Science & Technology

Mitochondrial Diseases

Why in news ?

A recent study has revealed that about a quarter of mitochondrial disease patients suffer from malnutrition.

What is mitochondria?

• Mitochondria – They are membrane-bound cell organelles that are the powerhouses of the cells as they generate the energy needed to power the cell’s biochemical reactions.
• Chemical energy produced by the mitochondria is stored in a small molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

What is Mitochondrial Donation Treatment?

• Mitochondrial donation treatment is also known as mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT).
• Advanced in-vitro fertilization technique is used for mitochondrial donation treatment.
• The baby’s biological father’s sperm was used to fertilise the eggs from the biological mother, who has a mitochondrial disease, and a third, female donor with clear mitochondria, separately.

Treatment:

• There are no cures for these diseases, but treatments may help with symptoms and slow down the disease.
• They may include physical therapy, vitamins and supplements, special diets, and medicines.

Source – The Hindu

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Blue dragons

Why in news ?

Recently, blue dragons (Glaucus atlanticus) have been spotted on the beach and in waters near the shore in Besant Nagar in Chennai.

About the Blue dragons:

• The blue dragon (Glaucus atlanticus) is a type of mollusc known as a nudibranch.
• They also are known as blue sea slugs, blue angels, and sea swallows.
• It rarely grows larger than three centimetres long.
• An air bubble stored in its stomach keeps the blue dragon afloat.
• Distribution: It can be found drifting on the surface of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans in temperate and tropical waters.

Features of Blue Dragon

• This underwater predator possessed distinct features that made easy categorization challenging.
• According to experts, the animal featured a crocodile-like head and large paddle-shaped flippers.
• Its back flippers were larger than its front flippers.
• This predator possessed nearly binocular vision, making it a deadly hunter.
• More than five feet long, this aquatic creature also featured a dorsal fin similar to the great white shark.

Source – The hindu

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PACE Mission

Why in news ?

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is going to launch the PACE mission in 2024 to boost our understanding of Earth’s atmosphere.

About PACE Mission:

• The mission will employ advanced polarimeters to study the interplay of light, aerosols, and clouds, contributing to a deeper comprehension of their impact on air quality and climate.
• The PACE mission will not only analyse aerosols but also delve into studying the colour of the ocean.
• The primary science instrument for PACE is the Ocean Colour Instrument (OCI) which is designed to measure the ocean’s colour across a spectrum from ultraviolet to shortwave infrared.

What are aerosols?

• These include tiny particles like smoke, dust, and pollutants may seem inconspicuous, but they play a crucial role in influencing our climate.
• Aerosols absorb and scatter sunlight, determining the amount of solar energy reaching Earth’s surface.

Multi-angle Polarimeters:

• Radiometers used to measure how the oscillation of sunlight within a geometric plane – known as its polarization – is changed by passing through clouds, aerosols, and the ocean.
• Measuring polarization states of UV-to-shortwave light at various angles provides detailed information on the atmosphere and ocean, such as particle size and composition.

Source – NASA

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Gemini AI model 

Why in news ? 

Recently, Google announced the launch of its latest, most powerful AI model, Gemini.

What is AI?

• AI is the ability of a computer, or a robot controlled by a computer to do tasks that are usually done by humans because they require human intelligence and discernment.
• Although there is no AI that can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AI can match humans in specific tasks.Gemini AI model

How is Global AI Currently Governed?

India:

• NITI Aayog, has issued some guiding documents on AI Issues such as the National Strategy for AI and the Responsible AI for All report.
• Emphasises social and economic inclusion, innovation, and trustworthiness.

United Kingdom:

• Outlined a light-touch approach, asking regulators in different sectors to apply existing regulations to AI.
• Published a white paper outlining five principles companies should follow: safety, security and robustness; transparency and explainability; fairness; accountability and governance; and contestability and redress.

What are the Different Types of AI?

• Reactive AI: It uses algorithms to optimize outputs based on a set of inputs. Chess-playing AI, for example, are reactive systems that optimize the best strategy to win the game.
• Reactive AI tends to be fairly static, unable to learn or adapt to novel situations. Thus, it will produce the same output given identical inputs.
• Limited Memory AI: It can adapt to past experiences or update itself based on new observations or data. Often, the amount of updating is limited, and the length of memory is relatively short.
• Autonomous vehicles, for example, can read the road and adapt to novel situations, even learning from past experience.

Source – Indian Express

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Cholelithiasis 

Why in news ? 

A recent study sheds light on the complex link between serum lipids, lipid-modifying targets, and cholelithiasis.

Important points:

A recent study published in the journal Gut highlights the complex link between serum lipids, lipid-modifying targets and cholelithiasis, a prevalent disease marked by gallstone production.

The study, led by researchers from the First Hospital of Jilin University, used a combination of observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) methods for the analysis.

About Cholelithiasis:

• The condition of having stones in gallbladder is called cholelithiasis.
• It is a common hepatobiliary condition that mostly affects the Western population.
• It is a major risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma, a type of bile duct cancer.
• Gallstones are hard deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder.

Reason:

• Cholesterol stones: These types of stones are the most common type of gallstones and are not linked to cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Bilirubin stones: These are also called pigment stones. This type of stones are formed due to excess bilirubin.

Treatment :

It can be treated with medications or procedures.

About Gallbladder:

• The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that lies beneath the liver and stores bile produced by the liver.
• Bile is a fluid in which various substances like cholesterol, bilirubin, bile salts and lecithin are found.

Source – Indian Express

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International Space Station (ISS) Completes 25 Years 

WHY IN NEWS ? 

The International Space Station passes 25 years since the first module Zarya launched into orbit on 20th November 1998.

What is International Space Station (ISS)?

• ISS is a large spacecraft in low Earth orbit.
• It is habitable spacecraft that orbits Earth at an average altitude of approximately 420 kilometers (260 miles).

Significance

• Advancing Scientific Research: The ISS serves as a unique microgravity environment for scientific experiments, fostering research across various disciplines, including biology, physics, and materials science.
• International Collaboration: The ISS stands as a symbol of global cooperation, with over 15 partner countries contributing to its operation. This collaborative effort enhances diplomatic ties and shared achievements in space exploration.
• Technological Innovation: The development and maintenance of the ISS necessitate cutting-edge technologies, driving innovation in fields such as robotics, life support systems, and space-based infrastructure.

SOURCE – TOI

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Nitrogen-9 nucleus

WHY IN NEWS ?

Recent study published in Physical Review Letters, presents strong evidence for the existence of an unusual nitrogen-9 isotope.

About Nitrogen-9 nucleus:

• It is characterised by seven protons and two neutrons – which is an unusually high proton-to-neutron ratio.
• This disparity has a critical effect on the isotope’s stability, influencing its decay processes as well as overall behaviour.
• For one, the high proton content places nitrogen-9 atoms beyond the conventional stability thresholds.

Implications of existence of Nitrogen-9:

• The study provides strong evidence for the existence of nitrogen-9, challenging previous interpretations in nuclear physics.
• The discovery adds a new point to the nuclide chart, opening up possibilities for more isotopes at the limits defined by drip lines.
• The study opens avenues for further exploration and contributes to our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of matter.

What are nuclides?

• It is an analogous table for atomic nuclei characterised by a unique combination of protons and neutrons.
• A table or chart of nuclides is a two-dimensional graph of isotopes of the elements.
• One axis shows the number of neutrons (N) and the other shows the number of protons (Z) in each atomic nucleus.
• Each point on the graph denotes a nuclide.

SOURCE  – TOI

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NASA’s Psyche Mission

Why in news ?

Recently, NASA’s Psyche mission sends signals to Earth from 16 million kilometres away.

Asteroid 16 Psyche

• 16 Psyche is an asteroid that orbits the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.
• It is believed to be composed mainly of iron and nickel, similar to the Earth’s core.

Scientific Instruments

• The Psyche spacecraft is equipped with a suite of scientific instruments to study the asteroid in detail.
• These instruments include a Multispectral Imager, Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer, Magnetometer, and a Radio Science system.

Scientific Significance

• The Psyche mission is expected to provide critical insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system.
• Studying the composition and history of 16 Psyche can help refine models of planetary formation and the differentiation of planetary cores.

Source – The Hindu

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3D Printing

Why in news ?

Researchers from IIT-Mandi have found that the extrusion-based metal additive manufacturing process stands out as the most superior and cost-effective method in comparison to other approaches in metal 3D printing.

Understanding 3D Printing

• 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, constructs three-dimensional objects layer by layer using computer-generated designs.
• Unlike conventional manufacturing methods that involve material subtraction, 3D printing is additive.

Applications of 3D Printing

Manufacturing: 3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing by enabling rapid prototyping, reducing production time, and minimizing waste. Complex geometries and intricate designs that were once challenging to create are now achievable with precision.

Healthcare: In the medical field, 3D printing is used to create patient-specific implants, prosthetics, and even organs. Customized medical devices and models for surgical planning enhance patient outcomes.

Aerospace: Aerospace industries utilize 3D printing to manufacture lightweight and durable parts, reducing aircraft weight and fuel consumption. This technology also enables rapid iteration of design improvements.

Advantages of 3D Printing

• Customization: 3D printing allows for individualized and customized products tailored to specific needs or preferences.
• Complex Geometries: The technology can create intricate and complex geometries that would be challenging or impossible to achieve using conventional manufacturing techniques.

How is 3D Printing done?

To carry out 3D printing, a personal computer connected to a 3D printer is required. There is a need to design a 3D model of the required object on computer-aid design (CAD) software and press ‘print’. The 3D printer will make the desired object.

3D printers construct the desired object by using a Layering method/Additive manufacturing Process, opposite of the subtractive manufacturing processes. It builds from the bottom up by piling on layer after layer until the object looks exactly like it was envisioned.

Types of Additive Manufacturing Processes

• Powder Bed Fusion (PBF): Where a thermal source is used to selectively consolidate powdered materials.
• Binder Jetting (BJT): Where liquid binder is selectively deposited to bind powdered materials.
• Directed Energy Deposition (DED): Where feedstock material, either powder or wire, is melted via a focused thermal source as it is deposited.
• Material Extrusion (MEX): Where material is extruded through a nozzle or orifice.

Source – Indian Express

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Genetic Chimaeras

Why in news ?

In a recent landmark study, scientists reported successfully generating a live chimaera in non-human primates.

Natural Chimaeras among Humans:

• It can occur when the genetic material in one cell changes and gives rise to a clonal population of cells different from all the other cells.
• Fusion of two fertilised zygotes early in the embryonic stage can also lead to a condition in which two genetic makeups coexist in a single individual.
• Chimerism can also result from twin or multiple pregnancies evolving into a single foetus or a twin foetus being absorbed into a singleton.
• Individuals living with two blood types have been documented. Pregnant women have been known to harbour genetic material of her foetus in the bloodstream during pregnancy.

Chimaeras in Non-human Primates:

Previously, chimaeras have been induced in laboratory settings, of rat-mouse, human-pig, and human-cow in order to ‘generate’ human organs.

While rat-mouse chimerics had a near-normal lifespan, human-pig chimaeras had to be terminated in three to four weeks.

Though such studies have shown promise for growing organs for transplantation, they are limited by the fact that rats, mice, pigs and cows are evolutionarily distant from humans, and will pose biological and technical challenges when being used to grow human organs.

Applications:

• Human-pig chimaeras have been induced in laboratory settings in a bid to develop model systems that could ‘produce’ human organs of a suitable size, anatomy, and physiology.
• Successful application of animal insulin and the more recent use of animal heart valves in human surgeries have saved human lives.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs):

• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells or iPSCs) are a type of pluripotent stem cell that can be generated directly from a somatic cell.
• The iPSC technology was pioneered by Shinya Yamanaka and Kazutoshi Takahashi in Kyoto, Japan, who together showed in 2006 that the introduction of four specific genes, collectively known as Yamanaka factors, could convert somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells.
• Shinya Yamanaka was awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize along with Sir John Gurdon for the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent.

Natural chimaeras among humans

They occur when the genetic material in one cell changes and gives rise to a clonal population of cells different from all the other cells.

The fusion of two fertilised zygotes early in the embryonic stage can also lead to a condition in which two genetic makeups coexist in a single individual.

Source – The Hindu

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Global Positioning System (GPS) Spoofing

Why In News?

• Recently a committee has been set up by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to keep an eye on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) spoofing in Indian airspace.

In the context of GPS spoofing: 

• Attempting to change the initial location of a GPS-enabled device is known as GPS spoofing.
• GPS spoofing sends false data to the receiver to distract traffic, goods or people with false information.
• GPS spoofing involves a radio transmitter focused on a target, which interferes with the actual GPS signals being transmitted.
• GPS signals are often weak and are transmitted via satellites.
• A strong radio transmitter can be used to disregard a weak signal and send invalid coordinates and information to the receiver.

GPS System:   

• The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based radio-navigation system consisting of a constellation of satellites broadcasting navigation signals and a network of ground stations and satellite control stations used for monitoring and control.
• It is used to give location information as well as to keep accurate time.

Difference between GPS spoofing and GPS jamming:

• GPS spoofing is not the same as jamming. In GPS jamming, GPS signals are jammed, whereas in GPS spoofing these signals are not jammed.
• GPS spoofing is very different and more dangerous than GPS jamming.
• Airlines and other aircraft regularly suffer from jamming problems, whereas spoofing poses no regular problems.
• Compared to GPS jamming, spoofing is more difficult to detect.

Increasing cases of GPS spoofing:

• Cases of GPS spoofing involving commercial and airline aircraft in Iranian airspace are increasing.
• The navigation systems of about 20 passenger planes flying over Iran have been interfered with by fake GPS signals.
• These signals destroyed the aircraft’s built-in navigation system, resulting in the rapid loss of all navigational capabilities.

Other important points:

• Without any doubt, spoofing is a serious concern that needs to be dealt with smartly and safely.
• GPS spoofing requires the use of detection software, which warns users about spoofing instances and prevents their devices from responding to fake GPS data.
• In this context, there is a need to work on continuous updates and more security, which can provide more security.

Source – The Hindu

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DIPHTHERIA

Why In News?

• A recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the diphtheria outbreak in Guinea highlights the urgency of understanding the disease and ways to treat it.

In Terms of Diphtheria:

• Diphtheria is a serious and potentially fatal bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, and sometimes the skin.
• Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacteria usually grow on or near the surface of the throat or skin.
• In severe cases, the toxin secreted by this bacterium kills cells in the throat.
• If the patient is not treated the toxin can spread through the bloodstream and cause damage to the heart and kidneys.

Symptoms of Diphtheria:

• Some people may have mild or no symptoms at all, but they can still spread the infection to others. These people are called carriers of diphtheria.
• A thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils
• A sore throat and hoarseness
• Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Nasal discharge
• Fever and chills
• Tiredness

Status of This Disease in India:

• Diphtheria vaccination program has been running in India since the 1980s.
• Yet India still remains the world leader in diphtheria cases.
• In severe cases, the toxin secreted by this bacterium kills cells in the throat.
• Diphtheria is increasingly infecting adolescents and adults in India, although historically it was a disease of children under five.

Measures to Prevent Diphtheria:

• The best way to prevent diphtheria is vaccination. Diphtheria vaccine is given as part of a combination vaccine that also protects against tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough).
• The vaccine is recommended for children at ages 2, 4, 6 and 15 to 18 months, and for children ages 4 to 6 years. A booster dose every 10 years is recommended for adolescents and adults.
• The vaccine is safe and effective, but it may have some mild side effects, such as pain, redness, swelling at the injection site, fever, headache, and fatigue. Serious allergic reactions are very rare.

Conclusion:

• Diphtheria is a serious and potentially fatal bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, and sometimes the skin.
• It is a preventable and treatable disease, but it can still be fatal, especially in children and older adults.

Source – The Hindu

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Nuclear-powered lander for Saturn’s moon Titan

Why In News?

• Recently, NASA is building a nuclear-powered lander to explore ‘Titan’, the largest moon of Saturn with dense atmosphere and low gravity. The lander is a part of the Dragonfly spacecraft, which will be launched by 2027.

Main Point:

• Titan is also thought to have a subsurface ocean of water.
• Titan is a major target in NASA’s quest to assess habitability and search for potential signs of life beyond Earth on worlds across the solar system.
• The lander, Dragonfly rotorcraft, is NASA’s only mission to the surface of another ocean world. Titan is also thought to have a subsurface ocean of water.
• The lander, Dragonfly rotorcraft, is NASA’s only mission to the surface of another ocean world. Titan is also thought to have a subsurface ocean of water.
• The car-sized drone, built and operated by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Maryland, will have four pairs of coaxial rotors (meaning one rotor is stacked above the other) and will slice through Titan’s dense, nitrogen-rich atmosphere.
• It will be equipped with cameras, sensors and samplers to help examine swaths of Titan known to contain organic materials that may have come in contact with liquid water beneath the organic-rich, icy surface.
• Dragonfly’s flight systems has so far undergone four testing in the past three years at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia.

About Titan:

• Titan is the largest moon of Saturn and the second largest natural satellite in the Solar System.
• It is the only moon with a dense atmosphere, and the only known object in space other than Earth on which clear evidence of stable bodies of surface fluid has been found.
• Titan is 50% larger (in diameter) and 80% more massive than Earth’s Moon. It is the second largest moon in the solar system after Jupiter’s moon Ganymede. It is bigger than the planet Mercury.
• Titan’s atmosphere is predominantly nitrogenous, with minor components causing the formation of methane and ethane clouds and heavy organonitrogen haze.
• With its liquids (both surface and subsurface) and strong nitrogen atmosphere, Titan’s methane cycle is similar to Earth’s water cycle, albeit at a much lower temperature of about 94 K (−179 °C; −290 °F).

About Saturn:

• Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the largest planet in the solar system after Jupiter.
• Titan is the largest of Saturn’s 82 moons or satellites. The conditions on Titan are very similar to those on Earth. Therefore, scientists remain curious to know about this satellite.
• Due to elements like water, methane, ammonia or stone being found in very little or no quantity, Saturn is included among the four giant planets of the solar system which are called gas giants.
• Hydrogen and helium gases are found in abundance on Saturn.
• One specialty of Saturn is its attractive rings, due to which Saturn looks very beautiful from a distance. Although apart from Saturn, rings are present in Jupiter, Neptune and Uranus, but these rings are not as well equipped and complex as compared to Saturn.

Source – The Hindu

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Neutrino

Why In News?

• Recently a giant telescope is being constructed by China in the western Pacific Ocean. Its task will be to detect “ghost particles”, also known as neutrinos.
• China has said that its new telescope, called Trident, will cover 7.5 cubic km in the South China Sea. According to experts, its size will allow it to detect more neutrinos and be 10,000 times more sensitive than existing underwater telescopes.

In Terms of Neutrinos:           

• Neutrinos are mysterious particles, produced in abundance in nuclear reactions in the Sun, stars and elsewhere. Because He is so omnipresent, His qualities permeate even the microscopic structure of the universe.
• The neutrino is a fermion that interacts only through the weak interaction and gravity.
• Investigating neutrino oscillations and their relationship with mass is important in studying the origin of the universe.
• Sources of Neutrinos: Neutrinos are produced by various radioactive decays; During a supernova, atoms etc. are hit by cosmic rays.

About Anti-Particles:

• In quantum theory, each type of particle is associated with an antiparticle of the same mass but opposite physical charge. For example, the antiparticle of the electron is the positron. Similarly, neutrinos have anti-neutrinos.
• Neither neutrinos nor anti-neutrinos have an electric charge, nor do they really have any other properties to distinguish them.

How do Scientists Detect Ghost Particles?

• Ghost particles rarely interact with other particles. Sometimes they interact with water molecules, which is why China is building its own underwater Ghost Molecule Telescope.
• Currently, the largest neutrino-detecting telescope is the “IceCube” telescope at the University of Madison-Wisconsin.
• Located in the depths of the Antarctic, the telescope’s sensors span approximately 1 cubic kilometer.

Source – Indian Express

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2023 Chemistry Nobel Prize

Why In News?

• Recently the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots, which are tiny particles with unique optical properties due to their small size. This award is given to Maungi ji. Presented to Bawendi, Lewis E. Bruce and Alexey I. Ekimov. These nanoparticles are widely used in fields like electronics, advanced surgery and quantum computing.

In terms of quantum dots: 

• Quantum dots (QDs) are man-made nanoscale crystals that exhibit unique optical and electronic properties, including the ability to transport electrons and emit different colors of light when exposed to UV light.
• These artificially synthesized semiconductor nanoparticles have a wide range of potential applications, including use in composites, solar cells, fluorescent biological labeling, displays, lighting, and medical imaging.
• These were first discovered in

Invention:

• Their study showed that, electrons can absorb energy and emit light of a certain color depending on the size of the quantum dot.
• When semiconductor particles are made small enough, they exhibit quantum effects, which restrict the energies at which electrons and holes (the absence of electrons) can exist within the particle.
• Since energy is linked to wavelength, the resulting optical properties of the particle can be tuned depending on its size.
• By controlling the size of the particle, it can be made to emit or absorb specific wavelengths (colors) of light.

About Nobel Laureate Research: 

Dr. Ekimov:-

• In the early 1980s, Dr. Ekimov succeeded in creating size-dependent quantum effects in colored glass.
• From 1979, he studied the properties of glasses that were colored with copper chloride and heated to high temperatures and then cooled.
• He found that different methods of preparing this glass varied in the way it absorbed light.

Dr. Bruce :-        

• In 1983, Dr. Bruce and his colleagues went one step further and succeeded in preparing similar crystals in liquid solution instead of glass.
• This allowed researchers to better observe and study changes in the crystals.

Dr. Bwendi:-

• Finally, in 1993, Dr. Bawendi developed a technique for making these strange crystals with well-defined quantum points with high optical quality.
• The process began by adding some substance to a hot solvent and then heating the solution.
• The nanocrystals began to take shape spontaneously, and larger particles formed when the solution was heated for longer periods of time.

Other important facts regarding quantum dots:

• Today, one of the simplest applications of quantum dots is to illuminate computer monitors and television screens.
• Nanoscale-sized quantum dots are also used by biochemists to map biological tissues.
• Quantum dots are also used in photovoltaic cells to improve absorption and efficiency in converting solar light into electricity.

Source – The Hindu

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White phosphorus

WHY IN NEWS ?

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW) have accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of using white phosphorus munitions in Gaza and Lebanon.

Chemical Properties

• White phosphorus exists in different allotropes and is the most reactive and least stable among all the elemental forms of phosphorus.
• It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, and it readily catches fire when exposed to air.

About Phosphorous

Phosphorous is a highly reactive non-metal element that plays a crucial role in various biological, industrial, and environmental processes. Its importance spans across diverse fields, including agriculture, medicine, and manufacturing.

Industrial and Military Applications

• White phosphorus finds use in various industrial applications, including the manufacture of phosphoric acid, phosphorus trichloride, and other organic phosphorus compounds.
• In military contexts, it has been used in incendiary weapons, smoke screens, and tracer ammunition due to its pyrophoric properties.

How harmful is white phosphorus?

• Upon exposure, white phosphorus can cause severe burns, often down to the bone. The burns are difficult to heal, and susceptible to infections. Particles of white phosphorus that remain lodged in the body can reignite if in contact with air.
• Inhaling white phosphorus particles or smoke can cause respiratory damage and harm to internal organs.
• White phosphorus can also devastate infrastructure and property, damage crops and kill livestock, with raging fires, especially in windy conditions.

First use of White phosphorus munitions

• Irish nationalists in the late 19th century first used white phosphorus munitions, in a formulation known as “Fenian fire”. World War I and World War II.
• The US invasion of Iraq in 2004 and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have also witnessed the use of White phosphorus.

Environmental Impact

• The use of white phosphorus in warfare and industrial applications can lead to environmental contamination and long-term ecological damage, affecting soil and water quality.
• Efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of white phosphorus involve proper disposal, containment, and the development of alternative technologies to minimize its use.

Alternative Technologies and Substitutes

Research and development efforts are focused on finding safer and more environmentally friendly substitutes for white phosphorus in various applications to reduce its potential risks and environmental impact.

Source – Indian Express

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Lymphatic Filariasis

WHY IN NEWS ?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Lao People’s Democratic Republic will become the second country in 2023 after Bangladesh to eliminate lymphatic filariasis.

What is Lymphatic Filariasis?

• Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic infection which is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
• This impacts millions of individuals in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe.
• These patients are not only physically disabled but suffer mental, social, and financial losses contributing to stigma and poverty.
• Lymphatic filariasis can be eliminated by stopping the spread of infection through preventive chemotherapy with safe medicine combinations repeated annually.
• The campaign will focus on intensive monitoring at the block level. Education institutions, offices, banks, industries, and other congregated areas will be covered followed by door-to-door visits by ASHAs and para-medical staff.

There are 3 types of these thread-like filarial worms:

• Wuchereria bancrofti, which is responsible for 90% of the cases,
• Brugia malayi, which causes most of the remainder of the cases,
• Brugia timori, which also causes the disease.

Treatment:

• The World Health Organisation recommended preventive chemotherapy strategy for lymphatic filariasis elimination is mass drug administration (MDA).
• MDA involves administering an annual dose of medicines to the entire at-risk population.

According to the WHO progress report on the disease, Nineteen countries have been able to eliminate this disease.

• Of the 19 countries, 11 belong to the WHO Western Pacific Region (WPR). Lao PDR is 11th country in the WPR region to successfully eliminate LF.
• South-East Asia region: Bangladesh, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
• Africa region:Malawi and Togo

SOURCE – THE HINDU

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Quantum engine

Why in news ?

Physicists in Germany have come up with a way to convert the energy difference between two quantum states of a group of atoms into work. The device adapts the principles of the familiar classical engine to the subatomic realm, giving physicists a way to study the nascent field of quantum thermodynamics in more detail as well as, possibly, build better quantum computers.

Quantum Engine :

• It converts Fermions to Bosons and further Fermions. It has four stages, like Classical engines that convert heat into work.
• The atoms collected in the trap are compressed and kept in a bosonic state.
• The strength of a magnetic field applied on the atoms is increased by a small amount.
• Interactions between the atoms and the field cause the former to slip into a fermionic state. They are forced to move out of the lowest energy level and progressively occupy higher levels.

Working:

• Classical engines convert heat into work. For example, the internal combustion engine in a car uses the heat released by the combustion of petrol or diesel to push a piston.
• Overall the engine has four steps: the fuel is compressed, ignition causes the fuel air mix to expand and push the piston out, the mix cools and stops expanding, and the piston is brought back to the first step.
• The quantum engine, or what the researchers are calling a ‘Pauli engine’ has a similar set of four steps. First, the atoms collected in the trap are compressed and kept in a bosonic state. Second, the strength of a magnetic field applied on the atoms is increased by a small amount. Interactions between the atoms and the field cause the former to slip into a fermionic state: they are forced to move out of the lowest energy level and progressively occupy higher levels.

Efficiency of the Quantum Engine:

• The energy of the atoms increases during the third step and this can be converted to work.
• The efficiency of the quantum engine is based on how much more energy is released in the third step relative to the energy added to the system in the first step.

Source – The Hindu

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World Sight Day 

WHY IN NEWS ? 

World Sight Day is observed every year to raise awareness about blindness and vision impairment.

Theme: The theme for 2023 is ‘LOVE YOUR EYES AT WORK’

History 

World Sight Day is a global event first observed in 2000 to raise awareness about visual impairment and blindness. A collective effort of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), the day highlights the importance of eye health and easy access to eye care. Every year, a specific theme is chosen by the organisations to address different aspects of visual health with world-level campaigns, events and advocacy efforts.

Significance

The purpose of it is to increase public knowledge of the value of eye health, preventative actions, and fair access to eye care services. Also, the goal is to encourage cooperation between international organizations, national governments, and local communities in order to reduce preventable blindness, offer vision care, and enhance the system for eye health. The day underlines the need for inclusive policies and strategies and the socioeconomic effects of eyesight loss.

Why is Workplace Vision screening important?

The importance of workplace eyesight screening cannot be overstated. A vision screening’s objectives include identifying visual issues when they are still treatable, offering education, and (if necessary) referring the patient to an eye care professional for a thorough eye examination. First off, it ensures that workers have enough vision to carry out their responsibilities securely and effectively, which contributes to maintaining a safe and productive work environment.

Important fact:

• World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland;
• World Health Organization (WHO) Established: 7 April 1948;
• Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO): Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus;
• International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness established: 1975;
• Chief Executive of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness: Peter Holland;
• Headquarters of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness: London.

SOURCE – THE HINDU

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R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine

WHY IN NEWS ?

The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine has been recommended for use by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

What is Adjuvant

• An adjuvant is an ingredient in a vaccine that enhances the immune system’s response to that vaccine.
• Adjuvants help the immune system better recognize what’s in a vaccine and remember it longer, increasing the amount of time that a vaccine may offer protection.

What is Malaria?

• Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite.
• This parasite is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• The other malaria species which can infect humans are P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi.

Initiatives to control Malaria by WHO

• The WHO’s Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030 aims to reduce malaria case incidence and mortality rates by at least 40% by 2020, at least 75% by 2025 and at least 90% by 2030 against a 2015 baseline.
• ‘E-2025 Initiative’: The WHO has identified 25 countries with the potential to eradicate malaria by 2025 under the initiative.

Indian government Initiatives to Control Malaria:

• The Government of India set a target to eliminate malaria in India by 2027.
• In India, a National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) has been developed and launched in 2016 aligned with the Global Technical Strategy (GTS) for malaria elimination 2016-2030.

SOURCE – THE HINDU

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Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

WHY IN NEWS ?

Recent research revealed that Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is intrinsically linked with personality disorders.

About NAFLD:

• It is the abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver in the absence of secondary causes of fatty liver, such as harmful alcohol use, viral hepatitis.
• Fatty liver occurs when too much fat builds up in liver cells.
• It is a serious health concern as it encompasses a spectrum of liver abnormalities, from a simple non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL, simple fatty liver disease) to more advanced ones like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and even liver cancer.
• Steatohepatitis is characterized by inflammation of the liver with concurrent fat accumulation in the liver. Mere deposition of fat in the liver is termed steatosis.
• Cirrhosis is a complication of liver disease that involves loss of liver cells and irreversible scarring of the liver.
• NAFLD acts as an independent predictor of future risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic syndromes like hypertension, abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia, glucose intolerance.

NASH

• NASH is the form of NAFLD in which you have inflammation of the liver and liver damage, in addition to fat in your liver.
• The inflammation and liver damage of NASH can cause fibrosis, or scarring, of the liver.
• NASH may lead to cirrhosis, in which the liver is scarred and permanently damaged. Cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer.

Who is more likely to develop NAFLD?

• NAFLD is more common in people who have certain diseases and conditions, including obesity, and conditions that may be related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes.
• NAFLD can affect people of any age, including children.

Treatment:

• There’s currently no specific medication for NAFLD.
• Doctors recommend weight loss to treat NAFLD.
• Weight loss can reduce fat, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver.
• Treatment may also be recommended for associated conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol) or complications

SOURCE  – The Hindu

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Nobel for mRNA COVID Vaccines prize

 WHY IN NEWS ?

The 2023 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for developing the mRNA vaccine technology.

Background of mRNA Technology

• Karikó and Drew Weissman initiated their research on mRNA technology in the late 1990s at the University of Pennsylvania.
• Patents were licensed through a series of sublicensing agreements, ultimately leading to Moderna and BioNTech’s involvement.

mRNA Vaccine

• Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of single-stranded RNA involved in protein synthesis. mRNA is made from a DNA template during the process of transcription.
• mRNA vaccines work by introducing a piece of mRNA that corresponds to a viral protein, usually a small piece of a protein found on the virus’s outer membrane.
• By using this mRNA, cells can produce the viral protein. As part of a normal immune response, the immune system recognizes that the protein is foreign and produces specialized proteins called antibodies.
• Antibodies help protect the body against infection by recognizing individual viruses or other pathogens, attaching to them, and marking the pathogens for destruction.

Challenges and Controversies in Drug Development and Vaccine Distribution

• Public Funding in Drug Development: Much of the foundational knowledge behind new drugs and vaccines is discovered with government and public funds. This phase involves identifying potential biomolecular targets and suitable chemical candidates, costing billions of dollars and taking several decades.
• Profit-Driven Drug Development Model: Companies often commercialize these discoveries, reaping significant profits, which can sometimes seem at odds with the public funding that supported the initial research. This model fosters innovation but can also lead to price disparities and profit-seeking attitudes among pharmaceutical companies.

Contrasting Approaches to Global Vaccination

COVAX:

• It aimed to provide mRNA vaccines to poorer countries to address their purchasing power limitations.
• Challenges: COVAX faced challenges in meeting its targets due to overestimated manufacturing capacity in India and concerns over vaccine quality in Russia and China.

Wastage: Several African countries had to discard vaccine doses due to proximity to expiry dates, highlighting logistical issues

Corbevax:

A protein sub-unit vaccine developed by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and licensed to India’s Biological E for manufacturing.

No Patent: Unlike mRNA vaccines, Corbevax was not patented, emphasizing a commitment to global vaccine access.

SOURCE – PIB

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ICMR project to accelerate cancer screening at district level

Why in news ?

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest on the implementation of research to accelerate cancer screening, early diagnosis, and treatment.

What is Cancer?

• Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.
• Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells.
• Normally, human cells grow and multiply through a process called cell division, to form new cells as the body needs them.
• When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes this orderly process breaks down, and abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn’t.

ICMR project:

• ICMR plans to engage non-specialist physicians and other health care workers within a supportive healthcare system for the screening of cancer as well as pre-cancerous conditions.
• This will be a four year project, including six months for preparatory activities and another six months for analysis and interpretation. It will also include formative, implementation, and evaluation phases.

Cancer status in India:

• India currently ranks third in cancer incidence after China and the United States.
• According to Global Cancer Observatory projections, India is expected to witness a substantial 57.5% increase in cancer cases between 2020 and 2040.
• In India, one in nine people are likely to develop cancer in his/her lifetime. Lung and breast cancers were the leading sites of cancer in males and females, respectively. Among childhood (0-14 yr) cancers, lymphoid leukaemia (boys: 29.2% and girls: 24.2%) was the leading site.
• The incidence of cancer cases is estimated to increase by 12.8 per cent in 2025 as compared to 2020.

ICMR Project to Accelerate Cancer Screening at District Level:

• This will be a four-year project, including six months for preparatory activities and another six months for analysis and interpretation.
• It will also include formative, implementation, and evaluation
• The Council is looking at improving the coverage and quality of cancer screening through the existing healthcare system using accepted and validated methods.
• It plans to engage non-specialist physicians and other health care workers within a supportive healthcare system for the screening of cancer as well as precancerous conditions.

Have there been Improvements in Cancer Treatments?

• This can be elucidated by the cure rate for various cancers. For example,
• In the last 50 years, the cure rate for pancreatic cancer has doubled from 3% to 6%.
• It has risen from 60% to 100% for prostate
• Breast cancer survival rates have increased from 50% to 90% thanks to newer treatments.
• However, India’s infrastructure for the seven pillars of cancer care – prevention, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, imaging, laboratory diagnostics, and palliation, is deficient.

Source – Indian Express

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Green Hydrogen Fuel cell bus

Why in news ?

Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri launched India’s first green hydrogen fuel cell bus at Kartavya Path in Delhi.

What is Green Hydrogen?

• Green hydrogen is hydrogen gas (H2) produced through a process called electrolysis, using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower.
• Unlike “grey” or “blue” hydrogen, which are produced from natural gas and emit carbon dioxide (CO2) during production, green hydrogen is considered environmentally friendly and carbon-neutral.

Production of Green Hydrogen

• Electrolysis: Green hydrogen is primarily produced through water electrolysis. This process involves passing an electric current through water to split it into hydrogen and oxygen gases. Two common types of electrolyzers are proton exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline electrolyzers.
• Renewable Energy Sources: To ensure the “green” status of hydrogen, it is crucial to power the electrolysis process with renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or hydropower. This ensures that no carbon emissions are associated with the hydrogen production process.

Fuel Cells

• Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy stored in hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, with water as the only byproduct.
• They are highly efficient and have various applications, making them a crucial component of the green hydrogen ecosystem.

Advantages

• Clean Energy: Green hydrogen is produced without emitting greenhouse gases, making it a clean energy source.
• High Energy Density: Hydrogen has a high energy density, making it suitable for long-duration energy storage.
• Versatility: Hydrogen can be used in various sectors, from transportation to industry, making it a versatile energy carrier.

Challenges

• Storage and Transportation: Hydrogen is challenging to store and transport due to its low density, requiring infrastructure development.
• Efficiency: Electrolysis processes and fuel cells need further advancements to improve energy efficiency.

Source – PIB

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Global Report on Hypertension 2023 

Why In News: 

• Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) released its first report on the global impact of high blood pressure.

Main point:      

• The global report on high blood pressure reports that nearly four out of every five people with high blood pressure are not receiving adequate treatment.
• However, if countries could expand their coverage of hypertension treatment, it could potentially prevent 76 million deaths between 2023 and 2050.

Theme:

• “Global Report on High Blood Pressure: The Race Against a Silent Killer”

Statistics on High Blood Pressure:

• Hypertension is a significant risk factor for death and disability in India, with less than one-fourth of hypertensive patients having their blood pressure under control during 2016-2020.
• The prevalence of hypertension has increased in India, with 24% of men and 21% of women reported to have hypertension in the 2019-2020 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).
• The number of high blood pressure cases has doubled from 650 million to 1.3 billion between 1990 and 2019.
• More than three-quarters of adults with high blood pressure live in low- and middle-income countries.
• WHO recommends lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, quitting tobacco, and increasing physical activity, as ways to reduce blood pressure.

Recommendations on high blood pressure:

• There is a need to strengthen hypertension control programs which are given low priority and receive little funding.
• The report recommends that ensuring hypertension control should be an integral part of every country’s path towards universal health coverage.

High blood pressure in low- and middle-income countries:

• The prevalence of hypertension varies across different regions and income groups of the country. The WHO African Region has the highest prevalence of hypertension (27%) while the WHO Americas Region has the lowest prevalence of hypertension (18%).
• The number of adults with hypertension increased from 594 million in 1975 to 1.13 billion in 2015, with the increase seen primarily in low- and middle-income countries. This increase is primarily due to increased risk factors for hypertension in those populations.

In terms of high blood pressure:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). This is normal, but can become serious if left untreated.
• People with high blood pressure may not feel symptoms. The only way to find out is to get your blood pressure checked.
• Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number shows the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats.
• High blood pressure is diagnosed when it is measured on two separate days, the systolic blood pressure reading is ≥140 mmHg on both days and/or the diastolic blood pressure reading is ≥90 mmHg on both days.
• Most people with high blood pressure do not feel any symptoms. Very high blood pressure can cause headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, and other symptoms.

SOURCE – PIB

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Hybrid seeds in India

Why  in news ?

The increase in the share of private companies in India’s seed market has promoted use of these seeds. Hybrid seeds could threaten the country’s crop diversity and the hardy traditional varieties suited to grow in their native climate.

What are hybrid seeds?

In agriculture and gardening, hybrid seed is produced by deliberately cross-pollinated plants which are genetically diverse.

Hybrid seeds are used to improve the characteristics of the resulting plants, such as better yield, greater uniformity, improved color, disease resistance. An important factor is the heterosis or combining ability of the parent plants. Crossing any particular pair of inbred strains may or may not result in superior offspring.

Hybrid seeds in India:

• The origin of hybrids can be traced to India’s Green Revolution in the 1960s, when the government’s effort was primarily to increase agricultural productivity. For this, the National Seed Corporation was set up to develop, store and distribute high yield variety seeds.
• Till the 1980s, the public sector had a firm control on the seed market and supplied open pollinated variety (OPV) seeds to farmers.
• From the 1990s onwards, the government allowed development and distribution of hybrid varieties by private players.

National Seeds Corporation Limited (NSC):

• National Seeds Corporation Limited (NSC) was incorporated in 1963 to undertake production of foundation and certified seeds.
• It is wholly owned by the government of India under the administrative control of the ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare.
• It is a Miniratna Category‐I company.

Benefits of Hybrid Seeds:

• Natural Resilience: It is very much less affected by the different types of environmental stress such as insects and plants diseases etc.
• Better Yield: They produce plants with larger fruit, higher yields, disease resistance, and longer shelf life than heirlooms.

Disadvantages of hybrid seeds:

• The yield of hybrid seeds decrease after 2-3 years.
• Sometimes the yields of hybrid varieties are exaggerated.
• The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001, has changed community ownership of seeds to individual, which favours seed breeders and developers.

Issue with Hybrid seeds

• Use of hybrid seeds can also damage diversity of crops over the years.
• It requires more technical skills for hybrid production.

Source – The Hindu

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Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

Why In News ?

The Central Government has decided to introduce 56 awards (3 Vigyan Ratna, 25 Vigyan Shri, 25 Youth Science Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, 3 Science Team Awards) under the category of National Science Awards to honor scientists.

These awards will be announced every year on the occasion of National Technology Day on 11th May and will be presented on National Space Day on 23rd August in the year 2024.

• The objective of the award is to recognize the notable and inspiring contribution made by the scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology and technology­ led innovation.
• It shall be one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology, and innovation in India.
• Scientists/ technologists/innovators working in government, private sector organizations or any individual working outside any organization, who have made distinguished contributions in terms of path-breaking research or innovation or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology- led innovation shall be eligible for the awards.
• People of Indian Origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting the Indian communities or society shall also be eligible for the awards

The awards shall be given in following four categories:-

• Vigyan Ratna (VR) award will recognize lifetime achievements & contributions made in any field of science and technology.
• Vigyan Shri (VS) award will recognize distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
• Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award will recognize & encourage young scientists up to the age of 45 years who made an exceptional contribution in any field of science and technology.
• Vigyan Team (VT) award to be given to a team comprising of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.

Scientists, technologists, and innovators working in any field of science in government or private organizations who have contributed or carried out a path breaking research, technology led innovation or discovery in any field of science or development of innovative technologies/products having significant societal impact shall be eligible for the award.

Scientists, technologists, and innovators of Indian origin abroad with exceptional contributions benefitting the Indian communities or society at large shall also be eligible.

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar shall be given in the 13 domains, namely Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others. The representation from each domain/field, including gender parity will be ensured.

All nominations received for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar awards shall be placed before the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC) to be headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to Government of India and comprising Secretaries of Science Departments, members of Science and Engineering Academies and some distinguished scientists and technologists from different fields of science and technology.

The nominationsfor this bouquet of awards will be invited every year on 14th January which would remain open till 28th February (National Science Day) every year. These awards shall be announced on 11thMay (National Technology Day) every year. The Award Ceremony for all categories of awards will be held on 23rd August (National Space Day). All Awards will have a Sanad& a medal.

These new National Awards is a transformative step in recognizing achievements of Scientific community at the highest level by the Government of India. With transparency and fairness in the entire selection process, work done by all sections of Scientific Innovators and Technologists will be awarded providing at par status with other National Awards

National Technology Day:

Introduction:

• This day was first celebrated in the year 1999, its purpose is to remember the scientific and technological achievements of Indian scientists, engineers.
• This day was named by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• Every year, the Technology Development Board of India under the Ministry of Science and Technology celebrates this day by honoring individuals with National Awards for their contribution to science and technology.

Importance:

• This is the day when India successfully tested the nuclear bomb in Pokhran on May 11, 1998.
• India successfully test-fired its Shakti-1 nuclear missile in the operation named Pokhran-II, also known as Operation Shakti.

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National Strategy for Robotics (NSR)

Recently the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India has released a draft of “National Strategy for Robotics” (NSR).

It aims to strengthen the innovation cycle of robotic technology, and establish India as a global robotics leader by 2030.

This is in line with the Make in India 2.0 plan. It includes robotics as a main sub-sector. ‘Ministry of Information Technology, Ministry of Technology’ will be the implementing agency for this strategy. There will be a two-tier institutional structure for implementation.

Classification of robots as per National Robotics Strategy: Industrial robots, service robots and medical robots.

The following four key areas have been identified for the strategy to prioritize robotics automation:

• Manufacturing: Logistics and warehousing automation, process streamlining, etc.
• Health care service: surgical robots, telemedicine field etc.
• Agriculture: Crop care, spot spraying of herbicides etc.
• National Security: Combat robots, detection of landmines etc.

Current Challenges:

• The pace of adoption of robotics technology is not satisfactory,
• Adequate skills are not available in robotics sector in India,
• There is a lack of cooperation between different sectors,
• There are also ethical concerns, such as privacy violations,
• There is no separate law for the field of robotics etc.

Recommendations:

• A strong regulatory framework should be created under the leadership of the Robotics Innovation Unit.
• To promote educational initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs.
• Encourage advanced technology companies to “Make in India”. There is a need to implement Centers of Excellence system in this area also.
• This should include private sector partners who have prepared their designs or prototypes on experimental basis.
• Regulatory sandboxes should be ensured. Also, robotics industrial sector should be developed.
• Start-ups need to be provided advisory support. In addition, the research capacity of higher educational institutions should also be utilised.

Robotics in India:

• According to the World Robotics Report for the year 2022, India ranks 10th globally in terms of annual industrial installation of robots.
• The stock of industrial robots operating in India has more than doubled between 2016 and 2021.

Source – Business Standard

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Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize 2022

Recently, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has made public the list of ‘Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB)’ award winners for 2022.

The winners, a total of 12 young scientists across 7 disciplines, will be awarded India’s top Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (SSB) for Science and Technology. However, no woman scientist has been selected for this year.

The awards were announced at the inaugural session of the ‘One Week One Lab’ program of the ‘Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NISCPR)’.

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prize

• Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Annual Prize for Science and Technology, instituted in 1957.
• It is named after Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, Founder-Director of CSIR. This award is given every year to scientists below 45 years of age.
• Under this, Rs 5 lakh and a citation is provided.

List of award winners

• Biological Sciences: It is jointly awarded to Dr. Ashwani Kumar of CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology and Dr. Madika Subba Reddy of Center for DNA Fingerprinting Diagnostics.
• Chemical Sciences: It is awarded jointly to Dr. Akkattu T Biju of the Indian Institute of Science and Dr. Debabrata Maity of the Indian Institute of Technology (Bombay).
• Earth, Atmosphere and Planetary Sciences: This award has been given to Dr. Vimal Mishra of the Indian Institute of Technology (Gandhinagar).
• Engineering Sciences: It is awarded jointly to Dr. Deepti Ranjan Sahu of the Indian Institute of Technology (Delhi) and Dr. Rajneesh Kumar of the Indian Institute of Technology (Madras).
• Mathematical Sciences: It was jointly awarded to Dr. Apoorva Khare of the Indian Institute of Science and Dr. Neeraj Kayal of Microsoft Research Lab.
• Medical Sciences: It is awarded to Dr. Deepyaman Ganguly of CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology
• Physics: It is awarded jointly to Dr. Anindya Das of the Indian Institute of Science, and Dr. Basudeb Dasgupta of Physics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research: CSIR

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research was established by the Government of India in 1942. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi.
• It is an autonomous body, which functions as the largest research and development organization in India.
• It is one of the largest publicly funded research and development organizations in the world.
• CSIR is an All India Institute consisting of an active network of 37 National Laboratories, 39 Remote Centres, 3 Innovation Campuses and 5 Units.
• CSIR is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology and is registered as an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Organizational Structure:

• The Prime Minister of India is its ex-officio Chairman, and the Union Minister of Science and Technology is the ex-officio Vice Chairman.
• Apart from this, Finance Secretary (Expenditure) is its ex-officio member. The tenure of other members is three years.
• The objective of the Council is to conduct scientific and industrial/applied research related to national importance.

Source – Down to Earth

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ISRO’s Aditya-L1 solar mission 2023

After the recent success of Chandrayaan-3, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is going to launch Aditya-L1 mission on 2 September.

Aditya – L1 will be India’s first mission to study the Sun. It will be launched from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

It will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point-1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, which is about 1.5 million km from Earth.

Lagrange points are points in space where the gravitational forces of two-body systems (such as the Sun and Earth) produce such attraction and repulsion that a body remains stationary at this point.

Payloads: There are a total of seven payloads in this mission. Four of these are solar remote sensing payloads, while the other three will make in-situ observations of L1.

Objective:

It will study the Sun’s corona, solar emissions, solar winds, solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME), and it will take pictures of the Sun around the clock.

Features of this mission:

• The CME will be measured from close to the solar surface (1.05 solar radii). This will give information about its acceleration system, which is not regularly observed.
• To observe the directional and energy anisotropy of the solar wind using multi-direction observations.
• Anisotropy refers to such a physical property of a body etc. that when it is measured from different directions, its different values are obtained.
• On-board intelligence to locate CMEs and solar flares for optimized observations and data volumes.

Significance of Aditya L1 Mission:

Will provide important information about the following:

• Coronal heating problem,
• Pre-solar flare conditions and solar flare related activities and their characteristics,
• space weather dynamics,
• Propagation of particles and fields etc.

Source – Indian Express

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