undersea cable infrastructure, with new systems like Airtel’s 2Africa Pearls and SEA-ME-WE-6 boosting its international internet bandwidth.

    What are Undersea Cables?

    • Undersea cables are fiber optic cables laid on the ocean floor that connect internet networks between countries.
    • These cables are heavily insulated and contain fiber optic strands for transmitting data.
    • They surface at landing points, connect to landing stations, and then link to broader terrestrial networks.
    • Approximately 600 undersea cables exist globally.
    • These cables handle 90% of global data, 80% of world trade, and $10 trillion in financial transactions.

    India’s Current Undersea Cable Ecosystem:

    • India’s two main hubs for subsea cables are Mumbai and Chennai.
      • 17 international cables land in India, with 95% of subsea cables concentrated in a 6-km stretch in Versova, Mumbai.
    • India has two domestic cable systems:
    1. Chennai–Andaman–Nicobar Islands (CANI)
    2. Kochi–Lakshadweep Islands
    • While current bandwidth is considered sufficient, rising data traffic may soon outpace available capacity.
      • Experts warn that India’s current capacity may become inadequate in the near future.
    • India contributes only 1% of global cable landing stations and 3% of subsea cable systems, highlighting its underrepresentation in the global network.

    [UPSC 2016] With reference to ‘LiFi’, recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It uses light as the medium for high speed data transmission.

    2. It is wireless technology and is several times faster than ‘WiFi’.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

     

  • Exercise INDRA 2025

    Why in the News?

    The bilateral naval exercise INDRA 2025 between the Indian and Russian navies was held from 28 March to 02 April 2025.

    About Exercise INDRA

    • INDRA is a biennial joint military exercise that began in 2003.
    • Over time, INDRA transformed into a tri-service exercise involving Army, Navy, and Air Force, making it more comprehensive and multifaceted.
    • Recent Editions of INDRA:
      • 2021 (12th Edition): Held in Volgograd, Russia; Focused on counter-terrorism operations and enhancing operational synergy.
      • 2023 (13th Edition): Conducted in the Bay of Bengal, India; Involved naval forces from both countries, enhancing maritime cooperation and joint operations.
      • 2025 (14th Edition): It is being conducted in two phases: Harbour phase at Chennai and Sea phase in the Bay of Bengal.

    Strategic Importance 

    • The exercise reinforced jointmanship between the Indian and Russian forces, strengthening their ability to collaborate in maritime security operations.
    • It highlighted the shared commitment to upholding maritime order and promoting global peace and stability.
    • Best practices were exchanged, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s operational doctrines and enhancing the capacity to respond effectively to contemporary maritime security challenges.

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

    PYQ Relevance:

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

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

     

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

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

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

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

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

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

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

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

    Who are the key global players in satellite internet?

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

    – Provides global broadband internet

    		 – Services available in 70+ countries

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

    – Aims to deploy 13,000+ satellites

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

    – Emerging competitor in global internet services

    		 – FCC approved

    – Aims to launch by 2026

    – Focus on North America & developing markets

     

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

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

    What steps can ensure digital sovereignty? (Way forward)

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