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Subject: Science and Technology

  • ICMR develops CRISPR Cas-based TB Detection Kit

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Regional Medical Research Centre for North East has developed the “world’s cheapest CRISPR Cas-based TB testing system”.

    Back2Basics: CRISPR-Cas9 Technology

    • CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9.
    • It is a technology that allows geneticists and researchers to edit parts of the genome by altering sections of the DNA sequence.
    • Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna’s work on CRISPR-Cas9 as a ‘molecular scissor’ earned them the 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
    • The system consists of two key components:
    1. Cas9: This is the enzyme that acts like a pair of molecular scissors. It is responsible for cutting the DNA strand at a specific location, allowing for the removal, addition, or alteration of DNA at that site.
    2. Guide RNA (gRNA): This is a piece of RNA that is designed to find and bind to a specific sequence of DNA that matches its code. The gRNA guides the Cas9 enzyme to the exact spot in the genome where an edit is desired.
    • Mechanism:
      • The process begins with the design of a gRNA that matches the DNA sequence where an edit is needed.
      • Once inside the cell, the Cas9 enzyme and the gRNA form a complex that can identify and bind to the target DNA sequence.
      • The Cas9 then cuts the DNA at this location.
      • After the DNA is cut, the cell’s natural repair mechanisms can be harnessed to add or remove genetic material, or to make specific changes to the DNA.
    • Applications: Used for gene editing to correct genetic disorders, develop targeted cancer therapies, enhance diagnostics for infectious diseases, and create personalized medicine approaches.

    About the New TB Detection System

    • The system can detect TB bacteria using DNA from a patient’s saliva at a very low cost.
      • Specific DNA sequences unique to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacteria causing TB) are identified.
    • It can identify the bacteria in preliminary stages and test over 1,500 samples simultaneously within approximately two hours.
    • The technology is simple enough to be used in primary health centres in villages.

    TB Situation in India:

    • TB kills an estimated 480,000 Indians annually, or over 1,400 patients every day.
    • India has more than a million ‘missing’ TB cases each year, which remain undiagnosed or inadequately diagnosed and treated in the private sector.

    National Goals for Elimination of TB: 

    • Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (2022): It is stipulated to meet the goal of ending the TB epidemic by 2025 from the country, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for 2030.
    • Nikshay Poshan Yojana (2018): Launched in 2018, this scheme provides nutritional support to TB patients. Under this scheme, TB patients receive a direct benefit transfer (DBT) of Rs. 500 per month to purchase food.

    PYQ:

    [2019] What is Cas9 Protein that is often mentioned in news?

    (a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing

    (b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients

    (c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant

    (d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops

    [2014] Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

  • How children win with U-WIN, govt’s new online vaccine portal?

    Why in the News?

    • The government plans to roll out U-WIN, an online vaccine management portal for childhood vaccination, across the country.
      • Similar to CoWIN used during the Covid-19 pandemic, U-WIN aims to digitize and individualize immunization records from birth.

    What is U-WIN? 

    • Children up to 6 years old and pregnant mothers are registered on U-WIN using government IDs like Aadhaar and their mobile phone numbers.
    • Records of all 25 shots given to a child and the two given to pregnant mothers are added to the platform.
    • It’s Working:
    • The platform generates a color-coded vaccination certificate.
      • The digital vaccine certificate can be downloaded by parents using their registered mobile numbers, eliminating the need for a physical vaccination booklet.
    • After each shot is administered and recorded, the date is added to the card, which also shows the due date for the next set of vaccines.
      • U-WIN sends SMS reminders to parents before their children are due for the next dose.
      • U-WIN helps locate the nearest vaccination center and book available slots.

    Significance:

    1) For providing Immunization:
    • U-WIN’s reminders to parents are likely to improve compliance with vaccination schedules.
    • The platform ensures portability, allowing children to receive their doses anywhere in the country, particularly benefiting children of migrant workers.
    • Registration at birth may help reduce the number of “zero dose” children, those who have not received any vaccinations.
    2) For Health Workers:
    • The platform can automatically generate a due list of children in specific areas for health workers.
    • These data points can be utilized by other government programs and eventually connected through the ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) ID.

    Integration with Existing Systems

    • U-WIN will link to the government’s existing eVIN platform for inventory management.
    • eVIN tracks all vaccine vials, from central stores to each vaccination site, monitoring doses used, wasted, and returned, and tracks real-time temperature and humidity using sensors.
    • U-WIN runs on the same principles and digital infrastructure as CoWIN, making adoption straightforward.
    • Most vaccinators are familiar with similar platforms, ensuring a smooth transition.

    Zero Dose Children

    • In India, the coverage of the first dose of diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT)-containing vaccine is taken as the proxy for zero dose children.
    • Data from WHO and UNICEF showed that while 93% of children received their first vaccine dose, there were still 1.6 million zero dose children in India in 2023.
    • The data also showed that 1.6 million children missed their first measles-containing vaccine in 2023, up from 1.1 million the previous year.
    • This is concerning as in 2022, five states — Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra — reported a rise in the incidence of measles.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:

    (a) Immunization of children and pregnant women

    (b) Construction of smart cities across the country

    (c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (d) New Educational Policy

  • What are Rogue Waves and how can AI help predict them?

    Why in the News?

    • Rogue waves, unusually large waves compared to those before and after them, pose significant threats to ships, coastal and offshore infrastructure, and human lives.
      • Until now, there has been no method to forecast rogue waves.

    What Are Rogue Waves?

    • Rogue waves are unusually large and unpredictable waves that are much larger than the surrounding waves.
    • They are often defined as waves that are at least twice the height of the surrounding waves.
    • Formation:
      • Rogue waves can form when swells from distant weather systems converge to create a single, amplified wave.
      • They may also form when ocean currents compress swells, creating strong, high waves.
    • Features:
      • Traditionally, rogue waves have been difficult to predict due to their sudden appearance and rare occurrence.
      • The lack of real-time forecasting methods has made it challenging to mitigate their impact effectively.

    What is Sea State?

    • In oceanography, sea state refers to the condition of the surface of a large body of water at a specific location and time.
    • The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) sea state code characterizes sea state based on wave height on a scale of 0 (no waves) to 9 (waves over 14 meters).

    Characteristics:

    • Unlike typical waves, rogue waves can appear suddenly and without warning.
    • They defy the average sea state, making them exceptionally dangerous.

    Threats Posed by Rogue Waves:

    (1) Shipping

    • For Ships and Vessels: Rogue waves pose a significant threat to ships and other vessels at sea. Their unexpected and massive size can lead to capsizing or severe damage.
    • For Offshore Infrastructure: Oil rigs, wind turbines, and other offshore structures can be heavily damaged or destroyed by rogue waves.

    (2) Coastal Threats

    • Coastal Erosion: The sheer force of rogue waves can lead to accelerated coastal erosion, affecting beaches and shorelines.
    • Flooding: Rogue waves can cause sudden and severe coastal flooding, posing risks to coastal communities and ecosystems.

    (3) Human Safety

    • Loss of Life: Rogue waves have been responsible for numerous fatalities. Between 2011 and 2018, rogue waves killed at least 386 people.
    • Property Damage: The impact of rogue waves on ships, coastal areas, and offshore structures can result in significant financial losses.

    Advancements in Forecasting

    • University of Maryland mathematicians Thomas Breunung and Balakumar Balachandran have developed an artificial intelligence program capable of forecasting rogue waves.
    • The AI program was trained using billions of data points collected by a network of 172 ocean buoys.
    • The researchers analyzed 20-minute long samples recorded by ocean buoys.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] At one of the places in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch the sea, you will find that the sea water recedes from the shore line a few kilometres and comes back to the shore, twice a day, and you can actually walk on the sea floor when the water recedes. This unique phenomenon is seen at:

    (a) Bhavnagar

    (b) Bheemunipatnam

    (c) Chandipur

    (d) Nagapattinam

  • What is the Dyson Sphere?

    Why in the News?

    Recently, astronomers have made progress in finding possible candidates as Dyson Sphere, sparking new excitement and debate about extraterrestrial life.

    What is a Dyson Sphere? 

    • Imagine you are an astronomer looking for extraterrestrial life and you find a star covered by solar panels. This structure, collecting massive amounts of solar energy, is known as a Dyson sphere.
    • The concept is named after Freeman Dyson, a theoretical physicist who lived from 1923 to 2020.
    • Dyson proposed that advanced civilizations would need to harness a star’s energy, constructing a spherical array of solar collectors around it.
    • He suggested that the heat emitted as infrared radiation could indicate the presence of these massive structures and thus intelligent life.

    Who was Freeman Dyson (1923-2020)?

    • Dyson was a renowned British-American theoretical physicist and mathematician known for his work in quantum electrodynamics, solid-state physics, and astronomy.
    • Born on December 15, 1923, in England, he made significant contributions to science and technology, including the Dyson Sphere concept—a hypothetical structure that could encompass a star to capture its power output.
    • He was also a prominent futurist and author, exploring ideas on space travel, extraterrestrial life, and the future of humanity.
    • Dyson spent much of his career at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton and was known for his interdisciplinary approach to science.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of

    (a) The limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth

    (b) Regions inside the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (d) Search for meteorites containing precious metals

  • Vasco da Gama’s toxic legacy is now a ‘pandemic’ that kills 8 million globally   

    Why in the news? 

    On July 8th, 1497, Vasco da Gama’s historic voyage began, reshaping global maritime routes and leaving a lasting impact on trade and culture. This era of exploration introduced and disseminated tobacco, profoundly affecting societies in numerous ways.

    Cultivation and Production of Tobacco

    • Historical Introduction: Tobacco was originally cultivated by Native Americans and brought to Europe in the 16th century. It was introduced to South Asia by European traders and colonizers, notably the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.
    • Economic Significance: Tobacco is a drought-tolerant crop providing livelihoods to many. It accounts for about 2% of India’s agricultural exports and employs over 45 million people.
    • Revenue Generation: The tobacco industry is a major source of revenue through taxation and exports, generating over ₹22,000 crores annually.

    Implications on Human Health

    • Health Issues: Tobacco use contributes to various cancers (lung, mouth, throat, oesophagus, pancreas, and bladder), respiratory diseases (COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis), cardiovascular problems (heart disease, stroke, hypertension), and other conditions like diabetes, infertility, weakened immune system, and complications in pregnancy.
    • Addiction: Nicotine, a highly addictive substance in tobacco, alters brain function leading to severe addiction.
    • Health Crisis: In India, tobacco use causes over 1.2 million deaths annually. It is responsible for 27% of all cancers and adds significant costs to healthcare and productivity losses, totaling approximately ₹1.82 trillion annually.

    Ethical and Revenue Considerations

    • Economic Benefits vs. Health Costs: While tobacco provides economic benefits and employment, it comes with tremendous human and financial costs due to tobacco-related illnesses.
    • Constitutional Provisions: Under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and health. The Directive Principles of State Policy mandate the state to improve public health and living standards.So,Govt. has responsibility to prevent tobacoo consumption.

    Indian needs to Stack Up Its Priorities

    • Institutional Conflict: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) focuses on eliminating tobacco to mitigate health impacts, while the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) aims to increase tobacco crop yields.
    • Policy and Ethical Dilemma: The conflicting priorities between ICMR and ICAR create significant policy challenges. The constitutional mandate to prioritize public health should guide policy decisions.

    Will CRISPR make a difference?

    • Gene Editing Potential: CRISPR technology offers potential solutions by developing genetically modified tobacco plants with reduced nicotine content.
    • Research Developments: Studies have shown promise in using CRISPR to significantly lower nicotine levels in tobacco plants. However, further characterization is needed to ensure these modifications do not negatively impact other important traits.
    • Collaborative Efforts: Collaboration between ICMR and ICAR is crucial to align scientific advancements with public health goals and agricultural sustainability.

    The Tobacco Lobby and Surrogate Advertising

    • Circumventing Regulations: The tobacco industry employs surrogate advertising to promote its products despite stringent advertising bans. These tactics perpetuate tobacco consumption, especially among youth, undermining public health efforts.
    • Aggressive Lobbying: The tobacco industry has a large network of 1,027 registered lobbyists at the state level in 2024, many of whom are former government employees. They engage in extensive lobbying to weaken, delay or block life-saving tobacco control measures.

    Way forward: 

    • Implement Stricter Regulations: Enforce stringent regulations on tobacco advertising, including surrogate advertising, and ensure compliance through regular monitoring and penalties.
    • Ban on Public Smoking: Implement and strictly enforce smoking bans in public places to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • What is OpenAI’s secret Project ‘Strawberry’?

    Why in the News?

    • US-based OpenAI emerged as a major player with its AI chatbot ChatGPT, capable of answering questions and processing images.
      • OpenAI is now reportedly developing a new AI model with improved reasoning capabilities, potentially changing the AI landscape.

    What is Project Strawberry?

    • Nearly six months ago, OpenAI’s secretive Project Q* (Q-Star) gained attention for its innovative approach to AI training.
    • OpenAI is now working on a new reasoning technology under the code name “Strawberry” believed to be the new name for Project Q*.
    • Strawberry aims to enable AI models to plan ahead, autonomously search the internet, and conduct deep research.

    What are Large Language Models (LLMs)?

    • LLMs are advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems designed to understand, generate, and process human language.
    • They are built using deep learning techniques, particularly neural networks, and are trained on vast amounts of text data.

    Difference from Existing AI Models

    • Existing Large Language Models (LLMs) can summarize texts and compose prose but struggle with common sense problems and multi-step logic tasks.
    • Current LLMs cannot plan ahead effectively without external frameworks.
    • Strawberry models are expected to enhance AI reasoning, allowing for planning and complex problem-solving.
    • These models could enable AI to perform tasks that require a series of actions over an extended time, potentially revolutionizing AI’s capabilities.

    Potential Applications of Strawberry Models

    • Advanced AI models could conduct experiments, analyze data, and suggest new hypotheses, leading to breakthroughs in sciences.
    • In medical research, AI could assist in drug discovery, genetics research, and personalized medicine analysis.
    • AI could solve complex mathematical problems, assist in engineering calculations, and participate in theoretical research.
    • AI could contribute to writing, creating art and music, generating videos, and designing video games.

    Ethical Considerations  

    • Impact on Jobs: Improved AI capabilities may intensify concerns about job displacement and the ethical implications of AI reproducing human work.
    • Power Consumption and Ethics: The vast amounts of power required to run advanced AI models raise environmental and ethical questions.

    PYQ:

    [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:

    (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

  • Cave on the Moon: What this discovery means for space exploration?

    Why in the News?

    • Scientists have confirmed the presence of a cave on the Moon, near the site of the first lunar landing 55 years ago.
    • This discovery could provide astronauts with a potential habitat on the Moon in the future.

    About the Cave on Mare Tranquillitatis

    • A study titled “Radar evidence of an accessible cave conduit on the Moon below the Mare Tranquillitatis pit” was published in the journal Nature Astronomy.
    • The study established the presence of a moon cave at the Sea of Tranquillity, a large, dark, basaltic plain on the Moon’s surface.
    • The cave is located 400 kilometers from where astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed in 1969.
    • It is roughly 45 meters wide and up to 80 meters long, with an area equivalent to 14 tennis courts.

    Research Method

    • Researchers analyzed photos taken in 2010 by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft.
    • They concluded that the pit was the entry point to a cave created by the collapse of a lava tube, a tunnel formed when molten lava flows beneath a field of cooled lava.

    Back2Basics: Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) 

    • NASA launched the LRO on June 18, 2009.
    • LRO’s primary mission is to map the Moon’s surface in high detail to identify safe landing sites and locate potential resources.
    • It is equipped with seven scientific instruments, including a camera, a laser altimeter, and a radiation detector.
    • LRO has provided critical data on lunar topography, temperature, and radiation levels, significantly enhancing our understanding of the Moon.

    Characteristics of Lunar Caves

    • Craters are bowl-shaped and result from asteroid or comet strikes.
    • Pits, in contrast, appear as massive steep-walled depressions.
    • At least 200 such pits have been discovered, with 16 believed to have formed from collapsed lava tubes due to volcanic activity over a billion years ago.

    Benefits for Human Exploration

    • The Moon is exposed to solar radiation 150 times stronger than Earth.
    • The lunar surface heats to about 127 degrees Celsius during the day and cools to around -173 degrees Celsius at night.
    • Caves, however, maintain stable average temperatures of around 17 degrees Celsius.
    • They could shield human explorers from radiation and micrometeorites, making them viable for future lunar bases or emergency shelters.

    Challenges and Further Research

    • The depth of such caves could present challenges for accessibility.
    • There are risks of potential avalanches and cave-ins.

    Need for Further Research

    • Further research is needed to understand and map the structural stability of the caves.
    • This could be done using ground-penetrating radar, robots, or cameras.
    • To become viable habitats, caves would need systems to monitor movement or seismic activity and safety zones for astronauts in case of a cave collapse.

    PYQ:

    [2008] Selene-1, the lunar orbiter mission belongs to which one of the following?

    (a) China

    (b) European Union

    (c) Japan

    (d) USA

  • Could Pythons be a Protein alternative?

    Why in the News?

    • In the farmlands of central Thailand, thousands of pythons are raised in a warehouse for their diamond-patterned skins, which are sold to high-end European fashion houses.
      • Some scientists and industry insiders believe the true value of these snakes lies in their meat.

    Python Farming in Asia

    • Researchers estimate that China and Vietnam alone have at least 4,000 python farms, producing several million snakes primarily for the fashion industry.
    • A study published in Nature highlighted python farming as a flexible and efficient response to global food insecurity.

    Benefits of Python Farming

    • Pythons can survive for months without food or water and maintain their condition.
    • They were fed waste chicken and wild-caught rodents, offering a more efficient feed-to-meat ratio than poultry, beef, and even crickets.
    • Female pythons can lay between 50 and 100 eggs annually, leading to rapid reproduction.

    Advantages of Python Meat

    • Pythons offer a more efficient feed-to-meat ratio than poultry, beef, and even crickets.
    • They can survive without food and water for months without losing condition.
    • Python meat has a chicken-like texture and is low in saturated fats.
    • It could provide a sustainable protein source with a lower environmental impact compared to traditional meat.

    Challenges and Market Acceptance

    • Despite the advantages, the market is limited for python meat.
    • Python farmers struggle to convince people to consume snake meat, resulting in most of it being discarded or sold to fish farms.

    Environmental Impact of Traditional Meat

    • The UN’s IPCC notes that meat from grazing animals has the greatest environmental impact.
    • The climate impact of traditional meat is significant, with beef identified as having the greatest environmental impact.
    • The UN and climate activists advocate for a more plant-based diet, but the demand for meat is expected to increase by 14% by 2032.
    • Drought and extreme weather are making traditional farming difficult in many parts of the world, increasing the need for alternative protein sources.
    • The paradox of rising meat demand and environmental concerns has spurred interest in alternatives like edible insects and lab-grown meats.

    Python Meat as an Alternative

    • Protein-energy malnutrition caused nearly 190,000 deaths globally in 2021, emphasizing the urgent need for protein sources in many parts of the world.
    • Python meat could help address this issue, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India?

  • ‘Telecom sector awaits next frontier in communications via policy reform’  

    Why in the News?

    The telecom industry has proposed several policy recommendations to the Ministry of Communications that are essential to realize the Government’s vision of promoting digital empowerment and inclusivity.

    Present global status of the Indian market: 

    • Digital Connectivity Advancements: India has made significant strides in digital connectivity, positioning itself as the third-largest digitized country globally, following the USA and China.
    • Telecommunications Infrastructure: The telecommunications infrastructure in India serves as a cornerstone for digital transformation, facilitating connectivity across various devices and applications, thereby contributing to higher standards of living and economic growth.
    • Policy Reforms: Ambitious policy reforms have been implemented to elevate India’s status as a leading digital economy. These reforms aim at fostering digital empowerment and inclusivity, crucial for sustaining growth and competitiveness in the global market.

    Recommendations submitted by the telecom industry   

    • Reduction in Levy and Tax Burden:
      • Abolishment of the USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund) levy because of  imposes a burden on telecom service providers (TSPs), diverting resources that could be invested in newer technologies such as 5G and network upgrades
        • USOF is the pool of funds generated by 5% Universal Service Levy that is charged upon all the telecom fund operators on their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).
      • Reduction of the license fee from 3% to 1%.
      • Clarity in the definition of Gross Revenue (GR) to exclude non-telecom activities from tax calculations.
    • Exemption and Duty Reductions:
      • Exemption of Service Tax on additional Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) liabilities is demanded because it is crucial for the recovery of the industry’s financial health and ensuring efficient 5G rollout.
        • AGR has resulted in massive dues of over ₹1.5 lakh crore that telecom companies like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and others have to pay.
      • Reduction of Customs Duty to zero for telecom manufacturing, with gradual increases for 4G and 5G products.
      • Urgency in renewing Customs Duty exemptions for submarine cable vessels to prevent future cost increases.
    • Spectrum Allocation:
      • Prioritization of 6 GHz spectrum for 5G deployment in India.
      • Strategic planning of 6 GHz spectrum for future 6G technologies, aiming at enhancing network quality, coverage, and supporting a range of advanced applications like telemedicine and smart cities.
    • Telecommunications Act 2023:
      • Introduction of the Telecommunications Act 2023, addressing critical issues such as Right of Way (RoW) for telecom infrastructure.
      • Standardization of RoW rules across states, simplification of licensing processes, and delinking telecom infrastructure from property taxes to facilitate faster deployment of 5G services.
    • Implementation of Reforms:
      • Emphasis on the swift implementation of regulatory reforms to minimize bureaucratic delays and operational hurdles.
      • Creation of a conducive environment for telecom investments by ensuring clarity and uniformity in RoW regulations, thereby improving the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in the sector.

    Conclusion: The Government should prioritize the swift implementation of proposed policy reforms, including the reduction of levies and taxes, clarity in revenue definitions, and spectrum allocation for 5G and future 6G technologies. Timely execution will bolster investor confidence, accelerate infrastructure development, and enhance digital connectivity nationwide.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Cyber warfare is considered by some defence analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyberwarfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same. (2013)

  • As thoughts become digitised, who will protect our Neurorights? 

    Why in the News?

    Many researchers anticipate the imminent development of wearable EEGs capable of enhancing human cognitive functions directly.

    • Elon Musk’s Neuralink has also sparked optimism by exploring brain-computer interfaces to potentially restore lost functions in physically impaired individuals.
    • Neuralink is a company founded by Elon Musk in 2016 that’s developing a brain-computer interface called “the Link,” which is a surgically embedded neural-chip implant designed to decode and stimulate brain activity.
    • Neuralink implanted its first device in a patient’s brain in January 2024.

    What is EEG?

    EEGs refer to electroencephalograms, which are devices used to record electrical activity in the brain. These devices are valuable in neuroscience for monitoring brain functions and diagnosing various neurological conditions.

    What is Neuroscience?

    Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It is a multidisciplinary field that combines various approaches to understand the structure, function, and disorders of the nervous system.

    What is Neuro data?

    Neuro-data refers to data related to the nervous system, particularly the brain. It encompasses various types of data collected through neuroscience research and clinical studies.

    Significance of Neurodata:

    • Medical Advancements: It has the potential to provide precise diagnosis and personalized treatment of neurological disorders. It facilitates the continuous monitoring of brain health and early detection of abnormalities.
    • Technological Innovation: It supports the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and wearable neurodevices. It would enhance rehabilitation options for individuals with neurological impairments.
    • Research and Insights: It can provide data for studying brain functions, cognition, and behaviour. It fuels advancements in neuroscience, leading to new therapies and interventions.

    What are your neurorights?

    • Right to Mental Privacy: Individuals have the right to privacy concerning their neural activities and cognitive processes. This includes protection against unauthorized access to neural data and ensuring confidentiality in the use of neurotechnologies.
    • Right to Neurological Integrity: Individuals possess the right to autonomy over their neurological functions and activities. This entails the freedom from undue manipulation or coercion through neurotechnological interventions, ensuring that such technologies respect and preserve individuals’ neurological integrity.

    What is Neuroethics?

    Neuroethics is a field that addresses the ethical, legal, and social implications of advancements in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. It aims to ensure that the development and application of these technologies benefit humanity while minimising harm.

     

    The digitisation of neuro-data raises great opportunities as well as concerns  

    • Opportunities:

      • Enhanced Cognitive Assistance: Wearable EEGs and other neurotech devices can directly aid cognitive functions. For example, Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) like Neuralink could help physically impaired individuals restore lost functions.
      • Medical Advancements: It provides Real-time health monitoring and personalized healthcare options. For example, Improved diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders through detailed neuro-data.
      • Commercial and Research Value: It provides Valuable insights for neuromarketing to understand and influence consumer behaviour.
      • Integration with Daily Life: It can be used in daily life by using Smartwatches and apps that can track physiological activities and emotions, integrating neurotech into everyday activities.

    • Concerns:

      • Surveillance Risks: It has a potential misuse of neuro data for monitoring by employers, governments, and private companies.
      • Privacy and Security: It may threaten mental privacy and autonomy with the collection and analysis of sensitive neuro data.
      • Ethical and Legal Challenges: It has the potential for ethical dilemmas in mental privacy, consent, and the use of neurotech in various societal contexts.
      • Impact on Individual Rights: The right to think freely and safeguard one’s mental state from monitoring could be compromised. For example, Digitized health data’s commercial value could lead to exploitation and loss of personal control.

    Initiatives related to neuroethics: 

    • Institutional Efforts:
      • U.S. Presidential Commission on Bioethics: In 2015, it published the ‘Gray Matters’ report, addressing cognitive enhancement, consent capacity, and the legal implications of neuroscience.
    • Global Initiatives:
      • OECD Recommendations: In 2019, the OECD recommended principles such as safeguarding personal brain data and monitoring potential misuse of neurotechnologies.
      • UNESCO’s Concerns: In 2022, UNESCO highlighted issues related to human identity, freedom of thought, and privacy, emphasizing the risks of unauthorized access to neural data.
    • Research and Training:
      • Institute of Neuroethics: In 2023, researchers emphasized the need for proactive consideration of the implications of scientific advances and incorporating ethics into research training.

    Conclusion: Governments and international bodies should collaborate to create robust regulations that govern the collection, use, and sharing of neuro data. These regulations should ensure that neurotechnologies are used ethically, protecting mental privacy, consent, and individual rights.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Discuss the advantages and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government business. (2015)