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Subject: Science and Technology

  • [pib] Indian Scientists created high-performance Supercapacitor Material

    Why in the News?

    Scientists from Bengaluru, in collaboration with Aligarh Muslim University, have developed an advanced material that significantly improves supercapacitor performance.

    What are Supercapacitors?

    • Fast-Charging Energy Devices: Supercapacitors are special tools that store and release energy very quickly, much faster than regular batteries.
    • Used in Modern Technology: They are found in phones, electric vehicles, and solar systems where fast energy delivery is needed.
    • Trade-Off in Storage: While they charge faster, they generally hold less energy than traditional batteries.
    • Ongoing Scientific Efforts: Researchers are trying to increase energy capacity without sacrificing their quick-charging abilities.

    About Lanthanum-Doped Silver Niobate:

    • New Material from Indian Scientists: A research team from Bengaluru and Aligarh Muslim University created a better material for supercapacitors.
    • Silver Niobate as Base: They used silver niobate, which is non-toxic and eco-friendly, as the base material.
    • Improved by Lanthanum Doping: They added lanthanum, a rare metal, to help enhance electrical performance — a method called doping.
    • Smaller Particles, Bigger Surface: The particles became smaller, increasing the surface area for energy storage.

    What makes this material special?

    • Better with Use: The material retained 118% of its capacity after repeated use, showing it improved over time.
    • 100% Energy Efficiency: It wasted no energy during charge or discharge, making it highly efficient.
    • Quick and Smooth Performance: It delivered energy faster and more steadily than previous materials.
    • Proven in Real-World Test: A test device using this material could power an LCD screen, proving practical use.
    • Eco-Friendly Choice: It is lead-free and safe for the environment.
    • Future Potential: Scientists hope to apply this method to other materials and scale up for commercial use in electronics, EVs, and solar tech.
    [UPSC 2022] With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1. Monazite is a source of rare

    earths. 2. Monazite contains thorium. 3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India. 4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite.

    Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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

     

  • [pib] Breakthrough in Altermagnets Study

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) have discovered a novel transport behaviour in chromium antimonide (CrSb), a member of the emerging class of magnetic materials called altermagnets.

    What are Altermagnets?

    • Definition: Altermagnets are a new class of magnetic materials that combine properties of ferromagnets (which show external magnetism) and antiferromagnets (which don’t).
    • Unique Feature: They don’t attract metals like fridge magnets but still have active internal magnetic behavior, useful in advanced technology.
    • Use in Spintronics: These materials are ideal for spintronics, a technology that uses electron spin (not just charge) to make faster and energy-efficient devices.
    • No Magnetic Interference: Altermagnets do not create external magnetic fields, so they are stable and safe for nearby electronics.
    • Energy Efficient: Their structure helps reduce heat and energy loss, which is perfect for modern low-power gadgets.
    • Scientific Rarity: Very few altermagnets are known, making each discovery important for materials science.
    • Potential Applications: They could help build smaller memory chips, faster processors, and even support quantum computing.
    • Internal Action: Think of them as “quiet magnets” — they work inside devices without magnetic noise.

    Recent Discovery- Chromium Antimonide (CrSb):

    • Indian Breakthrough: Indian scientists found CrSb, a new altermagnet, showing rare direction-dependent conduction.
    • Directional Behavior: CrSb acts as an n-type material when current flows along its layers, and as a p-type when current flows across them.
    • First of its Kind: This is the first time an altermagnet has shown such dual conduction behavior in different directions.
    • Device Simplification: Since CrSb can behave as both p-type and n-type, it can reduce circuit size and eliminate the need for doping.
    • Eco-friendly Material: CrSb is made from non-toxic, common elements, making it ideal for sustainable electronics.
    • Potential Applications:
      • Future Potential: CrSb could be used in solar cells, batteries, and processors to make them greener and more efficient.
      • Environment-Friendly Tech: CrSb enables low-cost and eco-friendly electronics without sacrificing performance.
    [UPSC 2021] Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of motor vehicles 2. Engines of motor vehicles 3. Microwave stoves within homes 4. Power plants 5. Telephone lines Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

  • Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange (EPABX) in Modern Communication

    Why in the News?

    In most modern office environments, internal and external communication is managed through a technology known as EPABX — Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange.

    About EPABX:

    • What is it: It is a system used by offices to manage internal and external phone calls efficiently.
    • Internal and External Communication: It enables intercom communication within the organisation and provides access to external telephone lines through a unified network.
    • Call Handling Features: EPABX can route, transfer, forward, or hold calls, reducing the need for multiple phone lines and improving overall communication.
    • Modern Features: Advanced EPABX systems offer voicemail, call recording, automated attendants, and digital tool integration for business productivity.

    How EPABX Works?

    • Starting a Call: When the phone is picked up, an off-hook signal goes to the EPABX, which responds with a dial tone.
    • Making Internal Calls: Users dial an extension number (like 104), and the EPABX connects them through its internal switching system.
    • Making External Calls: To reach outside numbers, users dial an access code (usually 0) followed by the number; EPABX connects via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
    • Handling Incoming Calls: Calls from outside are routed to the right extension using either a receptionist or an automated system (IVR) in newer setups.
    • Switching Logic: The EPABX system works like a railway yard, directing signals along the correct path between the caller and the recipient.

    Advancements in EPABX Technology:

    • Early Systems: Older EPABX systems used electromechanical switches like crossbars for call routing.
    • Digital Transition: Since the 1980s, systems adopted Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) and Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) to digitise and share voice signals over fewer lines.
    • VoIP Technology: Modern EPABX uses Voice over IP (VoIP) to transmit calls over the internet, similar to email routing using IP addresses.
    [UPSC 2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference / differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?

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

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

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

  • India’s first Genomic Atlas reveals deep Ancestry and Health Risks

    Why in the News?

    A landmark study published in the ‘Cell’ journal has sequenced the genomes of 2,762 Indians from 23 states and union territories, creating the most comprehensive genomic map of India to date.

    About the Genomic Atlas:

    • Overview: The Genomic Atlas is the most comprehensive genetic mapping of Indian populations, covering caste, tribe, language, geography, and urban-rural distinctions.
    • Collaboration: It was conducted by Indian and international institutions, aiming to understand how ancient migrations and social structures shaped Indian genomes.
    • Use of Molecular Clocks: Researchers used genetic mutations as molecular clocks to trace human ancestry and map the evolutionary history of diverse groups in India.
    • Focus on Disease and Ancestry: The study explores recessive disorders, disease-linked mutations, and interbreeding with archaic humans like Neanderthals and Denisovans.
    • Scope: Plans include expanding coverage to more isolated communities and building tools to track disease origins within genetically distinct Indian groups.
    • Impact on Precision Medicine: It aims to improve personalised healthcare by incorporating Indian genetic diversity into global medical research.

    Key Highlights of the Study:

    • Discovery of New Gene Variants: Over 2.6 crore previously undocumented genetic variants were discovered, many of which are absent from international gene databases.
    • Single-origin migration: Indians descend primarily from a single out-of-Africa migration ~50,000 years ago, not earlier human groups.
    • Three major ancestral components:
      • Ancient Ancestral South Indians (AASI) – early hunter-gatherers.
      • Iranian-related Neolithic farmers – from Sarazm (~4th millennium BCE).
      • Eurasian Steppe pastoralists – arrived around 2000 BCE, tied to Indo-European languages.
    • Additional East Asian ancestry: Found in East, Northeast, and some Central Indian populations (e.g., 5% in West Bengal), likely post-Gupta or rice cultivation-related (~520 CE).
    • Caste endogamy impacts: Long-term inbreeding within castes has led to high homozygosity, raising the risk of recessive genetic diseases.
    • Archaic DNA: Indian genomes show rich Neanderthal and Denisovan segments, especially in immune-related genes like MHC, TRIM, and BTNL2.
    • Unique health risks: A BCHE variant linked to anaesthetic reaction is enriched in Telangana; 7% of discovered protein-altering variants relate to serious genetic disorders.
    • Every individual had at least one genetic relative in the sample—revealing extreme interrelatedness and strong founder effects, particularly in South India.
    • Unmatched Neanderthal diversity: India harbours the widest variety of Neanderthal-derived genetic fragments among global populations.
    [UPSC 2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:

    1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg.

    2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from the mother and not from the father.

    Options: 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

     

  • Botrytis Fungus and Wine-Making

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have found that Botrytis cinerea, the fungus used in high-end sweet wines, cannot be cloned because none of its nuclei carry a full set of chromosomes, a rare genetic trait among fungi.

    About Botrytis Fungus:

    • Overview: Botrytis cinerea, also called noble rot, is a fungus that infects ripe grapes and causes them to shrivel while concentrating sugar and flavour.
    • Fungal Classification: It belongs to the ascomycetes group and produces spores in sac-like structures known as asci, each containing eight ascospores.
    • Role in Winemaking: Under controlled vineyard conditions, Botrytis infection is desirable, as it enhances the sweetness and aroma of wine.
    • How is Wine Made Using It?
      • Effect on Grapes: The fungus dehydrates the grapes, which increases the sugar content and concentrates flavours naturally.
      • Harvesting Method: Grapes affected by Botrytis are hand-harvested, making the process labour-intensive and expensive.
      • Wine Varieties Produced: It is used to produce premium dessert wines such as Sauternes (France), Tokaji Aszú (Hungary), and Trockenbeerenauslese (Germany), known for their complex flavours and high value.

    Significance of Recent Findings:

    • Cloning Discovery: A recent study in Science found that Botrytis cannot be cloned, as no single nucleus contains a full set of chromosomes.
    • Unique Genome Structure: The chromosomes are distributed across multiple nuclei, which is unprecedented in any known fungus, animal, or plant.
    • Scientific Impact: This challenges conventional genetics and may lead to new insights in genome organisation and fungal evolution.
    • Dual Importance: Botrytis is now seen not only as a key player in winemaking but also as a genetic curiosity in modern science.
    [UPSC 2009] In the context of alternative sources of energy, ethanol as a viable bio-fuel can be obtained from:

    (a) Potato (b) Rice (c) Sugarcane* (d) Wheat

     

  • National Statistics Day

    Why in the News?

    June 29 is observed annually as National Statistics Day in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, hailed as the Father of Indian Statistics.

    About National Statistics Day:

    • Purpose: National Statistics Day is observed on June 29 each year to commemorate the birth anniversary of P.C. Mahalanobis and highlight the value of statistics in national development.
    • First Observance: It was first celebrated in 2007, following a government resolution to raise awareness about the role of statistics in socio-economic planning.
    • Objectives: It aims to emphasise the use of statistical tools in governance, policy-making, and development planning.
    • Organizers: Events are led by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).
    • Annual Themes: Each year features a dedicated theme focusing on a statistical challenge or development goal.
    • Events and Outreach: Celebrations include seminars, exhibitions, competitions, and lectures across institutions.
    • Commemorative Status: Though not a public holiday, it is a nationally recognized observance.

    Who was P.C. Mahalanobis?

    • Background: He was born on June 29, 1893, in Kolkata, into a Brahmo Samaj family.
    • Education: He studied at Presidency College and later at King’s College, Cambridge.
    • Legacy Title: He is hailed as the Father of Modern Statistics in India and was known as “The Professor”.
    • Institution Builder: He founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) and helped set up India’s Planning Commission.
    • His Major Contributions:
      • National Sample Survey (NSS): Launched in 1950, it enabled the systematic collection of household data for policymaking.
      • Mahalanobis Distance: Introduced in 1936, it remains a widely used statistical tool for identifying outliers in data.
      • Applied Statistics: He applied statistical methods to flood control in Bengal and Odisha, offering cost-effective solutions.
      • Planning Vision: Mahalanobis played a key role in drafting the Second Five-Year Plan, focusing on industrialisation and state-led growth.
      • Academic Promotion: He started the journal Sankhya, modeled on Biometrika, to foster statistical research in India.
      • Infrastructure Vision: His early proposal led to the Hirakud Dam project, completed in 1957.
      • Balanced Approach: Though viewed as pro-Soviet during the Cold War, he was admired for his intellectual integrity.
    [UPSC 2016] A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of:

    (a) S. Ramanujan (b) S. Chandhrashekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V. Raman

     

  • [pib] Researchers validate Optical Properties of Teak Leaf Extracts

    Why in the News?

    In a breakthrough, scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have found that teak leaf extract (Tectona grandis) could offer a natural, sustainable solution for laser protection.

    About Optical Properties of Teak Leaf:

    • Natural Composition: Teak leaves (Tectona grandis) contain natural compounds that can interact with strong laser light.
    • Laser Blocking Ability: These compounds can block harmful laser rays while allowing normal light to pass, making them suitable for selective light filtering.
    • Nonlinear Optics: This unique behaviour is called a nonlinear optical property, where a material responds differently to high-intensity light.
    • Linear vs Nonlinear: In linear optics, the material’s response is directly proportional to the light’s intensity. In nonlinear optics, the response becomes non-proportional, especially under laser exposure.

    Back2Basics: Teak as Timber in India

    • Teak (Tectona grandis) is a large deciduous hardwood tree native to India and Southeast Asia, mainly found in tropical dry and moist deciduous forests.
    • It is highly valued for its durable, strong, and water- and pest-resistant wood, making it the “King of Timbers”.
    • India manages 35% of the world’s planted teak forests, with major natural habitats in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
    • Teak is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List but is not under CITES; private plantations are crucial for meeting demand due to restrictions on commercial felling in government forests.
    • Green felling is prohibited in government forests under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and National Forest Policy, 1988, with timber supply to be met mainly from dead/diseased trees or private plantations.

    Recent Breakthrough:

    • New Discovery: Scientists discovered that teak leaf extract can function as a natural laser shield.
    • Protection Potential: The extract can block high-intensity laser beams, offering protection to human eyes and sensitive optical devices.
    • First of Its Kind: This marks the first known instance of a natural material exhibiting such laser-blocking properties.

    Significance for Humans:

    • Practical Applications: It can be used in laser safety goggles, optical sensors, and other light-sensitive technologies.
    • Safe Alternative: It offers a non-toxic, eco-friendly substitute to chemical-based laser protection materials.
    • Sustainability Impact: The use of plant-based materials supports cost reduction and promotes sustainable innovation in science and optics.
    [UPSC 2015] In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?

    Options: (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest* (b) Tropical rain forest (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest (d) Temperate Forest with grasslands

     

  • Type 2 diabetes rising among young people, posing lifetime risks: Lancet

    Why in the News?

    A new series by The Lancet highlights a major shift in global health. Type 2 diabetes, which earlier affected mostly older people, is now increasing quickly among those under 40. Around 260 million young adults worldwide already have the disease.

    What distinguishes early-onset type 2 diabetes from adult-onset in impact?

    • Longer disease duration with increased complications: Being diagnosed at a younger age means living longer with the disease, increasing the risk of complications like kidney failure, heart disease, and nerve damage throughout life. A 25-year-old with diabetes may face multiple health issues by age 40, compared to someone diagnosed at 55.
    • Greater loss in life expectancy: Individuals diagnosed before the age of 30 can lose up to 15 years of life expectancy, whereas older adults diagnosed later typically lose fewer years. A young adult may not survive past their 60s if the disease is poorly managed, while an older adult may live well into their 70s or 80s.
    • More disruption to personal and economic life: Early onset affects critical life stages like education, job opportunities, and family planning, placing greater mental and financial stress. A person in their 20s may have to drop out of college or limit employment due to frequent medical care needs.

    Why is early-onset diabetes a major concern for Indian health systems?

    • Rising burden on already stretched public healthcare: India’s healthcare system is under pressure from both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Early-onset diabetes increases the demand for long-term care, monitoring, and medication. A 2023 ICMR study found that more than 25% of diabetes cases in India are now diagnosed before the age of 40.
    • Economic impact on productivity and workforce: Early-onset diabetes reduces an individual’s healthy working years and impacts productivity, especially in labour-intensive sectors. According to the ICMR 2023 study, diabetic workers lose an average of 7–8 additional workdays annually, leading to reduced output, absenteeism, and rising employer costs.
    • Greater lifetime healthcare costs and complications: Early diagnosis leads to decades-long care, including medication, check-ups, and complication management, increasing costs for families and public health insurance. Eg: A young diabetic using insulin, requiring eye and kidney screenings, adds a heavy burden on schemes like Ayushman Bharat.

    How do socio-economic and environmental factors drive its rise?

    • Unhealthy food environments and marketing: Easy availability and aggressive marketing of processed and sugary foods through social media influence poor dietary habits among youth. Eg: Fast food delivery apps and influencer-driven trends promote ultra-processed snacks in urban areas like Delhi and Mumbai.
    • Inequality in access to healthcare and lifestyle management: Low-income groups lack access to nutritious food, safe exercise spaces, and preventive healthcare, increasing risks of obesity and diabetes. Eg: Children in urban slums of Kolkata face limited health awareness and inactivity, raising early-onset diabetes risk.
    • Impact of early-life undernutrition and developmental challenges: Poor maternal nutrition, low birth weight, and childhood undernourishment raise the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later, even without obesity. Eg: In rural Madhya Pradesh, undernourished children show insulin resistance despite having a low BMI.

    Why is prevention more effective than treatment in tackling this issue?

    • Reduces lifelong health burden and complications: Preventing diabetes avoids decades of medication, monitoring, and risks of complications like kidney or heart disease. Eg: Promoting physical activity and healthy diets in schools can reduce diabetes risk and future hospital visits.
    • More cost-effective for individuals and health systems: Prevention strategies like awareness campaigns and food policies cost less than long-term drug therapy and hospitalisation. Eg: Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, adopted in over 100 countries, has reduced sugary drink sales and lowered obesity-related costs.
    • Addresses root causes and promotes healthy behaviours: Focusing on prevention changes social and environmental conditions that lead to obesity and diabetes. Eg: Urban planning with parks, pedestrian paths, and fitness centres encourages active lifestyles, lowering diabetes risk.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthen preventive public health strategies: Implement nationwide programs promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and early screening in schools and communities to reduce risk factors from a young age.
    • Ensure equitable access to care and awareness: Expand access to affordable diagnosis, lifestyle counselling, and essential medicines in both urban and rural areas, especially targeting low-income and high-risk groups.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2022] The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges, and what steps need to be taken to meet them?

    Linkage: This question directly addresses “newer health challenges” and the steps required to meet them. The need for “urgent investment in prevention, early diagnosis and targeted care” mentioned in the article directly aligns with the “steps to be taken” aspect of this question.

  • Agricultural Fungicides causing C. Tropicalis Infections

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at Fudan University found that overuse of the fungicide tebuconazole is causing azole-resistant Candida tropicalis to emerge — a deadly fungus with a 55–60% mortality rate.

    About Candida tropicalis:

    • Overview: Candida tropicalis is a fungal pathogen prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including India.
    • Type: It is a yeast species that causes invasive candidiasis, affecting the bloodstream and internal organs.
    • High-Risk Groups: The fungus is opportunistic, primarily infecting immunocompromised individuals such as cancer patients and those in ICUs.
    • Mortality Rate: The infection has a high mortality rate, estimated at 55–60% when it becomes systemic.
    • Drug Treatment: Standard treatments include azole-class antifungals such as fluconazole and voriconazole (widely used during COVID-19 induced Black Fungus).
    • Adaptability: The pathogen shows strong genomic plasticity, allowing it to survive hostile environments and develop drug resistance.

    Reasons for Spread and Resistance:

    • Agricultural Influence: Studies show that azole fungicides like tebuconazole, used in farming, contribute to azole-resistant C. tropicalis
    • Environmental Exposure: These fungicides accumulate in soil and water, promoting the evolution of resistant strains.
    • Genetic Adaptations: Resistant strains develop aneuploidy (extra chromosomes), aiding resistance but reducing growth in drug-free environments.
    • Efflux Pumps: Some strains duplicate genes like TAC1, boosting drug-efflux pumps (e.g., ABC transporters) to eject antifungals from the cell.
    • Increased Virulence: Resistant strains have proven more virulent in animal studies, posing greater public health risks.

     

  • Substandard Cancer Drugs: A Global Public Health Alarm

    Why in the News?

    A global investigation has revealed that vital chemotherapy drugs used in over 100 countries have failed quality tests, posing life-threatening risks to cancer patients.

    Various Drugs Used for Cancer Treatment:

    • Cisplatin is a platinum-based drug discovered in the 1960s. It binds to DNA in cancer cells and is widely used to treat testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers. It is known to cause kidney damage, hearing loss, and immune suppression.
    • Oxaliplatin is another platinum compound mainly used to treat advanced colorectal cancer. It works similarly to cisplatin but may also cause nerve-related side effects.
    • Cyclophosphamide is used for treating breast cancer, leukaemia, sarcoma, and lymphoma. It damages cancer cell DNA and lowers white blood cell counts, weakening the immune system. It can also cause bladder inflammation.
    • Doxorubicin, known as the “Red Devil”, is derived from soil bacteria and used against breast cancer, leukaemia, and sarcomas. It disrupts DNA replication but has serious side effects, including heart damage and hair loss.
    • Methotrexate blocks enzymes involved in DNA synthesis and is used for leukaemia, lymphoma, and various tumors. It is often followed by leucovorin, which helps protect normal cells from damage.
    • Leucovorin is not a chemotherapy drug but a supportive agent used with methotrexate to reduce toxicity. It is a form of vitamin B9 introduced in the 1950s.

    Recent Quality Test Failure

    • Investigation: A 2024 investigation revealed that chemotherapy drugs sold in over 100 countries failed basic quality standards.
    • Failure of Generics: The drugs tested were generics. Also, 189 unexpired samples were tested; 20% failed.
    • Indian Pharma Under Radar: 17 manufacturers were flagged, with 16 based in India. Drugs failed for containing either too little (under 88%) or too much (over 112%) active ingredient.
    [UPSC 2005] It begins as a single cell and grows into a merciless disease that claims millions of lives year after year. But scientists are steadily unlocking its mysteries, and the fight against it may now have reached a dramatic turning point. New discoveries promise better therapies and hope in the war against …” The disease referred to in the above quotation is:

    Options: (a) Cancer (b) AIDS (c) Tuberculosis (d) Alzheimer’s disease