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GS Paper: GS3

  • [pib] NITI NCAER States Economic Forum

    Why in the News?

    The Finance Minister is set to launch the “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal.

    About the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum Portal

    • The “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal is a comprehensive digital platform developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).
    • It serves as a centralized repository of data, research reports, and expert commentary on state-level finances and social, economic, and fiscal parameters spanning from 1990-91 to 2022-23.
    • The portal aims to facilitate evidence-based policymaking by providing users with easy access to key trends and insights on state performance.

    Features of NITI NCAER: 

      1. State Reports: Summarizes the macro and fiscal landscape of 28 Indian states. Structured around indicators on demography, economic structure, socio-economic, and fiscal parameters.
      2. Data Repository: Access to a comprehensive database categorized into 5 verticals: Demography; Economic Structure; Fiscal Data; Health; Education.
      3. State Fiscal and Economic Dashboard: Provides graphical representations of key economic variables over time; Includes summary tables and raw data for easy reference.
      4. Research and Commentary: Offers in-depth research reports and expert commentary on state finances, fiscal policy, and financial management; Supports long-term academic and policy research.

    Significance:

    • Benchmarking Capabilities: it enables comparison of state performance with national averages, fostering a competitive and cooperative approach to development.
    • Data Accessibility: it bridges data accessibility gaps, ensuring that policymakers, researchers, and academics can make informed decisions based on reliable and comprehensive data.
    • Promotes Transparency: By offering open access to detailed data, the portal enhances fiscal transparency and encourages cooperative federalism.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following statements:

    1.The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Review Committee Report has recommended a debt to GDP ratio of 60% for the general (combined) government by 2023, comprising 40% for the Central Government and 20% for the State Governments.

    2.The Central Government has domestic liabilities of 21% of GDP as compared to that of 49% of GDP of the State Governments.

    3.As per the Constitution of India, it is mandatory for a State to take the Central Government’s consent for raising any loan if the former owes any outstanding liabilities to the latter.

    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

     

  • Majorana 1 Chip and the Pursuit of Quantum Computing

    Why in the News?

    In December 2024, Microsoft introduced its quantum computing chip, Majorana 1, designed to solve industrial-scale problems by utilizing the properties of Majorana particles for practical quantum computing.

    About Majorana 1 Chip and the Science Behind

    • Microsoft introduced its Majorana 1 quantum computing chip, designed to solve large-scale problems using quantum computing.
    • This chip is named after Majorana particles, which have unique properties in particle physics.
    • Majorana particles are special because they are their own anti-particles.
    • This means that when two Majorana particles meet, they destroy each other and release energy.
    • This property is different from most particles, like electrons, which have separate anti-particles (for example, the electron’s anti-particle is the positron).
    • Why Majorana Particles Matter for Quantum Computing?
      • This unique property could make Majorana particles useful in quantum computing.
      • They could help make quantum bits (qubits) more stable, which is important for improving quantum computers.
      • Using Majorana particles may also help in topological quantum computing, which makes qubits less affected by external disturbances, making them more reliable.

    Beta Decay and Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay (0vßß):

    • Beta decay happens when an unstable atomic nucleus releases energy. In this process, a neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton, and an electron and anti-neutrino are emitted. There are two types of beta decay:
    1. Beta-minus decay: A neutron becomes a proton, releasing an electron and an anti-neutrino.
    2. Beta-plus decay: A proton turns into a neutron, releasing a positron and a neutrino.
    • What is Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay (0vßß)? Neutrinoless double beta decay is a rare event where two electrons are emitted instead of the usual electron and anti-neutrino. This suggests that neutrinos and anti-neutrinos might be the same particle, known as Majorana particles.
      • If scientists observe this type of decay, it will prove that neutrinos are Majorana particles and help measure their mass.
      • This discovery would improve our understanding of particle physics.

    AMoRE Experiment:

    • The AMoRE experiment is being conducted in South Korea to detect this rare 0vßß decay.
    • The experiment uses molybdenum-100 (Mo-100), which is known to undergo double beta decay. The team is measuring the energy differences in electron emissions to detect the 0vßß decay.
    • While no evidence has been found yet, the experiment continues to improve its sensitivity by using 100 kg of Mo-100 for more accurate measurements.

    Scientific Significance:

    • The search for 0vßß and studying Majorana particles could help answer important questions about the mass of neutrinos and improve our understanding of particle physics.
    • Learning more about neutrinos is key to both advancing quantum computing and understanding particle physics.
    [UPSC 2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

    (a) Cloud Services (b) Quantum Computing (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

     

  • Fram2 Polar-Orbiting Mission

    Why in the News?

    SpaceX has launched the Fram2 mission, sending four private astronauts on a groundbreaking journey to orbit Earth from pole to pole, marking a major milestone in space tourism.

    About the Fram2 Polar-Orbiting Mission

    • The Fram2 mission is a spaceflight undertaken by SpaceX, featuring a crew of four private astronauts.
    • The mission is named after the Fram ship, a historical vessel used in early 20th-century polar expeditions.
    • Unlike traditional space missions, Fram2 is designed to fly from pole to pole, completing an orbital journey around Earth that no human has attempted before.
    • Its goal is to fly over both the North and South Poles, providing an unprecedented opportunity to observe these regions from low-Earth orbit.
    • The mission will involve a series of scientific experiments focused on spaceflight and the effects of microgravity on the human body.
    • The mission is scheduled to last between three to five days, with the astronauts aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft completing each orbit in about 46 minutes.

    Features and Significance:

    • Unique Orbital Path:
      • Unlike traditional orbits closer to the equator, the Fram2 mission follows a polar trajectory, covering Earth’s poles.
      • This approach requires more fuel and presents a unique challenge in terms of mission logistics, making the Fram2 flight one of the most ambitious private space missions to date.
    • Scientific Research:
      • The crew will participate in 22 experiments, including studies on microgravity’s impact on the human body, the effects of spaceflight on muscle loss and bone density, and X-ray imaging in space.
      • Additionally, the mission will gather data crucial for climate change research by focusing on Earth’s polar regions, which play a vital role in understanding global environmental changes.
    • Climate Change Research:
      • As part of the mission, astronauts will be able to film and observe Earth’s polar regions, contributing valuable data to climate science.
    [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

     

  • IISc’s Bacteria-Based Technique for Lunar Habitat Construction

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) have developed a bacteria-based technique to repair bricks used in lunar habitats, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the moon’s environment.

    About the Bacterial Brick:

    • The bacterial brick is an innovative material designed for building durable, eco-friendly structures in lunar habitats.
    • It is created using lunar soil simulants combined with Sporosarcina pasteurii, a bacteria that binds soil particles together, forming a solid material suitable for construction on the moon.
    • How is it made?
      • The bacteria Sporosarcina pasteurii converts urea and calcium into calcium carbonate crystals, which bind soil particles together to create a brick-like substance.
      • The process is further enhanced with guar gum, which serves as a natural adhesive, making it a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to energy-intensive cement-based manufacturing.
      • The researchers also explored sintering, where a mixture of soil simulants and polyvinyl alcohol is heated to high temperatures, creating stronger, more pressure-resistant bricks.

    Significance for Lunar Surface Conditions:

    • The moon’s surface experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, ranging from 121°C to -133°C, causing bricks to crack and become brittle.
    • A bacteria-based repair technique using Sporosarcina pasteurii helps address these cracks.
      • When mixed with lunar soil simulant and guar gum, the bacteria effectively adhere to cracks, improving durability and enabling the bricks to withstand temperatures from 100°C to 175°C.
    • This approach offers a sustainable solution by allowing on-site construction with local lunar materials, reducing the need for Earth-based materials.
      • It ensures long-term structural integrity for lunar habitats, contributing to the sustainability of space missions.
    [UPSC 2011] Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why?

    1. They use living organisms as catalysts (often including bacteria) to generate electricity from certain substrates.

    2. They use a variety of inorganic materials as substrates.

    3. They can be installed in wastewater treatment plants to cleanse water and produce electricity.

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

     

  • Why the Parker Solar Probe is trying to ‘touch’ the Sun?

    Why in the News?

    The Parker Solar Probe made history on December 24, 2024, by coming within 6.1 million kilometers of the Sun’s surface, marking the closest approach ever by a spacecraft.

    Why the Parker Solar Probe is trying to ‘touch’ the Sun?

    About Parker Solar Probe

    • The Parker Solar Probe, launched in August 2018, is a car-sized robotic spacecraft named after Eugene Newman Parker, an American solar astrophysicist.
    • It is the first NASA mission named after a living researcher, and its mission is humanity’s first to explore within 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s corona.
    • The spacecraft is equipped with an advanced carbon-composite heat shield capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,370°C.
    • This shield, which weighs only 73 kg, is designed to protect the probe from the Sun’s intense heat.
      • The probe’s instruments remain at a manageable 29°C due to the shield’s protection.
    • The primary goals are:
      • Approach the Sun: The probe aims to get as close as 6.5 million kilometers to study the Sun’s energy flow, solar corona heating, and the sources of solar wind.
      • Explore Solar Wind: Investigate the origins and behaviour of solar wind, the high-speed streams of charged particles that impact space weather.
      • Study Solar Corona: Delve into the mystery of why the Sun’s corona is 200 times hotter than its surface.
      • Investigate Plasma and Magnetic Fields: Study the structure and dynamics of plasma and magnetic fields at the sources of solar wind.
    • The Parker Solar Probe is equipped with four primary instruments:
      • FIELDS: Measures the electric and magnetic fields of the Sun’s atmosphere.
      • ISoIS: Observes energetic particles that lead to solar storms.
      • SWEAP: Records the properties of solar wind particles.
      • WISPR: Takes images of the solar corona.
      • Faraday Cup: Measures ion and electron density in the solar wind.

    Impact of the Mission on Solar Science

    • Understanding Solar Wind: The mission provides crucial data on the origins and behavior of solar wind, enhancing predictions of space weather and its impact on Earth.
    • Solving the Solar Corona Mystery: The probe’s findings suggest that Alfvén waves, plasma oscillations, may be the key mechanism responsible for the heating of the Sun’s corona, addressing a long-standing puzzle in solar physics.
    • New Discoveries on Space Dust: The probe’s discovery of dust-free pockets near the Sun challenges previous assumptions about the interaction of space dust with solar energy, offering new insights into solar dynamics.
    • Space Weather and Solar Flares: By monitoring the Sun’s activity, the probe aids in understanding solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), helping to mitigate the effects of space weather on Earth’s satellites and infrastructure.
    • Advancement in Solar Exploration Technology: The mission’s success in utilizing advanced heat shields and high-speed space travel techniques paves the way for future solar missions and deeper exploration of stellar physics.
    [UPSC 2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?

    1.        GPS and navigation systems could fail.

    2.        Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.

    3.        Power grids could be damaged.

    4.        Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.

    5.        Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.

    6.        Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.

    7.        Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only

    (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only

    (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

     

  • Over 1,000 species of Fungi threatened with extinction: IUCN

    Why in the News?

    The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List now includes 1,300 fungi species, of which 1000 species are at risk of extinction due to various environmental pressures.

    Important Species under Threat:

    • Fibrous Waxcap (Hygrocybe intermedia): A Vulnerable species of fungi found in Europe, facing threats from habitat loss and land-use changes.
    • 279 Species at Risk: Threatened by deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development, leading to habitat loss.
    • 91 Species Threatened by Pollution: Nitrogen and ammonia runoff from fertilizers and industrial activities.
    • 50+ Species at Risk Due to Fire Patterns: Changes in fire cycles, especially in USA, making certain fungi species vulnerable in forest ecosystems.

    About Fungi:

    • Fungi belong to the kingdom Fungi, distinct from animals, plants, and bacteria. They are eukaryotic organisms and include moulds, yeasts, mushrooms, and mildews.
    • Key Properties:
      • Fungi have chitin in their cell walls and form hyphae that create a mycelium network.
      • They are heterotrophic, absorbing nutrients from organic material.
      • They reproduce sexually and asexually through spores.
    • Types of Fungi:
      • Molds: Multicellular, fuzzy fungi.
      • Yeasts: Unicellular fungi used in fermentation.
      • Mushrooms: Fruiting bodies of certain fungi, often edible.
    • Ecological Role: Fungi are crucial in decomposition and nutrient cycling. Some form beneficial relationships with plants (mycorrhizae) to aid in nutrient absorption.
    • Uses:
      • Medicines: Fungi like penicillin have revolutionized medicine.
      • Food: Edible fungi include mushrooms and truffles.
      • Beverages: Yeasts are key in bread, beer, and wine production.
    [UPSC 2021] Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms?​

    1. Cnidarians​

    2. Fungi ​

    3. Protozoa​

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • India’s Coal Dependence rose to 79%

    Why in the News?

    According to MoSPI’s Energy Statistics in India 2025, coal contributed 79% to India’s total energy generation, amounting to 16,906 petajoules (PJ), marking a 2% increase from the previous year.

    Share of Coal in India’s Energy Basket:

    • Dominance: As of 2023-24, coal contributed 79% to India’s total energy generation, amounting to 16,906 petajoules (PJ), marking a 2% increase from the previous year.
    • Production Growth: In 2023-24, India saw a 12% increase in coal production, continuing a strong growth trajectory from the 15% growth in 2022-23, marking one of the fastest growth rates in the past decade.
    • Dependence on Imports: Despite a surge in domestic production, India remains 26% dependent on coal imports, although this has decreased from 31% in 2019-20.

    India’s Total Energy Basket:

    • Coal: Discussed above.
    • Nuclear Energy: Nuclear power contributes approximately 1.7% to the total electricity generation capacity, with an installed capacity of about 8,180 MW as of late 2024.
    • Crude Oil: The share of crude oil has decreased from 11% in 2014-15 to 6% in 2023-24, indicating a long-term decline in its contribution to India’s energy mix.
    • Natural Gas: Similarly, natural gas’s share has decreased from 9% in 2014-15 to 7% in 2023-24, reflecting a shift away from natural gas in the energy mix.
    • Renewable Energy: Despite significant investments and efforts by the government, renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear) contribute only 7% to the total energy mix in 2023-24, showing slow but steady growth over the past decade.

    Shift Towards Renewable Energy:

    • Total Contribution: Renewable sources contributed 7% of India’s total energy production in 2023-24, a modest increase from 6% in 2014-15. While this share remains small, the absolute production from renewables has grown at a 6.76% CAGR over the past 10 years.
    • Growth in Solar and Wind Energy:
      • The generation from solar, wind, and other renewable sources (excluding large hydro) has surged by 210% over the last decade, increasing from 6,555 KToE in FY15 to 20,279 KToE in FY24.
    • Key Renewable Energy Potential:
      • Wind energy holds the largest share of India’s renewable potential at 55.17%, with an estimated potential of 11,63,856 MW.
      • Solar energy is the second-largest contributor at 35.50%, with a potential of 7,48,990 MW.
      • Large hydro contributes 6.32% of the renewable energy potential with 1,33,410 MW.
    • Future Targets:
      • India added 3.4 GW of new wind capacity in 2024, with Gujarat (1,250 MW), Karnataka (1,135 MW), and Tamil Nadu (980 MW) leading the way.
      • India is aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, which would significantly boost the share of renewables in the energy mix, reducing the reliance on coal and crude oil over the coming years.
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.

    2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.

    3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • [pib] Exercise INIOCHOS 25

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Air Force will participate in Exercise INIOCHOS-25 hosted by the Hellenic Air Force at Andravida Air Base, Greece.

    About Exercise INIOCHOS

    • INIOCHOS is a biennial multinational air exercise that provides air forces with a platform to enhance their operational readiness.
    • It is hosted by the Hellenic (Greek) Air Force and brings together military aviation units from various countries, promoting international cooperation.
    • It was first conducted in the late 1980s, as a small-scale tactical level exercise.
    • Objective: To allow air forces to practice Combined Air Operations and share tactical knowledge through realistic combat scenarios.

    Key Features of Exercise INIOCHOS:

    • It integrates air and surface assets from fifteen countries, promoting multinational cooperation in air warfare.
    • It will simulate modern-day air warfare challenges, providing a real-world training environment for participating air forces.
    • It will be placed on planning and executing Combined Air operations, refining tactics in complex air warfare scenarios.

    Strategic Importance for India:

    • India’s participation in INIOCHOS-25 underlines its commitment to global defence cooperation and showcases its ability to work seamlessly in joint operations.
    • The exercise will reinforce India’s strategic partnerships with other nations and further enhance its readiness for joint operations in complex and dynamic air warfare environments.

  • Tri-services Exercise Prachand Prahaar

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army conducted a Tri-Service integrated multi-domain warfare exercise, called ‘Prachand Prahaar’, in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.

    About Exercise Prachand Prahaar

    • It is a tri-service integrated multi-domain warfare exercise involving the Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Navy.
    • It is conducted in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which spans 3,488 km.
    • The exercise was carried out under the aegis of the Eastern Army Command.
    • The primary objective was to validate a fully integrated approach to surveillance, command and control, and precision firepower across all three services.
    • The exercise aimed at simulating future warfare scenarios with a synergised combat drill.

    Key Components and Execution:

    • The exercise began with the deployment of advanced surveillance resources from all three services, which included:
      • Long-range surveillance aircraft from the IAF.
      • Maritime domain awareness aircraft from the Indian Navy.
      • Helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
      • Space-based resources and the Indian Army’s elite special forces.
    • These resources created seamless domain awareness, which allowed for the identification of simulated targets.

    Related Previous Exercises:

    • The Prachand Prahaar exercise builds upon the momentum of Exercise Poorvi Prahar, which was held in November 2024.
    • The focus of Poorvi Prahar was on the integrated application of aviation assets.

  • [pib] 10 Years of Sagarmala Project

    Why in the News?

    The Sagarmala Programme, launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), has completed 10 years of transformative success, positioning India as a maritime powerhouse.

    About Sagarmala Programme

    • The Sagarmala Programme was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW).
    • It aims to transform India’s maritime sector by enhancing port-led development, modernizing ports, and promoting sustainable coastal development.
    • The program is a key part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV), which aims to make India a global maritime leader by 2047.
    • Five Key Components:
    1. Port Modernization & New Port Development: Upgrading ports to boost efficiency and capacity.
    2. Port Connectivity Enhancement: Improving multimodal logistics and port hinterland connectivity.
    3. Port-Led Industrialization: Establishing industrial clusters near ports to foster economic growth.
    4. Coastal Community Development: Supporting skill development and livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
    5. Coastal Shipping & Inland Waterways Transport: Promoting eco-friendly coastal shipping and inland waterways to reduce congestion.
    • Implementation & Funding
      • Implementation: Managed by Major Ports, central ministries, State Governments, and agencies.
      • Funding: Primarily through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), IEBR, Grant-in-Aid, and Equity (Sagarmala Development Company Limited).

    Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, 2047 (MAKV):

    The MAKV sets ambitious targets for India’s maritime sector:

    • 4 million GRT of shipbuilding capacity.
    • 10 billion metric tons of port handling annually.
    • Aiming for top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.

    Progress Till Date:

    • 839 projects identified with ₹5.79 lakh crore investment; 272 completed with ₹1.41 lakh crore investment.
    • 118% growth in coastal shipping over the past decade, reducing logistics costs and emissions.
    • 700% increase in inland waterway cargo, easing road and rail congestion.
    • Over 40 lakh passengers transported via Ro-Pax ferries.
    • Nine Indian ports ranked among the top 100 globally.
    • Sagarmala 2.0 focuses on shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and modernization with a ₹40,000 crore budget.
    • Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2) launched in March 2025 to support startups in green shipping and sustainable development.
    [UPSC 2019] With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements :

    1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.

    2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.

    3. Bangladesh-China -India -Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

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