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Subject: Science and Technology

  • Research team takes big step towards making a Bose Metal

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have recently discovered a potential new state of matter, the Bose metal, found between a regular metal and a superconductor, with evidence of this phase in Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) by a team of Chinese and Japanese scientists.

    What is a Bose Metal?

    • A Bose metal is a hypothetical anomalous metallic state where Cooper pairs (electron pairs) form but do not transition into a superconducting state.
    • This state exists between a normal metal and a superconductor, challenging traditional theories of condensed matter physics.
    • In simple terms, a Bose metal is a material where:
      • Electrons pair up into Cooper pairs (like in superconductors).
      • However, these Cooper pairs fail to achieve long-range coherence, meaning the material remains metallic instead of becoming superconducting.
      • This results in partial electrical resistance, unlike superconductors that have zero resistance.
    • Recent experimental studies suggest their existence in materials like Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) when subjected to specific conditions, such as thin layers and applied magnetic fields.

    Key Features:

    • Intermediate State: Exists between a metal and a superconductor.
    • Cooper Pair Formation: Electrons form pairs, but they don’t condense into superconductivity.
    • Anomalous Conductivity: Higher than normal metals but not infinite like superconductors.
    • Quantum Fluctuations: Strong phase fluctuations disrupt Cooper pair coherence.
    • Hall Resistance Vanishing: Indicates charge transport by Cooper pairs rather than individual electrons.
    • Observed in Thin 2D Materials: Seen in ultra-thin films of superconductors under specific conditions.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?

    1. Beryllium
    2. Cadmium
    3. Chromium
    4. Heptachlor
    5. Mercury
    6. Lead
    7. Plutonium

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
    (b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
    (c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

     

  • ‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1

    Why in the News?

    US’s Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 successfully landed on the Moon, becoming the second private mission to do so and the first to land upright.

    What is ‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1?

    • Blue Ghost Mission 1 is a private lunar landing mission by Firefly Aerospace under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
    • It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
    • It successfully landed on the Moon, at Mons Latreille, Mare Crisium.
    • The mission is designed to operate for 14 Earth days (one lunar day).

    Key Features of Blue Ghost Mission 1:

    • Carries 10 scientific instruments, including a lunar soil analyzer, a radiation-tolerant computer, and a GPS-based navigation experiment to test satellite navigation on the Moon.
    • Equipped with a high-definition imaging system to capture a lunar eclipse (March 14, 2024) and lunar sunset (March 16, 2024).
    • Successfully navigated a rocky and cratered surface using hazard-avoidance technology, slowing from thousands of miles per hour to just two mph before touchdown.
    • The lander is golden in color and about the size of a hippopotamus.
    • It supports Artemis missions by testing lunar technologies and reducing costs for future human exploration.

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

    (a) Electric plane tested by NASA

    (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

    (c) Space observatory launched by China

    (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

     

  • [1st March 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The steps that will shape India’s AI ambition

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2020)

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution)  (2020) and the development of IT industries  (2021).

    Despite a skilled workforce, Indian firms often lose AI deals due to capability gaps. In the intense AI race against Silicon Valley, China, and Southeast Asia, India must focus on fostering innovation and ensuring market regulations do not hinder its progress.

    Today’s editorial talks about the AI-related challenges in India. This content would help in GS Paper 3 mains.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    In Bengaluru, Indian developers face tough competition from China for AI projects. To lead the AI race, India must focus on supportive regulations and enhancing technological capabilities.

    What are the key issues related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India?

    • Job Displacement and Skill Gap: Increased AI adoption threatens to automate routine jobs, leading to large-scale unemployment and requiring a workforce with advanced digital skills. Example: The NASSCOM report (2023) highlighted that 69% of Indian tech workers need to upskill in AI and machine learning to remain employable as automation rises.
    • Algorithmic Bias and Ethical Concerns: AI systems can reflect and amplify societal biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes in hiring, lending, and public services. Example: In 2023, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) faced criticism when its AI-based screening system allegedly disadvantaged candidates from marginalized backgrounds during preliminary evaluations.
    • Misinformation and Deepfake Threats: AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes undermine public trust, pose security risks, and impact democratic processes. Example: During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, deepfake videos impersonating political leaders circulated widely on social media, raising concerns about election manipulation.
    • Regulatory Uncertainty and Compliance Costs: The lack of a unified AI policy and fragmented regulations create legal ambiguity, increasing compliance burdens for Indian startups. Example: In 2023, Indian app developers filed a complaint with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against Google for restrictive AI-related practices on the Play Store, citing unfair competition.
    • Global Competitiveness and Innovation Lag: Over-regulation and high compliance costs could hinder AI innovation, making India less competitive against global leaders like the U.S. and China. Example: India’s AI startup investments lag behind China and the U.S., with China attracting four times more AI funding in 2023, according to a Stanford AI Index report.

    Where does India stand in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) race?

    • Emerging AI Hub with Growing Investments: India is positioning itself as an emerging AI hub with increasing investments in AI research and development, but it still lags behind global leaders like the U.S. and China. Example: According to the Stanford AI Index Report 2023, India ranked fifth globally in AI research output but attracted significantly less AI funding compared to China and the U.S.
    • Government Initiatives to Boost AI Innovation: India has launched several initiatives to promote AI adoption, such as the “National Program on AI” and the establishment of AI research centers to enhance innovation and application. Example: In 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) introduced the “IndiaAI” mission to promote AI-based solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
    • Challenges in Global Competitiveness: Despite having a large talent pool, India faces challenges in scaling AI innovation due to fragmented regulations, limited high-performance computing resources, and competition from advanced economies. Example: While India produced over 20,000 AI and machine learning professionals in 2023, its AI exports remain limited compared to China’s dominance in AI-driven hardware and cloud solutions.

    What is the current regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

    • Existing Laws Governing AI Use: India does not have a dedicated AI law but regulates AI through existing legal frameworks like the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, which governs data protection, cybersecurity, and intermediary liability.
    • Sector-Specific Guidelines: Various government bodies have issued guidelines for AI applications in specific sectors. For example: RBI Guidelines for AI in financial services (e.g., credit scoring) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommendations on AI in data privacy and telecommunications.
    • National Strategy on AI: The government launched the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (NITI Aayog, 2018) to guide AI research, ethical standards, and public-sector AI deployment. Example: Under the IndiaAI Mission (2023), the government aims to promote responsible AI use while fostering innovation across industries.
    • Competition and Data Protection Framework: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) monitors anti-competitive practices by tech firms using AI algorithms. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 regulates how AI systems process personal data. Example: In 2023, the CCI investigated Google for alleged AI-related anti-competitive practices on the Play Store.
    • AI Ethics and Responsible Use: Guidelines on the ethical use of AI emphasize transparency, fairness, and accountability without imposing ex-ante (preemptive) regulation. Example: In 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) released advisory notes on preventing algorithmic bias and ensuring explainability in AI decisions.

    Way forward: 

    • Comprehensive AI Policy Framework: Establish a unified and adaptive AI policy focusing on ethical guidelines, data privacy, and accountability to balance innovation with public interest.
    • Investment in AI Infrastructure and Skill Development: Enhance funding for AI research, expand high-performance computing resources, and implement large-scale reskilling programs to bridge the skill gap and improve global competitiveness.

  • National Science Day

    Why in the News?

    February 28 is observed as National Science Day in India to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928. It is the only Nobel achieved by an Indian while working in India.

    About National Science Day

    • National Science Day is celebrated in India on February 28 every year.
    • It marks the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928.
    • The GoI declared this day as National Science Day in 1986 to promote scientific awareness.
    • The primary objective of the day is to promote scientific temper, encourage research, and recognize India’s contributions to science.
    • Schools, colleges, and research institutions organize seminars, science exhibitions, and debates to celebrate this day.
    • The theme for National Science Day 2024 is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat.”

    Who was C.V. Raman?

    • Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was an Indian physicist born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
    • He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from Presidency College, Madras.
    • He initially worked as an Assistant Accountant General but continued his passion for physics through research.
    • In 1917, he became a professor at Calcutta University and conducted groundbreaking experiments.
    • He established the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore in 1948, which became a major center for scientific research.

    Contributions of C.V. Raman

    • Raman Effect (1928): Proved that light changes wavelength when scattered by molecules.
      • Inspired by the blue color of the Mediterranean Sea, disproving the earlier sky-reflection theory.
    • Won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, becoming India’s first Nobel laureate in science.
    • Conducted research on vibrations of musical instruments like the veena, tabla, and mridangam.
    • Raman Spectroscopy is widely used in chemistry, physics, medicine, and space exploration.
      • Used by NASA in Mars Rover missions for mineral analysis.
    • He established the Raman Research Institute to promote advanced scientific research in India.
    • He contributed to strengthening India’s scientific infrastructure and mentored future physicists.

    PYQ:

    [2016] A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of:

    (a) S. Ramanujan

    (b) S. Chandrasekhar

    (c) S. N. Bose

    (d) C. V. Raman

     

  • PUNCH Mission

    Why in the News?

    NASA is set to launch the Polarimetry to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission on February 28, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

    About the PUNCH Mission

    • PUNCH Mission is a groundbreaking solar mission designed to study the Sun’s corona and solar wind using advanced imaging techniques.
    • It will consist of 4 small satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for an expected two-year mission.
    • Unlike previous missions, PUNCH will use polarimetry (measurement of polarized light) to observe solar phenomena in 3D.
    • It allows scientists to study the origin and evolution of solar winds and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), both of which impact space weather and Earth’s technological systems.
    • Focus Areas of the PUNCH Mission:
      • Study how the Sun’s outer corona transforms into the solar wind.
      • Observe how CMEs are formed, gain speed, and travel through space.
      • Improve space weather forecasting to protect satellites, astronauts, and power grids.
      • Provide real-time data to help scientists predict solar storms and geomagnetic disturbances.
      • Contribute to NASA’s Artemis program by ensuring safe deep-space exploration.

    Key Features of the PUNCH Mission:

    • 4 microsatellite weighs 64 kg each and works together to capture a wide-field view of the Sun’s corona.
    • Advanced Imaging Instruments:
      • Narrow Field Imager (NFI):  Captures high-resolution images of the inner corona.
      • Wide Field Imagers (WFIs):  Observe solar wind and CMEs across interplanetary space.
      • STEAM (X-ray spectrometer): Monitors coronal heating and solar flares.
    • Provides real-time data every four minutes.
    • Offers a 90° field of view, covering the Sun’s outer atmosphere and heliosphere.
    • Helps mitigate the effects of solar storms on Earth’s communication systems.
    • Aids in protecting astronauts and satellites from harmful solar radiation.

    PYQ:

    [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?

    1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
    2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
    3. Power grids could be damaged.
    4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
    5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
    6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
    7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
    (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
    (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

     

  • Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs) in DNA

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have discovered a reason why certain segments of the human and mouse genomes (Tra2b gene) have remained unchanged for 80 million years. These segments, known as ultra-conserved elements (UCEs), play a vital role in regulating protein production

    What are Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs) in DNA?

    • Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs) are long, highly conserved DNA sequences (200+ base pairs) that have remained unchanged for millions of years across multiple species, including humans, mice, rats, chickens, and even fish.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • Found in both coding (gene) and non-coding (regulatory) regions of the genome.
      • Do not tolerate mutations, meaning they remain identical across species for tens of millions of years.
      • Many UCEs do not code for proteins but play crucial roles in gene regulation and cellular function.
    • Their importance:
      • Evolutionary Significance: Their extreme conservation suggests they are essential for survival, as any mutation would likely be harmful.
      • Gene Regulation: UCEs may function as enhancers or silencers, controlling when and where genes are activated.
      • Developmental Roles: They are often linked to brain development, fertility, and immune response.
      • Disease Prevention: UCEs may protect against genetic disorders and cancers by stabilizing gene expression.

    Why do Human and Mouse Genomes overlap?

    • Humans and mice share a common mammalian ancestor that lived around 80 million years ago.
    • Genomic Similarity:
      • Around 85% of mouse genes have direct counterparts in humans.
      • Nearly 500 UCEs are identical between humans and mice, despite millions of years of evolution.
    • Many fundamental processes like cell division, metabolism, and brain function are similar between species, necessitating high conservation of crucial DNA regions.
    • Medical Research:
      • Because of these similarities, mice serve as a model organism for studying human genetics, diseases, and drug responses.
      • UCEs help scientists understand gene function across species, leading to insights into evolution and biomedical advancements.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred

    1. across different species of plants

    2. from animals to plants

    3. from microorganisms to higher organisms

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • SPHEREx Telescope

    Why in the News?

    NASA is set to launch its latest space telescope, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California.

    What is the SPHEREx Telescope?

    • SPHEREx is a new space telescope developed by NASA.
    • It is designed to map the entire sky in infrared light and provide insights into the origins of the universe, galaxy formation, and the distribution of life-forming molecules.
    • Its mission is expected to last 2 years, during which it will survey the sky 4 times.
    • Key Features of SPHEREx:
      • Infrared Spectroscopy: Unlike traditional optical telescopes, SPHEREx will capture the universe in 102 infrared colors, which are invisible to the human eye.
      • Wide-Sky Coverage: Unlike the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which focuses on narrow regions, SPHEREx will map the entire sky every 6 months.
      • High Data Output: It will collect data on one billion galaxies, 100 million stars, and 10,000 asteroids, creating an unprecedented cosmic map.
      • Study of Cosmic Inflation: SPHEREx will analyze the earliest moments after the Big Bang, helping scientists understand how the universe expanded rapidly in its infancy.
      • Search for Life-Forming Molecules: The telescope will identify biogenic molecules like water, carbon dioxide, and methanol in the Milky Way galaxy, revealing where the building blocks of life exist.

    SPHEREx Telescope

    How will SPHEREx Create the “Most Colourful” Map of the Cosmos?

    • Spectroscopic Imaging: SPHEREx will divide light from celestial objects into 96 infrared bands, significantly more than previous sky-mapping telescopes.
    • Mapping Galactic Evolution: By observing 450 million galaxies, SPHEREx will reveal how they evolved over cosmic history.
    • Identifying Cosmic Ice: The telescope will detect frozen water and organic molecules in interstellar dust clouds, essential for understanding planetary formation.
    • Unprecedented Infrared Insights: Unlike Hubble, which focuses on optical light, and JWST, which targets deep-space infrared observations, SPHEREx will capture broad infrared spectra across the entire sky, revealing hidden cosmic structures.

    PYQ:

    [2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:

    1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
    2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter.
    3. It is buried deep in the ice.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • New Experiment to Test Quantum Gravity

    Why in the News?

    A new proposal published on October 29, 2024, suggests an experiment that could provide direct evidence for quantum gravity, unifying general relativity and quantum mechanics. A new experiment proposes testing weak gravitational fields at the quantum level, a historic breakthrough in physics if successful.

    What is Quantum Gravity?

    • Quantum Gravity is a theoretical framework that aims to unify general relativity (which explains gravity at large scales) and quantum mechanics (which governs subatomic particles).
    • Since gravity behaves differently from the other fundamental forces in quantum mechanics, physicists have been searching for a theory that integrates gravity into the quantum world.
    • General relativity treats gravity as the curvature of spacetime, while quantum mechanics describes forces through particle interactions.
    • Gravity has never been directly observed in quantum form, unlike the other fundamental forces.
    • Theories like String Theory and Loop Quantum Gravity attempt to explain quantum gravity but lack experimental validation.

    Significance of the Experiment

    • First Realistic Test for Quantum Gravity: Most quantum gravity theories rely on extreme conditions (e.g., black holes), making them impossible to test. This experiment provides a lab-based alternative.
    • Testing Gravity at the Quantum Level: If a small mass in quantum superposition is influenced by gravity, it could prove gravity itself is quantum in nature.
    • Weak Gravity Instead of Strong Gravity: Unlike previous studies focused on black holes, this experiment explores weak gravitational interactions, making it more feasible.
    • Towards a Unified Theory of Physics: Proving quantum gravity could merge general relativity and quantum mechanics, solving a major gap in modern physics.
    • Challenging Existing Theories: If results differ from both classical and quantum predictions, it could suggest a new force or a modified gravity theory.

  • First Detailed Map of Moon’s South Pole Area made from Chandrayaan Data

    Why in the News?

    Astronomers are studying the first detailed geological map of the Moon’s South Pole, created by India’s Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander, which landed on August 23, 2023.

    About the Geological Map of the Moon’s South Pole:

    • First High-Resolution Map:
      • This map is created by PRL Ahmedabad, Panjab University, and ISRO, using data from Chandrayaan-3’s Pragyan rover.
      • It offers new insights into the Moon’s formation and evolution.
    • Confirmation of a Magma Ocean:
      • Pragyan’s Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer detected molten rock beneath the surface.
      • This confirms a global magma ocean in the Moon’s early history.
    • Age and Crater Mapping:
      • Landing site estimated to be 3.7 billion years old, similar to Earth’s early evolution.
      • Schomberger Crater identified as the primary source of impact debris.
    • Importance for Lunar and Planetary Studies:
      • Preserved craters help understand the history of asteroid impacts.
      • Provides insights into the formation of the Earth-Moon system.

    Why is the Moon’s South Pole a Key Focus for Space Missions?

    • Water Ice Reserves:
      • Permanently shadowed craters hold large water ice deposits, first confirmed by Chandrayaan-1 (2009).
      • Crucial for future lunar colonies and deep-space missions.
    • Harsh but Valuable Environment:
      • Extreme cold (as low as -250°C) preserves ancient materials.
      • Continuous sunlight in some areas makes it ideal for solar power.
    • Scientific and Strategic Importance:
      • Craters contain pristine material from the early Solar System.
      • NASA, China, and Russia plan permanent research bases in the region.

  • Microsoft unveils ‘Majorana 1’ Chip for Quantum Computing

    Why in the News?

    Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, a groundbreaking quantum chip that introduces a more stable and scalable approach to quantum computing.

    What is Microsoft’s Majorana 1 Chip?

    • Majorana 1 is Microsoft’s latest quantum processor that introduces a new type of stable and scalable qubit based on Majorana fermions.
    • Microsoft believes that this breakthrough could enable practical quantum computing by 2027-29.
    • Majorana Fermions:
      • First theorized by Ettore Majorana in 1937.
      • Exotic particles that act as their own antiparticles.
      • Microsoft engineered them using topological conductors, making qubits more stable and resistant to errors.

    Features of Majorana 1 Chip:

    • Uses topological qubits, which require less error correction compared to traditional superconducting qubits.
    • More scalable, allowing the quantum chip to reach up to 1 million qubits in the future.
    • Built from indium arsenide-aluminum topo-conductors, unlike conventional silicon-based quantum chips.
    • Operates at near absolute zero temperature, tuned with magnetic fields to create a stable quantum environment.
    • Currently an 8-qubit chip, but designed with an architecture that supports significant expansion.

    What is Quantum Computing?

    • Quantum computing is a new approach to computation based on the principles of quantum mechanics that allows computers to process information exponentially faster than classical computers.
    • Unlike classical computers that use binary bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in both 0 and 1 simultaneously (superposition).
    • Key Principles of Quantum Computing:
      • Superposition:  Qubits exist in multiple states at once.
      • Entanglement: –Qubits can be linked, meaning a change in one affects the other instantly.
      • Quantum Tunneling: Qubits can pass through energy barriers.
      • Quantum Interference:  Enhances correct probabilities while canceling out incorrect ones.
    • Quantum computers solve complex problems that are impossible for classical computers, such as simulating molecules, optimizing logistics, and advancing AI.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

    (a) Cloud Services
    (b) Quantum Computing
    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies