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Type: Prelims Only

  • Differentiated Banks – Payment Banks, Small Finance Banks, etc.

    What is Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)?

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The Finance Ministry has firmly denied recent online rumours suggesting that the government is planning to impose Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions.

    About Merchant Discount Rate (MDR):

    • Overview: MDR refers to the fee charged to merchants by banks or payment service providers for processing digital payments made via credit cards, debit cards or other digital modes.
    • Purpose: It serves to compensate multiple stakeholders involved in a digital transaction, including the issuing bank, acquiring bank, payment gateway, and network operator.
    • Fee Structure: MDR is typically calculated as a percentage of the total transaction amount, usually ranging from 1% to 3%, depending on the transaction and merchant type.
    • RBI Regulation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates MDR, and merchants are NOT permitted to pass this fee onto customers.
    • Discontinuation: To promote cashless payments, the government waived MDR on UPI and RuPay card transactions in 2020, benefiting small merchants and consumers.

    How does it work?

    • Transaction Flow: When a customer pays digitally, the payment amount is credited to the merchant’s account after deducting the MDR fee.
    • Example: If a customer pays ₹1,000 and the MDR is 2%, the merchant receives ₹980, while the remaining ₹20 is distributed among the banks and service providers.
    • Automatic Deduction: The MDR amount is automatically deducted by the settlement system at the time of transaction processing.
    • Variable Rates: The MDR rate may vary depending on factors such as the type of card used, nature of business, monthly transaction volume, and average transaction value.
    • Merchant Agreements: Merchants are required to sign MDR agreements with their payment service providers before they begin accepting digital payments.
    • Operational Cost: MDR is treated as a part of the merchant’s operational costs when offering customers the convenience of digital payment options.
    [UPSC 2017] Which one of the following best describes the term “Merchant Discount Rate” sometimes seen in news?

    Options: (a) The incentive given by a bank to a merchant for accepting payments through debit cards pertaining to that bank.

    (b) The amount paid back by banks to their customers when they use debit cards for financial transactions for purchasing goods or services.

    (c) The charge to a merchant by a bank for accepting payments from his customers through the bank’s debit cards. *

    (d) The incentive given by the Government to merchants for promoting digital payments by their customers through Point of Sale (PoS) machines and debit cards.

     

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Science behind right AC Temperature

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Power is considering a policy to restrict the temperature range of new air conditioners (ACs) in India to between 20°C and 28°C.

    Important Facts and Keywords related to ACs:

    • Efficiency Ratings: ACs have ratings like SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) or EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). A higher rating means the AC uses less power to cool the same space.
    • Inverter Technology: Some ACs use inverter compressors, which adjust speed instead of turning on and off repeatedly. This saves energy and keeps the room temperature more stable.
    • Humidity Control: ACs also help by removing moisture from the air. This keeps humidity around 40–60%, which feels more comfortable and prevents mold.
    • Cooling Capacity: ACs are measured in tons. A “ton” of cooling comes from the amount of heat needed to melt 1 ton (~2,000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours.

    How do Air Conditioners Work?

    • Basic Idea: Air conditioners (ACs) work like a heat-moving machine. They take heat from inside your room and push it outside, making the room cooler. They do this using a special fluid called a refrigerant, and a system called the vapour-compression cycle.
    • Main Parts and What They Do:
      • Evaporator: This part is inside your room. The refrigerant, which is very cold here, absorbs heat from the indoor air and turns into a gas. It also removes moisture, so your room feels less humid.
      • Compressor: This is outside the house. It squeezes the refrigerant gas, making it very hot (about 90°C) and high-pressure. This part uses the most electricity in the AC.
      • Condenser: The hot gas then flows through the condenser coil outside. It releases heat into the outdoor air and turns back into a liquid.
      • Expansion Valve: This part lowers the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, making it cold again before it goes back to the evaporator to repeat the cycle.
    • Refrigerant: The refrigerant is a specially designed gas that changes state easily at low temperatures and pressures, making it ideal for absorbing and releasing heat rapidly. Modern refrigerants like R-32 or R-410A are more energy-efficient and environmentally safer than older ones like CFCs and HCFCs.

    Why limit AC Temperature settings?

    • Energy Efficiency Data: According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), setting an AC to 24°C instead of a lower setting can save 6% electricity per 1°C increase.
    • National Impact: If adopted widely, this temperature setting could help India save 20 billion units of electricity annually.
    • Health Risks at Low Temperatures: Temperatures below 18°C are linked to hypertension, asthma, and respiratory infections, especially among children, the elderly, and people with weakened thermoregulation.
    • Evidence from Global Studies: Research in Japan, the UK, and New Zealand shows that slightly warmer indoor settings lead to better respiratory and cardiovascular health.
    • WHO Recommendation: The World Health Organization advises 18°C as the minimum safe indoor temperature in temperate climates.
    • Thermal Comfort Standards: Guidelines like ASHRAE-55 and ISO 7730 suggest optimal indoor temperatures between 20°C and 24°C for lightly clothed people, with adjustments based on local climate and culture.

    Global Cooling Trends and the Need for Regulation:

    • Global AC Usage Growth: As of 2022, there were an estimated 2 billion air conditioners in use worldwide, with residential units tripling since 2000, especially in India and China.
    • Access Gap in Asia-Pacific: Despite this growth, 43% of the Asia-Pacific population still lacks access to adequate cooling solutions.
    • Environmental Impact: Air conditioning significantly increases electricity use and carbon emissions, especially in countries with fossil fuel-dependent grids.
    • India’s AC Load Projection: By 2030, India’s total connected AC load is expected to reach 200 gigawatts, requiring urgent demand management strategies.
    • Consumer Awareness Tools: Initiatives like default settings at 24°C and energy labelling empower consumers to make informed energy-efficient choices.
    • Benefits of Regulation: A regulated temperature range can help lower energy consumption, reduce peak power demand, and support public health.
    [UPSC 2003] Consider the following statements:

    1. Steam at 100°C and boiling water at 100°C contain the same amount of heat.

    2. Latent heat of fusion of ice is equal to the latent heat of vaporization of water.

    3. In an air-conditioner, heat is extracted from the room-air at the evaporator coils and is rejected out at the condenser coils.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

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

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    AviList 2025: World’s First Unified Global Bird Checklist 

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The Working Group on Avian Checklists has released AviList, the world’s first unified global bird checklist to standardize bird classification and support global research and conservation.

    What is AviList?

    • Overview: AviList is the first unified global checklist of bird species, officially launched on June 12, 2025.
    • Who developed it: It was developed by the Working Group on Avian Checklists, with representatives from BirdLife International, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the International Ornithologists’ Union, the American Ornithologists’ Society, and Avibase.
    • Purpose: The checklist aims to eliminate confusion caused by conflicting taxonomies and to improve global coordination in bird research and conservation.
    • Standalone feature: AviList replaces separate resources like the IOC World Bird List and the Clements Checklist with a single, consensus-based taxonomy.
    • Accessibility: It is freely available at www.avilist.org and will be updated annually to reflect the latest scientific consensus.
    • Target Users: AviList supports ornithologists, birdwatchers, conservationists, researchers, and policymakers globally.

    Key Features of AviList:

    • Standardized Taxonomy: Combines inputs from global and regional checklists to ensure taxonomic consistency.
    • Comprehensive Coverage: Lists 11,131 species, 19,879 subspecies, 2,376 genera, 252 families, and 46 orders.
    • Consensus-Driven Process: Taxonomic decisions are made through structured milestone assessments and expert committee voting.
    • Transparency in Changes: Provides clear justifications for taxonomic updates, especially those involving disputed species.
    • Living Document: Designed to evolve continuously with new scientific discoveries and updates.
    • Conservation Impact: Helps improve biodiversity assessments and conservation planning by clarifying species boundaries.
    [UPSC 2015] With reference to an organization known as ‘BirdLife International’, consider the following statements:

    1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.

    2.The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.

    3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

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  • Indian Army Updates

    Exercise KHAAN QUEST

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army has deployed it’s contingent to participate in Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2025, a major multinational peacekeeping exercise being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

    Concurrently, India is also set to conduct Exercise SHAKTI 2025 with France.

    About Exercise KHAAN QUEST, 2025:

    • Overview: It is a multinational peacekeeping military exercise being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from June 14 to 28, 2025.
    • Origins: The exercise was initiated in 2003 as a bilateral drill between the United States and Mongolian Armed Forces and became a multinational event in 2006.
    • Indian Participation: India has sent a 40-member contingent, primarily from the Kumaon Regiment, along with personnel from other arms and services, including one woman officer and two women soldiers.
    • Focus: The exercise trains troops for Peacekeeping Missions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which deals with action regarding threats to peace and acts of aggression.
    • Key Training Drills: Participating forces will engage in checkpoint establishment, cordon and search operations, civilian evacuation from conflict zones, counter-IED tactics, and combat casualty care.
    • Objectives: The main goal is to build interoperability, promote joint planning, and strengthen tactical coordination among different participating nations.

    About Exercise SHAKTI, 2025:

    • Overview: It is a bilateral military drill between India and France, scheduled to take place at La Cavalerie, France, from June 18 to July 1, 2025.
    • Exercise Series: This marks the 8th edition of the biennial joint exercise, reflecting a strong and ongoing defence partnership between the two nations.
    • Objectives: The drill focuses on enhancing the joint capability to conduct multi-domain operations, especially in sub-conventional warfare scenarios.
    • Core Training Areas: It includes sessions on tactical coordination, joint operational planning, and counter-terrorism techniques.
    • Goals: To deepen military cooperation, foster mutual trust, and build interoperability and camaraderie between the Indian and French armed forces.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.

    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).

    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.

    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

    (a)  1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

     

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  • Crop Insurance – PMFBY, etc.

    CROPIC Initiative

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: E-Technology In The Aid Of Farmers

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is set to launch CROPIC (Collection of Real Time Observations & Photo of Crops)- a digital initiative that uses field photography and AI-based models to monitor crop health and automate loss assessment.

    What is CROPIC?

    • Overview: CROPIC is a digital initiative launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    • Objective: The aim of CROPIC is to monitor crop health, assess crop losses, and assist with insurance payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
    • Technology Integration: It leverages field photography, artificial intelligence, and a cloud-based analysis system to streamline crop monitoring.
    • Process: CROPIC is designed to automate the crop loss assessment process and improve the transparency and speed of compensation to farmers.
    • Pilot Timeline: The initiative will be piloted during Kharif 2025 and Rabi 2025–26, and expanded nationwide in 2026.
    • Implementation: The project is funded through the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) under PMFBY, which has an allocation of ₹825 crore.

    Key Features of CROPIC:

    • Mobile App-Based Data Collection: Crops are photographed 4–5 times per season using the CROPIC mobile app, with images collected by farmers and field officials.
    • Crowdsourced Inputs: Real-time photographs are crowdsourced directly from the field, ensuring up-to-date and location-specific crop data.
    • AI-Based Photo Analysis: Images are uploaded to a cloud platform, where AI algorithms analyze them to detect:
      • Crop type and stage
      • Health status
      • Visible damage or stress
    • Web-Based Dashboard: Processed data is presented on a visual dashboard for use by government officials and policymakers.
    • Insurance Integration: During claim processing under PMFBY, officials use the app to gather photographic evidence, automating crop loss verification.
    • Crop Signature Database: CROPIC will help build a digital image library of crop types, aiding future research and development in agricultural analytics.
    [UPSC 2019] For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?

    1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location

    2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location

    3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    BBX32 Protein in Plants

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    A new study from researchers at IISER Bhopal has revealed how a single protein called BBX32 helps plants time the critical moment they emerge from darkness into light.

    What is BBX32? 

    • Function: BBX32 is a plant protein that helps a seedling keep its protective hook closed as it pushes through the soil.
    • Protection Mechanism: The hook shape shields the soft shoot tip in darkness; BBX32 extends this protection until it’s safe to open.
    • Ethylene Activation: Underground, the plant hormone ethylene activates the BBX32 gene, signaling the seedling to stay protected.

    How does it work?

    • Light Stabilization: Once exposed to light, BBX32 is no longer broken down, allowing it to accumulate on one side of the hook.
    • Protein Chain Reaction: BBX32 activates PIF3, which then activates HLS1, the protein that directly keeps the hook bent.
    • Lab Testing: Plants were tested in different light types and sand to simulate real soil. Extra ethylene increased BBX32 activity.
    • Mutant Comparison: Plants without BBX32 opened too early. Only 25% broke through sand, compared to 40% of normal and 80% with extra BBX32.
    • Degradation Control: In darkness, COP1 breaks down BBX32. Ethylene slows this process. Light fully stabilizes BBX32.
    • Coordinated Timing: The protein’s behavior is guided by light, hormone signals, and pressure, ensuring the hook opens at the right time.

    Why is studying BBX32 important?

    • Better Crop Survival: BBX32 can help develop crops that grow well in dense, wet, or compacted soils.
    • Climate Adaptation: As climate change leads to tougher soil conditions, BBX32 can improve seedling emergence and survival.
    • Boosting Yields: Supporting hook protection even slightly longer can lead to stronger early growth and higher productivity.
    • Genetic Research: BBX32 is a potential target for gene editing in plants to improve resilience during germination.
    • Broader Insight: Studying BBX32 helps us understand how plants balance internal signals with external cues for safe growth.
    [UPSC 2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhabit water loss?

    1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    India participates in 2nd Session of IALA Council

    IOCRPrelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

    Why in the News?

    India is serving as a Vice President to the 2nd Session of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (and Lighthouse Activities) (IALA) Council held in Nice, France.

    About IALA:

    • Overview: It is the global authority headquartered near Paris, France, responsible for standardizing and harmonizing marine aids to navigation (AtoN), including lighthouses, buoys, and electronic navigation systems.
    • Establishment: IALA was founded in 1957 as a non-governmental organization and officially became an intergovernmental organization (IGO) on August 22, 2024, following ratification by 34 countries.
    • Mission: Its mission is to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable maritime navigation by promoting uniform standards, modern technology, and global cooperation.
    • Relevance: IALA plays a crucial role in reducing maritime accidents, protecting marine environments, and supporting developing nations through training and technical assistance.

    Structure and Features:

    • Membership: The organization consists of 80+ member countries, along with commercial maritime companies, training institutions, and scientific bodies.
    • General Assembly: The supreme decision-making body, which meets every four years to define broad policies and strategic direction.
    • Council: The executive body composed of 24 elected members, meeting twice annually to oversee day-to-day governance and technical progress.
    • Technical Committees: Specialized groups focused on areas such as digital navigation technologies, marine engineering, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), and sustainable navigation systems.
    • Key Innovations:
      • Maritime Buoyage System: Unified over 30 local buoyage systems into two global regions (Region A and Region B).
      • Pioneered technologies like Differential GPS (DGPS), Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), and e-navigation frameworks.
    • Global Partnerships: IALA works closely with international bodies like the IMO (International Maritime Organization), IHO (International Hydrographic Organization), and ITU (International Telecommunication Union).

    India and IALA:

    • Founding Member: India is a founding member of IALA and has been a Council member since 1980, represented by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).
    • Infrastructure Contributions: India has implemented Integrated Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) across 12 major ports, enhancing navigational safety and efficiency.
    • Upcoming Hosting: India will host the 3rd IALA General Assembly in December 2025 and the IALA Conference in 2027, both scheduled to take place in Mumbai.
    [UPSC 2017] Consider the following in respect of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

    1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.

    2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

     

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Poson Poya festival in Sri Lanka

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    Sri Lanka is celebrating Poson Poya festival which commemorates the arrival of Buddhism over 2,000 years ago.

    About Poson Poya Festival:

    • Overview: Poson Poya is the second most important Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka, following Vesak in religious significance.
    • Date of Observance: It is celebrated on the full moon day of June, which corresponds to the seventh month of the Sinhalese calendar.
    • Historical Commemoration: The festival marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 236 BCE, when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, met King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale.
    • Key Locations: Celebrations are held across the island, with the most sacred observances taking place at Mihintale and Anuradhapura.
    • Ritual Activities: Devotees engage in temple visits, meditation, offerings, and acts of charity (Dana) as part of spiritual practice.
    • Cultural Expressions: Communities organize free food stalls (Dansalas), decorate homes and streets with lanterns, and display illuminated panels of Buddhist stories.

    How did Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka?

    • Following the Third Buddhist Council (held in 250 BC in Pataliputra) during Ashoka’s reign, it was decided to send missionaries to various regions, including Sri Lanka, to spread Buddhism.
    • The mission to Sri Lanka was led by Mahinda (Mahendra), Ashoka’s son, who converted King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura to Buddhism.
    • After several royal ladies expressed interest in joining the Buddhist monastic order, Mahinda sent for his sister, Sanghamitra, to initiate them.
      • Both siblings lived in Anuradhapura for the rest of their lives.
    • She played a pivotal role in establishing the Order of Nuns (Bhikkhuni Sangha or Meheini Sasna) in Sri Lanka, which later spread to other Theravada Buddhist countries like Burma, China, and Thailand.
    [UPSC 2024] Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on:

    Options: (a) Prajnaparamita Sutra (b) Visuddhimagga (c) Sarvastivada Vinaya * (d) Lalitavistra

     

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    PM pays tributes to Sant Kabir

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister paid tributes to Sant Kabir Das on his birth anniversary.

    PM pays tributes to Sant Kabir

    About Sant Kabir:  

    • Birth: Sant Kabir was likely born between 1398 and 1440 in Kashi (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) and passed away in 1518. According to legend, he was born to a Brahmin widow and later adopted by a Muslim couple, Niru and Nima.
    • Early Life: He was raised in the julaha (weaver) community, Kabir’s upbringing among the socially marginalized deeply shaped his teachings on equality and anti-casteism.
    • Spiritual Awakening: Though raised in a Muslim household, Kabir became a disciple of Swami Ramananda, a Vaishnava Bhakti saint, and was also influenced by Sufi mysticism, particularly through Shaikh Taqqi.
    • Death: Kabir died in Maghar (Uttar Pradesh) in 1518.
    • Legacy Site: Legend says his body miraculously vanished, leaving only flowers, which were divided between Hindus and Muslims. Today, a temple and a dargah stand at his burial site.

    His Teachings, Literary Style, and Cultural Impact:

    • Poetic Style: Kabir wrote in a mix of Hindi, Khari Boli, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Urdu, Persian, and Marwari. His most famous compositions are Dohe (couplets) and Pads (devotional songs), noted for their simplicity, spiritual insight, and bold social critique.
    • Advocacy: He was a strong proponent of Nirguna Bhakti, the worship of a formless, attributeless God. He referred to this divine presence as Ram, Allah, or Shabda, emphasizing that God transcends name and form.
    • Spiritual Themes: Kabir’s work reflects non-dualism (Advaita) from the Upanishads and monotheism (Tawhid) from Islam. He believed that salvation lies in inner realization, not through scriptures, priests, or rituals.
    • Opposition to Ritualism: He condemned idolatry, pilgrimage, fasting, and caste-based discrimination, urging people to seek God within themselves.
    • Social Reform Focus: Kabir stood firmly for social equality, rejecting casteism and religious divisions. His verses challenged orthodoxy and critiqued hollow practices in every community.
    • Influence on Sikhism and Bhakti Movement: His poems are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, highlighting his impact on Sikhism. He also inspired spiritual figures like Guru Nanak, Dadu Dayal, and Jiwan Das.
    • Cultural Legacy: The Kabir Panth, a spiritual tradition based on his teachings, has over 9.6 million adherents today. Kabir is respected in Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism alike.
    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.

    2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Voyager Tardigrades Experiment

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    As part of his upcoming two-week stay on the International Space Station (ISS) under Axiom-4 Mission, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will conduct the Voyager Tardigrades experiment.

    Voyager Tardigrades Experiment

    What are Tardigrades?

    • Tardigrades, also called “water bears” or “moss piglets”, are microscopic aquatic animals that have existed for around 600 million years.
    • They are about 0.5 mm long, with four pairs of clawed legs and a specialized mouth for sucking nutrients from plant cells and tiny invertebrates.
    • Tardigrades live in diverse habitats, including mosses, lichens, mountaintops, ocean depths, and even Antarctica.
    • They are famous for their extreme resilience, having survived all five major mass extinction events and capable of enduring conditions that would kill most other life forms.

    About Voyager Tardigrades Experiment:

    • Overview: The experiment will be conducted by Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla during his mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
    • Experimental Process: Tardigrades will be transported in their dormant “tun” state, then revived and observed in microgravity conditions.
    • Research Focus: The experiment will examine how space radiation and microgravity affect tardigrade survival, reproduction, and DNA repair mechanisms.
    • Scientific Objective: Researchers aim to identify genes responsible for space resilience in tardigrades and apply these insights to enhance astronaut protection and preserve biological materials during long-term space travel.

    Significance of Tardigrades in Space Research:

    • Extreme Survivors: They are among the most resilient organisms on Earth, capable of surviving temperatures from near absolute zero to over 150°C, intense radiation, deep-sea pressure, and even the vacuum of space.
    • Dormancy Mechanisms: Their survival strategy relies on cryptobiosis and anhydrobiosis, where their metabolism drops nearly to zero and water content is drastically reduced.
    • Protective Proteins: They produce unique proteins like CAHS, which form a gel-like matrix around cells to protect them from damage in extreme environments.
    • Biomedical Applications: Studying these proteins may help scientists develop radiation shields for astronauts, preserve human tissues and organs, and advance cryopreservation techniques.
    • Agricultural and Material Use: Insights from tardigrades could also lead to engineering drought-resistant crops and designing new biomaterials for use on Earth and in space.
    [UPSC 2012] Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created?

    1. To enable them to withstand drought

    2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce

    3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations

    4. To increase their shelf life.

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

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