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Subject: Emerging Technologies

  • Indian Scientists Develop a Protocol to Densify Quantum Networks

    Why in the News

    Indian scientists have developed a new routing protocol called General Concurrence Percolation (GCP) to improve the efficiency and connectivity of quantum networks, marking a significant advance in quantum communication.

    What is the General Concurrence Percolation (GCP) Protocol?

    • Innovation: A routing protocol designed to strengthen quantum entanglement across a quantum network.
    • Approach: Uses localized geometric routing to identify the shortest communication paths.
    • Key feature: Preserves intermediate network nodes instead of disconnecting them, improving network stability.
    • Outcome: Simulations show the protocol reduces the minimum entanglement required to connect an entire quantum network.

    What is Quantum Entanglement?

    • Definition: A quantum phenomenon in which two or more particles remain correlated so that the state of one is intrinsically linked to the state of the other, regardless of distance.
    • Challenge: Entanglement weakens over long distances, making reliable quantum communication difficult.
    • Importance: It is the foundation of quantum communication, quantum cryptography, and quantum computing.

    Why is the Development Significant?

    • Improves the efficiency of long distance quantum communication.
    • Reduces the amount of entanglement needed for network connectivity.
    • Makes future quantum internet infrastructure more robust and scalable.
    • Supports secure communication through quantum encryption technologies.
    • Strengthens India’s capabilities in advanced quantum technologies.

    [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct?
    1. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 – 1000 physical qubits.
    2. Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India.
    Select the answer using the code given below :

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • Why lab-grown diamonds are a sustainable alternative to mined stones

    Why in the News?

    With natural diamond reserves declining and concerns over environmental damage, conflict diamonds and forced labour, India is promoting Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs) through the India Centre for Lab-Grown Diamond (InCent-LGD) at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras.

    What is the Kimberley Process?

    • Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS): An international certification system launched in 2003 to prevent conflict (blood) diamonds from entering global trade.
    • Limitation: Difficult to trace the geographic origin of diamonds, enabling smuggling.

    Significance of Lab-Grown Diamonds

    • Lower water, land and environmental footprint.
    • Fully traceable and ethically sourced.
    • More affordable than mined diamonds.
    • Used in jewellery, cutting tools, drilling, semiconductors and quantum computing.

    India’s Initiative

    • Union Budget 2023-24 announced support for indigenous LGD production.
    • InCent-LGD established at IIT Madras with a ₹243 crore grant from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • Focuses on developing indigenous diamond seeds, machinery and manufacturing technology.

    [2018] Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?

    [A] Francois Bernier

    [B] Jean-Baptiste Tavernier

    [C] Jean de Thevenot

    [D] Abbe Barthelemy Carre

  • Commercialisation and Transfer of Government-Developed Technologies

    Why in News?

    The Government informed Parliament about the institutional framework, technology transfer mechanisms, and commercialization of technologies developed by public-funded research institutions such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and National Research Development Corporation (NRDC).

    National Research Development Corporation (NRDC)

    • NRDC is an autonomous organization under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
    • It is the nodal agency for technology transfer, licensing, commercialization, and Intellectual Property (IP) management.
    • Has licensed technologies to 5,100+ entrepreneurs and facilitated filing of 2,100+ Intellectual Properties (IPs).
    • Supports patenting, prototyping, pilot plants, feasibility studies, and export of indigenous technologies.

    Institutional Framework

    • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): Technology Transfer and Utilisation of Knowledgebase Guidelines.
    • Department of Biotechnology (DBT): Intellectual Property (IP) Guidelines, 2023, enabling institutions to own and license IP through exclusive or non-exclusive agreements.
    • Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST): Provides financial assistance for commercialization of indigenous technologies.

    Startup & Industry Support

    • Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has established:
      • 7 Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) under the National Biopharma Mission (NBM).
      • 94 biotechnology incubation/pre-incubation centres across 25 States and Union Territories (UTs).
    • Department of Science and Technology (DST) has established 22 Technology Enabling Centres (TECs) to connect researchers with industry.
    • Incubation centres at IITs and NRDC provide mentorship, testing facilities, funding support, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment.

    Commercialisation Performance (2023–2025)

    • CSIR: 707 technologies licensed/developed and 452 technologies commercialized/transferred.
    • DBT: 120 technologies licensed/developed and 18 technologies commercialized/transferred.
    • DST: 185 technologies licensed/developed and 36 technologies commercialized/transferred.

    Startup Creation

    • CSIR: Supported 148 startups, generating royalty income and employment for about 7,200 people.
    • DBT: Facilitated 34 startups in healthcare, agritech, diagnostics, and biomanufacturing.
    • NRDC: Supported 13 startups under the Technology Development, Validation and Commercialisation (TDVC) programme.

    [2017] With reference to the “National Intellectual Property Rights Policy” consider the following statements:

    1. It reiterates India’s commitment to Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS agreement.
    2. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating Intellectual Property Rights in India.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?
    a) Only 2
    b) Neither 1 nor 2
    c) Only 1
    d) Both 1 and 2

  • Ultrafast Organic Anodes for Next-Generation Rechargeable Batteries

    Why in News?

    Researchers from IACS and SNBNCBS have developed a porous organic anode material based on a Covalent Organic Framework (COF) that enables ultrafast charging lithium-ion batteries while maintaining high durability.

    Key Highlights

    • Developed by: Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) and S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) under DST.
    • Material Used: Covalent Organic Framework (COF) – a porous crystalline organic material.
    • Major Achievement: Battery reaches 80% charge in just over one minute.
    • Advantages:
      • Faster lithium-ion transport.
      • Higher energy storage capacity.
      • Long cycle life and improved durability.
      • Safer and low-cost organic battery electrodes.
    • Dual-Ion Capability: Can store both lithium ions and sodium ions, paving the way for affordable sodium-ion batteries.
    • Applications: Electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, grid-scale renewable energy storage.

    What is a Covalent Organic Framework (COF)?

    • A highly porous, crystalline organic material made of light elements (C, H, O, N, B).
    • Features: High surface area. Tunable pore size. Lightweight and chemically stable. Enables rapid ion movement, making it ideal for battery electrodes.

    [2025] In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements:
    I. Cobalt
    II. Graphite
    III. Lithium
    IV. Nickel
    How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All the four

  • India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train

    Why in News?

    Indian Railways is set to launch India’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset, marking a major step towards green and sustainable rail transportation.

    Key Highlights

    • First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train in India.
    • Route: Jind–Sonipat section (Northern Railway), Haryana.
    • Train Configuration: 10 coaches
    • Passenger Capacity: Around 2,600 passengers (largest hydrogen passenger train globally in terms of capacity).
    • Operational Speed: 75 km/h
    • Design Speed: 110 km/h
    • Generates electricity onboard using hydrogen and oxygen, eliminating the need for overhead electric lines.
    • By-products: Only water vapour and heat (near-zero emissions at the point of use).

    How Does It Work?

    • Uses a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell.
    • Hydrogen stored in cylinders reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere.
    • The electrochemical reaction generates electricity to power traction motors.
    • The train consists of: 2 Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (DPCs) and 8 Trailer Coaches (TCs)
    • Each DPC produces 1,200 kW (1,600 hp) of power.

    Hydrogen Refuelling Facility

    • Located at Jind, Haryana.
    • India’s largest railway hydrogen refuelling facility.
    • Hydrogen is Produced through electrolysis, Compressed to 500 bar, and Dispensed at 350 bar.
    • Stores nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen.
    • Approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

    Safety Features

    • Hydrogen leak detectors.
    • Heat, flame and smoke detection systems.
    • Continuous ventilation.
    • Automatic hydrogen shut-off system.
    • Fire suppression systems.
    • Third-party safety assessment by TÜV SÜD (Germany).
    • Designed according to NFPA-2 and ISO 19880 standards.

    Indigenous Development

    • Developed under Indian Railways.
    • Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) formulated technical specifications.
    • Medha Servo Drives integrated the train.
    • Integral Coach Factory (ICF) designed the train exterior.

    Global Significance

    • Countries operating or testing hydrogen trains include Germany, France, Italy, China, and Japan
    • India’s train is among the largest-capacity hydrogen-powered passenger trains and includes a complete hydrogen ecosystem from production to refuelling.

    Future Plans

    • Hydrogen technology is proposed for heritage railways, including the Kalka–Shimla Railway.
    • Supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission and India’s Net Zero goals

    [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ?
    1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
    2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.
    3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
    Select the answer using the code given below :

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 2 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Advancing Electrolyte Engineering for Durable and Affordable Aqueous Batteries

    Why in News?

    Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a novel electrolyte additive that significantly improves the performance and lifespan of Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries (AZIBs).

    What are Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries (AZIBs)?

    • Rechargeable batteries that use zinc metal as the anode and a water-based electrolyte.
    • Considered a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries because they are Safer (non-flammable electrolyte), Low-cost (abundant zinc), Environment-friendly, and Suitable for large-scale energy storage.

    Challenges in AZIBs

    • Growth of zinc dendrites (needle-like deposits causing short circuits)
    • Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) leading to gas formation
    • Corrosion of zinc anode
    • Poor cycling stability and reduced battery life

    Key Innovation

    • Researchers developed an electrolyte additive called BDIM (1,3-bis(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-1H-imidazole-3-ium chloride).
    • BDIM selectively adsorbs on the zinc surface and regulates the Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP).
    • It displaces water molecules from the electrode surface, thereby:
      • Suppressing hydrogen evolution
      • Reducing corrosion
      • Preventing dendrite formation
      • Enhancing battery lifespan and stability

    Important Concepts

    • Electrolyte: A medium containing ions that enables the flow of electric charge between battery electrodes.
    • Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP): The innermost layer at the electrode-electrolyte interface where electrochemical reactions occur. Controlling this layer improves battery efficiency and durability.
    • Research Techniques Used
      • Ultramicroelectrode (UME): Tiny electrode (<50 µm) enabling high-resolution electrochemical studies.
      • Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry (FSCV): Technique used to study rapid charge-transfer and zinc deposition mechanisms.

    [2025] In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements:
    I. Cobalt
    II. Graphite
    III. Lithium
    IV. Nickel
    How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All the four

  • DAE Inaugurates World’s First Nuclear Heat Based Hydrogen Production Facility

    Why in News?

    The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has inaugurated the world’s first hydrogen production facility based on the Copper-Chlorine (Cu-Cl) Thermochemical Cycle using nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at Kalpakkam.

    Key Highlights

    • First in the world to produce hydrogen using the Cu-Cl thermochemical cycle powered by nuclear heat.
    • Established at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.
    • Uses process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) instead of fossil fuels.
    • Technology developed indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
    • Serves as a technology demonstrator for future commercial-scale nuclear hydrogen production.

    What is the Copper-Chlorine (Cu-Cl) Thermochemical Cycle?

    The Cu-Cl cycle is a series of chemical reactions that split water into hydrogen and oxygen using heat and electricity.

    Process

    • Water reacts with copper and chlorine compounds.
    • High-temperature nuclear heat drives most of the reactions.
    • Hydrogen gas is produced while intermediate chemicals are recycled.

    Advantages

    • Operates at lower temperatures (≈500°C) than many other thermochemical cycles.
    • Higher thermodynamic efficiency.
    • Requires less electricity.
    • Produces zero greenhouse gas emissions when powered by nuclear energy.

    Why Use Nuclear Heat?

    • Fast reactors generate both Carbon-free electricity and High-temperature process heat.
    • Using this heat:
      • Reduces dependence on natural gas for hydrogen production.
      • Improves overall reactor efficiency.
      • Enables continuous hydrogen production irrespective of weather conditions.

    Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR)

    • Located at IGCAR, Kalpakkam.
    • India’s only operating fast reactor research facility.
    • Commissioned in 1985.
    • Uses liquid sodium as coolant.
    • Produces plutonium while generating power.

    [2023] Consider the following heavy industries:
    1. Fertilizer plants
    2. Oil refineries
    3. Steel plants
    Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • India’s Emerging Technology Ecosystem

    Why in the news?

    The Government highlighted India’s progress in AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, supercomputing, cloud computing, blockchain, and biotechnology as key pillars of Viksit Bharat 2047.

    Digital India

    • Internet connections: 25.15 crore (2014) → 102.86 crore (2026).
    • Broadband: 6.1 crore → 99.56 crore.
    • 5G services cover 99.9% of districts.
    • Data cost reduced from ₹269/GB to ₹8-10/GB.

    Supercomputing

    • National Supercomputing Mission (2015): ₹4,500 crore.
    • 38 supercomputers with 47 petaflops capacity.
    • Indigenous PARAM Rudra series developed.

    Semiconductor Ecosystem

    • Semicon India Programme (2021): ₹76,000 crore.
    • ISM 2.0 (2026-27): ₹1,000 crore.
    • 12 projects worth ₹1.64 lakh crore approved.
    • DLI Scheme: 24 companies supported; 7 chips fabricated.

    National Quantum Mission

    • Approved in 2023 with ₹6,003.65 crore.
    • Focus: Quantum Computing, Communication, Sensing, Materials.
    • 1,000 km secure quantum communication network demonstrated.
    • India’s first Quantum Valley coming up in Amaravati.

    IndiaAI Mission

    • Approved in 2024 with ₹10,300+ crore.
    • 38,000+ GPUs common computing facility.
    • AI Kosh: 12,115 datasets and 306 AI models.
    • Around 89% of new startups use AI.

    Cloud Computing

    • MeghRaj: Government cloud platform.
    • 2,323 government departments using MeghRaj (2026).

    Blockchain

    • National Blockchain Framework (2021).
    • 3 crore+ property documents verified through blockchain.
    • Supports Vishvasya Blockchain Stack and Digital Rupee (e₹) pilots.

    Biotechnology

    • Sector size: USD 190 billion (2026).
    • 94 BioNEST incubators across 25 States/UTs.
    • Key initiatives: National Biopharma Mission, BioE3 Policy.

    Research & Skilling

    • ANRF (2024) operationalized.
    • RDI Scheme (2025): ₹1 lakh crore corpus.
    • FutureSkills PRIME: 27.53 lakh registrations.
    • Chips to Startup (C2S): Targets 85,000 semiconductor professionals.

    Global Technology Indicators

    • Global Innovation Index: Rank 81 (2015) → 38 (2025).
    • 2,100+ Global Capability Centres (GCCs) employing 2.36 million professionals.
    • India AI Impact Summit 2026: Declaration adopted by 92 countries.

    [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

  • DAE Inaugurates VDPP and 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell

    Why in News?

    The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) inaugurated the Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant (VDPP) and commissioned the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell at the Heavy Water Board Facilities (HWBF), Vadodara, strengthening India’s indigenous capabilities in strategic nuclear materials.

    Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant (VDPP)

    • Established for indigenous production of high-purity deuterated compounds and solvents.
    • Supports:
      • Advanced scientific research
      • Strategic applications
      • Frontier technologies
    • Reduces dependence on imports of specialized deuterated materials.

    What are Deuterated Compounds?

    • Compounds in which hydrogen (¹H) is replaced by deuterium (²H or D), a stable isotope of hydrogen containing one proton and one neutron.
    • Used in Nuclear technology, NMR spectroscopy, Pharmaceutical research, and Chemical and biological studies

    24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell

    • India’s first indigenous industrial-scale prototype for producing nuclear-grade sodium.
    • Nuclear-grade sodium serves as the coolant in Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs).
    • Represents a major step toward self-reliance in strategic nuclear materials.

    Significance

    • Strengthens India’s Fast Breeder Reactor Programme.
    • Supports the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
    • Promotes AtmaNirbhar Bharat in critical nuclear technologies.
    • Enhances long-term energy security and technological self-reliance.

  • 12 Years of India’s Scientific Transformation

    Why in the news?

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the major achievements of India’s science and technology ecosystem over the last 12 years.

    Bioeconomy Growth

    • India’s bioeconomy expanded from about USD 10 billion (2014) to over USD 190 billion (2026).
    • Target: USD 300 billion by 2030.
    • Growth driven by innovations in Biotechnology, Genomics, Diagnostics, and Biopharmaceuticals.
    • Supported by the BioE3 Policy Framework.

    Space Sector Achievements

    • Space economy grew to around USD 8 billion and is projected to reach USD 45 billion in the next decade.
    • Space startups increased from single digits to over 400.
    • Major milestones: Chandrayaan-3 became the first mission to land near the Moon’s south pole. Gaganyaan preparations underway.
    • Future goals: Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035. Indian Moon landing by 2040.

    Weather and Climate Services

    • Weather radars increased from 17 (2014) to nearly 50 operational radars.
    • Another 50 radars planned under Mission Mausam.
    • Forecast coverage expanded from 300 cities to nearly 1,700 locations.
    • Expansion of Lightning detection systems, Rain-monitoring infrastructure, and Nowcast services for short-term forecasts.
    • Mission Mausam: Initiative aimed at strengthening India’s weather forecasting and disaster resilience capabilities through modern observation and prediction systems.

    Biotechnology and Healthcare

    • India emerged as a global biotechnology hub.
    • Advances include Affordable CAR-T cell therapy, Genomics and precision medicine, Next-generation antibiotics, and Indigenous diagnostics and vaccines.
    • India’s COVID-19 vaccines showcased domestic scientific capability.

    CSIR Innovations

    The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) expanded its outreach through:

    • Aroma Mission promoting high-value aromatic crops.
    • Steel slag road technology converting industrial waste into road-building material.
    • Technologies in healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

    Deep Ocean Technologies

    • Development of Matsya 6000, India’s manned submersible.
    • Development of Varaha, an indigenous deep-sea mining system.

    Major Scientific Initiatives

    • Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
    • National Quantum Mission
    • National Supercomputing Mission
    • Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund
    • National Geospatial Policy

    Nuclear Energy Reforms

    • Opening of the nuclear energy sector to greater private participation.
    • Expected to boost Investment, Innovation, and Capacity creation.

    [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