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Subject: Science and Technology

  • HKU5 Bat Viruses pose potential Pandemic Risk

    Why in the News?

    A new study warns that HKU5 bat coronaviruses, closely related to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), are just one mutation away from infecting humans.

    Back2Basics: Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

    • Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory disease caused by Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
    • It is a species of coronavirus which infects humans, bats, and camels.

    About HKU5 Virus and Its Characteristics:

    • Classification: HKU5 is a bat coronavirus that belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which also includes the MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus).
    • Origin: It was first identified in the Japanese pipistrelle bat in Hong Kong. “HKU” in the name refers to the University of Hong Kong, where the virus was identified.
    • Virology: HKU5 is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus, structurally similar to other high-risk coronaviruses.
    • Spread: The virus has been detected in bats across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, indicating widespread natural reservoirs.
    • Cell Entry Mechanism: Like SARS-CoV-2, HKU5 uses the ACE2 receptor to infect cells, but current strains bind effectively only to bat ACE2, not human ACE2.
    • Recent Developments: In 2025, a new variant called HKU5-CoV-2 was isolated in China, and lab studies show it can infect human airway and gut cells, though less efficiently than SARS-CoV-2.
    • Genetic Similarity: HKU5 is genetically close to both MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, though it has not yet been detected in humans.

    Threats and Risks Associated with HKU5 Virus:

    • Near-Human Infectivity: HKU5 is considered just one mutation away from gaining the ability to infect humans via the ACE2 receptor.
    • Cross-Species Transmission: Certain HKU5 strains have already jumped into minks, demonstrating its capacity to cross species barriers.
    • Pandemic Potential: If HKU5 acquires mutations allowing efficient use of human ACE2, it could pose a significant zoonotic pandemic threat.
    • Relation to Deadly Viruses: Its structural similarity to MERS-CoV, which has a 34% fatality rate, places HKU5 in a high-risk category if human infection occurs.
    [UPSC 2015] H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news concerning which one of the following diseases?

    Options: (a) AIDS (b) Bird flu (c) Dengue (d) Swine flu*

     

  • Kashmir Merino: India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) have successfully created India’s first gene-edited sheep—a Kashmir Merino breed.

    Kashmir Merino: India's First Gene-Edited Sheep

    About Kashmir Merino Sheep:

    • Overview: Kashmir Merino is a high-quality domestic sheep breed known for its fine wool and ability to thrive in cold climates.
    • Genetics: It was developed by crossbreeding exotic Merino rams with local sheep breeds in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Characteristics: The breed produces soft, dense wool with high fibre quality, making it valuable for the textile industry.
    • Resilience: It is well-adapted to high-altitude Himalayan conditions, including extreme cold and low oxygen levels.
    • Significance: It plays a key role in regional livestock economies, contributing significantly to wool and mutton production in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Gene-Editing Breakthrough in Kashmir Merino:

    • Gene Targeted: Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit the myostatin gene, which normally inhibits muscle growth.
    • Impact: Disabling this gene led to a 30% increase in muscle mass, resulting in higher meat yield and improved economic returns for farmers.
    • Lab-to-Field Success: The edited embryo was developed in a laboratory and then successfully implanted into a surrogate mother, marking a full-cycle gene-editing achievement.
    • Biotech Significance: This success represents a major advancement in India’s livestock biotechnology, opening new paths for research in disease resistance, wool quality enhancement, and production of transgenic proteins.
    [UPSC 2017] What is the application of somatic cell nuclear transfer technology?

    Options: (a) Production of biolarvicides (b) Manufacture of biodegradable plastics (c) Reproductive cloning of animals* (d) Production of organisms free of diseases

     

  • NASA captures image of Mars’ Arsia Mons Volcano 

    Why in the News?

    NASA’s Mars Odyssey orbiter has captured a spectacular image of Arsia Mons, one of Mars’ largest volcanoes.

    mons

    About Arsia Mons Volcano:

    • Location: Arsia Mons is a massive shield volcano on Mars, located in the Tharsis region near the planet’s equator.
    • Volcanic Chain: It is part of the Tharsis Montes trio, which includes Pavonis Mons and Ascraeus Mons.
    • Size and Structure: The volcano rises about 20 km (12 miles) in height and spans 450 kilometres in diameter, making it one of the largest in the Solar System.
    • Summit Caldera: Arsia Mons has an enormous caldera, or summit crater, measuring 120 kilometres across, which is much wider than most Earth volcanoes.
    • Volcano Type: It is a shield volcano, characterised by gentle slopes formed through successive lava flows.
    • Surface Features: Signs of lava channels, landslides, and possible ancient glaciers have been observed on its flanks.
    • Cloud Activity: Known as the cloudiest volcano on Mars, Arsia Mons regularly develops water-ice clouds near its summit, especially at sunrise and during aphelion, when Mars is farthest from the Sun.

    Its Significance:

    • Recent Imaging: A new image released by NASA shows Arsia Mons piercing through morning haze, offering scientists a horizon-level view of Martian terrain.
    • Scientific Importance: Observations help researchers analyse Martian weather, seasonal climate patterns, and atmospheric behaviour.
    • Mission Relevance: Arsia Mons plays a key role in understanding Mars’ volcanic history, dust storm formation, and identifying future landing zones.
    • Exploration Support: Data from this region improve planetary weather models and assist in safe mission planning for upcoming robotic and human missions.

    Back2Basics: NASA’s Mars Odyssey Orbiter  

    • Launch: Mars Odyssey was launched in 2001, making it NASA’s longest-operating spacecraft at Mars.
    • Technology: The orbiter captured the Arsia Mons image using the THEMIS (Thermal Emission Imaging System) camera.
    • Capabilities: This instrument detects both visible and infrared light, allowing scientists to study surface temperatures, mineral compositions, and atmospheric properties.
    • Unique Technique: To photograph Arsia Mons against the Martian horizon, the orbiter rotated its camera 90 degrees, deviating from its usual ground-facing orientation.
    • Contributions: It continues to monitor climate changes, study volcanoes and dust storms, and assist with landing site selection.
    • Support Role: It also serves as a communication relay for other active Mars missions, enabling data transfer and navigation for landers and rovers.

     

    [UPSC 2016] Consider the following statements:

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

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • Rare Proton Emission in Astatine Isotope

    Why in the News?

    In a groundbreaking discovery, an international team of nuclear physicists from Finland has measured the proton emission and half-life of 188Astatine (188At)—the heaviest proton-emitting isotope ever observed.

    What is Proton Emission?  

    • Atomic Structure: Atoms are made up of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.
    • Radioactive Decay: When atoms are unstable, they become stable by emitting particles through a process called radioactive decay.
    • Common Emissions: Most atoms emit alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays during decay.
    • Rare Emission: In very rare cases, an atom can emit a proton, a process known as proton emission.
    • Conditions for Emission: Proton emission occurs only in proton-rich nuclei that lie on the extreme edge of nuclear stability.
    • Detection Difficulty: These atoms are extremely hard to create in laboratories and usually exist for less than a second, making them hard to study.

    Discovery of Proton Emission in 188-Astatine:

    • What is Astatine: Astatine (At) is a radioactive, halogenous element with atomic number 85, belonging to the halogen family (Group 17) on the periodic table. It’s a rarest natural element on Earth, not naturally occurring in significant quantities due to its short half-life.
    • Research Breakthrough: Scientists from Finland, India, and Portugal jointly studied a rare isotope called 188-Astatine.
    • Method: The atom was made by bombarding a silver target with strontium ions in a high-powered accelerator.
    • Observed Event: After its formation, 188-Astatine emitted a proton and transformed into polonium within 190 microseconds.
    • Role of Indian Scientists: Experts from IIT Roorkee used computer simulations to confirm the event and revealed that the atom’s shape resembled a watermelon, elongated and stretched.

    Significance of the Discovery:

    • Scientific First: This was the first recorded instance of proton emission from astatine, a rare and heavy element.
    • Understanding Atomic Limits: The discovery helps scientists learn how unstable atoms behave and where the proton-holding limits of atomic nuclei lie.
    • Contribution to Nuclear Science: It enhances our understanding of element formation in extreme environments like stars and nuclear reactors.
    • Future Implications: Such discoveries can contribute to medical advances, especially in developing radioactive materials for cancer treatment.
    [UPSC 2024] With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements:

    1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors. 2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts. 3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • IISc develops Nanozyme to prevent Abnormal Blood Clotting

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have created an artificial metal-based nanozyme that can help prevent dangerous blood clotting, especially in conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and COVID-19.

    What is Blood Clotting?

    • About: When we get a cut or injury, our body quickly stops the bleeding by forming a blood clot. This is done by special blood cells called platelets that stick together and seal the wound.
    • Control mechanism: This natural process is called blood clotting or haemostasis and is controlled by certain chemicals in our body like collagen and thrombin.
    • Post covid issues: But in some illnesses like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) or COVID-19, the body sends too many signals to make clots, even when there is no injury.
    • Oxidative Stress: This creates a problem called oxidative stress, where harmful molecules called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) build up in the blood. These ROS molecules over-activate the platelets, causing them to make too many clots inside blood vessels.
    • Hazards: This can block blood flow, leading to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, or lung problems. This condition is called thrombosis, and it can be life-threatening.

    Vanadium-Based Nanozyme and Its Features:

    • Purpose and Design: Scientists at IISc developed vanadium-based nanozymes to mimic natural antioxidant enzymes that reduce ROS levels.
    • How they work: The nanozymes control oxidative stress by copying glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that removes ROS and protects platelets.
    • Optimal Structure: Spherical-shaped vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanozymes were found to be the most effective.
    • Test Results in Mice: These nanozymes reduced blood clots and improved survival in PTE-affected mice with no toxicity signs over five days.
    • Next Steps: Scientists plan to test the nanozyme in ischemic stroke and are optimistic about human clinical trials after promising lab results with human platelets.
    [UPSC 2015] With reference to the use of nano-technology in health sector, consider the following statements:

    1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.

    2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • Thermophilic Bacteria in Rajgir Hot Spring could help fight Deadly Infections

    Why in the News?

    Researchers from the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) have discovered antibiotic-producing bacteria in the Rajgir hot spring in Nalanda, Bihar.

    What are Thermophilic Bacteria?

    • About: Thermophilic bacteria, or thermophiles (meaning “heat lovers”), are microorganisms that thrive in high-temperature environments ranging from 45°C to 70°C.
    • Adaptation: These temperatures can cause third-degree burns in humans, but thermophiles are biologically adapted to survive and grow in such conditions.
    • Habitats: They are commonly found in hot springs, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and compost piles, which are mineral-rich and have low microbial competition.
    • Advantages: Some thermophiles produce potent antibiotics to outcompete other microbes and dominate their niche.
    • Global Example: Thermophiles from hot springs in Saudi Arabia have shown antibacterial activity against gram-positive pathogens.

    Key Findings from India:

    • Sampling Challenge: Samples were collected from water and soil at 43°C–45°C, making fieldwork difficult.
    • Microbial Analysis: In the sample, Actinobacteria made up 40–43% of the microbial population, double the typical amount in hot springs.
    • Significance: Actinobacteria are well known for producing key antibiotics like streptomycin and tetracycline.
    • AMR Context: The findings are crucial in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which could cost $1 trillion globally by 2050, according to the WHO.
    • Antibiotic Potential:
      • Lab Testing: Seven Actinobacteria strains were found to inhibit pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus aureus.
      • Compound Discovery: Scientists identified diethyl phthalate using GC-MS, which showed effectiveness against Listeria monocytogenes, a deadly foodborne pathogen.
      • Future Scope: The compound has potential for antibiotic development, but not all thermophiles produce antibiotics, so screening is essential.
    • Uses:
      • Industrial Use: The enzyme Taq polymerase, used in PCR tests (including during COVID-19), is derived from a thermophile called Thermus aquaticus.
      • Agricultural Use: A 2018 BHU study showed thermophiles from Chumathang hot springs (Leh) promote plant growth, revealing wider industrial and ecological value.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.

    2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.

    3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3. How many of the above statements are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three* (d) All four

     

  • ‘Bharat Gen’ AI-based multimodal LLM for Indian languages launched

    Why in the News?

    Union Minister of State for Science & Technology has launched ‘Bharat Gen’, India’s first indigenously developed AI-based Large Language Model (LLM) tailored for Indian languages.

    About Bharat Gen:

    • What is it: Bharat Gen is India’s first homegrown AI-based multimodal large language model (LLM) supporting 22 Indian languages.
    • Developed By: Created under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and implemented by the TIH Foundation for IoT and IoE at IIT Bombay.
    • Key Features:
      • Understands text, speech, and image inputs.
      • Works across India’s diverse languages and cultures.
      • Designed to be ethical, inclusive, and culturally rooted.
    • Support and Collaboration: Backed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and developed in collaboration with top academic and AI institutions.
    • Bharat Data Sagar: A national effort to collect language data for lesser-known Indian languages to train future AI tools.
    • Real-World Use: In places like Udhampur, an AI doctor powered by Bharat Gen is helping patients in their native language.

    What are Large Language Models (LLMs)?

    • Large Language Models (LLMs) are advanced AI systems trained on massive amounts of text data to understand and generate human-like language. They use deep learning and the Transformer architecture to predict and produce text based on user prompts.

      Features:

      • Trained on huge datasets (process data through mathematical optimization to minimise prediction errors.)
      • Contain billions of parameters
      • Can answer questions, summarize, translate, write code, and generate content

      Examples:

      • GPT-4
      • LLaMA
      • Claude

      Limitations:

      • May generate inaccurate information
      • Can reflect biases in data
      • Lack true human understanding
    [UPSC 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:Options: (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

  • SHUKR Gene in Flowering Plants

    Why in the News?

    Flowering plants appeared around 130 million years ago and rapidly diversified, puzzling scientists including Charles Darwin, who called it an “abominable mystery”.

    A new study by CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad, has identified the SHUKR gene, which controls pollen development in flowering plants.

    SHUKR Gene in Flowering Plants

    About the SHUKR Gene in Flowering Plants

    • What is SHUKR? It is a newly discovered gene found in flowering plants like Arabidopsis thaliana. It plays a key role in forming pollen, which plants need to reproduce.
    • Function in the Plant Life Cycle: SHUKR is active during the sporophyte phase (the main plant body stage) and helps in producing healthy, viable pollen.
    • Effect of Gene Loss: If SHUKR is missing or not working, the plant fails to make good pollen, leading to poor or no reproduction.
    • How SHUKR Works: It controls F-box genes, which remove old proteins and replace them with new ones to help pollen grow well.
    • Adaptive Advantage: SHUKR and F-box genes evolve quickly, allowing plants to adjust to harsh conditions like heat, cold, or drought.
    • Evolutionary Origin: This gene first appeared 125 million years ago in eudicots, a plant group that now includes three-fourths of all flowering plants.
    • Why it matters: SHUKR shows that pollen-making is closely linked with the rest of the plant, challenging the earlier belief that these processes were separate.
    • Significance: Climate change causes heat-induced pollen damage in flowering plants, but genes like SHUKR could help develop climate-resilient crops.

    Back2Basics: Darwin’s “Abominable Mystery”

    • Darwin’s Confusion: Charles Darwin was puzzled by the sudden appearance and rapid spread of flowering plants about 130 million years ago — calling it an “abominable mystery”.
    • Mismatch with Evolutionary Pace: According to standard evolution theory, species change slowly over time, but flowering plants diversified very quickly, showing great variety.
    • Genetic Explanation: The SHUKR gene may solve this mystery by showing how flowering plants gained molecular tools to adapt and reproduce faster.
    • New Insight: This discovery offers a genetic explanation for the rapid rise of flowering plants and helps clarify Darwin’s long-standing puzzle.

     

    [UPSC 2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.

    2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.

    3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.

    Select the correct- answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • [2nd June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Regulating India’s virtual digital assets revolution 

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2021] What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also?

    Linkage: India’s leadership in grassroots crypto adoption and the significant investment by retail investors, indicating its presence and potential impact on Indian society. Understanding this impact is a foundational aspect of the broader discussion on regulating VDAs.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  The Supreme Court’s recent observation questioning the absence of comprehensive crypto regulation highlights the urgent need for India to replace punitive taxation with structured oversight. Between December 2023 and October 2024, Indian investors traded over ₹2.63 trillion worth of crypto on offshore platforms, causing the country to miss out on substantial tax revenues and governance control. The article emphasizes this contradiction—a rapidly growing industry at the grassroots level and a fragmented, reactionary policy at the top.

    Today’s editorial will talk about the comprehensive crypto regulation. This content would help in GS Paper II ( Governance) and GS Paper III (Science & Technology).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    India has kept its top position in grassroots crypto adoption for the second year in a row, according to the 2024 Chainalysis Geography of Crypto report. But this achievement comes at a time when clear regulations are missingand government policies on crypto remain confusing and inconsistent.

    What drives India’s lead in grassroots crypto adoption?

    • High Retail Investor Participation: Indian retail investors have shown strong enthusiasm, investing $6.6 billion into crypto assets (NASSCOM report). Eg: A large number of small-ticket retail trades contribute to India topping Chainalysis’ 2024 grassroots crypto adoption index.
    • Growing Web3 Developer Ecosystem: India hosts one of the fastest-growing Web3 developer communities, driving innovation and ecosystem engagement. Eg: Startups and developers building decentralized apps (dApps) and blockchain solutions across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
    • Youthful Demographic and Digital Penetration: A young, tech-savvy population, high smartphone usage, and digital literacy foster wide crypto experimentation. Eg: College students and freelancers using stablecoins and crypto wallets for micro-transactions and cross-border payments.
    • Lack of Traditional Investment Access and Inflation Hedge: Limited access to formal investment channels and search for inflation-resistant assets prompt people to explore crypto. Eg: Young earners in semi-urban areas using crypto as an alternative to gold or fixed deposits for wealth storage.

    Why did the Supreme Court flag regulatory gaps in 2025?

    • Absence of a Comprehensive Legal Framework: The Court noted the lack of clear and cohesive legislation for Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs), which hampers effective regulation and enforcement. Eg: In May 2025, the Supreme Court remarked, “Banning may be shutting your eyes to ground reality,” highlighting the disconnect between policy and practice.
    • Overreliance on Prohibitive Taxation Instead of Regulation: India imposed heavy taxes (30% capital gains, 1% TDS) as a stop-gap, without establishing regulatory clarity or investor safeguards. Eg: Despite taxation, crypto users shifted to offshore platforms, leading to over ₹60 billion in uncollected TDSand loss of oversight.
    • Risk of Pushing Activity Underground: The absence of regulation combined with enforcement gaps drove users towards non-compliant and unregulated exchanges, increasing systemic risk. Eg: The Court observed that without enabling regulation, users bypassed restrictions via VPNs and mirror sites, undermining regulatory intent.

    Who ensures compliance in India’s crypto ecosystem?

    • Reserve Bank of India (RBI): As the monetary authority, RBI oversees the impact of crypto on financial stability, capital controls, and payment systems. Eg: RBI issued circulars in 2013 and 2018 warning financial institutions against dealing with crypto-related entities.
    • Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND): FIU-IND monitors suspicious transactions, enforces anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terror financing (CFT) norms. Eg: Indian Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) collaborated with FIU-IND to strengthen AML/CFT compliance, gaining positive feedback from FATF.
    • Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs): VASPs act as domestic intermediaries ensuring KYC norms, reporting standards, and overall ecosystem transparency. Eg: After the 2024 crypto hack ($230 million loss), Indian VASPs enhanced cybersecurity, created insurance funds, and implemented industry-wide security guidelines.

    Where are most Indian crypto assets traded?

    • Offshore, Non-Compliant Platforms: A significant portion of Indian crypto trading happens on offshore exchanges that do not comply with Indian regulations. Eg: Between July 2022 and December 2023, Indians traded over ₹1.03 trillion worth of VDAs on such platforms.
    • Limited Domestic Exchange Usage: Only about 9% of India’s estimated ₹1.12 trillion worth of crypto assets are held or traded on domestic exchanges. Eg: This limited use reflects investor preference for platforms with broader asset choices or less stringent controls.

    How have Indian Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) improved security and compliance?

    • Strengthened Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Indian VASPs have collaborated closely with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) to enhance monitoring and reporting standards. Eg: This cooperation earned positive feedback from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for improved compliance.
    • Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures: After the 2024 crypto hack that resulted in a $230 million loss, many Indian exchanges implemented stronger security protocols and real-time risk monitoring. Eg: Exchanges set up dedicated insurance funds to protect users against future thefts.
    • Industry-Wide Standardization and Collaboration: Indian VASPs united to create and enforce common cybersecurity guidelines and best practices across the ecosystem. Eg: This collective effort has improved overall trust and resilience of India’s crypto platforms.

    Way forward: 

    • Formulate a Comprehensive, Risk-Based Regulatory Framework: India must develop clear, future-ready legislation that classifies, governs, and monitors Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) in alignment with global standards (like FATF, IMF). Eg: A dedicated VDA Regulatory Authority or inclusion under SEBI/RBI oversight can ensure investor protection, AML enforcement, and innovation support.
    • Strengthen Domestic VASP Ecosystem Through Incentives and Integration: Encourage onshore compliance by lowering tax burdens, supporting innovation sandboxes, and integrating VASPs into India’s formal financial ecosystem. Eg: Offering tax rebates or compliance credits to VASPs adopting stringent KYC/CFT and cybersecurity norms can enhance trust and reduce offshore migration.

  • JNCASR develops Fast-Charging Sodium-Ion Battery

    Why in the News?

    Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru have developed a super-fast charging Sodium-ion battery.

    About Sodium-Ion Battery and Its Working:

    • What it is: Sodium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that use sodium (Na⁺) ions to carry electric charge, instead of lithium.
    • How it works: During charging and discharging, sodium ions move between the anode (negative) and cathode (positive) — similar to how lithium-ion batteries function.
    • Innovation: A sodium-ion battery developed by JNCASR uses NASICON-type chemistry, a special material structure that ensures fast ion movement and stability.
    • Performance Boost: The team used nano-particles, added a carbon coating, and used aluminium doping to improve charging speed and battery life.
    • Fast Charging & Long Life: The battery can charge up to 80% in 6 minutes and last over 3,000 charge-discharge cycles.
    • Tested for Safety: The battery passed tests using electrochemical cycling and quantum simulations, proving it is safe and durable.

    Advantages over Lithium-Ion Batteries:

    • Sodium is abundant and cheaper than lithium, and it can be extracted from seawater.
    • Sodium-ion batteries are safer, as they can be transported at zero voltage and used in high temperatures without risk of fire.
    • They are more eco-friendly, with less environmental damage during extraction compared to lithium.
    • Material costs are lower because they use aluminium instead of copper.
    • India can reduce its dependence on China, which controls much of the lithium battery supply chain.
    • These batteries are ideal for renewable energy applications, such as solar grids, electric vehicles, drones, and rural electrification in extreme climates.
    [UPSC 2025] In the context of electric vehicles, consider the following elements:

    I. Cobalt II. Graphite III. Lithium IV. Nickel

    How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three * (d) All the four