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Subject: Emerging Technologies

  • Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework

    Why in the News?

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, released the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework to integrate quantum technologies into the Indian Armed Forces.

    What is the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework?

    • A strategic vision and roadmap document
    • Guides systematic adoption and operationalisation of quantum technologies
    • Applies across Army, Navy and Air Force
    • Focused on achieving future battlefield superiority

    Note: Quantum refers to quantum science and quantum technologies based on the principles of quantum mechanics, which govern the behaviour of matter and energy at atomic and sub atomic scales.

    Aim

    • Tri services integration through jointness and interoperability
    • Alignment of defence requirements with the National Quantum Mission
    • Adoption of a civil military fusion approach

    Key Features

    • Four Pillars of Quantum Integration: Quantum communication, Quantum computing, Quantum sensing and metrology, and Quantum materials and devices.
    • Tri Services Jointness: Unified implementation across Army, Navy and Air Force. Avoids silo based development.
    • Civil Military Fusion Model: Collaboration with academia, startups, industry and government sectors. Dedicated governing and coordinating bodies.
    • Future Battlefield Orientation: Secure communications, Superior sensing and navigation, Faster decision making, Resilience against cyber and electronic warfare threats
    [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

  • Indigenous Light Water Reactor Push

    Why in the News?

    India is fast tracking the fabrication of an indigenous Light Water Reactor (LWR) as it opens the nuclear power sector to private participation and explores opportunities in the global nuclear export market.

    Key Development

    • The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is accelerating work on a 900 MWe indigenous LWR.
    • Design work began in 2015.
    • Objective is to complement India’s existing Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) fleet.
    • Indigenous LWR capability is expected to improve India’s bargaining power with foreign reactor vendors.

    Why LWRs Matter Globally

    • LWRs account for over 85 percent of global civil nuclear reactor capacity.
    • Used extensively by United States, Russia and France.
    • Dominant technology in international reactor trade and supply chains.
    • Without LWR integration, India risks limited access to global nuclear exports.

    LWR vs PHWR

    • Light Water Reactors

        • Use ordinary water as coolant and moderator
        • Require enriched uranium fuel
        • Simpler design, lower construction cost
        • Higher thermal efficiency
        • Strong economies of scale

    • Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors

      • Use heavy water (deuterium)
      • Operate on natural uranium
      • Core strength of India’s nuclear programme
      • Greater fuel flexibility
      • Less attractive in export markets dominated by LWRs

    Legal and Policy Context

    • The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act, 2025 enables:
      • Greater private sector participation
      • More imported LWR based projects
    • Addresses earlier liability concerns raised by foreign suppliers.
    • Supports projects like Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

    Export and Strategic Angle

    • Indigenous LWR enhances India’s role in the global nuclear supply chain.
    • Emerging economies like UAE, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are expanding nuclear capacity.
    • India could position itself as a supplier of:
      • PHWRs fuelled with thorium and low enriched uranium
      • Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) of 30 to 300 MWe

    Thorium and India

    • India has modest uranium but vast thorium reserves.
    • Using thorium with low enriched uranium in PHWRs can:
      • Ease fuel constraints
      • Support large scale nuclear expansion
      • Strengthen India’s unique reactor niche

    Prelims Pointers

    • LWRs dominate the global nuclear reactor market.
    • India’s proposed indigenous LWR capacity is 900 MWe.
    • PHWRs remain India’s technological strength.
    • Nuclear amendments aim to attract private and foreign investment.
    • SMRs are emerging as a tool of energy diplomacy, including by China.
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 

    Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production. 

    Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity. 

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 

    (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I 

    (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-1 

    (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect 

    (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

  • Indigenous Sodium Ion Battery Development in India

    Why in the News?

    The Chatterjee Group is considering commercial production of indigenous sodium ion batteries, following successful development of a high speed charging Na ion battery by its research arm.

    Key Development

    • Scientists at Research Institute for Sustainable Energy (RISE) have developed an India sourced sodium ion battery.
    • Battery charges up to 94 percent in 5 minutes.
    • Energy density: ~180 Wh per kg, comparable to lithium iron phosphate batteries.
    • Prototype may be ready for industrial scale deployment in 2 to 3 years.
    • Estimated commercial investment could reach 10 to 12 billion dollars.

    About Sodium Ion Batteries

    • Use sodium instead of lithium as the charge carrier.
    • Sodium is abundant, low cost and widely available.
    • Safer thermal profile compared to lithium ion batteries.

    Key advantages

    • No use of lithium, cobalt, nickel or copper.
    • Reduces dependence on critical mineral imports, especially from China.
    • Lower supply chain vulnerability.

    Commercial Potential Areas

    • Electric mobility, especially two and three wheelers due to fast charging needs.
    • Grid scale energy storage for renewable energy integration.
    • Off grid and rural energy systems where robust and low cost storage is required.
    [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

  • Project Suncatcher

    Why in the News?

    Google Research unveiled Project Suncatcher, a research initiative exploring AI datacentres in low Earth orbit powered entirely by solar energy, aimed at addressing the rapidly rising electricity demand of advanced AI systems.

    What is Project Suncatcher

    • A concept and research programme
    • Proposes placing AI datacentres in Low Earth Orbit
    • Datacentres operate continuously on solar power
    • Designed to handle energy intensive AI workloads
    • Developed under Google Research

    Objectives

    • Reduce the energy footprint of AI
    • Enable round the clock clean solar power
    • Decouple AI compute growth from
      • Terrestrial power grids
      • Land constraints
      • Water intensive cooling systems
    • Support long term scalability of AI infrastructure

    Prelims Pointers

    • Orbit used: Low Earth Orbit
    • Power source: Solar energy only
    • Developed by: Google Research
    • Key orbit type: Sun synchronous orbit
    • Core challenge addressed: AI energy demand
    • Emphasis on inter satellite communication over Earth links
    [2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? 

    1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units 

    2. Create meaningful short stories and songs 

    3. Disease diagnosis 

    4. Text-to-Speech Conversion 

    5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • Greenwald Limit in Fusion Research

    Why in the News?

    China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) fusion reactor has achieved stable plasma densities 30 to 65 percent higher than the Greenwald limit, overcoming a decades old constraint in nuclear fusion research.

    About Greenwald Limit

    • The Greenwald limit is a theoretical upper limit on plasma density in a tokamak fusion reactor.
    • It links the maximum stable plasma density to:
      • Plasma current
      • Size of the tokamak
    • Crossing this limit usually causes plasma instability and sudden collapse.

    Why the Greenwald Limit Matters?

    • Nuclear fusion requires:
      • Very high temperature
      • High plasma density
      • Sufficient confinement time
    • The Greenwald limit restricted how much fuel plasma could be packed into a tokamak.
    • It has been a major bottleneck to achieving self sustaining fusion or ignition.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Greenwald limit applies to tokamak fusion reactors
    • Exceeding it traditionally causes plasma instability
    • EAST achieved stable plasma beyond this limit
    • Breakthrough achieved by plasma wall interaction control
    • Important for progress towards fusion ignition and clean energy
    [2016] India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India? 

    (a) It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation

    (b) It attains a global role in satellite-navigation

    (c) It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation

    (d) It can build fusion reactors for power generation

  • DRDO Successfully Flight Tests Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)

    Why in the News?

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted the flight test of the third generation Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with top attack capability against a moving target on 11 January 2026 at KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra.

    About Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)

    • Type: Third generation Fire and Forget Anti Tank Guided Missile
    • Indigenous status: Fully indigenously developed
    • Intended user: Indian Army
    • Launch modes:
      • Tripod based launcher
      • Military Vehicle Mounted launcher

    Key Technological Features

    • Imaging Infrared (IIR) Homing Seeker
      • Enables day and night combat capability
      • Ensures high accuracy after launch without operator guidance
    • Top Attack Capability: Missile strikes the top of enemy tanks, the most vulnerable section
    • Tandem Warhead: Designed to defeat modern Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) with explosive reactive armour
    • All Electric Control Actuation System
    • Advanced Fire Control System
    • High Performance Sighting System
    • Indigenous Propulsion System

    Prelims Pointers

    • MPATGM is a third generation Fire and Forget missile
    • Uses Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker
    • Has top attack and tandem warhead capability
    • Successfully tested in January 2026
    • Developed by DRDO with BDL and BEL as production partners
    [2024] Consider the following statements: 

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight

    2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

  • Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Technology 

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India is preparing to roll out Vehicle To Vehicle (V2V) communication technology by the end of 2026 to significantly reduce road accidents, especially during fog, rear end collisions, and pile ups.

    What is Vehicle To Vehicle (V2V) Technology

    • A direct communication system that allows vehicles to exchange information with each other
    • Works without mobile network or internet
    • Vehicles send and receive real time safety alerts when another vehicle comes dangerously close
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

    How the V2V System Works

    • A SIM like communication device installed inside vehicles
    • Vehicles broadcast signals about: Speed, Position, Direction and Sudden braking
    • Nearby vehicles receive instant alerts and warn drivers

    Key Features

    • 360 degree communication: Alerts received from all sides of the vehicle
    • Distance warning system: Warns drivers if another vehicle comes too close
    • Stationary vehicle detection: Alerts about parked or broken down vehicles on roads
    • Fog safety: Highly effective during low visibility conditions
    • Pile up prevention: Reduces chances of multi vehicle collisions on highways
    [2023] Consider the following actions: 

    1. Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously 

    2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off of the hard drive

    3. Detection of the tilt of the smart phone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode 

    In how many of the above actions is the function of accelerometer required? 

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

  • India Becomes First Nation to Commercially Produce Bio Bitumen

    Why in the News?

    India has become the first country in the world to commercially produce bio bitumen, according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. The announcement highlights India’s push towards sustainable infrastructure and green alternatives in road construction.

    Bio Bitumen

    Bio bitumen is an eco friendly binding material used in road construction. It is produced from renewable biological sources instead of petroleum based crude derivatives.

    Raw materials used

    • Vegetable oils
      • Crop stubble and agricultural residue
      • Other forms of organic and agro waste

    Economic significance

    • With 15 percent blending, India can save nearly ₹4,500 crore in foreign exchange
      • Lowers import bill for petroleum based bitumen
      • Opens new income streams for farmers through agro waste supply
      • Generates rural employment and livelihood opportunities

    Prelims Pointers

    • India is the first nation to commercially produce bio bitumen
      • Bio bitumen is made from renewable biological sources
      • Used in road construction as a binding material
      • Helps reduce stubble burning and crude oil imports
      • Contributes to circular economy and sustainable development
    [2011] In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material? 

    1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels

    2. Bioasphalt can be made from non-renewable resources

    3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials

    4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

  • Indian Scientists Simulate Mpemba Effect Using Supercomputers 

    Why in the News?

    Indian scientists have developed the first supercomputer powered simulation to successfully capture the Mpemba effect, the counterintuitive phenomenon where hot water freezes faster than cold water. The achievement was announced by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

    What is the Mpemba Effect

    • A physical phenomenon in which hot water freezes faster than colder water under certain conditions
    • Named after Erasto Mpemba, a Tanzanian student who reported the effect in the 1960s
    • Long considered a scientific paradox due to lack of a complete theoretical explanation

    Key Findings

    • Simulation successfully reproduced the Mpemba effect in water
    • Demonstrated that the effect can also occur in fluid to solid phase transitions beyond water
    • Confirms that non equilibrium thermodynamics plays a crucial role in freezing dynamics

    Scientific Significance

    • Resolves a long standing physical paradox through computational physics
    • Enhances understanding of phase transitions and heat transfer
    • Opens new avenues in materials science and condensed matter physics
    • Shows the power of supercomputing in theoretical and experimental validation

    Institutional Context

    • Research supported by India’s advanced scientific infrastructure
    • Aligns with national efforts in computational science, physics research, and supercomputing missions

    Prelims Pointers

    • The Mpemba effect refers to the faster freezing of hot water compared to cold
    • The phenomenon lacks a single universal explanation
    • Supercomputer simulations help study processes at atomic and molecular scales
    • The effect may exist in systems other than water
    [2011] The surface of a lake is frozen in severe winter, but the water at its bottom is still liquid. What is the reason? 

    (a) Ice is a bad conductor of heat

    (b) Since the surface of the lake is at the same temperature as the air, no heat is lost

    (c) The density of water is maximum at 4°C

    (d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c)

  • Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited launches Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi)

    Why in the news?

    On New Year, BSNL announced the nationwide rollout of Voice over WiFi also called Wi Fi Calling across all telecom circles in India.

    What is VoWiFi

    Voice over WiFi is a telecom service that allows users to make and receive voice calls and SMS over a Wi Fi network instead of a mobile tower.
     It uses IP Multimedia Subsystem and works with the same mobile number and default phone dialer without third party apps.

    How it works

    • Wi Fi connectivity: Phone connects to home, office, or public Wi Fi when cellular signal is weak or unavailable
    • SIM based authentication: User identity is verified through the SIM, ensuring secure communication
    • Internet routing: Voice is converted into data packets and transmitted over the internet
    • Seamless handover: Calls automatically switch between Wi Fi and cellular networks without interruption

    Key features

    • IMS based service with smooth Wi Fi to mobile network transition
    • Uses existing mobile number and handset dialer
    • No additional charges for Wi Fi calls
    • Improved indoor and remote area connectivity
    • Reduces congestion on mobile networks
    • Supported on most modern smartphones via a simple settings toggle

    Significance

    • Reliable calling in homes, offices, basements, and remote locations
    • Useful in rural and underserved areas with broadband access such as Bharat Fiber
    • Better call quality compared to weak cellular signals
    • Enhances BSNL’s network modernization efforts

    Prelims pointers

    • VoWiFi requires a stable Wi Fi connection but no mobile signal
    • Authentication is SIM based, unlike internet calling apps
    • Offered free of cost as normal voice calls
    [2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)? 

    1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G. 

    2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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