Science & Technology

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

First Local Transmission of Mpox Clade I Strain in the U.S.

Context: The United States has reported the first suspected local transmission of the Clade I Mpox strain, with no international travel link identified. The confirmation raises public health concerns, as Clade I is considered more virulent than the Clade II strain that caused the global 2022 outbreak.
This incident marks a potential shift in the epidemiology of Mpox, signaling community-level spread within North America.

About Mpox

  • Causative Agent: Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) is a zoonotic viral infection caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV), belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus, closely related to smallpox.
  • Transmission: Occurs via contact with infectious lesions, body fluids, contaminated materials, or respiratory droplets from infected individuals or animals.
  • Symptoms: Fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, and characteristic painful skin lesions (often on face, hands, and genital areas).
  • Severity: Children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are more prone to complications such as secondary infections and pneumonia.

Clades of Mpox

  • Clade I:
    • Geographic Origin: Central Africa (mainly Congo Basin).
    • Fatality Rate: 1–10%.
    • Severity: More virulent and transmissible.
  • Clade II (A & B):
    • Origin: West Africa.
    • Fatality Rate: <1–4%.
    • Responsible for 2022 Global Outbreak.

Treatment and Prevention

  • Treatment: No specific antiviral cure exists. However, Tecovirimat (TPOXX) and Brincidofovir are used under emergency authorisations to manage severe infections.
  • Vaccination:
    • Jynneos (Imvamune/Imvanex) by Bavarian Nordic is the approved vaccine offering cross-protection against both Mpox clades.
    • Target groups include healthcare workers, laboratory staff, and close contacts of confirmed cases.
  • Public Health Response: Enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and isolation remain critical for containment.

India’s Status

Between December 2024 and March 2025, India recorded 10 confirmed cases of Clade 1b Mpox, all traced to travel from Gulf countries.

There has been no community transmission reported domestically so far. India continues to follow WHO-recommended surveillance and vaccination guidelines under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Significance

  • The local transmission of Clade I indicates the virus’s capacity to adapt and spread beyond endemic regions.
  • It underscores the need for genomic monitoring, rapid diagnostics, and international cooperation under the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework.

Crew Escape System in Gaganyaan Mission

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently highlighted the functioning of the Crew Escape System (CES) — a critical safety mechanism integral to India’s Gaganyaan Mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at about 400 km altitude and bring them back safely.

About Gaganyaan Mission

  • Objective: To demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capability by launching a 3-member crew into LEO for up to 3 days.
  • Launch Vehicle: Human-rated LVM3 (HLVM3) rocket.
  • Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
  • Timeline: The first uncrewed test flights are planned before the final crewed mission, expected around 2025–26.
image 34

Crew Escape System (CES): Ensuring Astronaut Safety

The Crew Escape System is a safety abort mechanism designed to protect astronauts in the event of an anomaly during launch or ascent.

Purpose

To rapidly separate the Crew Module (CM) carrying astronauts from a malfunctioning rocket and ensure a safe return to Earth.

Placement

  • Mounted at the forward end of the HLVM3 rocket.
  • Equipped with multiple high-burn-rate solid motors for swift response.

Working Mechanism

  1. Emergency Detection: Sensors detect a malfunction in the launch vehicle.
  2. Separation: The CES activates its solid motors to pull the Crew Module away from the rocket within milliseconds.
  3. Descent Phase: After achieving a safe distance, parachutes deploy for controlled descent.
  4. Recovery: The module splashes down in the sea, where recovery teams retrieve the crew.

Test and Validation

  • A dedicated Test Vehicle powered by a Vikas engine has been developed to validate CES functionality.
  • The TV-D1 (Test Vehicle Demonstration 1) mission successfully demonstrated the abort and recovery sequence, marking a key milestone for Gaganyaan.

Types of Crew Escape Systems

TypeMechanismExample
Puller TypeUses solid motors to pull the Crew Module away from the rocket.Gaganyaan (ISRO)
Pusher TypeUses compact liquid engines to push the module away from the rocket.SpaceX Falcon 9 (Dragon Capsule)

Significance

  • Ensures astronaut safety in the most critical phase of flight.
  • Enhances public confidence in India’s human spaceflight programme.
  • Positions India among nations with advanced crewed launch safety systems, alongside the U.S., Russia, and China.

DRDO Releases Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) 1.0

Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) Standard 1.0, a landmark step toward unifying India’s defence communication systems. This architecture ensures interoperability among all military radio systems of the Indian Armed Forces.

About the Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA)

The IRSA is India’s first national software architecture designed to enable seamless communication between Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) used by the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

  • Software-Defined Radios (SDRs):
    SDRs are advanced radios in which core functions like frequency, modulation, encryption, and waveform generation are controlled by software instead of fixed hardware.
    This makes it easier to update, secure, and reconfigure communication networks without replacing physical components.
  • Objective:
    To establish a common, standardised software framework that allows different types of military radios to operate together seamlessly, regardless of manufacturer or service branch.
  • Key Features:
    • Standardised APIs and Interfaces: Enables software applications (waveforms) to be reused across all SDRs.
    • Full Interoperability: Allows Army, Navy, and Air Force communication systems to exchange data securely and efficiently.
    • Plug-and-Play Architecture: Future radios and communication devices can integrate smoothly with minimal redesign.
  • Developed By:
    The DRDO, in collaboration with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and Tri-Services (Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force).
image 23

Significance

  • Enhanced Interoperability: IRSA ensures that all three services can communicate in real time during joint operations, improving coordination and battlefield efficiency.
  • Security and Encryption: By centralising control through software, IRSA enhances cybersecurity and data protection in defence communication.
  • Self-Reliance: Represents a critical milestone under Atmanirbhar Bharat, reducing dependence on foreign defence technologies.
  • Future-Ready: Provides a scalable base for future upgrades, including AI-enabled communication networks and quantum encryption capabilities.

Conclusion

The release of IRSA 1.0 marks a major stride in India’s journey towards network-centric warfare capabilities. By standardising software-based communication across all defence platforms, India is building the foundation for a secure, integrated, and indigenously developed defence communication ecosystem.

Viridans Streptococci: Oral Bacteria Linked to Heart Attacks

Context: A recent study conducted by researchers at Tampere University, Finland, has revealed a surprising connection between oral bacteria and heart attacks. The study examined coronary arteries from 121 sudden-death autopsies and found that Viridans streptococci were present in about 42% of both autopsy and surgical cases, making them the most frequently detected bacterial species.

image 16

About Viridans Streptococci

Viridans streptococci are a group of gram-positive cocci commonly found in the oral cavity, but also present in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and female genital tracts. Normally harmless, they are part of the body’s commensal microbiota.

However, under certain conditions, they can turn pathogenic, being a leading cause of infective endocarditis (IE) — an infection that affects the inner lining of the heart, especially in individuals with previously damaged cardiac tissue.

Viridans Streptococcal Biofilm Formation

The bacteria have the ability to form biofilms — sticky, protective layers that allow them to adhere to surfaces such as atherosclerotic plaques (fatty buildups inside arteries).

Within these biofilms, bacteria remain hidden from the immune system, enabling them to persist undetected for long periods.

Link Between Oral Bacteria and Heart Disease:

The study highlights how biofilm-forming Viridans streptococci can play a direct role in triggering heart attacks:

  1. Biofilm Stability: The bacteria remain embedded deep within arterial plaques, shielded from immune response.
  2. Biofilm Disruption: Over time, fragments of the biofilm can break loose.
  3. Inflammation Trigger: When released, these bacteria provoke inflammation in the arterial wall, weakening the fibrous cap that covers the fatty plaque.
  4. Plaque Rupture: The weakened cap eventually ruptures, leading to clot formation, which can block blood flow and cause a heart attack.

Significance of the Study:

The findings underscore the link between oral health and cardiovascular health, suggesting that oral bacteria may be silent contributors to heart disease.

The presence of Viridans streptococci in coronary plaques demonstrates the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene to reduce systemic inflammation and cardiac risk.

Conclusion

The Tampere University study provides crucial evidence that the mouth-heart connection is not merely coincidental but biologically plausible.

By forming biofilms within arterial plaques, Viridans streptococci act as hidden players in the development of atherosclerosis and heart attacks — highlighting how preventive dental care may play an unexpected role in cardiovascular protection.

Li-Fi Internet System: A Breakthrough in Wireless Communication

Context: Gujarat-based Nav Wireless Technologies has achieved a major milestone by successfully deploying the United States’ first commercial Li-Fi internet system in New York City. This marks a significant step towards transforming how wireless communication operates globally.

About Li-Fi Technology

Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) is a wireless optical communication technology that uses light waves from Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to transmit data at extremely high speeds.

  • Working Mechanism: Li-Fi works by modulating the intensity of LED light at rapid speeds—imperceptible to the human eye—to encode data.
  • Receiver Setup: A photodiode captures these light signals and converts them into electrical signals, which are then processed into usable data such as audio, video, or text.
  • Comparison with Wi-Fi: Unlike Wi-Fi, which relies on radio waves, Li-Fi operates using visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light, offering faster and more secure data transmission.
image 14

Advantages of Li-Fi Internet

  1. High Speed: Li-Fi can deliver speeds exceeding 100 Gbps, outperforming most Wi-Fi systems.
  2. Enhanced Security: As light cannot pass through walls, Li-Fi signals are naturally confined to a space, reducing the risk of external hacking.
  3. Large Bandwidth: The visible light spectrum is nearly 10,000 times wider than the radio spectrum, significantly improving data capacity and reducing network congestion.
  4. Electromagnetic Safety: Li-Fi avoids interference with medical or aviation instruments, making it ideal for hospitals, aircraft, and industrial environments.
  5. Energy Efficiency: Dual-use LED lighting systems can both illuminate and transmit data, reducing energy and infrastructure costs.

Limitations of Li-Fi

  • Line-of-Sight Dependency: Li-Fi requires a direct line of sight between the transmitter and receiver; obstruction can weaken the connection.
  • Limited Range: Since light cannot penetrate walls, each room needs its own Li-Fi transmitter for complete coverage.
  • Ambient Light Interference: Bright ambient or sunlight may distort signals, making Li-Fi less effective outdoors.

Significance and Way Forward

Li-Fi represents a paradigm shift in communication technology, offering ultra-fast, secure, and eco-friendly connectivity. As smart cities, healthcare, and aviation sectors look for interference-free and high-speed data networks, India’s growing role in Li-Fi innovation positions it as a leader in next-generation communication solutions.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

Context: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established under the ANRF Act, 2023, has recently launched SARAL (Simplified and Automated Research Amplification and Learning) — an AI-driven tool to make scientific research more accessible and comprehensible to the public.

About ANRF

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation is a statutory body functioning under the Department of Science & Technology (DST). It replaces and subsumes the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), serving as the apex body to provide strategic direction to research and development (R&D) across the country.

Core Objectives:

  • To seed, grow, and promote R&D across universities, colleges, and research institutions.
  • To foster innovation and interdisciplinary research aligned with India’s developmental priorities.
  • To encourage private sector participation, with an ambitious funding target of ₹50,000 crore (2023–2028) — about 70% expected from non-government sources.
  • To act as a single-window system for funding and supporting R&D activities nationwide.
image 8

Alignment with NEP 2020:

The ANRF plays a key role in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes research-driven higher education. By supporting university-based research and collaboration between academia and industry, ANRF aims to transform India into a global research and innovation hub.

Strategic Vision:

The foundation seeks to advance India’s capabilities in emerging fields through initiatives such as the AI Science & Engineering Open India Stack — a framework envisioned to revolutionize research in:

  • Drug and chemical discovery
  • Aerospace design
  • Advanced materials
  • Climate and weather prediction

SARAL Initiative:

The newly launched SARAL tool represents a major leap toward democratizing science communication.

Using Artificial Intelligence, SARAL can generate summaries of complex research papers in easily understandable formats such as videos, podcasts, posters, and presentations, making scientific knowledge more accessible to students, policymakers, and the general public.

Conclusion

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) marks a transformative step in India’s journey toward becoming a knowledge-driven economy. Through funding, innovation, and the integration of AI tools like SARAL, ANRF aims to bridge the gap between research and society — ensuring that science becomes both inclusive and impactful.

India’s Bid for Fully Reusable Rockets

Context: Chennai-based spacetech startup Agnikul Cosmos has announced that its upcoming rockets will be fully reusable, ensuring no component is discarded. This aligns with the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 theme: “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth.”

Key Highlights

  • Agnikul’s Vision: To offer globally competitive small-satellite launch services with complete reusability.
  • Technology Achievements:
    • Successfully tested 3D-printed sub-orbital rocket Agnibaan SOrTeD (2024).
    • Plans for orbital launches with reusability.
  • Support Mechanism: Backed by IN-SPACe, which provides policy and technical support.
  • Focus Areas: Cost efficiency, scalability, and compliance with space debris mitigation.
India’s Bid for Fully Reusable Rockets

Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs)

  • Definition: A rocket system that can be launched, recovered, and reused multiple times. Unlike expendable rockets, RLVs ensure controlled re-entry and reduce space junk.
  • Advantages:
    • Cuts down launch costs.
    • Minimizes space debris, mitigating risks like the Kessler Syndrome (cascading orbital collisions).
    • Enhances sustainability of global space missions.

India’s Efforts in RLVs

  • ISRO Milestones:
    • RLV-TD HEX-01 (2016): Demonstrator flight for re-entry.
    • RLV LEX Series (2024): Autonomous landing tests.
    • PUSHPAK Mission: Ongoing experimental reusability projects.
  • Agnikul’s Initiative: Complements ISRO’s programmes by targeting commercial small-satellite launches.

Global Context

  • SpaceX (USA): Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy — world leaders in reusable rockets.
  • China: Long March 8 with partial reusability.
  • India’s Entry: Aims to position itself as a sustainable, affordable, and competitive space launch hub.

Significance

  • Strengthens India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in space technology.
  • Encourages startups–ISRO collaboration, expanding the private space ecosystem.
  • Demonstrates India’s commitment to sustainable space exploration and debris-free orbits.

Laser Interferometer Lunar Antenna (LILA)

Context: Scientists have proposed the Laser Interferometer Lunar Antenna (LILA) as a next-generation project to detect gravitational waves directly from the Moon’s surface.

image 1

What is an Interferometer?

An interferometer is a precision instrument that uses the interference of light waves to measure extremely small changes in distance. This principle is used in gravitational-wave detection.

About LILA

  • Objective: Detect mid-frequency gravitational waves (0.1–10 Hz), a range inaccessible to Earth-based LIGO or space-based LISA.
  • Lead Institution: Vanderbilt Lunar Labs, USA, in collaboration with global partners.
  • Design: Network of lunar interferometers placed on the Moon’s surface.
  • Significance: Fills the “decihertz gap” in the gravitational-wave spectrum.

Developmental Phases

  1. Pioneer Phase:
    • Robotic deployment of an interferometer with 3–5 km arms.
    • Test of mid-band sensitivity and new technologies.
  2. Horizon Phase:
    • Construction of a triangular array with 40 km-long arms.
    • Astronaut-led assembly using quantum sensors and advanced seismic isolation.

Why the Moon?

  • Vacuum Advantage: No atmosphere to distort laser signals.
  • Low Seismic Noise: The Moon has fewer vibrations than Earth.
  • No Newtonian Noise: Absence of oceans and large mass movements reduces disturbances.

Scientific Significance

  • Complements LIGO & LISA: Bridges the gap in the gravitational-wave spectrum.
  • Astrophysical Breakthroughs: Enables study of intermediate-mass black holes and exotic cosmic events.
  • Lunar Science: Provides insights into the Moon’s deep interior, aiding 3D geophysical mapping.

Conclusion

If realized, LILA will revolutionize astrophysics, enabling humanity to observe parts of the universe never seen before. Its lunar placement could make it the quietest and most sensitive gravitational-wave detector ever built, marking a leap forward in space science.

AstroSat Completes 10 Years of India’s Space Observatory

Context: AstroSat, India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, launched by PSLV-C30 (XL) in 2015 from Sriharikota, has completed a decade of successful operations in 2025.

About AstroSat

  • Multi-Wavelength Coverage: Simultaneous observations in Visible, Ultraviolet (UV), Low-energy X-ray, and High-energy X-ray bands.
  • Payloads:
    • Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT)
    • Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC)
    • Cadmium–Zinc–Telluride Imager (CZTI)
    • Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT)
    • Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM)
  • Operations: Managed by Mission Operations Complex (MOX) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru.
image 71
Pic: ISRO

Major Contributions & Discoveries

  • Provided new insights into compact celestial objects such as black holes and neutron stars.
  • Enabled observation of Proxima Centauri, the nearest star system to Earth.
  • Achieved the first detection of Far Ultraviolet (FUV) photons from galaxies 9.3 billion light-years away.
  • Supplied extensive data to the global astronomy community, boosting India’s role in international collaborations.

Significance

  • Showcased India’s ability to design, build, and operate advanced space observatories.
  • Strengthened India’s contribution to astrophysics and multi-wavelength astronomy.
  • Reinforced ISRO’s reputation in low-cost, high-impact space missions.

Blending Isobutanol with Diesel

Context: The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) was exploring the possibility of blending isobutanol with diesel. The move comes after the efforts to blend ethanol with diesel were unsuccessful. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Isobutanol and its feasibility to blend with Diesel: Pros & Cons. 

Biofuel blending in Petrol and Diesel is an important contributor to the government’s objective of scaling the net zero emission target by 2070. 

Isobutanol and its feasibility to blend with Diesel

  • Isobutanol is a higher molecular weight alcohol with inflammable properties. It is used as a solvent in several industries, including painting. 
  • It is produced from either thermochemical pathways (such as synthesis gas to mixed alcohols) or biochemical pathways (such as fermentation by specially designed microbes under sterile conditions). 

Isobutanol Blending vs Ethanol Blending with Diesel

Studies suggest: 

  • Isobutanol has higher energy content as compared to ethanol and is more amenable to pipeline distribution.
  • Isobutanol blends better with diesel compared to ethanol. There is no need to add any complement for efficiency. 
  • Less water absorption (less hygroscopic) compared to ethanol, thus it has lower corrosion risks. 
  • The flash point or the lowest temperature at which isobutanol yields a vapour igniting a momentary flash is higher than ethanol.
    • A lower flash point was among the reasons that ethanol was not considered ideal for blending with diesel. Fuels with lower flash points are more volatile and entail a higher risk of catching fire. 
  • Proposed blending opens avenues for the surplus ethanol production sources to be diverted to produce isobutanol. Isobutanol can be produced from the same feedstock required to produce ethanol such as sugarcane syrup and molasses and grains etc. 

The proposed blend would have an impact on reducing emissions and help with import substitution. 

Associated Concerns: 

  • Isobutanol and diesel may have issues on miscibility (ability of two substances to mix to form a homogenous mixture) though it can be sorted out by mixing biodiesel to the blend. Biodiesel is the fuel manufactured from non-edible vegetable oils, used cooking oil and/or animal fat. 
  • Isobutanol has significantly lower cetane number (measure of combustion quality) as compared to diesel (the base fuel). This would reduce the blend’s overall cetane number. This raises concerns about diesel knock which can result in reduced power and potential damage to engines.
    • An ideal combustion translates to rapid ignition and the fuel combusting completely to produce the necessary energy.
    • ‘Knocking’ occurs when the fuel burns unevenly and/or prematurely in the vehicle’s fuel cylinder. However, cetane value can be restored through proper additives which would entail incremental costs.

The blending paradigm is still being studied and the pilot project would take about 18 months to complete. If successful, India would be the first country to have blended isobutanol with diesel. 

Also Read: What are Biofuels? 

Proper studies should be initiated encompassing varied vehicle classes and types. Phased blending targets with no more than 10% blending of isobutanol should be considered.  

Advanced Air Defence Radars

Context: The Indian Army has initiated the procurement of a new range of advanced Air Defence (AD) radars to strengthen its surveillance and strike capabilities along the Northern and Western borders.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About radar and its working.

This step comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor (May 2025) during which some Pakistani drones intruded into Indian airspace which exposed serious gaps in India’s air defence coverage. 

What is Radar? 

  • Radar is the acronym for RAdio Detection And Ranging.
  • It is a specialised electronic system that uses radio waves to determine the direction, distance, and velocity of target objects. 
  • Air Defence radars are used by the military to search, detect, identify, and help destroy aerial threats.
image 55

How Radar Works? 

  • A radar comprises two basic components: Transmitter and Receiver.
  • A transmitter sends out radio signals, and a receiver collects any reflected signals from the target. 
  • The angular direction of a target is determined based on the direction from which the reflected signals are received. The measurement of the location of a target at successive moments helps calculate its trajectory. 
image 56

There are primarily two kinds of Air Defence Radars: Surveillance radars and Fire control radars.

  • Surveillance Radars: These constantly scan the skies to detect aerial objects. They provide early warning but are not directly linked to weapon systems.
  • Fire Control Radars: These provide precise tracking data to guide surface-to-air guns and missile systems for neutralising threats.

Current Air Defence Radar Capabilities in India: 

  • Both the Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) operate surveillance and fire control radars. The IAF manages most High Power Radars (HPRs) and Medium Power Radars (MPRs).
    • They can detect and track aerial threats several hundred kilometres away, especially at higher altitudes.
    • These radars are essential against high-value threats such as fighter jets, enemy transport aircraft, and Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS).
  • Both the IAF and Army also operate Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLRs), which are designed to detect smaller aerial objects flying at low altitudes.
  • For fire control, the IAF uses the 3D Central Acquisition Radar and the Rajendra Radar, while the Army primarily employs Flycatchers (indigenously upgraded Super Fledermaus) and the Air Defence Tactical Control Radar.

Issues with the Existing Infrastructure: 

  • Many of the Army’s radars are aging and inadequate for detecting low-RCS drones and UAV swarms. 
    • The Radar Cross Section (RCS) is a measure of how detectable an object is to radar, usually expressed in square metres. A lower RCS makes an object harder to detect.
  • During Operation Sindoor (2025), Pakistan used hundreds of drones, including decoys and attack UAVs, to breach Indian airspace and expose system vulnerabilities.

Experiences from conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza show that traditional air defence systems are easily overwhelmed by swarms of drones and stealthy aerial objects, underscoring the urgent need for modernised detection and response systems in India.

The Army has sought to procure up to 45 Low Level Light Weight Radars (Enhanced), up to 48 Air Defence Fire Control Radar-Drone Detectors (ADFCR-DD), and 10 Low Level Light Weight Radars (Improved). 

Significance: 

  • These systems will specifically address challenges posed by small, low-flying, and low- Radar Cross Section (RCS drones) which older radars struggle to detect.
  • Enhanced LLLRs will provide accurate detection and transmit target data to weapons up to 10 km away.
  • ADFCR-DDs will allow identification, classification, and engagement of even the smallest drones, thereby making counter-drone operations more effective.

The procurement of advanced AD radars enhances India’s preparedness against emerging aerial threats and supports the creation of a seamless multi-layered defence shield envisioned under Mission Sudarshan Chakra.

Mars Rover Perseverance discovers Potential Biosignature in Mars 

Context: NASA’s Mars rover Perseverance (exploring the Martian surface since 2021) has found the strongest signs yet that some form of life may have existed on Mars in the past.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: NASA’s Mars rover Perseverance findings; NASA’s Perseverance Mission.

image 54

Perseverance’s Finding:

  • NASA's Perseverance rover discovered leopard spots on a reddish rock nicknamed “Cheyava Falls” in Mars' Jezero Crater in 2024.
  • The rock was found to contain clay and silt, which are known on Earth to preserve microbial life effectively.
  • The analysis also revealed the presence of organic carbon, sulphur, oxidised iron (rust), and phosphorus.
  • These minerals could have formed through biological activity but may also have resulted from purely chemical, non-biological processes.
  • The rock sample has been described as containing a “potential biosignature”, but not yet confirmed as evidence of life.

What are Biosignatures?

  • Biosignatures are objects, structures, or chemical compositions that may have a biological origin. They indicate the possible presence or activity of living organisms, either in the past or present.
  • A biosignature is any substance such as an element, isotope, or molecule or phenomenon that provides scientific evidence of past or present life.

Significance of the Finding

  • This is the closest NASA has ever come to detecting signs of life on Mars.
  • The discovery has the potential to revolutionise our understanding of Mars’s history and its capacity to host life.
  • The clay-rich nature of the sample is particularly important, as clay is known to be an excellent preserver of microbial signatures on Earth.

However, the finding does not conclusively prove the existence of life on Mars. The structures and chemical compositions detected could also be explained by non-living (abiotic) processes.

NASA’s Perseverance Mission (Mars 2020 Mission)

  • Launched: 2020. Landed in Mars: Feb 2021 
  • Rover: NASA’s 4th generation Mars Rover. It is the most advanced, most expensive & most sophisticated mobile laboratory sent to Mars till date. It is different from previous missions as it can drill & collect core samples of most promising rocks & soils. The rover landed at Jezero Crater - an ancient river delta that has rocks and minerals that could only form in water.
  • Ingenuity Helicopter: Autonomous helicopter that operated on Mars till January 2024. Travelled to Mars attached to the belly of the Perseverance rover and was deployed to the surface after landing in Jezero Crater. First aircraft to conduct a powered and controlled extra-terrestrial flight on a planet after Earth. 
  • Objectives:
    • To look for biosignatures in either the chemical measurements or morphological observations, in the dried-up lakebed at Jezero Crater. 
    • To demonstrate technology for future robotic and human exploration. Perseverance will produce oxygen on the Martian surface for the first time, using atmospheric CO2 from the Martian atmosphere.
  • Perseverance will drill and collect rock samples that will be returned to Earth by a subsequent European Space Agency/NASA mission in 2030s. Perseverance carries the Radar Imager for Mars’ Subsurface Experiment (RIMFAX). RIMFAX will provide high resolution mapping of the subsurface structure at the landing site. 
  • Power source: It has a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) which converts heat from the natural radioactive decay of plutonium (Plutonium Dioxide) into electricity.

Trending now

Captagon
B’nei Menashe: Identity, Migration, and the “Lost Tribes” Debate
Bauxite Mining Conflict in Odisha
Impact of Rising Energy Costs on Migrant Labourers