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GS Paper: GS3

  • Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD)

    Why in the News?

    Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up from Chennai, made history by launching the world’s first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine, named Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from Sriharikota.

    About 3D Printed PS4 Engine

    • The PS4 engine, which forms the uppermost stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), comprises two Earth-storable liquid engines.
    • It uses a bipropellant combination of nitrogen tetroxide as the oxidizer and monomethyl hydrazine as the fuel, both developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
    • This same engine is employed in the Reaction Control System (RCS) of the first stage (PS1) of PSLV.
    • ISRO redesigned the PS4 engine for production using 3D printing technology.
    • The technology helped ISRO bring down the number of parts in the engine from 14 to a single piece.
    • ISRO was able to eliminate 19 weld joints and saved 97% of raw material.
    • It also reduced the overall production time by 60%.

    What is Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator)?

    • Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine.
    • In contrast to traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD’s vertical take-off and precise trajectory enable orchestrated manoeuvres during flight.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

    1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

  • Open access is crucial for self-reliance in science

    Why in the News?

    As per Nature Index” India’s scientific prowess is rising but lacks essential research infrastructure. Initiatives like I-STEM aim to bridge this gap by democratizing access to advanced facilities.

    The Indian Science Ecosystem:

    • Growth in Research: India ranks third globally in research output and eleventh in research quality according to the “Nature Index”.
    • Infrastructure Shortfalls: Despite an increase in the number of universities from 760 in 2014 to 1,113 in 2021, many lack essential resources such as advanced labs, instrumental access, and research literature.

    Why is the Open Access Crucial for Self-Reliance in Science?

    • Open Access (OA) ensures that scientific knowledge is freely available to all, regardless of geographical or financial barriers.
    • It promotes inclusivity and allows researchers from diverse backgrounds to access the latest research findings, fostering collaboration and innovation.

    Initiatives to Address Gaps:

    • I-STEM: Catalogues all publicly funded research facilities nationwide and makes them available to researchers based on need.
    • One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS): Proposes a centralized model of subscription to scientific journals to make them universally available to all publicly funded institutions, addressing the high cost of accessing commercial journals.

    What is the Optimal Solution?

    • The optimal solution lies in prioritizing Open Access (OA) initiatives. With a global shift towards OA and increasing mandates from major funding bodies, India should leverage this trend to reduce dependency on costly subscriptions and ensure widespread access to scientific literature.
      • Major funding bodies and countries are pushing for OA, with the U.S. mandating immediate open accessibility of publicly funded research by 2025.
    • Challenges with ONOS: The high cost and oligopolistic academic publishing market make negotiation difficult. OA reduces the necessity of a costly unified subscription. ONOS does not ensure long-term access or global accessibility of Indian research.
    • The Green Open Access: Green Open Access allows authors to deposit a version of their work in a university repository, making it freely accessible globally. Ensures long-term preservation and accessibility of research funded by taxpayer money.

    Limitations:

    • Indian funding agencies have mandated green OA, but it has not been enforced effectively.
    • Recent issues should catalyze a stronger push for green OA.

    Conclusion: India should enhance its journal system, avoiding payment burdens on authors or readers. Utilise digital technology capabilities to create and share low-cost, high-quality scientific publishing infrastructure for the global south.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the database available publicly available under open-source licensing. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • What is Golden Rice?

    Why in the News?

    • The Court of Appeals in the Philippines revoked biosafety permits for GM Golden Rice and BT eggplant, citing safety violations and ordering a halt until issues are resolved.

    Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant in the Philippines 

    What is Golden Rice? 

    • Golden Rice is a variety of rice (Oryza sativa) developed through genetic engineering to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in the edible parts of the rice.
    • This modification aims to address vitamin A deficiency, particularly in areas where it’s prevalent.
    • The Philippines approved its commercial production in 2021.
    • The Philippines became the first country to officially issue a biosafety permit for commercially propagating golden rice in July 2021.

    Bt Eggplant: Developed by the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), Bt eggplant is engineered to resist pests, aiming to enhance farmer productivity and reduce environmental impact.

     

    Development of Golden Rice:

    • Research for golden rice began as a Rockefeller Foundation initiative in 1982.
    • Peter Bramley discovered in the 1990s that a single phytoene desaturase gene (bacterial CrtI) could be used to produce lycopene from phytoene in genetically modified tomato.
    • Ingo Potrykus of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and Peter Beyer of the University of Freiburg published the scientific details of golden rice in 2000 after an eight-year project.

    Genetics:

    • Golden rice incorporates Psy and CrtI genes from daffodils and a soil bacterium into the rice genome to enhance beta-carotene production in the endosperm.

    Field Trials and Approvals:

    • The first field trials of golden rice cultivars were conducted by Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in 2004.
    • Additional trials were conducted in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Bangladesh.
    • In 2018, Canada and the United States approved golden rice as safe for consumption.
    • In 2019, the Philippines approved golden rice for use as human food, animal feed, or for processing.

    In the context of India 

    • Currently, there is no cultivation or commercialization of Golden Rice in India. Growing and selling GM brinjal remains banned in India.
    • Recently, the Supreme Court has also intervened on the issue of stubble burning and paddy cultivation in India esp, Punjab and Haryana states.
      • India has approved commercial cultivation of only one GM crop, Bt cotton. No GM food crop has ever been approved for commercial cultivation in the country.
      • We can have some lessons from the Philippines.

    Controversy over its Use

    • Legal challenges emerged in the Philippines in 2023 and 2024, leading to a halt in commercial propagation.
    • Critics have raised concerns about its safety, environmental impact, and efficacy compared to other interventions like supplements and dietary diversification.
    • Greenpeace opposes the use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture and opposes the cultivation of golden rice.
    • Vandana Shiva, an Indian anti-GMO activist, has argued against golden rice, citing potential issues with loss of biodiversity and availability of diverse and nutritionally adequate food.

    Golden Rice 2:

    • In 2005, researchers at Syngenta developed Golden Rice 2, which contains the phytoene synthase (psy) gene from maise combined with the crtl gene from the original golden rice.
    • Golden Rice 2 produces significantly higher levels of carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, compared to the original golden rice.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest resistance to a wide variety of pests.
    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridisation.
    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2021] What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?

  • RBI launches PRAVAAH, Retail Direct mobile app and FinTech Repository

    Why in the News?

    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently introduced three significant initiatives: the PRAVAAH portal, the RBI Retail Direct mobile application, and the FinTech Repository.
      • These initiatives aim to streamline regulatory processes, empower retail investors, and provide insights into the fintech sector.

    1. PRAVAAH Portal:

    • The PRAVAAH portal (Platform for Regulatory Application, VAlidation, and AutHorisation) serves as a centralised web-based platform for individuals and entities to seek regulatory approvals from the RBI.
    • Offering features like online application submission and status tracking, the portal covers 60 different application forms across various regulatory departments, ensuring efficiency and transparency in the authorisation process.

    2. RBI Retail Direct Mobile App:

    • The RBI Retail Direct Mobile App provides retail investors with convenient access to government securities (G-Secs) trading directly from their smartphones.
    • Accessible on both Android and iOS platforms, the app simplifies transactions in both primary and secondary markets, empowering retail investors to participate more actively in the securities market.

    3. FinTech Repository:

    The FinTech Repository aims to provide comprehensive data on Indian fintech firms, facilitating better regulatory understanding and policy formulation in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.

    Other initiatives launched:

    • EmTech Repository: It focuses on RBI-regulated entities’ adoption of emerging technologies like AI, ML, Cloud Computing, and Quantum, providing valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
    • Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH): Both repositories are managed by the RBIH, underscoring the central bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the financial sector.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] In the context of the Indian economy, ‘Open Market Operations’ refers to:

    (a) borrowing by scheduled banks from the RBI

    (b) lending by commercial banks to industry and trade

    (c) purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI

    (d) None of the above

  • Why dal imports have hit a seven-year high?

    Why in the News?

    Due to food inflation during an El Niño year and an election year, the country has lost the self-sufficiency it had achieved in pulses.

    Pulse Production in India:

    • India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption), and importer (14%) of pulses in the world.
    • They account for 20% of India’s total area under cultivation and provide 7-10% of the total food grains in the country.
    • India’s production has increased by 50% (from 18 million tonnes to 27 million tonnes) up till 2022. However, it has not increased in step with the population growth, per capita availability of pulses has declined from 22.1 kg per person in 1951 to 16.4 kg per person in 2022.
    • Though there is surplus production of Chana, the imperfect substitution among pulses and limited international availability put pressure on the prices of some pulses.

    Recent Decline in Domestic Production:

    • Total Production: Decreased from 27.30 million tonnes (mt) in 2021-22 to 23.44 mt in 2023-24.
    • Chana (Chickpea): Production fell from 13.54 mt in 2021-22 to an estimated 12.16 mt in 2023-24.
    • Arhar/Tur (Pigeon Pea): Output decreased from 4.22 mt in 2021-22 to an estimated 3.34 mt in 2023-24.

    Significance of Pulse Production:

    • Suitable for Drought Areas: Drought-resistant and deep-rooting species of pulses can supply groundwater to companion crops when planted in the intercropping pattern. Locally adapted pulse varieties can enhance production systems in dry environments.
    • Enhances Fertility of Land: The leguminous plants of pulse also help in nitrogen fixation, thus ensuring higher soil fertility.
    • High Nutritional Value: In a country like India, where many people are poor and vegetarian, pulses are an important and affordable source of protein.
    • Low food wastage footprints: Pulses can be stored longer without losing their nutritional value and minimizing loss.

    Imports have hit a seven-year high

    Cause of the Inflation in Pulses

    • Impact of EL Nino: El Niño-induced patchy monsoon and winter rain led to a decline in domestic pulse production from 27.30 million tonnes (mt) in 2021-22 to 23.44 mt in 2023-24, as per the Agriculture Ministry’s estimates.
    • Sharp Output Falls: Both chana and Arhar/tur, the pulses with the highest inflation experienced sharp output falls. Chana production decreased from 13.54 mt in 2021-22 to 12.16 mt in 2023-24, while Arhar/tur production dropped from 4.22 mt to 3.34 mt over the same period.
    • Impact of Irregular Rainfall: Poor crops in regions like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana were attributed to irregular and deficient rainfall, leading to reduced planting area and lower yields.

    Effects of Inflation :

    • Increased Retail Prices: Significant annual retail inflation, particularly for pulses like Arhar/tur and chana.
    • Higher Import Costs: Surge in imports to meet domestic demand, leading to increased expenditure on foreign pulses.
    • Economic Burden: Higher prices in the open market strain household budgets, especially for low-income families who cannot rely on subsidized distribution for pulses.

    Challenges Ahead :

    • Monsoon Uncertainty: Future prices largely depend on the upcoming southwest monsoon; continued irregular weather patterns could sustain high inflation.
    • Import Dependency: Increased reliance on imports due to insufficient domestic production, especially for yellow/white peas and masoor.
    • Supply Position: Precarious domestic supply with minimal government procurement from recent crops, necessitating higher imports.

    Government initiatives as relief measures: The government has removed tariffs and quantitative restrictions by liberalizing imports on most pulses to boost supply and reduce prices like an extension of duty-free imports of Arhar/tur, urad, masoor, and desi chana till March 31, 2025.

    Conclusion: While the government has taken significant steps to mitigate the impact of high dal prices through import liberalization and policy adjustments, the actual relief to consumers will hinge on the performance of the upcoming monsoon and the global pulse market dynamics.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Mention the advantages of Cultivation of pulses because of which year 2016 was declared as the International year of Pulses By the United Nations. (UPSC IAS/2017)

     

    Q Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. (UPSC IAS/2013)

    Prelims PYQs:

    With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:

    1) Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rahi crop.

    2) Green gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.

    3) In the last three decades, while the production of Kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Explained: The challenges in curbing cultivation of a banned rice variety in Punjab

    Why in the News?

    Punjab’s paddy farmers have begun sowing seeds for this year’s kharif season, despite the ban on variety PUSA-44 that was implemented last year.

    About the Cultivation of Paddy Varieties like PUSA-44:

    • Pusa-44 is a long-duration paddy variety bred by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and has been a key contributor to stubble burning.
    • Its growth cycle of 155-160 days, from nursery sowing to harvesting, leads to late October maturity, leaving a short window for field preparation for the next crop.

    The Impact on Groundwater in Punjab as per “CGWA’s Groundwater Estimation Report 2020″

    • Severe over-extraction: 119 out of 138 blocks are over-exploited.Central and southern parts of Punjab (Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Mansa, Bathinda, Moga, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar) are most affected.
    • Water Table Depth: The average groundwater depth has crossed 70 meters (200 feet). In some southern areas, groundwater is unavailable even at 150-200 meters (450-600 feet).
    • Groundwater depletion vs. Demand: Punjab over-extracts 14 billion cubic meters (BCM) annually. Annual recharge is 20 BCM, but usage is 34 BCM.
    • Future Projections: Groundwater could drop below 300 meters in 18-20 years, making water highly contaminated and extraction costly. If the trend continues, Punjab may run out of groundwater for irrigation.

    Why are Farmers in several districts unwilling to stop their Cultivation?

    • Higher Income: Farmers receive a higher yield and guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP), leading to increased incomes.
    • Seed Availability: Farmers retain seeds from previous seasons, and many stores have already sold seeds to farmers.
    • Resistance to Change: Despite awareness of the adverse effects, many farmers continue to cultivate PUSA-44. Significant cultivation areas in districts like Barnala, Sangrur, and Moga rely heavily on PUSA-44, making immediate change difficult.
    • Time Required for Transition: Changing entrenched agricultural practices and mindsets in heavily reliant districts cannot be achieved quickly.

    Judicial Stand on the Cultivation of Paddy Varieties like PUSA-44:

    • The Supreme Court has emphasized the need to cease stubble burning in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, the discussion surrounding Pusa-2090 rice variety from its ability to provide an alternative to the problematic long-duration Pusa-44 variety.
      • Pusa-2090 rice matures in a shorter duration of 120-125 days while maintaining comparable yields, addressing the core issue of stubble burning.
    • Happy Seeder (Tractor) is also a solution that offers an eco-friendly alternative to stubble burning.

    Way Forward:

    • Public Awareness and Guidance: Educate farmers on the benefits of short-duration varieties, which are more water-efficient and better for stubble management.
    • Supportive Policies: Government and agricultural experts need to provide support and incentives for transitioning to sustainable paddy varieties.
    • Gradual Implementation: Acknowledge the need for time and a phased approach to change farming practices in heavily reliant districts.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The ideal solution of depleting groundwater resources in India is a water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? (15) (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • What are fire safety rules, and why are there compliance challenges? | Explained 

    Why in the News?

    Recent fire tragedies at a Rajkot gaming zone and a Delhi children’s hospital that killed 40 people highlight the urgent need for stricter fire safety enforcement.

    According to the latest Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report

    • It was released by the “National Crimes Records Bureau (NCRB)”
    • In 2022, 7,435 people died in over 7,500 fire accidents. This data shows that heavy casualties from fire accidents persist, with no lessons learned from the 1997 Uphaar Cinema tragedy or the 2004 Kumbakonam fire that killed 90 schoolchildren.

    What are the various laws and guidelines which stipulate rules around fire safety in buildings? 

    • National Building Code (NBC): Published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 1970, last updated in 2016.
      • Part 4 of NBC is about the details of fire safety measures, including construction guidelines, materials, and safety protocols. They are mandatory for states to incorporate NBC recommendations into local buildings.
    • Model Building Bye Laws 2016: It is issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It guides States/UTs in framing building bylaws with norms for fire protection and safety.
    • State Fire Services Act: Fire services are a state subject, and individual states have their own Fire Services Acts or building bylaws.
    • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines: Provide fire safety instructions for homes, schools, and hospitals. Include recommendations on maintaining safety spaces, exit mechanisms, dedicated staircases, and evacuation drills.

    Key Points from Fire Safety Regulations by Government:

    • Building Classification: Buildings are classified based on occupancy (e.g., Residential, Institutional, Assembly). Specific measures for high-rise buildings, educational institutes, hotels, etc.
    • Construction Material: Use of non-combustible materials. Internal walls of staircases should have a minimum 120-minute fire rating.
    • Electrical Safety: Flame retardant wiring and cabling. Separate shafts for different voltage wiring, sealed with fire-stop materials.
    • Emergency Power and Signage: Provision of emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, and public address systems. Clear exit signage and escape lighting.
    • Technological Measures: Automatic fire detection and alarm systems.Down-comer pipelines, dry riser pipelines, automatic sprinklers, fire barriers, and fireman’s lifts.

    Challenges in Fire Safety Compliance

    • Lack of Uniform Legislation: Fire safety rules exist in all States, with many drawing from the NBC. However, due to the absence of uniform safety legislation and the NBC being a “recommendatory document,“ its provisions are frequently ignored at the local level.
    • Inadequate Fire Safety Audits: Local bodies fail to conduct regular fire safety checks, leading to non-compliance.
    • Staff Shortages: Insufficient staffing in fire departments exacerbates enforcement issues.
    • Community Awareness and Preparedness: Need for better community awareness and training on fire safety protocols and emergency response.

    Judicial responses to negligence over Public Safety

    • Apex Court: The Judiciary has frequently pulled up state authorities for failure to enforce fire safety regulations. It highlighted the laxity in compliance and the need for stringent enforcement.
    • Legal Actions: Cases like the Rajkot gaming zone fire reveal the consequences of not adhering to fire safety norms. Courts have mandated regular fire safety audits and strict adherence to NBC guidelines.
    • The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) emphasized the need for building community resilience and compliance with safety norms.
    • The report on “Fires in India: Learning Lessons for Urban Safety” underscored the failure of authorities to learn from past tragedies and enforce fire safety measures.

    Way forward:

    • Building some National Standards: The National Building Code (NBC) needs to be converted from a recommendatory document to a mandatory standard across all states.
    • Regular Inspections: Mandate regular and frequent fire safety audits by local authorities.
    • Transparent Assessment: Allow third-party certified agencies to conduct independent fire safety audits to ensure unbiased assessments.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Genetic Mysteries of Microcephaly: The Role of SASS6 Gene

    Why in the News?

    A gene called SASS6 (Spindle Assembly Abnormal Protein 6) and its variants have been found to play a key role in a developmental process that causes “Microcephaly”.

    What is Microcephaly?

    • Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than normal.
    • It is associated with a smaller brain, poor motor skills, poor speech, abnormal facial features, and intellectual disabilities.
    • Developmental Roots:
      • The condition is believed to start during the peak phase of brain development in the embryo. Cells that are supposed to become neurons fail to divide normally.
    • Diagnosis:
      • Microcephaly can be diagnosed before birth using foetal ultrasound and MRI.

    Role of SASS6 gene 

    • Since 2014, the SASS6 gene and its variants have been linked to microcephaly.

    A recent study in China:(On March 19, 2024)

    • The study of a consanguine couple revealed microcephaly and fetal growth issues. Confirming the SASS6 gene’s role in microcephaly, findings suggest embryo survival requires at least one functional gene copy.

    The University of Cologne Study (February 2024):

    • Researchers removed all functional SASS6 genes from mouse embryo-derived cells.
    • Even without the genes, cells could make abnormal but passable centrioles (structures needed for cell division).
    • When these cells were prompted to become neurons, the centrioles disappeared, preventing the cells from becoming neurons.

    Consanguinity and Genetic Risk of Microcephaly

    • Expert Insight:
      • Researchers explained that over 70% of congenital microcephaly cases come from consanguineous marriages.
      • Such marriages increase the risk of inheriting mutated genes from both parents.
    • Genetic Causes:
      • Mutations in 30 genes cause microcephaly.
      • 10 of these genes create proteins needed for centrioles, which are crucial for cell division.

    Ile62Thr Mutation

    • 2004 Discovery: The SASS6 gene was discovered in the roundworm C. elegans, showing its conserved function across animals.
    • Gene Suppression in C. elegans:
      • Suppressing the SASS6 gene halted new centriole assembly, stopping development.
    • 2014 Study on a Pakistani Family: Researchers found four family members with microcephaly due to the Ile62Thr mutation in the SASS6 gene.
    • The Ile62Thr mutation was introduced into the C. elegans SASS6 gene.
    • The mutation alone did not significantly impair centriole function but became deadly when combined with another mutation.
    • In humans, this mutation causes microcephaly due to its impact on centriole function.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016]  In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to-

    (a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing

    (b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism

    (c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression

    (d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

  • NASA’s PREFIRE Mission to study Earth’s Polar Regions

    Why in the News?

    NASA launched the ” PREFIRE mission”, deploying twin CubeSats to study heat emissions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, aiming to enhance climate research.

    What are CubeSats?

    • CubeSats are essentially miniature satellites whose basic design is a 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm (which makes up for “one unit” or “1U”) cube — just a little bigger than a Rubik’s cube.
    • weight not more than 1.33 kg.

    • These satellites were first developed in 1999 by California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) and Stanford University as educational tools. 
    • However, owing to their low cost and less mass in comparison to traditional satellites, they began to be put in orbit for technology demonstrations, scientific research, and commercial purposes.

    About PREFIRE Mission

    • Jointly developed by NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 
    • It aims to investigate and comprehend the intricate dynamics of heat emissions from Earth’s Polar Regions, specifically focusing on the Arctic and Antarctica.

    Components:

    • CubeSats: PREFIRE employs shoebox-sized CubeSats, each measuring around 6U (6 units), equipped with advanced instrumentation to facilitate data collection.
      • They measure around 90 cm in height and nearly 120 cm in width when the solar panels, which will power the satellite, are deployed.
      • The two satellites will be placed in a near-polar orbit (a type of low Earth orbit) at an altitude of about 525 kilometres.
    • Thermal Infrared Spectrometers (TIRS): Each CubeSat is outfitted with a Thermal Infrared Spectrometer, meticulously engineered to measure far-infrared radiation emitted by the Polar Regions.

    Mission Objectives:

    1. Investigate heat radiated from Earth’s Polar Regions into space and its impact on climate.
    2. Employ thermal infrared spectrometers to measure far-infrared energy emitted by Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
    3. Improve understanding of the greenhouse effect at the poles and its implications for climate change.
    4. Enhance climate and ice models to predict changes in sea level, weather, snow, and ice cover in a warming world.

    Why study heat budget of the Poles?

    • A large amount of the heat radiated from the Arctic and Antarctica is emitted as far-infrared radiation wavelengths of 3 μm to 1,000 μm within the infrared range of electromagnetic radiation.
    • However, there is currently no way to measure this type of energy.
    • As a result, there is a gap in knowledge about the planet’s energy budget.

    Significance of PREFIRE

    • PREFIRE’s observations will enhance predictions of climate and environmental changes, aiding in mitigating the effects of global warming.
    • Data collected will contribute to updating climate models and improving understanding of Earth’s atmospheric dynamics.

    PYQ:

    [2017] What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

    (a) To detect neutrinos

    (b) To detect gravitational waves

    (c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system

    (d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems
  • [28 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Playing to the gallery can be injurious to Rail safety

    [28 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Playing to the gallery can be injurious to Rail safety

    PYQ Relevance:
    Mains: 
    Q) The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash-strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private container operators. (UPSC CSE 2014)
    Q) One of the intended objectives of Union-Budget 15-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’. Analyze the measures proposed in the Budget 15-18 to achieve the objective. (UPSC CSE 2017)

    Prelims:

    With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:
    1) The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
    2) Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  (UPSC CSE 2015)
    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Government Initiatives for Indian Railways;

    Mains: Indian Railways;

    Mentor comment: More than 160 years ago, railways were introduced in the Indian subcontinent and were first initiated in 1853. The British Governor-General Lord Dalhousie played the most important part in introducing railways in India. Today, India has the 4th largest railway system in the world (after the US, Russia, and China). The railways operate 13,523 passenger trains and 9,146 freight trains daily. As of Feb 2024, 61,813 km length of the Broad-Gauge network has been electrified. With this, Indian Railways is rapidly progressing towards its target of 100% electrification and becoming the largest green railway network in the world. Indian Railways (IR) is rapidly progressing to accomplish its Mission. However, India during recent times due to the increase in population demand, is unable to cope with priority clauses of maintaining safety and standards.

    Let’s learn.

    –

    Why in the News?

    A railway pilot (driver) faced disciplinary action for following safety rules and not speeding to minimize delays to passenger trains after his locomotive failed, highlighting an attitude of prioritizing punctuality over safety in the Indian Railways.

    According to the Performance Audit on Derailment in Indian Railways, nearly 3/4th of 217 consequential train accidents across the country between 2017-18 and 2020-21 were caused by derailments.

    Major challenges of Indian Railway Runways:

    • Unmanned level crossings (UMLCs): UMLCs are places where railway tracks are crossed without any barriers or signals to regulate traffic.
      • UMLCs accounted for 16% of all train accidents in India (2018-19). Although Indian Railways have eliminated all the UMLCs on broad gauge routes, there are still many Manned Level Crossings (MLCs) that pose a risk of accidents.
      • In February 2024, a train consisting of two diesel locomotives (both unmanned), and 53 wagons, with no brakes, rolled out of Kathua station. 
    • Signal Failures:  Signaling failures can lead to trains running on the wrong track, colliding with other trains or stationary objects, or overshooting stations.
      • The recent Visakhapatnam-Rayagada train accident was reportedly caused by non-communication and the lack of audio recording of conversations between station masters and loco pilots.
      • The media analyzed the accident and highlighted the broader issues with railway safety, such as inadequate signaling and telecommunications infrastructure, and the need for accountability and technological improvements. (In fact, the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 denies giving this information)
    • Human Errors: According to the Final Report of the CRS (Minister for Railways), railway staff are prone to human errors due to fatigue, negligence, corruption, or disregard for safety rules and procedures.
      • It can result in wrong signaling, miscommunication, distraction, overspeeding, or overlooking defects or hazards that affect their performance and coordination.

    What are other troubling questions?

    • Lack of Professionalism in Railway Accident Investigations: Railway authorities are majorly exposed for unprofessional handling of serious accident investigations. Blaming reckless crew diverts attention from the administration’s role in improper training and ineffective monitoring.
    • Issues Concerning Loco Pilots: Nearly 10% of vacancies in the loco pilot cadre, are leading to regular breach of duty hour rules. Continuous night shifts, and inadequate rest, point to the need for focused attention on loco pilots’ issues.

    What did the CAG Recommended? (Way Forward)

    • Develop a strong monitoring mechanism to ensure timely implementation of maintenance activities, adopting fully mechanized methods and improved technologies.
    • Railway administration must follow the guiding principles for the deployment of RRSK (Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh) funds.
    • Indian Railways should prepare a Detailed Outcome Framework for each item of safety work.
    • Ensure strict adherence to scheduled timelines for conducting and finalizing accident inquiries.

    Reference:

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/playing-to-the-gallery-can-be-injurious-to-rail-safety/article68222396.ece