Science & Technology

All (4265)Current Affairs (4243)Mains Practice (77)Mains PYQs by Subjects (40)

Cyber Volunteer Framework under I4C

Context: According to the annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry and various State governments have roped in around 54,800 persons as Cyber Crime Volunteers to flag unlawful content on the Internet, for the year 2023-24.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Cyber Volunteer Framework; Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. 

Cyber Volunteer Framework

  • Launched by: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2020.
  • Aim: To bring together citizens with passion to serve the nation on a single platform and contribute in the fight against cybercrime in the country.
  • Significance: The Framework enables citizens to enrol as cyber volunteers for reporting unlawful content, dissemination of cyber hygiene, and as cyber experts to aid law enforcement.
  • Criticism: The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), a digital liberties organisation, had criticised the scheme stating that it will lead to a culture of surveillance and constant suspicion in society creating potential social distrust.

How to be a Cyber Volunteer?

  • The volunteers can register through the portal http://www.cybercrime.gov.in and flag unlawful content. 
  • The unlawful content has been categorised as any material:
    • against sovereignty and integrity of India
    • against defence of India
    • against security of the State
    • against friendly relations with foreign States. 
    • content aimed at disturbing public order, disturbing communal harmony
    • material related to child sex abuse.
image 11

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)

  • Initiative of: Ministry of Home Affairs. 
  • Aim: To deal with cyber crime in the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
  • I4C works towards improving coordination among the Law Enforcement Agencies and the stakeholders and enhancing the nation’s collective capability to tackle cybercrimes. 
  • I4C has partnered with Google and Facebook for sharing intelligence and signals for proactive identification and action on cyber criminals. 
    • Cyber fraudsters have been using digital platforms (like Google services platforms) for initiating organised investment crimes and the I4C has partnered with the Internet search giant to flag such content. 

Objectives of I4C

  • To act as a nodal point to curb Cybercrime in the country.
  • To strengthen the fight against Cybercrime committed against women and children.
  • Facilitate easy filing Cybercrime related complaints and identifying Cybercrime trends and patterns.
  • To act as an early warning system for Law Enforcement Agencies for proactive Cybercrime prevention and detection.
  • Awareness creation among the public about preventing Cybercrime.
  • Assist States/UTs in capacity building of Police Officers, Public Prosecutors and Judicial Officers in the area of cyber forensic, investigation, cyber hygiene, cyber-criminology, etc.

Nano-Plastic Pollution and Anti-Microbial Resistance

Context: A recent study by the Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, has revealed a previously unrecognised cause of Anti-Microbial Resistance: Nanoplastics. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Nanoplastics; Anti-Microbial Resistance. 

What is Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR)?

  • Antimicrobials: Including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics) are the medicines used to prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants.
  • Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR): Occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. As a result of drug resistance, these medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult to treat, increasing disease spread, severe illness, disability and death.
  • AMR is a global menace: India is among the worst hit countries. The AMR burden in India is particularly high, posing a serious threat to attaining the SDG targets by 2030.

​​Sources of Development of AMR

  • Natural Evolution: AMR is a natural process that happens gradually through genetic changes in pathogens over time (natural mutation). 
  • Vertical gene transfer: AMR can be acquired from vertical gene transfer i.e., during the process of bacterial division, the drug resistance gene is transmitted from the parent to offspring. 
  • Horizontal gene transfer: AMR can also be acquired by a microbe from other microbes through swapping genes via horizontal gene transfer i.e., genetic sequences associated with antimicrobial resistance may pass on from one microbe to another in the community. 
  • Anthropogenic Causes: 
    • Incomplete doses of medication and self-medication. 
    • Inappropriate disposal of unused or expired medication can expose microbes in the environment to antibiotics and trigger AMR. 
    • Using antibiotics in farm animals and herbicide use to control weeds may enrich Antimicrobial resistance gene (ARGs) and Mobile genetic element (MGEs) by altering soil microbiomes.
    • Microplastics and untreated solid and liquid waste can act as a reservoir of microbes resistant to antimicrobials. 

What are Nanoplastics?

  • Definition: They are plastic particles smaller than 100 nanometres.
  • Formation:
    • Breakdown/degradation of larger plastic materials.
    • Intentional production in industrial processes. 
  • Sources and Prevalence: 
    • Common Sources: PET Bottles, Cosmetics, Synthetic Textiles. 
    • Found in soil, air, water, oceans, and even human bloodstream. 
Nanoplastics

Joint threat of AMR & Nano-Plastic Pollution:

  • In the study conducted, researchers found that nanoplastics (derived from single-use plastic bottles) can play a role in spreading AMR.
  • Nanoplastics and microorganisms co-exist in diverse environments, including the human gut. Nanoplastics derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles act as a medium for cross-species gene transfer from E coli to Lactobacillus acidophilus (a useful microbe in human gut), through a process called horizontal gene transfer.
  • There are two novel mechanisms through which nanoplastics derived from PET bottles facilitate AMR gene transfer.
    • Direct Transformation: Nanoplastics physically carry AMR genes between bacteria.
    • Outer Membrane Vesicle (OMV) Secretion: Nanoplastics cause bacterial stress, increasing the release of vesicles (OMVs) loaded with AMR genes, which spread AMR to other bacteria.
  • Implications:
    • Nanoplastics may contribute to the AMR crisis by introducing AMR genes to beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus, which could act as reservoirs for AMR genes.
    • During infections, these gut bacteria can potentially transfer the genes to pathogenic bacteria, exacerbating the AMR crisis. 

Thus, there is an urgent need for strict safety guidelines, awareness programmes, as well as policies that prioritise responsible usage of plastics and waste management to safeguard human health and microbiome stability. 

What are Endocrine Glands?

About Endocrine glands

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Basic understanding of static concepts in Biology. 

  • The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs located throughout the body. It plays a vital role in controlling and regulating many of the body's functions.
  • Endocrine glands are ductless glands of the endocrine system that secrete their products (hormones) directly into the blood. 
  • Major glands of the endocrine system include the pineal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testicles, thyroid gland, thymus, parathyroid gland, hypothalamus and adrenal glands.
image 210
S.No. Endocrine glands Location Function 
1. Pituitary gland (Master gland)Base of the Brain • Releases various hormones like Human growth hormone 

• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (stimulates Thyroxin production)

• Prolactin (stimulate milk production post child-birth) 
2. HypothalamusBrain • Links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the Pituitary gland.

• Regulates body temperature; hunger, thirst.

• Releases Dopamine (feel good hormone), Oxytocin (role in parturition, lactation) and Vasopressin (regulation of water and sodium homeostasis). 
3. Pineal glandBrain • Releases Melatonin

• Melatonin plays a key role in sleep cycle (regulates circadian rhythm). 
4. Thyroid glandNeck • Releases Thyroxine.

• Thyroxine controls metabolism, energy production, body temperature and growth.
5. Parathyroid glandNeck (behind the Thyroid) • Releases Parathyroid hormone that regulates calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the bones and blood.
6. Thymus Upper Chest • Development of Immune system cells (T-cells)
7. Adrenal glandAbove the Kidneys• Produces Adrenaline (activates specific physiological reactions or fight-or-flight response)

• Produces Cortisol (or stress hormone) which helps the body in responding to stress by increasing heart rate, elevating blood sugar levels etc.
8. TestesIn the scrotum (only in Males)• Releases Testosterone

• Testosterone promotes growth and development of the male reproductive structures; Increased skeletal and muscular growth; Enlargement of the larynx and voice changes; growth of body hair
9. Ovaries In the pelvic region (only in Females)• Releases Estrogen and Progesterone. 

• Estrogen promotes development of the breasts; distribution of fat in the hips & legs; maturation of reproductive organs (uterus and vagina).

• Progesterone causes the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for pregnancy. 
10. PancreasBehind the Stomach • To control blood sugar levels by producing Insulin and Glucagon. 

PSLV-C60: SpaDeX & POEM

Context: Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) PSLV-C60 mission is scheduled to be launched on December 30, 2024. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX); PSLV Orbital Experimental Module

Major Highlights:

  • The mission will demonstrate the complex art of satellite docking in space with the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX).
    • The PSLV rocket will carry two satellites named Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02). Each weighs 220 kg. 
    • After launch and orbit insertion, the two satellites will attempt to dock at an altitude of 470 kilometers above the Earth.
  • The mission will also leverage the PSLV's fourth stage (POEM-4) to host 24 scientific experiments, designed by various ISRO centres, academic institutions, and Indian private companies. 

Read More: SpaDeX: Space Docking Experiment 

space docking experiment

Why does SpaDeX matter for India?

  • The mission is a strategic step towards several ambitious space objectives, including:
    • Preparing for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program
    • Enabling Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return missions
    • Developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India's proposed space station. 

PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)

  • Developed by: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
  • POEM is an experimental mission or space platform to perform in-orbit experiments using the final (otherwise discarded) stage of ISRO’s PSLV.
    • PSLV is a four-stage rocket where the first three spent stages fall back into the ocean, and the final stage (PS4) — after launching the satellite into orbit — often ends up as space junk. 
    • In POEM, the spent final stage will be utilised as a stabilised platform to perform experiments. 
  • POEM has a dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control (NGC) system to act as the platform’s brain for attitude stabilisation with specified accuracy. 
  • POEM will derive its power from solar panels mounted around the PS4 tank, and a Li-Ion battery. It will navigate using four sun sensors, a magnetometer, gyros & NavIC.
PSLV Orbital experimental module

POEM-4’s Payloads:

  • POEM-4 carries 24 payloads: 14 contributed by various ISRO centres and 10 by academia and private industry. POEM-4 will begin operations after satellite separation. 

Some important payloads include:

  • Relocatable Robotic Manipulator-Technology Demonstrator, a.k.a. ‘Walking Robotic Arm,’ developed by ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), is expected to demonstrate a robotic arm that can move to defined targets on the POEM using an inchworm walking technique.
  • Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator to capture tethered space debris with a robotic manipulator. 
  • Compact Research module for Orbital Plant Studies to study the germination and growth of eight cowpea seeds in a five- to seven-day experiment in a controlled environment.
  • Amity Plant Experimental Module in Space (APEMS) payload. It will compare growth-related changes in plant callus cells using spinach plants in microgravity and earth gravity.
  • RVSat-1 payload. It will measure the growth of the gut bacterium (Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron) in space. The experiment is expected to provide data to understand human physiology in space and astronaut health during crewed missions.
  • BGS Amateur Radio Payload for Information Transmission (ARPIT). It can transmit audio, text, and images from a satellite to the ground with frequency modulation in the VHF band. It is designed to provide amateur radio satellite services worldwide.
  • RUDRA 1.0 HPGP will test a green propulsion system with a thrust of 1 newton and a specific impulse of 220 seconds. 
  • VYOM 2U developed by Manastu Space will test a monopropellant as a safer and better performing alternative to hydrazine (the most widely used propellant in the Indian space programme at present). VYOM has a thrust of 1.1 N and a specific impulse greater than 250 seconds.

IIT-Bombay develops Needle-free Shock Syringe

Context: A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay has developed a needle-free shock syringe.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about working of shock syringe. 

What is the Shock Syringe?

  • Traditional syringes with needles rely on piercing the skin with a sharp tip. However, the shock syringe does not have a needle. 
  • Principle of Working:
    • It uses high-energy pressure waves (shock waves) that can travel faster than the speed of sound to pierce the skin. 
    • When generated, these waves compress the surrounding medium, such as air or liquid, through which they travel. 
Shock Syringe

Working Mechanism:

  • The shock syringe uses a tiny tube with three sections (the driver, driven, and drug holder) which work together to create the shockwave-driven microjet to deliver drugs.
    • Pressurised nitrogen gas is applied to the driver section of the shock tube. 
    • The gas forces the liquid drug (held in the drug holder section) through the tube, to create a high-velocity microjet.
      • The microjet travels at a speed nearly twice as fast as a commercial aeroplane at take-off.
    • This microjet of drug exits the nozzle of the syringe and penetrates the skin. 

Significance:

  • Minimises tissue damage and ensures consistent and precise drug delivery.
  • Prevent the occurrence of blood-borne diseases caused by needle-stick injuries due to mishandling or improper disposal. 
  • One shock syringe can perform multiple drug delivery shots (E.g., over 1,000 shots tested) offering cost-effectiveness.
  • Pain-free injections for patients with fear of needles.
  • Utilisating shock syringe could make immunisation drives more efficient.

Health: Recent Advancements in Biotechnology 

Context: Healthcare in 2024 saw significant advances across multiple specialisations including developments in cancer treatment with immunotherapies and gene editing for personalised treatments.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Immunotherapy; Cancer Vaccines; Alzheimer; Casgevy Gene therapy. 

Cancer Treatment

1. Immunotherapy: 

  • Immunotherapy teaches the body’s immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. E.g., CAR-T cell therapy.  
  • In 2024, India launched its first homegrown CAR-T cell therapy called NexCAR19.
    • CAR-T cell therapy works by taking a patient’s T cells (a type of white blood cells that fight cancer) and genetically modifying them to recognise and destroy cancer cells.
    • NexCAR19 is designed to treat B-cell lymphomas and B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in patients aged 15 and older. NexCAR19 is the world’s most affordable CAR-T therapy and puts Indian cell and gene therapy innovation on the global stage.

Also Read: Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment 

2. Cancer Vaccines: 

  • CVLP IN THE UK: In England, the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP) has been launched, with a focus on personalised cancer vaccines made using mRNA technology.
    • These vaccines are created by analysing a patient’s tumour to find unique mutations, helping the immune system target the cancer more effectively.
  • HPV SHOT IN INDIA: India will roll out a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in 2025.
    • The vaccine protects against strains of the virus responsible for the majority of cervical cancers, as well as some cancers of the anus, vagina, and throat.
    • Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women. (India has 20% of the global burden of cervical cancer)

Also Read: Central Government to roll-out vaccine for cervical cancer 

Alzheimer’s Disease:

  • In 2023, the FDA approved Leqembi (lecanemab), a monoclonal antibody for early Alzheimer’s treatment. The drug helps the body clear excessive amyloid plaques. 
    • Alzheimer’s is linked to changes in the brain, including the buildup of amyloid beta plaques. 
    • The buildup of excessive amyloid plaque in the brain contributes to memory loss and other cognitive issues associated with Alzheimer.
  • India is also conducting research to explore potential treatments other than therapies targeting amyloid beta proteins.

Advances in Gene Editing: 

  • Casgevy Gene therapy: In December 2023, the FDA approved Casgevy gene therapy to treat sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients aged 12 and older
    • The therapy edits the patient’s stem cells to produce more foetal haemoglobin, which binds to oxygen more strongly than adult haemoglobin. This helps the body to produce more healthy red blood cells. 
  • Deactivation of LDL genes:
    • In 2024, the US researchers used CRISPR-based gene-editing to deactivate a particular gene (PCSK9 gene) in the liver which controls the production of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol or bad cholesterol. 
    • This would benefit patients who struggle with high levels of LDL despite other interventions. 

Why do we lose Muscle Mass with Age? 

Context: Researchers have found out that mutations in Mitochondria result in gradual decline in mitochondrial functions which leads to the death of muscle cells. The death of muscle cells in turn leads to loss of muscle mass. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Mitochondria and Age-related muscle loss. 

What is Sarcopenia?

  • Age-related muscle loss, called sarcopenia, is a natural part of aging. 
  • After age 30, humans begin to lose muscle mass as much as 3% to 5% per decade.
  • Less muscle means greater weakness and less mobility, both of which may increase your risk of falls and fractures. 
Age-related muscle loss

What are Mitochondria?

  • Mitochondria are cellular organelles found in the cytoplasm. They are called powerhouse of the cell as they generate most of the cell's energy currency- ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
  • Some DNA is also present in the mitochondria (mtDNA). mtDNA codes for a small number of genes, essential for the proper functioning of mitochondria. 
  • Mitochondria are the descendants of free-living bacteria that our early single-celled ancestors then absorbed. Today, mitochondria can not survive independently of their host cell.
  • Inheritance: mtDNA is inherited almost exclusively from the mother. (Nuclear DNA comes from both parents)
  • Mitochondrial DNA is more prone to mutations compared to nuclear DNA as it is exposed to free radicals generated during energy production, which can damage DNA. 
  • When mitochondria are impaired they do not produce sufficient energy. It causes inherited conditions like heart problems, liver failure, brain disorders, blindness and muscular dystrophy. There is no cure for mitochondrial DNA diseases at present. 

Mitochondria and Age-related Muscle Loss

image 173
  • mtDNA molecules can suffer from age-related deletion mutations. (A deletion mutation is when one to few thousands of base-pairs become deleted from a gene)
    • The deletion mutations accumulate in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) and can affect the expression of normal mtDNA.
    • Over time, this leads to critical shortage of functional mitochondria (those producing ATP) in the muscle cells.  
    • If the number of functioning mitochondria becomes too low, the muscle cell is unable to properly contract and dies. This underlies the loss of muscle mass.
  • Significance: mtDNA deletion mutations are a useful predictor of biological age. A better understanding of the process that causes deletion mutations can help researchers develop new ways to delay age-related decline in mtDNA quality. 

Are Manipur militants using Starlink devices?

Context: Recently, the Indian Army and Manipur police seized weapons that looked like a Starlink-branded satellite router and antenna, during a search operation in multiple districts of Manipur. 

Amid the controversy, Elon Must has refuted the claims and said that the beams of Starlink satellites are turned off over India. 

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Starlink project.

Mains: Risks posed by utilising modern technologies (like Satellite communication, UAV etc.) in militancy areas. 

What is the Starlink controversy in Manipur?

  • Among various guns and ammunition seized by the Indian Army in Manipur, a small satellite device and a router with the SpaceX logo was found. The devices were potentially smuggled from Myanmar.
  • The Starlink device had ‘RPF/PLA’ written on it, which refers to the People's Liberation Army of Manipur. (It is a Myanmar-based Meitei ethnic group that demands a separate nation)
  • Despite being restricted in India, the discovery of these devices raise concerns about the possibility of usage of satellite-based communication devices by militants in India as well as illegal international trade.

Also Read: What Manipur Needs? 

Indian laws for Satellite Communication:

  • India has strict restrictions and regulations for use of satellite-based communication devices, even by citizens in conflict-free zones. 
  • Under Section 6 of the Indian Wireless Act and Section 20 of the Indian Telegraph Act, use of thuraya/iridium satellite phones is illegal in India.
  • Even key satellite-based emergency features on premium phones that are easily available for overseas users, are not enabled for use in India.
  • These restrictions are in place to combat militancy and terrorism.
image 159

What is the Starlink Project?

  • Starlink is a SpaceX project.
  • Launched in 2019, it aims to build a broadband network that can provide high-speed global internet access, particularly in remote and underserved areas with a cluster of thousands of orbiting satellites.
  • The Starlink satellites will be placed in an altitude range between 350 km - 1,200 km in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • As of 2024, the constellation consists of over 7000 satellites.  
  • Features: High speed, low latency. 
  • Starlink’s status in India:
    • India has not yet cleared an application by Starlink to offer satellite-based communication services in the country. 
    • Its application is pending security approvals from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

2024: A Year of Recalibration of Defence Engagements

Context: India’s defence production crossed Rs 1,26,887 crore in the financial year 2023-24. India's defence exports have reached an all-time high, surging from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24. The country’s defence exports are poised to reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029-30. The year 2024 carried forward the ‘aatmanirbhartha push’ in the defence sector.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers.

Mains: Conceptual understanding of India’s Military diplomacy and efforts in that regard. 

image 151

Key Developments in 2024:

1. Breakthrough in India-China Relations:

  • The breakthrough in the India-China border talks were announced on October 21, 2024. It ended the four-year long stand-off that began after the Galwan attacks in 2020. 
  • Implications: 
    • Reduced tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
    • The thaw in the relationship will help the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to formalise the jointness of the tri-services without any immediate fear of lurking danger at the LAC and the Line of Control with Pakistan.
    • It will also encourage the MoD to pursue modernisation of the armed forces to equip and train soldiers for the tech-driven future warfare.

Also Read: India-China Relations: Developments & Challenges 

2. Strengthening Military Diplomacy: 

  • Engagement with Russia: The Indian Defence Minister visited Russia to:
    • restore supply chain disruptions caused since the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
      • expedite delays in acquisition of the remaining two units of the S-400 surface-to-air missile systems and Kamov helicopters.
    • explore Transfer of Technology (TOT) for maintenance of Su-30MKI frontline fighters of the Indian Air Force.
    • Most probable partnership with Russia as a foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to locally develop a new engine (110 kN Class thrust) for an  advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) for India. 

This move aims to restrengthen India’s military diplomacy with Russia. 

  • Engagement with the US: In August 2024, India signed a Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) with the US, a milestone to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and supply chain resilience.

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI) report of 2024:

  • As per the Report, presently Russia accounts for India’s 36% of arms imports. For the first time, Russia’s exports of defence products to India have come down below half of India’s total arms imports. 
  • Despite the decline in imports, India’s military inventory has about 60% Russian-origin products. 
  • The US, France and Israel have filled the gaps left by Russia in the arms trade with India.

3. Advancing self-dependence in Defence Production: 

  • Co-development: HAL (India) signed a memorandum of understanding with General Electric (US) for the co-development of GE-414 engines (98 kN thrust) to power Tejas LCA Mk-2 fighters. 
  • Exporter of Defence products: 
    • Engagement with the US: India’s defence exports to the US have grown to over 50% of India’s total defence exports, surpassing $2.8 billion during the last 5 years. 
    • With South-Asian Nations: India is also putting its ‘Look East’ act together to restore defence engagement with neighbours like Sri Lanka and Maldives.
    • India is calibrating its strategy to successfully push arms sales in Africa and South America. 

Role of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM): 

  • SIDM is India's premier defence industry association that was established in 2017. 
  • It works in close partnership with the Government to create a supportive policy environment for the defence sector's advancement. 
  • It represents the entire spectrum of Defence and Aerospace manufacturers in India, spanning both the public and private sectors. 
  • The organisation has played a pivotal role in shaping key policies, including the:
    • Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020
    • Draft Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2020
    • Draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020
    • Positive Indigenisation Lists.
    • Advocacy signing Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA) between India and the United States. 
  • SIDM has strengthened the defence manufacturing ecosystem through innovative initiatives, like:
    • constitution of Defence Technology Incubation Council (DTIC) to nurture critical innovations.
    • constitution of Defence Export Promotion Council (DEPC) to boost Indian defence exports. 
    • Strategic partnerships with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for promoting procurement of Indian defence products and services.

Conclusion: The Indian government needs to bring a set of defence reforms to streamline policy on acquisitions, given that the tendering process is still complicated and lengthy, and to facilitate exports. SIDM can play a pivotal role in further integrating user/armed forces, MoD and the defence industry for achieving indigenisation goals and policy reviews for ease of doing business.

How does a Speed Gun work?

Context: Traffic police have started using radio speed guns to crack down on speeding vehicles in Puducherry since September, 2023. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about new emerging technologies being deployed (speed guns etc.); Basic understanding of Doppler Effect. 

What is a speed gun?

  • A speed gun is a device to measure the speed of a moving object without having to be in contact with the object. 
  • Working Mechanism: The device emits radio signals and calculates the Doppler shift in the reflected signals to precisely determine the speed of the vehicle.

What is the Doppler Effect?

  • The Doppler effect (Doppler shift) is the change in frequency of waves as their source moves towards or away from a listener/observer. (It relies on the concept of relative velocity) 
  • E.g., A train approaching the platform sounds louder (higher frequency) than the train leaving (lower frequency) the station. This effect is the Doppler effect.
Doppler Effect

Working Mechanism of Radio Speed Gun: 

  • As the radio waves emitted by the gun hit a moving vehicle, the frequency of the reflected waves changes due to the relative motion between the gun and the vehicle. By analysing this frequency shift, the radar gun can determine the speed of the vehicle.
    • The transmitter emits radio waves, which the person holding the speed gun can direct at an object. 
    • The receiver collects the waves reflected by the object back in the direction of the speed gun.
    • If the object is approaching the speed gun, the frequency of the returning waves will be slightly higher than that of the transmitted waves. 
    • The simple computer in the gun can determine the object’s speed based on this difference. The faster the vehicle is moving, the greater the Doppler shift it will produce.
image 150

Utility:

Speed guns are widely used by:

  • Law enforcement officials to monitor traffic speed
  • Coaches to gauge the performance of their athletes
  • Various other industries in need of accurate motion tracking.

Limitations of Radio Speed Gun: 

  • To ensure accurate speed measurements, radar guns require regular calibration. Factors such as the angle of the radar beam, weather conditions can impact the accuracy of the readings.
  • It faces difficulty in detecting speeds in heavy traffic (may pick up signals from multiple objects). 

LIDAR Speed Guns:

  • The LIDAR (light detection and ranging) Speed Violation Detection System utilises laser pulses to accurately measure vehicle speed. 
  • By emitting lasers towards vehicles, the system calculates the bounce-back time to determine speed. This precise solution deters speeding and promotes compliance with speed limits. 
  • The system is more accurate than Radio speed guns as the laser light has very low divergence and thus offers better targeting.

With their advanced technology, the Radio speed guns as well as LIDAR speed guns are a vital tool for law enforcement agencies in ensuring safer roads.

SpaDeX: Space Docking Experiment

Context: SpaDeX is the name of a new mission to be flown by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The technology will be essential for the ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station,’ a new India-made space station ISRO has begun work on.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about SpaDeX. 

SpaDeX

  • Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) is a new indigenous space mission commissioned by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 
  • It is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV.
    • Space docking involves precise connection of two spacecraft, whether manned or unmanned, allowing those to operate as a single unit for critical tasks such as refuelling, repair, and crew exchange.
  • The Mission involves two spacecraft – “Target” and “Chaser” launched into orbit around the earth. There they will demonstrate technologies to dock and undock while in motion.

Objectives:

  • Primary Objective: To develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target ) in a low-Earth circular orbit. 
  • Secondary objectives include:
    • Demonstration of the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft, which is essential for future applications such as in-space robotics,
    • Composite spacecraft control, and
    • Payload operations after undocking.

Challenges:

image 148

Significance:

  • Advancements in space docking technology: Mastering in-space docking technology is essential for complex space missions that require assembling modules in space, satellite servicing etc. Successful demonstration of the technology will make India the fourth country (after Russia, USA and China) in the world to have space docking technology.
  • Facilitation of future missions: This technology is essential for India’s space ambitions such as manned missions on Moon, sample return from the Moon, the building and operation of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), etc.

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS):

  • Timeline: Planned development from 2028 to 2035.
  • Objective: Establish an indigenous space station to enable advanced research in microgravity conditions.
  • Features:
    • A modular space station with capabilities for extended human presence.
    • Facilities to conduct experiments in life sciences, material sciences, and astrophysics.
  • Strategic Importance:
    • Enhances India's capabilities in human spaceflight and long-duration missions.
    • Positions India as a key player in global space research.

K-9 Vajra Artillery gun

Context: The Defence Ministry has signed a ₹7,629-crore contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for additional 100 units of K9 Vajra-T artillery guns for the Indian Army.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about K9 Vajra-T Artillery gun.

About K9 Vajra-T Artillery gun:

K-9 Vajra Artillery gun
  • K9-Vajra is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer built in India. 
  • Built by: L&T with technology transferred from a South Korean defence firm (Hanwha Defense) based on its K9 Thunder.
    • They are being manufactured at the Armoured Systems Complex of L&T in Hazira, Gujarat. 
  • Each gun weighs 50 tonnes and has a firing range of 50 kilometres with high accuracy.
  • It is able to operate in sub-zero temperatures in high-altitude areas to its full potential.
    • The K9 Vajra was mainly bought for use in deserts but can be deployed in mountains and plains as well. 

Note: The Army has already inducted 100 units of 155mm/52 calibre K9 Vajra-T guns (the contract for which was signed between India & South Korea in May 2017).

Significance: 

  • It will catalyse the artillery modernisation and enhance the overall operational readiness of the Indian Army.
  • It augments India’s long-range fire power in the Northern borders, enabling deeper strike with precision.
    • The induction of Dhanush, K-9 Vajra and M777 Ultra Light Howitzers has enhanced the reach of artillery firepower on the northern borders.
    • At the height of tensions in eastern Ladakh in 2020, Indian Army deployed one regiment of K-9 Vajra howitzer in Ladakh.  
  • The project will generate employment of more than nine lakh man-days and encourage active participation of various Indian industries including MSMEs.

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