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Subject: Science and Technology

  • What is Sovereign AI?

    Why in the News?

    Denmark has become the latest country to actively pursue sovereign AI, in a bid to boost domestic research and competitiveness.  Following this example and leveraging the momentum of Digital India, India’s leadership will be instrumental in driving the nation’s Sovereign AI ambition.

    What is Sovereign AI?

    • Sovereign AI refers to a nation’s autonomous ability to develop, deploy, and regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies that align with its unique data, values, and governance priorities.
    • It ensures national control over AI systems, protecting economic and national security interests while fostering innovation.
    • Key Features of Sovereign AI include:
      • Self-reliance: Develops AI systems tailored to national requirements, ensuring minimal dependency on external technologies.
      • National Security: Protects critical data and infrastructure from external threats or misuse.
      • Cultural Alignment: Embeds a nation’s values, language, and societal norms into AI frameworks.
      • Global Competitiveness: Enhances economic growth and innovation through domestic AI capabilities.

    About the Proposed AI Strategy for India (GovAI + Private AI = Sovereign AI):

    • India’s proposed AI strategy focuses on leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) like Aadhaar and UPI to develop GovAI (Government AI) for efficient and predictive public services.
    • It emphasizes data sovereignty, transforming anonymized DPI data into AI training material while ensuring national control.
    • The strategy promotes public-private collaboration to build domain-specific Small Language Models (SLMs) that evolve into advanced Large Language Models (LLMs).
    • Skill development through Regional Centres of Excellence (RCoE) aims to create a robust AI talent pool.
    • This strategy aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global leader in trusted and inclusive AI, enhancing economic growth and national security.

    India’s Initiatives for Sovereign AI:

    • India’s initiative for Sovereign AI builds on its Digital India framework, leveraging platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker to create GovAI (Government AI) for efficient public services.
    • It utilizes DPI platforms such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, and CoWIN.
    • Domain-Specific AI Models that India seeks to build:
      • Builds Small Language Models (SLMs) for specific public service areas like education, healthcare, agriculture, and social welfare.
      • SLMs evolve into Large Language Models (LLMs) for advanced, intersectional governance insights.
    • The India Datasets Programme transforms anonymized data into resources for AI training while ensuring data sovereignty.

    PYQ:

    [2020] In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of:

    (a) Digital security infrastructure

    (b) Food security infrastructure

    (c) Health care and education infrastructure

    (d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

  • GenomeIndia project complete, PM Modi calls it historic

    Why in the News?

    India has created a database of 10,000 human genomes, covering 83 population groups, which is about 2% of the country’s 4,600 population groups.

    What are the key achievements of the Genome India Project?

    • Completion of Genome Sequencing: The project successfully sequenced 10,000 human genomes from 83 population groups, representing approximately 2% of India’s 4,600 population groups. This data is now housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, Haryana.
    • Identification of Genetic Variants: Initial analyses revealed around 27 million genetic variants, with 7 million being low-frequency variants not found in other global databases. This highlights India’s unique genetic diversity and the potential for targeted research.
    • Global Accessibility: The genome data is accessible to researchers worldwide, fostering international collaboration in genomics research and precision medicine.

    What are the impact on Biotechnology and Healthcare?

    • Advancement of Precision Medicine: The database is expected to facilitate advancements in precision medicine by enabling researchers to study disease risks and drug responses specific to the Indian population. This could lead to more effective treatments tailored to genetic variations.
    • Potential for Drug Development: With a focus on understanding genetic predispositions to diseases, the project can support the development of new medications and therapeutic interventions, particularly for genetic and infectious diseases.
    • Strengthening India’s Biotech Economy: The initiative is seen as a cornerstone for bolstering India’s biotechnology sector, enhancing its capacity for genomic research and manufacturing.

    What are the challenges? 

    • Data Privacy and Security: India currently lacks a comprehensive Data Privacy Bill, which raises concerns about the protection of sensitive genetic information. 
      • The absence of robust legal frameworks increases the risk of misuse or unauthorized access to genetic data, potentially compromising individual privacy.
    • Ethical Concerns: The use of genomic data for purposes such as gene editing could lead to ethical dilemmas, including issues related to “designer babies” and unintended consequences of genetic modifications.  
    • Public Trust and Acceptance: Gaining public trust is crucial for the success of the project. There may be apprehensions among individuals regarding how their genetic data will be used, especially if it involves sharing with commercial entities or if there are fears about potential discrimination based on genetic information.
    • Integrity of Data Collection: Ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data collection, storage, and usage is essential. 
      • Without stringent protocols, there is a risk that the data may be misinterpreted or misused, leading to flawed conclusions about genetic predispositions and health risks.

    What steps can be taken to overcome the present challenges? (Way forward)

    • Expanding the Database: Experts suggest increasing the number of sequenced genomes to up to 1 million to better capture India’s vast genetic diversity. This expansion would provide deeper insights into genetic variations across different ethnic groups.
    • Funding and Collaboration: Securing additional funding and forming partnerships with leading research institutions can help overcome financial limitations and enhance data enrichment efforts.
    • Ethical Data Management: Ensuring robust data sharing protocols and privacy measures will be crucial for maintaining public trust and facilitating research access while protecting individual identities.

  • What is Selective Gene Silencing?

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at Columbia University found that cells can selectively switch off one parent’s copy of a gene. This may explain why some people with harmful mutations remain symptom-free, and it could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for genetic disorders.

    Researchers at Columbia University found that cells can selectively switch off one parent's copy of a gene. This may explain why some people with harmful mutations remain symptom-free, and it could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for genetic disorders.

    About the Selective Silencing Mechanism:

    • Selective gene silencing refers to the process where cells inactivate one parent’s copy of a gene (either maternal or paternal), resulting in an unequal contribution of the two gene copies to cellular function.
    • Previously thought to be rare, recent research reveals that this phenomenon is relatively common and plays a significant role in genetic variability, disease progression, and individual health outcomes.
    • Key Features:
      • Inactivation can vary between different cell types (e.g., immune cells and kidney cells).
      • The process is dynamic and may change over time, adding complexity to how genes function in the body.
      • Approximately 1 in 20 active genes in some immune cells exhibit this selective bias.
    • Implications for Health:
      • This mechanism helps explain why individuals carrying the same disease-causing mutation can have vastly different symptom severities.
      • It shifts the understanding of genetic diseases, emphasizing the importance of dynamic gene activity patterns alongside static genetic codes.
      • The discovery opens up opportunities for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches by focusing on gene expression rather than genetic sequences.

    What are its significant applications?

    • Selective Gene Manipulation: Therapies could be developed to activate healthy gene copies while suppressing diseased ones, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional genetic editing.
    • Improved Understanding of Diseases: Selective gene silencing explains variability in conditions like lupus and cancer, revealing why some individuals remain symptom-free.
    • Precision Medicine: By identifying individual patterns of gene expression, personalized treatment options become possible, reducing the need for one-size-fits-all approaches.
    • Early Interventions: Recognizing at-risk but asymptomatic individuals allows healthcare providers to implement preventive measures and potentially delay disease onset.
    • Protein-Based Therapies: Focusing on selective gene activity aids in detecting and differentiating disease-related proteins from healthy ones, paving the way for targeted, protein-specific drugs.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following techniques/phenomena:

    1. Budding and grafting in fruit plants
    2. Cytoplasmic male sterility
    3. Gene silencing

    Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) None

  • Rudra High-Performance Green Propulsion System

    Why in the News?

    Bellatrix Aerospace, the Bengaluru-based space startup, has announced a significant milestone with the successful demonstration of its Rudra High-Performance Green Propulsion System during the PSLV C-60 mission, onboard the POEM-4 platform.

    About Rudra 1N System:

    • The Rudra 1N System is an advanced green mono-propellant propulsion system developed by Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space technology start-up.
    • It is a cutting-edge solution for space propulsion, designed to enhance efficiency, precision, and sustainability in satellite and space platform operations.
    • Features and Significance:
      • Demonstrated a 1.4-degree/sec disturbance on the Yaw axis and an 80-degree angular rotation during its operational tests, highlighting its precise manoeuvering capabilities.
      • Utilizes a non-toxic, environmentally friendly propellant to minimize ecological impact during space missions.
      • Offers a cleaner alternative to traditional chemical propulsion systems.
      • Entirely designed and manufactured in-house, showcasing Bellatrix Aerospace’s technological independence.
      • Suitable for a variety of satellite sizes and mission profiles, offering scalability.

    About the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4)

    • POEM-4 is a platform developed by ISRO that repurposes the spent 4th stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) into a functional orbital laboratory.
    • It enables cost-effective research in space by hosting various scientific and technological experiments in microgravity.
    • It utilizes the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket as a stable microgravity testbed.
    • It supports diverse experiments, such as studying plant growth, bacterial behavior, and other space phenomena.
    • It thus maximizes the utility of what would otherwise become space debris.
    • POEM-4 was launched aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket, also known as the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission.

  • Nanopore Technology

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at the University of California, have developed a nanopore-based diagnostic tool capable of detecting illnesses more quickly and accurately by analyzing signals from individual molecules.

    What is the Nanopore-Based Tool?

    • The Nanopore-Based Tool is a groundbreaking innovation developed by UC Riverside scientists for disease diagnostics.
    • It leverages nanopores, which are tiny openings capable of detecting individual molecules like DNA and proteins.
    • By measuring electrical signals generated as molecules pass through the nanopore, the tool enables ultra-sensitive and precise detection of illnesses.

    How does it Work?

    • Biological samples mixed with salts are introduced into the system.
    • Salts dissociate into ions, creating a flow through the nanopore.
    • As a DNA or protein molecule passes through the nanopore, it blocks the flow of ions.
    • This blockage reduces the flow, creating electrical signals.
    • The system measures the reduction in ion flow to identify the molecule.
    • Advanced circuitry accounts for missed signals, ensuring precise detection.
    • Nanopores filter out background noise, unlike traditional systems that require external filters, preserving critical data for accurate diagnostics.

    Significance and Features of Nanopore Technology

    • It helps detect infections within 24 to 48 hours, much faster than traditional methods.
    • It is crucial for fast-spreading diseases, enabling timely intervention.
    • It captures signals from single molecules, eliminating the need for large biological samples.
    • It could revolutionize home testing and clinic-based diagnostics.
    • It helps Identify subtle differences in proteins, aiding in personalized treatment plans.
    • It promotes deeper understanding of how proteins impact health and disease.
    • It paves the way for single-molecule protein sequencing, offering insights beyond DNA sequencing.

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.

    2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • What is Human Metapneumo- Virus (HMPV)?

    Why in the News?

    Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently become a topic of widespread discussion in India, fueled by sensational media reports. These reports claim the emergence of a “new dangerous virus” from China, leading to unnecessary public panic and misinformation.

    What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

    • Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that primarily causes mild to moderate respiratory infections.
    • It belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, the same group of viruses that includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza.
    • HMPV was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating globally for decades.
    • Most infections are mild and self-limiting, but HMPV can cause severe illness in vulnerable groups such as:
      • Elderly individuals.
      • Young children (especially under five years).
      • Immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic illnesses.
    • Transmission:
      • Spread primarily through respiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces, or close contact with infected individuals.
    • Diagnosis:
      • Advanced PCR-based respiratory panels can detect HMPV. However, these tests are not routinely performed unless required in vulnerable patients or during hospital outbreaks.

    Symptoms and Treatment for HMPV:

    • HMPV symptoms overlap with those of other respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV.
    • Mild Symptoms: Runny nose; Sore throat; Cough; Fever; Fatigue.
    • Severe Symptoms (in vulnerable populations): Bronchitis; Wheezing; Pneumonia; Difficulty breathing; Hypoxia in extreme cases.
    • No Specific Antiviral or Vaccine: Unlike flu and RSV, there is no targeted antiviral therapy or vaccine for HMPV.
    • Supportive Care: Rest and hydration; Over-the-counter medications to manage fever and pain (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen).
    • For Severe Cases: Hospitalization may be required for oxygen therapy, nebulization, or other supportive measures.

    Present Scenario- Global and National:

    • HMPV is one of the leading causes of respiratory infections worldwide, following influenza and RSV.
    • Studies indicate HMPV accounts for 5-10% of respiratory infections in children and vulnerable adults annually.
    • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently reported two HMPV cases in Karnataka involving babies with a history of bronchopneumonia.
    • These are the first cases identified using PCR diagnostic tools after a surge in HMPV cases in China.

    PYQ:

    [2022] In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:

    1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.

    2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using a vector-based platform.

    3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has introduced amendments to the rules governing the selection of experts in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).

    Key Highlights of the Revised GEAC Rules:

    • Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Expert members must disclose any direct or indirect interests that may conflict with their duties. Conflicted members must recuse themselves from decision-making unless specifically requested by the committee.
    • Transparency Measures: All members are required to submit a detailed record of their professional affiliations from the past 10 years to ensure accountability and unbiased evaluations.
    • Participation Restrictions: Experts with conflicts of interest must report them before meetings and take steps to ensure that their affiliations do not affect GEAC decisions.
    • Enhanced Governance: The revised rules aim to strengthen the regulatory process for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ensuring fair and impartial decision-making.
    • Supreme Court Compliance: The amendments align with the Supreme Court’s directive (2023) to address concerns of conflict of interest in GM crop approval processes, boosting public trust in GEAC’s role.
    • Improved Operational Integrity: These changes emphasize transparency, ensuring that scientific appraisals and policy decisions remain free from external influence.

    What is Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)?

    • The GEAC is the apex regulatory body overseeing activities related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in India, particularly their release into the environment.
    • It is established under the Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export, and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989) framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    Structural Mandate:

    • Operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
    • Composition:
      • Chairperson: Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC.
      • Co-Chairperson: Representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
      • Includes 24 members, representing key institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).
      • Meets monthly for appraisals and discussions.

    Powers and Functions of GEAC:

    • Powers:
      • Approves or denies proposals for environmental release of genetically engineered organisms (including GM crops).
      • Exercises the power to take punitive actions under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 for violations.
      • Monitors large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production.
    • Functions:
      • Evaluates activities involving the environmental release of GMOs and their products, including experimental field trials.
      • Ensures compliance with safety protocols to minimize environmental risks.
      • Reviews applications for the import, export, manufacture, and storage of GM organisms and cells.
      • Makes recommendations based on a comprehensive assessment of environmental and health impacts.
      • Addresses concerns related to conflicts of interest and ensures impartiality in decision-making.
      • Engages with stakeholders, including farmers and environmentalists, to maintain transparency and address public concerns.

    PYQ:

    [2015] The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the:

    (a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

    (b) Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999

    (c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

    (d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

  • What is KM3NeT Project?

    Why in the News?

    Scientists are deploying two advanced telescopes under the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT) project.

    What is KM3NeT Project?

    • The KM3NeT is a European research initiative launched in 2012 and located in the Mediterranean Sea.
    • It uses advanced water Cherenkov detectors to study high-energy neutrinos and their origins, as well as fundamental neutrino properties.
    • Key Components:
    1. ARCA (Astroparticle Research with Cosmics in the Abyss): Offshore Sicily, Italy, at 3,400 meters depth, studying high-energy cosmic neutrinos.
    2. ORCA (Oscillation Research with Cosmics in the Abyss): Offshore Toulon, France, at 2,475 meters depth, focusing on neutrino oscillations and mass hierarchy.
    • It detects Cherenkov radiation, faint light produced when neutrinos interact with water molecules, using 6,210 optical modules.
    • Design:
      • Modular construction with plans to deploy 12,000 optical modules on 600 vertical strings, anchored to the seabed.
      • Connected via electro-optical networks to shore stations for power and data processing.

    About Neutrinos

    • Neutrinos are subatomic particles, similar to electrons but without an electric charge.
      • Neutrinos are the 2nd most abundant particles in the universe after Photons.
    • Approximately a billion neutrinos pass through a cubic centimetre of space every second.
    • First detected in 1959, though their existence was theorized in 1931.
    • High-energy neutrinos, which originate from exotic astrophysical events like supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, or colliding stars, are of particular interest to scientists because:
    • Neutrinos can travel through dense cosmic environments, such as the dust-shrouded centre of the Milky Way, where visible light telescopes fail.
    • Neutrino detection depends on observing Cherenkov radiation — light flashes produced when neutrinos interact with water or ice molecules.
      • Darkness is essential for detecting the faint flashes of Cherenkov radiation.
    • Why study neutrinos?
      • Neutrinos provide insights into particle physics, including neutrino oscillations and mass hierarchy, challenging the Standard Model.
      • Neutrinos pass through dense cosmic regions, offering access to areas invisible to traditional telescopes.
      • Studying neutrinos aids in tracing cosmic ray origins and understanding dark matter, unlocking mysteries of the universe.

     

    PYQ:

    [2010] India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the planning commission as a mega-science project under the 11th Five-year plan. In this context, consider the following statements:

    1. Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
    2. Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
    3. Neutrinos have a negligible, but non-zero mass.
    4. Trillions of Neutrinos pass through the human body every second.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2, 3 and 4

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Google Quantum AI’s Chip ‘Willow’

    Why in the News?

    Google has unveiled its latest quantum processor, ‘Willow’, which has sparked excitement about the potential of quantum computers to solve practical problems.

    Google Quantum AI’s Chip ‘Willow’

    About Willow Quantum Processor:

    • Google’s team of researchers developed Willow and shared their results in the scientific journal Nature.
    • Willow has 105 qubits, which are the basic units of information in quantum computers.
      • Some qubits perform the actual calculations (called data qubits).
      • Others check for mistakes and fix them (called measurement qubits).
    • It operates at an extremely low temperature—almost absolute zero (-273.15°C)—to keep its qubits stable.
    • How fast is It? Willow solved a tough problem in just a few minutes. The same task would take the world’s best regular computer 10 septillion years (that’s 1 followed by 24 zeros!).
    • Each qubit can stay stable for 100 microseconds (a tiny fraction of a second), which is a big improvement for quantum computers.

    Features and Significance

    • Smarter Error Handling:
      • Quantum computers are extremely sensitive, and even the tiniest disturbance can cause errors.
      • Willow uses a system where some qubits (called measurement qubits) are dedicated to spotting and fixing errors without disturbing the main qubits (called data qubits) that are doing the calculations.
    • Bigger, Better Performance:
      • Willow has 105 qubits: about half for computations and the rest for error correction.
      • Most quantum computers become less reliable as more qubits are added. Willow is different—it actually improves its performance as more qubits are included.
    • Longer Stability:
      • Qubits in Willow remain stable for 100 microseconds—a significant improvement that allows it to perform more complex tasks.

    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

  • [pib] CPGRAMS 3 Years, 70 Lakh Grievances Solved

    Why in the News?

    According to the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) resolved over 70 lakh grievances from 2022 to 2024.

    About Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)

    • CPGRAMS is an online platform that allows citizens to register grievances related to government service delivery, functioning 24×7.
    • It was established in June 2007 by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG); the National Informatics Centre (NIC) developed the technical framework.
    • The Prime Minister serves as the supreme head of CPGRAMS.

    Key Functions

    • Grievance Lodging & Tracking: Each complaint gets a unique registration number for monitoring.
    • Role-Based Access: Ministries and states can access and resolve relevant grievances.
    • Appeal Facility: Citizens can appeal if they are not satisfied with the resolution.
    • Feedback Mechanism: Complainants can rate the resolution; a “Poor” rating reopens the case for further appeals.

    Exclusions: Subjudice cases, personal/family disputes, RTI queries, matters affecting national/international integrity, and government employees’ service issues.

    Key Reforms to Improve CPGRAMS

    • Reduced Timelines: Grievance resolution deadlines shortened from 30 days to 21 days, with mandatory interim updates.
    • Integrated Platform: A unified portal for all ministries, departments, and states; accessible via web, mobile apps, and UMANG.
    • Feedback & Appeals: Citizens can provide feedback through SMS/email; a “Poor” rating escalates unresolved issues.
    • AI-Driven Process Improvements: Tools like the Tree Dashboard help identify problems and streamline grievance handling.
    • Training & Monitoring: Under SEVOTTAM (Service Excellence through Total Quality Management), Grievance Officers get specialized training, with regular performance reviews to enhance service delivery.