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Subject: Science and Technology

  • [pib] What are Blazars?

    Researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore have conducted the first systematic study on the gamma-ray flux variability nature on different types of Blazars.

    Strange terminologies from space-based studies are very important from prelims point of view.  We can expect a statement based question seeking to identify the term which is being referred to in the paragraph.

    What are Blazars?

    • At the center of most galaxies, there’s a massive black hole that can have mass of millions or even billions of Suns that accrete gas, dust, and stellar debris around it.
    • As these material falls towards the black hole, their gravitational energy gets converted to light forming active galactic nuclei (AGN).
    • A minority of AGN (~15%) emit collimated charged particles called jets travelling at speeds close to the speed of light.
    • Blazars are AGN whose jets are aligned with the observer’s line of sight.
    • Some blazars are thought to host binary black holes in them and could be potential targets for future gravitational-wave searches.

    Studying blazars

    • Blazars are the most luminous and energetic objects in the known universe were found to be emitters of gamma-rays in the 1990s.
    • It is only with the capability of Fermi Gamma-ray space telescope (launched in 2008) to scan the entire sky once in three hours one is able to probe the flux variability characteristics of blazars on a range of time scales.
    • Gamma-ray band is one of the bands of the electromagnetic spectrum on which there is limited knowledge on the flux variability of blazars.
    • Major problem while studying them is to localize the site for the production of gamma-rays.

    Significance

    • The study of blazars could provide clues to the processes happening close to the black hole, not visible through direct imaging.
    • Exploring blazars will provide key inputs to constrain the high energy production site as well as the high energy emission processes.

  • Virus outbreak can potentially spur the next quantum leap for computing

    The article suggests that the corona crisis would speed up research in the field of quantum computing. The tremendous speed offered by quantum computers will help us find a cure for diseases like Covid-19 in a much shorter duration. This article explains the limitations of classical computers, working of quantum technology, and how quantum computer overcomes these limitations.

    Use of supercomputer to find the cure of Covid-19

    • The whole world is pressurized into quickly discovering a vaccine and a cure for covid-19.
    • IBM’s Summit, the world’s fastest supercomputer, was used for running numerous simulations and computations.
    • These simulations and computations help scientists find promising molecules to fight the pandemic.
    • The latest update says the Summit has been able to identify 77 candidate molecules that researchers can use in trials.
    • This was achieved in just two days, while, traditionally, it has taken months to make such progress.

    Computing capacity as a limit on molecular discoveries

    • Today, faster molecular discoveries are limited by computing capacity.
    • Molecular discoveries are also limited by the need for scientists to write codes for harnessing the computing power.
    • It is no secret that classical computing power is plateauing (e. it is not growing anymore)
    • And till we have scalable artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), scientists will have to write code for not only different scenarios but also for different computing platforms.
    • So, what we need today is more computing power.

    The following points explain the limits of classical computers. Pay attention to the Moore’s law, and how it explains the development of semiconductor technologies and in turn computers as a whole.

    What is the solution to the limits of classical computers?

    • Given that we have already neared the peak of classical computing, the solution probably is quantum computing.
    • Not just vaccines, quantum computing can accelerate many innovations, such as hyper-individualized medicines, 3-D printed organs, search engines for the physical world etc.
    • All innovations currently constrained by the size of transistors used in classical computing chips can be unleashed through quantum computing.
    • Moore’s law: In 1965, Gordon Moore had said the number of transistors that can be packed into a given unit of space will double about every two years.
    • Subsequently, in an interview in 2005, he himself admitted that this law can’t continue forever.
    • He had said: “It is the nature of exponential functions, they eventually hit a wall.”
    • Over the last 60 years, we reaped the benefits of Moore’s law in many ways.
    • For instance, compared to initial days of the Intel 4004, the modern 14nm processors deliver way bigger impact—3,500 times better performance and 90,000 times improved efficiency, at 1/60,000th the cost!
    • Yet, we are also seeing his 2005 statement coming true. All the experts agree that the ‘wall’ is very near.
    • So, what next? The answer again is probably the same—quantum computing.

    Quantum technology is one of the emerging and revolutionary technologies, you should be aware of the terms and general principle which lies at the heart of such technology. So, terms like superposition, qubit, binary etc are important if you want to answer a questions related to this technology.

    Quantum computing and its applications

    • It is no more a concept, there are working models available on the cloud.
    • How it works: Quantum computing uses the ability of sub-atomic particles to exist in multiple states simultaneously, until it is observed.
    • The concept of qubits: Unlike classical computers that can store information in just two values, that is 1 or 0, quantum computing uses qubits that can exist in any superposition of these values,
    • This superposition enables quantum computers to solve in seconds problems which a classical computer would take thousands of years to crack.
    • Applications: The application of this technology is enormous, and just to cite a few, it can help with the discovery of new molecules, optimize financial portfolios for different risk scenarios.
    • It can also crack RSA encryption keys, detect stealth aircraft, search massive databases in a split second and truly enable AI.

    Investment in the development of technology

    • In the Union budget this year, the Indian government announced investments of ₹8,000 crores for developing quantum technologies and applications.
    • Globally, too, countries and organizations are rushing to develop this technology and have already invested enormous capital towards its research.

    Conclusion

    Historically, unprecedented crises have always created more innovations than routine challenges or systematic investments. Coincidentally, current times pose similar opportunities in disguise for the development of quantum technologies.

    Back2Basics: Difference between bit and qubit

    • A binary digit, characterized as 0 and 1, is used to represent information in classical computers.
    • A binary digit can represent up to one bit of information, where a bit is the basic unit of information.
    • In classical computer technologies, a processed bit is implemented by one of two levels of low DC voltage.
    • And whilst switching from one of these two levels to the other, a so-called forbidden zone must be passed as fast as possible, as electrical voltage cannot change from one level to another instantaneously.
    • There are two possible outcomes for the measurement of a qubit—usually taken to have the value “0” and “1”, like a bit or binary digit.
    • However, whereas the state of a bit can only be either 0 or 1, the general state of a qubit according to quantum mechanics can be a coherent superposition of both.
    • Moreover, whereas a measurement of a classical bit would not disturb its state, a measurement of a qubit would destroy its coherence and irrevocably disturb the superposition state.
    • It is possible to fully encode one bit in one qubit.
    • However, a qubit can hold more information, e.g. up to two bits using superdense coding.
    • For a system of n components, a complete description of its state in classical physics requires only n bits, whereas in quantum physics it requires 2n−1 complex numbers.

  • Anastomosis surgery for re-implantation

    The chopped off-hand of a Punjab Police officer has been successfully re-implanted after hours of surgery.

    Anastomosis is a general term in surgical sciences used to join amputated limbs or organs. The term has made headline due to its recent application. A piece of general information regarding novelties of medical sciences should be known to the aspirants.

    Anastomosis Surgery

    • A surgical Anastomosis is a surgical technique used to make a new connection between two body structures that carry fluid, such as blood vessels or bowel.
    • It involves conjoining various parts of the arm and the hand — bones, muscles, tendons, arteries, veins as well as nerves.
    • Both radial and ulnar arteries, accompanying nerves and the dorsal vein were anastomosed successfully, allowing for the hand to receive adequate circulation.
    • The bones are attached using K wires (used for orthopaedic surgery) which can be removed once the bones conjoin organically.

    In which cases is re-implantation possible?

    • When a surgeon makes that decision, the factors that he or she considers include how much time has elapsed since the injury.
    • The condition of the severed organ and the nature of the injury are also taken into account.

    Can a reattached hand get its function restored?

    • That is the goal of doing such surgery. The extent of restored function, however, can vary from case to case.
    • While a successful surgery can result in the good return of motor function, studies have shown that sensory recovery can often be poor.
    • Whether the blood circulation is optimum after surgery can only be observed within the next few days.
    • The patient also needs to attend regular physiotherapy sessions for total restoration of motor movement and sensation in his hand.

  • [pib] Plasmonic Semiconductor Nanomaterials

    Researchers are exploring ways to develop plasmonic semiconductor nanomaterials for removal of toxic organic compounds from water by harvesting solar light.

    Nanotechnology is a pathbreaking technology which can create many new materials and devices with a wide range of applications, such as in nanomedicine, nanoelectronics etc.  PSN is one such application. Topics like PSN are most likely to be asked in the competitive examinations.

    Plasmonic Semiconductor Nanomaterials

    • PSN are metal-like materials with free electrons on the surface that oscillate collectively when hit by light.
    • It uses solar light to increase the photocatalytic efficiency to degrade pollutants as well as generate renewable Hydrogen.
    • These materials can easily adsorb toxic ions like arsenic and fluoride, which are often found in water in North East India and convert it to its not toxic forms when they are exposed to sunlight.
    • PSN can be used for hydrogen energy generation, a process which has shown high photon to hydrogen conversion efficiency under visible and near infra-red light.

    What are Semiconductors?

    • Semiconductors are materials which have a conductivity between conductors (generally metals) and nonconductors or insulators (such as most ceramics).
    • Its resistance falls as its temperature rises; metals are the opposite.
    • They can be pure elements, such as silicon or germanium, or compounds such as gallium arsenide or cadmium selenide.

    Back2Basics: Nanomaterials

    • Nanomaterials are materials of which a single unit small-sized (in at least one dimension) between 1 and 100 nm (the usual definition of nanoscale).
    • Materials with structure at the nanoscale often have unique optical, electronic, or mechanical properties.
    • They are created from the gas phase by producing a vapour of the product material using chemical or physical means.
    • Examples of nanomaterials include carbon nanotube, nanoparticles, metal rubber, quantum dots, nanopores and many more.

  • Making use of technology to trace Covid-19 cases

    The article argues for the greater adoption of technology in tracing the Covid-19. Taking a cue from the success of JAM and UPI, recently launched app Aarogya Setu could also be the next game-changer in the fight against the pandemic. However, there are several challenges that are also discussed here.

    Success story of domestic digital platforms

    • The success of two domestic digital payment platforms offers us an opportunity to show how the tracing of COVID-19 cases can be done at scale and with greater speed.
    • The JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) trinity for DBTs (Direct Benefit Transfers) and UPI (Unified Payments Interface) have made India a technology leader in money transfers.
    • The JAM has lent efficiency to the transfer of funds to the needy.
    • It was drafted into action recently to channel payments to the more vulnerable who need help in dealing with the adverse economic consequences of the lockdown.
    • The UPI is emerging as a transaction vehicle of choice for all retail payments.
    • In March, 148 banks were on the UPI platform, helping process over 120 crore transactions worth over Rs 2 lakh crore.

    The success story of the UPI and JAM is important from the UPSC point of view. Riding on the success of these two, the Aarogya Setu could also become the third and help in the fight against the epidemic. So, we should be aware of the basics of its working and problems the app could face.

    How the Aarogya Setu works?

    • Widespread adoption is required: The success of India’s Aarogya Setu mobile application will depend on its widespread adoption.
    • Based on bluetooth technology: The app relies on bluetooth technology to map and deconstruct the contact history of individuals who may have come in contact with potential carriers of the coronavirus.
    • Exchange of information between apps: If two individuals are at the same place at the same time, their apps can exchange information-up to a maximum distance of about 15 feet.
    • Exchange of the above information is without the server knowing anything about it.
    • The app notifies users and authorities of individuals who are at risk.
    • Privacy safeguards: Some privacy safeguards have been put in place to ensure that individuals do not share personally identifiable information with each other but only with authorities — that too, in select cases.
    • A confidence-building measure would be to release the code for public scrutiny with the aim of further bolstering privacy standards.

    What are the possible challenges in the success of Aarogya Setu?

    • The distribution of the detection framework necessitates a rethink, beyond an app.
    • Issues with app download in India: Nandan Nilekani has underlined that app downloads in India are perhaps the most expensive compared to any other developed or fast-developing nation.
    • Despite the falling cost of data, Indian users consider several factors before downloading an app such as required storage space, the potential impact on battery and data usage.
    • Given India’s open internet, several publishers from across industries and geographies are vying for smartphone real estate.
    • Challenge involved: In such a situation, drawing attention to particular use-cases i.e. Aarogya Setu-howsoever urgent-is challenging.

    Following are the suggestions to overcome the shortcoming of the Aarogya Setu. Though they are for Aarogya Setu, we can apply these in other situations in which mobile technology bases app is used by the government in the larger public interest such as rescue operation or warnings in case of disaster.

    So, what could be the alternate strategy?

    • The alternative strategy involves using the reach of the other famous apps (for ex. Paytm) to do what we want to do i.e. tracing by delinking.
    • Delinking involves separating the technology we want to use for tracing (the backend) from the channels (the front end).
    • A fine-tuned backend can be pushed to, and used by, publishers (other apps) who already have the reach.
    • Similarity with UPI: This is akin to the UPI being used by several banks and technology firms for payment.
    • The government did build its frontend in the form of the BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) app but mostly for signalling purposes.
    • In the current context, the government can consider using its own app for tracing and for additional use-cases such as passes and approvals for movement when the lockdown is gradually eased out.
    • It could even host other health-related features.
    • Expanding its ambit and making it a conduit like JAM will likely increase the incentive for people to embrace it.

    Limitations of using GPS and Bluetooth for tracing in India

    • Another area where improvisations are called for is the tooling for tracking.
    • While reports have indicated that the developers are using bluetooth for tracing and are also capturing GPS coordinates, both users and device manufacturers limit their usage of these technologies in favour of other optimisations.
    • Users are concerned with both data and battery usage while device manufacturers kill background jobs even if the publishers have sought and secured permissions from users.
    • These tendencies are pronounced on Android, the dominant mobile operating system in India.
    • What are the other options? In such a scenario, developers ought to think about using other techniques.
    • For instance, using cell tower data and WiFi identifiers to bolster tracing efforts.
    • This is especially important in a context where only a third of our population has smartphones and even fewer people have devices with bluetooth capability.
    • Even the recently announced Google-Apple partnership may not have meaningful results in this setting.

    Conclusion

    With the potential ramifications of COVID-19’s spread in India and across the globe, the nation’s recent history of technological successes and a government committed to agile governance, the pandemic presents an opportunity for the country to show its people and the world how technology is a force of good.

  • [pib] CollabCAD tool to create 3D Computer Aided Designs

    Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog and National Informatics Centre (NIC) jointly launched CollabCAD.

    CollabCAD

    • It is a computer-enabled software system which provides a total engineering solution from 2D drafting & detailing to 3D product design.
    • It helps the user to build models in virtual 3d space and create and engineering drawings for the shop floor which makes it a complete package for smart manufacturing.
    • The aim of this initiative is to provide a great platform to students of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the country to create and modify 3d designs with free flow of creativity and imagination.
    • This software would also enable students to create data across the network and concurrently access the same design data for storage and visualization.

    Back2Basics: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

    • The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a flagship initiative set up by the NITI Aayog to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the length and breadth of the country.
    • AlM’s objectives are to create and promote an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country at school, university, research institutions, MSME and industry levels.
    • At the school level, AIM establishes Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) in all districts across India. ATLs provide tinkering spaces to children to hone their innovative ideas and creativity.
    • At the university, NGO, SME and Corporate industry levels, AIM is setting up world-class Atal Incubators (AICs) that would trigger and enable successful growth of sustainable startups in every sector.

  • Who are the Nihangs?

    The Patiala incident in which a group of Nihangs attacked a Punjab police officer has put the spotlight on the Nihangs.

    This newscard focuses on Nihang cult of Sikhism. Though in news for a different purpose, it is significant for prelims.

    Who is a Nihang?

    • Nihang is an order of Sikh warriors, characterized by blue robes, antiquated arms such as swords and spears, and decorated turbans surmounted by steel quoits.
    • Etymologically the word Nihang stems more from the Sanskrit word nihshank which means without fear, unblemished, pure, carefree and indifferent to worldly gains and comfort.
    • The word Nihang also occurs in a hymn in the Guru Granth Sahib, where it alludes to a fearless and unrestrained person.

    When was the order formed?

    • Formation of Nihang order can be traced back to the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

    How were Nihangs different from other Sikhs, and other Sikh warriors?

    • As per an account by the East India Company’s Colonel James Skinner (1778-1841), Khalsa Sikhs were divided into two groups.
    • Those who put on blue attire which Guru Gobind Singh used to wear at the time of battle and those who do not follow any restrictions on the colour of their dress.
    • Both of them follow the profession of soldiery and are brave without peer in the art of musketry and chakarbazi, and the use of quoits.
    • Nihangs observe the Khalsa code of conduct in its strictest sense.
    • They do not profess any allegiance to an earthly master. Instead of saffron they hoist a blue Nishan Sahib (flag) atop their shrines.

    What is their role in history?

    • Nihangs had a major role in defending the Sikh panth after the fall of the first Sikh rule (1710-15) when Mughal governors were killing Sikhs, and during the onslaught of Afghan invader Ahmed Shah Durrani (1748-65).
    • Nihangs also took control of the religious affairs of the Sikhs at Akal Takht in Amritsar.
    • They did not consider themselves subordinate to any Sikh chief and thus maintained their independent existence.
    • At Akal Takht, they held the grand council (Sarbat Khalsa) of Sikhs and pronounced the resolution (Gurmata) passed.
    • During Operation Bluestar in June 1984, some Nihangs, namely Ajit Singh Poohla, collaborated with the Punjab police to eliminate militants.

  • Meru Jatra Festival

    Odisha’s Ganjam district administration has banned the Meru Jatra festival and congregations related to it at temples on the occasion of Mahavishub Sankranti.

    Festive fairs in India are known for their age-old traditions and some historic background.  Meru Jatra is one of such fairs. We can expect a match the pairs question on such fairs.

    Meru Jatra

    • In Southern Odisha, the Meru Yatra festival is celebrated as the end of the month-long Danda nata dance festival.
    • Thousands of devotees gather at the Shakti Pitha shrine in the Taratarini Temple because it is one of the auspicious days during the Chaitra Yatra.
    • People from all over the state eat festive chhatua and drink Bel Pana to mark the occasion.

    What is Danda nata?

    • Danda as the name implies, is self-inflicted pain, which the danduas (people who participate in the festival) undergo to pay their obeisance to the lord Kali.
    • It is also a form of worshipping the lord Shiva and his consort Parvati.
    • The origin of the festival is generally traced to 8th and 9th AD after the decadence of Buddhism in Orissa.

  • Covid-19: Software vendors focus on big data, AI despite fall in IT spending

    The article discusses how COVID-19 has prompted the software companies to focus on technologies that are still in demand. The IT companies have started to focus on ways to leverage the potential of AI and the Big data to deal with the pandemic.

    Impact on IT companies and how they are planning to cope with it?

    • Fall in spending: Spending on information technology (IT) globally is expected to shrink by 3-4% by the end of 2020.
    • Impact: That would have a severe impact on hardware and slowdown in the software and service businesses.
    • How companies are planning to deal with the situation? Software vendors such as IBM, SAP Software Solutions and Microsoft Corporation plan to make use of emerging technologies to become more relevant to their customers.
    • IBM has created an AI platform ‘Watson Assistant for Citizens’ on its public cloud.
    • The platform helps citizens understand and respond to common questions about covid-19, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.
    • While the ongoing pandemic is having a dreadful impact on companies at scale, matured ones are taking a pause and rethinking their analytics approach.
    • Using data analysis to prepare contingency plan: Data science teams are being called into action to crunch petabytes of data and build best business models on trusted data for decision-makers to quickly prepare contingency plans.
    • This is where we are seeing enterprises using AI, machine learning, and natural language processing to mine the data and build predictive or prescriptive models in IBM Cloud Pack for Data.

    UPSC could ask question connecting the use of IT and its potential to deal with the pandemics. And it could also be other way round you can cite the example of use of IT in the health sector.

    Adoption of the AI by various sectors

    • The government and public service agencies as well as healthcare and research companies urgently need AI solutions and analytics as they are in a race to find a treatment for the deadly disease.
    • Other industries with high end-user touch-points like banks, insurance, retail, etc. are also in urgent need to use AI/ML-driven analytics and cognitive technologies to automate their communications, streamline predictions, decision making, etc.

    AI and Big data could be a game-changer across the various sectors, health being one of them. As among the buzzwords in technologie today UPSC could ask about AI and Big data.

    Covid-19 as an opportunity for the IT industry

    • The covid-19 crisis is an opportunity for IT vendors to build and improve on their capabilities on AI and big data.
    • Leveraging AI: They are also keeping an eye on emerging uses cases in AI for disease detection, tracking, and prevention.
    • Relatively smaller companies are also launching dedicated AI-based apps to assist people amid the covid-19 crisis.
    • Eka Software Solutions recently released ‘COVID-19 Risk Monitoring’, it help customers quickly gain visibility in supply chain risks by showing a company’s contract position across countries with reported cases of the virus.
    • Based on company data, the app instantly visualises contracts at risk and provides businesses with the ability to identify alternate suppliers to maintain business continuity.

    Conclusion

    As the epidemic is far from being tamed, various sectors are likely to feel the existential crisis and IT could be one of them. But they can also turn this crisis into an opportunity by leveraging the AI and Big data in tackling the epidemic at various levels.

  • What are Primordial Black Holes (PBH)?

    A scientist duo from Pune has studied primordial black holes that were born as a result of a tiny bump in the potential energy levels of the universe, at a time when it was expanding rapidly.

    Strange space events are known to be the favourites of UPSC 🙂

    Primordial Black Holes (PBH)

    • PBH are a hypothetical type of black hole that formed soon after the Big Bang
    • It is believed that they are formed as a result of collapsing radiations as opposed to the collapse of massive stars, which is the case of any other black holes.
    • PBH can be massively large as 3000kms or be extremely tiny like nucleus of an atom.

    What did the study conclude?

    • The study has confirmed that this marginal rise in potential energy resulted in birth of several PBHs and also emitted very powerful gravitational waves.
    • Approximately 14 billion years ago before the commencement of the Hot Big Bang phase, the very young universe was found to be active and expanding at a highly accelerated rate.
    • This exponential growth in its size was fuelled by the presence of uniform energy field and density as the universe passed through the Cosmic Inflation phase.
    • According to the scientists, as time passes, this uniform energy prevailing in the Inflation Field wanes out.
    • As a result, the universe resumes its normal decelerating rate.

    Expansion of universe

    • Gravity is normally attractive in nature. The PBH did undergo rapid expansion due to the Inflation field which contrarily possessed repulsive gravity.
    • This pushed the universe to expand at a much faster rate than normal.
    • The universe had expanded to nearly 10^27 times its original size, that too, within just fraction of a second by the time Cosmic Inflation phase concluded.
    • Thereafter, the remnant energy possessed by this gravitational force got converted mainly into photons (light) in addition to protons, electrons, neutrons and other particles.
    • As the universe continued to grow exponentially during the Cosmic Inflation phase, it sent across tiny quantum jitters.
    • These fluctuations, released in a specific fashion, when sufficiently large, slowly give birth to galaxies and stars. Among those that were significantly large, helped form PBHs.