💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Subject: Science and Technology

  • Longitude Prize on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

    Why in the News?

    Sysmex Astrego, a Sweden-based diagnostic company, won the £10 million Longitude Prize for developing a high-tech UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) test called the PA-100 AST System. 

    What is Antimicrobial Resistance?

    • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change so that medicines no longer work against them.
    • This makes infections harder to treat and can lead to more severe illness and even death.
    • AMR can occur naturally through genetic changes or when one type of microorganism picks up resistance from another.
    • It can also occur randomly due to mutations or when resistant genes spread between different organisms.
    • The main reasons for AMR are antibiotics incorrectly or too often, not having access to clean water and good hygiene, not doing enough to prevent infections, and people not knowing how to use antibiotics properly.

    Global Impact of AMR

    • Global Threat: Antibiotic-resistant infections caused nearly 1.3 million deaths in 2019, with projections to exceed cancer-related deaths by 2050.
    • Economic Impact: The global economy faces potential losses of up to 4 trillion by 2030 and 100 trillion by 2050 due to the AMR crisis.

    About the Longitude Prize

    • The Longitude Prize, valued at £8 million (₹85 crore), was recently awarded for its profound implications in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
    • The prize launched in 2014, aims to revolutionize infection management globally.
    • Historical Context:  
      • Origins: Established in 1714 to solve the maritime longitude problem, demonstrating the critical need for accurate navigation.
      • Modern Application: The 21st-century Longitude Prize addresses pressing global challenges like AMR, incentivizing innovative solutions.
    • Goal of the Prize:
      •  Aims to replace current lab-based diagnostic methods with rapid tests that guide targeted antibiotic therapies, combating AMR effectively.

    About PA-100 AST System 

    • Technology Breakthrough: Developed by Sysmex Astrego, this system uses a phenotypic test that identifies UTI bacteria and performs antibiotic susceptibility testing in under 45 minutes.
    • Operation: A single-use cartridge processes less than half a milliliter of urine, using microfluidic traps and phase-contrast imaging in a shoe box-sized reader instrument.
    • Clinical Impact: Provides rapid “sensitive” or “resistant” results for antibiotics, aiding doctors in immediate, accurate treatment decisions at the point of care.

    Current Challenges in UTI Diagnosis

    • Limited Accuracy: Current options include urine dipstick tests for quick results but limited accuracy (50-60%) and lab cultures with 2-3 day turnaround times.
    • Impact on Treatment: Delayed diagnosis often leads to empirical antibiotic use, contributing to antibiotic resistance worldwide.

    Significance for India

    • Healthcare Burden: In India, millions seek treatment for UTIs annually, impacting lives and healthcare systems significantly.
    • Potential: Rapid, accurate point-of-care tests could revolutionize UTI management globally, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without a Doctor’s prescription be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

    [2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?

    1. Genetic predisposition of some people
    2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
    3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
    4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

  • Scientists back new Alzheimer’s drug: Benefits vs Risks

    Why in the News?

    Donanemab, a new Alzheimer’s disease therapy developed by Eli Lilly, has gained unanimous support from independent scientists advising the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), moving it closer to clinical use.

    What is Donanemab?

    • Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody, which means it is a laboratory-produced molecule designed to function like antibodies in the immune system.
    • It is specifically developed for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, including those with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.

    How Does Donanemab Work?

    • It targets amyloid beta proteins in the brain. Amyloid beta plaques are one of the defining features of Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Mechanism of Action: The drug binds to amyloid beta plaques and promotes their removal from the brain. This action is intended to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by reducing the accumulation of these toxic plaques.

    How do the benefits of the drug stack up against its risks?

    • Target Population: The drug is intended for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia).
    • Benefits: Significant clinically meaningful slowing of the disease, allowing patients to retain their functions for a longer time. Phase 3 study shows a 35.1% slowdown in cognitive decline in early Alzheimer’s patients over 76 weeks.
    • Risks: Main adverse effects include brain swelling (24%) and brain bleeds (19.7%), with most cases being asymptomatic.Three treatment-related deaths reported.Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) like brain bleeds and seizures were mostly non-serious and resolved after discontinuation of therapy.
    • Risk Management: The key risks can be mitigated through appropriate labeling and clinical monitoring. Further risks will be characterized through post-authorization studies.

    Why is a breakthrough of this kind important?

    • Rising Burden of Alzheimer’s: The global population is ageing, leading to an increased burden of diseases like Alzheimer’s. In India, 5.3 million people are currently living with dementia, expected to rise to 14 million by 2050.
    • Lack of Effective Treatments: There are limited options for disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s. Innovations like donanemab are crucial for providing new hope and potential therapies.
    • Economic Considerations: While the drug is expensive, it offers the potential for several more years of quality life for patients.

    Why was the approval for the drug delayed?

    • Additional Data Requirements: The USFDA wanted to understand further the data relating to the therapy, especially regarding the limited dosing protocol used during trials.
    • Limited Dosing Protocol: During the trial, therapy was stopped in patients who achieved a certain level of amyloid beta plaque clearance, which is a distinguishing feature of donanemab compared to other therapies.
    • Previous Drug Approval Irregularities: Scrutiny increased after irregularities were found in the approval process of the first drug, aducanumab, which involved close collaboration between the regulator and the drugmaker and approval despite negative trial outcomes. The second drug, lecanemab, also had cautious optimism from doctors due to its demonstrated efficacy with fewer side effects.

    Conclusion: Ensure rigorous and transparent review processes for new Alzheimer’s treatments, incorporating comprehensive data analysis and post-authorization studies to monitor long-term safety and efficacy.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • Lal Crater on Mars

    Why in the News?

    Back2Basics: International Astronomical Union (IAU)

    • The IAU was founded on July 28, 1919, during the Constitutive Assembly held in Brussels, Belgium.
    • Its creation was prompted by the need for international collaboration in astronomy, especially after the devastation caused by World War I.
    • It aims to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.
    • IAU is now headquartered in Paris, France.

    Major Activities and Initiatives

    • General Assembly: The IAU holds a general assembly every three years in varying parts of the world at which professional astronomers meet to discuss research, new cooperative ventures, and similar matters of professional interest.
    • Astronomical Nomenclature: IAU standardises the nomenclature of celestial bodies, features, and phenomena. It maintains several working groups dedicated to naming conventions for stars, planets, asteroids, and other objects.
    • Research and Collaboration: It promotes international cooperation in astronomical research and supports initiatives such as observational campaigns, data sharing, and joint projects.
    • Education and Outreach: It is actively involved in promoting astronomy education and public outreach efforts worldwide. It supports educational programs, workshops, and resources for students, teachers, and the general public.

    Membership

    1. IAU membership spans 92 countries. Out of those countries, 85 are National Members.
    2. India is represented by the Astronomical Society of India (ASI).
    3. Its members are professional astronomers from all over the world, at the D. level and beyond, who are active in professional research, education, and outreach in astronomy.

    Crater Names and Significance

    • Lal Crater: Named after Prof. Devendra Lal, former director of PRL, this 65 km wide crater is positioned at -20.98° and 209.34°.
    • Mursan Crater: Named after a town in Uttar Pradesh, India, this ~10 km wide crater is situated on the eastern side of the Lal crater’s rim.
    • Hilsa Crater: Named after a town in Bihar, India, this ~10 km wide crater is positioned on the western side of the Lal crater’s rim.

    Scientific Importance of Lal Crater

    • Lava Coverage: The entire Lal crater area, located in the Tharsis volcanic region on Mars, is covered with lava.
    • Evidence of Water: Geophysical evidence, including a 45-meter thick sedimentary deposit, suggests the presence of water in the subsurface of the Lal crater. This finding supports the theory that Mars once had water flowing on its surface.
    • Infilling Process: Mursan and Hilsa craters, positioned on either side of the Lal crater, offer insights into the infilling process of the Lal crater. Their presence indicates that infilling occurred episodically over time.

    India’s 2nd Quest for Mars

    • The ISRO is expected to launch Mangalyaan-2, or Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (MOM 2), in 2025.
    • The mission will last one year and is aimed at studying the Red Planet.
    • The successor to Mangalyaan-1, or Mars Orbiter Mission 1 (MOM 1), Mangalyaan-2 will consist of only one orbiter and will be launched atop a GSLV Mark III rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

    Other missions to Mars

    • ExoMars rover (2022): European Space Agency’s mission to explore Mars.
    • Tianwen-1 (2021): China’s Mars Mission aims to explore and study the Martian surface.
    • UAE’s Hope Mars Mission (2021): UAE’s first interplanetary mission focused on studying the Martian atmosphere.
    • NASA’s Mars Insight (2018): A lander designed to study the interior of Mars.
    • NASA’s Curiosity (2012) and Perseverance (2020): Rovers exploring the Martian surface.
    • NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (2005), Mars Odyssey (2001), and MAVEN (2013): Orbiters studying Mars from space.
    • Mars 2 and Mars 3 (1971): Soviet Union’s missions to Mars, which included orbiter and lander components.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO

    1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission.
    2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
    3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit Mars in its very first attempt.

    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

  • N332-GT5 and eOD-GT8: Advancements in HIV Vaccine Development

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute have successfully induced broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) through vaccination for the first time.

    About HIV/AIDS:

    • Emergence: The first cases of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) were reported in the early 1980s, primarily among gay men in the United States.
    • Discovery of HIV: In 1983-1984, scientists identified HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) as the cause of AIDS.
    • Global Spread: HIV/AIDS quickly became a global pandemic, affecting millions of people worldwide.

    Causes:

    • HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids of an infected person, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
    • Common modes of HIV transmission include unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

    Symptoms:

    • Acute HIV Infection: Many people experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, within 2-4 weeks after infection.
    • Asymptomatic Stage: After the initial symptoms subside, HIV often enters a latent stage where individuals may not experience any symptoms for years.
    • Progression to AIDS: Without treatment, HIV gradually weakens the immune system, leading to the development of opportunistic infections and cancers. This advanced stage is known as AIDS and is characterized by severe immune deficiency.

    Vaccines Development:

    • Challenges: Developing an HIV vaccine has been challenging due to the virus’s ability to mutate rapidly and evade the immune system.
    • Vaccine Candidates: Numerous vaccine candidates have been tested over the years, but none have yet been successful in providing robust protection against HIV infection.
    • Hope for the Future: Despite setbacks, advances in vaccine development, such as the identification of promising candidates like N332-GT5 and eOD-GT8, offer hope for eventually achieving an effective HIV vaccine.

    How B cells and mRNA play distinct roles in the context of HIV infection?

    1.    B cells (B lymphocytes):

    • B cells are a type of white blood cell crucial for the immune response.
    • In HIV infection, B cells participate in the adaptive immune response by producing antibodies specific to HIV antigens.
    • These antibodies can neutralize HIV particles, tag infected cells for destruction by other immune cells, and contribute to the immune memory against HIV.

    2.    mRNA (messenger RNA):

    • mRNA is a molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized.
    • In the context of HIV, mRNA is involved in the replication process of the virus.
    • HIV uses its RNA genome to produce viral mRNA, which directs the synthesis of viral proteins necessary for the assembly of new virus particles.
    • Understanding HIV mRNA is crucial for developing antiviral therapies that target viral replication, such as mRNA-based vaccines or mRNA inhibitors.

    N332-GT5 and eOD-GT8: The New Vaccines in Making

    • N332-GT5: This vaccine candidate targets a specific region on the surface of the HIV virus known as the N332 glycan site. By engaging B-cells that have the potential to produce bNAbs against this site, N332-GT5 aims to stimulate the immune system to generate a protective response against a wide range of HIV strains.
    • eOD-GT8: Similarly, eOD-GT8 is designed to target another region on the HIV virus, known as the eOD protein. By leveraging nanoparticles as carriers, eOD-GT8 aims to enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and neutralize HIV, ultimately leading to the production of bNAbs.

    What are Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies (bNAbs)?

    • In the 1990s, scientists discovered that some HIV-infected individuals produced bNAbs, which neutralize many viral strains.
    • bNAbs target viral protein areas crucial for infectivity, making them less likely to change.
    • Despite their effectiveness, bNAbs take years to develop, by which time HIV has often evolved to escape them.

    Developing bNAb-Based Vaccines

    • The goal is to make the immune system produce bNAbs quickly in response to a vaccine.
    • Germline targeting involves three steps:
      1. Identify and engage B-cells capable of producing bNAbs.
      2. Use a booster to guide these cells to produce stronger bNAbs.
      3. Refine bNAbs to neutralize a wide range of HIV strains.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?

    1. Chikungunya

    2. Hepatitis B

    3. HIV-AIDS

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • 2025 to be International Year of Quantum Science and Technology

    Why in the News?

    • The United Nations has designated 2025 as the ‘International Year of Quantum Science and Technology’ to increase public awareness about the significance of quantum science and its applications.
      • This initiative, led by Mexico and supported by nearly 60 countries, aims to promote activities at all levels to highlight the importance of quantum science and technology worldwide.

    International Year of Quantum S&T

    • Growing Relevance: Quantum science and technologies, especially quantum computing, have gained prominence in public discourse due to their potential transformative impact on various fields.
    • Anniversary of Heisenberg’s Work: The proclamation coincides with the upcoming centenary of Werner Heisenberg’s groundbreaking paper on quantum mechanics, published in 1925.
    • Support from International Bodies: The proclamation has received endorsements from various international organisations, including the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

    What does one mean by Quantum?

    • “Quantum” refers to the smallest discrete unit of any physical quantity involved in an interaction according to quantum theory.
    • In classical physics, many properties, such as energy and momentum, are thought to be continuous and infinitely divisible.
    • However, in quantum mechanics, certain properties, like energy levels and the behaviour of particles, are quantised, meaning they can only exist in specific discrete amounts or levels.

    What is Quantum Theory?

    • Quantum theory is a fundamental theory in physics that provides a description of the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles.
    • Quantum mechanics differs from classical physics in that energy, momentum, and angular momentum.

    Development in Quantum Theory So Far

    • Planck’s assumption: In 1900, Planck made the assumption that energy was made of individual units or quanta.
    • Albert Einstein’s theory: In 1905, Albert Einstein theorized that not just the energy, but the radiation itself was quantized in the same manner.
    • Louis de Broglie theory: In 1924, Louis de Broglie proposed that there is no fundamental difference in the makeup and behaviour of energy and matter; on the atomic and subatomic level either may behave as if made of either particles or waves. This theory became known as the principle of wave-particle duality: elementary particles of both energy and matter behave, depending on the conditions, like either particles or waves (wave-particle duality).
    • Heisenberg proposed: In 1927, Werner Heisenberg proposed that precise, simultaneous measurement of two complementary values – such as the position and momentum of a subatomic particle – is impossible. Contrary to the principles of classical physics, their simultaneous measurement is inescapably flawed; the more precisely one value is measured, the more flawed will be the measurement of the other value. This theory became known as the uncertainty principle, which prompted Albert Einstein’s famous comment, “God does not play dice.”

    What is Entanglement?

    • Entanglement was another of several weird properties exhibited by these tiny particles.
    • Two particles, having ‘interacted’ with each other at some stage, were found to have got ‘entangled’ in a way that the behaviour of one produced an instantaneous reaction in the other even if the two were no longer connected in any way and were separated by very large distances.
    • The entanglement property opened up new technological possibilities first time that it was possible to ‘teleport’ the quantum states of a particle to another location without the particle moving anywhere and without a medium.

    What is Superposition?

    • It’s a phenomenon where, a particle exists simultaneously at multiple locations, known as superposition.
    • The chance of finding the particle at any given place was dictated by probabilistic calculations, and once it was found, or observed, at one location, it ceased to exist at all other places.

    What is Quantum Computing?

    • Quantum computing is a new and super powerful way of doing computer stuff.
    • Instead of using regular computer bits that are either 0 or 1, quantum computers use special bits called qubits that can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, thanks to a thing called “quantum superposition.”
    • This allows them to do lots of calculations all at once, making them really fast at solving certain types of problems.

    Back2Basics: National Quantum Mission (NQM)

    Details
    Mission Duration 2023-2031
    Implementing Authority Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science & Technology
    India’s Position Seventh country to have a dedicated quantum mission after the US, Austria, Finland, France, Canada, and China
    Focus Areas
    • Intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-100 physical qubits in 5 years and 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years
    • Quantum computation, Quantum communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, Quantum Materials & Devices
    Development
    • High-sensitivity magnetometers for precision timing, communications, and navigation
    • Satellite-based secure quantum communications within India and with other countries
    • Design and synthesis of quantum materials like superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials
    Thematic Hubs Establishment Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) would be set up in top academic and National R&D institutes on the domains of Quantum Technology:

    1. Quantum computation
    2. Quantum communication
    3. Quantum Sensing & Metrology
    4. Quantum Materials & Devices

    PYQ:

    [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

  • How SpaceX’s Starship can revolutionise space travel and exploration?

    Why in the News?

    • SpaceX’s Starship rocket completed its first fully successful test flight. This test flight brings SpaceX closer to its goal of creating a fully reusable rocket system, a development that could revolutionize space exploration and travel.

    What is Starship?

    • Starship is a two-stage heavy lift-off vehicle designed for crew and cargo transport to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
    • It stands nearly 120 meters tall, surpassing the Saturn V rocket.
    • The Super Heavy booster is powered by 33 Raptor engines, generating significant thrust, surpassing existing rocket systems like NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS).
    • Raptor engine fuel uses a mix of liquid oxygen and liquid methane, enabling efficient propulsion for the rocket.

    Cost Reduction and Efficiency with Starship

    • Starship can carry up to 150 tonnes of payload to low-Earth orbit.
    • It can be refuelled in space, thereby promising a significant reduction in the cost of space travel.
    • In-orbit refuelling allows Starship to operate like an aeroplane, reducing downtime between missions and maximizing efficiency.
    • Starship’s fully reusable design minimizes the need for costly hardware replacement, unlike traditional rocket systems.

    Scientific Benefits of Starship

    • Enhanced Payload Capability: Starship’s capacity for heavy payloads enables the launch of larger space telescopes and equipment for lunar and Martian missions.
    • Exploration Potential: Scientists can deploy larger and more sophisticated instruments, such as drilling rigs, to explore the Moon and Mars in unprecedented detail.
    • Sample Return Missions: Starship’s capability to return to Earth facilitates the retrieval of valuable samples from other planets, aiding in scientific research and understanding.

    PYQ:

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

    1. PSLVs launch 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-stage 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

  • Portable Optical Atomic Clock for accurate timekeeping at Sea

    Why in the News?

    • Atomic clocks power GPS systems, guiding us in navigation, emergencies, and military operations.
      • Scientists are developing optical atomic clocks to enhance timekeeping accuracy for Navies.

    What are Atomic Clocks?

    • Atomic clocks are accurate timekeeping devices that use the vibrations of atoms as a precise measure of time.
    • They rely on the natural oscillations of atoms, usually Caesium or Rubidium atoms, which are extremely stable and predictable.
    • This stability allows atomic clocks to keep time with extraordinary accuracy, often losing or gaining less than a second over millions of years.
      • However they are big, need a lot of power, and are expensive, so they’re mostly used in big research places.

    Working Principle:

    • Use of Stable Atoms: Atomic clocks use stable atoms like Cs-133 to keep time really accurate.
    • Atom Energy Levels: Atoms have energy levels like steps on a ladder, and they move between these levels when they’re excited.
    • Creating Resonance: Cesium atomic clocks make caesium atoms vibrate by using microwave radiation at a certain frequency.
    • Defining Time: One second is how long it takes for caesium atoms to vibrate a certain number of times, which sets the standard for time.
    • Accuracy Control: Atomic clocks keep themselves accurate by constantly adjusting to make sure they’re vibrating at the right rate.

    Portable Optical Atomic Clocks for Maritime Use

    • New portable optical atomic clocks for ships are more accurate and durable, making them suitable for use at sea.
    • These clocks are the best at sea, which is a big deal for keeping time on ships.

    How Optical Atomic Clocks Are Different?

    • Use of Laser: Optical atomic clocks are even more accurate because they use lasers instead of microwaves.
    • Operating Frequency: They work at higher frequencies, which means they can measure smaller time intervals more precisely.
    • Narrow Linewidths: Optical atomic clocks are really stable because they have a narrow range of frequencies, which helps them stay accurate.

    Testing and Applications of Portable Optical Atomic Clocks

    • Initial Testing: Scientists tested the new clocks and found they were really stable and accurate, which is a big deal for keeping time.
    • Comparative Performance: These new clocks worked better than old ones, showing they could change how we keep time.
    • Sea Trials: Tests at sea showed the clocks worked well even on a moving ship, proving they could be used for navigation and other important tasks.

    Do you know?

    • Three rubidium atomic clocks and six hydrogen maser clocks onboard the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) had failed.
    • The failed satellite, IRNSS-1A, is still being used for messaging activities, and the data from other operational satellites will be used to maintain the system’s functionality.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?

    [2018] With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements:

    1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
    2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders.
    3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 1 and 2 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) None

  • What are Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)?

    Why in the News?

    • India’s solar mission Aditya-L1 recently captured images of the Sun and it’s Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) during a solar storm in May.
      • The Active region AR13664 on the Sun erupted several X-class and M-class flares, which were associated with Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).

    Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)

    • CMEs were discovered in 1971 and established their importance in solar-terrestrial relations later in the 1980s.
    • It consists of massive clouds of solar plasma and magnetic field lines.
    • It typically accompanies solar flares and filament eruptions.
    • The frequency of CMEs varies with the 11-year solar cycle, with about one a week observed during solar minimum and an average of two to three CMEs per day observed near solar maximum
    • They travel at thousands of km per hour.
    • They can lead to geomagnetic storms, aurorae, and in extreme cases, damage to electrical power grids.
    • Not all CMEs interact with Earth, but those that do can cause disruptions to satellite communications and power grids.
    • Halo CMEs are Earth-directed CMEs visible as rings in white-light coronagraph observations.

    About Aditya-L1:

    • Aditya-L1 mission is India’s first space mission to observe the Sun.
    • It is ISRO’s 2nd space-based astronomy mission after AstroSat, which was launched in 2015.
    • It was launched on September 2nd 2023 to observe the Sun and the solar corona.
    • The L1 point is a location in space where the gravitational forces of two massive objects, such as the Earth and the Sun, balance each other out, allowing a spacecraft to “hover” in a stable orbit.

    Launch Details: 

    • Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) with 7 payloads (instruments) on board.

    The 7 payloads include: 

      1. Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC): Images of the solar corona in visible light to study its structure and dynamics.
      2. Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT): Images the solar chromosphere and transition region in ultraviolet light to understand heating and dynamics.
      3. Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS): Measures solar X-ray spectrum to study solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
      4. High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS): Measures high-energy solar X-rays to understand particle acceleration.
      5. Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA): Measures solar wind plasma properties to study its interaction with Earth’s magnetosphere.
      6. Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX): Measures energetic particle properties in the solar wind to study their effects on Earth’s atmosphere.
    • Solar Irradiance Monitor (SIM): Measures solar irradiance variations and their impact on Earth’s climate.

    Objectives:

    • Aditya L1 will study the coronal heating, solar wind acceleration, coronal magnetometry, origin and monitoring of near-UV solar radiation and continuously observe the photosphere, chromosphere and corona, solar energetic particles and the magnetic field of the Sun.

    Location:

    • Aditya is placed in L1 Halo orbit which is about 1.5 million km from the Earth. The orbit allows the mission to look at the Sun continuously.
    • L1 refers to Lagrangian/Lagrange Point 1, one of 5 points in the orbital plane of the Earth-Sun system.
    • Lagrange Points are positions in space where the gravitational forces of a two-body system like the Sun and Earth produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion.

    PYQ:

    [2017] The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of-

    (a) Observation and understanding of the Universe

    (b) Study of the solar and lunar eclipses

    (c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth

    (d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

     

    https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-releases-images-of-sun-captured-by-aditya-l1-during-may-solar-storm/article68273124.ece

  • Hydrogen Line: A Unique Signal

    Why in the News?

    The hydrogen line stands as a pivotal tool in contemporary astronomy, serving various purposes from studying distant stars to questing for extraterrestrial intelligence, should it exist.

    What is a Hydrogen Line?

    • The hydrogen line is a special type of light that hydrogen atoms emit.
    • It happens when an electron, a tiny particle that orbits the nucleus of the hydrogen atom, jumps from a higher energy level to a lower one.
    • This jump releases energy in the form of light, specifically with a wavelength of about 21 centimetres. This wavelength is what scientists call the hydrogen line.

    Why is it Important?

    • Hydrogen is everywhere in the universe. It’s the simplest and most abundant element, making up about 75% of the universe’s elemental mass.
      • So, studying the hydrogen line allows us to understand a lot about the composition and distribution of matter in the universe.
    • By observing the hydrogen line’s emission from different regions of space, astronomers can create maps showing where hydrogen gas is located.
    • Secrets about the early Universe: The hydrogen line also holds secrets about the early universe. Shortly after the Big Bang, the universe was filled with hydrogen gas.
      • By studying the hydrogen line from distant parts of the universe, astronomers can learn about its conditions and evolution billions of years ago.

    How Do We Interpret Hydrogen Line?

    • Radio telescope data enables mapping of hydrogen distribution, revealing locations of hydrogen clouds crucial for understanding galaxy and galaxy cluster formation and evolution.
    • Observing hydrogen line emission from different galaxy parts enables studying internal structures and dynamics, like rotation curves, offering insights into mass distribution within galaxies.
    • Observing hydrogen lines from distant galaxies unveils early universe conditions, aiding in understanding cosmic evolution’s initial stages.

    What’s Next?

    • New Discoveries: Scientists are continually developing new technologies and techniques to improve the sensitivity and resolution of radio telescopes.
      • This enables them to detect fainter signals and uncover new insights into the universe’s hydrogen content.
    • Exploring Dark Matter: The hydrogen line observations could also contribute to understanding dark matter, an invisible substance that makes up about 27% of the universe’s total mass-energy content.
      • By studying the hydrogen distribution in relation to the gravitational effects observed in galaxies, scientists hope to shed light on the nature of dark matter.

    PYQ:

    [2012] A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory including those from India created the heaviest anti-matter (anti-helium nucleus). What is/are the implication/implications of the creation of anti-matter?

    1. It will make mineral prospecting and oil exploration easier and cheaper.
    2. It will help prove the possibility of the existence of stars and galaxies made of anti-matter.
    3. It will help us understand the evolution of the universe.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Will understanding Cancer become a data problem? 

    Why in the news?

    WHO reports 33,000 new brain cancer cases yearly in India, highlighting widespread suffering.

    What is brain cancer?

    • Brain cancer, also known as primary brain cancer, is an overgrowth of cells in the brain that form masses called brain tumours.
    • It is different from secondary brain cancer, which occurs when cancer that began in another part of the body spreads to the brain

    The World Health Organization (WHO) Report:

    • Incidence of Brain Cancer: WHO reports approximately 33,000 new incidences of brain cancer annually in India.
    • Global Cancer Observatory 2020: Brain cancer ranks as the 19th most common type of cancer worldwide.

    Use of Data Analytical Tools in Diagnosis:

    • Potential of Data Analytics: Utilization of data analytical tools like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) can simplify the diagnosis process.
    • Advantages: Data analysis can provide real-time results with precision, reducing the need for invasive procedures like surgeries.
    • Liquid Biopsy: The introduction of techniques like liquid biopsy offers a less invasive alternative to surgery, enhancing patient comfort.

    Impact on Risks, Discomfort, and Pain:

    • Reduction of Risks: Adoption of data analytics in diagnosis can lower the risks associated with invasive procedures, ranging from short-term paralysis to death.
    • Enhanced Patient Experience: By offering less invasive alternatives, such as liquid biopsy, patients and their families can experience reduced discomfort and pain during the diagnostic process.
    • Improved Precision: Data analytics enable clinicians to detect genetic patterns indicative of cancer cells, facilitating early detection and treatment planning, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.

    Way forward:

    • Emphasize the transformative potential of data analytics in oncology research, particularly in simplifying diagnosis and reducing risks and discomfort for patients.
    • Highlight the importance of leveraging innovative technologies like NGS to unlock new possibilities in cancer research and treatment.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (UPSC IAS/2021)