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GS Paper: GS3

  • Novel Silicon Photonics Breakthrough

    Why in the News?

    In a major breakthrough, Indian researchers have developed a new type of laser that can be placed directly onto silicon chips, a key component of modern computers.

    What is Silicon Photonics?

    • Silicon photonics is a technology that uses light (photons) instead of electrical signals to transmit data inside computer systems.
    • Light can carry more data at higher speeds with less energy than electricity, making it a promising technology for future computing and data transfer.
    • Traditional silicon chips struggle to produce light, requiring external lasers, which were inefficient and costly.
    • Silicon photonics can significantly enhance data transfer speed and efficiency, benefiting industries like data centers and telecommunications.

    About the Miniaturized Laser Technology

    • Indian researchers have successfully integrated a laser directly onto a silicon chip, eliminating the need for separate lasers.
    • The laser is made using gallium arsenide (where 20% of gallium atoms had been replaced with indium to achieve optimal light emission), which helps silicon emit light, a crucial step since silicon alone cannot produce light efficiently.
    • It uses minimal power, ideal for high-performance, energy-efficient computers.
    • Direct integration reduces costs, making the technology scalable for mass production.
    • This innovation boosts computing power, particularly in data centers where fast data transfer is critical.
    • Efforts are underway to enhance its durability, especially at higher temperatures, for broader industrial use.
    [UPSC 2008] Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer?

    (a) Dye laser (b) Gas laser (c) Semiconductor laser (d) Excimer laser

     

  • DRDO successfully tested Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)

    Why in the News?

    India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system, marking a major achievement in the country’s defense capabilities.

    About Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) System 

    • The Mk-II(A) Laser-DEW system, also known as Sahastra Shakti, is an indigenously developed Laser weapon with an operational range of 5km.
    • It is designed to neutralize threats like drones, missiles, and remotely piloted aircraft using a 30-kilowatt laser.
    • It is developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), in collaboration with other DRDO labs, academic institutions, and Indian industries.
    • It focuses primarily on neutralizing aerial threats such as drones and missiles, offering a cutting-edge solution against modern warfare tactics.

    How does it work?

    • It utilizes radar and Electro-Optic (EO) systems for target detection.
    • The laser engages the target at the speed of light, causing structural failure or significant damage.
    • It delivers rapid, precise strikes with lethal impact in seconds.
    • The energy used for a few seconds of firing costs as little as a couple of litres of petrol, making it cost-efficient.
    • The 30-kilowatt laser ensures quick target neutralization with minimal collateral damage.

    Significance of the Mk-II(A) Laser-DEW System

    • Cost-Effective: Far more affordable than traditional missile systems, providing sustainable defense options.
    • Reduced Ammunition Dependence: Reduces reliance on expensive ammunition, offering a long-term sustainable defence solution.
    • Precision & Speed: Engages targets almost instantaneously, minimizing collateral damage and ensuring high-value targets are neutralized quickly.
    • Strategic Advantage: Enhances India’s defence capabilities, providing an advanced method for protecting infrastructure and addressing evolving aerial threats.
    [UPSC 2011] With reference to Indian defence, which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

    (a) With the induction of Prithvi-II, the IAF is the only air force in the world with surface-to-surface ballistic missiles under its command.

    (b) Sukhoi-30 MKI jet fighters can launch air-to-air and air-to-surface precision missiles

    (c) Trishul is a supersonic surface-to-air missile with a range of 30 km

    (d) The indigenously built INS Prabal can launch surface-to-surface missiles

     

  • Urban consumers are worried about their income levels

    Why in the News?

    In March, while many urban consumers were hopeful about job opportunities, many were still negative about their income levels.

    What does the gap between job optimism and income pessimism among urban consumers imply?

    • Jobs Are Available, But Income Growth Is Stagnant: In March 2025, 35.5% of urban respondents reported improved job opportunities compared to a year ago, but only 23.8% reported an increase in income.  
    • Rising Cost of Living Without Corresponding Wage Increases: Over 90% of urban respondents indicated that commodity prices have increased over the past year, but income increases remain minimal.  
    • Negative Economic Outlook Despite Employment Optimism: Despite optimism regarding job opportunities, only 34.7% of urban respondents believed the overall economic situation improved compared to the previous year, the lowest share in over a year.  

    Why are rural respondents more pessimistic about income than urban ones?

    • Dependence on Agriculture and Seasonal Employment: Rural areas heavily depend on agriculture, which is subject to seasonal fluctuations and external factors like weather conditions. Eg: A farmer in a rural area may experience low income during a poor harvest season, while urban workers with more stable jobs may not face similar income volatility.
    • Limited Access to Formal and High-Paying Jobs: Urban areas offer more formal employment opportunities with better wages and benefits, while rural areas often lack access to well-paying jobs and may have higher rates of informal employment. Eg: A rural resident working as a daily wage laborer may earn less compared to an office worker in the city with a regular salary, even if both are employed.
    • Lower Economic Diversification: Rural economies are less diversified compared to urban areas, which can lead to fewer job opportunities and economic growth. Eg: A rural worker may be reliant on local industries like agriculture or small-scale manufacturing, while an urban worker has access to a variety of sectors like technology, finance, and services, which tend to offer higher income prospects.

    How have rising prices affected urban spending?

    • Increased Spending on Essential Goods: With rising commodity prices, urban consumers are spending more on essential goods such as food, transportation, and utilities, leading to higher overall expenditures. Eg: An urban resident may see their grocery bills rise significantly due to inflation, causing them to spend more on basic food items like vegetables and grains, even if their income remains unchanged.
    • Shifting Spending Priorities: As prices rise, urban consumers are prioritizing necessary expenses, often cutting back on discretionary spending like entertainment, travel, and luxury goods. Eg: A family in an urban area may reduce spending on dining out or vacations to allocate more money towards rent and daily commuting costs, adjusting their lifestyle to account for increased living expenses.
    • Financial Strain Despite Employment Stability: Urban residents may continue to hold jobs, but the combination of stagnant incomes and rising costs puts financial pressure on them, leading to a higher sense of economic uncertainty. Eg: An office worker may retain their job but find it increasingly difficult to cover monthly expenses like rent and school fees for children, as inflation causes prices to rise faster than their salary increases.

    What was the main factor behind the decline in positive sentiment about the economy among urban consumers in March 2025?

    • Rising Commodity Prices Without Income Growth: In March 2025, over 90% of urban respondents reported that commodity prices had increased over the past year, while only 23.8% saw an increase in their income. Eg: With income levels largely stagnant and prices rising, 80% of urban respondents reported increased spending, leading to a more pessimistic view of the economy.
    • Stagnant Income and Higher Spending Pressures: The survey revealed that 34.7% of urban respondents felt the overall economic situation had improved, the lowest share in over a year, indicating dissatisfaction with the broader economic outlook. Eg: An office worker might retain their job but face higher living costs (such as rent, utilities, and groceries), contributing to the sense of financial strain and a decline in positive economic sentiment, despite job availability.

    Way forward: 

    • Focus on Wage Growth and Inflation-Linked Salary Adjustments: To address stagnant incomes, policies should ensure that wage growth keeps up with inflation, potentially through salary adjustments linked to cost-of-living indices, reducing financial strain for urban consumers.
    • Boost Rural Economic Diversification and Job Creation: Improve access to diverse, high-paying jobs in rural areas through skill development programs, infrastructure improvements, and incentives for non-agricultural industries, fostering economic resilience and reducing income pessimism.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2022] Economic growth in the recent past has been led by an increase in labour productivity.” Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to the creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity.

    Linkage: If people in cities are worried that their incomes are not growing even though jobs are available, it shows a gap between growth driven by higher worker productivity and actual rise in people’s earnings. This is an important point discussed in this previous year’s question.

  • Real Time LAMP Assay for Early Diagnosis of TB

    Why in the News?

    Researchers from Thiruvananthapuram have developed a cost-effective Real-Time LAMP (rt-LAMP) Assay for early Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis.

    About the rt-LAMP Assay

    • The rt-LAMP assay (real-time Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) is a molecular diagnostic test designed to detect TB DNA with high precision.
    • It can detect TB DNA at concentrations as low as 10 copy numbers per microlitre, ensuring early detection even with low bacterial loads.
    • Developed by SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram, the rt-LAMP assay uses Syto 16, a fluorescent dye, to monitor DNA amplification in real time, addressing the limitations of traditional LAMP tests.
    • Working Principle:
      • It uses six primers for DNA amplification (compared to two in RT-PCR), enhancing amplification speed.
      • It operates at a single temperature, unlike RT-PCR, making it simpler and more cost-effective.
      • It monitors the amplification process continuously, providing faster results.

    Advantages Offered:

    • High Sensitivity and Specificity: Ensures accurate detection of TB DNA due to the use of six primers.
    • Cost-Effective: Uses affordable fluorescent dyes and primers, reducing diagnostic costs.
    • Speed: Produces results in just 10-20 minutes, faster than traditional tests.
    • Ease of Use: Compatible with existing RT-PCR machines, reducing the need for new infrastructure.
    • High Throughput: Can process 96-384 tests in one run, making it ideal for high-volume settings.
    [UPSC 2007] Which of the following types is used by computed tomography employed for visualization of the internal structure of the human body?

    (a) X-rays (b) Sound Waves (c) Magnetic Resonance (d) Radioisotopes

     

  • The conservation argument for resurrecting dire wolf is not credible

    Why in the news?

    Colossal Biosciences is an American company that combines genetics and conservation in a unique way by bringing back species that have been extinct for thousands of years.

    What is the primary goal of Colossal Biosciences’ de-extinction project?

    Colossal Biosciences is a biotechnology company specializing in de-extinction projects, aiming to revive extinct species through advanced genetic engineering.

    • Woolly Mammoth De-Extinction: Colossal is working to resurrect the woolly mammoth by integrating mammoth genes into the Asian elephant genome using CRISPR technology. The goal is to create a cold-resistant elephant with traits characteristic of the woolly mammoth, such as a thick layer of fat and shaggy hair, to inhabit Arctic tundra regions and potentially combat climate change.
    • Dire Wolf Revival: In a groundbreaking achievement, Colossal announced the birth of three pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—genetically engineered to resemble the extinct dire wolf. Using DNA from ancient dire wolf remains, scientists edited the genes of modern gray wolves, resulting in animals that exhibit traits such as larger size and distinctive fur color.

    Why do critics question the credibility of reviving extinct species for conservation purposes?

    • Lack of Scientific Proof: The actual success of reviving extinct species like the woolly mammoth has not yet been proven through rigorous peer review or established results.
    • Limited Genetic Editing: The extent of genetic editing in revived species often involves only a small number of genes, leading to incomplete or flawed replicas of the original species. Eg: In the case of the dire wolf, only 20 genes were edited, resulting in what critics describe as just a “strange-looking gray wolf” rather than a true de-extinct species.
    • Ethical Concerns: There are ethical debates over the potential consequences of creating species that may not thrive in the modern environment or might cause unforeseen ecological imbalances. Eg: The introduction of revived species like the woolly mammoth could disrupt current ecosystems in ways that may not be beneficial.

    How can bringing back the woolly mammoth help stop global warming?

    • Restoring Grasslands: The woolly mammoth can help restore Arctic grasslands by grazing on shrubs and plants, which would create open grasslands where permafrost can remain intact. Eg: By grazing, mammoths would prevent the growth of shrubs that trap heat, promoting the return of grasslands that are cooler and better at reflecting sunlight.
    • Slowing Permafrost Melt: Grasslands absorb less heat than shrub forests, helping to keep the permafrost cool. The return of woolly mammoths could help prevent the thawing of permafrost, which releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Eg: Mammoth grazing can keep the ground cooler and slow the thawing of permafrost, thus reducing the release of methane into the atmosphere.
    • Preventing Methane Emissions: As the permafrost melts, it releases large amounts of methane into the atmosphere. Woolly mammoths could help mitigate this by maintaining ecosystems that slow down the permafrost’s thaw. Eg: With mammoths grazing, the tundra could remain cooler and less prone to releasing methane.
    • Enhancing Carbon Sequestration: Grasslands are more effective at absorbing carbon than shrubbery or forested areas. By converting tundra back into grasslands, woolly mammoths could enhance carbon sequestration and help store more carbon in the soil. Eg: Woolly mammoths could help re-establish healthy grasslands, which would act as carbon sinks, absorbing more CO2 from the atmosphere.

    What is India’s situation in advanced genetic engineering?

    • Advancements in Agricultural Biotechnology: India has developed a structured regulatory framework for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) under the Environment (Protection) Act, of 1986. Eg: Recently, India initiated trials of CRISPR/Cas9-modified rice varieties in test fields, reflecting a surge in scientific research and innovation in plant genome editing.
    • Pioneering Genomic Research and Precision Medicine: India’s Genome India Project aims to sequence at least 10,000 Indian genomes to develop predictive diagnostic indicators for various diseases. Eg: Institutions like the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) have been instrumental in understanding genetic epidemiology, including the development of the FELUDA COVID-19 test based on CRISPR technology.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Ethical and Regulatory Frameworks: India should establish robust regulations and ethical guidelines for genetic engineering, particularly for gene-editing technologies like CRISPR, to ensure safety and sustainability in areas such as agriculture and medicine.
    • Promote Collaborative Research and Innovation: Encouraging partnerships between academic institutions, the private sector, and the government will help accelerate research and application of advanced genetic technologies, positioning India as a global leader in biotechnology innovation.

    Mains PYQ: 

    [UPSC 2024] What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe [mass extinction of life]?

    Linkage: The article says we should focus more on saving the species that are alive today, rather than trying to bring back extinct ones. The debate about de-extinction raises the question of whether it’s better to spend resources on protecting current species instead.

  • [pib] Indian researchers introduce ‘Toxicity Standard’ of PM2.5 Pollution

    Why in the News?

    A recent study conducted in Kolkata shows that the toxicity value of PM2.5 experiences a sudden jump when the pollution level reaches around 70 µg/m³.

    About PM2.5

    • PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller.
    • It is a major air pollutant linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, asthma, and other health issues.
    • Major sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, construction dust, biomass burning, and solid waste burning, contributing to both outdoor and indoor pollution.
    • WHO recommends that the annual average PM2.5 concentration should NOT exceed 5 µg/m³, and the 24-hour average should not exceed 15 µg/m³ for more than 3-4 days per year.

    PM2.5 on Govt. Focus: National Clean Air Program (NCAP)

    • Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter by 40% by 2026 compared to 2017 levels.
    • It targets 131 non-attainment cities across India, focusing on improving air quality and addressing sources of pollution.

    About the Notified Toxicity Standard for PM2.5 

    • A new toxicity standard for PM2.5 in Kolkata sets the critical threshold at 70 µg/m³.
    • Below this level, toxicity remains stable, but it sharply increases once the concentration exceeds 70 µg/m³.
    • It emphasizes reducing pollution sources, particularly biomass and solid waste burning, which contribute significantly to high PM2.5 levels and increased toxicity in Kolkata.
    • Policy Recommendation: To reduce health risks, air quality control measures should aim to keep PM2.5 levels below 70 µg/m³.
    [UPSC 2022] In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:

    1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m3.

    2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.

    3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.

    4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • India’s 16-year wait ends: 26/11 conspirator Tahawwur Rana flown to Delhi, will face trial

    Why in the News?

    Over 16 years after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Tahawwur Rana, a key planner, was finally brought back to India from the US to face trial.

    Who is Tahawwur Rana? 

    Tahawwur Hussain Rana is a Pakistani-Canadian terrorist, businessman and former military doctor, who is known for his involvement in terrorism-related activities.

    What role did he play in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks?

    • Cover Identity: Tahawwur Rana provided a false business cover to David Headley, enabling him to enter India multiple times without raising suspicion. Eg: Rana’s immigration company, First World Immigration Services, was used to justify Headley’s visits to India as “business trips” while he was actually surveying 26/11 attack targets like the Taj Mahal Hotel and Chabad House.
    • Operational Support: Rana helped facilitate key documentation and communication links between Headley and terrorist organizations. Eg: He assisted Headley in obtaining a new passport with a false identity and supported contacts with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, maintaining secrecy for the attack planning.
    • Logistical and Financial Assistance: Rana’s actions indirectly enabled the planning and execution of the attacks through financial backing and logistical coordination. Eg: He supported Headley’s multiple reconnaissance trips to Mumbai and funded arrangements that helped terrorists carry out the coordinated assault which killed 166 people and injured over 238.
    Note: David Headley is a Pakistani-American terrorist who conducted reconnaissance for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks on behalf of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

    What is the extradition treaty between India and the USA?

    • Bilateral Legal Framework: It is a formal agreement signed in 1997 that allows both countries to request and surrender individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes. Eg: India requested the extradition of Tahawwur Rana under this treaty for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
    • Dual Criminality Principle: A person can be extradited only if the offense is a crime in both India and the United States. Eg: Conspiracy to commit terrorism is punishable in both countries, fulfilling the condition for Rana’s extradition.
    • Judicial and Diplomatic Process: The extradition process involves legal scrutiny by courts and coordination between diplomatic and law enforcement agencies of both nations. Eg: US courts reviewed Rana’s case and, after rejecting multiple appeals, extradited him with cooperation from the US Department of Justice.

    What legal processes did Tahawwur Rana undergo in the US before being extradited to India?

    • Extradition Hearing: A US District Court evaluated India’s request to determine if the charges met the treaty’s conditions and legal standards. Eg: In May 2023, the District Court for the Central District of California approved Rana’s extradition after reviewing evidence and charges.
    • Appeals and Legal Challenges: Rana filed multiple appeals to delay extradition, including petitions in higher courts and emergency applications. Eg: He moved the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and later the US Supreme Court with habeas corpus petitions, all of which were denied.
    • Final Clearance and Custody Transfer: After exhausting all legal options, US authorities coordinated with Indian officials to hand over Rana formally. Eg: The US Department of Justice and US Sky Marshal teams worked with Indian NIA and MEA for his secure transfer to Delhi.

    What is the role of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)? 

    • Legal Designation of Terrorist Organizations: UAPA provides the legal framework to declare organizations as terrorist outfits and take action against their members and supporters. Eg: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), associated with Rana and Headley, are banned under UAPA.
    • Prosecution of Conspirators and Supporters: UAPA enables prosecution not only of terrorists but also of individuals who aid, abet, or conspire in terrorist acts. Eg: Tahawwur Rana is being charged under UAPA for facilitating logistics and shelter to Headley, who conducted reconnaissance for the 26/11 attacks.
    • Empowering NIA to Investigate: UAPA empowers the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate and prosecute terrorism cases across India. Eg: The NIA formally arrested Rana under UAPA after his extradition, and is now interrogating him to expose the full conspiracy.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen International Counter-Terror Cooperation: Enhance collaboration on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and faster legal coordination under extradition treaties. Eg: Streamlined communication between NIA and FBI can prevent delays in apprehending fugitives and tracking transnational terror networks.
    • Fast-Track Trial and Victim Justice: Ensure expedited judicial proceedings to bring long-pending terrorism cases like 26/11 to closure and deliver justice to victims. Eg: A special fast-track court under the NIA Act can help conclude Rana’s trial swiftly, reinforcing public trust and legal deterrence.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2021] Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also, suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

    Linkage: The issue of terrorism, its multifaceted nature, and the measures needed to combat it, which aligns with the context of the 26/11 attacks.

  • INS Varsha Naval Base

    Why in the News?

    India is set to operationalise INS Varsha, a highly strategic naval base designed specifically to house nuclear-powered submarines, on the eastern coast near Rambilli in Andhra Pradesh by 2026.

    About INS Varsha

    • INS Varsha is being developed as a specialized base to house India’s growing fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, including both Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs) and Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine (SSNs).
    • It will be situated near the coastal village of Rambilli, about 50 km south of Visakhapatnam, home to the Eastern Naval Command.
    • The naval bases lies on the confluence of Sarada and Varaha rivers.
    • The facility will have underground pens and tunnels to ensure stealthy operations for nuclear submarines.
    • This design will allow submarines to enter and exit the base undetected, maintaining their stealth, particularly important for SSBNs which carry nuclear missiles during long patrols.
    • The base will cover an area of 20 square kilometers and is designed to accommodate at least 10 nuclear submarines.
    • Like China’s nuclear submarine base at Hainan Island (in the South China Sea), INS Varsha will be situated in waters that allow submarines to operate without detection from satellite surveillance.

    Project Varsha

    ins varsha

    • INS Varsha is part of Project Varsha, a top-secret initiative aimed at bolstering India’s maritime deterrence capabilities by building a dedicated facility for its nuclear-powered submarines.
    • This project is crucial to countering the growing naval presence and strategic expansion of China in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
    • It will support the fleet of Arihant-class submarines, which are crucial for India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent

     

    [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

     

  • CPCB revises Classification of Industries

    Why in the News?

    The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has recently updated its classification of industries, introducing a new category known as the ‘Blue Category.’

    Classification of Industries by CPCB:

    • The CPCB classifies industries based on their environmental impact, focusing on air pollution, water pollution, and hazardous waste generation.
    • Industries are classified using the Pollution Index (PI), which is calculated by considering air, water, and waste pollution, with equal weight given to each factor.
    • PI Categories:
      1. White: PI < 25 (least polluting industries)
      2. Green: 25 ≤ PI < 55
      3. Orange: 55 ≤ PI < 80
      4. Red: PI > 80 (most polluting industries)
    • This system helps determine industry locations, inspection norms, and pollution-related health impacts.
    • It is regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to improve environmental standards.
    • Presently 419 industrial sectors are categorized into Red, Orange, Green, White, and Blue.

    About the ‘Blue’ Category (Newly Introduced):

    • The Blue Category was introduced for industries providing Essential Environmental Services (EES) like pollution management and waste control.
    • It recognizes industries involved in critical environmental management, such as waste-to-energy plants, sewage treatment plants, and landfill management.
    • Industries in the Blue category receive a 2-year extension on their consent to operate as an incentive for their role in managing pollution.
    • Scope: Includes industries that manage waste from both domestic and industrial sources, such as:
      • Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Plants: Now in the Blue category despite their high PI, due to their role in waste energy recovery.
      • Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants: Classified as Blue for their low environmental impact when processing municipal waste and agro residue.
      • Sewage Treatment Plants & Landfills: These facilities manage environmental hazards through controlled waste disposal.
    • Blue category industries must comply with all environmental norms, and their Pollution Index is still calculated as per the standard formula.
    • Industries showing successful management may receive extended operating permits and other incentives.
    [UPSC 2021] With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements:

    1.It is a product of oil refineries. 2.Some industries use it to generate power. 3.Its use causes sulfur emissions into the environment.

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

     

  • Three Gorges Antarctic Eye Telescope

    Why in the news?

    China has unveiled the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye telescope in Antarctica.

    About the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye Telescope

    • The Three Gorges Antarctic Eye is a 3.2m wide radio/millimetre-wave telescope located at China’s Zhongshan Station in Antarctica.
    • It was developed by China Three Gorges University (CTGU) and Shanghai Normal University (SHNU).
    • This telescope can detect radio waves and millimeter waves, types of invisible light, allowing scientists to study phenomena like neutral hydrogen and ammonia molecules, essential for understanding star formation and gas movement in space.
    • Unlike most telescopes, it works with both radio and millimeter waves, providing a more comprehensive view of space.
    • It is built in one of the harshest environments on Earth, with operating temperatures below -60°C and strong winds, making construction particularly challenging.
    [UPSC 2015] The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of:

    (a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence

    (b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim

    (c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region

    (d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region