June 5, 2025

Current Affairs

Thermophile Bacteria

Context: Researchers have discovered thermophilic bacteria capable of producing antimicrobial compounds, particularly from the Actinobacteria group in the Rajgir hot spring in Bihar.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts of Thermophiles bacteria.

Thermophilic Bacteria

Thermophiles are heat-loving bacteria that can survive in extreme temperatures ranging from 45°C to 70°C. They thrive in hot springs, deep-sea vents, and compost piles, etc.
To compete with other microbes, some thermophiles produce strong antibiotics. These antibiotics kill or suppress other bacteria, helping thermophiles survive better.

Findings from Rajgir Hot Spring Study:

Using a method called 16S rRNA metagenomics, researchers identified one major group of bacteria- Actinobacteria.
Actinobacteria constituted 40-43% of the microbial diversity in the lake, a much higher share than typically observed in hot springs (generally ~20%).
This group of bacteria is well-known for producing antibiotics like streptomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin. However, not all thermophiles can produce antibiotics.
Seven strains of Actinobacteria were found that produced potent antimicrobial compounds. These antimicrobial compounds are capable of inhibiting the growth of several pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Researchers have succeeded in isolating a compound called diethyl phthalate from Actinomycetales bacteria found in the hot spring. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), they identified its antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, a serious foodborne pathogen. This finding highlights the potential use-case of hot spring microbes.

Significance of Thermophiles:

Produce antibiotics: Discovering antibiotic-producing thermophiles offers a promising solution to combat antimicrobial resistance, which could add $1 trillion to global healthcare costs by 2050.
Produce enzymes for diagnostics: Enzymes from thermophiles like Thermus aquaticus are used in PCR testing, which became a backbone of COVID-19 diagnostics.
Heat-resistant enzymes from thermophiles are used in biotechnology, molecular biology, and chemical industries.
Biofertilisers: A 2018 study by Banaras Hindu University found that thermophiles from Chumathang hot spring in Leh enhanced plant growth, suggesting application in biofertilisers and heat-stress resistant crops.

What are Building-Integrated Photovoltaics?

Context: Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is an emerging alternative to conventional rooftop solar power installations.

Relevance of the Topic : Prelims: Key facts about BIPVs- benefits, challenges.

With over 17 GW of installed rooftop solar (RTS) capacity as of April 2025, India has made commendable progress in its renewable energy mission.
In space-starved urban areas, RTS systems face limitations due to insufficient shadow-free rooftop space. Nearby buildings, trees, water tanks etc. obstruct the direct sunlight. This structural challenge necessitates a shift from conventional rooftop installations to Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

BIPV are solar panels integrated into the structure of buildings, such as facades, roofs, windows, and balconies, replacing conventional construction materials while simultaneously generating electricity.

Benefits of BIPV:

Dual Use: Generating electricity and also working as a structural part of a building. BIPV can turn entire buildings into power generators by integrating solar elements directly into architectural elements. This needs replacing conventional construction materials such as glass, tiles, and cladding with solar alternatives.
Efficient Space utilisation: In space-constrained high-rises, BIPV can generate 3-4 times more power by utilising facades and other building surfaces, compared to limited rooftop solar capacity.
Inclusive Solar access: BIPV enables solar adoption beyond rooftops, ideal for independent homes and apartments with no roof access. Balcony-integrated systems, already popular in Germany, can help households save up to 30% on electricity bills.

What is the status of BIPVs in India?

India has some BIPV installations. E.g., Datacenters building in Navi Mumbai, Renewable Energy Museum in Kolkata, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd. facility in Angul, Odisha (hosts one of the largest BIPV installations in India), and is also incorporated into some railway stations.
However, BIPVs adoption in India has been limited by high initial costs, policy gaps, inadequate technical capacity, and reliance on imports. Low awareness, lack of dedicated incentives, and absence of clear standards also pushed BIPV out of early building-design considerations.

How can BIPV uptake be scaled up?

Expand Financial Incentives: Increase subsidies for BIPV under schemes like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (currently ₹78,000 for a 3-kW system). Introduce dedicated incentive schemes for commercial and industrial BIPV adoption, similar to Seoul’s model with up to 80% subsidy.
Policy Integration: Integrate BIPV in the National Building Code, Energy Conservation Building Code, and Eco Niwas Samhita.
Pilot Projects: Demonstrating BIPV through pilot projects in public infrastructure (via public-private partnerships) can improve visibility and catalyse wider acceptance.
Boost Local Manufacturing: Extend PLI schemes and invest in R&D for customised, India-specific BIPV products.
Awareness & Capacity Building: Train architects, planners, and builders; run public campaigns to mainstream BIPV.
Innovative Financing Models: Financial arrangements such as Renewable Energy Service Company model, and long-term power purchase agreements can help enhance project reliability and enable large-scale BIPV deployment.
Adapt successful global models such as- Europe’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive mandating solar use in new buildings. South Korea’s urban solar subsidies, making BIPV cost-competitive in cityscapes.

To achieve its 300 GW solar target by 2030, India must look beyond rooftops and embrace land-neutral solutions like BIPV, which has an estimated 309 GW potential in existing buildings alone.

Artificial Nanozyme to prevent abnormal Blood Clots

Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) have developed an artificial metal-based nanozyme that can be used to prevent abnormal blood clotting caused by conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).

Relevance of Topic: Prelims: Scope of artificial metal-based nanozyme; Applications of Nanotechnology.

Clotting of blood under normal conditions:

When a blood vessel is injured, specialised blood cells called platelets get activated and cluster together around the vessel to form protective blood clots to stop bleeding. This is the normal blood clotting cascade (haemostasis).
Haemostasis involves a complex series of protein interactions triggered by exposure to proteins like collagen (from the damaged vessel wall) and enzymes like thrombin (key enzyme in clot formation; activates fibrinogen and stabilises the clot.

Under diseases like PTE or COVID-19:

In conditions like PTE or diseases like COVID-19, the oxidative stress and levels of toxic Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) increases in the body, leading to over-activation of platelets.
This triggers the formation of excess clots in the blood vessel contributing to thrombosis (life-threatening causes blockages in blood vessels).

Artificial metal-based Nanozyme:

To tackle this challenge, researchers have developed a nanomaterial that mimics the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes.
This artificial nanoenzyme is spherical vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). It scavenges reactive oxidative molecules, controls ROS levels, and thereby prevents the over-activation of platelets.

Thus, artificial metal-based nanozyme will help in reducing ROS levels, preventing over-activation of platelets and controlling abnormal blood clotting.

Operation Spider's Web: First Person View Drones

Context: Ukraine’s drone strikes under Operation Spider's Web mark a new era in modern warfare- precise, deep attacks using small specialised First Person view (FPV) drones.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Operation Spider's Web, FPV drones.
Mains: Implications of changing nature of warfare.

Operation Spider's Web of Ukraine

Ukraine carried out large scale drone strikes on multiple Russian air bases, including one in Siberia some 4000 kms from the frontlines.
Specialised First Person view (FPV) drones struck at least five military air bases across the Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions in Russia, and destroyed around 41 bomber aircraft including rare strategic bombers like the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3.
These attacks were carried out by the SBU, Ukraine’s main security agency. The attack came after Russia stepped up the bombing of Ukrainian cities.
The operation used a Trojan horse-like tactic; specialised FPV drones were smuggled into Russia inside mobile wooden cabins on trucks. The roofs opened remotely, allowing drones to launch and strike nearby bases precisely.

First Person view (FPV) drones:

FPV drones transmit live footage to the operator through a camera mounted on the drone. The feed can be viewed using goggles, smartphones, or other devices.
FPV drones are often used in various industries, including media, but are also increasingly being used in military operations.
These drones usually have a shorter range compared to surveillance drones and are guided to targets after a reconnaissance drone surveys the area.

Key advantages of FPV drones:

Inexpensive: The estimated cost of an FPV drone with a payload is at around $500. This makes them cost-effective alternatives to conventional weapons.
Hard to detect: FPV drones are harder to detect and can conduct deep strikes. This makes them useful for attrition-based strategies.

Implications of changing nature of Warfare:

This significant raiding action in modern warfare demonstrates the effectiveness of deep-strike programs and takes the possibilities of drone warfare to the next level.

New Age Warfare: Drones have made it possible to strike deep into enemy territory without using traditional fighter jets or missiles. The drones used for such operations are quite cheap as compared to conventional weapons, and reduces armed forces casualties.
Vulnerability of Critical Assets: Traditional military bases, aircrafts, and infrastructure, which was previously considered secure, are now vulnerable to drone attacks and demand new defence strategies.
Need for Drone Defence systems: This necessitates the urgent investment in anti-drone systems to protect critical infrastructure and defence assets.

France's Nuclear Sharing Proposal in Europe

Context: Recently, the French President has stated that France is open to dialogue on potentially stationing its nuclear weapons in other European countries to strengthen deterrence. This development occurred amid security concerns in Europe due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Nuclear Sharing Model; Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Why is France offering a broader Nuclear Role in Europe?

France’s willingness to consider stationing its nuclear weapons in other European countries is rooted in its long-standing vision of European strategic autonomy- the idea that Europe should be able to defend itself independently of outside powers, especially the United States.
The US President earlier stated that the US might not always protect NATO allies unless they spend 2% of their GDP on defence. This made European countries look for other ways to ensure their security.

What is the Nuclear Sharing Model?

Nuclear sharing involves a nuclear-weapon state stationing nuclear weapons on allied non-nuclear-weapon states’ territory with specific arrangements for potential use.
For example, within NATO, the US has maintained such arrangements for decades. Currently, B61 tactical nuclear gravity bombs (of the US) are deployed in five NATO states: Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey. Under these arrangements, the US retains legal ownership and custody of the warheads. The US President also retains the power to make the decision to use these weapons, following NATO consultation.
This Cold War-era posture aims to demonstrate alliance solidarity, and share nuclear risks.

Is it legal under International Law?

The 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is the primary legal instrument for regulating nuclear weapons.
Article I of the treaty prohibits nuclear-weapon states (like France) from transferring nuclear weapons or control over them.
Existing NATO nuclear sharing is justified by participants as being NPT-compliant because no transfer of legal ownership or control occurs in peacetime; the US maintains custody.
However, the non-proliferation advocates and various research institutions have consistently challenged this legality.

Security Implications of France’s decision:

Deploying additional nuclear weapons in Europe has varied security implications:

Proponents argue it could enhance deterrence against Russia by increasing NATO’s nuclear assets and demonstrating European resolve.
Russia would likely view such deployments as a significant escalation, potentially leading to military-technical measures in response as Russian officials have repeatedly warned against NATO’s eastward military expansion. Russia’s 2023 stationing of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus is cited by some as a preceding escalatory step.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT):

NPT is a multilateral treaty aimed at limiting the spread of nuclear weapons including three elements: (1) Non-proliferation, (2) Disarmament (3) Peaceful use of Nuclear Energy.
It defines nuclear weapon states (NWS) as those that had manufactured and detonated a nuclear explosive device prior to 1 January 1967.
Five nuclear weapon states are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. All the other states are therefore considered non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS).
The Treaty does not affect the right of state parties to develop, produce, and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verifies NNWS compliance with commitments under the NPT not to acquire nuclear weapons.
Negotiations of such an agreement should begin immediately after the NNWS accession to the NPT and enter into force within 18 months.

Why did India not sign the NPT?

India, Israel, and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons but have never accepted the NPT.
India did not sign the NPT, not because of its lack of commitment for non-proliferation, but because NPT creates a club of "nuclear haves" and a larger group of "nuclear have-nots" by restricting the legal possession of nuclear weapons to those states that tested them before 1967.
India considers NPT as a flawed treaty and as it does not recognise the need for universal, non-discriminatory verification and treatment.