Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

National Science Day

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: National Science Day

Why in the News?

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

About National Science Day

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

Who was C.V. Raman?

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

Contributions of C.V. Raman

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

PYQ:

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

(a) S. Ramanujan

(b) S. Chandrasekhar

(d) C. V. Raman

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New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

Species in news: Doomsday Fish

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Doomsday Fish

Why in the News?

Recent sightings of the rare oarfish, also known as the “Doomsday Fish,” near the shores of Baja California Sur, Mexico, have sparked speculation and social media frenzy.

About the ‘Doomsday Fish’

Japanese Folklore calls the oarfish “Ryugu no tsukai” or “Sea God’s Palace Messenger” and believes its rare appearance signals an impending natural calamity.
The belief gained strength in 2011 when multiple oarfish washed ashore in Japan just before the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami (9.0 magnitude).
Some cultures also consider the oarfish a messenger of the deep, warning humans of major disturbances in the ocean.

Popular Legends

Some scientists suggest that deep-sea fishlike oarfish may be sensitive to underwater vibrations from fault lines and could surface before an earthquake.
- However, no conclusive scientific evidence supports this theory.
Powerful ocean currents, storms, or underwater disturbances may push weakened or dying oarfish toward the surface.
The El Niño phenomenon or changes in water temperature might also affect their movements.
A 2019 study in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America found no relationship between oarfish sightings and earthquakes in Japan.

PYQ:

[2017] Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?

1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.

2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.

3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

PUNCH Mission

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: PUNCH Mission

Why in the News?

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

About the PUNCH Mission

PUNCH Mission is a groundbreaking solar mission designed to study the Sun’s corona and solar wind using advanced imaging techniques.
It will consist of 4 small satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for an expected two-year mission.
Unlike previous missions, PUNCH will use polarimetry (measurement of polarized light) to observe solar phenomena in 3D.
It allows scientists to study the origin and evolution of solar winds and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), both of which impact space weather and Earth’s technological systems.

Focus Areas of the PUNCH Mission:

- Study how the Sun’s outer corona transforms into the solar wind.
- Observe how CMEs are formed, gain speed, and travel through space.
- Improve space weather forecasting to protect satellites, astronauts, and power grids.
- Provide real-time data to help scientists predict solar storms and geomagnetic disturbances.
- Contribute to NASA’s Artemis program by ensuring safe deep-space exploration.

Key Features of the PUNCH Mission:

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

PYQ:

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

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

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Chandra Shekhar Azad and his Contributions

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Chandra Shekhar Azad
Why in the News?

Leaders from across the political spectrum paid tributes to the freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad on his martyrdom day (27th February 1931).

Who was Chandra Shekhar Azad?
- Chandra Shekhar Azad (1906–1931) was a revolutionary who played a key role in India’s independence struggle.
- Born in Bhabhra, Madhya Pradesh, he joined Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement at 15 but turned to armed revolution after its suspension.
- He reorganized the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) alongside Bhagat Singh.
- Azad vowed never to be captured alive and sacrificed himself in a shootout at Alfred Park, Allahabad, on February 27, 1931.
His Contributions to the Freedom Struggle
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1921): Arrested at 15, he declared his name as “Azad” (Free) in court and was punished with 15 lashes.
- Joining HRA (1924): Became a member of Ram Prasad Bismil’s HRA and raised funds through political dacoities.
- Kakori Train Robbery (1925): Helped loot a British train carrying treasury money; escaped capture while others were sentenced.
- Reorganizing HSRA (1928): Transformed HRA into HSRA with Bhagat Singh, introducing socialist ideology.
- Assassination of John Saunders (1928): Avenged Lala Lajpat Rai’s death, personally eliminating a police officer in the escape.
- Attempt to Blow Up Lord Irwin’s Train (1929): Planned to assassinate Viceroy Lord Irwin, but the plan failed.
- Final Stand (1931): Surrounded by British police, killed three officers, ensured his comrade’s escape, and shot himself with his last bullet.
PYQ:

[2020] Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.
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What is the Tea Horse Road?

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Tea Horse Road

Why in the News?

Recently, China’s Ambassador to India highlighted the historical significance of ‘Tea Horse Road’ in fostering Sino-Indian ties.

About the Tea Horse Road

The Tea Horse Road originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE).
Buddhist monk Yijing (635-713 CE) recorded early trade between China, Tibet, and India, mentioning exchanges of sugar, textiles, and herbs.
By the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), the trade focused on tea exports to Tibet and importing horses for China’s military.
The network spanned over 2,000 km, crossing treacherous mountain passes at altitudes above 10,000 feet.
The Tea Horse Road was not a single road but a network of multiple routes. Two primary routes were:

Yunnan Route: Starting from Pu’er and Dali, passing through Lijiang, reaching Lhasa (Tibet), and extending into India (via Sikkim, Nepal, and Bhutan).
Sichuan Route: Connecting Chengdu (Sichuan) to Tibet and North India.

Tea from southwestern China was transported to Tibet, then moved through the Himalayan passes to Kolkata and beyond, reaching Europe and Asia.
The rise of modern roads and railways in the mid-20th century led to its gradual decline.

Historical Significance:

Trade & Economy: Connected Tibet and China to India’s markets, facilitating the export of Chinese tea and Tibetan wool to Kolkata while Indian textiles and spices moved northward.
Horses for Indian Cavalry: Tibetan horses, transported through the route, were crucial for Indian military campaigns, especially in the Mughal and British periods.
Spread of Buddhism: The route enabled Buddhist scholars and monks to travel between Nalanda, Tibet, and China, promoting cultural and religious exchanges.
Political & Diplomatic Relations: British India sought control over Sikkim and Tibet’s trade routes, leading to diplomatic interventions like the 1904 British expedition to Tibet.
Impact on Himalayan Regions: Strengthened trade and cultural ties between Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tibet, influencing their shared heritage and economy.

PYQ:

[2018] The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.

[2016] ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of

(a) African Union

(b) Brazil

(d) China

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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs) in DNA

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs) in DNA

Why in the News?

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

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

Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs) are long, highly conserved DNA sequences (200+ base pairs) that have remained unchanged for millions of years across multiple species, including humans, mice, rats, chickens, and even fish.
Key Characteristics:
- Found in both coding (gene) and non-coding (regulatory) regions of the genome.
- Do not tolerate mutations, meaning they remain identical across species for tens of millions of years.
- Many UCEs do not code for proteins but play crucial roles in gene regulation and cellular function.

Their importance:

- Evolutionary Significance: Their extreme conservation suggests they are essential for survival, as any mutation would likely be harmful.
- Gene Regulation: UCEs may function as enhancers or silencers, controlling when and where genes are activated.
- Developmental Roles: They are often linked to brain development, fertility, and immune response.
- Disease Prevention: UCEs may protect against genetic disorders and cancers by stabilizing gene expression.

Why do Human and Mouse Genomes overlap?

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

PYQ:

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

1. across different species of plants

2. from animals to plants

3. from microorganisms to higher organisms

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

SPHEREx Telescope

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: SPHEREx Telescope

Why in the News?

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

What is the SPHEREx Telescope?

SPHEREx is a new space telescope developed by NASA.
It is designed to map the entire sky in infrared light and provide insights into the origins of the universe, galaxy formation, and the distribution of life-forming molecules.
Its mission is expected to last 2 years, during which it will survey the sky 4 times.

Key Features of SPHEREx:

- Infrared Spectroscopy: Unlike traditional optical telescopes, SPHEREx will capture the universe in 102 infrared colors, which are invisible to the human eye.
- Wide-Sky Coverage: Unlike the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which focuses on narrow regions, SPHEREx will map the entire sky every 6 months.
- High Data Output: It will collect data on one billion galaxies, 100 million stars, and 10,000 asteroids, creating an unprecedented cosmic map.
- Study of Cosmic Inflation: SPHEREx will analyze the earliest moments after the Big Bang, helping scientists understand how the universe expanded rapidly in its infancy.
- Search for Life-Forming Molecules: The telescope will identify biogenic molecules like water, carbon dioxide, and methanol in the Milky Way galaxy, revealing where the building blocks of life exist.

SPHEREx Telescope

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

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

PYQ:

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

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

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Veer Savarkar and His Contributions

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Veer Savarkar

Why in the News?

Prime Minister paid tribute to Veer Savarkar on his death anniversary (26th February), acknowledging his contributions to India’s freedom movement.

About Veer Savarkar: Life, Contributions, and Legacy

	Details
Who was Veer Savarkar?	• Born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, Maharashtra. • Founded Abhinav Bharat Society (1904) for armed resistance. • Led India House in London (1906) and the Free India Society. • Arrested in 1910, sentenced to life imprisonment in Cellular Jail (Kala Pani, Andaman & Nicobar Islands). • Became President of the Hindu Mahasabha (1937-1943). • Died on February 26, 1966, after fasting till death.
His Contributions	• Advocated armed revolution against British rule. • Coined Hindutva (1923), defining Indian identity beyond religion. • Opposed Partition, emphasizing Hindu political unity. • Championed military nationalism over passive resistance. • Writings and ideology influenced Indian nationalist movements.
Literary Works	• The First War of Indian Independence (1909): Reinterpreted the 1857 Revolt as a nationalist struggle. • Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? (1923): Laid the ideological foundation of Hindutva. • My Transportation for Life (1950): Memoirs of his imprisonment in Cellular Jail. • Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History: Advocated Hindu resistance against foreign invaders.
Controversies	• Gandhi Assassination Case (1948): Arrested but acquitted due to lack of evidence. • Mercy Petitions (1911-1924): Wrote clemency petitions for early release from prison, debated as tactical or compromising. • Opposition to Quit India Movement (1942): Rejected Gandhi’s call, favored military strength over civil disobedience. • Hindutva Ideology: Critics claim it fostered religious divisions, while supporters see it as reviving Hindu identity.

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Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

‘Cali Fund’ launched at CBD COP16

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Cali Fund

Why in the News?

A new international biodiversity fund, the ‘Cali Fund’, was launched at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Rome.

What is the Cali Fund?

The Cali Fund is an international biodiversity financing mechanism launched on February 25, 2025, at COP16 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Rome.
It collects funds from private companies that utilize Digital Sequence Information (DSI) from nature in their businesses.
The fund supports biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and indigenous communities.

Key Features of the Cali Fund:

Funding Source: Businesses using genetic data (DSI) from plants, animals, and microorganisms will contribute financially.
Utilization of Funds:
- 50% allocated to indigenous and local biodiversity projects.
- Supports scientific research and developing nations’ biodiversity action plans.
Global Management: Managed by UNDP and UNEP, with MPTFO handling finances.
Alignment with Global Goals: Supports Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
First-of-Its-Kind: Direct private sector contributions to a global UN biodiversity fund.

What is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)?

DSI refers to genetic data extracted from plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Used extensively in industries such as:
- Pharmaceuticals (medicine development).
- Cosmetics (natural ingredient research).
- Agriculture (crop improvement, pest resistance).
- Biotechnology (genetic engineering, bioinformatics).

About the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

The CBD, with 196 contracting parties, stands as the most comprehensive international agreement focused on nature conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.
It was opened for signing at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro.
The CBD has 3 main objectives:

Conservation of biological diversity (including genetic, species, and habitat diversity).
Sustainable use of biological diversity.
Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

It addresses biodiversity at all levels: ecosystems, species, and genetic resources.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the CBD’s governing body, and it meets biennially to assess progress, set priorities, and develop action plans.
The Secretariat of the CBD is located in Montreal, Canada.
To further its goals, the CBD includes two binding protocols:

The Cartagena Protocol (2000), which regulates the transboundary movement of living modified organisms (LMOs) and came into force in 2003.
The Nagoya Protocol (2010), which provides a legal framework for the access to genetic resources and the fair sharing of benefits from their use.

PYQ:

[2014] With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’

(b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level

(c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment.

(d) Both A and B

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Species in news: Gharials

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

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Gharial
Why in the News?

Madhya Pradesh CM released 10 gharials into the Chambal River at the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary in Morena.

About Gharial
- The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a unique species of crocodilian, characterized by its long, slender snout, which is perfectly adapted for catching fish.
- The species derives its name from the “ghara”, a bulbous growth found on the snouts of adult males, which aids in vocalization and mating displays.
- It is a fish-eating crocodile native to the Indian subcontinent.
- They are a crucial indicator of clean river water.
Conservation Status:
- Recognizing the rapid decline in gharial populations, India launched captive breeding and release programs in the late 1970s.
- Between 1975 and 1982, the country established 16 captive breeding centers and 5 protected sanctuaries to ensure the survival of the species.
- Gharials are ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Species.
- The species is also listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Today, gharials primarily survive in 5 major refuges:
1. National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS) – The largest stronghold of gharials.
2. Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
3. Chitwan National Park in Nepal.
4. Son River Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
5. Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary in Odisha.
PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following fauna of India:

1. Gharial

2. Leatherback turtle

3. Swamp deer

Which of the above is/are endangered?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None
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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About National Science Day

Who was C.V. Raman?

Contributions of C.V. Raman

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the ‘Doomsday Fish’

Popular Legends

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the PUNCH Mission

Key Features of the PUNCH Mission:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Who was Chandra Shekhar Azad?

His Contributions to the Freedom Struggle

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the Tea Horse Road

Historical Significance:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

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

Why do Human and Mouse Genomes overlap?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the SPHEREx Telescope?

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

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Veer Savarkar: Life, Contributions, and Legacy

Why in the News?

What is the Cali Fund?

Key Features of the Cali Fund:

What is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)?

About the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Gharial

Conservation Status:

PYQ: