SCIENCE AND

TECH
Complete coverage
For UPSC Prelims 2024
Space Technology

• ISRO LVs and • LUPEX

Gaganyaan
• Black Holes & Time
• XPoSat Dilation

• NISAR • Dark Matter Map

• Aditya-L1 • FRBs and GRBs

• LIGO-India Project • Blazars

• Osiris-Rex and
Apophis
ISRO Launch Vehicles

HRLV Mk III
Gaganyaan

• Gaganyaan project envisages

demonstration of human spaceflight
capability

• Launching crew of 3 members to an

orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission
and bring them back safely to earth,
by landing in Indian sea water.

• It will use LVM-3 rechristened as

HLVM-3 ie Human Rated Launch
Vehicle-3.

• Might develop semi-cryogenic

engine.
Gaganyaan

• Gaganyaan project envisages

demonstration of human spaceflight
capability

• Launching crew of 3 members to an

orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission
and bring them back safely to earth,
by landing in Indian sea water.

• It will use LVM-3 rechristened as

HLVM-3 ie Human Rated Launch
Vehicle-3.

• Might develop semi-cryogenic

engine.
Gaganyaan
XPoSat
• India’s first and world’s second X-Ray
Polarimeter satellite.

• Two Payloads-

• POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-

rays), will measure the polarimetry
parameters.

• The secondary payload, XSPECT (X-

ray Spectroscopy and Timing), will
measure spectroscopic information
and timing of soft X-rays.
NISAR

• Scheduled to be launched
• Orbit- SSO
• LV- Mk II
• Utilizes synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
technology to provide high-resolution 3D
images of Earth's surface.
• Dual-frequency radar system enables day-
and-night and all-weather imaging
capabilities.
• Global coverage with repeat observations
to track changes over time.
Aditya L1
• Aditya-L1 is a satellite
dedicated to the
comprehensive study of the
Sun from the L1 orbit.

• It has 7 distinct payloads

developed, all developed
indigenously.

• Aditya-L1 will stay

approximately 1.5 million km
away from Earth, directed
towards the Sun, which is about
1% of the Earth-Sun distance.
Aditya L1
• Aditya-L1 is a satellite
dedicated to the
comprehensive study of the
Sun from the L1 orbit.

• It has 7 distinct payloads

developed, all developed
indigenously.

• Aditya-L1 will stay

approximately 1.5 million km
away from Earth, directed
towards the Sun, which is about
1% of the Earth-Sun distance.
LIGO-India Project

• Location: Hingoli district in Maharashtra.

• Funding: Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)

and the Department of Science and Technology
(DST)

• LIGO - India is a planned advanced gravitational-

wave observatory, part of the worldwide network.
Osiris-Rex

• ISRO LVs • LIGO-India Project

• XpoSat • Black Holes & Time

Dilation
• Osiris-Rex
• Dark Matter Map
• Aditya-L1
• Space habitations
• Gaganyaan Mission
• Tidal Locking
LUPEX

• The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) is a joint mission between the Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency
(JAXA) to explore the moon's south pole.

• The mission is scheduled to launch in 2025 and will include an uncrewed lander and
rover.

• The lander will be provided by ISRO, while JAXA will provide the rover and the H3
launch vehicle.

• The mission's objectives include: Water prospecting and analysis, Demonstrating

new surface exploration technologies, and Sustainable exploration in the polar
region.
Black Holes and Time Dilation
• Definition: Regions of space-time with immense gravity where nothing, not
even light, can escape.

• Formation: Occurs when massive stars collapse, creating dense objects with
strong gravitational pulls.

• Types of Black Holes:

• Stellar Black Hole: From the collapse of a single massive star.

• Intermediate Black Hole: Masses between 100 and 100,000 times that of the
Sun.

• Supermassive Black Hole: Masses ranging from millions to billions of solar

masses, found in galaxy centers.

• Importance:

• Crucial for understanding the universe's evolution and galaxy formation.

• Studying them illuminates fundamental aspects of space, time, and gravity.

Black Holes and Time Dilation

• ISRO LVs • LIGO-India Project

• XpoSat • Black Holes & Time

Dilation
• Osiris-Rex
• Dark Matter Map
• Aditya-L1
• Space habitations
• Gaganyaan Mission
• Tidal Locking
Blazars

• Indian Astronomical Observatory (located in Hanle

of Ladakh) has observed the brightening of BL
Lacertae (BL Lac), a blazar.

• Type of galaxy powered by a massive black hole at

its center.

• Among the brightest and most powerful objects in

the universe.

• Emission Characteristics:

• Known for emitting highly energetic particles and

radiation.
Dark Matter Map

• Scientists from the US, Canada, and the UK used the Atacama
Cosmology Telescope (ACT) to study dark matter.

• They focused on light from the early universe, called the cosmic
microwave background (CMB).

• Key Discoveries:

• Dark matter, which can't be seen, affects light passing through it

due to its gravity.

• Think of it like a magnifying glass bending light, revealing hidden

structures.

• By tracking this bending in the CMB, researchers created a map

showing where dark matter is.

• Addresses a major cosmological question: the rate of formation of

dark matter "lumps" over time.
FRBs

• Bright and Brief: FRBs are short bursts of electromagnetic

radiation.

• Radio-Wave Frequencies: Typically observed in radio-

wave frequencies, lasting only milliseconds.

• Energy Loss: FRBs lose energy during their journey to

Earth, making them challenging to detect.

• Causes: Potential sources include stellar remnants like

white dwarfs and neutron stars, as well as interactions
between galaxies.
GRBs

• Most powerful and violent explosions in the known

universe.

• Result from explosive events like the birth of black holes

and collisions between neutron stars.

• Become the brightest source of electromagnetic radiation

when they erupt, even brighter than typical supernovae.

• Known Effects:

• Can potentially affect the entire ionosphere.

• Recently found out GRBs have the potential to temporarily

destroy the ozone layer.
Biotechnology and Health

• Genome • NSS
Editing- Beyond
• Havana
CRISPR
Syndrome
• Gene-drive
• TB
Technology
(GDT)

• CAR-T Cell
Therapy

• AMR

• NCDs
Beyond CRISPR

• CRISPR 2.0- Ready for trials?

• Casgevy becomes the first approved

CRISPR based gene therapy for patients
with Sickle Cell Disease.
Gene Drive Technology

• Definition: Genetic engineering altering

genes to disrupt typical inheritance
patterns.

• Outcome: Genetic material inserted into

animal DNA to replace natural genes.

• Applications:

• Combat disease: Target mosquitoes to

control malaria, dengue, Zika.

• Ecosystem management: Control invasive

species like rodents.
CAR-T Cell Therapy
• Definition: Cellular immunotherapy using
genetically altered T cells to enhance targeting
and destruction of cancer cells.

• T Cells: Natural immune cells that combat

pathogens and cancer cells.

• NexCAR19 (Actalycabtagene Autoleucel), an

indigenously developed CAR-T cell therapy
developed by IIT Bombay has been used to treat
a patient recently.

• Purpose: Targets cancer cells carrying CD19

protein, a marker for B lymphocytes.

• Application: Treats leukemia and B-cell

lymphomas, types of blood cancer.

• Mechanism: Genetically modifies patient's T

cells to specifically target cancer cells,
contrasting with chemotherapy's drug-based
approach.
AMR

• WHO in partnership with the Global AMR

R&D Hub, has released Incentivizing the
development of New Antibacterial
Treatments 2023’ Report.’
‘
AMR

• Global Steps to handle AMR • Steps Taken by India

• Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial • National Action Plan on containment of

Resistance (GAPAR) by WHO Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR),
2017
• AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) Tool by
WHO. • Delhi Declaration on AMR at G20

• Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use • National AMR surveillance network of

Surveillance System (GLASS) by WHO state medical college labs (NARS-Net) to
generate quality data on AMR.
• One health joint plan of action (2022‒2026) by • Red Line Campaign on Antibiotics.
FAO, UNEP, World Organisation for Animal
Health (WOAH, founded as OIE), and the • New provision, Schedule H1 to the Drugs
World Health Organization (WHO) and Cosmetics Act to check the
indiscriminate use of antibiotics
NCDs

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) released

Strategic Operational Guidelines for National Programme for
Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-
NCD) 2023-2030.
• Initiatives launched during the event:
• 75/25 Initiative:
• Aim: Put 75 million people with hypertension and diabetes on
Standard Care by 2025.
• Shashakt Portal:
• Purpose: Provide training for 40,000 Primary Health Care
Medical Officers.
Non-Sugar Sweeteners

• Characteristics: NSS contain few to no calories but are sweeter per gram
compared to sweeteners with calories, such as table sugar and fruit juice
concentrates.

• Terminology: Referred to as low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) or artificial

sweeteners.

• Usage: Used to enhance the flavor of foods and beverages.

• Composition: Include synthetically derived chemicals and natural extracts.

• Common Applications: Found in a variety of products including beverages

and foods like frozen desserts and yogurt.

• Labeling: Foods and beverages containing LCS may be labeled as "sugar-

free" or "diet."
Havana Syndrome
• Scientists find no trace of harm in people
with Havana Syndrome.
TB

• Treatment- First line- Isoniazid and Rifampicin

• Second line injectables like Amikacin for MDR-TB
• Third line drugs like Clofazimine for XDR-TB
• The treatment for active TB disease may be for four, six, or nine
months. Most latent TB infections are treated for three or four months.
• Prevention- BCG Vaccination which is a live attenuated vaccine
• End TB Strategy of WHO by 2035
• The MoHFW launched the Tuberculosis (TB) Mukt Bharat
Abhiyaan in 2021 under the NSP India 2020–25 for TB Elimination in
a major mission activity for ending the epidemic of TB by 2025.
Guillain Barre Syndrome

• Regulation Implementation:

• FSSAI operationalizes provisions of Draft Food Safety and

Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives)
amendment regulations 2011.

• Legislative Framework:

• Notified under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

• Key Provisions:

• Imposes limits on micronutrients for manufacturing fortified

rice kernels (FRKs).

• Micronutrients include Iron, Vitamin B9 (folic acid), Vitamin

B12 (Cyanocobalamin).
Brain Computer Interface

• Definition: Technology facilitating direct communication between

the brain and external devices, bypassing traditional
neuromuscular pathways.

• Applications:

• Medical Treatments: Monitoring and treating neurological

disorders., Aiding stroke rehabilitation.

• Assistive Technology: Empowering individuals with paralysis to

control devices.

• Mental Health Monitoring: Real-time management of conditions like

depression.

• Virtual & Augmented Reality: Enhancing digital experiences

through brain interaction.
IT, Communications,
Robotics and AI
• Advanced
• AI- Regulations and Application
driver
• Anthrobots assistance
systems
• Markets in Crypto Assets
• AR and VR
• Web 3.0
• National
• Wi-Fi 7 technology Quantum
• FSOC Mission

• BharOS
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Regulation
and Application
• The World’s first-ever AI Safety Summit was held at Bletchley
Park in London (United Kingdom) and it adopted Bletchley
Declaration to regulate AI.

• It is World first agreement on Artificial Intelligence (AI). India

is also a part of it.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Regulation
and Application-Deepfakes
• Healthcare: AI aids in disease diagnosis, medical imaging, and personalized
treatment.

• Finance: Utilized for fraud detection, risk assessment, and automated customer
service.

• Autonomous Vehicles: Powers self-driving cars for safe and efficient transportation.

• NLP: Enables language translation, sentiment analysis, and virtual assistants.

• E-commerce and Retail: Enhances product recommendations and visual search

capabilities.

• Manufacturing: Optimizes production processes and facilitates predictive

maintenance.

• Education: Personalizes learning experiences and provides educational support.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Regulation
and Application-Deepfakes
• Union Government issued an advisory to social media intermediaries
to identify misinformation and deepfakes.
• Deepfakes are media created using AI to alter visual and audio
content, combining "deep learning" and "fake."
• Purpose: Often used for entertainment, but potential for misuse is a
significant concern.
• Cybersecurity Threats: Deepfakes pose risks such as identity theft,
fraud, and impersonation, compromising security and privacy.
• Political Manipulation: Utilization in political manipulation and
dissemination of false information undermines democratic processes
and public trust.
Brain Computer Interface

• Definition: Technology facilitating direct communication between

the brain and external devices, bypassing traditional
neuromuscular pathways.

• Applications:

• Medical Treatments: Monitoring and treating neurological

disorders, Aiding stroke rehabilitation.

• Assistive Technology: Empowering individuals with paralysis to

control devices.

• Mental Health Monitoring: Real-time management of conditions like

depression.

• Virtual & Augmented Reality: Enhancing digital experiences

through brain interaction.
 Apple Vision Pro

• Advanced
driver
assistance
systems

• Apple Vision Pro

• National
Quantum
Mission

• Anthrobots

• BharOS

• Metaverse

• Source: Harman Connected

Anthrobots
• Anthrobots are the first fully cellular biological
robots made of human cells.
• Researchers have created “anthrobots” out of
human lung cells that are capable of moving
independently and even healing damaged
tissue.
• Not genetically modified.
• They can fuse together to form a superbot
which was able to encourage the growth of
neurons.
• They could be used in the future for repairing
wounds, sense tumours, repair spinal cord or
retinal nerve damage or even drug delivery.
Web 3.0

• Recently, the report titled “Unlocking the Web3

Potential: India’s Journey from a Talent Exporter to a
Product Powerhouse” was released Primus Partners
(private organisation).

• In 2022, India held 11% of the global Web3

developer pool, ranked 3rd worldwide.

• Web3 sector is projected to create 2.2 million direct

jobs in India in next decade.
Web 3.0
• Web 1.0 (Static Web): Initially enabled easy access to information.
• Web 2.0 (Interactive Web): Advanced with interactive platforms like Facebook, but
centralized with heavy reliance on intermediaries.
• Web3 (Decentralized Web):
• Users have financial stakes and more control over web communities.
• Facilitates peer-to-peer transactions and interactions without intermediaries.
• Includes cryptocurrencies, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), Decentralized Autonomous
Organizations (DAOs), and blockchain-based social networks.
• Offers enhanced security and control over personal data.
• Operated collectively by users rather than corporations.
Wi-Fi 7 Technology
• Adoption of Wi-Fi 7 Technology in India

• Qualcomm's Recommendation:

• U.S.-based company Qualcomm suggested India adopt the

newest Wi-Fi 7 technology.

• Wi-Fi 7 Overview:

• Wi-Fi 7 represents the next-generation Wi-Fi standard.

Wi-Fi 7 Technology
• Adoption of Wi-Fi 7 Technology
in India

• Qualcomm's Recommendation:

• U.S.-based company Qualcomm

suggested India adopt the
newest Wi-Fi 7 technology.

• Wi-Fi 7 Overview:

• Wi-Fi 7 represents the next-

generation Wi-Fi standard.
Free Space Optical Communication
(FSOC)
• Alphabet, under Project Taara, is deploying light beam
internet technology in India, Africa, and other regions.

• FSOC is an outdoor optical wireless communication (OWC)

technology.

• Subcategories:

• Includes Light Fidelity (LiFi), predominantly used indoors,

utilizing light within the visible spectrum for data
transmission.

• LiFi operates based on Visible Light Communication (VLC)

principle, transmitting data faster than Bluetooth with no
electromagnetic interference.
Free Space Optical Communication
(FSOC)
• Key Features:

• Line of Sight (LOS) technology.

• Supports data, voice, and video communication at up

to 10Gbps through full-duplex connectivity.

• Similar to optical fiber cable networks but transmits

optical beams through free air.

• Applications:

• Military applications, last-mile access,

telecommunication, and computer networking.
Advanced driver assistance
systems
• India witnesses a surge in demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
(ADAS), marking it as a growing market for such technologies.

• ADAS comprises electronic systems integrated into vehicles to enhance

driver safety, improve vehicle performance, and provide convenience.

• Technology Components:

• ADAS utilizes sensors, cameras, radar, and other advanced technologies to

monitor the vehicle's surroundings and detect potential hazards.

• Levels of ADAS:

• Different levels of ADAS are available in the market based on customer

demand, offering varying degrees of functionality and automation.
• Source: Macdermid Alpha Electronics
Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA)
• European Parliament passed Markets in Crypto Assets
(MiCA) legislation to regulate the crypto industry.

• Objectives: Establishes a legal framework for crypto-asset

service providers and enhances consumer protection.

• Focuses on regulating categories of crypto assets currently

outside existing regulations.

• Exclusions:

• Does not apply to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), DeFi

(Decentralized Finance), and Central Bank Digital Currencies
(CBDCs).
Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA)

• Regulatory Efforts on Crypto Assets in India

• 2022: Income Tax Imposition:

• The Finance Ministry imposed a 30% tax on income earned from

the transfer of Virtual Assets.

• 2023: PMLA Inclusion:

• Transactions involving Virtual Digital Assets were brought under

the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

• G20 Declaration:

• In 2023, G20 countries, including India, adopted the New Delhi

Leaders’ Declaration, emphasizing the need for effective
regulation of crypto assets.
National Quantum
Mission
• Aim: To seed, nurture and scale up scientific and
industrial R&D.

• Implementing agency: Department of Science &

Technology (DST), the Ministry of Science &
Technology.

• Mission duration: 2023-24 to 2030-31.

BharOS

• Advanced
driver
assistance
systems

• Apple Vision Pro

• National
Quantum
Mission

• Anthrobots

• BharOS

• Metaverse
Other Technologies

• Vanadium

• Small Modular
Reactors

• Samudrayaan
Vanadium

• One of the 30 critical minerals identified by India.

• Hard, silvery grey metal rarely found naturally. Has

been discovered in sediment samples from Gujarat.

• Used as an alloying element in iron and steel industry,

batteries.

• It is also crucial in defence, nuclear reactors and

aerospace.

• Earlier found in Arunanchal Pradesh.

Small Modular Reactors

• China launched the world’s first fourth-

generation nuclear reactor. It used Small
Modular Reactor (SMR) design in it.

• Fourth-generation nuclear reactor uses gas

(helium) for cooling unlike conventional
power plants that use pressurised water.

• SMRs are small, scalable, factory

assembled, economical and safer.
 Samudrayan

• Samudrayaan’ will be India’s crewed expedition to a depth of

6,000 m in the central Indian Ocean in Matsya 6000.

• Implemented by the MoES.

• The New India 2030’ document outlines a blue economy as the

sixth core objective for India’s growth.

• The years 2021-2030 have been designated by the United Nations

as the Decade of Ocean Science.

• Objectives:

• Mining polymetallic nodules from the central Indian Ocean.

• Ocean climate change advisory services.

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Nobel Prizes

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Medicine
Nobel Prize in Physics

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Medicine
Nobel Prize in Chemistry

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Medicine
Nobel Prize in Medicine

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Medicine
Nobel Prize in Medicine

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Medicine