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Subject: Science and Technology

  • Universe, Solar System Discoveries

  • Coconut Root Wilt Disease

    Why in the News?

    Coconut Root Wilt Disease is witnessing rapid spread across major coconut growing regions of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, affecting lakhs of coconut palms and causing severe yield losses.

    About

    • Chronic, non fatal disease of coconut
    • Caused by a phytoplasma which is a phloem limited pathogen
    • Leads to long term decline in palm health and productivity
    • Infected palms remain alive and act as persistent inoculum sources

    Origin and spread

    • First reported over 150 years ago from Erattupetta, Kerala
    • Continues as an endemic disease in southern India
    • Vector borne transmission is the primary mode of spread
    • Spread accelerates due to continuous coconut belts
    • Wind assisted vector movement enhances transmission
    • Abiotic stress such as temperature extremes and biotic stress like new sucking pests increase susceptibility

    Vector

    • Spread by sap sucking insect vectors
    • Important vectors include Stephanitis typica and Proutista moesta

    UPSC Prelims Pointers

    • Disease is non fatal but debilitating
    • Caused by phytoplasma
    • Spread through insect vectors
    • Endemic to southern India
    • Management focuses on tolerance, soil health and stress reduction
    [2018] Consider the following: 

    1. Birds 

    2. Dust blowing 

    3. Rain 

    4. Wind blowing

    Which of the above spread plant diseases? 

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

  • 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

  • Indelible Ink 

    Why in the News?

    During municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra, Opposition parties alleged that the indelible ink mark on voters’ fingers was easily removable, raising concerns over possible electoral malpractice. The issue gained traction after videos showed ink marks fading when marker pens were used.

    What is Indelible Ink

    • Applied on a voter’s finger after casting the vote
    • Ensures one person votes only once
    • Designed to remain visible for several days
    • Removal is possible only as the outer skin layer sheds

    When did India start using it

    • Introduced in 1962
    • Used for the first time in India’s third General Election
    • Decision taken by Election Commission of India
    • Has been in continuous use since then

    Who Manufactures the Ink

    • Manufactured exclusively by Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited
    • Karnataka government undertaking
    • Supplies ink under contract with
      • Election Commission of India
      • Union Ministry of Law and Justice

    Note: Exported to countries like Afghanistan, Cambodia, Kenya, Mongolia, Nepal and Nigeria.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Indelible ink introduced in 1962
    • Key chemical silver nitrate
    • Developed by National Physical Laboratory
    • Manufactured by Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited
    • Ink visibility on nail can last up to four weeks
    • Marker pens allowed in local body elections since 2011
    [2017] Consider the following statements: 

    1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body

    2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections

    3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

  • Bio Safety Level 4 Containment Facility in Gandhinagar

    Why in the News?

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of a Bio Safety Level 4 Containment Facility in Gandhinagar, describing it as a national health shield and a major step towards advanced health security and biotechnology.

    What is a BSL-4 Facility?

    • Bio Safety Level 4 is the highest level of biological containment
    • Designed to handle extremely dangerous and lethal pathogens
    • Pathogens are often
      • Highly infectious
      • Transmitted via air or contact
      • Without proven vaccines or treatments
    • Work conducted under strict international biosafety protocols
    • Scientists wear positive pressure suits and work in sealed environments

    Pathogens to be Studied at Gandhinagar Facility

    • Ebola virus, Marburg virus, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus, Kyasanur Forest Disease virus, and Nipah virus

    BSL Facilities in India

    • Only civilian BSL 4 lab currently operational at National Institute of Virology
    • Defence BSL 4 lab established by DRDO in Gwalior in 2024
    • High security animal disease labs
      • National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases with ABSL 3 plus
      • International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease with ABSL 3Ag

    Prelims Pointers

    • BSL 4 is the highest biosafety level
    • Handles lethal and exotic pathogens
    • Gandhinagar lab is
      • Second civilian BSL 4 in India
      • First fully state funded BSL 4 facility
    • Supports One Health approach linking human and animal health
    • Enhances India’s pandemic readiness and biotech capacity
    [2021] Consider the following: 

    1. Bacteria 

    2. Fungi 

    3. Virus

    Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium? 

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

  • What is futuristic marine and space biotechnology

    Why in the News?

    India is exploring marine and space biotechnology to reduce dependence on imported bio-resources and better use extreme ecosystems. Despite having over 11,000 km of coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone of more than 2 million sq km, domestic output remains limited, with seaweed production at around 70,000 tonnes annually. India still imports agar, carrageenan, and alginates, even though these can be produced locally. Initiatives such as the Deep Ocean Mission signal a shift from conventional coastal extraction to technology-driven biomanufacturing by linking marine biology with space research.

    What is Marine Biotechnology and Why is it Strategic?

    1. Definition: Studies marine microorganisms, algae, and animals to extract enzymes, bioactive compounds, biomaterials, and biostimulants.
    2. Industrial relevance: Supports production of food ingredients, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, and biofuels.
    3. Adaptive advantage: Marine organisms evolve under high pressure, low light, salinity, and low oxygen, producing novel biochemical pathways.
    4. Strategic gap: India imports seaweed-based inputs despite possessing rich marine biodiversity.

    What is Space Biotechnology and How is it Distinct?

    1. Definition: Examines biological processes under microgravity and radiation conditions.
    2. Research focus: Studies microbial behaviour, plant growth, human metabolism, and cellular regeneration in space.
    3. Industrial application: Enables advances in drug discovery, human health management, life-support systems, and bio-manufacturing in extreme environments.
    4. Institutional role: ISRO conducts microgravity experiments on microbes, algae, and biological systems.

    Why Does India Need Futuristic Marine and Space Biotechnology?

    1. Resource underutilisation: Vast EEZ remains biologically rich but economically underexploited.
    2. Import dependence: Relies on foreign suppliers for marine bio-compounds used in food and pharma.
    3. Biomanufacturing ambition: Supports transition from raw biomass extraction to value-added bio-industries.
    4. Sustainability imperative: Reduces pressure on terrestrial resources and supports circular bioeconomy.

    Where Does India Stand Today?

    1. Marine biomass production: Seaweed cultivation remains limited at ~70,000 tonnes annually.
    2. Policy push: Deep Ocean Mission supports exploration and sustainable use of deep-sea bioresources.
    3. Institutional ecosystem: ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute and state initiatives (e.g., Gujarat) promote seaweed cultivation and marine bio-products.
    4. Space research: ISRO integrates biotechnology experiments into space missions.

    How Does Convergence of Marine and Space Biotechnology Create Value?

    1. Extreme biology: Enables understanding of life under pressure, radiation, and nutrient stress.
    2. Innovation pathway: Facilitates discovery of new enzymes, stress-resistant microbes, and regenerative mechanisms.
    3. Industrial scalability: Supports next-generation bioreactors, biofuels, and medical applications.
    4. Strategic positioning: Aligns India with global bioeconomy and frontier science trends.

    Conclusion

    Futuristic marine and space biotechnology offers India a technology-led pathway to convert ecological abundance into economic and strategic advantage. By integrating deep-sea exploration with space-based biological research, India can reduce import dependence, strengthen biomanufacturing capacity, and emerge as a global hub for bio-based industries, while ensuring sustainability and scientific leadership.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2018] Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma?

    Linkage: India is expanding biotechnology into marine and space environments to access new biological resources. This supports biopharma growth, import substitution, and high-value biomanufacturing under GS-III.

  • Havana Syndrome Back 

    Why in the News?

    A renewed debate has emerged in the United States over Havana Syndrome after reports that the United States Department of Defense has been testing a covertly acquired device capable of emitting pulsed radio frequency energy, according to a report by CNN.  

    What is Havana Syndrome

    • Also officially termed Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs)
    • First reported in 2016 by US diplomats stationed in Havana, Cuba
    • Symptoms include:
      • Severe headaches
      • Dizziness and vertigo
      • Cognitive difficulties and memory issues
      • Sensations similar to head trauma without visible injury
    • Since then, cases have been reported across Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa
    • Affected personnel include:
      • Diplomats
      • Intelligence officers
      • Military personnel

    Why It Is Difficult to Diagnose

    • No single, universally accepted medical definition
    • Delayed clinical examinations in many cases
    • Symptoms overlap with stress related and neurological disorders
    • Lack of direct physical evidence in most incidents

    Cause: 

    Havana Syndrome, officially termed Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs), does not have one conclusively proven cause.

    • Pulsed electromagnetic / microwave energy: Most plausible explanation. Can cause neurological symptoms without visible injury.
    • Possible directed-energy device exposure: Suspected use of portable energy-emitting devices for covert harassment or surveillance.
    • Psychological and stress-related factors: High-stress diplomatic environments may have contributed in some cases.
    • Acoustic (sound-based) causes: Initially suspected but largely ruled out due to weak scientific support.
    • Environmental or chemical exposure: Considered but no common toxin identified across locations.
    [2010] Consider the following: 

    1. Bluetooth device 

    2. Cordless phone 

    3. Microwave oven 

    4. Wi-Fi device 

    Which of the above can operate between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz range of radio frequency band? 

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

  • 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

  • PSLV-C62 Mission Failure

    Why in the News

    The Indian Space Research Organisation’s first launch of 2026, the PSLV-C62 mission, failed to place 16 satellites into the intended orbit on 12 January 2026. This marks the second consecutive failure of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), ISRO’s most reliable launch vehicle for over three decades.

    About PSLV-C62 Mission

    • Launch Vehicle: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
    • Payload: 16 satellites
      • Includes 7 foreign satellites
    • Mission outcome: Failed to reach intended orbit
    • Failure stage: Third stage (after successful completion of first two stages)

    Why the Failure Matters

    • PSLV is known as ISRO’s workhorse, with a long record of success since the 1990s.
    • This is the second straight PSLV failure, the first occurring in May 2025.
    • Consecutive failures raise concerns about reliability in the third stage, a critical phase of orbital insertion.

    Possible Cause of Failure

    • Exact cause not yet identified.
    • Based on the May 2025 failure, issues may relate to:
      • Drop in combustion chamber pressure in the third stage motor
      • Reduced thrust leads to insufficient acceleration needed to stabilise orbit
    • The Failure Analysis Committee report of the previous mission has not been made public.

    Why the Third Stage is Critical

    • The third stage provides high acceleration required to:
      • Maintain orbital velocity
      • Prevent premature orbital decay
    • Any pressure or thrust instability at this stage directly impacts mission success.

    PSLV: Four-Stage Configuration (Prelims Focus)

    1. First Stage
      • Solid propellant
      • Provides lift-off and overcomes gravity and atmospheric drag
      • Carries rocket to ~50–60 km altitude
    2. Second Stage
      • Liquid propellant
      • Improves velocity and stabilisation
    3. Third Stage
      • Solid motor
      • Provides rapid acceleration for orbital insertion
      • Most failure-prone stage in recent missions
    4. Fourth Stage
      • Liquid engines
      • Fine-tunes orbit and deploys satellites

    Prelims Pointers

    • PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle.
    • Recent PSLV failures occurred during the third stage.
    • Combustion chamber pressure is critical for orbital velocity.
    • PSLV has been operational for over 30 years.
    • ISRO has not yet released the Failure Analysis Committee report for the 2025 failure.
    [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: 

    1. PSLVs launch the 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

  • 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