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Subject: Science and Technology

  • What is Stargardt Disease?

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have created a gene-editing tool to fix ABCA4 gene mutations, offering hope for treating Stargardt disease, a rare condition that causes progressive vision loss.

    What is Stargardt Disease?

    • Stargardt Disease is a rare inherited eye disorder that causes progressive vision loss, primarily affecting the central part of the retina, called the macula.
    • It is typically caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene, which disrupts the body’s ability to use Vitamin A, leading to an excessive buildup of lipofuscin (yellowish-brown pigment) in retinal cells.
    • The disease commonly begins in childhood or early adulthood and is usually bilateral, involving both eyes.
    • Currently, there is no cure for Stargardt Disease.

    Symptoms of Stargardt Disease

    • Progressive vision loss, particularly affecting central vision.
    • Difficulty seeing in low light (night blindness).
    • Blurred or distorted vision, with colors appearing less vivid.
    • Appearance of dark spots or areas of vision loss in the central visual field.
    • Gradual deterioration of visual acuity, leading to potential legal blindness.

    Present Scenario in India

    • According to a 2023 study by L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad:
      • The disease predominantly affects males and typically manifests during the second decade of life.
      • Estimated prevalence: 1 in 8,000 to 10,000 individuals.
      • 10.79% of patients had a family history of Stargardt disease, while 10.69% were from consanguineous marriages.
    • In India, Stargardt disease is a not uncommon hereditary condition, with limited treatment options available.

  • India to launch first Human Underwater Submersible (Deep-Sea Manned Vehicle)

    Why in the News?

    India is set to launch its first human underwater submersible (deep-sea manned vehicle) in 2025, marking a significant achievement in the country’s scientific and technological journey.

    About the Submersible:

    • The submersible will initially operate at a depth of 500 meters, with the goal of reaching a depth of 6,000 meters by next year.
    • Part of the Deep Ocean Mission, the initiative focuses on exploring untapped underwater resources and advancing India’s blue economy.
    • The submersible is being developed using 100% indigenous technology, demonstrating India’s commitment to self-reliance in advanced science and innovation.
    • The mission aims to unlock vast underwater resources, including: Critical minerals, Rare metals and undiscovered marine biodiversity.

    About the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):

    • DOM is an ambitious initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) approved in 2021 to develop technologies for deep-sea exploration.
    • Part of the 9 missions under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).

    Important updates in DOM: Samudrayaan and Matsya6000:

    • Launched in 2021 under DOM, Samudrayaan is India’s flagship crewed expedition to reach a depth of 6,000 m in the Central Indian Ocean.
    • The mission will utilize Matsya6000, a deep-ocean submersible designed for a three-member crew.
      • Construction: Made from titanium alloy to endure pressures up to 6,000 bar.

    India’s Ocean Exploration Milestones:

    • 1981: Ocean studies began with a program on polymetallic nodules (PMN) initiated at CSIR-NIO, marked by the collection of the first nodule sample from the Arabian Sea aboard the research vessel Gaveshani.
    • 1987: India became the first country to receive Pioneer Investor status from the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
      • Allocated 1.5 lakh km² in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) for nodule exploration, based on extensive surveys by CSIR-NIO.
    • 2002: India signed a contract with the ISA; after resource analysis, surrendered 50% of the allotted area, retaining 75,000 km².
    • Further studies narrowed the mining area to 18,000 km², identified as the First Generation Mine-site.

  • Mission SCOT

    Why in the News?

    Onboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission, Indian space surveillance firm Digantara successfully launched SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking), the world’s first commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellite.

    About Mission SCOT:

    Details
    • World’s first commercial SSA satellite, designed to track and characterize Resident Space Objects (RSOs) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
    • Launched via SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission as part of a rideshare program.
    • Supported by Aditya Birla Ventures and SIDBI.
    Note: As part of the Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis (NETRA), ISRO is also developing a Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) network equipped with advanced radars and optical telescopes to strengthen threat analysis and safeguard space assets.
    Aims and Objectives
    • Enhancing Space Safety: Prevent satellite collisions and optimize orbital resources.
    • Sovereign Surveillance: Strengthen India’s capabilities to protect its space assets.
    • Technological Leadership: Address gaps in global SSA technologies.
    • Sustainability: Promote safer and more sustainable space operations.
    Features/Significance
    • Operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, unaffected by weather or geography.
    • Tracks RSOs as small as 5 cm with high revisit rates and accuracy.
    • Safeguards critical satellites crucial for economic and strategic security.
    • Optimizes traffic management and enhances collision avoidance.
    Contribution to India’s Growth
    • Demonstrates India’s leadership in SSA technologies.
    • Highlights the role of Indian startups in space innovation.
    • Establishes India as a reliable international space partner.
    • Fosters investment in advanced surveillance technologies for future space developments.

     

    PYQ:

    [2010] In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?

    (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India

    (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayan-II

    (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India

    (d) A space telescope developed by India

  • What is Dark Oxygen?

    Why in the News?

    Deep-sea researchers have initiated a groundbreaking project to explore dark oxygen, a form of oxygen produced in complete darkness on the ocean floor.

    What is Dark Oxygen?

    • Dark oxygen refers to oxygen produced at extreme ocean depths without the involvement of photosynthesis.
    • This process occurs in total darkness on the ocean floor, challenging the traditional understanding that sunlight is necessary for oxygen generation.
    • It was first discovered in 2024 by researchers studying deep-sea environments.
    • The strange nodules found at a depth of 13,000 feet act like natural batteries, splitting water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen using electrical charges.
    • These nodules function in areas where light does not penetrate, under extreme pressure and low-temperature conditions.
    • Occurrence:
      • Found in specific deep-sea zones, particularly in regions characterized by unique electrochemical activity.
      • Occurs in places previously considered incapable of supporting oxygen production.

    Features and Significance of Dark Oxygen:

    • Unlike traditional oxygen production, dark oxygen does not rely on photosynthesis or sunlight.
    • It is driven by electrochemical reactions occurring naturally in the ocean floor.
    • Strange nodules on the ocean floor possess an electric charge, enabling them to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen.
    • The process releases hydrogen, which could potentially serve as an energy source for microbial life in these regions.

    PYQ:

    [2012] Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?

    (a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium

    (b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen

    (c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus

    (d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium

  • Third launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a third launchpad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.  In 2024, PM laid the foundation stone for ISRO’s second rocket launchport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district. (The first one being the Dr Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.)

    Who was Satish Dhawan?

    • Born in Srinagar, Satish Dhawan was a prominent Indian rocket scientist and is hailed as the ‘Father of Experimental Fluid Dynamics Research’ in India.
    • Succeeded Vikram Sarabhai as ISRO Chairman in 1972.
    • Oversaw a period of extraordinary growth in India’s space program, including the development of:
      • INSAT: India’s telecommunications satellite system.
      • IRS: The Indian Remote Sensing satellite program.
      • PSLV: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, which positioned India as a major spacefaring nation.
    • Legacy:
      • Passed away in 2002, after which the Sriharikota space center was renamed the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in his honor.

    About the New Launchpad 

    • The new launchpad at Sriharikota aims to bolster India’s space capabilities.
    • It will support Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) missions and enhance ISRO’s capacity to launch advanced satellites and spacecraft.
    • Significance: This is India’s sole operational spaceport, serving as the hub for spacecraft and satellite launches since its inception.

    How and why was Sriharikota selected as the Launch Site?

    • 1960s Search: India’s search for an ideal launch site began in the 1960s when the country decided to develop indigenous satellites and launch vehicles.
    • Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space program, tasked EV Chitnis to identify a site on the east coast.
    • Survey and Acquisition: By October 1968, approximately 40,000 acres of land were acquired in Sriharikota.
    • Reasons for Choosing Sriharikota:
      • East Coast Location: Launching rockets eastward takes advantage of Earth’s rotational speed, adding an extra velocity boost of 450 m/s, especially beneficial for geostationary satellites.
      • Proximity to the Equator: Rockets launching near the equator require less energy to reach geostationary orbits, making the location ideal for such missions.
      • Uninhabited Area: The site’s sparse population minimizes risks during rocket launches and component re-entry.
      • Access to the Sea: Proximity to the Bay of Bengal ensures that rocket debris falls into the sea, avoiding hazards to land or human settlements.
      • Strategic Accessibility: Adequate access to resources, infrastructure, and government support facilitated the development of a robust launch facility.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

    1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

  • VP calls for authentic, practical research

    Why in the News?

    Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stressed the need for genuine research and innovation that can bring real change. He called for indigenisation beyond basic levels and highlighted the role of patents and technology in making India a global leader.

    What is Authentic and practical research? 

    • Authentic and practical research is genuine, cutting-edge, and impactful, addressing real-world challenges, driving innovation, and creating lasting change by advancing knowledge and delivering meaningful, applicable solutions to societal needs.

    What is India’s status in patents and technology? 

    • Global Position: India has secured the sixth position globally in patent filings, as reported by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in the World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) 2024 report. This marks a notable achievement as India enters the top ten for the first time across all three major intellectual property rights: patents, trademarks, and industrial designs.
    • Growth Rate: In 2023, India recorded a 15.7% increase in patent applications, totaling 64,480 filings. This growth is part of a broader trend, marking the fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth in patent applications.

    What constitutes “authentic and practical research”?

    • Authenticity: The Vice President stressed that research must be genuine and not merely superficial.
      • Authentic research should correlate with real-world changes and have lasting significance rather than being momentarily relevant before gathering dust on shelves.
    • Cutting-edge Nature: He called for research that is at the forefront of innovation, pushing boundaries rather than just covering existing knowledge.
    • Practical Impact: The Vice President emphasized that research should aim to change ground realities, making it essential for it to be applicable and impactful in society.

    How can India improve its research and development (R&D) landscape?

    • Focus on Patents: The Vice President pointed out that India’s contribution to global patents is lacking. He urged a shift towards more consequential fields of research that can enhance India’s standing in the global community.
    • Nurturing Startups: He called for supporting domestic startups and indigenous component development, suggesting that established companies like BEL should help these startups thrive by providing guidance and resources.
    • Educational Reform: Emphasizing the need to instill a spirit of innovation in students, he noted that educational institutions should foster creativity and practical skills rather than merely focusing on degrees.

    What are the initiatives to improve the Research Ecosystem in India?

    • Encouraging Corporate Involvement: The Vice President highlighted the necessity for corporates to take initiative in R&D, suggesting that they converge on a platform to significantly boost research efforts.
    • Leading in Semiconductors: He urged BEL to lead the semiconductor revolution from design to manufacture, indicating a strategic direction for enhancing technological capabilities in India.

    What are the barriers to effective research in India?

    • Superficial Research Output: The tendency to produce research that lacks depth and practical application is a significant barrier. The Vice President criticized research papers that are presented but quickly forgotten, calling for more substantial contributions.
    • Limited Global Recognition: He noted that much of India’s research does not achieve recognition at an international level, which undermines its potential impact.
    • Awareness of Opportunities: Many young individuals remain unaware of the diverse opportunities available beyond traditional government jobs, limiting their engagement with innovation and entrepreneurship.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration: Foster partnerships between academic institutions and industries to ensure research is aligned with practical needs, enhancing innovation and commercialisation opportunities.
    • Incentivizing High-Impact Research: Establish grants, rewards, and global recognition programs for researchers focusing on cutting-edge and transformative fields, driving significant contributions to India’s R&D landscape.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Do you agree with the view that increasing dependence on donor agencies for development reduces the importance of community participation in the development process? Justify your answer.(UPSC IAS/2022)

  • 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.