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Subject: Science and Technology

  • Using DNA Maps to Trace Pangolin Trafficking

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have developed advanced “DNA maps” to identify the origin and trafficking routes of illegally traded pangolins, helping expose international wildlife smuggling networks.

    Key Highlights

    • Study published in PLOS Biology on May 7, 2026.
    • Researchers mapped trafficking routes of:
      • White-bellied pangolin
      • Sunda pangolin
      • Chinese pangolin

    How the DNA Mapping Works

    • Scientists analysed 671 specific locations in the pangolin genome that differ across populations.
    • Used:
      • Museum specimens
      • Recent pangolin samples
    • Created a large geo-referenced genetic database to identify the origin of trafficked pangolins.

    Major Findings

    • Researchers found evidence of trafficking routes from: Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
    • feeding illegal trade networks through Yunnan in China.

    Significance

    • Helps identify poaching hotspots accurately.
    • Assists enforcement agencies in tracking wildlife crime networks.
    • Can improve international cooperation against illegal wildlife trade.

    About Pangolins

    • Pangolins are scaly mammals threatened by:
      • Habitat loss
      • Illegal trafficking
    • Hunted mainly for:
      • Scales
      • Meat

    Conservation Status

    • Protected under: Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
    • Listed under: Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
    [2022] Consider the following statements: DNA Barcoding can be a tool to: 
    1. Assess the age of a plant or animal. 
    2. Distinguish among species that look alike. 
    3. Identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    [A] 1 only [B] 3 only [C] 1and 2 [D] 2 and 3

  • Ebola Situation in Central Africa

    Why in the News?

    The Union Health Ministry stated that India has no reported Ebola cases and the current risk remains minimal, while closely monitoring the outbreak in Central Africa.

    Key Highlights

    • The outbreak involves Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
    • Affected regions include:
      • Democratic Republic of the Congo
      • Uganda

    Measures Taken by India

    • Enhanced surveillance at airports and ports
    • Monitoring of international travellers from affected regions
    • Isolation and quarantine preparedness
    • Coordination with relevant ministries and agencies

    Agencies Involved

    • National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
    • Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
    • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

    About Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

    • Severe viral haemorrhagic fever affecting humans and primates.
    • Spread through:
      • Direct contact with infected bodily fluids
      • Contaminated surfaces
      • Infected animals

    Symptoms

    • Fever
    • Weakness
    • Bleeding
    • Organ failure in severe cases

    What is PHEIC?

    • A Public Health Emergency of International Concern is declared by WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR) when an outbreak:
      • Poses international public health risk
      • Requires coordinated global response
    [2015] Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently? 
    (a) Syria and Jordan 
    (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia 
    (c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea 
    (d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam

  • PMOS (Earlier PCOS)

    Why in the News?

    A global medical consensus led by Monash University renamed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect its multisystem nature.

    What is PMOS?

    • PMOS is a hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive disorder affecting women of reproductive age.
    • It involves:
      • Excess androgen production
      • Irregular ovulation
      • Metabolic dysfunction
      • Psychological and skin-related symptoms

    Full Form of PMOS

    • Polyendocrine: Multiple hormonal systems affected
    • Metabolic: Linked with diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance
    • Ovarian: Reproductive involvement
    • Syndrome: Group of symptoms

    Why Was PCOS Renamed?

    • The term “PCOS” focused mainly on ovaries and “cysts”.
    • Experts noted that the condition also involves:
      • Hormonal imbalance
      • Metabolic disorders
      • Endocrine complications

    Major Features of PMOS

    • Metabolic Features
      • Obesity
      • Type 2 diabetes
      • Dyslipidemia
      • Hypertension
      • Fatty liver disease (MASLD)
    • Reproductive Features
      • Irregular periods
      • Infertility
      • Ovulation problems
      • Pregnancy complications
    • Psychological Features
      • Depression
      • Anxiety
      • Eating disorders
    • Dermatological Features
      • Acne
      • Facial hair growth
      • Hair thinning

    Importance for India

    • Estimated prevalence in India: 16% to 18%
    • Indians have higher risk of:
      • Diabetes
      • Heart disease
      • Insulin resistance
    [2024] Which one of the following is synthesised in human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow 
    [A] Nitric oxide 
    [B] Nitrous oxide 
    [C] Nitrogen dioxide 
    [D] Nitrogen pentoxide

  • Advanced Agni Missile with MIRV System

    Why in the News

    India successfully conducted the flight-trial of an advanced Agni missile equipped with a Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) system on May 8, 2026. The test was carried out from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island.

    What is a Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV)?

    • MIRV technology allows:
    • A single ballistic missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads
    • Each warhead to strike different targets independently

    How MIRV Works

    • Step 1: Missile Launch: A ballistic missile is launched carrying multiple warheads.
    • Step 2: Mid-course Phase: After reaching space or upper atmosphere:
      • The missile releases several re-entry vehicles
    • Step 3: Independent Targeting: Each warhead:
      • Follows a separate trajectory
      • Hits a different target
    [2026] Consider the following statements 
    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight. 
    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

  • Hypersonic Cruise Missile Scramjet Test 

    Why in the News

    Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the actively cooled scramjet combustor of a new hypersonic cruise missile at the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test facility in Hyderabad.

    Key Achievement

    • DRDO achieved: 1,200 second runtime of the scramjet combustor
    • Previous successful test: 700 plus seconds in January 2026

    About Hypersonic Cruise Missile

    • Missile capable of travelling at:
      • More than Mach 5
      • Over five times the speed of sound
    • Approximate speed:
      • Above 6,100 km per hour

    What is a Scramjet Engine? 

    • Full Form: Supersonic Combustion Ramjet
    • Air breathing engine using:
      • Supersonic airflow during combustion
    • Operates efficiently at hypersonic speeds (Speed:5 Mach) 
    • Uses atmospheric oxygen instead of carrying oxidiser
    • Suitable for:
      • Hypersonic missiles
      • Advanced aerospace systems

    Countries Developing Hypersonic Technology

    • India
    • United States
    • Russia
    • China
    [UPSC 2009] In the context of Indian defence, consider the following statements: 
    1. The Shourya missile flies with a speed of more than 8 Mach. 
    2. The range of Shourya missile is more than 1600 km. 
    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

  • Geocell 

    Why in the News

    CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) were recognised by the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records for constructing the first roadblock section using technical textile geocell made from end of life plastic.

    About Geocell

    • A three dimensional cellular confinement system used in geotechnical engineering
    • Designed to improve:
      • Soil stability
      • Load bearing capacity
      • Structural reinforcement

    Structure of Geocell

    • Consists of interconnected honeycomb shaped cells
    • Made from geosynthetic materials such as:
      • High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
      • Polyester

    Working Mechanism

    • Cells are expanded on site to form a mattress like layer
    • Filled with materials such as: Soil, Sand, Aggregate, and Clay
    • After compaction:
      • The geocell integrates with underlying soil
      • Creates a reinforced and stable structure
    [2020] In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint? 
    1. Copper slag 
    2. Cold mix asphalt technology 
    3. Geotextiles Hot mix asphalt technology 
    4. Portland cement 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    a) 1, 2 and 3 only 
    b) 2, 3 and 4 only 
    c) 4 and 5 only 
    d) 1 and 5 only

  • Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) 

    Why in the News

    Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the maiden flight trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon system off the coast of Odisha on May 7, 2026.

    About TARA (Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation)

    • It is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system
    • Purpose: Converts unguided warheads into precision guided weapons

    Developed By

    • Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad
    • Along with other DRDO laboratories

    Key Features

    • Glide Weapon System: Uses aerodynamic lift to glide towards targets after launch
    • Enhances:
      • Accuracy
      • Lethality
      • Operational range
    • Low Cost Technology: Utilises state of the art low cost systems
    [2023] Consider the following statements 
    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight. 
    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

  • Cyborg Materials and Learning Metamaterials 

    Why in the News

    Researchers in Europe have developed a synthetic metamaterial capable of physically learning and changing shape in response to external conditions. The findings were published in the journal Nature Physics.

    About Metamaterials

    • Special engineered materials whose properties depend on:
      • Internal structure
      • Physical arrangement
      • Not just chemical composition
    • Can exhibit unusual properties not found in natural materials

    Key Features of the New Material

    • Built as a chain of connected robotic units
    • Each unit contains:
      • Motor
      • Angle sensor
      • Microcontroller
    • Capable of:
      • Learning shapes
      • Forgetting previous configurations
      • Adapting to new external conditions
    [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

  • Hantavirus and Andes Virus 

    Why in the News

    Health authorities in South Africa detected the Andes strain of hantavirus in passengers linked to a cruise ship outbreak off Cape Verde. The Andes virus is notable because it can spread from human to human in rare cases.

    About Hantavirus

    • A group of viruses mainly spread by:
      • Rodents
    • Humans may become infected through:
      • Contact with rodent urine, saliva, or droppings
      • Contaminated air particles

    Andes Virus

    • A specific strain of hantavirus
    • Found mainly in:
      • Argentina
      • Chile

    Symptoms of Hantavirus Infection

    • Fever
    • Muscle pain
    • Fatigue
    • Respiratory distress in severe cases
    [2015] Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently? 
    (a) Syria and Jordan 
    (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
    (c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea 
    (d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam

  • Mexico City Subsidence and NISAR Satellite 

    Why in the News

    New imagery from the NISAR satellite has shown that Mexico City is sinking at an alarming rate of nearly 25 cm per year, mainly due to excessive groundwater extraction.

    What is Land Subsidence

    • Gradual sinking or settling of the Earth’s surface
    • Commonly caused by:
      • Excessive groundwater withdrawal
      • Mining
      • Natural geological processes

    Why is Mexico City Sinking

    • Built on an ancient lake bed
    • Heavy extraction of groundwater from aquifers
    • Rapid urbanisation and infrastructure load
    • Shrinking aquifers causing ground compaction

    About NISAR Satellite

    • NASA and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) joint mission
    • Full Form: NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar

    Features of NISAR

    • Uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
    • Can detect surface changes in real time
    • Works in:
      • Day and night
      • All weather conditions
    [2019] For the measurement/ estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 
    1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 
    2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 
    3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 
    [A] 1 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3